Hi neighbour,
There’s a lot on the go in Bay Ward this week, so let’s get right to it!
Housing in Bay Ward
With the release of the final draft of the City’s new zoning by-law earlier this month, I’ve been getting some questions from residents about my stance on densification in Bay Ward neighbourhoods. I want to be clear: the need for more housing across our city isn’t a matter of politics or personal preference, it’s a necessity. The provincial government passed legislation in 2022 to allow for more multi-residential units to be built on what were previously single lots. Ottawa’s Official Plan recognizes the need for more housing units across the city, and the new zoning by-law has been drafted to reflect both documents. I also welcomed the Auditor General’s recent Audit of Development Application Review, and look forward to seeing their recommendations implemented to speed up approvals and process time for new housing units in the city.
We also need to ensure our neighbourhoods are livable for all. I will be reviewing the final draft of the new zoning by-law and the results of the consultative process that involves residents with interest. I will support amendments that take into consideration opportunities such as car sharing in multi-residential units, and measures that protect and grow Ottawa’s tree canopy, particularly in older neighbourhoods. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore the City’s Engage Ottawa page, share your feedback, and attend an in-person or virtual information session with the City’s planning department.
Stage 2 LRT Construction: Upcoming overnight work on Richmond Road
On Wednesday, my office received notice from the Stage 2 Project and the construction team (KEV) of the need for overnight work on a segment of Richmond Road (between 993 and 979 Richmond Road). I know this will have an impact on residents in the surrounding area, and I’m working closely with Stage 2 and the contractors to ensure the work is done in a way that is as minimally disruptive as possible.
- What work is being done?
As part of the Richmond Road project, the team needs to install a deep sanitary pipe, manholes, service connections and a permanent water main. This work will involve some rock breaking, excavation, asphalt replacement and pipe placement.
- Why does it need to be done overnight?
The size of the equipment needed to conduct this work is simply too large for the work to be done during the day, without completely blocking the entrances to businesses on Richmond Road (Tim Hortons and Topp’s Car Wash).
- When will this work be taking place, and how long will it last?
KEV will be working from 5pm- 5 am, starting on Wednesday, September 24th. The work is expected to take approximately 5 weeks, depending on rock conditions. The Stage 2 team has advised our office that the nature of the work is very dependent on the condition of the rock, and they won’t know exactly what that entails until they start digging. The team is going to keep my office updated on a regular basis, and I will share updates with the community as the work progresses, including in next week’s newsletter.
- What is being done to minimize disruption to the surrounding community?
The contractors will be doing their utmost to ensure the noisiest work is done before 10 pm. The team will also be putting up sound barrier mats, ensuring lighting is positioned away from residential buildings, and conducting regular noise and vibration monitoring to ensure the work is as minimally disruptive as possible.
417 Ramp Closures
I share the exasperation of residents regarding the short notice given for extended 417 ramp closures, and the way two subsequent ramps were closed at the same time, resulting in timely detours for residents. I have reached out to Stage 2 LRT Team to express these concerns.
The ongoing LRT Stage 2 construction continues to be exhausting and frustrating for residents and businesses in affected neighbourhoods. Although it is necessary and will be positive for the community overall, there needs to be better ways to accommodate people amidst these constant route changes and closures. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Stage 2 team with feedback on this work, (Stage2@Ottawa.ca), and keep my office in the loop as well (bayward@ottawa.ca).
Read the full newsletter for more news and events across Bay Ward!
