Dalhousie Community Association

72 Cambridge

2012-01-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

The following letter was sent to the Committee of Adjustment on 16 Jan 2012.

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1 16 January 2012

Committee of Adjustment Members
City of Ottawa

Re: 72 Cambridge St. N.

This property is un-characteristic of this R4H area and already overdeveloped.

• Lot area is even less than the 170m2 specified for a semi.

• Zero front yard, zero corner side yard.

• Negligible rear and interior side yards.

• Zero landscaped area.

• Already more than the allowable 4 apartment units.

This overdevelopment of the site is not un-related to the social problems at the site. There are too many units and lack of amenity and of landscaped space. The property while technically not a rooming house, displays the characteristics of a rooming house. Rooming houses are not permitted in this zone.

The property does not meet the requirements of Section 161(8) of the R4 zone whereby 30% of the site must be landscaped.

We therefore consider it undesirable for the development of this property to add 2 additional units.

If the number of units is not increased, no variance for parking would be required. While the current type of tenants may not have cars, there is a documented* and un-resolved parking shortage in the area due to the adjacent St. Vincent’s hospital and nearby Somerset/Chinatown. There is seldom a place for visitors to park.

We therefore consider it undesirable to approve relief from parking requirements.

Technical issues:

• The 1985 survey predates the present installation of siding. An Encroachment Agreement may be required for the siding, the overhanging eaves, and the steps/ramp extending past the property line.

• A carport structure in the rear yard extending to the lot line extends into the requested rear yard. It should be removed.

• Any approval should be limited to the life of the present building.

The Owner and his agent have met with the neighbours, the Dalhousie Safety Committee, and the Dalhousie Community Association. The Owner has made certain commitments in response to some of the social problems of the site which is commendable, but does not alter the planning problems we have noted. A copy of your decision is requested.

Yours truly,

Eric Darwin, President DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

*Somerset Heights Traffic & Parking Study 1994

Draft Minutes Jan 4 Meeting

2012-01-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

DCA Draft Minutes Jan 2012

The DCA met on 4 Jan 2012 at the Dalhousie Community Centre at 7pm.

Present: Eric Darwin(taking the minutes), Maija Kagis, Lisa-Marie Inman, Charles Akben-Marchand, Pat Snair, Craig Haynes, Phil Robinson, Stephanie Strudwick, Don McMaster, Catherine Boucher, Ida Henderson, Michael Hatfield (chair), Archie Campbell, David Seaborn, Don Smith.

Guests: Carla Aynkawa, Linda Buchanan, Pierre Contant (Cambridge Street residents)

72 Cambridge Street – the property consists of a house previously subdivided into 5 bachelor apts and a ground floor corner store. The corner store space was recently converted into two bachelor apts, without permits. There were permits for the structural repair of the building earlier in 2011. There is now a stop-work order on the building.

Complaints focused on several issues: A) the large number of bachelor units some of which were rented very low income persons who supplemented their income with street sales, rumours of drug dealing, etc; b) the habit of the residents congregating on the sidewalk all day, and their furnishing of the sidewalk with sofas, tables, and artwork; c) alcohol consumption on the sidewalk; d)removal of plant material from the city bulbout and the coincident appearance of similar materials in makeshift planters on the paved boulevard; e) the unfinished exterior of the building; f) the building extends to the lot line on several sides, leaving no amenity space and one legal parking space.

There was a lengthy discussion of proven methods to bring problem properties back into community acceptance.

Legal status: the store use was non-confirming, now that it is gone, it cannot be put back. However, the two apts that replaced it are not legal as a converted house can have only four units(exceptionally, this building already has 5 legal units). The owner is being fined by the city for renovations without a permit. The owner must legalize the building status.

The owner is asking the committee of adjustment in mid-January to permit seven apartments. Adjacent residents expressed a preference for the landlord to re-allocate space within the building to five larger apts. This would not generate as much revenue to him, and might result in a higher occupancy of people in the building. Neighbours hope larger units would attract more stable tenants. DCA board members experienced with the CofA suggested it is likely the seven units will be approved.

The DCA safety committee and development committee previously met with the property owner and his agent. We provided him with legal and helpful material on his role as a good landlord and property manager. He subsequently hired a property superintendant to visit the property weekly. Another meeting with the property owner and neighbours is scheduled for 12 January at 6pm.

Carling Bayview CDP – the study involves the “brownfields” sites (former industrial and underused properties) along the O-train corridor from the River to Dows Lake. The much-delayed and underfunded study has completed its recommendations for the Ottawa River to Somerset zone. The results are available at the City website and no public meeting is planned by the City.

The study is continuing with meetings in January for the Carling Avenue end of the zone. The DCA will encourage the study zone to be expanded to include the soon-to-be-surplus NR Can properties along Booth and Rochester, some of which are now in the disposal (preparation for sale) process; and to include the Sir John Carling building (slated for demolition). The exclusion from the study of large properties ripe for redevelopment is bad planning.

There is significant cynicism and distrust in the community a regards the city’s intentions. Charges that the study is doomed to irrelevance abound, and that the study will be completed only once all the properties in question have been sold and already rezoned. The Hintonburg Community Assoc has withdrawn from the study advisory committee.

The HCA is spearheading a drive to hold a public meeting where residents can learn more about the study and its recommendations. The DCA agreed to participate in sponsoring the meeting.

Cycling paths – multi-purpose paths – members of the board and its transportation committee have built a good working relationship with the city and its consultants for the north-south path along the O-train corridor. The portion of the path from the Ottawa River to Gladstone Avenue will be built in summer 2012, using the new underpass at Somerset constructed in 2011:

The board agreed to approach the city and HCA to set up a similarly-productive advisory group for the proposed bike lanes on Scott and Albert, and the bike path (“BikeWest”) from Tunney’s Pasture to downtown along the OLRT corridor which will be designed starting in 2012.

Soho Italia – the developer Mastercraft-Starwood has revised the plans for the condo. It is now shorter (from 35 down to 30 stories); the above-ground parking garage has been relocated underground; the podium portion is larger; and the street-level façade has been improved. The Board will meet with the developer and his architects later in January to go over the revised plan in some detail.

Sec 37 - members were provided a handout outlining key parts of the Sec 37 process. Under sec.37 the city can receive monies for community benefits by rezoning a site or permitting a higher building. The Board agreed to send comments to the City including: 1) Minimum threshold of 7,000 sq.m /25% increase in height/density much too high.2)CDPs should trump any “offsets” 3)Staff to ensure that applications are not “slipped through” by CofA approvals; 4)A minimum of 25% of the benefit be ascribed to affordable housing.

Parks – discussion of innovative ways to expand our park spaces was postponed due to lack of time.

Sectioin 37

2012-01-10T16:48:00.000-05:00

The City has released draft guidelines for implementing Sec 37 of the Planning Act. The following letter was sent to Alain Miguelez in the Planning Dept; and Councillors Hume and Holmes.

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

10 January 2012

Alain Miguelez, City of Ottawa

Sir:

Re: Section 37 Implementation Guidelines

The Dalhousie Community Association has several concerns with the Draft Implementation Guidelines as presented at a community consultation 6 December 2011. These are:

1. The threshold for building area will be excessive in many circumstances of infill. Rather than 7000m2, we recommend 3000m2.

2. The threshold for height is excessive. Height is one the most politically sensitive issues around. The threshold should be 10 or 12%, not 25%.

3. In every area where there is a CDP, the threshold for Section 37 to kick in should be the lesser of the existing zoning or the maximum height established by the CDP. This should apply whether or not a CDP specifically mentions Section 37.

4. The portion of all Section 37 benefits automatically ascribed to affordable housing should be prescribed as “minimum 25%”.

5. Where a proposal by-passes the threshold criteria of Section 37 by seeking a Minor Variance, rather than a re-Zoning, the Guidelines should specifically require the City planning department to recommend to the Committee of Adjustment that the Minor Variance be refused.

6. “Value Uplift” based on merely inner and outer urban, is too general and reduces the value in those areas where redevelopment is most likely. The number of zones should be substantially increased and fine tuned.

Yours truly,

Eric Darwin, President
DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

cc: Councillor Peter Hume
Councillor Diane Holmes

Reply from Watson re U-Pass

2011-12-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Eric,Thank you for your e-mail regarding the U-Pass program.

I appreciate your opinion on this matter, and want to make sure that you have a proper perspective on the background of the program, and the process going forward.

The current U-Pass pricing of $145 was part of the introduction of a pilot project in 2009-10. At that time, it was made absolutely clear that the price would eventually be raised to a price that is “revenue neutral” for the City of Ottawa. This means a price that provides a balance between revenues that OC Transpo received from post-secondary student riders prior to the program, and the increase in usage and revenue that was anticipated from the program. This is the "revenue neutral" concept that you have no doubt heard about.

Further, the price was supposed to be raised to revenue neutral last year as part of the 2011 budget, however your student federations were unable to properly coordinate the required referenda to authorize a more permanent program. That failure by your own student organisations was not held against you by City Council, but instead City Council acted as a good partner and gave you and all university riders a break and allowed you to have a second year at the special pilot rate. This accommodation was made on the express condition that there would be an increase in the fare for this year, a condition that your student federations agreed to in writing.

Now that the time has come for a long-term agreement, the student federations are unfortunately not acting in a manner that is consistent with our agreement of last year, and I fear are not giving students a clear picture of the decision to be made by students like yourself.

We have now indicated that the balanced price for the long term will be $180 per semester. Your university student federation will be holding a referendum, as they committed to doing, and you will have a chance to vote for or against a U-Pass at $180. You should understand very clearly that the alternative will be for students to pay the monthly student rate, which will amount to at least $300 per semester. You will have to decide which rate you wish to pay.

Pass Type Cost Per Semester
U-Pass $180
Student Monthly Pass Regular $300 ($75 x 4)
Student Monthly Pass Express $352 ($88 x 4)
Student Monthly Pass Rural Express $452 ($113 x 4)
Adult Pass Regular $376 ($94 x 4)
Adult Pass Express $464 ($116 x 4)
Adult Pass Rural Express $580 ($145 x 4)

The choice of whether or not the U-Pass program continues will be up to you and your student colleagues. We are offering you a fare that we believe is attractive and which offers transit service in a manner that is affordable to all involved, including the taxpayers of Ottawa. I am in favour of providing this beneficial treatment to post-secondary students, but, I am not in favour of adding to the burden of all taxpayers by having the U-Pass remain at the artificially low price of $145 per semester.

The future of the U-Pass is now in your hands, and the hands of your fellow students. If the referendum fails, students will be required to purchase monthly passes, which will be substantially more expensive that the U-Pass.

Thank you for your interest, and for your consideration leading up to the referendum.

Sincerely,
Jim Watson
Mayor
City of Ottawa

JW/lm

letter to Watson re Bronson

2011-12-02T12:15:00.002-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

Mayor Jim Watson
City of Ottawa

Re Bronson Avenue

Dear Mayor Watson

In tough economic times the City must continue to demand a great return on its capital investments.

The reconstructions of Preston Street, Wellington West, Richmond Road, and parts of Somerset Street have resulted in adjacent property values doubling and tripling in a short period of time. Economic activity along these streets is booming. The City is prospering as a direct result of good investment in livable streets. What a wise policy.

In contrast, all our suggestions to make Bronson more livable are being rejected by city traffic engineers who have a single focus on enhancing rush hour traffic. Your city is foregoing enormous economic potential and consequent tax revenue enhancement. Instead, the current reconstruction plans for Bronson will merely continue the blight and decay that has plagued properties along that street since the 1950’s. We are truly surprised to see such retrograde policies in place given your reputation as a progressive mayor.

We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to increase the City tax revenue, create jobs, and bask in the glory of another street salvaged from blight and made livable. Rescue Bronson now.

Eric Darwin.

letter, devonshire school daycare

2011-11-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

21 Nov 2011

Dear Ms. McKenzie,

The board of directors of the Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) has been following closely the discussions and consultations around the full day kindergarden program and extended days. We reviewed the report on the “Proposed Delivery of the Extended Day Program” and urge you to vote for the staff recommendations on November 22nd that will permit Third Party Providers to continue to offer care to our children.

We commend the OCDSB for its commitment to expand childcare services in Ottawa. We strongly believe that Third Party Providers will continue to be valuable partners for the OCDSB in the new system, especially in neighbourhoods like ours where there are few licensed childcare spaces. We believe that right now, the most important thing for our community is to clarify once and for all that Third Party Providers are valued partners of the OCDSB as it will quickly start building up a reliable, high quality and affordable childcare system that works for families for years to come.

We are encouraged that the OCDSB’s Business Services Committee unanimously and without amendment approved the staff recommendations on November 8 and urge you to do the same on November 22nd.

Sincerely

Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.

U-Pass

2011-11-29T16:22:00.000-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

Mayor Jim Watson
Jim.Watson@ottawa.ca

Diane Deans
Chair of the Transit Commission
Diane.Deans@ottawa.ca

RE: U-Pass Program

Dear Mayor Watson and Chair Deans,

On behalf of the Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) I am writing to express our support for the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) program for post-secondary students at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.

As you are aware, this program is largely responsible for the significant transit ridership increase of the past year. By bringing more youth onto the transit system, the program is helping to build a generation of transit riders. The program has already taken thousands of cars off the road each and every day, resulting in less congestion and decreased demands for new roads and road maintenance. By supporting this program, the City of Ottawa joins the many cities across Canada that have made a long-term investment in U-Pass programs.

It has been brought to the attention of the DCA that the 2012 Draft Budget proposes to increase the U-Pass rate by 24% and that there is contention regarding what a 'revenue neutral' price should be. We would appreciate clarification on how this figure was determined and what plans the City has in place should students reject the U-Pass program. If the program is discontinued, ridership levels will decrease to pre-U-Pass levels, car use will increase, and all residents in Ottawa will be worse off.

We look forward to your reply.

Eric Darwin

cc. Diane Holmes, Councillor

Traffic signal wanted at Arlington/Bronson

2011-11-08T14:34:00.000-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

6 November, 2011

Councillor Diane Holmes
City of Ottawa

Re: Arlington & Bronson Traffic Control Signal

Dear Councillor,

In the process of reconstructing Bronson Avenue, a Traffic Control Signal should be incorporated into the design at Arlington Street. Our reasons are:

• There is no place to cross Bronson between Gladstone and The Queensway. This is a very heavily and aggressively travelled part of Bronson. To cross at any place other than a crosswalk is to take your life in your hands.

• There are some 15 wheelchair bound residents at 520 Bronson. Just to travel along the sidewalk on this major collector is dicey.

• Students of Glashan School living west of Bronson are risking their lives crossing at Arlington.

• While Flora Street, mid-way between Gladstone and The Queensway might seem more logical, Flora does not extend westward and therefore there is no connectivity for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Arlington Street provides an east-west connection to Bank Street and to Booth Street of great utility to both cyclists and pedestrians.

• While Catherine/The Queensway is only one block south, that intersection is a horror as a pedestrian crossing due to the high volumes of Queensway traffic and the resulting high speeds.

• In response to the argument that a new signal would be too close to Catherine Street, we draw your attention to the similar set of light at Arlington & Kent.

We urge you and your Council colleagues to request that this Traffic Control Signal be installed as part of the
reconstruction of Bronson slated for next year.

Yours truly,

Eric Darwin,
President
Dalhousie Community Association

Patio application on Booth Street

2011-11-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

6 November, 2011

Peter Gunstra
Senior By-law Administrator, West
ROW Development Review
City of Ottawa

Re: Outdoor Patio Application – 376 Booth Street

Dear Sir,

The Dalhousie Community Association is opposed to this patio extending along Willow St due to the exclusively residential nature of that street. Despite the presence of a few residential units on Booth St., the already high volume of traffic will mitigate the impact of a patio on those residents. So we are not opposed to a patio all along the Booth St. curb.

This approval is contingent on the usual 11pm closing, the absence of live or recorded music, and the absence of bright lighting.

Yours truly,

Eric Darwin,
President
Dalhousie Community Association

CC: Councillor Diane Holmes

DCA Minutes, 5 Oct 2011

2011-11-06T17:29:00.001-05:00

In Attendance:

Eric Darwin, Michael Powell, Ida Henderson, Michael Hatfield, Archie Campbell, Stephanie Strudwick, David Seaborn, Charles Akben-Marchand, Lori Mellor, Lisa-Marie Inman, Pat Snair, Maija Kagis, Anil Naidoo, Sean Darcy, Pamela Connolly,Councillor Diane Holmes

1) Presentation from Jeff Polowin and Rod Lahey regarding SoHo Italia development by Mastercraft Starwood

a. Polowin indicated that they had met with city staff, but no decisions had been made yet. Had also met with the Councillor. Are planning on bringing this to planning committee in December.
b. They are doing the rounds with stakeholders because of changes from initial design.
c. Lahey indicated emphasized that M-S is not just a “Toronto” firm, but has lots of roots in town.
d. Lahey also indicated that:
i. There were concerns about height and podium in original design.
ii. Planning department indicated that it would be a good idea to increase the lot size.

1. Were concerened about the next proposal coming with something even higher.
iii. M-S acquired a 15,000 sq.f piece of adjacent property, increasing the lot size but not increasing the building.
e. Lahey indicated that he will send a letter detailing changes to Eric Darwin.
f. Changes to design, outlined by Lahey, include:
i. Reduction in height to 28+1 stories, 7m higher than the current zoning
1. Includes an 8m setback at the 25th floor.
ii. Podium is now 5 stories, but will look more like 4 stories.
iii. There is a 3m setback above the podium, and a distance of 4.5m from the lot line.
iv. Ground floor is 2 stories tall.
v. New design removes “waviness”, which does not work at reduced height.
1. +1 floor is for mechanical, enclosing what the zoning allows to be put on the roof
vi. Will reduce total number of units to 168-178
vii. Parking is reduced to 123 spots, and they are aiming for the smallest possible ratio.
1. .5 for residens, increased amount of commercial (20), less visitor parking (13)
viii. FSI went from 13.8 to 8.6; zoning allows 6.5
ix. Ground floor museum is axed, as there is no interest. Will be all retail.
1. Full preston frontage is 6600 sq.f of retail; 4400 sq.f in basement.
2. Food/retail is the aim.
3. There will be space for sidewalk uses
x. Working with artist James Lahey on Podium cladding. There is an opportunity to do something neat as part of the entrance to the community.

g. Comments from board:
i. they should not assume that we like the design because we don’t say that we hate it.
ii. what about proposed Section 37 benefits?
1. Lahey indicated that they were yet to be defined, but could go to the art.
iii. why the garage was not underground, allowing for a 4-floor height reduction, and allowing for a more “alive” building.
1. Lahey indicated that he did not think and underground garage was the right thing to do here, and allows for something unique to be done. Thinks this is alive. Suggested that the problem with other podium garages (i.e. Mondrian) is in interpretation.
iv. the building may or may not be right for the sight, but is concerned everyone always looks so grim.
v. balconies had to be recessed.
1. Lahey indicated that this is not city policy; both Mondrian and Central have jutting-out balconies.
vi. height of garage as compared to the co-op adjacent to the site.
1. It will be 1-1 ½ floors below.
vii. has city staff had seen the redesign.
1. Lahey indicated that they had, but not yet commented. It has been to the Urban Design Review Panel
viii. has review panel had commented on the garage.
1. Lahey indicated that it seemed to intrigue them, particularly with the art proposal.
ix. will all outdoor space on the 6th floor will be for amenities and whether it would be usable in winter.
1. Lahey indicated yes to both questions.
x. will anything will be underground.
1. Lahey indicated that there will be no parking underground, but it will allow for a bike room.
xi. what about the blank space on the western façade.
1. Lahey indicated that it will abut the adjacent condo building.
xii. how many new people will live in the building.
1. Lahey suggested that it will be around 300 people, maybe as few as 250. The plan is for 9 units per floor,6 1-bedrooms and 3 2-bedrooms.
xiii. there is a community need for a grocery store.
1. Lahey suggested that it is hard to work with Ottawa food retailers, suggesting farmboy requireds 13,000 sq.f.

2) Presentation from Anil Naidoo, NDP Candidate for Ottawa Centre
a. Naidoo made several comments:
i. He has heard lots about the OMB on the doorstep.
1. We are the only province that has such interpretive powers, communities are losing trust in the process.
ii. Council has moved hard to the right, and inside the greenbelt has had a rough go since amalgamation.
iii. Believes that the planning act is outdated, it is not flexible or current enough.
iv. OMB takes the accountability off of council making hard decisions.
v. OMB is also developer biased, developers keep winning.
b. members questions on taxation and debt levels, and whether the NDP would investigate life insurance industry.
i. Naidoo said that debt is critical, and that it has doubled in the last few years.
ii. Does not believe that we are going to grow our way out of deficit, and that we are leaving people behind.
iii. Suggested it was bad policy to offer tax cuts to corporations.
iv. Would require that we add value here, by Ontario.
c. members indicated that the NDP was dead wrong on cutting the gas tax.

3) Passing last minutes
a. This was deferred to email.

4) Development Committee update
a. 317 Cambridge proposal. Are proposing bachelor/1 bedroom apartments.
1. Quality of façade will be raised.
2. 4+ ½ story
3. Under the zoning
ii. members indicated that it was not objectionable, but could be made better.
iii. Diane Holmes indicated that they are asking for brick exterior, not metal and stucco.

b. 801 Albert development by Phoenix.
i. Are proposing 2 office towers at 33 stories high at western end, 5 story structure near walnut court.
ii. members are concerned that there is no residential.
iii. Are asking for more less than minimum FSI

c. Chinese Alliance Church.
i. Street residents did not like the proposed compromise.
ii. DCA planning committee felt that the church hall was too big for the street.
iii. There was discussion and it was agreed that the institutional use was a problem.

d. Chi Condos.
i. The façade has been moved back, with the mass added to the top.
ii. some members indicated that he likes building something on the site, and more development will come, heights will change.
iii. others suggested that the original intent of the zoning is still valid.
iv. members expressed concern we might be offered worse later on.
v. there was value in getting development going on that stretch, as it was depressing.
vi. There was no agreement amongst the board on how to proceed.

e. Cousin Edy’s.
i. A townhouse proposal for the site is coming.
f. Lada Dealership.
i. A Vancouver developer now owns the site, and a “Vancouver-style” development is expected.

g. Small infill Housing.
i. Alternative zoning changes are to restrict width of driveways, remove requirement to have parking at some.
h. There was some discussion as to how to proceed with future planning committee updates. It was agreed that a brief summary would be given for approval by the board. In situation of time constraints, the DCA planning committee was given the right to send off materials.

5) Transportation Committee Meeting Update
a. The committee did not meet.

6) City Centre Coalition Update
a. Ida Henderson updated
i. That the Western LRT route decision will come after the provincial election.
ii. Meetings are now the last Wednesday of the month.
iii. The Island Park representative suggested querying safety and transit studies. They are currently funded by the developers, which is a conflict of interest. Asked why the city does not currently contract them.
1. the city currently peer reviews them.
2. Holmes agreed that there is a conflict.

b. PPRA update
i. OC Transpo has closed of the Prince of Wales bridge, posted guards.
1. the rationale for action had something to do with transport Canada regulations for unfenced railways.
ii. There was complaint that the north end of preston has been closed again.
1. there is a plan to start remediating the soil there, with the access route going to be there.
2. a path should be built from the bridge to Bayview station.

7) Bronson Reconstruction update
a. David Seaborn indicated that the Public Advisory Committee went well.

8) Commemorating famous residents by naming intersections as squares
a. Eric Darwin proposed that we name some intersections after local notables.
i. Used example of Larry Robillard, who was a WWII war hero that lived on Elm St.
ii. There was some discussion, and it was agreed that the space committee will work on it.

9) Councillors Update:
a. Diane Holmes indicated:
i. That 6 new trains have been purchased for the O-train, will come in 2014
ii. That the draft budget will be tabled with Council on October 26th.
iii. She is concerned about the direction of Preston street, with Little Italy having tried for years to maintain its flavor. She thinks tall buildings at the foot will make the street less welcoming, more difficult for people to come up Preston. There is a risk of it becoming a canyon.
iv. Must try to stop it now with the first one.

Meeting Adjourned.

801 Albert Street, proposed development

2011-10-16T19:12:00.000-04:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

16 October 2011

Councillor Diane Holmes, City of Ottawa

Cc: Jeff Polowin, Hill & Knowlton
Councilor Katherine Hobbs

Dear Councillor,

Re: Re-Zoning of 801 Wellington St.

On Sept. 20 ’11, representatives of the Dalhousie and Hintonburg Community Associations were given a presentation of perspectives and other drawings of office towers for the 801 Wellington site opposite Bayview Station. The developer did not leave any documents with us. There was no assurance that any resultant buildings would look like what was presented. We were merely being informed that this was the basis of a re-zoning request which would eliminate the existing 1.5 FSI, allow 196, 184 and 95m heights ASL, and drastically reduce commercial parking requirements. Some shadow studies were later submitted electronically.

Site Planning:
A preliminary review indicates that the principal pedestrian and vehicle circulation and connectivity issues of the site have been met including views through the streets foreseen in the draft CDP, except that the gap between the two tall towers should be accessible around the clock.

Section 37:
The proponent committed to partial funding of a Wellington St. footbridge over the O-train, connected by a sidewalk and shared driveway/path along the south side of the site. We did not think anything else of significant was being provided that wouldn’t be required under the usual requirements of the OP. Replacing sewers is not a community benefit.

Mixed-use Centre:
As per the OP, Mixed-use Centres should be characterized by a broad variety of uses. In our view a significant residential component is essential in such a large development to insure the area is not dead after 5pm. Accordingly, at least 1/3 of the FSI should be residential. Thus the FSI should not be eliminated. Rather a max. FSI for commercial and a minimum FSI for residential should be applied. The great expanse of non-residential use between north Hintonburg and Walnut Court needs to be linked with some residential. A mixed use project will better contribute to knitting the communities together.

We support a “Mainstreet” style connectivity between northwest Dalhousie and north Hintonburg. This will require considerable care to ensure that Albert does not continue to be a speedway in this area.

Shadowing:
Studies were only forwarded for 10, 12 and 2 o’clock. Other shadow studies were requested but not yet provided. We would like a shadow study that instead of focussing on the new buildings, focuses on when and for how long the adjacent residences will be shadowed. The total FSI proposed should be less than 8.0 to reduce excessive shadowing.

Parking:
The requested reduction in commercial parking might just be sufficient in such proximity to a LRT station, but we have seen no parking study that backs this up. The possible impact on the nearby residential communities could be severe.

And there is no provision for residential parking, even though some non-office uses, such as residences or a hotel, were mentioned by the proponent. More parking needs to be incorporated into the development to accommodate a residential component. There will be no means to do so later.

All exterior parking should be short term only or the support uses will not function. Indeed, we favour most of the interior parking also being short term rather than monthly. Once it is monthly-only parking, the neighbourhood will be plagued by day parkers.

Compensating bicycle parking is required since vehicle parking is so reduced. We would like to see the bike parking facilitiy on the west side elaborated.

Design Review:
The proponents claim exemption from Design Review. Design review should be a condition of any re-zoning of such a prominent site.

Conclusion:
This proposal is not yet ready to proceed to a re-zoning in its present form.

Yours truly,

Eric Darwin, President

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

cc: Alain Miguelez, Planning & Growth Mgmt. Dept.
Randolf Wang, Planning & Growth Mgmt. Dept.

DCA Sept Meeting

2011-10-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

DCA meeting, September 7, 2011

Present: Don McMaster, Craig Haynes, David Seaborn, Ida Henderson, Michael Hatfield, Maija Kagis, Archie Campbell, Eric Darwin, Charles Akben-Marchand, Mike Powel, Zsofia Orosz

Guests: Mark Barszjewski, Connie Brian, Pat Deacon, Pamela Connolly, Stephanie Strudwick, Pat Shair, Diane Holmes

Minutes of July meeting. Motion to adopt moved by Archie, seconded by Eric. It was noted that some Word documents circulated could not be opened by all.

New agenda items

1) Cousin Edy's Garage; 2) update from safety committee (under public safety); 3) proposed change to City policy on court fees; 4) 62 Bell St (illegal rooming house)

Transportation committee

In June, committee members met with staff about Bronson related to the trial of a road diet. No feedback has been received from traffic dept. manager Mr. Manconi, the pilot is for 2012 summer unless they start reconstructing before. There is a PAC meting on September 22 at 6:30 at Bronson Centre. There is now an artist, Adrian Gollner, in charge of identifying possible locations for art, he would like to meet with the DCA.

O-Train station at Gladstone: council is proceeding with a study of doubling the frequency of the train so more passing tracks are needed at a location close to the planned Gladstone station. At Councilor Hobb’s motion, Council's Transportation Cte will look at the option of actually constructing the station now.

O-Train bikepass and tunnel: the tunnel is in under Somerset, it will be closed up till next year when we are hoping to have the path put in. The preference is for a longer path rather than having extra staircases.

New configuration of Bayview lightrail station: the new alignment of train changed, now it will go under Queen. They also shrunk some of the stations to save money and fit alignment. Diane is organising a meeting with planners to ensure that there is better bike and pedestrian access to downtown around where the train goes underground around Lebreton Flats.

Development committee

Balsam/Rochester: Fanto is proposing 23 3&4 storey townhouses, with rooftop decks, garages. Most of them will face a crescent, 2 will face Balsam. It is advertised as family living but the fear is that kids will end up playing on the crescent. Another concern is that all the townhouses have windows on two ends, they go up to 4 feet from the property line and thus they overlook the neighbour. City is studying the plans, they are disagreeing with the proponent about some elements. The plans are going to Committee of Adjustment next week. DCA has sent a letter already, will resend to planner to reiterate concerns. Moved by David, seconded by Archie.

Booth/Somerset condo: the site is zoned for 5 storeys, they are proposing 7 as it had to be moved back from Booth Street side. They are also seeking reduced setbacks. The units are now smaller and more numerous. There is not enough parking (11 spaces for 55 units, all surface in the back, 2 for Virtucar) so cash in lieu payment will be made. Concerns were raised about the impact of this on local streets. Only surface parking. Site plan application is to be looked at by DCA development cte to get together comments for cte of adjustment which will be circulated electronically.

Chinese Alliance Church expansion on Bell Street: a group of neighbours learned about the plans only via the posted sign – until then they had not heard about this development from the City or the Church. Others further down Bell had received a notice in their mailbox and there were neighbours in attendance at the community meeting organised by the church. Current plans include only underground parking with access to parking off church's parking lot, there are newly added residential units on Bell as part of the recreational centre (another church hall). The neighbours are concerned about the project, particularly the shadowing from the apartment units. It was the DCA that requested that they include residential elements to maintain the
feel of the street, but the proposed 2 3-storey b 34 feet tall buildings (2 apartments on each floor) is not in keeping with the spaceous feeling of the street. The neighbour's preference would be to have a narrower building, pushed back and green space instead of apartments. However it is not clear whether the pedestrian entrance (and consequently the drop off) will be on Bell or if the door in the new building would be only a fire-exit.

This expansion can be viewed as desirable since new recreational space is being built. If the plans are not going ahead, the church might move (would this affect Somerset small businesses?), another church might buy the building or there could be more residential redevelopments. Ultimately, the neighbours and the DCA want the expansion to fit in with the style and architecture of the street. While it is appreciated that revised plans incorporate residential units, the resulting resulting massing of the building overwhelms the street and not in keeping with the neighbouring residents. In addition, it was noted that the developer's rendering did not correctly reflect the height of the proposal so the city should stop the application till the correction has been made. Both the DCA (to be drafted by the development cte) and the residents will share comments before sending it in to the planners.

Soho Italia: nothing new to report, they have applied for rezoning,

Establishing regular meeting dates for development cte: last Wednesday, 5:30, Raw Sugar Cafe

Somerset reconstruction update: West from Preston is advancing well, though it would not meet the target date of September 8. The Chinatown BIA now wants underground wiring for lights, though the price will probably prove prohibitive.

Cousin Eddy's garage

The Safety cte raised concerns (kids sneaking in, old tires, semi-burnt out house), bylaw and Dianes office are now involved. The site has been cleared up, trees cut down, graffiti was removed. They claim that next year they are building on the site.

62-64 Bell Street

The building was destroyed in a 2010 fire. While it had been owner occupied it was reasonable, later it was turned into a rooming house. There are currently people living in upper units illegally, the owner has no permit to run a rooming house. Diane has sent info to staff. Neighbours have to continue to call in complaints to 311 as there had been only a few in the last 3 months. Number of calls were higher prior to the fire. This will be discussed at next problem address meeting, Neighbours should also contact community police officer Andrew Milton

City policy change

The DCA will send a letter to all councilors to oppose the reversal of the city policy that prevents the city from reclaiming legal fees from community groups that take the city to court. Moved by Ida, seconded by David. Ida will circulate the draft.

Councillor's update

Piazza Dante reconstruction is going well, there will be more money for parks: Primrose Park (meeting in mid-October with neighbours), Chaudiere park (separate meeting) and also land to be bought for new parks.

Below grade clearance is on the way from Hydro for the Bambino statues on the corner of Gladstone/Preston, they may go up next year.

Provincial elections

There will be an all candidates' meeting on Sept 21, 7-9:30, at Kent and Florence Chinese Community Service Centre.

The meeting adjourned at 9.

Letter to Paul Dewar, MP, re NCC's closed gate

2011-10-12T20:35:00.002-04:00

12 October 2011

Mr Paul Dewar, MP

Re Popular Preston Extension route closed by NCC

We would like to bring to your attention the recent unilateral closure by the NCC of the Preston “extension”. This paved route, a former NCC road, has been used by the community since the transitway opened in the early 1980’s, as it is the nearest and safest community access to the Ottawa River parklands and bikepaths. It is a popular route, used by hundreds daily.

The alternative routes are simply horrible: via Booth Street, a busy, unpleasant road that is much further from the River, and slated to undergo several years of major reconstruction ; or via Albert to Bayview, which unfortunately takes cyclists and pedestrians along one of the most unpleasant and ill-suited bits of road in the City, where Albert goes over the O-Train, and thence along the creepily deserted Bayview Road to the River.

Please inform Madame Chairman Lemay that she does have alternatives.

One, is to keep the current route open, like it has been for 30 years, until the very last day when heavy construction equipment shows up on the Flats to do something. At the present rate, this could be years away.

Second, restrict Flats remediation to be from the east side of the Extension over to Booth, rather than from the centerline of the Extension. Constructing a simple chain link fence down the east side of the extension could keep it open for another decade, while the Flats are remediated and maybe even built upon. Safe and legal truck access to the area to be worked can be had from Old Wellington, or Broad Street.

Third, insist that the NCC compensate the community for the loss of its direct River access by providing an alternative route, albeit an inferior and much less direct one. The City is constructing the O-Train corridor path from Gladstone to Bayview Station in 2012. The NCC could build their section from Bayview Station to the ORP. And they should do it in the early spring of 2012, not in December! And keep the old Preston Extension route in service until the new path is opened.

Thank you for listening to our concerns. We look forward to some action to re-open our access to the NCC lands.

Sincerely,

Eric Darwin.

Letter to NCC re Preston extension

2011-10-12T20:14:00.000-04:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1 .
Eric Darwin, President

Marie Lemay
Chair, NCC “Madame Chairman
Unlock this gate!”

Re Preston Street extension & LeBreton remediation plans

We note with a great deal of horror that the NCC has closed off the gate whereby hundreds of local residents access NCC bike paths and parklands from the north end of Preston Street (at Albert).

I would like to remind you that this is the nearest and safest point of access for the whole community to the NCC lands. Alternative routes, such as via Booth Street or Albert-to-Bayview are extraordinarily unattractive alternatives. I invite you to cycle along Albert over the O-Train, or Booth northwards from Albert, and tell us that you think these are fine alternatives to the NCC’s 30-year-old off-road wide paved path north of Preston that leads to a legal crosswalk over the transitway and then, via stonedust and asphalt paths, to various NCC amenities that justifiably make Ottawa so attractive. Alternative routes are way longer and on high speed, high volume roads with sub-standard sidewalks and absent any cycling facilities.

Madame Chairman, unlock this gate! Re-open that path!

We do, of course, understand that someday some construction work may take place on the north side of Albert. When that day comes, close the route, if you must, but only at the last minute when heavy equipment is on site. But do consider alternative means: why not keep this route open by putting a new fence along the east side of the Extension, and remediate from there to Booth, accessing the site from Old Wellington or Broad?

And Madame chairman, please accelerate NCC funding for the only partially attractive and viable alternative to the Preston Extension route, which is the ORP to Bayview Station pathway, to join the City of Ottawa’s Bayview to Gladstone path along the O-Train being constructed in 2012.

Sincerely,

Eric Darwin.

317 Cambridge Street apt building

2011-09-21T20:37:00.000-04:00

The proponent plans to demolish a pair of semi-detached homes that have been converted into a rooming house, and to construct a new apartment building with bachelor and one bedroom units. The exterior design is pleasing and the affordable units will meet a neighborhood need. The proponent has plans for the rehousing of all existing tennants. Adjacent property owners have been consulted.

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

September 21, 2011

Members, Committee of Adjustment,
City of Ottawa
cofa@ottawa.ca

Re: Application # D08-02-11\A-00310
317-319 Cambridge Street North

Dear members of Committee,

The proponent, Mr. Raymond Stern, met with representatives of the Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) on September 20th and presented his proposal for redevelopment of this site.

He is looking to demolish the existing building and replace it with a 4 storey, 25 unit apartment building.

The DCA has no objections to the variances sought in this application as it was presented to us.

Thank you in advance for consideration of our comments.

Most sincerely,
Eric Darwin, President, DCA.

c.c.: Councillor D. Holmes

Fall Meeting schedule

2011-09-06T08:22:00.000-04:00

The DCA meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

There are meetings scheduled for Sept 7; Oct 5; Nov2; and Dec 7th.

Meetings start at 7pm. Starting this fall, we have a new room at the Dalhousie Community Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset St. We meet on the third floor, last room on the left.

Note that the December meeting is often rescheduled into a pay-as-you-go holiday dinner at a local restuarant.

Gladstone/Little Italy O-Train Station

2011-08-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

On June 27 the DCA sent a letter to Councillors Holmes and Hobbs (since both abut the Otrain corridor) pointing out the merit of installing an O-train station near Gladstone Avenue in 2014 as part of the O-train expansion project. (you can read that letter by going back a few posts on this website).

Subsequently, Councillor Holmes wrote to a number of city bureaucrats pointing out the merits of examining a station there in 2014.

In August, Councillor Hobbs put forward a motion at Transportation Committee:
As you may know, the City is building a passing track just north of the future Gladstone Station on the O-Train line as part of the $59 million upgrade that will increase service from every 15 minutes to every 8 minutes. With the information on the cost of a study to use Gladstone Station as the passing track, I will work with my colleagues on council including Councillor Holmes to fund the study and the construction. During construction of the first phase of the LRT project the O-Train will serve as a major component of diverted Transitway service, which is part of the reason for moving ahead with this improvement ahead of the Transportation Masterplan schedule. The text of the inquiry follows. Council approved $59M on June 22nd to increase O-Train service from a 15 minute to 8 minute frequency, requiring an additional passing track, currently planned to be north of the proposed Gladstone Station. The city’s long term plan envisions an LRT station at Gladstone. What funds would be necessary for a study to calculate the benefits and cost of constructing Gladstone Station as part of this project? In particular, such a study would seek to see what cost savings could be realized by building the passing track and station as one project, and what tax revenues can be gained from earlier redevelopment as per the Carling-Bayview LRT CDP at Gladstone Station. In addition, such a study would comment on the feasibility of adding the station to the work plan, and any impact of the construction on operability of the O-Train.

The DCA is pleased with the efforts by both Councillors to push this item forward. Our neighborhoods won't see improvements if we simply wait for the bureaucracy to offer us something. Instead, we have to push our agenda forward. This includes intensification along the O-Train corridor and better O-Train service.

500 Preston (Soho Italia)

2011-08-11T10:48:00.000-04:00

The City will shortly be considering the rezoning of 500 Preston Street to permit a 35 storey condo tower occupying the entire lot at the corner of Preston and Sydney. Here is our input to the city consultation process:

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1 11 August 2011
Eric Darwin, President

Planning and Growth Management Dept
Attn D.Bridgewater

Re: the Soho Italia proposal by Starwood Mastercraft, 500 Preston Street

The Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) has discussed this project, met with the proponents, and unanimously agreed that it is objectionable on numerous grounds.

Firstly, the City is supposed to plan for its future using an Official Plan, supported by lower level plans. Neither the OP nor the CDP for the area call for high rises at the south end of Preston Street. Indeed, the zoning for the Carling and O-Train corridors was recently revised by the City as part of the CDP. And the CDP itself is still ongoing, a work in progress. Surely the correct planning procedure would be for the developer to request an amendment to the OP or similar neighborhood wide rezoning if they desire to promote a “Vancouver style” collection of tall condo towers. Instead, they are asking for a one-off rezoning, which will unleash speculation frenzy in this area. Lacking a persuasive case for spot rezoning, the City must maintain its current zoning for the area and entertain rezoning only through its normal neighborhood planning procedures.

Second, the proposal for a 35 storey tower built right up to the very edges of the sidewalk with no setbacks (indeed, the proponent calls for his building to overhang the public sidewalk) is totally contradictory to the Traditional Mainstreet designation in the OP and zoning, as well as the intent and letter of the on-going Bayview-Carling CDP. What is the purpose of gathering the citizens and land owners and planners together for multi-year planning processes if everything can be overturned based on the lobbying of a single developer? (Recall too that this site was spot rezoned from six to 20+ stories just a few years ago). The City has seen numerous challenges to its planning process in recent years. Public confidence has been shaken about the validity of the strategic planning process and its results. Approving such a drastic challenge to the planning process will further destroy the City’s reputation.

We have not yet found a planner to support the idea that a 350’ wall rising straight up from the sidewalk edge constitutes good mainstreet development.

Third, the proposal for the tallest building in Ottawa needs to be assessed in a neighborhood context, not just as a one-site anomaly. What will the impact of this -- and other -- tall buildings be on the pedestrian environment, sidewalk patios, and two-storey traditional homes immediately adjacent the site? What will be the impact of these buildings on on-street parking for the restaurant trade? We note that the balconies of the proposed Soho Italia building extend to within 12” of the lot line; how then will adjacent lots be developable? Note that this community association is not opposed to high rise developments per se. We support intensification, especially along transit corridors, and for the conversion of brownfields to urban mixed-use spaces. Just because Starwood is a late-comer to the Ottawa condo market does not mean the city must inappropriately upzone lands or trash its neighborhood plans for the developer. Neighborhoods last forever, developers come and go. Will Council go for short-term buzz or leave a legacy of long-term vital neighborhoods?

Fourth, the City’s intensification goals can be reached by building within its current planned growth areas. The proposed 35 storey tower is merely the equivalent of 3 eight to ten storey mid-rise buildings, which are much more compatible with their neighbors and for which there is an abundance of appropriate lands. We question why the developer wants to build such a huge building on such a small lot in an area not zoned for that.

We urge our City to show resilience and support for the OP strategic and neighborhood planning processes. This development proposal by Starwood is very high profile. It will be watched closely. The proponent’s planning rationale is sufficiently broad as to be applicable to any and every current and future rapid transit corridor. While approval of this Soho Italia project will not establish a de jure precedent for intensification, it will certainly be a de facto one.

The City’s decision will send a clear message to citizens, associations, and developers.

Does the City jump to rezone at the behest of developers, or does it plan for a rational city that works for all citizens?

Send this project back to the drawing boards. A better building is desirable and viable.

Eric Darwin
President

No August Meeting

2011-08-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

The Association does not normally hold a meeting in August, accordingly there will not be a meeting August 3rd.

The Board continues to be involved in community affairs during August. Current issues include 500 Preston (Soho Italia) rezoning to permit a 35 storey condo; the lack of information regarding the Rocherster/Balsam site (23 townhouses); the LRT stations, Devonshire School park/parking, Somerset reconstruction, etc.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Sept 7th, 2011.

Letter opposing more parking lots south of Gladstone

2011-07-10T23:00:00.001-04:00

The Polish church on Louisa is planning to expand to the east, with a nice addition to the property. They are also asking to rezone a house across the street to permit it to be used as a parking lot. That entire block is under assault, with residential uses being squeezed out in favour of unlandscaped parking lots.

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

11 July, 2011

Doug Bridgewater, City of Ottawa
Planning and Growth Management Dept.

Re: Zoning By-Law Amendment Proposal: 27 Louisa St.

Dear Sir,

Apologies for this late reply, but there has been no sign on the site and no notification until this week due to the Postal disruptions.

The Dalhousie Community Association is aware of the separate planning application for a proposed addition to the church building, and support that. However, we are opposed to this parking re-zoning for the following reasons:

• Using a residential as a parking lot is not in conformity with the purposes of the R4 zoning. Nor is it conducive to redevelopment and intensification of this and adjacent lots.

• Parking lots are detrimental to achieving sound low-rise residential neighbourhoods and have negative impact on nearby residential lots.

• The church already has a parking lot and will be adding 3 more spaces at their new addition. Half a dozen parking spaces is not going to significantly affect the parking demand created by church functions.

• In the past the church has sought to demolish the existing duplex and pave the entire lot. This application could be merely the first step towards realizing that goal.

• Permitting this application may create a moral precedent for the further erosion of this neighbourhood. We note that several other lots have already been turned into parking lots, reducing the viability of the remaining houses, and that this block is continually suffering attempts to expand parking lots. We do not want to encourage block busting practices.

We note that this application is for 6 spaces, whereas less than 5 can be accommodated on site. We oppose the use of the city boulevard for parking – it should be landscaped. If this rezoning is approved, there will be a right to add 1 or 2 spaces in the grassed rear yard, reducing the liveability of the house.

In summary, we see minimal benefit to the rezoning and numerous drawbacks for the site and adjacent neighbourhood. We therefore recommend dismissal of this application.

Eric Darwin, President
Dalhousie Community Association

Cc: Councillor Diane Holmes

balsam/rochester townhouse project

2011-07-10T22:49:00.000-04:00

Fanto developments is proposing a townhouse project to replace the existing houses at Balsam and Rochester Streets. Here are sketches of the Rochester and Balsam sides:

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

11 July, 2011

Doug Bridgewater, City of Ottawa
Planning and Growth Management Dept.

Re: Zoning By-Law Amendment Proposal: Balsam & Rochester Streeets.

Dear Sir,

We strongly support the concept of low-rise townhouses on this site.

However there are some fundamental problems with the layout presented. Perhaps this is why the developer and the architect have not returned our calls and we have been able to acquire only a vague documentation from the Planning Dept. The dev/apps web page still contains the four year old apartment tower plans, and not the current ones. Our comments are therefore based only on a site and landscape plans dated Feb/Mar 2011 and an undated partial perspective sketch.

• With only nominal property line setbacks proposed at the rear northeast corners of the site, the usual mutual open space in the centre of residential blocks is missing. This creates an adverse impact on the abutting properties present and potential enjoyment of light, air and hopefully green space. This is uncharacteristic of the neighbourhood. Units 5, 6 12 and 13 compromise the usual 7.5m rear yard setback. They should be eliminated in favour of green space.

• The 4 storey units (Block D) shown in the sketch seem incompatible with the lower rise adjacent properties. 4 stories would be more appropriate along Rochester and at the corner of Balsam, leaving lower units for where they are adjacent to existing 2 storey buildings. The height variance would not required if the 4 storey units were kept within the present “Rochester” zoning area.

• There is an inappropriate lack of trees and green landscaping. Only 7 dwarf trees are proposed and none on Rochester. There ought to be 8 trees along Rochester, one more on Balsam and many more internally. The huge wasteland of impermeable asphalt, all presumably directing rainwater to sewers, is a poor environmental solution.

• Most of the units are extraordinarily close to the adjacent lot lines, which will impair the use and privacy of those properties and may severely restrict those owners ability to redevelop their properties

• The units on Rochester, despite the slender entries, do not address the street. As per the Urban Design Guidelines, these units should provide “eyes on the street”.

• We do appreciate that practically all the garages are off the internal street.

We hope that the proposal can be modified to reflect these concerns and that revised plans will be forthcoming. We are prepared to meet anyone, any time to review this proposal further.

Eric Darwin, President
Dalhousie Community Association

Cc: Councillor Diane Holmes

Letter re O-train Expansion & Little Italy Station

2011-06-27T20:07:00.001-04:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

To: Councilor Diane Holmes & Councilor Katherine Hobbs;

cc: Mayor Jim Watson, Alain Mercier, Diane Deans, Marianne Wilkinson

Re: O-Train expansion

The Dalhousie Community Association is delighted at the recent decision of Transportation Committee, and subsequently City Council, to expand the O-Train service and increase its frequency of operation.

The current proposal is to install a passing track north of Gladstone Avenue. We recognize the economy of installing the track in an area where the cut is already wide enough.

However, immediately south of the passing track is the proposed location of the Little Italy station running from a point under Gladstone Avenue south to Young Street. There are good planning and transit operations reasons for constructing the station now.

Good planning: Installing a station there now would encourage transit-oriented infill intensification around the station; and the station would be at the closest point to the office and commercial developments already along Preston. It would also be good planning to build the access paths to the Station in conjunction with the already-planned O-train corridor multi-user pathway construction.

Transit operations: as proposed now, trains will “pause” in the cut while they pass each other. This “pause” in each journey, while short, is not an attractive user feature of the service, but could be disguised by positioning the passing point at a station, just as is done at Carleton University now.

Due to the disruption to service and inconvenience to passengers likely to be caused by constructing a station after more frequent O-train service has commenced, we fear that if the Little Italy station is not built now it may be many decades before another opportunity arises.

Given that there are significant benefits to users and the neighborhood, we suggest that Councilors ask the planning agencies to evaluate the benefits of a Little Italy station and conduct a preliminary engineering and costing exercise for opening the station by 2014 in conjunction with the well-warranted O-train expansion.

signed Eric Darwin, and Charles Akben-Marchand of CCA.

Dalhousie report, June 2011

2011-06-26T22:14:00.001-04:00

- Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Association

Ironically, the thing keeping the Dalhousie Community Association most busy is the thing that will have the least impact in the short term, but will affect all our lives in the future. I’m talking of the LRT system, of course. Five of the thirteen proposed stations fall in Somerset ward, and the Campus station at the east end of the Corkstown footbridge over the canal will be another important local station.

The Transportation Committee of the DCA has had two meetings with the City and their consultants specifically regarding station access. Why do we think this is so important? Well, it’s one thing for the planners to figure out bus routes, station transfers, and entrances and exits, but we are focused on the walk-in –- or bike-in –- accessibility since so many Dalhousie residents live within a short distance of the stations. We check for easy safe street crossings; direct, safe routes; and attractive environments.

We were greatly worried about Bayview Station in particular, since the location is currently isolated and getting there now from Dalhousie (or Hintonburg or Mechanicsville) is unappealing. Our discussions with staff have been full and frank, and we are delighted that a good working relationship has developed, and we anticipate much better access in the next round of plans, to be unveiled at the July open houses.

The Bayview Station straddles the proposed north-south multi-user path that will run from the new Somerset underpass by the O-Train (to be installed by September this year) to Bayview. Later this path will extend all the way from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue. Bayview also straddles the route of BikeWest, the east-west path running from Bronson due west parallel to Albert and Scott all the way from Downtown to Westboro. We are vigilant that these paths will function well and attract a variety of users and connect our communities to each other as well as to the Station.

Our Transportation Committee has also made good progress on trying to get significant improvements to the planned rebuilding of Carling between Bronson and the O-Train. The City’s current plan is too rush-hour-commuter focused, and missed a number of opportunities to build a better city.

Our Development Committee has been juggling a number of projects over the last few months. We are excited that a revised, low-rise proposal is coming forward for the Balsam/Rochester site, and look forward to going over the plans with the proponent. Other townhouse projects are also appearing in the neighborhood: Young at Champagne (16 townhouses); and Cambridge at Gladstone (12 townhouses).

Sometimes proposals present a real dilemma. Richcraft proposes a 18+ storey condo on Gloucester at Bay, on an irregular site. Over the last few months, the plans have been revised to develop a much nicer appearing building, one that interacts better with its neighborhood. It also got higher.

There are two issues that are a bit mysterious. We don’t yet know what is happening to the large development site on Booth, former home to Cousin Eddy’s late unlamented garage. And somehow the mid-Centretown plan, which deals with all sorts of important things like height, density, and transportation, has expanded its study zone to include the area right up to Bronson, but neglected to advise the residents or the Community Association (that’s us). You can read about the plan at http://midcentretown.wordpress.com/.

More positively, Cornerstone supportive housing for women opened up its new building on Booth, just south of Somerset Street. The building is attractive, four stories high, and is a nice asset to the streetscape in addition to its valuable role helping vulnerable people. Kudos are due all around to the people who designed, fund-raised, and built Cornerstone.

The DCA has continued to significantly grow its membership this year. More and more residents are discovering that we can make a difference to how our neighborhood grows. And that the best time to get involved is before those decisions are made by developers or the city acting on their own. We spend much less time reacting to surprises, and more time nudging the City to do what we want. It’s a great time to get involved in the Association, and now with the Committee structure in place you can get involved in just one area (e.g. transportation, or development) if that is what interests you.

You can also follow what we are doing at our website http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/ .

DCA Meeting June 1, 2011 Minutes

2011-06-09T11:39:00.000-04:00

DCA Board meeting, June 1, 2011

Present: Sue Stefko, David Perkins, Don McMaster, Michael Hatfield, Craig Haynes, Eric Darwin, Pamela Connolly, Michael Powell, Laura Bergen, Catherine Boucher, Charles Akben-Marchand, Karol Sjolund, Don Smith, Archie Campbell, Zsofia Orosz

Adoption of minutes of May meeting

The minutes were adopted with minor changes – moved by Eric, seconded by Mike.

Update on LRT

Matt Easton from the City provided a short update on the status of the LRT. The conversion of the core to LRT is expected to deal with the present bottleneck (50% cut in busses through downtown, including 2,000 busses off Rideau/Wellington); generate $3.2B in economic outputs. Preliminary design approval is expected in July – there is a slight change as the LRT will be at grade at Campus Station. They are conducting the final phase of the geotechnical and hydrological study. The design-build-maintain (OC-Transpo to operate) RFP will be out in October 2011 for pre-selected applicants, winning bid is to be announced in July 2012, construction to start in 2013 and service in 2018. The construction management part of the bids will go through public consultation to ensure sensitive treatment of affected communities. There will be an Open house at City Hall, in early July, where all updated designs can be viewed.

Transportation Committee

• meeting with city on Bayview Station access was very successful, pedestrian and cycling needs are to be integrated in the new design. Eric also attended a PAC meeting on all stations' design.

• Still pushing MUP for Carling, bike branch meeting on June 2, briefing PBIA, meeting with area planner. The councillor will have to ask for more funds for consultants to complete the study, so that the consultant can react to all the PAC comments.

Development Committee

• Balsam/Rochester site by Fanto – site maps (no elevations) were shared for 23 townhouses.

• Anderson/Preston - Bridgehead is moving into the building, Daryl Thomas remains and will take up the whole Preston frontage. Committee members met with the architect, reconstructions are moving along. Store will open onto Anderson, we concerns around increased traffic from freight and goods transport and people driving after picking up their coffee.

• Lebreton/Gladstone - car dealership, bylaw has been called several times for illegal parking of on empty lot. It is hoped that eventually the owner will consolidate his land pieces and sell it to a developer, as it recently happened with the Lada dealership on Norman where a large part of the block was sold to a Toronto developer of low-rise infills.

• Bay/Gloucester – Richcraft is asking for 18 (or maybe even higher) storeys, for a site originally zoned for 12. They should really apply for re-zoning rather than going to the Cte of Adjustment. We wrote to the CoA commenting on the new design and objecting that the increased height was not a minor adjustment.

• Section 37 – draft city guidelines (basically the same as Toronto's) are out, not sure when it is going to council. The DCA will have to be ready with our list of community improvements (often based on CDPs or similar processes) to help staff negotiate.

• Mid-Centretown CDP – Catherine brought to the DCA's attention that this CDP is now including DCA's area as it extends to Bronson. Changes are proposed for Catherine and Laurier Sts, mostly increased height limits. A lot of good things are in the draft report (retaining residential areas, increasing pedestrian/cycling/green spaces). However, residential is moving higher (taller buildings to be allowed) especially in the Cooper-Gloucester “apartment zone,” which would be stepping down to McLaren/Somerset. There will be a public open house on June 29 at the Museum of Nature. DCA development committee needs to discuss if there is a need to request an official meeting with the consultants. The draft plans can be found at http://midcentretown.wordpress.com/

• City review of infills – David is attending a meeting tonight.

• Devonshire PS – DCA sent a letter opposing the use of play area for parking.

• Cornerstone's open house was a great success – a wonderful addition to our neighbourhood.

Somerset reconstruction update

There is no need for new railings on the elevated section (viaduct) over the O-train, which will present savings. Underpass next to O-Train will be built in six weeks in August/September, during which the street will be closed to both directions (Breezehill-Musca Wine). From June 6 to Nov 25, Somerset will be closed to the East between Preston and Booth – Laura distributed information on detours for both cars and buses.

Liaising with CBIA, PBIA

Eric meets with them periodically. CBIA is looking for office help (about 8 hrs/week). They are also thinking of organising a night market – our Communications committee to consider if the DCA should have a table at the event.

Councillor's report

Laura reported that the Bay/Wellington bike box is to go in this year with a bike lane to continue on Wellington. This is a joint City/NCC project.

July 6 meeting

Following tradition, the July meeting is a pot-luck dinner, this year again in Eric's backyard. The role of committees will be discussed – what to do if a committee would like to put forward a motion to the board; how to handle committees with many non-board members on it; etc. Board members should indicate if they are interested in participating in a committee.

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 – moved by Catherine.

DCA advice to City re Bayview LRT Station

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-04:00

Following up on some meetings with City staff, the transportation committee sent the following note to the meeting participants at the City, on May 27, 2011:
Bayview Station access

Thank you for taking the time to discuss with us our concerns about the Bayview Station design and access. The conversation was productive and worthwhile. We look forward to continued dialogue and frank exchange of views which will result in a better OLRT and neighborhood.

To summarize our views, here are some points that you might find helpful.

1. Station design: the vaulted roof design for the station canopy is attractive. The east end of the station should frame the view of the downtown, including an arc of skyline, as well as the foreground. This dramatic view should be visible right from the top of the escalators from the O-Train platform. It would be good if future LeBreton Flats developments kept this sightline unobstructed.(This view plane might also be of use for the nationally significant building proposed to the north of the Station).

2. Slide 151 refers to River views from the Station, at least until a nationally significant building is constructed north of the station. We look forward to these views, as well as possible views west.

3. Albert Street is slated for reconstruction in the near future. It forms a vital access route between the community and the station. We think it is crucial that the mandate of the Albert Street project be extended to include all of the immediate station surroundings east of Bayview Road. The current project limit at City Centre Avenue means the City may fall short of seizing the opportunities to make a successful station integration into the present and future urban fabric. Since the section of Albert in question services two OLRT Stations there is additional opportunity to shape a significant urban area to be transit-oriented.

4. The north-south MUP on the east side of the O-Train right of way (to be constructed by others) is important to the community and the success of the Bayview Station. We strongly favour the design that takes this MUP right up onto the current O-Train access paths at the overpasses. When the Station is built, the MUP should continue under the Station with access to the concourse (O-Train level) entry point, and then continue north.

5. We support identifying a future north-south MUP alignment on the west side of the O-Train tracks from the point of the former Old Wellington crossing, north to the Ottawa River. We support a level crossing at the Old Wellington alignment. This crossing need not wait for a future time, but could immediately provide a useful connection between the north-south MUP and West Wellington.

6. We support the provision of a MUP along the east side of Tom Brown arena & soccer fields. This should extend to connect with Breezehill Avenue North, which in turn runs south to Somerset and the residential and employment nodes there. There may be opportunities to combine this path with the north-south MUP mentioned in point 5 (above).

7. We strongly support the provision of a staircase on the SW corner of the Albert overpass down to the Tom Brown site. We also think it would be useful to leave the existing staircase in place at the NE corner, which offers a route to the O-Train platform.

8. Items 6 and 7 (above) should be provided as part of the Station construction and access plans, and not left for provision by others.

9. Our community puts a very high value on the east-west MUP’s on the north side of Albert Street and Scott Street. We feel strongly that they need to be connected in a straight, level, and attractive manner. These paths offer enormous potential for neighborhood utility traffic, for cycling commuters, and for local access to the Bayview Station. The east-west MUP’s must be connected as essential components of the Bayview Station plan and not left “for others”.

10. The current array of slides offers different alignments of the east-west MUP. We agree that the connection must be obvious, attractive to users, as level as possible, and offer subjective safety. We look forward to working with the City to review the next iteration of the Bayview plans (hopefully well before the public meetings) showing a MUP set back from the curb, from City Centre Avenue to the Station, under the track to the north side of the station, past the O-Train platform, across the valley, and eventually connecting to the Scott Street MUP.

11. We are willing to consider other alignment options for the east-west MUP if better ones can be developed.

12. Due to the (currently) isolated nature of the O-Train valley area, the MUPs should be elevated on embankments about 12’ above the valley floor. They should be overlooked by the OLRT platform waiting areas and down escalators of the Station. We are willing to convene a focus group of cyclists and walkers to offer input on the alignments to ensure they are attractive and safe.

13. Some slides show a future MUP along the north side of the Station connecting to the aqueduct MUP’s. We support this.

14. Slide 157 shows the front entry plaza to the Station. The crosswalk at Albert is offset from the plaza, probably for the convenience of motorists. This will induce jaywalking and pedestrian risk as it does not reflect pedestrian desires. The plaza can be redrawn to angle more east (or the crosswalk moved west). Note that the only vehicular access to the 801 Albert development site is from this area, and signalized intersection should meet both needs.

15. We agree that a kiss-and-ride drop off spot is useful. It should be kept very small (max 2 cars each direction) , safe, and not inconvenience pedestrians or cyclists. The proposed crescent extending north of City Centre Avenue should align with a signalized intersection there – this could reduce the need for turns from Albert at its westerly end (and making it one way westbound even better). We ask that the design team consult frequently with the community on the proposed crescent and TOD site – we are concerned that it not become a long term auto-oriented land use.

16. The overpass taking Albert Street across the O-Train alignment is very unfriendly to pedestrians and cyclists. The sidewalks are narrow. The curving road alignment and narrow lanes squeeze cyclists and impinge on pedestrian space. The is a strong sense of subjective danger and discomfort. A redesign of the overpass surface is required. This discomfort will reduce the attractiveness of the Station to persons employing active transportation means. Landscaping and other features at the Station should serve to “close in” the road so the right of way does not appear so “freeway like”, which will clue drivers to reduce speed.

17. We were greatly encouraged by the openness of the City design team to a grade-crossing of the O-Train at the Old Wellington alignment. We feel it is also important to keep open the existing legal and marked crossing of the transitway at the Preston “extension”. This route provides the shortest and most direct route for residents along the Preston spine onto the NCC riverfront parklands, museums, festival sites, and pathways.

Ref: slide 157

DCA Agenda for 1 June 2011

2011-05-31T22:47:00.000-04:00

7pm (Note the new time !)

Adopt minutes of May meeting.

Guest speaker: Matt Eason from city of Ottawa, to talk about OLRT

Transportation Committee report on activities:

• meeting with city re Bayview Station access

• followup correspondence with City staff

• attended PAC on all stations

• Still pushing MUP for Carling, thru bike branch meeting June 2nd, briefing to PBIA board, meeting with area planner. Coming next: meeting with city cycling office, then again with the traffic engineers. Eventually, DH to ask for more budget to better complete the Carling study.

Development Committee report on activities:

• Balsam site by Fanto,

• Bridgehead site, Anderson at Preston

• LeBreton Street car dealership

• Gloucester site height limit.

• Sec 37 (Catherine)

• Mid centretown CDP recommendations (Catherine)

• City review process for Infills

• We added our voice to the chorus objecting to reduced play space at Devonshire, via a letter to the OCDSB.

Somerset reconstruction update:

• looks like new railing is unlikely, a major cost saving.

• underpass to be built in August 2011, but not the access paths, so it will be “closed” for ? long

• tree guards, benches, garbage cans, tree lighting, city 2% art project

Liaison with CBIA, PBIA – Eric meets periodically. Note CBIA is looking for office help, 2x a week, paid (about 8 hr / week). CBIA is looking to see if we want to be involved in a fundraising for the DCA at the proposed night market event, to be located on both sides of Empress at Somerset.

Councillor’s Update:

Committee of Adjustment Letter

2011-05-31T22:46:00.000-04:00

Richcraft is proposing a condo at 346 Gloucester, just east of Centennial Public School, on the same block as Ricardo's pizza. The won increased height at the OMB, and are now back with a nicer design, same buildable area, but a very different shape that is also ... taller. We wrote to the committee of adjustment...

Re: 346 Gloucester Street

Dear Members of the Committee of Adjustment

The Dalhousie Community Association wishes to offer three comments on the proposal.

1. We appreciate the improved aesthetics and view of the building

2. We appreciate the step backs and podium format of the revised building

3. We object to further increasing the height of the building over the previously (OMB-approved) height.

Thank you,

Eric Darwin.

Devonshire school yard and Parking

2011-05-15T11:13:00.000-04:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

Walter.Piovesan@ocdsb.ca

Dear Mr. Piovesan,

Devonshire Public School is housed in a lovely heritage building fronted by large mature trees. It serves many children who live in the area of the Dalhousie Community Association (DCA).

The Board of Directors of the DCA would like to express strong opposition to converting scarce school yard area for staff parking.

There are alternatives. While we recognize that many staff drive, we would like to urge the OCDSB to review its policy of enabling car commuting through its policy of offering free on-site parking to its staff. Does the OCDSB budget similar per person amounts to encourage staff to use public transit? Does it ever consider proximity to a school in hiring staff? Will the Board look at off-site parking measures, such as at Tom Brown arena or even the large underused private parking lot directly across the street from the school?

The OCDSB must “walk the talk” when it comes to environmental stewardship. This means preserving large trees along the Breezehill frontage, respectfully maintaining historic properties, and providing attractive recreational and outdoor learning spaces. Operating parking lots should not be a key board priority in urban neighborhoods.

Last but not least, this school's parent community spent years to fundraise for the rejuvenation of the exterior spaces you are now converting into car parking, and has been working for years on the other yard. Funding from the Board for these improvements has been noticeable by its absence. Why is there money to provide spaces for cars but not for children?

Any consideration of the use of school property has to put as its top priority the needs of children. It is simply unacceptable to cut the children's outdoor space. The OCDSB must find a solution that works for Devonshire's children and indeed all schools, a solution that is sustainable - environmentally, economically, and socially.

- Eric Darwin.

Agenda for May 4th meeting

2011-05-02T11:24:00.002-04:00

DCA Agenda May 4, 2011

7.30pm – meet and greet new and old board members, update contact list, adopt minutes and agenda

8pm – cathedral hill development presentation

8.30 pm – discussion of committee structure, selection of members for each group, election of President, Treasurer, etc. We may want to have a meeting chair separate from the President role.

Do we want to move to a committee structure, and how autonomous should the committees be? Should they have fixed meeting date(s)? Suggested committees (to be revised):

• Developments big and small, infills, Committee of Adjustment applications
• Traffic, Transportation and neighborhood-scale plans
• Cycling and pedestrians
• Social wellbeing, schools, parks, housing, safety
• Buzz distribution
• Membership growth
• Gardening

Note the upcoming events to which we are invited:

May 10th, 7pm, The Door AGM
Note May 11, 6.30pm meeting on sec 37 at city hall

All candidates meeting

2011-04-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

Ottawa Centre All Candidates Event

The focus will be driven by you! Questions will be selected through the audience or beforehand through ottawa.openfile.ca. OpenFile is a collaborative local news site. Visit ottawa.openfile.ca, open a file, and your ideas will help power the event.

Location: Saint Paul University, 223 Main Street, Guiges Hall, Auditorium

Date: Thursday, April 28th

Time: 6-8 pm

Twitter: #OCdb8

The event will begin promptly at 6 pm.

Hosted by the Old Ottawa East Community Association and the Centretown Citizens Community Association, in partnership with OpenFile.

Other community partners include: Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, Centretown Community Health Centre, Somerset West Community Health Centre, People for a Better Ottawa, Hintonburg Community Association, Glebe Community Association, Dalhousie Community Association

Event contact: canning.martin@gmail.com

DCA Report for April, 2011

2011-04-12T21:33:00.001-04:00

Guest speakers entertain and educate

The Dalhousie Community Association held its annual general meeting on 6 April. We had two guest speakers: John Doran and Rick Morris, of Domicile Developments. Domicile has been busy in the central city neighborhoods for 35 years. They have built townhouses, stacked townhouses, low rise apartments, and some higher-rise apartment buildings. They are active in the condo market these days, but have also built several buildings in partnership with non-profit housing providers. Their reputation amongst community groups and municipal planners is that they are “good guys” who work with the system and neighbours, rather than taking a confrontational approach right out of the gate.

I contacted several building associations and academics trying to find someone to speak to the Association about infill development in our neighbourhoods, but no one was willing to talk about the decisions behind the infill projects, and the numbers involved, until I found Domicile. What are the key factors determining how big, how high, and at what price point, do builders build? Rick Morris, the numbers guy at Domicile, was remarkably open with the fifty or so people that came out to the AGM. He provided us with a breakdown of typical costs for high rise construction, low rise wood-frame apartments, infill townhouses, and stacked townhouses. He even included their profit figures for each type of housing.

John Doran was an entertaining speaker, full of anecdotes about project issues, run-ins with councilors, dealing with bureaucrats and hostile neighbours. Both John and Rick said the business is very stressful and neither recommends it to their children: there are simply much easier ways to make a living. John did say that small project infill’s of less than 20 units are much more fun and let the owners get their hands in on every step of the process. Listeners were astounded at some of the costs, such as for the model suite(s) which go up on-site and are later torn down in order to construct the real building, or the high costs of insurance during the building process. Rick Morris held up a piece of plumbing with a $700 price tag that was enough to make one reconsider investing in gold or silver and instead invest retirement savings in plumbing supplies!

The point of having well-known and respected builders give a presentation to the community was based on the generally adversarial nature of many infill projects. The adversarial approach is not helped by media coverage which always looks for the “conflict” angle in every proposal. Infill will never be problem free. Many residents resist change to their local environment. And since every project faces unique challenges, and many neighbours bring differing wish lists and objections, not everyone will ever be happy. But knowing that the people that run development companies are (sometimes) people just like us makes it easier to dialogue.

President’s report

The President’s report is usually a tour of the major issues facing the neighborhood over the last year and what is coming up. But with the monthly Dalhousie Reports available on-line both from The Buzz and at this web site, this year’s report dealt a bit more subjectively with the issues.

The neighborhood has been getting a lot more media coverage. We are not-so-often called “centretown west”, nor is Dalhousie heard with a “wherez-dat?” Dalhousie is on the map again. This is also helped but what I call the “CBC index”: we can now find CBC personalities on many blocks in the neighborhood, because it is (still) affordable and close to the downtown.

The DOTT LRT transit project has been a bit quieter of late, as detailed planning continues with the city and consultants. And yes, that should worry us. Because what we are learning is that our neighborhood will get drastically downsized station facilities, no bike paths, and minimal walk-in facilities. Our access to the NCC lands along the Ottawa River will also be cut back if we let it happen.

We are all proud of the Preston streetscape, with its wider sidewalks, friendly lighting, and hundreds of trees and shrubs. I think the rest of the city has sat up and taken notice of how well it turned out. We took many of the lessons of Preston and applied them to the reconstruction of Somerset Street. Construction is resuming now on the O-Train to Preston section. Then the Somerset reconstruction continues up the hill to Booth street, and the new Chinatown look will be implemented. Also in Chinatown, the Gateway Arch, a royal arch has put Chinatown back on the map. The traditional grocery shops are struggling or dead, and too many restaurants are fighting for the lowest-priced buck. But the street will revive, and the coming of some new condo projects, such as the 37 unit one proposed for the corner of Booth and Somerset, will help.

Not everything we worked on came out fabulously. We did beat back the proposals to widen Bronson, and won a grudging study of the “road diet” concept. But it is hard to work towards a better street when the response from the City consultants is negative every day in every way. That street reconstruction is now delayed for a year or more, which gives us more time to Rescue Bronson. But at the same time, the Carling study came out with recommendations for widening that road, mostly to serve the peak rush hour commuter to Point Gatineau. We are still fighting that one; why does the City want to sacrifice existing neighbourhoods to benefit commuters to suburban projects in another province? And this year the City starts examining Albert Street between Bronson and City Centre Avenue, with an eye to widening it. I predict we will have a hard fight ahead of us to make it a more walkable and bikable street that looks good.

We also remain unhappy with the Bayview-Carling CDP process. This planning process is going so slowly we wonder if the real agenda is to make sure that plan comes out only after all the developable lots have been rezoned on a spot basis.

We had a generous number of volunteers from the community join our board at the AGM. And there is plenty to keep people busy. In addition to reacting to road and development proposals, we are trying to find some creative infill projects of affordable housing. We have to remain vigilant to push problem properties to clean up and to prevent the proliferation of non-permitted ugly parking lots, to get appropriate redevelopment of obsolete properties, and to keep our schools open so the area is attractive to families.

As a result of an ongoing lobbying campaign, we got the bike underpass under Somerset Street near the O-train, which had been deleted from the 2011-12 budget, back into the budget and it will be constructed this year. Now we have to get the Ottawa River-to-Carling Avenue pathway itself into next year’s budget. We welcome the assistance of anyone and everyone in the neighborhood to work together to build a better Dalhousie.

Get the dirt before it flies !

2011-03-29T23:39:00.001-04:00

Mayor watson responds to Soho Italia concerns

2011-03-29T15:34:00.002-04:00

Dear Mr. Darwin,

Thank you for your email to me dated February 9, 2011. Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in my reply to you on this matter. As Mayor in a city as large as ours, I receive hundreds of emails on a daily basis and I strive to ensure each one gets a reply.

I value your feedback on this particular project and would like to thank you for taking the time to write expressing the views and concerns on behalf of the Dalhousie Community Association.

Regards,

Jim Watson
Mayor
City of Ottawa

OC Transpo Route Changes in our neighborhood

2011-03-21T16:06:00.000-04:00

OC Transpo will be making a number of bus route changes that affect our neighborhood. We will post details of those changes when known. OC Transpo is holding a public event on

Tuesday, March 29th

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Ottawa City Hall, Jean Pigott Place, 110 Laurier Avenue West
http://www.octranspo1.com/routes/2011_network_optimization

2011 Network Optimization Proposals: Public Consultation

OC Transpo is seeking customer feedback into the network service proposal that supports the approved 2011 Budget. The plan proposes redesigning the network to make routes more direct, productive, and reliable, while ensuring that we can keep fares down and make our transit system sustainable for the long term.

While over 90% of customers will be unaffected by the proposed changes, some will have to walk a little farther to a bus stop, and service on some routes will be reduced. As a valued customer, we want to make sure you are aware of what is being proposed. Most importantly, we want to hear from you.

You’re invited to attend the following public open houses to find out if any of the proposed changes affect your transit travel. Details on the proposed changes will be available on octranspo.com on March 23rd.

Dalhousie Report, March 2011

2011-03-17T08:48:00.003-04:00

by Eric Darwin, President, Dalhousie Community Association

Exciting Guest Speakers: The Dalhousie Community Association will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on April 6, 2011. We are very excited that our guest speakers will be John Doran and Rick Morris of Domicile Developments. This firm has been active in Centretown, Dalhousie, and other wards for decades. They build townhouses, small and mid-rise apartments. Their talk will cover how much it costs to build infills, what factors determine "how big" and "how much" and "how tall", where the money goes, and what they do with the revenues. Should be very interesting and educational as condomania and infills appear throughout our neighborhoods.

The meeting begins at 7pm at the Dalhousie Community Centre, 3rd floor, 755 Somerset Street at Empress. This could be the best hour you spend this year! And the cookies are free.

High Rise Intensification: Soho Italia. The March meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association opened with a presentation by and discussion with the architect, Roderick Lahey, and developer representative Jeff Polowin. Recall that Mastercraft-Starwood’s Soho Italia proposal is for a 35 storey building near the intersection of Preston and Carling, opposite Dow’s Lake. Following the current developer trend in Ottawa, it is a very tall building on a very small lot. Readers can go to our website http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/ to view pictures of the proposed development.

The development is controversial not just for its size, but the audacity of its rezoning request (surrounding properties have zonings of six floors or less). The developer is ignoring the on-going Carling-Bayview study, which includes zoning issues; and the City’s planning department, in favour of direct lobbying to politicians and a sophisticated marketing campaign to sway various groups into supporting the project. Their attempt get support from the Preston Street BIA failed, with the BIA electing to support continued low-rise development along the street with higher-rising development behind, much like the successful and popular Adobe-Xerox complex on Preston immediately south of the Queensway.

Your association decided to continue opposing the project as over-sized, and to request a meeting with city officials. We will try to set up the meeting in conjunction with the BIA and other neighborhood groups. We also hear rumours from other developers that if 35 floors is granted, they will ask to upzone all their properties to 35 floors too, which would become the new standard height for highrises in the City.

Next, members heard from the community safety committee. Problem areas continue to be the Gladstone area west of Bronson, and a “pipe lounge” on Preston. Action is being taken on both problem areas to control the hazards. Unfortunately, this often means encouraging the problems to move to someone else’s neighborhood. We are encouraged by a renewed sense of cooperation from landlords who seem keener now than ever before to have good commercial tenants and good relations with neighbours. The new manager at the Quickie at Bell and Gladstone is also working with us to make that corner safer.

Low rise intensification is also on the upswing in Dalhousie. A local property owner wants to sever the parking lot (access off Norman) behind his existing duplex (which faces Preston), and build three apartments on the “new” (approximately 33’x33’) lot. This removes some off-street private parking and the new units will not have parking. Community members discussed the merits of the infill, and the issue of private vs on-street parking at new developments. This proposed infill might actually protect Norman street from a highrise and preserve the low-rise residential nature of the block. The spot is tight but the project seems nice, and the local developer has a track record of decent infills. We decided to send a short note in support of the zoning and site plan. Again, our website www.OttawaDalhousie.ca has pictures. We also encourage Centretown and Dalhousie residents to go to the City’s website study on the problems with infills http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/infill/findings_en.html and submit their comments.

The association sent a letter of support to the foes of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor. The current proposal before City Council calls for about $65 million of road construction from Riverside (near Hurdman Station) to the Hospital Complex. While we understand that some neighbours of the complex are upset with current excess traffic, we think the proposed road link is just the first part of the whole Alta Vista arterial which will facilitate and encourage more car-dependency and the concomitant nuisance in other neighbourhoods. In short: no more roads! We would much rather see the corridor used for a streetcar or similarly appropriate transit link.

Speaking of roads, our response is largely negative to the City’s proposals to “fix” Carling Avenue between the O-Train and Bronson Avenue. They propose to widen the road by removing much of the central grass median and pave it with turning lanes that are used mainly for about 90 minutes a day. For the other 22 hours a day, the six-lane road is way underused. It is silly to try to design roads just to handle the rush hour, there will never be enough space for rush hour and we are encouraging more commuters to drive.

While the Carling study team has tried to insert bike lanes in both directions, we have safety concerns, especially since the lanes peter out as you go up the hill towards Bronson, and the intersection at the top is a long way from being cyclist-friendly. We are going to ask for another meeting with the planners, part of which may include discussing a bi-directional multi-user path on the south side of Carling. We also want to carefully examine the pedestrian environment which remains hostile to walkers.

The Association also asked its president to appear before the City budget meetings to once again argue for immediate funding of the multi-user path under Somerset at the O-Train. It strikes us as bizarre to finish off five years of neighborhood mainstreet reconstruction in 2011 and then go back in 2012 to dig up Somerset again to install the pathway underpass. As much as City staff claims this is a logical engineering and financial sequence, we don’t think merchants, motorists, transit users, cyclists or pedestrians are likely to agree when they see new roads being dug up again. So much for taxpayer frugality. Perhaps some of the freed-up money from the Alta Vista project could be used this year to build this missing link for the cycling network.

The Association ran out of time to discuss the proposed high rise (17 floors) at the corner of Gloucester and Lyon Street. It would join two other apartment buildings of 12 stories on the same block. We hope to have an online discussion and submit a response to the zoning and site plan proposal. Photos and plans are available at http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/ .

Next meeting of the DCA is 7pm April 6, 2011 at the Dalhousie Community Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset Streets. See the first paragraph of today’s report for news of our guest speakers. Mark your calendars to come hear Deep Throat in person.

DCA approves small-lot infill

2011-03-04T16:50:00.001-05:00

A few posts back we noted the infill proposed for the corner of Preston and Norman. The proposed lot is tiny. There is no parking. Yet we wrote to the City to approve of it. Why?

First, the site is zoned six floors, and building something at three floors essentially preserves the site and buildings as low rise residential, in keeping with the Preston Street "village" plan, for the next 25 or 30 years. Given the severe upzonings on small lots that the city is now approving, we decided to take what was offered today rather than risk something taller tomorrow.

As for parking, the lot curently has three or four off-street parking spaces. These spaces make parking on the street there impossible. Removing the 3 off-street private spaces opens up the curb line for two or three on-street spaces that will receive higher usage. So it is better use of scarce parking resources.

Finally, we considered that the low rise infill better fit in with the rest of Norman Street and will help preserve its character. Here is our letter:

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

March 4, 2011

City of Ottawa
Attn. Bliss Edwards

The Dalhousie Community Association discussed the proposed site plan and zoning by law amendments for 409-411 Preston Street, files D07-12-11-0006 and D02-02-11-003.

We have no objections to the project.

Eric Darwin
President, DCA

DCA Agenda for 2 March 2011

2011-02-27T19:15:00.001-05:00

DCA Agenda, March 2nd, 2011

The next meeting of the DCA will be on Wed 3 March, 2011. It will be held at the Dalhousie Community Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset. Our room is on the ground floor, beside the pop machine. Meeting begins at 7.30 and is usually over shortly after 9. Everyone is welcome.

Agenda:
1. Soho Italia (high rise intensification). Presentation by and discussion with the architect, Roderick Lahey, and developer representative Jeff Polowin. Our website has some pictures of the proposed development. Please familiarize yourselves with these before coming to the meeting.

20min for presentation, 30 minutes for discussion.

2. Norman street infill (low rise intensification). A local property owner wants to sever the parking lot (access off Norman) behind his existing duplex (which faces Preston), and build 3 apts on the “new” 33’x33’ lot. This removes some off-street private parking and the new units will not have parking. Discuss the merits of the infill, and larger conversation about parking at new developments. Some argue that requiring many parking spaces facilitates or encourages car ownership and auto-dominated projects. Others argue that building without parking lowers unit costs and promotes transit oriented development and active transportation modes (walking, cycling, transit). For large buildings, visitor parking and even resident parking can clog adjacent streets. These are issues for to consider for the little infill at Preston/Norman and for larger projects like Soho Italia.

3. publicity/notice BUZZ ad for AGM; Charles has written a piece for the Buzz to encourage membership for March issue

4. FCA dues for 2011 ($30) Archie.

5. Re: community safety, Eric’smeeting with Paul Dewar last month re prostitution laws being struck down.

6. Alta Vista corridor. DCA has written to object to the road project.

7. Albert street (from last meeting): We wrote to express our concerns that this be a comprehensive redevelopment of Albert and not just a traffic scheme; response from DH is posted on our web page.

8. Carling Avenue reconstruction: Eric to submit comments on behalf of DCA.

9. Devonshire daycare and English Public school board accommodation meetings (Zsofia,5 minutes).

500 Preston (Soho Italia)

2011-02-27T17:05:00.001-05:00

Starwood-Mastercraft proposes a 35 storey condo tower at 500 Preston (corner of Sidney) near Carling Avenue. Here is a view from Carling (the 5-7 storey black podium is a parking garage):

Shown below is the building proposed for this site several years ago. The developer of that tower got the site rezoned from six to 24 stories.

Shown below is an artists impression of what the area could look like if other properties also were redeveloped to similar size high rises:

Here is a neighborhood model prepared by the developer, which can be seen in their Soho Champagne sales office currently on the 500 Preston site:

Preston/Norman infill development application

2011-02-27T16:49:00.001-05:00

There is a duplex (four apts) facing Preston at 409-411:

Note the garages facing Norman, on the side:

The owner proposes to demolish the sheds/back porches on the house, and construct a three storey three-apt building with roof terrace. The new lot would be 33'x33'; and the house will essentially fill it all up. The city turned down the first version of the project, which had a 3 car garage on the ground floor. The site is zoned six stories. Here is the lot plan:

And here is what it would look like from Norman Street:

you can see more drawings at ottawa.ca/devapps, enter the address 409-411 Preston, or development number D07-12-11-0006.

Lyon & Gloucester development application

2011-02-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

To see more info on this application, go to http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__7FKLE5

Here it is in a nutshell. A developer proposes a sixteen storey condo mostly on Gloucester, with a face also onto Lyon. The rest of the block includes a city living (OCH) project at 11 stories, and a new Richcraft building not yet built, at 15 stories. Surrounding high rises vary in height, including 23 and 28 story buildings. Here are some pics:

Albert street reconstruction (ii)

2011-02-25T14:00:00.003-05:00

Feb 25, 2011, Letter from Councilor Holmes to Nancy Schepers:

As you are aware $610K has been allocated for the design of the Albert St. rehabilitation project (Project # 906056). This integrated project will have an Eastern terminus point of Bronson Ave. It is necessary to see the scope of this project expanded to include the realignment of the Bronson/Albert/Slater intersections, including the necessary funding required for all appropriate studies and Environmental Assessments.

As has been discussed previously there is a need to make improvements to the alignment of the Albert/Slater/Bronson intersections. These intersections, in their current alignment are antiquated, inefficient and unsafe for both pedestrians and cyclists. This is problematic, as it has been identified as the primary linkage between the (upper) Escarpment District and the (lower) Lebreton Flats in the Council Approved Escarpment Area District Plan.

The (lower) Flats area has seen significant residential redevelopment over the past five years; this development will continue for the foreseeable future. It is anticipated that the conclusion of the Claridge, Phase I development will result in thousands of new residents living in this area. The mobility demands of these new residents will require efficient and convenient transportation networks (sidewalks, cycling lanes etc.). Although a portion of this infrastructure is already in place (City and NCC multi-purpose pathways, Pooley’s Bridge) or is soon to be built (East-West Segregated Bike Lane) the critical connection (Albert/Slater/Bronson) of this network remains unresolved.

There is an opportunity to address this matter within the scope of three current projects: LRT/DOTT, Albert Reconstruction and Bronson Avenue reconstruction. All three of these projects will impact the functionality; physical design and future use these intersections. It stands to reason that the implementation (including the necessary realignment underground utilities) be included as part of either the Albert St. or Bronson Ave. reconstruction projects. In doing so we would limit the interruption and impact on area residents, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic; while at the same time achieving significant savings in construction costs.

In addition to the projects noted above I am aware that the terms of reference for the Downtown Ottawa Mobility Overlay Study (DOMOS) will be presented to Committee in the near future. I understand that DOMOS will result in the development of a significant planning document that will address future land use, urban design and transportation planning in the downtown core (specifically the post-surface transit corridor of Albert and Slater Streets), including the intersections of Bronson/Albert/Slater. However, recognizing that future implementation of any of the DOMOS recommendations would not occur within the next decade (coupled with the intersections already limited functionality) justifies reconstruction in the immediate future. It is safe to assume that guiding principles of the Council approved Escarpment Area District Plan (EADP) will be incorporated into the DOMOS, and that reconstruction of this intersection, according EADP would be in-line with DOMOS findings.

With regards to a potential design, during the course of the Public Advisory Committee meetings for Bronson Ave. reconstruction, the project team was challenged by the community to develop a rationalized and sensible design for these intersections. Both the consultants and city staff agreed that the status-quo design of this intersection presented a challenge to pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular mobility. Accordingly staff provided the committee with two conceptual designs for review. Staff clearly explained to the PAC that the design was outside the mandate of Construction Services and would need to be reviewed internally by Traffic/Transportation staff. I have provided you a copy of the design that was unanimously supported by the PAC.

I am aware that the concept design proposed by staff includes the acquisition of a significant parcel of land from the NCC, however I do not see this as an impediment to moving forward. As I mentioned previously there is an opportunity to initiate dialogue with the NCC on the potential acquisition of this land during LRT discussions. The proposed realignment (shifting Slater to the North) would allow for the creation of a significant, and valuable, parcel of development land for either the NCC or the City of Ottawa. I would be interested in exploring the option of retaining this parcel of land for use as a City Park.

I have also included, for your information, correspondence regarding the Albert St. reconstruction project from the Dalhousie Community Association. I agree with many of the points they have raised, this is a great opportunity to make significant improvements, including increased tree planting, wider sidewalks and enhanced cycling/pedestrian facilities to the current environment. I would like to see this project assigned to staff that are familiar with working in the urban core area, and who are amenable to accommodating both pedestrian cycling facilities. I would like to review and discuss the terms of reference of this project during our next monthly meeting.

Kind regards,
Diane

Albert street reconstruction (i)

2011-02-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

Letter to Councilor Holmes re proposed Albert Street reconstruction:

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1
Eric Darwin, President

18 Feb 2011

Albert Street reconstruction planning:

At its last meeting, the DCA agreed to approach you with respect to ensuring that the reconstruction of Albert meets a variety of community and stakeholder needs rather than just the movement of traffic.

We ask that you consult with staff at the earlier possible opportunity to ensure that our concerns, outlined below, are included.

From the Ottawa budget documents:

This project involves the renewal of Albert Street between City Centre Ave & Bronson Ave. The scope of work includes full roadway, curb & sidewalk reconstruction. The existing water mains, valves, hydrants, and lead services will be replaced to the property line. The project will see the existing combined sewer replaced with new separate sanitary & storm sewers. The sewer house service connections will also be replaced to the property line. The current funding allocation will allow for the design of the rehabilitation of Albert St, including liaison with the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel design team. Reconstruction in a future year. The 2011 Total Project Estimate of $610K is comprised of: Roads - $140K, Sanitary Sewers - $170K, Storm Drainage - $120K & Water Mains - $180K. A portion of Sanitary Sewer component for this project is to be funded from the Development Charges By-Law No. 2009 - 216, reference items 10.074 and 10.179 on schedule B-17.

Albert is NOT part of a traditional main street designation. Albert St is a "Scenic Entry" from Empress to Bronson (OP) and a "Gateway" from Rochester to Bronson (OP Annex). These requirements must be incorporated into this plan.

Can we get the ped path on the north side widened and turned into a real two way MUP/bike lane/Bikewest? Should we plan for a MUP now but for eventual separated sidewalks and MUP?

Can we improve the awful sidewalk conditions on the south side, especially where OCH is installing the concrete walls in front of their projects? Improved lighting? trees? more trees? Will the city work with adjacent property owners to replace the mish-mash of ugly & collapsing retaining walls on the south side? The south side needs a coherent and functional design theme from Bayview to Bronson.

Can we prevent the repaving from turning it into a speedway? We are especially concerned that the addition of side bike lanes on the road may result in a total road width widening (as is proposed for Carling) which will add the bike lanes but at a terrible cost of a wider-looking road with all the deleterious side effects that come with a too-wide road. Can we – in conjunction with cycling groups -- look at alternative bike lane arrangements, so that the apparent road width is reduced? Recall that the Ottawa Cycling Plan calls for bike lanes on this stretch of Albert Street.

We need to ensure the Albert reconstruction considers and implements (with community consultation) the elimination of Commissioner between Slater and Albert, the relocation of Slater between Empress and Bronson, and the conversion of the former roadbed to a MUP path. These are requirements of the Escarpment Plan and need to be incorporated in this project.

We think there may also be opportunity to work on cutting through traffic off Booth by the careful influencing of the Albert-Booth intersection, ie persistently suggesting alternative configurations that meet our goals will solving some of the difficult traffic movements at this corner.

We note also that the City is simultaneously conducting a ped and cyclist access study to the proposed LeBreton transit station as part of DOTT. We must ensure the two are complimentary and that the intersection of Albert-Booth does not undo all the efforts to promote ped movements to the station.

We can compare the City’s call for Albert shown above, to the one for Rideau Street:

* Sidewalks, cycling facilities, and transit facilities;
* Opportunities for street amenities including street trees and other landscaping;
* On-street parking and loading spaces;
* Road structure and pavement;
* Traffic control signal system;
* Watermains, sanitary, storm and combined sewers;
* Lateral services to the property line;
* Utilities as required; and
* Street lighting and signage.

The Rideau Street call is much more “urban” and the Albert Street one is much more “traffic”. We want to prevent another Bronson fiasco where the terms of reference were already set out by time we heard of them, and are much too restrictive.

We are willing to work on a committee/advisory board to the city on making this street the main pedestrian, cycling, and car route into the core, beautiful and functional. We are less enthused if it is an adversarial deal like Bronson, but I will still be out front pushing the city.

We are concerned that the City make take the view that finishing the street is unnecessary, as its "temporary" until the flats are built out, and thus try to avoid landscaping, trees, lighting, sidewalks, etc. Residents in this area have been hearing that since 1980. The road design should be final enough as the LeBreton plans have all the key strategic elements identified. So, build it to last, incorporate the DOTT and Escarpment and other plan requirements, and landscape it so that we can promote walking and cycling and safe complete streets for this generation of residents.

We certainly don’t want to wait until the design staff at the city come to us with some road repaving scheme. I think we need to be in this from day 1. Can we get a sympathetic project leader? If not, can we insist that a real, experienced urban planner be put on the team to consider the urban context? Can we ensure the project is to be reviewed by the City’s new design review process?

Mayor Watson reponds to our concerns re UPASS

2011-02-22T15:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your e-mail about the U-Pass.

As you may know, I have been a strong supporter of the U-Pass from the outset.

In the coming weeks, we will continue our discussions with CUSA at Carleton University and SFUO at the University of Ottawa in the hope of continuing this important program.

The City of Ottawa is firmly committed to providing our student population with a low-cost fare option. We also believe that this program is beneficial in encouraging increased transit use, and I as Mayor sincerely hope it will continue into the future.

OC Transpo is currently in discussions with your student association to see if the pilot program can continue after the current agreement expires on June 30, 2011.

OC Transpo will be moving to increase fares for adults, students and seniors by an average 2.5% in keeping with City Council's direction for the coming year. As a result, the U-Pass will also increase modestly from $145 to $148.63 for the academic year 2011-2012.

I encourage you to stay in touch with your student association in the coming weeks to see if CUSA and SFUO decide to remain involved in what has proven to be a highly successful program.

Thank you again for your interest in the U-Pass.

Jim Watson

Petition to stop the Alta Vista Corridor

2011-02-22T15:32:00.000-05:00

Petition against the Alta Vista Highway

There's now a petition to oppose the first phase of the Alta Vista Corridor road.

The DCA shares the concerns of many that we don't need more roads in the downtown neighborhoods nor the inner suburbs. They merely encourage / enable more car traffic to the detriment of a denser, more pedestrian friendly city. After all, all those cars have to get to and from the new road link. Here is a petitition to help stop the Alta Vista highway:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-AVTC

In this article: http://www.yourottawaregion.com/news/article/955911--opposition-mounts-against-alta-vista-corridor

Councillor Hume is quoted as saying that opposition is “nowhere near a tidal wave.”

We need a tidal wave.

Planning Act Sec 37

2011-02-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

Two board members of the DCA went to Toronto with Councilor Holmes and others to learn more about Sec 37 of the planning act. Here is the report from Catherine Boucher:

SECTION 37 COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Report to DCA by C. Boucher
February 2, 2011

The City is in the process of reviewing the Secondary Plan for Centretown as it relates to the Mid-Centretown area (Kent to Elgin, Gloucester to Q’way) .

The CDP is expected to be submitted to City Council along with a revised Secondary Plan (The Centretown Plan) and accompanying zoning. Part of the work of the PCG is to look at Section 37 of the Planning Act to see whether we want to insert Community Benefits into a revised Secondary Plan for Centretown.

Section 37 of the Planning Act provides a tool for municipalities to extract benefits from developers when they apply for changes in zoning, or increases in height or density from what is permitted under existing zoning

The City has adopted into its Official Plan (OP) the following commitment to implement the Section 37 provisions:

Increase in Height and Density By-law (Section 5.2.1)

8. Pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act, the City may authorize increases in the height and density of development above the levels otherwise permitted by the zoning by-law. Public consultation will be included in the development and approval of such a by-law. Limited increases will be permitted in return for the provision of such facilities, services or matters as are set out in the by-law. Such provisions that may be authorized include, but are not limited to:

a. Public cultural facilities;

b. Building design and public art;

c. Conservation of heritage resources;

d. Conservation/replacement of rental housing;

e. Provision of new affordable housing units; land for affordable housing, or, at the discretion of the owner, cash-in-lieu of affordable housing units or land; [Amendment 10, August 25, 2004]

f. Child care facilities;

g. Improvements to rapid-transit stations;

h. Other local improvements identified in community design plans, community improvement plans, capital budgets, or other implementation plans or studies;

i. Artist live-work studios.

Despite this Section, the City has not negotiated community benefits when reviewing application requesting additional height or density.

The current situation in Centretown (and elsewhere) is that developers are asking for and receiving significant height and density increases. This situation is particularly accelerated now as the City is planning to re-introduce Development Charges (DCs) in the downtown area in late summer of 2011. There has been a “moratorium” on DCs for a number of years, with the intent of encouraging residential development downtown (especially parking lots and other vacant lands).

In part because the Secondary Plan (Centretown Plan) is now over 30 years old, the developers have been able to convince the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) that it does not reflect the current OP direction with respect to intensification. Of the 25 OMB appeals in the last 10 years, the developers have “won” 19 of their appeals. So the Planning (and Legal) Departments are reluctant to hold the line on height/density, fearing another loss at the OMB.

Because of the demand from developers to build higher and bigger, it seemed appropriate for the community to look more closely at Section 37 and see if this tool would help mitigate some of the concerns raised around such applications.

In order to better inform ourselves, two of the community representatives (myself and Charles Akben-Marchand from CCCA/DCA) went to Toronto this week, along with Councilors Holmes and Hume and City staff to meet with their Planning staff. We were accompanied by two of the consultants from Urban Strategies who are the lead consultants on the Mid-Cttown Plan.

I was not able to participate in the earlier portion of the day, but others were taken around downtown Toronto and shown some examples of developments where Section 37 was used to provide additional benefits to the area. We all met with Peter Langdon, who is the person in charge of the Section 37 negotiations for the City of Toronto. He gave us a very informative presentation and Q&A session.

Here are some the highlights of the presentation:

• Toronto has been negotiating Section 37 benefits since January 1998. Latest policy was modified in November 2006 and approved by the OMB

• There have been 356 Section 37 agreements, including 195M in cash benefits

• The agreements are registered on title.

• The city has a 35+ page Guideline and Protocol document outlining the various pieces of this tool.

• There have been numerous OMB appeals of the developments, some of them where the developer has appealed the Section 37 benefits. The decisions on these have varied quite a bit, with some OMB adjudicators having obvious biases against the Section and refusing to allow any benefits.

• The Planning Act only states that the Official Plan must include a policy to allow the City to negotiate under Section 37 .

• Toronto’s experience is: “The more specific your community plan and its list of benefits, the better”.

• Developments must represent good planning. “Section 37 is not a density bonus”.

• Generally used for development of > 10,000 m2 or “significant” height increase.

• Community benefits do not replace DCs or Park levies, benefits must be in addition to those.

• Priority for on-site or local benefits.

• Must bear a “reasonable planning relationship” to the increase in height/density.

• Good architecture/design not an eligible benefit.

• City may forego/reduce benefits where zoning outdated.

• Secondary plan or specific OP policies prevail.

• Typical benefits: Heritage conservation, Child care facilities, Public art, Non profit arts/cultural facilities, park land, park improvements, recreational facilities, school playgrounds, streetscape improvements not abutting site, replacing or preserving rental housing, land for affordable housing, transit improvements, reforestation.

• Quantum (formula) is for defined areas, not city-wide. Earlier version of their policy used C-W formula and was determined to be “like a tax” and not legal.

• Formula determined on a case by case basis, but typically tied to a percentage of the “land lift”.

• Calculations provided by City Real Estate division.

• Formula approach is permitted in secondary or area plans.

• Ward Councillor consulted prior to discussion with applicants.

• Councillor and staff coordinate community consultation.

• Planning staff coordinate negotiations, provide report to Council.

Some of the Section 37 Community benefits have included such items as:

 $225K for improvements to a local Seniors Centre

 207 sq.m of parkland conveyed to the City

 retaining existing rental units for 20 years

 150K for schoolyard refit

 400K for improvements to a local walking trail

 200K for public art

 provision of 105 housing units for seniors

 1.05M for a new community centre, trails and improvements to a Go Train station

 providing 81 rental units on site for at least 15 years

Next steps:

Councillor Holmes and staff met with RPAM and they will provide information this week on a formula for determining value of increased height/density.

Councillor Holmes and Hume are hoping to meet with Mayor to get the Mayor’s support for this direction.

CCCA will meet to discuss the use of Section 37 and possibility of getting a list of desired community benefits into the Secondary Plan.

DCA supports UPass program

2011-02-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

The following letter was sent to various city councilors on 8 Feb 2011:

Dear Councilor Deans,

I am writing to you in your capacity as Chair of the Transit Commission to express the Dalhousie Community Association’s (DCA) support for the U-Pass program at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

The DCA has heard from proponents of the U-Pass and passed a motion to support the continuation of the program at its February 2 meeting. It is our understanding that OC Transpo has estimated the cost of the program to be $3 million in lost fare revenue per year. While the DCA is not in a position to determine the accuracy of the lost fare revenue estimate, it is essential that any calculation of the costs or benefits of the program be broadened to include its effect on traffic congestion.

The U-Pass is currently being used by nearly 50,000 students in Ottawa. It is our understanding that car trips by Carleton University students alone has decreased by over 7000 per day. The effects of this reduction in terms of environmental pollution and road maintenance must be considered in any holistic study of the value of this initiative.

Residents of Ottawa are well aware of the negative effects of traffic congestion and support practical solutions to address this problem over the long term. Programs that encourage mass transit use by youth may be one such solution.

Our Association encourages the Transit Commission to put forward a motion to support the U-Pass program until the real costs or benefits can be determined.

DCA objects to Soho Italia

2011-02-08T19:25:00.001-05:00

Councilor Diane Holmes
Councilor Peter Hume
Councilor Katherine Hobbs 8 Feb 2011

Re: the Soho Italia proposal by Starwood Mastercraft, 500 Preston Street

The Dalhousie Community Association (DCA) discussed this project at the 2 Feb 2011 meeting and unanimously agreed that it is objectionable on numerous grounds.

Firstly, the City is supposed to plan for its future using an Official Plan, supported by lower level plans. Neither the OP nor the CDP for the area call for high rises at the south end of Preston Street. Indeed, the zoning for the Carling and O-Train corridors was recently revised by the City as part of the CDP. And the CDP itself is still ongoing, a work in progress. Surely the correct planning procedure would be for the developer to request an amendment to the OP or similar neighborhood wide rezoning if they desire to promote a “Vancouver style” collection of tall condo towers. Instead, they are asking for a one-off rezoning, which will unleash speculation frenzy in this area. Lacking a persuasive case for spot rezoning, the City must maintain its current zoning for the area and entertain rezoning only through its normal neighborhood planning procedures.

Second, the proposal for a 35 storey tower built right up to the very edges of the sidewalk with no setbacks (indeed, the proponent calls for his building to overhang the public sidewalk) is totally contradictory to the Traditional Mainstreet designation in the OP and zoning, as well as the intent and letter of the on-going Bayview-Carling CDP. What is the purpose of gathering the citizens and land owners and planners together for multi-year planning processes if everything can be overturned based on the lobbying of a single developer? (Recall too that this site was spot rezoned from six to 20+ stories just a few years ago). The City has seen numerous challenges to its planning process in recent years. Public confidence has been shaken about the validity of the strategic planning process and its results. Approving such a drastic challenge to the planning process will further destroy the City’s reputation. We have not yet found a planner to support the idea that a 350’ wall rising straight up from the sidewalk edge constitutes good mainstreet development.

Third, the proposal for the tallest building in Ottawa needs to be assessed in a neighborhood context, not just as a one-site anomaly. What will the impact of this -- and other -- tall buildings be on the pedestrian environment, sidewalk patios, and two-storey traditional homes immediately adjacent the site? What will be the impact of these buildings on on-street parking for the restaurant trade? We note that the balconies of the proposed Soho Italia building extend to within 12” of the lot line; how then will adjacent lots be developable? Note that this community association is not opposed to high rise developments per se. We support intensification, especially along transit corridors, and for the conversion of brownfields to urban mixed-use spaces. Just because Starwood is a late-comer to the Ottawa condo market does not mean the city must inappropriately upzone lands or trash its neighborhood plans for the developer. Neighborhoods last forever, developers come and go. Will Council go for short-term buzz or leave a legacy of long-term vital neighborhoods?

Fourth, the City’s intensification goals can be reached by building within its current planned growth areas. The proposed 35 storey tower is merely the equivalent of 3 eight to ten storey mid-rise buildings, which are much more compatible with their neighbors and for which there is an abundance of appropriate lands. We question why the developer wants to build such a huge building on such a small lot in an area not zoned for that.

We urge our political leadership to show resilience and support for the OP strategic and neighborhood planning processes. This development proposal by Starwood is very high profile. It will be watched closely. The City’s decision will send a clear message to citizens, associations, and developers.

Does the City jump to rezone at the behest of developers, or does it plan for a rational city that works for all citizens?

Eric Darwin
President

Dalhousie Report for Feb 2011

2011-02-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

The board of the Dalhousie Community Association met on February 2 for their monthly meeting. The west side of the downtown continues to abound in interesting developments.

Somerset/ Booth Condo: presentation by developer

Board members met in December with the proponents of a six floor condo for the now-vacant lot at the corner of Somerset and Booth. In response to our concerns about shading, their 12 month study shows shadow impacts on properties to the north for only about two hours at midday, for about 2 weeks in winter solstice, ie it is a fairly minimal impact.

The developer has also changed the two-lane garage entrance to a one-lane, two-way ramp, which reduces the impact on Somerset Street and the sidewalk. They have also pushed back the main floor by one foot to allow room for a green edge along the sidewalk. As per our suggestion, the western balconies were re-arranged to break up the flat planes of the building and improve the western end. For the exterior, the developers have chosen a light brown brick with red brick accents. The bright red window and balcony trims will remain.

As an alternative to the wing on the back of the building, which the Board previously considered too intrusive on adjacent properties, the proponent developed an alternative plan that removed the back wing and put the space on the top of the building, as a seventh floor. This option proved unpopular with most of the DCA board. There will be about 39 residential and 3 commercial units in either configuration.

The Chinatown BIA is excited the project is going ahead. The DCA is also pleased that the site will be developed. Somerset needs the injection of new development. Nonetheless, we would prefer if the building respected the five floor zoning and had a setback at the fourth floor, per the zoning. Other property developers are watching this project closely as they design their own projects in the area.

Segregated bike lane approved on Laurier all the way to Bronson

Eric Darwin and Charles Akben-Marchand of our Association made presentations to the Transportation Committee on February 2nd’s marathon session, regarding the proposed segregated bike lanes on Laurier. Both supported the lanes, and lobbied for them to extend all the way west to Bronson. There was a lot of opposition from adjacent condo owners to the lanes extending west of Bay, but we pointed out that Queen Elizabeth towers in particular is sitting on a lot of under-utilized parking spaces and that some adjustments can be made to make these available to selected guests. Transportation Committee unanimously agreed with our position.

Soho Italia

Board President Eric Darwin met with the Soho Italia architect and the developer’s lobbyist who are very excited about their 35 storey super condo, which they pitch as being in the Vancouver style. The sales office set up on Preston is now selling their development at 125 Hickory (“Soho Champagne”) but also promotes Soho Italia. The Soho Italia developer is not ready to talk to the DCA board or the public yet, but he will be available later in February. The project is w-a-a-a-y out of line with the current zoning, which was revised just a few years ago as part of the Community Development Plan, which is still ongoing. Rather than approve the first building that flouts the zoning, which will lead to other land owners wanting to do the same, we think that the Soho Italia promoters should seek an amendment to the Official Plan so that the area can be planned rationally and as a whole, rather than on a lot-by-lot basis.

A motion was passed for the DCA to write a letter with strong opposition, copying the mayor and the chair of the planning committee. We support intensification, but it doesn't have to be this way. The Preston BIA is also preparing a statement in opposition.

Section 37 meeting in Toronto

Two board members went with Councilor Holmes and one of her staff to meet with Toronto City staff responsible for implementing Section 37 of the Planning Act. This section of the act allows municipalities to receive benefits in return to permitting additional height or density when rezoning a site. Developers in Ottawa are already making deals re Sec 37. For example, Starwood Mastercraft offered funds to partially pay for a pedestrian overpass over the O-Train corridor in return for additional height on their 125 Hickory project. Our interest in Sec 37 has also been sparked in relation to updating the Centretown secondary plan. Toronto has been using this section since 1998, and has completed 356 agreements leading to 195 million dollars in cash benefits. Ottawa has invoked the clause nary once. The ‘case law’ regarding Sec 37 is still evolving, so it is by no means a well known or guaranteed approach.

University bus passes

The university bus pass program means that every student must buy a discounted bus pass. Over fifty thousand passes were sent out, leading to significant drop in car traffic at the universities and increased ridership between the two main universities. It is considerable success, and includes numerous side benefits. OC Transpo claims the deals costs them 3 million a year. Edmonton, on the other hand, found $3.4 million per year of benefits from their own program introduced in 2006. With the proposed increase in bus pass prices there is a threat that the program might be killed if the price goes up (no chance to run an approving referendum at the colleges) .The DCA agreed to send a letter of support to transit committee.

Somerset underpass

The City agreed last year to a list of top priority cycling projects, and asked the NCC to cost-share (some of these paths use NCC land or connect to NCC paths). We were excited that the O-Train corridor path was on the top priority list, and since then a contract was issued to Delcan to plan the Bayview-Station-to-Somerset segment, including an underpass under Somerset to be built in conjunction with the road reconstruction in 2011. However, the City has not (yet) funded the path nor the underpass, even though the road reconstruction is going to tender. Eric made a presentation to transportation budget committee asking for funding for the underpass this year as it will look extravagant to tear up the freshly-rebuilt road one year later to build the underpass. The effort dissolved in confusion at the committee, with unhelpful comments from staff. The committee has tabled the effort, so we might yet get some left over funds from the budget, but it is all very murky. It strikes us as incredible that the city can rebuild Somerset in 2011 and then just a year or so later come back to dig it up again to put in the underpass. This is scarcely the frugal and effective spending promised by our Mayor.

In other buget news, the reconstruction of Somerset from the O-Train up to Booth was approved. Bronson reconstruction is delayed, to around 2014. Carling Avenue is not funded for 2011 but there is a public meeting later in February to review the reconstruction plans. It is important that we continue to influence the planning for these roads so that one day, when the plans are dusted off and implemented, we get some of what we want

Planning for the reconstruction of Albert Street (between Bronson and City Centre Avenue) is going ahead in 2011 as they are pressed by the DOTT timeline. The work needs to be finished before the new LRT line starts construction, as Scott-Albert will handle thousands of buses of day currently on the transitway (prior plans to have many buses avoid Scott have fallen through). We fell the community must influence the terms of reference for the study to avoid the mistakes we are struggling now with Bronson. This is not to say we want Albert on a road diet – Albert will be getting wider, not narrower. But we want to avoid leaving the whole project in the hands of the traffic engineers. A motion was passed, to send a note to this effect to the Councilor, insisting on a comprehensive plan involving cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, landscaping, and adjacent properties. The intersections at Booth and Bronson are particular problems – and also offer significant opportunities to improve the current situation.

The City has a study team examining pedestrian and cyclist access to the new Bayview LRT Station. The station has been downsized from the fancy two-levels of platforms on a new bridge version that has been around for several years. The new station will be a single level station at the current bus stop location, with provision for additional parallel tracks later. However, no drawings or sketches are being made available. This makes it even more difficult to design the pedestrian access. Board President Eric Darwin is on the public advisory committee for this, and is most unhappy with the limited understanding they have for walk in traffic. The planners insist this is a transfer station with minimal walk-in traffic, but they continue to rebuff our suggestions – made consistently for the last seven years – to actually do a pedestrian count at the site. The DCA agreed to write Councilor Holmes & Hobbs suggesting a joint meeting of Dalhousie and Hintonburg residents with the planning team to educate them about walk in traffic.

The DCA board is considering April 6th as their Annual General Meeting date. We haven’t decided on a theme for the session. Perhaps it might be Section 37 of the Planning Act (mentioned above), or on the planning and economic considerations for high-rises, smart intensification/infill for the future.

DCA Agenda for 2 Feb 2011

2011-02-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

Dca agenda 2 Feb 2011. Locale: Dal.Community Centre, corner of Empress at Somerset, 7.30pm; ground floor (by the pop machine).

Times shown below are just to help in planning the meeting

1. Presentation on the proposed condo building at the corner of Somerset/Booth. This proposal has been revised to address (some) of our concerns previously expressed. Some new drawings and options. 7.30 – 8pm

2. Catherine and Charles went to Toronto to attend a Sec 37 meeting (municipal tradeoffs for additional height and density to developers). Report on what they learned, and motion to reimburse some funds. 8 – 8.15

3. Soho italia: brief review of the project. Eric is meeting with developers on Tuesday Feb 1st but developers have elected not to meet with the DCA at this time. To see developer’s package of drawings, go to http://westsideaction.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/soho-italia-the-developers-proposal/. Other posts the days before and after the one above, detail the proposal and its ramifications for those keen enough to read it all. Developer wants to schedule a separate meeting with DCA board on the subject later in Feb. 8.15--8.45

4. The City has set up a study group on pedestrian access to the proposed LRT stations. Eric sits on this PAC (as well as the very closely related one on actual station building design). Of main concern is Bayswater station, which has been radically downsized, and for which the City seems convinced is only a transfer station with minimal walk in traffic. Motion to request DH set up a public advisory group of transit station users from the neighborhood(s) to meet with the staff to ensure the station functions well for walk ins. 10 min.

5. Brief update on Somerset between Preston and Bayswater reconstruction. 10 min.

6. Brief report on Prostitution round-table with Paul Dewar and other community assoc. 5min.

7. Albert street redesign: from the budget: This project involves the renewal of Albert Street between City Centre Ave & Bronson Ave. The scope of work includes full roadway, curb &
sidewalk reconstruction. The existing water mains, valves, hydrants,
and lead services will be replaced to the property line. The project
will see the existing combined sewer replaced with new separate
sanitary & storm sewers. The sewer house service connections will
also be replaced to the property line. The current funding allocation
will allow for the design of the rehabilitation of Albert St, including
liaison with the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel design team.
Reconstruction in a future year. The 2011 Total Project Estimate of
$610K is comprised of: Roads - $140K, Sanitary Sewers - $170K,
Storm Drainage - $120K & Water Mains - $180K. A portion of Sanitary
Sewer component for this project is to be funded from the
Development Charges By-Law No. 2009 - 216, reference items 10.074
and 10.179 on schedule B-17.

OK, so the DESIGN OF THE reconstruction of Albert is in the budget. We need to know if this is like Bronson, just a repaving that incidentally widens the lanes, adds turning lanes, enlarges the booth intersection, or ...

is albert part of a traditional mainstreet or scenic entryway route? Can we get the ped path on the north side widened and turned into a real two way MUP/bike lane/Bikewest? Can we improve the awful sidewalk conditions on the south side, especially where OCH is installing the world's uggliest graffiti wall on the north side walls in front of their projects? Improved lighting? curb lanes for bikes? trees? more trees? can we prevent the repaving from turning it into a speedway?

will the city work with adjacent property owners to replace the mish-mash of ugly & collapsing retaining walls on the south side?

By the end of the discussion, Eric would like a motion to the councilor calling on her to ensure the reconstructions study becomes a full-fledged street re-design study for all modes and the community, similar to what is needed for Bronson. 15minutes

8. to discuss the Universal Bus Pass at Carleton and the University of Ottawa and have the DCA consider passing a motion in support of continuing the program. The pilot project started in September, and car usage to Carleton University has dropped 12%, student transit ridership increased about 20% while in September the city-wide ridership compared to September 2009 increased 3.7% . The City estimates the cost of the program to be $3 million per year, although my calculations suggest that figure is high for several reasons: 1) it doesn't include provincial funding increases resulting from increased ridership, and 2) doesn't include money saved from less OC Transpo administrative costs, less road wear, interest earned on upfront fee collection, cleaner air and, most importantly, evidence indicating that students who use public transit are more likely to become lifelong transit users.

9. City budget: what was in it for this community? We identified our priorities as Somerset reconstruction up to Booth; the Otrain bike corridor. What is the status of Bronson design study, of Carling reconstruction. Other ward issues”? 10 min.

10. Other items??

DCA relating concerns about Christ Church Cathedral development

2011-01-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

17 January 2011

Erin O’Connell,
Planning and Growth Management Department
City of Ottawa

Re: Cathedral Hill proposed development

At its January meeting, the Association discussed the proposed developments around Christ Church Cathedral. Our comments are based on a presentation in the fall by Mr Demark, and the public presentation last month.

We have several concerns.

• The entire Queen-Bronson-Sparks-Bay block is a heritage zone. It will become completely fragmented with this development. Roper House will be adjacent a tall condo, the Cathedral and its hall will be separated from other historic houses by an office tower, St Peters is squished off into a corner, and eventually there will be a modern high rise south of St Peters too. The heights of the buildings and their dominance totally change the character of the block. The underlying principle for this block should be to enhance the appreciation of the existing historical fabric.

• The proposed condo tower was presented to the DCA as 15 floors, which exceeded the height of the church tower but left the tower as a significant skyline element. We expressed our concerns then about the proposed condo being a bit too tall at that height. Subsequently the condo grew to 18 stories, lately it is 24 stories. The building now dominates the skyline and trivializes the Cathedral. This is not acceptable to this Association. Too much effort is being put into preserving the views of the condo owners at 85 Bronson, and not enough into shaping an attractive skyline that leaves a significant role for the Cathedral. We remind you that the skyline is very important as it is the first downtown line of development, sits high on an escarpment, and is visible from Wellington, Portage, Gatineau, the Western Parkway, the Flats …

• Just as the height limit on the South side of the block was broken by 95 Bronson for ostensibly valid reasons, it quickly became the new base line height for 85 Bronson. Once the Christ Church condo is approved at 24 floors that will become the de facto target height for all subsequent developers. This is not planning; it is ad hoc reacting to developers.

• This Association understands the rationale for constructing an office building east of the Cathedral. However, this breaks the Lyon Street office/residential dividing line. We expect that St Peters will follow with a request for an office tower on their parking lot, arguing the same grounds as Christ Church. We then expect other developers to want office buildings west of Lyon. Since Christ Church has no tenant for the office building, it need not be rezoned now but can be considered later, which will delay the offices-west-of-Lyon precedent. If the city is to allow this office building precedent, it should specify that it will entertain no further office towers until this one is fully occupied and that the exception is for the financial and public benefit of the historic properties and should reiterate that office structures will not be permitted elsewhere.

• Our Association appreciates and lauds the work of the Anglican diocese in its Cornerstone housing efforts. Nonetheless, there are flaws with a build-luxury-condos-here and put-affordable-housing-over-there approach. It results in reinforcing the economic disparity of existing neighborhoods. Cathedral Hill will become Ritzy Hill. We prefer that the Cathedral work out and arrangement with a non-profit housing provider for some of the condo units so that they remain affordable rentals. This initiative becomes even more affordable should the city approve the 24 storey height limit which will significantly increase the market value of the condos.

• We appreciate the efforts to preserve Roper House and Lauder Hall. We like that a townhouse façade is proposed for part of the structure on the Sparks Street side. We would like the existing houses on the south side to have their facades incorporated into the condo tower, amongst other measures to create a pedestrian scale street environment and to preserve a sense of history.

• We see no efforts to reinforce the historic elements through streetscaping or landscaping plans for the whole block. The finished result will be half high-rises and half historic low-rises. The city must intervene by sponsoring a coherent streetscaping, landscaping, and finishing theme for the block, to be implemented by the developers as they build.

• If the scale of development proposed were acceptable, we think the basic arrangement of the buildings on the site( as presented to us with a shorter condo) is well conceived

• The architecture of the new buildings must be complimentary to the gothic structure of the Cathedral and Hall.

Sincerely,

Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Association.

DCA position re ped crossing lights

2011-01-17T09:48:00.002-05:00

The DCA agreed to send the following statement of position regarding the inconsistent and frustrating installation of ped traffic signals in Ottawa. We invite other community associations to consider similar appeals to the City.

Diane Holmes, Councilor 17 January, 2011
Somerset Ward

Re: pedestrian activation of traffic signals

At the January meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association we discussed the current unfortunate state of pedestrian traffic signals in our ward.

We do understand that it is sometimes desirable to have pedestrian activated signals, for example, at Primrose/Booth half-light, where pedestrian traffic exceeds vehicular traffic and vehicular traffic will not change the light.

However, we are distressed at the number of signal installations that have pedestrian push buttons for no apparent purpose. For example, someone walking along Preston crosses several signalized intersections at which the pedestrian lights activate automatically, even though there are push buttons. But then, when arriving at Albert, the pedestrian light does not turn green unless the button is pushed. If the pedestrian misses pressing the button, there is a four minute or more wait as the signal cycle is extremely slow here. This results in pedestrians crossing the street against the light. This sort of inconsistency in whether or not the button is useful would never be tolerated for automobile traffic, and we see no reason for it to be in effect at this – or any other - intersection.

Consider also a pedestrian arriving at an intersection one second after the light turns green, it is not possible to push the button to get the remainder of the light. The traffic engineers PRESUME that the pedestrian will simply wait an entire cycle of the lights … when in fact, pedestrians are just being taught to ignore the pedestrian lights as being useless, inconsistent annoyances. The result is increased crossing against the lights, not less.

The second or subsequent pedestrian arrivals at an intersection are also faced with an uncertainty: do they push the button (again) or assume the first arrival pushed the button?

Nor are the push-the-button intersections limited to low-pedestrian volume corners. There are always large volumes of pedestrians at McRae and Richmond but the pedestrian light must be manually activated. The crowd sees the traffic light go green, the pedestrian light stays red, people hesitate, wondering if it is some sort of delayed walk signal, then lurch across the intersection against the light. This whole situation is so inconsistent it frustrates any attempts to make pedestrian crossings logical, predictable, and safer.

Furthermore, we see pedestrian signals being installed in unnecessary situations, such as for the north side of Albert at Preston.

We recommend that

• All intersections that have pedestrian lights should change to green for every cycle of the traffic lights.

• There should be active, usable push buttons only where necessary, for example, at half lights, or where pressing the button activates a noise signal to aid visually impaired pedestrians, or activates a longer crossing time

• Unused buttons should be removed to prevent sending conflicting messages to pedestrians as to whether or not they need to push the button.

• We should not be asking pedestrians to push a button when the pedestrian light is going to change anyway.

We believe that this increased consistency will aid pedestrians in navigating the streets and sidewalks, will promote safety and greater respect for the signal phase, and reinstate pedestrians as first class users of the public right of way and not afterthoughts to be put up with. This is, after all, what our Official Plan calls for.

Eric Darwin, President
Dalhousie Community Association

DCA passes Percy Street cycling motion

2011-01-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

Robin Bennett 11 Jan 2011
Diane Holmes

Cc Hans Moor

At the January 5th meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association the Association passed a motion with regards to Percy Street.

Bronson Avenue is to be reconstructed in the coming years. It is very busy and has no cycling lanes. Many feel it is very dangerous to cycle on Bronson. Fortunately, there is a quiet parallel street immediately to the east: Percy Street.

Currently, Percy has a cycling lane southbound; Bay has a cycling lane northbound. Percy goes under the Queensway, Bay does not. This results in a confusing jog in the northbound route, and Bay lacks signals at Somerset.

We would like the city to examine Percy Street with the aim of making it a more cycling friendly alternative to Bronson. We suggest that Percy have a painted counter-flow northbound cycling lane. Southbound cycles would mix with traffic; the speed limit should simultaneously be reduced to 30 kmh.

Percy would connect with the Laurier SBL at the north, has signalized intersections at all major crossstreets, connects with other east-west routes, passes under the Queensway, and traverses the Glebe.

The Association believes this could become a safe and attractive cycling alternative to Bronson and would encourage more cycling activities and safety by congregating cyclists on one street.

Sincerely,
Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.

DCA cycling motion passed

2011-01-11T15:04:00.001-05:00

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1

Robin Bennett 11 Jan 2011
David Barclay
Diane Holmes

Cc Hans Moor, CfSC

At the January 5th meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association the Association passed a motion with regards to Arlington Avenue.

We would like the City to seriously consider making Arlington a designated East - West bike route. This will help connect the various north south routes from the downtown. It will also tie in nicely with our proposal for a pedestrian-cyclist traffic light at Arlington-Bronson to be installed as part of the Bronson reconstruction project. Arlington will fill a gap in the downtown cycling plan, and provide a less-busy alternative to Catherine.

Sincerely,
Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.

DCA Report, January 2011

2011-01-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

The Dalhousie Community Assoc. met on Wednesday, Jan 5th. In addition to the board, there were a number of residents attending which made the room pleasantly crowded. We are confident this signifies an increased interest in what is going on in our ‘hood.

Somerset reconstruction

Between Preston and Bayswater: work in 2011 (which was supposed to be done in 2010) will commence at Preston and work westwards, there will be three weeks of digging for pipes and laterals, should be done by end of May. Curbs, a first layer of asphalt, and then gravel sidewalks should be installed by June. Sidewalk pavers will be installed and final coat of asphalt by November.

The Preston BIA plans to install tree lighting on the O-train to Preston segment of Somerset, which is part of the Preston Street BIA; and on the east side of Plant Pool; and on the NE and SE corners of Somerset, to continue the successful and popular tree-lighting theme throughout the commercial part of Preston. No tree lighting is proposed for the residential area north of Spruce. The first sections of Preston done a few years ago did not get tree lighting as the BIA thought of this after the project started. This will necessitate some trenching, disturbing the existing pavers along Preston, and then adding tree guards with electrical power points. While we regret the digging up of finished sidewalks, the lit up trees are beautiful and worth the disturbance and are much appreciated by the community and visitors. Well done, Preston BIA!

Between Preston and Booth: we expect Somerset reconstruction work to be started and completed late in 2011. Design meetings with the community design team are ongoing. We are pleased to get this work done in 2011 as we anticipate budgetary constraints may result in more parsimonious designs in the future.

Cycling

Laurier Bike Lane: The City’s segregated bike lane project is now proposed for Laurier Avenue. There is a consensus in the Association that the City needs to keep improving cycling facilities in the ward and the city as a whole, especially the Somerset underpass/OTrain corridor route, and the Strathcona Park bridge over the Rideau River.

Other Cycling Initiatives: the board passed motions to ask the City to add Arlington Avenue to the official cycling plan. This would help complete the downtown cycling network, and reinforce pedestrian demand for a crossing light at Arlington and Bronson. In another motion, the board agreed to ask the City to examine improved use of Percy Street as a parallel cycling route to Bronson, from Laurier to the Glebe.

Booth/Somerset Condo Building:

A condo is proposed for the vacant lot at the high profile corner at Booth and Somerset, on the NW side. In general, we welcome the condo and understand the need to maximize the sellable space on this small lot to make it viable. It signals renewal in Chinatown; and we welcome the third major new residential building along Booth. The zoning along Somerset is 5 storeys, they are asking for an extra floor, to be set back ten feet from the front façade of the building to reduce its visibility. Your Association has a number of issues with the zoning and setbacks, which we will discuss further with the City and developer. We are very pleased that once again a developer has chosen to come to us early in the process so that a design can be found that meets community desires. In turn, we try to keep our comments positive and helpful. In general, we liked the proposal but felt the lack of landscaping on the Somerset Street side made the building too stark. Even planters along this frontage would help. A list of more minor objections will also be sent.

Cathedral Hill:
This is a much larger project proposed around Christ Church Cathedral on Sparks/Bronson/Queen. We have received the official rezoning application notification for a condo tower (up to 24 from 17 stories), townhouses (on the north side, on top of the new church hall), underground parking and an office tower (14 storeys, to be built later). Height is a major issue here, as is the lack of affordable units.

An overall vision for this area should be presented by the City and developer, including heritage (the new buildings cut up the block, there will be heritage buildings sandwiched between and diminished by very tall modern towers). There also needs to be some attention paid to streetscaping to enhance the heritage elements and unite the block and as a public benefit for such major upzoning.

Members also expressed major concern about the creep of office buildings to the west of Lyon (current office district boundary),and this being a possible precedent for other church lots. For example, St Peters owns the lot at the corner of Queen/Bay – could mixed uses go in here or would it be more likely they would want only an office building?

Members feel the Church is getting a lot of leeway because they are a community organization and similar plans would not likely be entertained from a private party. We cannot let their religious status be a reason to let poor development proceed without scrutiny.

There were a number of other items discussed at the meeting. Next meeting 2 Feb 2011 at the Dalhousie Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset at 7.30pm.

DCA Meeting Jan 5th, 2011

2011-01-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

DCA Agenda, Jan 5, 2011

The next meeting of the Dalhousie Community Assoc. will be on Wedn. 5 January 2011 at the Dalhousie Community Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset, at 7.30pm. The agenda includes …

Somerset update:

Between Preston and Bayswater: work in 2011 (which was supposed to be done in 2010) will commence at Preston and work westwards, there will be three weeks of digging for pipes and laterals, should be done by end of May. The contractor will do test pits first to find any contamination – this caused major delays last fall in the Bayswater area. Curbs, first asphalt, and then gravel sidewalks should be installed by June. Sidewalk pavers will be installed and final coat of asphalt by November. The Preston BIA plans to install tree lighting on the City Centre Dr to Preston segment, and on the east side of Plant Pool, and in front of the Vietnam building site, to continue the lighting theme throughout the commercial zone. This will necessitate some trenching, disturbing the existing pavers along Preston, and then adding tree guards with electrical power points.

Between Preston and Booth: we expect work to be done in 2011. Design meetings are ongoing.

Cycling:

Motion: that the DCA support Arlington as an e/w cycling route in the official cycling plan.

Another motion, that Percy Street be examined in 2011 by the city as a contra flow northbound lane and southbound cycling boulevard (bikes and cars share lane) , as a parallel safe cycling alternative to Bronson Avenue, from the Laurier segregated bike lanes south to Glebe. If passed, we will send motions to David.Barclay@Ottawa.ca, and robin.bennett@ottawa.ca

Cathedral Hill:

We have received the official rezoning application notification. Issues: height; creep of office buildings to the west of Lyon (current office district boundary), possible precedent for other church lots. See: http://westsideaction.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/planning-exercise-iii/
for some more info and pictures if you are keen.

Booth/Somerset Condo Building: A condo is proposed for the vacant lot at the corner of Booth and Somerset, NW side. We will have illustrated proposal at the meeting. For more info before then, see:

http://westsideaction.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/planning-exercise-v-chinatown-lives/

Other items?

DCA Report, December 2010

2010-12-07T09:17:00.001-05:00

Holiday Greetings to all our loyal readers. The next meeting of the DCA will be an abreviated meeting on Wedn. Dec 8th at 6pm. Please let me know if you are interested in coming as there will be a location change for this meeting only: EricDarwin1@gmail.com.

By knowing what is going on in your neighborhood, you are better placed to influence change. We welcome your comments.

The biggest issue in the past month as been the Rescue Bronson project, a coordinated effort with Centretown Community Association, and with CCOC (who are downtown landlords with lots of community spirit).

Rescue Bronson: Readers will recall the City's plan first revealed in the Spring of 2010 was to widen Bronson at the expense of narrower sidewalks, later revised to some widening but still four lanes.

Bronson today demonstrates the inadequacies of 1950’s road planning, for both motorists and the neighborhood suffer the effects daily. We want something better, and the best time to do better is when the road is being reconstructed. Unfortunately the planners were not imaginative, and it has been a struggle to educate them and the general public.

The public meeting in November was an astounding success, with a turn out over one hundred and fifty people from all walks of life. This is the biggest centretown meeting in many years. The Rescue Bronson group presented three wishes:

to improve the awful Albert-Slater-Bronson-Commissioner intersection;
to put the Laurier to Gladstone section on a road-diet (a better lane configuration);
to improve the pedestrian experience in the Arlington to Queensway section.

More details are available at http://www.rescuebronson.ca/.

Buoyed by the level of public interest and excitement that we can do better, the key stakeholder group met the consultants to review progress to date. The consultants came forth with two redesigns for the Albert-Bronson intersection mess, one of which we encouraged them to pursue further. The proposed design is consistent with the Escarpment District neighborhood plan and the City's Official Plan. To implement the new design will take considerable planning, public consultation, and direction from Council. Warning: this is a concept design only, and it will take lots of work and public consultation to refine it and get it implemented. If you want to influence it, volunteer with RescueBronson!

While not enthusiastically embracing the road diet concept for the middle section of Bronson (Laurier to Gladstone), the city planners did find that it was not impossible, and would not result in traffic chaos. Members of the group are meeting with the planners to come up with a road plan that will satisfy more than just the rush hour commuters.

The south portion of the street, from Gladstone to the Queensway remains to be improved, we have ideas for the planners but have not had a chance to review them in detail, and we want to pursue cycling improvements too, which may involve a parallel route along Percy but this will also require lots of work.

Recently we learned that the City is now unlikely to proceed with road reconstruction in 2011-13, as originally planned. If the project remains delayed, it gives us the opportunity to work out the bugs, to get a better public right of way for everybody. We will continue to meet with city planners and expect to ask for an expanded planning directive from council in the New Year. If Bronson is worth rebuilding, it is worth doing it well.

From Stimulus to Austerity: The economic crisis of the past few years was partially addressed by governments borrowing from the future to spend more today. The stimulus funding was aimed at “shovel-ready” projects.

The funding for the projects was based on three levels of government cooperating, so the City had to find increased monies for its share of the stimulus spending. Many of the projects constructed were advanced from the City’s list of future planned projects.

As the stimulus funding winds down, the projects will be completed in 2011. The City, like other levels of government, finds itself with a bare cupboard and the need to adjust back to pre-stimulus levels of building. We are, in short, leaving the stimulus era and entering a more austere period.

The Dalhousie Community Association has been consulted on neighborhood priorities for infrastructure for the next budget period. We identified our number one priority as being the continued reconstruction of Somerset between the OTrain and Booth Street. Our second priority is the pedestrian & cyclist underpass under Somerset for the OTrain multipurpose path. It seems awfully shortsighted to rebuild Somerset without putting in the underpass, and then coming back in a few years to dig up the road again. Our third priority is to ensure we get improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities and improved landscaping if Carling is reconstructed from Champagne to Bronson.

We encouraged the City to make its budget cuts to Bronson Avenue, postponing the reconstruction for a few years so that more intelligent planning can be done before the concrete flows.

Speaking of Somerset, we are greatly encouraged by the progress in designing the new Somerset between Booth and the OTrain. The colours and patterns of sidewalk pavers have been chosen, as have benches, planters, lighting, trees, and protected parking bays that ensure merchants have parking available 24/7/365.

Some of the designs will be totally unique and exciting, taking advantage of new technology for improved street environments. We are also working with the City on public artwork selection, as 1% of the reconstruction budget will be spent on art. There will be public meetings coming up to solicit more input into what you want to see your neighborhood look like in the future.

We have also been meeting with the City planners on the Laurier segregated bike route project. Laurier Avenue from the canal to Bronson has been selected by the City as the preferred location for the project. There are many challenges remaining to be addressed. We are particularly concerned that the western end of the route, between Bay and Bronson, is inadequate. Traffic turns at Metcalfe are another issue.

If the project is to go ahead, and succeed, it has to be done well, or else the whole idea of improved cycling facilities in our neighborhood and elsewhere in the city may be set back.

Your community association also does a lot of little things from month to month. These things usually don’t make headlines, but they do help keep our neighborhoods vibrant. We review Committee of Adjustment applications, talk to property developers and businesses, and watch for creeping blight and inappropriate land uses. Sometimes these are public issues, often they are confidential. We feel the earlier and more often we talk to these other players in our neighborhood, the better the proposals for change will be.

Our January meeting will be on the 5th, at the Dalhousie Community Centre, ground floor, corner of Empress and Somerset, at 7.30pm. Feel free to come by, we don't bite.

- Eric Darwin is President of the DCA and writes on neighborhood issues at http://www.westsideaction.wordpress.com/.

November Report

2010-11-26T11:36:00.001-05:00

Dalhousie Report, November 2010

The Dalhousie Community Association met on 2 November, 2010, at the Dalhousie Community Centre at the corner of Empress and Somerset. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of most months, everyone is welcome. NOTE: Dec. meeting will be held Dec 8th at 6pm. Call for details: 613.238.1030 or email EricDarwin1@gmail.com

Cathedral lands: First up was a presentation by Scott Demark. Christ Church (Anglican) Cathedral is located on Sparks Street near Bronson. The church owns the west half of the block between Sparks and Queen. Big stone cathedrals are expensive to maintain. The Church wants to develop much of the block with a new condo tower, an office tower, and some smaller structures. The idea is that the revenue from the development will be enough to pay for the maintenance of the church and some of its programs for two hundred years.

Readers with a sense of history will recall that it was traditional for churches and other institutions to be given large land grants in early settlement days. Sometimes entire neighborhoods (eg, The Glebe) grew up on church endowment lands. The Cathedral site in downtown Ottawa is on a prominent bit of high ground with gorgeous river views. The cathedral itself, and the Hall on the Queen Street side, and the old mansion facing Bronson, will all be preserved. The “new” hall facing Sparks will be demolished. One of the new buildings is residential, the other commercial. The commercial one is needed both for future cash flow and because the church can then use its parking garage on weekends for parishioners.

The exact design of the building exteriors is still under development. Right now, the developers are working with the city on building sizes and orientation. They are trying to preserve the views of adjacent condos and create a pleasant street for pedestrians. While we have no doubt that owners of adjacent condos would wish this whole project canned, the Association board members were generally pleased with the care and sensitivity being used to site the buildings. If given the go ahead, construction would start in 2012 or 2013.

346 Bronson: This building on Bronson has been used for medical offices for some years. After a fire earlier this year, the city noticed it was not a permitted use for that location, and there is insufficient parking. The Association feels that the medical use was acceptable, and should be permitted. However, the rezoning should only permit the number of square feet of medical space as is now in use. This is to prevent someone from later replacing the building with a much larger medical building, or drastically increasing the size of the clinic.

Primrose Stairs: Our west side neighborhood is pretty unique. One of the things that keeps it that way is the staircase streets on Primrose and Empress, going over the escarpment (“Nanny Goat Hill”). Pedestrian-only access routes open up the neighborhood to movements not available to car traffic. At the Primrose stair, a developer has purchased the adjacent lot right on the escarpment, and a residence is underway there. The house begins two floors down, at the bottom of the cliff. The garage will be on the third floor of the four storey house, facing Upper Lorne Place. Bizarrely, the house is about five feet out from the cliff, so when finished there will be a “hole” along the front of the house two stories deep. It turns out this separation from the cliff face is there due to city request. Mind the gap!

Plant Now for Springtime Blooms: working in cooperation with the City and the two neighborhood Business Improvement Associations (Chinatown, and Little Italy), the Association planted 525 daffodils and tulips along Preston Street. The Association also planted 150 more bulbs in its community garden beds along Somerset near Upper Lorne and Empress Streets. Councilor Holmes and a local resident also donated some bulbs to the cause. This gives us something to look forward to, all winter. Somewhere beneath the salty slush and frozen snows, life is hibernating and will pop up bright and colourful early next spring. If the plantings work well, we hope to augment the plantings with more bulbs next year. This is truly an example of the city, business groups, and the community association working hand in hand to accomplish more than any one party could otherwise hope to do.

Western LRT: The Association has a representative on the city study of LRT route options west of Bayview Station. We recently heard of a rather alarming option the City is considering for the O-Train corridor alignment. We are pursuing inquiries right now to determine how much of a threat that option is, and will make our voices heard on behalf of the community if it turns out the city is at all serious about this elevated track option. We do understand the city dreams up many options for addressing particular problems, which is good, and that some of these options prove to be unattractive or dysfunctional and get dropped. We will be watching carefully to ensure the elevated track option is discarded.

Rescue Bronson: Working with fellow community associations and sympathetic local corporations and landlords, we have set up a web site www.RescueBronson.ca. We also printed thousands of two sided full colour flyers and delivered them to almost every house for two blocks on each side of Bronson. These are designed to alert residents to the proposed changes to Bronson (including road widening, and some sidewalk narrowings, and for artificial – yes, fake! -- trees instead of real ones…). We feel the city can do much better, and can make the intersection at Bronson/Albert/Slater work better for cars and pedestrians and cyclists. For the section between Laurier and Gladstone, we propose the city put Bronson on a road diet. There are several options for improving traffic flow along Bronson. We prefer measures whereby the current four lanes –none of which are through lanes as they all function as turn lanes—would be replaced by two through lanes and a two-way left-turn lane in the middle. Once you get rid of the stopped cars trying to turn left, two lanes of through traffic will flow much smoother and safer. The remaining leftover space could be used for on-street parking all day, or medians and trees, or both. Please go the above website and sign the Petition for a Better Bronson.

Rescue Bronson !

2010-11-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

This flyer is making the rounds of the west side neighborhoods abutting Bronson Avenue. The above photoshopped illustration shows just ONE potential way to improve Bronson so that it meets the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, adjacent businesses and residents, as well as motorists and commuters.

There are alternative ways to improve Bronson so that it makes more people happy. Anyone who travels on or across that blighted street knows that the 1950′s thinking that gave us the current “four lane” urban arterial didn’t work. Yet Ottawa seems on the way to fifty more years of a disfunctional road and urban blight.

There are other ways to design streets, better ways. Other cities all across North America are implementing “road diets” aimed at four lane urban arterials. They have had great success in implementing roads that make motorists and adjacent neighborhoods happier and safer places. Ottawa is late to this strategy, and has had to be dragged in kicking and screaming. Too many traffic engineers have a one size fits all solution: widen it. It has a name: commuter first planning. But why do commuters from Greely or Pointe Gatineau get catered to while whole city neighborhoods get cratered?

Local community associations and Councillor Holmes are having a public meeting on Wed. Nov 10th at McNabb on Percy Street at 7pm. There will be a brief presentation on road diets. Then discussion. There will not be a presentation by traffic engineers.

Bronson can be made better. The awful Albert/Slater/Bronson intersection can be improved. Be sure to come out to express your views.

And sign the petition at www.RescueBronson.ca.

Letter to City of Ottawa arts program

2010-10-16T07:19:00.001-04:00

Oct 15, 2010

Dear Ms Nesbitt

It has come to our attention that there are granite column pieces available that might be used to create two additional art columns along Preston Street, complementing the 15 pieces already installed, to wide acclaim, by c j fleury.

The Dalhousie Community Association thinks this is a worthwhile arts endeavor and encourages the City to work with the Preston BIA and cj fleury to come up with an appropriate Preston Street location and get these installed in the spring of 2011.

Sincerely,

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

Dalhousie report, October 2010

2010-10-15T19:10:00.001-04:00

DCA Report

The October meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association was jam-packed with sixteen agenda items. This follows the hyper-busy September meeting … which indicates just how many things are happening in the western half of Somerset Ward. But your Association is not really complaining … that busy agenda means we are having lots of input into what is going on in our neighborhood!

The first item up was the little neglected parkette on Norman Street, off the south end of Preston. It comes complete with a little stage, but with uncertain pedigree. Is it really an official city park at all? The board decided to inventory all public greenspaces in the neighborhood and then request confirmation from the councilor’s office and city staff as to which are city parks. Then we can establish a providence and maintenance and renewal plan. The mostly-paved park in front of St Anthony church will be rebuilt in the next year or two (plans have been approved), but Norman Street parkette is not the only orphan. What is the status of the walking trail along the O-Train corridor, which is to be upgraded with a new multipurpose paved path starting next year? Or of the little park at the top of Primrose stairs? This knowledge base will also help in lobbying for the city purchase of the Dominican Gardens on Empress for public parkland.

Postcards from the Piazza sculptures on Preston Street: through a complicated series of circumstances, there are potentially two additional columns available for carving and installation. The board decided to add our voice to the chorus asking for these to finished and installed somewhere along Preston. The first fifteen sculptures have been really well received by residents, business, and shoppers along the street. The Preston BIA has produced a brochure that helps tell the stories behind each piece; it is available free from many merchants along the street.

73 Aberdeen was a rezoning application to convert a house on a side street into a two storey art gallery, art school, and apartment. The applicant now needs Committee of Adjustment approval to redo the front façade. Having lost our arguments on the rezoning, we decided not to follow up the CoA application as the neighbors want to at least get a decent front on the building.

On Preston there is a hookah pipe lounge that apparently has been subject to a number of noise complaints, especially in the middle of the night. We discovered there has been considerable amount of enforcement activity at the property by By-law services, Ottawa Public Health, City Police, and Federal Tax Inspectors. We also learned that by-law enforcement officers go home at 2am, after that calls must be made to the police at 613.230.6211. It is important to document problem addresses so that corrective action can be taken and good terms be maintained among neighbors. The DCA will work with the Councilor’s office; incidents should be reported immediately to 3-1-1 to establish a “paper trail” that will eventually lead to action. The city process is “complaint driven” – if you grumble to yourself, nothing will happen!

Rescue Bronson! project: We are examining options, including a motion at transportation committee to keep pushing the objections so Bronson doesn’t get buried in asphalt for another half century. The current street configuration is awful for businesses, residents, and through traffic. The city has agreed to examine “road diet” options for the street. These alternative lane configurations can smooth traffic flow and make the road safer for residents and pedestrians while not reducing the volume of traffic the street can handle. However, we remain uncertain how seriously the traffic engineers will study the alternatives. Are they just going through the motions before brushing us off? A web site and flyer to alert residents to the possible outcomes are in the works. The next public meeting on the street is tentatively scheduled for November 18th.

The DCA and Centretown Citizens Community Association are jointly sponsoring an all-candidates meeting October 19th at City Hall. We are putting together some tough questions for the candidates, and hope to see a good turnout at the event. Thus far, the race in Somerset ward has not been exciting, despite the many things happening here.

Springtime bulbs: the Preston BIA gave us funds to buy 400 bulbs to plant on Preston between Spruce and Carling. A team of garden aficionados had fun on Thanksgiving weekend planting the mix of red tulips and yellow daffodils. The Chinatown BIA gave us funds to buy 150 bulbs to replenish the gardens along Somerset Street; and Councilor Holmes gave us 125 daffodils to supplement some private donations of bulbs for the Albert-Spruce section of Preston. The DCA cannot plant bulbs everywhere in the neighborhood [maybe someone should try to see just how far we could go...] , but these are our two traditional main streets and we try to do our bit to keep them attractive and loved spaces. We also hope that these beds encourage other home owners and businesses to plant more bulbs next year (or at least give us the money and we will do it!). Well-tended gardens and landscaping add to a cared-for neighborhood, less trash, and more pride.

Prostitution is back on the agenda following a controversial court decision that is now being appealed. Obviously, province wide or at least city wide regulations will be required. In the meantime, it is important to curtail curb-side prostitution by reporting any instances witnessed. We will get involved when and if the trade is to be regulated and “zoned” for in our bylaws.

The Chinatown Arch has been in the news big time, and deservedly so. The arch is beautiful, big, and provides a dramatic heart to Chinatown. All the residents and businesses involved deserve congratulations on getting the $1.5million dollar gateway constructed in just six months (following years of lobbying, fund raising, and planning, of course). When we compare the arch project to other municipal projects on which large sums get spent for much less visible results … The Chinatown BIA will soon have free brochures in Somerset businesses. The brochures will explain the features of the arch, the symbolism, and offer culture-bridging tips. The DCA is sorry to see Grace Xuexin, head of the BIA for the last two years, move on to persue other career interests. Fortunately she will be staying on for some time in a consulting basis to deal with the street reconstruction, sidewalk, ped lighting, and new artwork installations.

Hickory Street ped bridge/Section 37/ high-rise condos: the Association made an appearance at Planning and Environment Committee when it was dealing with the application for 16 and 20 storey condo towers at 125 Hickory Street. We asked that the application be legally tied to the developer contributing funding to a pedestrian-cyclist bridge over the O-Train at Hickory Street. This bridge has been on the planning boards for years, and will deliver a number of neat benefits to the community. The PEC agreed to make the application conditional on the developer agreeing to contribute to the bridge, and city staff was directed to strike deals with Domicile and other builders nearby. They did not accept our recommendation that the bridge must be provided before the first units are occupied. Instead, the city will collect the money and we have to hope and pressure them to provide the bridge in a timely manner.

This method of getting a contribution from a developer for neighborhood improvements is called Section 37, based on the rule number in the Act. In this case, the developers like the idea of the bridge, and are eager to contribute. Does this “compensate” or reward the community for the additional height in the rezoning? Will developers learn to expect they can buy additional height by tossing sums into a “community chest”? Could it be abused as an extortion tool whereby neighbours or community groups demand benefits from every project? Will the city bend its principles and neighborhood plans in return for cash? Is this tantamount to a tax on new residents? The consequences of section 37 are not as obviously good as they first might appear. This discussion will continue into the future.

All candidates meeting

2010-09-30T12:18:00.002-04:00

Centretown Citizens Community Association
& Dalhousie Community Association

invite you to an
all candidates meeting

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
(7 pm – 9 pm)

Andrew Haydon Hall - Ottawa City Hall
110 Laurier Ave West (at Elgin)

Join the CCCA, the DCA and candidates
Don Fex, Diane Holmes and Barkley Pollock
and hear what they have to say.

Some refreshments will be served

125 Hickory Street

2010-09-30T12:13:00.000-04:00

The DCA was represented by its president at the Tuesday session with the City's Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) when it dealt with the proposal by Starwood-Mastercraft for a 16 and 20 storey condo towers at the corner of Champagne and Hickory.

The small area around this intersection is a hotbed of condomania, with Domicile constructing 8 and 13 storey buildings, Arnon 14-19 storey structures, and eventually the Humane Society site will sprout condos too.

Our purpose at the meeting was to emphasize the proposed pedestrian and cycling bridge over the OTrain cut at Hickory. The bridge greatly improves a whole bunch of neighorhood connectivity possibilities. At our request, our Councillor put forward a motion tieing the rezoning of the site to the building of a bridge (with developer/condo buyers putting up part of the money) and also requiring the bridge to be finished before the units are occupied.

The first part was passed, the money from the developers is now part of the rezoning agreement. But WHEN we get the bridge is unknown. Staff at the hearings seemed optimistic that the bridge could be designed and built quickly, but there are no guarantees.

Bambinos project

2010-09-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

At its September meeting, the DCA discussed the Bambinos project proposed for the corner of Gladstone and Preston.

The Association is firmly in favour of a gateway feature at this location. We appreciate the work of the BIA and its funding of the gateway. Other innovative projects of the BIA have worked out well. While we regret the loss of some trees at this location, their loss is mitigated by the additional landscaping along the street and improved pedestrian environment proposed for the corners of Preston/Gladstone.

The Bambinos project is innovative in that it is not part of the 1% art program, and is privately funded. It will have a high neighborhood profile.

The Association encourages the City and BIA to hold a public opportunity for residents, visitors, and business people to see the proposed Bambinos before construction.

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

DCA writes re 125 Hickory Street

2010-09-13T11:51:00.000-04:00

Starwood Mastercraft is proposing a condo development for the corner of Hickory and Champagne, consisting of two towers (20, 16 floors) and a podium of townhouse units and one commercial unit. The DCA supports intensification, supports transit oriented development, and supports less parking units and improved cycling facilities. Here is our letter to the City regarding the proposal: (we twice ask to be kept informed because the City has not been doing that to date)

The Dalhousie Community Association represents the area immediately east of the proposed development at 125 Hickory Street. We have attended public meetings on this project and are aware of what the developer is proposing.

We wish to be kept informed of the progress of this project.

We have the following comments:

we are concerned that the City's maximum parking restrictions for transit oriented development are unrealistically high. A clue to this comes from the wish of the developers to provide even less parking than the city's maximum. A residential development located close to a major transit facility should not enable universal individual car ownership. To this end, on site parking should be significantly less than 100%; and the developer should be required to provide a number of prime spots for VirtuCar or similar services. It is our understanding from the literature that each shared car location reduces the need for 17 private parking spaces.

the proposed development is adjacent the City's north-south cycling arterial to be constructed on the east side of the Otrain cut in 2011-12. It is therefore important that cycling facilities in the building be extensive (in the range of 2 spaces per apartment) and very convenient, to encourage the use of cycling and transit instead of cars.

at a public meeting earlier this year, the developer stated that they were willing to contribute financially to the construction of a pedestrian link extending Hickory over the Otrain cut. The City should take this up with the developer, and get a committment in writing and establish a timeline. Such a link will reduce complaints that the building is isolated from commercial services, as it will have access to Preston Street. We know it is feasible from an engineering viewpoint to build the Hickory overpass, as identified in the Carling-Bayview CDP, even before the Otrain cut is widened.

the developer's site plans should include a multipurpose path along the west side of the Otrain cut, eventually to be connected to adjacent properties.

We appreciate if you would ensure we are mailing lists and kept informed of developments for this site.
--

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Association
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

DCA raises concerns about Claridge proposal

2010-09-13T11:16:00.001-04:00

Claridge is proposing three condo towers for the parking lot bounded by Queen, Lyon, and Albert. This parcel is directly west of the Crowne Plaza hotel, behind Barabarella's strip club. It is also directly over the west station of the new downtown transit tunnel. Will this site offer access to the station? It should. The DCA wrote to the Committee of Adjustment hearing on the height of the proposed development, arguing we want depth regulated too:

to: Committee of Adjustment

The Dalhousie Community Association traditionally represents residents on the western portion of downtown Ottawa extending over to Bayview and from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue. As such, the Claridge proposal interests us.

We have several concerns:

there appears to be insufficient landscaped space or amenity space for the residents
we have been unable to determine if an arrangement has been made with the city for access to the proposed downtown Ottawa transit tunnel station immediately under this site. Such access would benefits the residents and the public. If the City is to grant increased height for this site, it should be conditional on a suitable arrangement for depth, ie access to the underground station
while the application for minor adjustments does not mention downward construction, this is due to the newness of the city's subway reality, and we invite the CoA to stake out new ground in declaring its interest in depth as well as height.
the Association has no objection to the proposed height of the buildings at this location

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Association
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

DCA Requests consultation on new bike path

2010-09-13T10:42:00.001-04:00

From a letter sent by the DCA to Councilor Holmes:

The Dalhousie Community Assoc. discussed the O-train corridor bike path at its last meeting. We are delighted that the City has given the go ahead to this cycling and pedestrian route. The path route has its challenges: isolated or less-visible sections, connections to other infrastructure, satisfying a variety of potential users, etc. While the members of the Association have numerous concerns about the path, we wish it to be as successful as possible, and our concerns are all about making the path work.

We are mindful that meaninful consultation with various stakeholders has resulted in significant improvements to other public projects in the neighborhood.

We therefore request that the City hold a stakeholders' consultation sometime shortly after the first draft plan for this facility is devised by the City, but before it becomes too late to make meaningful improvements.

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Association
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

DCA Minutes (draft) Sept 1, 2010

2010-09-06T13:08:00.001-04:00

Minutes, 1 Sept 2010

The first fall meeting of the DCA, on 1 Sept 2010, started with a review of ongoing neighborhood issues, so everyone can be aware of what has transpired, gets up to date, and can give input going forward. The Association meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Dalhousie Community Centre, corner of Empress and Somerset, everyone is welcome.

Present: Eric Darwin, Maija Kagis, Zsofia Orosz, Catherine Boucher, Charles Akben-Marchand, Archie Campbell, Michael Hatfield, David Seaborn, Laura Bergen, Jessica Scallen, Craig Haines.

Minutes of June, 2010: approved as amended by board members and shown on our website www.OttawaDalhousie.ca. Moved by David, seconded by Craig.

Mainstreets:

Bambinos project, corner Gladstone/Preston: as part of the landscaping project, a colonnade gateway has been approved for this location and foundations will be installed probably this fall. Condolences were made for the five pine trees at the corner that will be removed. The form of the bambinos themselves is still evolving. The Association hopes that there will be a public opportunity for residents to see the final form of the Bambinos, which are about 21 feet high, before they are cast in concrete. Eric to write to DH and PBIA asking for this opportunity.

There will be sculpture walks/talks for the opening of the West Wellington sculptures on 25 Sept. Sign up at publicartprogram@ottawa.ca . Note that the Chinatown Arch opens Oct. 7; we do not yet have details on the ceremonies and celebrations planned for that event. The Preston BIA wants the fifteen Preston sculptures to open in September as well, to go with Vendemmia, a fall grape festival. The Preston date is still unsettled. The Association will post info for all these openings at its web site http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/ . There will be an article in this issue of the Buzz on the Preston sculpture artist, c j fleury. Eric and Lori saw the sculptures in progress in mid July, and the DCA wrote a letter of support for c j fleury dealing with a possible ‘controversy’ (July 15). After some discussion, the Association decided it was OK with the sculptures being installed on a weekend or at night if they could not be installed during a weekday due to traffic congestion concerns.

PBIA is doing an innovative survey of area residents and employees for the future retail wanted along Preston. Be sure to fill out their survey at http://www.prestonstreet.com/ . Crowd sourcing can work.

Somerset reconstruction: Project start has been much delayed by the environmental approval process. The detour will start Sept 7th – street open EB but closed WB. We don’t yet know if WB will remain open for the Pool and local businesses local traffic or if it will be total one-way conditions [note: there will be no west bound traffic permitted anyway along the construction zone]. City hole digging will commence Sept 13th at Breezehill end. Tomlinson will work through the winter as late as possible, but sidewalks will not go in until March-April 2011, nor will the street get repaved except as a temporary surface at the end of November. Cost $4.5million, as expected. Tentative meeting date of 15 Sept for stakeholder group to consider the cycling underpass concept, railing choices, and the Preston-Booth segment. Significant issues will be parking bays and how they work if the segregated bike lanes are going to be considered on Somerset west of Bronson.

Little Italy street garden at 301 Preston: site is smaller than expected as streetscaping planting put in more shrubs. Contact with Ottawa Horticultural Society opened. Some funding available from PBIA, and there is a water source at the site. Where to go from here??

During the Preston landscaping, periwinkle was planted under the gingko trees that run along the east side of Plouffe Park and behind the screening wall at the Bank of Nova Scotia. They are not thriving, possibly because of too much sun. The landscape architect will address the situation next week, and either the area will be replanted with bigger plants or a different species will be used.

Real Estate:

Mastercraft has revised their project for 125 Hickory. The 24 storey tower becomes 20, the 20 tower becomes 16. They also added a storefront or commercial space. Eric has been discussing this with CHNA. Still unaddressed is the number of parking spaces “required” for the building. We continue to call for Hickory overpass over O-tain cut to be constructed simultaneously with the development, and for the city to take up the builder’s offer of financial assistance for this overpass. Eric to write to City.

[David Seaborn leaves the room]. Claridge proposal for 403 Albert Street (the parking lot at Queen/Lyon/Albert, opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel, behind Barbarellas Club). Originally Claridge wanted 2x28 storey condo + one 20 storey condo. Now being revised, 20 storey is reduced to 14. Issue of lot coverage. DCA expressed opinion to City planners and our Councillor on A) access to DOTT as this development is above the downtown west station, and B)the city’s “reduced parking maximum” (because the building is at a transit station) is higher than the builder wants to build anyway (ie City standards are a farce). The COA is considering the issue on 15 Sept. We did not formally issue a position during the summer as A)it is a few feet outside our boundary, and B) our requests for info from CCCA for their views (so we could coordinate) went unanswered. The Association decided to provide input to the COA immediately. We would like to link the developer's desire for more height and density to the City's need for access to the underground metro station (ie, trade height for depth). There was discussion on whether it is the city or developers that wants new condos built close to the sidewalk, Eric to follow up. [DS returns]

Cathedral Hill development. This is for the lots of land surrounding Christ Church Cathedral, ie Sparks, Bronson, Queen – most of a city block. DCA board met with proponent on July 21. Church proposes to demolish the 1960’s hall facing Sparks, and 2 houses facing Queen (but keeping and reusing the facades). They will keep Roper Hall, and the Archbishops residence facing west over Bronson. They propose a 20 storey condo tower running N/S through the block where the two houses are now; a new office building (low rise) where the 60’s Hall is; and a new office building of 20 floors on the existing church parking lot facing Sparks. Sparks may be dead ended at the Cathedral. Lots of underground parking, 200 year lease deal, preserved views for The Gardens condo but not others. Public meeting expected in the fall. Generally, we were pleased with the care and thought that went into the proposal.

Chinese Alliance Church: (Eccles/Bell/LeBreton streets) has agreed to add two residential units to the façade of the new church hall facing Bell. This is a significant compromise from the church; as for parking and access their plan meets all (new) city standards.

73 Aberdeen: lots of time was spent during the summer on this proposal. Proponent won rezoning to convert house to a two-storey art gallery with commercial-looking storefront, plus an art school, including one one-bedroom apt. on the ground floor. City interprets CDP and neighborhood plans calling for mixed use intensified development near transit stations as meaning residences can be converted to commercial uses provided some residential uses are retained. Suggest we investigate further as part of CDP process as that addresses neighborhood zoning. We want to preserve residential areas and focus commercial uses on mainstreets.

Underway: the Cornerstone project and the Z6, both on Booth Street, are both fully framed and exterior cladding will go on shortly. Both projects should look good.

Transportation:

Pay and Display units already installed on Preston, in progress on Somerset. A few meter posts converted to bike posts on Somerset only, none (yet?) on Preston. A parking study for the lot at Cambridge/Somerset may get underway in 2011 (takes one year) to determine the number of spaces the city might want there if the lot is developed for residential uses. We hear some noises about the need for a parking study for side streets off Preston where office parking is an issue. Somerset west of Preston is currently not metered – should it be? After a discussion of whether we want to see if the parking study could be expanded to include the whole of Dalhousie, ie Somerset issues, Preston issues, sidestreet issues, Somerset, Plant Pool lot, NRC Booth St complex, we decided that would be too cumbersome. Instead, we will express support for a parking meters on Somerset west of Preston, including the Plant Pool lot; and for a review of parking hours on the side streets off Preston where all-day office parking is a problem.

O-Train Bike Path. The city approved funding (subject to not being cut from the budget) to plan and construct the O-Train bike path. The Association decided to ask for a consultation of stakeholders (DCA, CHNA, HCA, Carling-Bayview CDP, bike groups, BIA) early enough in the planning process to influence the size, shape, and location of the paths before they are locked in place by the bureaucracy. Upcoming public meetings on cycling are Sept 22, bike lessons from Europe; Oct 6, noted bike planner from Holland.

Bronson. We have successfully raised the profile of the project and our problems with it, by using the “fake trees” as a hook. Got newspaper coverage, radio news, CFRA, CBC. CBC Morning coverage on the first day http://www.ericdarwin.ca/downloads/CBC_Bronson_Fake_Trees.mp3 got lots of listener response, and they did a followup on day 2: http://www.ericdarwin.ca/downloads/CBC_Bronson_Road_Diet.mp3 , which also got a lot of response. CBC declined to do another show “at this time” but wants to follow up in the fall. [subsequent to the DCA meeting, the City decided to conduct some sort of road diet study on Bronson, details yet to be determined].

Carling Avenue reconstruction, O-Train to Bronson: We feel there is lots of room for improvement on this road too. DCA suggested better median plantings; signals at O-Train for the new bike path, reduced merge lanes, ped lighting, ped gateways, etc. City proposals remain way too commuter-centric for cars and offer token improvements to peds, cyclists, and transit. We agreed to keep up the pressure this fall.

Interprovincial Transit Strategy survey. DCA sent comments as outlined at our last meeting, and after Eric attended open house on subject. Subsequently, questions have arisen on the capacity of the DOTT to handle a LRT service to Gatineau.

Western Leg LRT study: City has started up study to determine route options for the LRT from Bayview to Lincoln Fields, eg west from Tunney’s along transitway/parkway; or south along O-train corridor then west along Carling , etc etc. Eric sits on the City committee. Will meet with key consultants and staff on Sept 27th to raise our issues, including evaluation criteria, capacity, design, etc.

Carling-Bayview CDP: next stakeholder meeting yet to be determined. It is to focus on the Gladstone area of the corridor.

Other issues:

Rochester Heights playground build brought out lots of people.

Signs on 333 Preston Street (E-mail discussion Aug 6-8). The DCA did not oppose the Royal Bank sign on the tower.

Fall Cleaning the Capital (Fwd from Laura, Aug 16). Maija suggested that this fall we focus on a cleanup and weeding along Preston Street to be done in the week before the sculptures are unveiled, when we expect lots of visitors to the street and want to look our best.

Patio Encroachments (Aug 31). DCA wrote to support current policy of asking neighborhood opinion before approving patios.

Buzz deadline Sept 7

Next meeting: 6 October 2010 at the DCC, corner of Somerset/Empress, at 7.30pm.

Shopping for retailers

2010-08-31T10:49:00.000-04:00

Some time ago I went to a city seminar on vitalizing main streets. Speaker was David Engwicht. He gave us many examples of techniques that work. He cited the case of one Australian small city with a less-than-active main street, suffering from too many vacant storefronts. With business people, local residents, academics, landlords, merchants, they walked the street and identified each store front and envisioned what might succeed in that vacancy. Large posters were then put up in the vacant windows, showing people eating ice cream, buying magazines, looking at travel brochures ... the sort of activities the locals thought might work. It was a great example of crowd sourcing, since within 18 months there were no vacancies left on the street, and to everyone's amazement many of the storefronts were occupied by the businesses portrayed in the posters. Thus was reborn a happy mainstreet.

The Preston Business Improvement Assoc (PBIA) is doing something similar. They have engaged experts to do an analysis of what might work, but now they are turning to the local residents. They have dropped 1000 surveys to households in the neighborhood and have an on-line version too: http://www.prestonstreet.com/survey.php. They are asking what stores and services we want to see on Preston Street.

There are some pretty obvious choices: a grocery store, Produce Mart, Farm Boy, or similar would be useful. It would be hard to compete with Loblaws in Westboro for those big grocery runs, but a lot of people could do midweek or smaller runs locally. What else?? A magazine store. A greek restaurant with big patio for our endless summer evenings ... a liquor store outlet. A big condo development in the vacant block south of Adobe to inject more customers onto the street. What do you think?

To encourage participation, the BIA is offering some $500 shopping certificates to people who fill out the questionaire.

It's not very often that a BIA turns to crowd-sourcing for retail suggestions, so this is a great opportunity to tell them what you want.

More on sidewalk and boulevard patio applications

2010-08-30T21:38:00.000-04:00

Sidewalk and boulevard patios are a great part of living in the City. Unfortunately, some are noisy and bothersome to residential neighbors. The city has a policy for circulating requests. In addition, the local councillor may choose to survey adjacent residents.

Without going into great detail ... a regular patio application at the corner of McLaren and Elgin has been turned down due to strong neighborhood opposition. Our association does not get involved in that particular request as its adjacent to but not in 'our territory'. An unusual motion is now going to transportation committee to approve the patio (it would be on city boulevard property).

The Association in the following letter added our opposition to this particular application and supports a review of the approval process so that the policy is known and reinforced:

To: Transportation Committee, 1 Sept 2010 meeting:

For the Sept 1, 2010 Transportation Committee meeting we wish to express our support for item 8, a motion for a "COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE CITY OF OTTAWA’S ENCROACHMENT BY-LAW AS IT RELATES TO OUTDOOR PATIO ENCROACHMENTS"

Furthermore, we recommend the Committee defers item 7 (Maclaren's patio request) pending the results of the comprehensive review (Item 8). Additionally the deferral is required as the address of Maclaren's in the motion is incorrect, thus interested residents could not have recognized the location during public circulation of the Committee Agenda.

Eric Darwin.

President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.

www.ottawadalhousie.ca

Otrain bike path approved

2010-08-23T14:28:00.000-04:00

the 1963 segment between Young and Carling

Transportation Committee met at City Hall today to plan some significant cycling infrastruction projects.

The DCA wrote to each of the Committee members to draw attention to our strong support for the bike path along the east side of the Otrain corridor. We also asked neighboring associations to support the path, and the CHNA sent in a letter. The DCA president also appeared at the Committee to give the Association opinion:

we pointed out that there is a gap in north-south cycling infrastructure
the route is important for commuters as it takes them from various southerly origins to the downtown
the route is important for recreational and tourist cyclists as it makes a "loop" from the downtown-LeBreton-WarMuseum-Preston-DowsLake-QE Driveway path
this segment of path connects many other paths and will extend the off-road cycling experience right from the Ottawa River to Hogs Back, with side connections to an extensive set of other path segments, ie it is the "missing piece" in the network
it completes path work started in 1963 but never finished

We are pleased that the Committee approved $3.2 million for the path. The most expensive bit of construction is the underpass at Somerset Street, which is also being designed to be useful for a future LRT station there. Construction of the path will be in 2011 and 2012. With any luck, we will have a first class cycling infrastructure to use in two years!

an underpass is required at Somerset Street, and connections up to street level

members of the DCA bushwhacking along the proposed route with city planners and consultants

Interprovincial transit study

2010-07-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

The DCA sent the following letter to Marie Lemay, head of the NCC, regarding the interprovincial transit study now underway. These are our oft-repeated views on the transit strategy, we take each opportunity to reiterate them to the planners:

The Dalhousie Community Association represents an area from Bay Street to Bayview, from the Ottawa River to Dows Lake. As such, we are the neighborhood with three of the DOTT stations, and three north/south LRT stations, and three interprovincial bridges. We are constantly involved in transportation planning studies with the city and NCC.

With respect the current round of consultation regarding the Interprovincial Transit Study,

we like the following:

LRT service for the loop connecting Ottawa and Gatineau
use the Prince of Wales bridge in the west, in order to help ensure the success of the transit oriented development on the west side of the downtown
use the Alexandra Bridge on the east. It will be good to reverse the earlier conversion of rail to road, to go back to rail.
use the DOTT for the downtown Ottawa leg
use surface rail through downtown Gatineau
there is tremendous benefit to having an extraordinarily scenic transit right of way to help attract traffic, including tourists. Why do motorists get scenic routes and transit users the ditch?
phase in the loop, constructing the Bayview - POW - Terraces de la Chaudiere - PDP/Museum portion first, later completing the route over the Alexandra to a tunnel starting at Majors Park to the Rideau Street LRT station
using a no-transfer same-vehicle LRT for the loop, distinct from the OCTranspo LRT vehicles for the east-west route
construct a cycling lane on the POW bridge similar to that on the Alexandra Bridge

we don't like the following:

STO transitway or rapibus service to a transfer station at Bayview
converting the Prince of Wales to a bus bridge in order to convert it back to rail in the future
using surface rail over the Chaudiere bridge if that bridge remains open to car and truck traffic, due to congestion delays
lumping all the present and future renovation costs of the interprovincial bridges onto the LRT option when the same repairs will be required without the LRT option
far distant completion dates. The first phase of the loop, and the DOTT, should be ready for the 2017 sesquetennial celebrations.

Thank you for considering our views.

--

Eric Darwin.
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

More on Bronson road diet

2010-07-20T12:22:00.002-04:00

This morning the CBC did a follow up interview on the problem with Bronson. They interviewed Dan Burden, who is a leading proponent of road diets. I have used his materials in suggesting to the city that Bronson needs to be put on a diet, and their answer, without any justification, is always ... "no".

You can listen to his interview here: http://www.cbc.ca/ottawamorning/

Select the story called "road diet". He points out that some cities are already up to their thirty-third road being put on a "diet" and dear old Ottawa won't even consider putting one road on a diet. Sigh.

Bronson Road Diet

2010-07-19T11:18:00.001-04:00

As part of our association's ongoing efforts to get the City to look at alternative improvements to Bronson, here is a link to a CBC interview with the association president: http://www.cbc.ca/ottawamorning/

You then have to select "fake trees" from their menu. Good luck in finding it!

First meeting of Caring Ave PAC

2010-06-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

Caring about Carling

Last night was the first Public Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the Carling Avenue reconstruction project from the O-Train to Bronson Avenue. Scheduled for 2011, its for a complete rebuild of the street: new sewers, water mains, dozens of cable and gas pipes, curbs, sidewalks, lighting...everything.

The handout emphasized the following priorities in this order: pedestrian, cycling, transit, vehicle. Of course, the the Technical Adisory Committee (TAC) had first whack at the project and they specified two through lanes in each direction, a bus lane, a cycling lane,very generous turn lanes, etc etc all of which exceeds the available right of way. Now, which elements do we guess might get dropped? No points for the correct answer: car lanes, bus lane, bike lane if room, "2m sidewalk (where feasible)". So much for ped priority. And for streetscaping ... to be added in at the end on the leftover spaces.

So, I spent the evening in plesant dialogue with the city planner and his consultants, educating them as to local pedestrian desire lines, questioning them on traffic volume assumptions, and suggesting the ideal Carling-Avenue-according-to-Eric plan.

These discussions can have fun elements. I pointed out the out drainage outlet for Dow's Great Swamp BEFORE the Rideau Canal was built and the dam built to create Dow's Lake, as it crosses Carling Ave it will present a "soft" layer of surficial geology (you can trace all through the neighborhood, its location revealled by the map and along the streets by the tilting houses on unstable foundations). I also pointed out the very busy Tim Horton's located on that strip, one which they (and many neighbours) are unaware.

Some agreements come easily: get rid of the acceleration or merge lanes at Carling EB at Preston, and Carling WB at Booth. This will also reduce the pedestrian crossing distances.

The TAC proposes this cross section: two lanes of traffic (plus turn lanes, some of which are VERY lengthy) plus one transit lane, plus one bike lane along the curb. The difficulty with the curb-side bike lane arises at Commissioner's Park (Dow's Lake tulip festival) where tour buses park against the curb ... and will be parking on top of the bike lane. Maybe the bike lane should be between the car lanes and transit lanes?

An idea well received was to replace the median lighting fixtures (which are sort of freeway style) with either outside curb poles (located right on the edge of the curb, this helps close in the perceived road width thus calming traffic and protecting peds) OR with more decorative fixtures somewhat like was done on King Edward (but not with those particular poles), OR mid-height dual purpose lighting poles as was done along Bank Street south of Gloucester. The current lighting style is too freeway-like and must go.

Does Carling have enough ped traffic to warrant ped lighting all the way along the sidewalks? Or would it be sufficient to mark intersections and where pathways join the sidewalk with clusters of lights and brick pavers in a ped scale, ie treating the sidewalk lighting as a series of nodes rather than a linear strip.

There is a grass median from the O-train to Booth. As we go east up the hill to Bronson, that shrinks to a dusty, dirty, heaved concrete wasted space. Since traffic volume decreases drastically east of Booth, to be 16,000 or so vehicles per day, I suggested two general traffic lanes are not needed, leave it as one lane(plus turn lanes) plus transit lane plus bike lane (since going up hill I have a harder time keeping to a straight line). This would allow for wider sidewalks, a side boulevard, or a landscaped centre median.

The centre median itself is pathetic. The soil is compacted, the greenery is "naturalized" (ie, weeds). I suggest that the first foot in from the curb be porus pavers, then there be a 2' high concrete wall, creating a giant planter along the median. This planter would be filled to a depth of two or three feet with structural earth or planting mix, and planted with locust or russian olive trees (very salt hardy) and a dense underplanting of shrubs. [note that the city does not plow snow onto the median, only to the road edges, so the one foot setback from the curb should function fine].

The consultants were less than thrilled with the planter idea. Too much salt spray, it will kill it all. My response: the examples they cite are all suburban with huge rights of way and windy conditions, this is a more urban street with a lower speed limit (which could be made even lower, please) and the wall will reduce salt spray. If the trees die, then leave the planter with grass -- it will thrive better than it does now! Or plant something like decorative grasses that grow in clumps 12 and 24 and 35" high for a textured landscape, and that die back in the winter and are immune to salt spray.

I understand the engineer mentality might find the planter idea offensive at first glance. But let's be imaginative, experiment, try something .... even if it is only for two of the blocks (one east and one west of Preston?) at first. Build it. See if it works. Expand a year later if successful (this would require setting aside some budget for that from day one). Too often the city takes the cheapout route: the NCC will make nice landscaping over there, so we don't have to do anything at all over here.

Here are few other ideas to consider: ban right turns at Preston and at Booth on red lights, to calm traffic and make it safer for cyclists; don't make the sewer upstream from Preston the same size as Preston, make it one size smaller, so the upstream people (ie Glebe) don't fill it to capacity so it floods the downstream end.

And here's one idea that needs to be killed: the TAC wants a continuous left turn lane on Carling EB from Preston to Booth; AND a continuous left turn lane on Carling WB from Booth to Preston; AND a Carling WB right turn lane onto Preston. Will there be any median left? This proposal takes catering to rush hour traffic to the extreme. Why does the whole street have to be built to handle the ninety minutes of rush hour volume, and why are Pointe Gatineau commuters so privilaged as to determine the whole design of the street and intersections? Heck, they aren't even paying for this!

Our streets cannot handle 30-50% more traffic as the city grows over the next few decades ... there just isn't room ... so why do we try? Build the roads for a balance of users (peds, cyclists, cars, transit) and balance of liveable city concepts, and drop the urgency to cater to suburban commuters. That means the rebuilding of Carling could handle the current traffic volume OR less. Then there would be no need to widen Carling as is in the current plan with its generous turn lanes. Unwidened, it can be made friendlier to peds, transit users, cyclists...and the environment.

Last note: the PAC set up for Carling consists of invited groups, individuals, property owners, BIA's, councillors. I represented the Dalhousie Community Assoc. I was the only invitee who showed up for the meeting. There will be a general public meeting on June 22nd. In the meantime, let your councillor and community association know what you want, if you care about Carling.

DCA draft Minutes June 2, 2010

2010-06-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

DCA minutes June 2, 2010 (draft)

Present: Ida Henderson, Sean Darcy, David Seaborn, Eric Darwin, Michael Hatfield, Charles Akben-Marchand, Lisa-Marie Inman ,Zsofia Orosz, Phil Robinson, Stephen Bolton, Anne Cavlovic, Maija Kagis, Jessica Scallen, Archie Campbell, Laura Bergen from the councilors office.

Adoption of May minutes: Charles and Michael

Presentation by City staff on light rail plans, Dennis Gratton and Matt Easton

Currently at borehole state, drilling is to complete our geological understanding of tunnel route and conditions.The current plan – with conservative assumptions – would see the tunnel open in 2019 for first travelers.

Downtown LRT service in the tunnel is expected to eliminate 2000 buses per day downtown. OCTranspo developing a plan to redirect away routes from Albert/Slater.

DCA members emphasized that pathways and bike routes should not be cut if funds are tight, unlike was the case during N/S plans. Denis said a mobility study is ongoing, including cycling, walking.

The LRT station design each will have 2 entrances, opportunities for additional access points do exist for some of the stations, these extra exits could be paid by private sector.

The next segment to be built will be to Lincoln Fields - dates not sure yet, then would go Baseline, where a station is under construction as part of the Algonquin expansion. The city is currently doing an EA, it will be at least 2 yrs before we see recommendations of for an extended route beyond Tunneys (3 currently considered).Once the OTrain N/S is fully electrified (start working on this in about 10 years) then that could allow for direct link to downtown from the airport and points south.

For more info, go to http://www.ottawalightrail.ca/

Charles' presentation on biking and public transport in Montreal

Charles spent a recent Saturday travelling the Montreal metro, riding bixibikes, and observing the bike lanes in the urban area. He had numerous slides of the features, which makes dealing with the proposed LRT, station designs, and segregated bike lane issues clearer for all of us.

Other business

Concern was expressed regarding the health of trees along Preston and West Wellington. Some of last year’s trees have very few leaves this year, and some of the ones planted this year dried out quickly and lost their initial leaves. Will they be strong enough to survive and thrive?

The Preston Street BIA is already ensuring that its members understand that the BIA will replace any and all trees, whether they die naturally or are vandalized. There were some concerns expressed about some merchants not wanting trees as they obstruct the view of their signage. On Wellington the inspection hasn't happened yet so if the pavers around the trunks are not up to specs then the contractor have to replace them and deal with any damage to the trees.

June 8th, there will be a walk about with the planning consultants regarding the cycling path along the OTrain corridor, if any board member wants to attend, please let Eric know.

The DCA was previously asked to review the guidelines being developed for LRT station design. Eric read the report, attended the PAC, circulated his comments, incorporating comments from DCA board members made in the last few days, and will send them to the city.

Splash pad at Plant Rec Centre: even during heat advisory days recently, the splash pad water was not on. Currently someone has to phone 311to have someone from the city come to turn on the water. Laura Bergen from the Councilor’s office agreed to find out if decentralization would help, with the Plant staff having the ability to turn on the water park. Members agreed that there should be one management running both the indoor facility and the park.

Heritage study for Dalhousie part of Somerset Ward: Sean spoke to this topic. He feels this area should have a heritage study to assess the building stock, there has not been one done for this neighbourhood. There are a many buildings abandoned, vacant, or awaiting development, so a heritage study would help us identify what's the intrinsic heritage value of the area that you want to maintained during development. Sean to write a letter on behalf of DCA to councilor, asking for a heritage study on the Bronson, Otrain, Queensway, Albert area.

Conversation continued on the fate of the many empty buildings and businesses along Somerset, as well as burnt out buildings which become vacant lots, or worse, unregulated parking lots and dumping zones for TV’s and monitors the city garbage dept no longer collects.

Closely related is the problem of residential side street parking for loading purposes at businesses. The Lorne intersection is a major problem, due to the volume of large trucks calling at a wholesale operation there. The city has not been helpful, BIAs are not successfully educating their members, the city bylaw shows up late or gives out only warning. Loading zones in front of the business should be better marked and reinforced. Laura to check with community police officer if he will go and discuss with the business owner. MPP could also be contacted to discuss changing legislation to allow private use of a city street ie reserved on-street parking for residents.

The discussion continued via email exchanges after the meeting.

CAFES: next meeting June 26, a volunteer is needed who wishes to attend.

Preston Street will have its street “pay and display” meters starting up south of the Queensway June 3rd and within the week for the rest of the street.

Follow ups:

Letters were sent to the city Re parking meters being converted to bike racks; we also objected to the Bell street apartment renovation signs as too big.

With respect to 73 Aberdeen, we sent a lengthy objection after a long discussion with the city planner. We have since learned the proponent also wants to turn the front porch into a commercial storefront with large display windows, etc. We continue to be dismayed that this proposal is even being considered it is so much at variance with the neighborhood plans.

Some months ago, we made the first moves towards getting more affordable housing in the neighborhood. Recently, Eric met with Catherine Boucher, and this planning initiative will get going.

853 Carling (Arnon’s site just west of the OTrain station) successfully applied for rezoning for a larger, higher office tower use. They are now allowed to build 15 floors, but if they convert the project to residential (and there are rumors of that) then it can be about18 floors high as the height limit is set in meters not floor count.

There was also to be a motion to freeze development on corner of Hickory and Champagne (the Starwood Mastercraft site) but Christine Leadman withdrew her proposal for freeze, we not sure why.

Phoenix site at 801 Albert (other side of Albert from the Bayview station) : city is developing a strategy to deal with the application as Phoenix is taking it to the OMB.

The Western Corridor LRT study is starting up. It deals with potential lines west of Tunney's Pasture. On June 21 is first PAC, as agreed previously Eric to attend.

Bronson reconstruction: we still do not have a community strategy to deal with this misguided project that seems focused on catering to commuter car traffic at the expense of every other interest. The DCA should meet with CCCA (David, Eric, Charles) prior to the next PAC meeting on June 15. Eric to circulate an alternative scheme for Bronson, for inclusion in the next edition of the Buzz.

Councillor's report

Next week is cycling open house June 7-8, Minto park garage sale is on the 12th; June 8 Centretown CDP meeting; the proposed reconstruction of Carling Avenue between Bronson and Preston will have an open house June 22, 5-8PM, and there will be four open houses in the next week on the segregated bike lane project.

Concern was raised that there are no stops for the Number 2 bus while on detour along Albert between Bronson and Preston. Laura to look into it. The No 2 will be subject to lengthy and changing detours all summer. This can be quite inconvenient for bus users, businesses, and those who use the bus to shop at Loblaws in Westboro.

DCA Comments on LRT Station design guidelines

2010-06-03T10:58:00.000-04:00

The DCA is keenly interested in how the LRT project will affect or neighborhood and indeed all of Ottawa. We recently reviewed the proposed station design guidelines and provided extensive verbal commentary to the City at a recent PAC meeting. Here are our written comments:

Ottawa Light Rail Design Guidelines for LRT Stations

2 June 2010

The Dalhousie Community Association represents the area from Bay Street to Bayview, from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue. As such, our area of interest includes two major LRT stations: LeBreton and Bayview. We have a number of comments on the draft guidelines for station design.

On the report as a whole: we are unclear as to a couple of key issues. The report calls for stations to be unique (3.2), and to have common elements. It is unclear if the idea is to have stations unique from each other or a signature design common to all stations. We prefer the each-one-unique approach. There needs to be greater clarity as to what elements could or should be common: for example, how unique will stations be if they have to used standard lighting and furniture from the city’s catalogue of approved street furniture?

Section 2.11 and 2.12 call for green design and crime prevention through design. Too often green design means heavily tinted glass. We favour all glass at public areas to be fully transparent and not tinted. Overhead glass can be tinted. Screens and overhangs can be used to shade windows to prevent glare and heat gain, but never at the price of reduced transparency.

Concessions and washrooms: the policy is overly pessimistic on both these issues. Every station should have washroom facilities inside the fare-paid area. At a minimum, there need to be keyed facilities for staff. At stations like LeBreton and Bayview, special events crowds require additional staffing, w/c facilities will be used by the staff. To reduce cost, consider using Clivis or composting toilets that do not require sewer connections. Better, would be to provide public toilets at all stations. Users will include an ageing population and children, both groups subject to short time horizons. The LRT system and stations should be user friendly, convenient … and this means w/c facilities. Recall too that many journey times will include multiple transfers and might easily last ninety minutes or longer.

From a narrow economic perspective, it may be viable to rent concession space only in the largest stations. But every station benefits from on-site staff or concessionaires, especially the smaller stations or in the evenings or other times of infrequent service. To get concessions at all stations, the city could rent concession space for all stations as a group; or to a social agency operating on a non-profit basis; or charge zero rent at some stations on the basis that the concession presence is a social benefit rather than a revenue source. Concessions sell tickets, provide change, provide direction, provide subjective security ….

The ten year time horizon for planning seems rather short. Stations should be designed for more than the opening volume and first decade of use. The system is designed to last for at least a hundred years, the stations should not require extensive expansion and refitting after just the first decade.

Station lighting: interior lighting should be designed to shut off when sufficient light comes in through the windows.

Sec 3.6 and other sections state that the BRT portions will have a different identity to the LRT sections. Yet for users, it is all one trip on one system; different identities and graphics may not make the trip easier.

Sec 3.9 calls for no cigarette receptacles outside the stations. While it is noble to refuse to enable smoking habits, people will smoke, they will smoke outside the station entrances, and they will throw butts on the ground/floor in the absence of ash receptacles. Non-provision of receptacles will cause the unintended consequence of making smoking more evident. At the same time, receptacles must be located to encourage smokers to move away from doors and busy walkways.

Sec 3.10 and others re advertising: the guidelines call for severely restricted advertising opportunities. The Assoc. recognizes that many people will want severely restricted or no advertising at all.

Others opt for advertising, as it provides a changeable message graphic that enlivens the station environment. It informs users of political events and advocacy, charitable events and causes, and products. A careful advertising policy is needed so that the LRT stations do not continue Ottawa’s general impression of staidness and bureaucratic over-rule.

Sec 3.13 bike facilities: twenty parking spaces for cycles at each station is unlikely to be sufficient. Provision should be made for many more, at least 100 for non-downtown stations, or expandable bike parking zones. Cycle parking must be located in close proximity to the entrance, or else cycles will appear chained to every post near the entrances. Also, allow for bixibike-type racks.

Sec 3.14 passenger drop off zones by car: there needs to be a clear hierarchy of drop off priority: bus, ped/ bike, car. Car stopping bays must not cause longer ped walks to the stations or be intrusive. We think they are unnecessary at LeBreton and downtown stations.

Sec 3.15 can read that developer-provided connections must look like the LRT station right up to the developer’s main building when it should read that the connections can be of a design of the developer’s choice right from the connection point with the LRT station.

Sec 4.2: Natural light sources should be used to replace (not supplement) station lighting requirements during daylight hours.

Sec 4.5, wayfinding: the current suggestion that direction be indicated by identifying the next station on the route is too limiting. It is better to identify end points of the route or general directions (east, west) in addition to secondary messages identifying the next stations. Please do not use the “inbound/outbound” designation.

Sec 4.10 advertising: consider having our sign displays of the same size as Toronto, to permit spillover advertising buys.

Sec 4.13 ramps: a six foot height change using a ramp requires a ramp length of at least 180 feet (20:1 ratio). Please avoid lengthy ramps and especially switchbacks.

Sec 4.14 para 2 reads only for centre platform designs.

Specific sites: the guidelines specify covered stations at Tunney’s, downtown, Lees, Blair, Cyrville, etc but not specify covered platforms at Bayview or LeBreton. Anything less than full stations will be unacceptable. Do not even consider “temporary” stations of bus shelters in a field pending “redevelopment” of the surrounding areas. Please specify that full stations, with covered platforms, are expected at Bayview and LeBreton from the opening day of the LRT system.

Sec 5.3.4 should include the role of the Bayview Station as a catalyst, a signature element, as having a leadership role in high quality urban redevelopment. The current criteria emphasize the empty area, the history. They also under-play the elevation of this station, the highest point for several kilometers around, which can make it a beacon, a glowing advertisement for the rapid transit system.

Sec 5.3.5 please note that the Bayview station fronts onto Albert Street, not Scott. Multiuse pathway connections are required on both the north (NCC) and south (city) side. Bike paths are not just recreational facilities, they must be considered valued parts of the commuter and daily use transportation infrastructure.

Sec 5.4.2 Please delete references to west centretown as a geographic moniker. The area is the former Dalhousie Ward, and has been known as Dalhousie on city maps since the nineteenth century. The surrounding neighborhoods are Dalhousie, or LeBreton Flats.

This section does not emphasize the opportunity to integrate the LeBreton station into the building development immediately to the south of the station on the east and west sides of Booth. The design suggestions of a historical theme need to be weighed against the overwhelmingly modern buildings that will surround it. Please also provide for east-west cycling facilities both on the north side of the aqueduct and the south side of the LRT corridor.

The section 5.8 guidelines for Campus station are too narrow regarding the Corktown footbridge and the opportunity to greatly improve the crossing of Colonel By Drive and integration of the ped network, possibly giving it higher priority than commuter traffic on Colonel By. As part of the station design, serious concern needs to be given to improving the east-west cycling and ped connections. Do not limit the design and network to the existing indirect paths and road crossings/tunnel. This is a once in a century opportunity to totally redesign this key transportation hub to reflect new priorities and to fix previous compromises at Colonel By and Lees that favour cars.

Section 5.9.5 misses the opportunity for a new direct cycling/ped link from Lees to Campus to the east-west cycling arterial using the Corktown footbridge. Indeed, do not Provincial guidelines call for improved cycling and ped facilities along the length of new transit corridors? Thus far, the LRT design seems limited to occasions when it meets existing facilities rather than looking for opportunities to mutually advance transit, ped, and cycling opportunities.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the LRT station design guidelines.

Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Assoc.

DCA opposes rezoning 73 Aberdeen

2010-05-31T09:49:00.000-04:00

The Community Association reviews all rezoning and Committee of Adjustment applications in the former Dalhousie Ward. We comment on many, and oppose some. Many of our letters are short and not reported here. This case is more interesting and involved. After some correspondence back and forth with the city planner, we sent in this letter:

14 May 2010

Douglas James

Re 73 Aberdeen Street, D02-02-10-0018

The Dalhousie Community Association opposes the application for rezoning 73 Aberdeen Street.

The property is currently residential zoned. Like on all the short dead-end streets running west off Preston, there are the occasional non-conforming uses adjacent to houses. It is good planning to reinforce the residential fabric of the neighborhood and not facilitate its erosion by primarily non-residential uses.

All the prior neighborhood plans and the currently underway CDP call for continued residential uses on these streets, and for reinforcing the residential nature of the side streets and focusing the commercial uses on the traditional mainstreet, Preston. There are residential infill and intensification projects planned and underway in the immediate vicinity so residential use is an economically viable prospect.

Current zoning permits the owner to conduct a home business, with one or two students/clients at a time. Our association accepts this home occupation use as compatible with the residential use. What is now proposed needs different zoning, but the plan does not tell us how many students/clients the applicant intends to serve.

If the proponent’s art classes consist of, for example, nine students, there would be nine vehicles arriving to pick up students and nine vehicles arriving to deposit the next class load. The entire street surface of Aberdeen cannot support that many vehicles at once, let alone any parking. The short 7 lot street already serves as on-street parking for a popular Preston restaurant (at the corner), for a historic-renovated office building with 130 employees and their parking lot garage, for a non-conforming use auto-body shop, and for the entrance ramp to a 32 unit condo facing Beech Street. This Association has seen no evidence that the street can handle the vehicular traffic that might well be generated by this art school.

We are also concerned by the overwhelming commercial nature of the rezoning. We estimate that the original house has about 1200 sq ft of space, the addition appears to have about 800 more (spread over three floors), yet the residential component when finished is only 570 sq ft, or 28%. If approved, this will be a commercial building with a small residential component. It is far from being a residence with ancillary art studio. (see photos attached).

We also note with concern that Aberdeen Street is a dead end with no turning circle or 3 point turn area, that the north sidewalk is discontinuous and only 20” wide and frequently over-run with vehicles, and suffers considerable congestion (especially in winter as there are no snow windrows possible).

The Dalhousie Community Association opposes the rezoning application as it

• converts the existing residence into a primarily commercial structure,
• is contrary to good planning practice and to existing and in-progress neighborhood plans
• will produce unacceptable traffic congestion that will be a hazard to others

Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Association
http://www.ottawadalhousie.ca/

DCA Minutes, May 5, 2010

2010-05-19T08:14:00.001-04:00

May 5, 2010

Present: Eric Darwin, chair; Ida Henderson; Archie Campbell; Catherine Boucher; Charles Akben-Marchand; Craig Haynes; David Seaborn; Maija Kagis, secretary; Phil Robinson; Sean Darcy; Laura Bergen; Michael Hatfield; Stephen Bolton

Guests: City staffer Colin Simpson from the cycling group, and consultants from McCormick- Rankin: Kimberley Hunton; Meghan Whitehead.

1. Presentation re: segregated bike lanes. Colin Simpson, City of Ottawa; See power point attached. They are open to receiving comments to the end of June. www.ottawa.ca/bikelane.

Members had questions re: effects on business; on neighbourhoods; parking losses.

2. Adoption of minutes, with corrections to spelling of Michael and Charles’ names. Adoption: moved by Charles A., seconded Ida H.

3. Elections for the board: David Seaborn reviewed task of each position.

President: Eric Darwin, acclaimed

Vice President: Charles Akben-Marchand, volunteered, acclaimed.

Secretary: Sophie Z. and Maija K. sharing (acclaimed)

Treasurer: David Seaborn, acclaimed.

4.Secretary of State fund: About $1000 left over from co-sponsorship of Harvest Moon festival many years ago remains as a separate line item in the accounts. Eric moved that be rolled into general fund, Catherine Boucher seconded.

5. Pay and Display machines: the city will paint green dots on Preston and on Somerset where machines will go in. City wants our feedback when dots have been put in as to appropriateness of location. Some parking meters will be converted to 500 bike racks for whole city. Eric to ensure there is not a pay and display machine in front of the Somerset garden. Grace Xin, CBIA, has asked the DCA to handle the pay and display coordination on Somerset.Eric and David to do so. Ida moved, that DCA express displeasure that we are not getting equivalent bike racks to parking meters being removed. Essentially more bike parking is required. Seconded Charles, all in favour. Eric to write letter.

Problem of parking on side streets raised.

6. Bell St.Towers: a new look to Bell St. Towers is coming. There is a request for a minor variance for three roof top units to be added.There will be about $40 million spent on repairs, including a new facade. The builder wants a sign variance to hang very large banners for five to ten years. Eric will write short letter objecting for excessive size.

Landlord has indicated that no one will be evicted because of the renovation.

7. Zoning at 73 Aberdeen. Between Preston and O-Train, on north side, to allow for artist studio, and now asking for re-zoning. Any home can have home occupation, as long as only one client at a time. DCA will object to expansion of commercial into residential. Eric will write letter.

8. The NCC loop idea for interprovincial transit is apparently back on the drawing boards. The position favoured by the DCA is to use LRT across Prince of Wales into downtown Gatineau. We will take every opportunity to ensure opposition to buses (STO Rapibus) using the Prince of Wales railway bridge to a terminus in Ottawa on the Flats.

9. Claridge requested 2-4 floors more for their next building on Duke Street on LeBreton Flats. We opposed the height increase, the City has approved this, it has essentially gone from 4 to 8 stories.

10.Public Advisory Committee for Bronson reconstruction: Consultant has set agenda thus far (all focus is on moving more traffic), now the community needs to begin to set agenda. An engineering drawing of the existing conditions on Bronson to be made available to DCA through the Councillor’s Office….Queen St. to Queensway. Charles’ suggests that DCA and CCA have its own mini-open house with other interested folk. Laura will speak to Diane about possibly hosting a meeting.

11. Councillor’s Report

Bore holes for underground transit being done…geo-technical and environmental.

Consulttion on segregated bike lanes scheduled on May 26: Eric and David to attend.

Urban design guidelines, meeting on Thursday May 13. 7:00pm.

Pubwell’s applying for outdoor patio space. Discussion. All patios close at 2300 hours. Eric will send comment re: concerns about the noise. Lively debate.

Booth St. curb extensions (bulb outs) are up for construction this season. David S will make comments to the city regarding the road width size (be consistent), our preference for bollards over “tiger tail” sign panels, and the desirability of trees on the bulb outs.

12. The Buzz is jointly owned by DCA and CCA: Board is made up of 2 members from each CA and chair of CA or his designate is exoficio; Jack Purcell has one member; as does CCOC and PPRA, SWCHC or CCHC, and rep of local BIAs..

Ida Henderson has resigned as PPRA from the BUZZ board when an article on the Israel-Palestine issue was not accepted. There ensued a discussion of editorial policy and what articles constitute local interest/local connection to national and international stories.

Policy of BUZZ is being re-focussed to ensure community relevance.

Maija will remind CHC’s that they have one seat on BUZZ board and ensure one CHC article per month.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Cleaned up

2010-05-03T20:31:00.001-04:00

Craig #1, Ida, Eric working on the Primrose staircase on spring cleanup day. Photo by Craig #2.

Ida is THE neighborhood gardener. Eric got promoted to garbage bag carrier.

We left calling cards this time ... which will compost in time...

I noticed on the Empress staircase that someone is tossing perennials onto the foot of the slope. Not planting them, just tossing them. I tried to stick several in the stoney ground by scooping out hollows and adding some dirt. I wonder if the donor taught his kids to swim by tossing them off the deep end of the pier on a stormy night.

Social event of the month !

2010-04-30T18:33:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning at 10am a group of Dalhousie residents will gather at the Dalhousie community centre (corner of Empress and Somerset) for an hour (or two) of neighborhood grooming. We provide the gloves, bags, and friends. In small groups, we tidy up a few blocks or nuisence spots. This year the focus will be on the two pedestrian staircases that go up/down Nanny Goat Hill. The Primrose staircase runs east-west; the Empress Ave staircase runs north/south; the bottom of the Empress stair comes out near the Good Companions centre.

One of the nicest aspects of gathering up the miscellaneous debris is soaking up the praise ... there isn't a pedestrian going by who doesn't stop to thank us for tidying up. We hope this evangelizes into people more concerned about keeping our neighborhood tidy.

You are welcome to come out and join us.

Planning Cttee: 801 Albert Street

2010-04-25T19:02:00.001-04:00

801 Albert Street is the triangle of land bounded by the City Centre Complex, Albert Street, and the Otrain corridor. It is presently a "hole", that is, it appears to be significantly lower than the surrounding properties. Phoenix owns it, and has come foreward with numerous redevelopment proposals, all of which have been lacking in merit. Granted, it is a very difficult site to develop, with many easements and utility lines crossing it. The City is now examining the utilties in the area as part of the Bayview-Carling CDP; it may be possible to realign some of them (but at great cost).

In their prior proposal, Phoenix wanted two condo towers and a four floor office building, all on one podium structure level with Albert Street. Building the garage would prevent the city from replacing the sewers some day, so they turned down the idea of a single podium structure. Now Phoenix is proposal three separate podiums, leaving the sewer rights of way open to the air. The City is recommending it be rejected, as it divides up the parcel into awkward pieces.

Here is our letter:

Planning Committee

Re: 27 April 2010: zoning – 801 Albert Street

Dear Sir/Madam

The Dalhousie Community Association supports the eventual development of this site. The development could be high density suitable for its proximity to a major transit hub. The current Phoenix proposal falls far short of the site’s potential and should be rejected. The buildings should be adjacent the sidewalk, parking should be underground, it should be pedestrian and transit focused (not parking garage and surface lots), its prominent location merits the very highest architectural and planning endeavor.

The Association calls on the city to make every effort to promptly resolve the issues of the utilities crossing the site and the city’s need for future access for repair and replacements. Rather than having the proponent come back repeatedly with proposals for the site, we encourage the city to work collaboratively with the developer to find a suitable development track.

Update: the City agreed, and turned down the Phoenix proposal 28 April 2010.

34 Fleet Street - LeBreton Flats upzoning

2010-04-23T14:12:00.001-04:00

The developer on LeBreton Flats, Claridge, is asking the city for permission to increase the height of one of his next buildings from six floors to eight. The building will be directly along side the aqueduct, opposite the pumping station.

In our memory, this was supposed to be four stories along there, not six, not eight. We have been unable to find out how the four floors became six (and soon ... eight?).

The Assocation opposes the additional height since there is supposed to be a variety of building heights and the original public proposals for the development clearly show four floors in this area. Indeed, those four storey buildings are still displayed on the photomontage at the sales centre on the Flats.

Here is our letter:

Planning Committee

Re: April 27, 2010: Zoning: 34 Fleet Street

The Dalhousie Community Association opposes the increase in height for this parcel.

The Association notes with interest that the staff’s rationale for the increase in height to “add a variation to the design of the building and a variation to the streetscape…to create a better built form and development profile which will add to the character of LeBreton Flats”.

Exactly the same effect could be achieved by reducing the proposed height from six floors to four.

This reduction would be completely in accord with the original plan of subdivision and development of the Claridge project on the Flats as presented by Claridge, the NCC, and the City, to the public. We are appending several photographs of the proposed development of the site which clearly show the plan was for four storey buildings, not six. Indeed, these photos are still prominently displayed at the Claridge sales office and presentation centre at the Flats, telling purchasers that the community will be low rise along the recreational aqueduct spine. We have been unable to find out from City staff how or when the public proposal for four storey buildings along the aqueduct became six, and soon… eight?

It is the position of the Association that

• The original presented neighborhood plan for the Flats development reflected proper planning principles when it showed building heights descending to the edge of the recreational space

• The city should turn down this increase in height

Eric Darwin
President, Dalhousie Community Association
23 April 2010

Photo montage based on the model of the site development. The subject parcel is on the top right portion of the development, as it curves along the aqueduct recreational spine. This original subdivision plan has height changes that add a variation to the design of the building and a variation to the streetscape … creating a better built form and development profile, adding to the character of the Flats.

The subject building is on the upper centre right. The four storey height reflects good planning principles by being low rise along the recreational corridor of the aqueduct. These photos are displayed prominently on the site informing the public and condo buyers what to expect from future approved developments on the Flats. Is this just the first of the four storey buildings to be upzoned to eight?

Subject parcel is on the centre right – four storeys, not six, not eight.

Update: Alas, Council disagreed with our position and approved the height increase to 8 storeys. - 28 April 2010

President's remarks at AGM

2010-04-16T15:12:00.001-04:00

President’s remarks

DCA AGM 13 April 2010
by Eric Darwin.

Hi, one short year ago a new board was elected to the DCA and I was elected president.

What a year!

The DCA went electronic, creating a web presence to which we post our agendas, minutes, and copies of some of our correspondence, so that members can get information faster and the larger community can also participate through the internet. We had some learning curves and adjustments, but the web presence seems totally natural now. Unexpectedly, the media monitor the site and it became the springboard for increased attention to our neighborhood and its issues, particularly with CBC, Carleton Journalism, and Centretown News. We are no longer called Centretown West, nor is “Dalhousie” heard with “wherz-dat?” Dalhousie is on the map again.

The past and next few years are most decidedly the years of infrastructure and transportation projects. In 2009 we had many meetings with the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel planning team. Our letters and input to them were lengthy and detailed. We pushed for, and got, the ability of the new LRT transit system to offer no-transfer single-car service to the airport. When we might actually see that service is another matter, but the system is being built to allow for that type of service. We also had tons of comments on the station locations especially at LeBreton and Bayview. We didn’t just complain either, we praised what we liked and identified what we didn’t, and think the DOTT team has listened to many of concerns, and the system as now proposed is much improved over the initial proposals. Now if the city would just built it!

2009 also saw the final year of construction along Preston Street. We can all be proud of that streetscape, with its wider sidewalks, friendly lighting, and hundreds of trees and shrubs. I think the rest of the city has sat up and taken notice of how well it turned out. It has received lots of media coverage, all positive, and we now see other neighborhoods citing Preston Street, in Dalhousie, as their model to emulate. What an incredible turnaround from a few years ago. We have ongoing dialogue with the Preston BIA now.

We took many of the lessons of Preston and applied them to the reconstruction of Somerset Street. Construction begins next month on the OTrain to Preston section. This will not just be a continuation of the street pattern done in Hintonburg. I think it is significantly better, emphasizing there is only two lanes of traffic with distinct parking bays off to the side.

In 2011, Somerset reconstruction continues up the hill to Booth street, and the new Chinatown look will be implemented. Also in Chinatown, the Gateway Arch, a royal arch, will be built at Cambridge Street. Thirty three feet high, all concrete, painted in gold and other colours, it will be an attraction to be proud of. I am pleased with the cooperative work ethos we have made with the CBIA, it is becoming a stronger partnership which builds stronger communities.

There were other issues too. Do I need remind everyone that the parole board tried to locate its regional parole centre at 1010 Somerset? After years of complaining and encouragement, the city finally restarted the Bayview Carling CDP, although many of the “horses are out of the barn” there, it is better late than never. There were infill issues, committee of adjustment applications, parking lot issues. We had guest presentation from The Door and from Rochester Heights and the PPRA partnership continued. We lobbied hard for the Dominican Gardens on Empress to become parkland rather than a condo. There is lots to do.

A look ahead at the issues in 2010-11

• Getting the bike paths built north-south along the Otrain corridor; and east-west along Albert or the new LRT line (BikeWest);

• Bronson reconstruction will be a major major time consumer as we are starting out with very different objectives than the “more-traffic” planners that currently control the study;

• condo infills will be a bigger issues as condo mania now raging in Centretown to the east and Hintonburg-Wellington to the west spreads into Dalhousie;

• we have to remain vigilant to push problem properties to clean up and to prevent the proliferation of non-permitted ugly parking lots.

• We have to keep close tabs on the DOTT process and LRT conversion issues, especially what happens to the buses now using the transitway – where do they go while the transitway is being laid with rails?

• We have to be vigilant to keep LeBreton Flats for a mixed use mixed income urban city and not a busway terminus for the STO.

• We need some creative infill projects of affordable housing, whether as condos, rentals, and by whatever provider we can get. We have identified two locations and want to work to bring these projects to the “shovel ready” stage pending funding

There is no shortage of issues where our input is valuable and more importantly, listened to. It is gratifying to see we have a real impact on what happens in our neighborhood. Our board for 2010-11 will be selected here tonight, and I encourage anyone who wants to be involved, to have an influence, to have fun doing that… put forward your name and join us in building a better Dalhousie.

DCA Minutes AGM April 13, 2010 (draft)

2010-04-13T14:59:00.001-04:00

Dalhousie Community Association

Annual General Meeting – 2010

Draft Minutes of Annual General Meeting of 13 April 2010 held at the Dalhousie Community Centre

1. Meeting was called to order at 7:20pm by Eric Darwin, President .

2. Emilie Hayes, a community developer from the Somerset West Community Health Centre presented the findings of the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study for Dalhousie.

3. The minutes of 2009 AGM were adopted on a motion by Martha Musgrove and Ida Henderson.

4. President’s Report: Eric Darwin presented his report. The President’s Report (posted separately) was accepted on a motion by David Seaborn and Archie Campbell.

5. Treasurer’s Report: David Seaborn presented his report. The report was adopted on a motion of by David Seaborn and Eric Darwin.

6. Election of the Board of Directors for 2010-2011: Carol Sissons chaired the elections. There being no contested positions, the following people were elected by acclamation: Archie Campbell, Ann Cavlovic, Sean Darcy, Eric Darwin, Michael Hatfield, Craig Haynes, Ida Henderson, Maija Kagis, Zsofia Orosz, Phil Robinson, David Seaborn, Charles Akben-Marchand, Lisa-Marie Inman, Stephen Bolton and Catherine Boucher.

7. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm on a motion by Eric Darwin.

David Seaborn

14 April 2010

DCA Minutes (draft) April 7, 2010

2010-04-10T12:14:00.001-04:00

DCA minutes (draft) 7 April 2010

Present: Craig Haines, Eric Darwin, Ida Henderson, Michael Hatfield, Zsofia Orosz, Jessica Scallen, David Seaborn, Eric Bates, Charles Abken-Marchand

Guests: Lisa Iman, Diane Holmes

Minutes of March 3
Adopted as distributed; motion by Micheal, seconded by Jessica

Chinatown arch
Services redirection is already started, for example Hydro is working on overhead wiring and gas lines are being relocated. April 22 is official opening ceremony. The DCA decided it cannot afford to be a listed donor for the structure.

Somerset reconstruction
The public open house had a big turnout, many comments were submitted, mostly positive. The next meeting to assess the changes based on comments made at the open house will be held April 8th.

Bronson reconstruction
The engineers were very car and suburb oriented, didn't seem to be aware that most of it is traditional main street as per official plan and a scenic route. They want to widen the roadway so would have to take land off the gardens, encroaching on intersections. Robinson is the consultant firm. Our reps thought they were 100% car focused and ignoring the neighbourhood realities and possibilities. David, Eric D and Erik B to propose a walk around with both consultants (Robert Cotham) and city project manager for both Bronson and Preston. Tentatively another meeting is planned for May 6.

Cycling along O-Train corridor
CCC to send support note to 2 councilors and Vivi Chi. Detailed engineering study is ongoing, with the expectation that the underpass and path will be constructed in 2011.

Champagne Hickory rezoning
Eric wrote in objecting to the height requested and to support the new pedestrian bridge over the train cut at Hickory which is also supported by the developer. Parking provision – it is fuzzy if he can by himself offer less parking, or if it has to be required by the City to offer less parking, because it is close to a transit corridor. Developer is suggesting he'd offer 1 parking space per unit rather than 1.2.

Other Planning Projects
The planner responsible for the Claridge application on the Flats said that it the choice of the developer as to how much parking is provided for projects close to transit stations, while in other cases the policy has been interpreted so that the developer is held by the City to these standards. The first section of the new Claridge building at 200 Lett Street on the Flats is occupied, they are building the 2nd wing and tower of it right now. The new application going to the City is for a third structure, comprising a 6 storey building, townhouses and an increase to 8 storeys for a smaller apartment unit. The DCA will oppose the application for increased height as the original plans aimed for mixed height buildings and we do not want the flats to turn into a collection of high rises with sterile spaces between. It is better for the buildings to step down in height as they approach the aquaduct, not that they get higher.

Domicile development site on Somerset
Domicle owns a large site on Somerset West. He has extremely tentative plans for the site. Based on our discussion of the concept, we recommend Domicile organize a stakeholder meeting to provide input on what is more likely to be acceptable to the community. We want a development that the community will be proud of.

Committee of Adjustment applications
(David left the meeting)

145 Elm Street– An innovative infill proposal is being made for the west end of Elm Street, with unusual lot arrangements and intense infill. The neighbours in the back are happy with the proposal, we have not heard of any opposition elsewhere. The project will appear to be two single family homes from the street side, when there actually will be four houses on the lot. The DCA wondered whether this is a precedent setting or not. There are already several similar arrangements in the neighbourhood, though most of these are older buildings.

PPRA
The PPRA asked the DCA to support a Rochester Heights swim program application for city funding, which Eric did via two letters.

DCA clean up
Date is set for May 1 with May 2nd for rain day. Meet at 10am, at the Dal community centre. The Chinatown streets are much cleaner this year, as a result of the new street cleaning program the CBIA is operating. However, the two pedestrian staircases descending to Primrose and Empress will need a lot of help again. The event lasts about two hours.

Parking lots
By city law, no car in a off-street lot can be closer than 0.5 m to sidewalk. There are several new car park lots appearing along Preston and Somerset. For all these, Eric to follow up with 311 and our parking bylaw enforcement contact. The City has already acted on illegal parking on Bay and Laurier where a condo tower has removed landscaping planters and painted parking spaces onto the paved sidewalk/boulevard space.

AGM is next Tuesday
Flyers were distributed. Minutes from last year will be required for the meeting. For static displays on the walls, there will be a Somerset Street map showing the new landscaping, posters of the Cornerstone project at Booth/Eccles, a poster board of the Chinatown Arch. The AGM will start at 7, with the first 30 minutes for mingling and viewing the posters. At 7:30 there will be a presentation on Ottawa neighbourhood study, then from 8:00 DCA's reports and election of directors. Carol Sissons will run the election.

Our association’s 2010 dues for Federation of Citizen's Associations is now due. A motion to make the payment was moved by Archie, seconded by Charles.

Councillor's report
Council passed a motion in 2008 to start looking at the possibility of studying segregated bike lanes in the downtown core. Today's motion by Diane Holmes was accepted. It is to set up a community advisory group on where the lanes should go, and expanded the scope of the area to include the whole city.Good local involvement is needed. It is critical to avoid a bad experience as it could set back this approach for years in the whole city.

Other business
Ida went to an Open House on wastewater management plans for the Ottawa River, decisions have to be by September whether it is a set of large cisterns or a set of tunnels, some of which would be under our community.

2010-04-07T15:47:00.002-04:00

125 Hickory Street

2010-03-14T11:50:00.000-04:00

On March 14 the DCA sent this letter to Douglas Bridgewater, in the City planning department, regarding the proposed Starwood-Mastercraft 22 and 24 storey development for 125 Hickory Street (former Aquerello site, near the Humane Society):

The board of the DCA discussed this proposal at length at its March 3rd meeting. We are all familiar with the site, and had elevations and site plans on hand during the discussion.

We feel the proposed height is excessive. This is a mid-block, land-locked location, not a gateway. Its location on a transit corridor, and with nearby access to a major arterial (Carling Avenue) means the site is suitable for intensification. In our opinion, a height the same as the adjacent Emerald Tower would be suitable.

The DCA supports the notion of Transit Oriented Development (ToD) requiring different conditions than might be applicable in other areas for similar developments. Reducing the parking requirements is appropriate for ToD and increases the affordability of the units. Since the site is immediately adjacent current cycling paths and the future cycling arterial proposed for the Otrain corridor, we feel there should be a significant cycle parking facility conveniently located within the building to encourage cycling. The more the reduction in parking, the more prime parking spaces should be required for Virtu-car or similar car sharing services.

We appreciate being informed of public meetings and the progress of this application at the email shown below.

Eric Darwin

President, Dalhousie Community Association.

EricDarwin1@gmail.com

www.ottawadalhousie.ca

DCA Minutes 3 March 2010 (draft)

2010-03-09T17:16:00.000-05:00

DCA Minutes 3 March 2010 (draft)

Present: Eric Darwin, Charles Akben-Marchand, David Seaborn, Ida Henderson, Doug Gabelmann, Jessica Sellars, Archie Campbell, Michael Hatfield, Zsofia Orosz, Laura Bergen, Grace Xin, David Hearden of Delcan

Minutes: the Minutes of the previous meeting were adopted, with a few minor typos noted.

Chinatown Royal Arch:

David organized a meeting of Cambridge Street neighbors to discuss the proposal to use vacant lot immediately south of the Yangtze Restaurant to pre-cast concrete pieces for the arch. A satisfactory arrangement is being put in place for residents, restaurant visitors, and artisans. The concrete casting would occur mostly in the northern part of the lot. The street-closing chain will only be opened to move the biggest pieces. The forms, or wooden moulds, are already made in China and have been shipped; they are arriving next week. Grace had a large wooden model of part of the arch, which came apart into individual pieces, which it appears the artisans use to guide their construction process in addition to blueprints.

A local contractor (not yet selected) will be responsible for the two main posts and 130 ton overhead beam (poured in place) and the artisans will cast decorative elements mostly off site, although some will be cast in situ. We are looking at complete street closure for about two months, starting in mid-June. Bike and pedestrian access will remain. This closure will be hard on local businesses, coming as it does soon after the opening of the T&T Chinese superstore on Hunt Club. It will take about 2 months to paint the arch elements (14 layers of paint) but the street will be opened for that. The tiles on top will be real, shipped from China.

The CBIA will be entering into maintenance arrangement with City to do a structural inspection every 5 years. The structure is expected to last 20 years without any major repair.

The city’s detour roads for traffic during the closure will be Booth, Gladstone, Bronson, and Somerset. The number 2 bus will probably be detoured along Bronson, Albert, Preston. This could be further aggravated by the Somerset reconstruction immediately west of Preston which probably will go the same length of time and will also require a detour, perhaps to Bayview. There is a concern that much traffic will spill over to side streets. The street closure at Booth is a problem since it is several blocks west of the actual blockage that will be out of sight, and traffic will still have to be let in to reach restaurants and businesses. Members suggested it should be indicated/signed that it is a dead end at Bronson rather than totally closed.

The arch is designed to meet the Ontario Bridge code. The two lions that guard the pedestals are already made, carved from granite, on granite pedestals, which will be mounted on a low concrete base to protect the pedestals from snowplow damage. The CBIA estimates an April 19 construction start up; on April 21-22 (to be confirmed) there will be a big opening ceremony with a BBQ.

In other news, the CBIA has hired, twice a month, a cleaning contractor. Using a truck mounted vacuum and sweeper, it will do the sidewalks, curb lines, and street corners. (This is in addition to regular city cleaning twice a year). Members of the board expressed appreciation for this effort by the CBIA to help clean up Chinatown.

Bronson reconstruction

The consultants and City have added more technical staff to ensure compliance with other (earlier) studies. We are now looking towards the end of March for the first public advisory committee meeting. With the additional resources and stern reminder from the Councilor’s office as to the mandate and consultation process required, we are looking forward to a more productive planning process. Actual construction begins in 2011.

Chinese Alliance Church

David met with their building committee of four people, and explained our concerns about opening the new building onto Bell Street, explored some more options for adding a housing component, and some opportunities to rearrange the building on the site that might be better. We are awaiting feedback.

Somerset reconstruction and streetscaping

The various stakeholders seem to have resolved all the major planning issues except for the final choice of pavers on the sidewalks and parking bays for the portion between Preston and City Centre Avenue, for which the consultants are to come up with new drawings. Tree types have been recommended, bulbouts designed, parking spaces preserved, etc. The planning process was arduous and dialogue was sometimes contentious. The stakeholders met twice a week for 2 hours each evening for over a month. Council Holmes was helpfully present for many of these meetings or sent a representative.

There will be a public meeting to review the plans on March 24, 7 to 9pm at the Plant Recreation Centre. Construction commences in April, 2010.

As part of the planning process, we are examining the design and desirability of an underpass for cyclists next to O-train, along a route identified in the City’s Official Plan and Cycling Master Plan as the route of a major cycling arterial. The Somerset consultants (Delcan) have done a preliminary survey and drawings for an underpass. It remains to be seen if an engineering and costing feasibility study of cutting a tunnel next to O-Train can be funded this year (this detailed work is apparently not in the road reconstruction study so funding has to be found for the study). It also remains to be seen if the City can be persuaded to put up the money to actually insert the underpass in 2010-11. It has many other competing priorities, so it is up to us to let the city and our councilor know that we want the underpass now.

Eric put forward motion to get in touch with other adjacent community associations and bike organizations to write letters to the City and councilors to express strong support. The proposed rough budget for the underpass was discussed; too much of the money is going to an access stair on the NE side which we think has insufficient utility and should be delayed until the adjacent site is redeveloped.

Somerset Viaduct Tree Maintenance: as part of the Somerset reconstruction, the communities really want a row of trees along both sidewalks over the span. These trees would be planted in planters as the gravel fill comprising the viaduct wicks away water, and for part of the way there are shallow ducts under the sidewalk. Planters need irrigation; the consultants are looking into piping system, the water source, who will turn it on/off, winter maintenance, and who is going to pay for the water. Domicile has indicated a willingness to discuss using their site as a water source. The city normally doesn't pay for this kind of water, but there might be a way to achieve our plan. The DCA would be willing to help with the operation of the system – we already help maintain two manual watering systems at streetside gardens along Somerset.

Underneath Somerset at City Centre Avenue is a small underpass, of indeterminate ownership and maintenance. It is used by motorists and pedestrians. It is not plowed by the city, but possibly by PWGSC from 1010 Somerset. The DCA and HCA would like to see this improved and made safer for pedestrians. There is a walk around on March 11 with the consultants. There may be one other steering group meeting for the public art component, which will most likely focus on the bridge portion of the street. A general public open house to review the Somerset reconstruction proposal is proposed for 24 March 2010.

Hickory at Champagne

Starwood Mastercraft is proposing 22 and 24 storey condo towers on a townhouse pedestal for the former Aquerello site. The height is contentious, it requires considerable rezoning and since it is within 600 metres of public transit the city can restrict the project to offer only 60% parking (the builder norm for this location would be 113%; the building is proposing 100%). This might increase the on street parking demand. We are concerned that if the City estimate of required parking is too low, the neighborhood suffers from congestion forever. The lower parking requirement is a progressive feature of Transit Oriented Development (ToD) planning concepts. However, the builder wants additional units because he is close to transit but doesn’t want to provide fewer parking spaces even though he is close to transit. Fewer parking spaces should keep units more affordable since parking spaces cost around $30 thousand each.

The situation is further complicated by the number of dead-end streets in the area, the current spill over of all day commuter parking (esp. for the Booth Street complex), etc. While a traffic study is not yet available, we do not anticipate overloading Preston, but do anticipate considerable walk-in mainstreet traffic, especially if the pedestrian bridge extending Hickory over the Otrain is built (by the City, at a later date).

Members expressed concern that the proposed tower height is too high for a mid-block, mid-neighborhood, non-gateway location; members were also concerned as it would be precedent setting, and there are numerous other development parcels along the Otrain corridor which we expect would want the same height. The requested height is bigger than current (max 15) storey Preston/champagne secondary plan. The association decided to write a letter opposing the height, especially for the mid-block location; but to indicate support for the principles of ToD.

There will be a public meeting about the proposal on Monday March 22nd at 7:30 at the Civic Hospital amphitheatre, sponsored by the CHNA.

Communication

We need a Buzz ad for the upcoming AGM, to be held on 13 April, Tuesday, 7:00pm. Eric to write the text, with an invitation to meet neighbours, Councilor, etc and to see the Somerset reconstruction plans, the Chinatown Royal Arch plans, and maybe preview something about the Bronson reconstruction. Cost of the ad was approved.

Councilor’s report

Laura Bergen from the Councilor’s office heard our concerns for the trees for the Somerset reconstruction including an irrigation system, and promised further work into seeing how this can be accomplished.

Responding to member concerns, she will look into the public artwork bambinos concept proposed by the PBIA (Gladstone/Preston) to see if there is adequate space, impact on trees, aesthetics, etc..

The board was encouraged by efforts trying to get community gardens at Lisgar and Lyon, a vacant lot.

Somerset near Dundonald seems to be festooned with overhead wires (particularly South side) though about 16 years ago these were buried (Kent to Bronson). The underground wiring is not being maintained, but replaced by ever more overhead wires. The councilor’s office will investigate, and Eric to get in touch with Friends of Dundonald Park about the issue and ideas for planting more trees along Somerset between Kent and Percy.

Letter re Bike route along Otrain corridor

2010-03-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

The DCA sent the following letter to Vivi Chi and Mona Abouhenidy of the City cycling program, and Councillors Leadman and Holmes:

At its meeting on March 3, 2010, the Dalhousie Community Association passed a motion respecting the need for a cycling underpass at Somerset along the Otrain corridor. The Association feels it is a high priority for the community to have the technical feasibility study for the underpass and for its construction as part of the Somerset reconstruction process in 2010-11. We have been waiting almost half a century for our bike path to be completed; we do want it to take a full century to complete this cycling arterial.

In approx.1962 the first segments of the Carling-Bayview cycling and pedestrian path were built by the NCC as part of the railway relocation projects in Ottawa.

The segments ran from Prince of Wales to Carling to Young Street (the Queensway) along the east side of what is now the Otrain corridor. It is a stonedust path through a treed corridor and is remarkably placid and calm pathway.

The right-of-way is there for the path to continue under the Queensway (the underpass has plenty of room), cross Gladstone, and continue north to Somerset. Somerset has always been the big barrier to completing the path north to Scott/Albert and Ottawa River parkway. The existing railway underpass under Somerset is just too narrow to contain the bike path.

There is an opportunity now to get this missing underpass in place. As part of the Somerset reconstruction project the City could allocate funds for a feasibility study to be conducted in 2010. Preliminary work by Delcan, for the current Somerset Street road works, indicates it is possible to construct a cycling underpass parallel to the rail track. Detailed study is now required.

If the study is done, it would be possible to construct the underpass in 2011 as part of the ongoing Somerset reconstruction work. Once the underpass is built, the last barrier to completing the Carling-Bayview cycling and pedestrian corridor would be removed, and work could commence to complete the path in the next few years.

This path would be a vital link in the city and region wide official cycling plan;
It would offer local residents and employees an easy off-road cycling route through the neighborhood and access to other neighborhoods and work places;
It would connect with the existing Rideau Canal and Experimental Farm paths;
It would eventually connect with the Ottawa River and BikeWest routes, offering access to the downtown;
It would make a cycling loop possible, from our neighborhoods along the canal-downtown-Ottawa river-back to our west side communities;
It would meet recreational and commuter cycling needs;
It would offer a safe off-road route for those who prefer to avoid busier commercial streets.

This neighborhood has seen a number of false starts for this facility over the years. With the reconstruction of Somerset, and the rapid development of transit oriented condo developments along the corridor, now is the time to finally complete this cycling infrastructure that will manifest smart growth policies in the central area.

Eric Darwin,

President, Dalhousie Community Association.

EricDarwin1@gmail.com

www.ottawadalhousie.ca