Hi neighbour,
This week (April 19-25) is National Volunteer Week in Canada. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank every Bay Ward resident who volunteers their time to make their community better. Whether it’s taking care of the winter trails, ice rinks, volunteering at food banks, filling sandbags, or the 1000 other ways people help their neighbours, your efforts are seen and appreciated. Let’s keep taking care of each other!
Update on the Spring Freshet
Thank you to everyone in Britannia, Crystal Bay and Belltown who took time to fill sandbags in the past week. The latest update from the City’s Emergency Management Office is that water levels are plateauing and are expected to gradually decline over the next few days. The first phase of the freshet appears to have peaked at, or just below, the level recorded in 2023. Ongoing monitoring is required, as conditions are dependent on weather and any remaining inflow from the northern basin. Residents living along the Ottawa River should continue to monitor the City’s Spring flooding website, and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website regularly for the latest updates. The City is also asking that boat operators stay off the Ottawa River in and around the areas impacted by flooding, as boating close to the shore can cause wakes which could cause additional damage to homes and flood barriers.
Recording Available: Public Information Session on 1746 Carling Ave, Boyd Ave, and Kerr Ave
Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual public information session for 1746 Carling, Boyd, and Kerr on Monday night. There were some great questions raised, and a commitment by Fotenn and the developers to continue to work with the community. A recording of the meeting is available for those who weren’t able to attend, and more information on the application is available through the City’s development application search tool.
City Council this week: Safe Access to Social Infrastructure Bylaw
At City Council on Wednesday, we voted on the Safe Access to Social Infrastructure Bylaw (commonly known as the “Bubble bylaw”). After listening to the debate at the joint committee last Friday, reviewing the staff report, and hearing from residents on both sides of the debate, I ultimately chose to vote in support of the proposed bylaw, with the amendments brought forward by my council colleagues. This was not an easy decision to make, and I appreciated hearing the perspectives of Bay Ward residents who reached out to my office over the last year. With careful monitoring, I am hopeful that this bylaw, with the recent amendments to protect labour protests, and to allow for protests to march past safe access corridors, will strike the appropriate balance between protecting freedom of expression and protecting vulnerable populations, including seniors and children.
Build Canada Homes Announcement with Prime Minister Carney (2475 Regina Street)
Yesterday, I attended an announcement by the federal government related to the project sites for affordable housing, as part of the City’s recent partnership with Build Canada Homes. The Prime Minister announced that Build Canada Homes has approved eight affordable housing projects that will build over 1,100 new rental homes in the City of Ottawa. One of the projects is located right here in Bay Ward, at 2475 Regina Street in Lincoln Heights. This project will deliver 266 affordable and supportive housing units, and is being developed by Nesting Ground, in partnership with Windmill developments, Parkway House, Perley Health, and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition. I will be meeting with the project team in the coming weeks, and will share more information on this development with the community when it is available.
Reminder: Coffee Chat next week (Thursday, April 30, 4-6 pm, Bridgehead Coffee, 2140 Carling Ave)
A reminder to drop by my coffee chat next week, anytime between 4 and 6 pm to raise issues, have your questions answered, and meet some of your neighbours. A member of the City’s Forestry Team will be joining me to answer residents’ questions about tree planting across the City. I look forward to seeing you there. All are welcome!
Registration is now open for my annual Spring Tea: Monday, May 25
I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at my upcoming Spring Tea Party on Monday, May 25th, from 1-3 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre. A light lunch will be served, including coffee, tea, and some delicious sweets. Entertainer and country Irish vocalist Robin Averill will be joining us, along with a variety of City departments and local community partners. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by email (making sure to include your Bay Ward address) to bayward@ottawa by May 15th to secure your spot.
Read the full newsletter for more news and events across Bay Ward!
