Glebe Annex Community Association (GACA)
Board Meeting – Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Held Via Zoom
Present:
- Carrie Bolton
- David Perkins
- Gabrielle Dallaporta
- Laurent Carbonneau
- Joanne Benoit
- Robert Logie
- Scott Templeton
- Sue Stefko
- Jonathan McLeod (Assistant, Office of Shawn Menard, Councillor, Capital Ward)
1. Call to Order
The meeting commenced at 7:04 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved.
3. Minutes from the March 9th Meeting
The minutes were approved.
4. Business Arising from our last meeting – March 9th
Katasa – 275 Carling – The Committee of Adjustment did not approve the variance Katasa requested for the 17th floor interior rooftop amenity space. They have appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). We were notified by the Committee of Adjustment, and we expect to have an opportunity to represent our concerns.
5. Katie Gibbs, Liberal Candidate, Provincial Election
Katie attended the meeting to introduce herself and hear our concerns. Her background is in science, PhD in Biology, from the U of O. She co-founded a non-profit organization called Evidence for Democracy. She decided she wanted to run in the provincial election to try and bring change. Her main issues are climate and environment. Here in the riding, her concerns include transportation, urban tree cover, public education and childcare, and housing affordability.
6. City Parkland Dedication Bylaw – GCA Motion
Scott attended a GCA Parks meeting on Monday where they spoke about their recent motion on the replacement of the Parkland Dedication Bylaw. Under the existing bylaw there is a 60/40 split of cash-in-lieu (CIL) of parkland – 60 percent goes to the ward, and 40 to the city. The motion asks that 100% of CIL funds stay in the ward in which it was raised for densely populated communities. The motion seeks to change the city-wide target of 2 hectares of parks and greenspace per 1,000 residents, and wants it to apply to all residents, including those in the densely populated core. Sue provided some background on the bylaw. The Cash in Lieu of Parkland program is a major source of funding for either the acquisition of parkland or the upgrade of park equipment. We received funding from the program during the renewal of Dalhousie South Park. Scott’s suggested that we support the GCA motion. There was discussion about aspects of the motion, such as its reference to exemptions regarding non-profit housing, and other impacts on future developments. This motion will be further discussed before bringing it to the board.
7. 299 Carling (Canada Lands Company, CLC) Park Consultation – Sue
The CLC consultation is currently ongoing regarding what people want to see in the new park. It is not huge, approximately 85 x 180 feet. Since 2012 GACA has been reaching to residents in the community to see what kind of park-related amenities they wanted and what was lacking in the neighbourhood. There was a wide range of requests, including a food garden, playground equipment, splash pads, seating areas, an amphitheatre, and flowers. Sue selected what she thought we were in most need of, particularly considering the renewal of Dalhousie South Park and the upcoming park in the Booth St Complex. Sue asked for other comments and feedback. It was decided to add adult play equipment to our list of requests. This is an important opportunity – CLC does take our feedback into consideration, and this is going to be the last park that we are going to see created in this neighbourhood in a long time. Please provide any additional suggestions to Sue, comments are due on the 22nd.
8. GACA AGM – Sue – Wednesday, May 18th from 7 to 8:30 is our AGM.
CLC and Councillor Menard will be our two guest speakers, which should allow us to keep the meeting to 90 minutes. CLC will have compiled the park consultation results and will report on those findings. This year we will do the zoom format a bit differently. Last year we asked everyone to submit questions via the chat only – this time we will try to be a bit more open. Gabrielle commented that it could be interesting to have a survey during the AGM. It could help the board set priorities in the next year. This was supported. We would also share the survey on an email blast and on social media. The AGM will kick off our membership campaign.
9. 275 Carling – Construction Issues – Sue
This weekend was a tough one. There was a lot of jack-hammering and an extended work day on Saturday. People have reached a breaking point. Some wish to meet with the councillor to try and change the noise bylaw, and we have been asked to take a leading role in this. However, this project would be behind us by the time such a change could be implemented, if that is even possible. Jon commented that changes to the bylaw are not going to happen in the short term – a study would be required and there may not be enough votes at council. Historically council indicated that they would like construction to start even earlier. The councillor’s office is going to ask staff to review this but it is not likely to happen before next council term. Maybe next term there will be rules to make it a little more considerate for nearby residents.
10. Councillor Update – Jon
10.1 – Upcoming Events – April 28th – 5 to 7 p.m., there will be a Town hall on Developer Influence. On May 4th there will be a public consultation on the Bronson Redevelopment. There will be an older adults’ form on May 19th, initiated by the Senior Watch of Old Ottawa South. The conversation will be on how to build a city that is accommodating and respectful and works for older adults.
10.2 Traffic Calming Measures – Pretty soon the temporary traffic calming measures will be rolling out, things like flex stakes and road painting. They are hoping to get the bike lanes set up again on Carling.
11. General Update – Sue
11.1 Glebe Annex Clean up Dates – Saturday, May 14, rain date, May 15th
11.2 Virtual Provincial Election Debate – GCA is organizing, it is Thursday, May 12. We are just being asked to provide support by promoting it.
11.3 Arnon Development at Preston and Carling – This is the location that they are supposed to be building a grocery store. Apparently, this development is still active, they are working behind the scenes.
12 – Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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