Parkdale Avenue Corridor Plan

In 2009, Creative Neighbourhoods engaged a team from McGill University's School of Urban Planning to produce a plan for Parkdale Avenue that identifies long-, medium- and short-term opportunities and actions, relating to local issues such as land use, streetscaping, traffic management, and air quality monitoring.

The community engagement process started with a workshop involving residents of the Hintonburg and Civic Hospital neighbourhoods followed by larger public meetings of both communities. The study's 34 recommendations http://www.acaciaconsulting.ca/creativeneighbourhoods/reports/cn_mcgill_2009.pdf were discussed at a public meeting in December 2009 with the city councillor's staff present.

In an October 2010 meeting, representatives of the Hintonburg and Civic Hospital neighbourhood associations agreed on the issues and discussed moving forward on the opportunities with the new council. Seven projects are highlighted at http://friendsofparkdale.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/the-parkdale-avenue-plan-seven-profile-projects to build respect for our neighbourhoods.

By Keith Hobbs

Say goodbye to the little white house at 241 Fairmont Avenue

This little white house at 241 Fairmont Avenue will soon be demolished and
replaced by three homes.

The white house sits on a double-lot that developer Tom Gallivan purchased
for more than $600 thousand this past summer. The new houses will include
one single house and two semi-detached units. Gallivans says he hopes to
sell the single detached for upwards of $700-thousand. He expects the new
construction to be completed by March 2011.

The proposed buildings would be long and narrow with garages facing the
street. Gallivan describes the style as “contemporary design.” The houses
will have building-block facade, glass decking as well as wood and other
modern sidings.

The buildings are officially classified as two-storey structures, but will
be closer to three-and-a-half stories thanks to above-grade basements and
rooftop patios.

On December 8, 2010 the Committee of Adjustment granted Gallivan consents
and minor variances that pave the way for the new development. These
included applications to sever the double-lot into three properties and
reduced setbacks for the side and rear yards of the semi-detached units.

The committee did force Gallivan to shift the planned semi-detached forward
half a meter to allow more of a buffer with the property at the rear.

A resident on neighbouring Kinnear Street opposed the applications on
grounds that too many homes were being squeezed into the lot, that the
development would shade neighbouring properties to the North and East, and
that the plans didn't meet intensification guidelines or maintain the look
and feel of the neighbourhood.

Examples of Gallivan's pervious work can be seen at gallivanconstruction.ca.

By Rob Thomas

Peter Hume thinks the City's planning process should be clearer. What do you think?

Peter Hume, Alta Vista councillor and chair of the City's planning committee, has suggestions for making the City¹s planning and development process clearer. Highlights follow. We would be interested in knowing what you think.

A CALL TO ACTION ­ THE OTTAWA IMPERATIVE

Building a better city with planning foresight

Taking the sting out of intensification ­ Creating certainty for the
community

Peter Hume has led the charge to resist urban boundary expansion that would add to urban sprawl. The city has created policy documents that guide Ottawa¹srequired intensification. This city has opted to grow in and not out. Unfortunately, council did not take the next step to clarify what Ottawa¹s intensification needs are. The development industry has embraced intensification as a valuable part of the Ottawa marketplace, but the city has not provided guidance on how or
when or where. As a result, to meet the demands of the marketplace, developer driven re-zonings are the norm. These re-zonings undermine community confidence in the city and create uncertainty for the neighbourhoods. The planning process seems mysterious to most taxpayers and causes many trips to the Ontario Municipal Board to sort out local issues.

To create certainty and focus intensification to achieve our planning goals Peter Hume proposes that city council should:

- Amend the City of Ottawa Official Plan to establish a five-storey maximum height limit on traditional main streets and ten-storeys on arterial main streets,unless the heights are otherwise defined by a Community Design Plan. These height limits would have urban design standards to guide a proposed building¹s transition and setbacks from abutting low density neighbourhoods.
These guidelines would be appropriate where a Community Design Plan is not available.
- Examine the zoning, in Development Priority Areas, to ensure it conforms with the minimum intensification targets and match these changes to solid urban design plans and standards for re-urbanization projects. The goal is to gain important new parts of our city while minimizing the need for re-zoning. Let¹s map out where intensification is planned and where it will not be
required.
- Examine and eliminate the barriers to intensification for small-scale infill ­including fee structure and payment schedule, Hydro issues, and use of city property.
- Expand the use of Canada¹s best urban planners, designers, and architects to advise and support city planning staff in reviewing complex applications. Peter Hume believes solid community design and architecture is essential to build a vibrant and fiscally responsible city.
- Intensification should not just mean more people and taller buildings -- it should also introduce more trees, new parks and improve existing parks. Intensification has to include measures that improve urban living in every respect.

On the rails to success ­ planning for LRT

The light rail transit project will transform Ottawa ­ with the route now chosen, we must develop the stations and corridor to exploit it. Typically, the city¹s planning process is reactionary and lags years behind significant events. We must create vibrant stations and provide opportunities to drive ridership and economic opportunity. Over the next four years, we should pre-plan our transit route as a complete entity to develop commercial opportunities at the stations and
along the corridor.

To create the environment for success, Peter will propose that city council
should:

- Examine the zoning of all properties along the corridor to ensure it will provide for density to support transit-oriented development throughout the network. Important sites should be pre-zoned with appropriate urban design plans as guidance. Create 'Made in Ottawa' unique design standards to integrate new development with stations.
- Use the power of redevelopment along transit lines to add to the 'public realm' quality of streets and parks in the city.
- Identify underdeveloped properties that could be targeted for redevelopment.
- Conduct a 'mobility overlay' to examine the sidewalk, cycling, and traffic network in the downtown to look at how it can be reconfigured to support the LRT system and reclaim areas previously devoted to bus service.

Hume's document also contains sections called Fostering economic prosperity - a
federal engagement strategy, Going Green for a Sustainable and healthy city
and Harnessing the power of technology to improve transparency and
efficiency.

Traffic Committee Meets to Forge Plan

Light Rail Transit Update

Ottawa City Council approved a rapid transit plan in November 2008.

The approved plan includes Light Rail Transit (LRT) service along Carling as a supplementary corridor with rapid transit service along the Ottawa River Parkway, however, the routing is subject to Environmental Assessment (EA) studies, and the Western Corridor EA is considering rapid service along Carling versus the Ottawa River Parkway, among other things.

http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/lrt_west_corridor_ea/index_en.html

There will be on-going public consultation activities during both phases of the Western Light Rail Transit Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment study, including several Public Open House events.

This first Public Open House was held on November 29th in order to provide an overview of the work underway, including information on the existing socio-economic and natural environments within the study area, project need and justification, project planning objectives and design criteria, alternative transit corridors, transit technology, and the methodology proposed to evaluate alternative transit corridors.

Transportation Master Plan:

http://ottawa.ca/city_hall/master_plans/tmp/maps/index_en-03.html

Recycle Frog Fundraiser for CHNA

Latest on 125 Hickory Street

The City's Planning and Environment Committee met on September 28th to discuss the rezoning of 125 Hickory. The CHNA made a presentation at this meeting in opposition to the development, as proposed, at 125 Hickory.

The City has minutes summarizing this presentation and the proceedings at:
http://ottawa.ca/cgi-bin/docs.pl?Elist=14206&lang=en

Committee approved the following:

- That the Planning and Environment Committee recommend that Council approve an amendment to the Zoning By-law 2008-250 to change the zoning of 125 Hickory Street from R5B H(34) Residential Fifth Density Subzone B, to a new R5B[XXXX]SXXX Residential Fifth Density Subzone B Exception zone with a Schedule, as detailed in Document 2 and shown on Document 3, (i.e. a 16 and 20 storey building) and

- That the Zoning by-law only be forwarded to Council for enactment after the developer has executed an agreement in a form acceptable to the General Manager, Planning and Growth Management and City Clerk and Solicitor providing for a contribution to the cost of the design and construction of a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the O-Train Corridor at Hickory Street.

CARRIED, as amended with
Councillors C. Doucet and D. Holmes dissenting

Next steps

Staff at the City's Planning Department are currently considering the site plan for 125 Hickory Street. The process for site plan control approval is similar to the zoning process, but without a Planning and Environment Committee meeting, unless the ward Councillor removes the approval authority from staff and asks that approval go to Committee (as Councillor Leadman did). Normally, interested parties provide comments and staff consider them, discuss them and summarize concerns and results in a report. In the case of 125 Hickory, staff representatives have indicated they will involve the community when considering changes to the design or control of local roadways around the site. They will be meeting with CHNA to discuss the association's comments and recommendations relating to roadways, traffic and bicycle parking.

City Planning Committee Meeting on 125 Hickory

The City's Planning and Environment Committee met on September 28th to discuss the rezoning of 125 Hickory. The CHNA made a presentation at this meeting in opposition to the development at 125 Hickory, as proposed.

The City has minutes summarizing this presentation and the proceedings at:
http://ottawa.ca/cgi-bin/docs.pl?Elist=14206&lang=en

Committee approved the following:

- That the Planning and Environment Committee recommend that Council approve an amendment to the Zoning By-law 2008-250 to change the zoning of 125 Hickory Street from R5B H(34) Residential Fifth Density Subzone B, to a new R5B[XXXX]SXXX Residential Fifth Density Subzone B Exception zone with a Schedule, as detailed in Document 2 and shown on Document 3, and

- That the Zoning by-law only be forwarded to Council for enactment after the developer has executed an agreement in a form acceptable to the General Manager, Planning and Growth Management and City Clerk and Solicitor providing for a contribution to the cost of the design and construction of a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the O-Train Corridor at Hickory Street.


CARRIED, as amended with
Councillors C. Doucet and D. Holmes dissenting

Street pics - Beech Street

Gold Rush Event November 13th

The holidays are fast approaching and who doesn't want a little extra cash in their pockets? The price of gold is at XXX If you have any gold items (jewelry, watches,decor items etc) or silver (not plated silver)that you no longer want or need bring it to St. Matthias Church located at 555 Parkdale Ave. between 9am and 4pm on Saturday November 13th and walk away with a cheque in your pocket. Recycle Frog staff will be on hand to weigh your items and offer you cash for your unwanted items. If you have rings with stones they will attempt to remove the stones on the premises upon your direction and give them to you and only take the gold item. Check out their website for details on what they will accept. www.recyclefrog.com

Tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours about this amazing event. It doesn't take long and you'll be amazed at how much money you can make with even the smallest amount of gold.

For more information please email chna4u@gmail.com

AGM Tweets

Minutes from the CHNA AGM held on Oct. 5th are still under review but below are the "tweets" from moderator Scott Bradley during the Kitchissippi Ward candidates Q&A. Please read from the bottom to the top for sequence.

Over 100 people at meeting tonight - great showing by local residents. AGM now taking place #chna 7:42 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna smart growth if you allow development limit parking spaces 7:39 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna ds push oc transpo driver safer driving kh continue to increase focus on cycling as a commuting option 7:38 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna question on safe walking cycling and development at hickory champagne and carling 7:34 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna infrastructure inestment question 7:30 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna stringer to donate his car allowance to civic neighbourhood community cente 7:29 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna kh supports pre-zoning approach on large home infills cl cash-in-lieu reinvestment into comm ds need to preserve look of neighbourhood 7:27 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna what will you do about the committee of adjustment - how could you implement change? Also will you support a neighbourhood com cntre 7:24 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna ds all representatives need to be vocal kh general public needs to also be active cl moving hospitals outside urban core would wrong 7:22 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna do you feel there is anything council can do to maintain the integrity of our city hospitals - referenced ralph klein example in AB 7:20 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna jennifer mackenzie overlap with school boards what will you do to ensure relationship with city and schools is a strong one 7:16 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna kh referenced vital signs report cl must have housing with othe services support ds ottawa does not do a good job major plank for him 7:13 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna what are your positions on the homeless? 7:10 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna ds compulsory arbitration kh agrees that arbitration should have been done early on cl don't humiliate people neg with respect 7:08 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna how do we ensure a devastating bus strike never happens again 7:06 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
• #chna cl respect and consensus ds need a vision for the city kh we've lacked vision, need to develop blueprint 7:02 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna great question how do you as a councillor look at broader issues to build a better ottawa, not just ward 7:00 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna ds wboro superstore tipping point for intensification, kh dvlpmnt should have retail, cl community design plans need to be respected 6:51 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna next question - intensification, why isn't city planning ahead for infrastructure from city facilities to retail 6:47 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna cl balance on intensification, ds address raw sewage, sustainable plan, kh height limits, more recreation 6:45 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®
•
#chna 1st question - 4 years from now, what would you have hoped to achieve? 6:42 PM Oct 5th via Twitter for BlackBerry®

Curbside Give Away in Ottawa - October 23 and 24

Rules for setting out items:

• Place items at the curb.
• Place stickers or signs on items with the word "FREE".
• Ensure any items that you want to keep are away from your set out treasures or tucked away safely in your garage.
• At the end of the day, bring any uncollected gems back to your home.

For more information, go to:

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/recycling_garbage/giveaway/index_en.html

Street pics - Sherwood Avenue

Planning Committee Meeting Request

Hello neighbours

I would like to make a plea to the community to come speak at the Planning Committee to voice their concerns about the proposed zoning of the Ashcroft Convent site. I think the community was lulled to sleep by both a busy summer and the fact that Heritage designation was passed in April. This ensures no protection yet for that site and we must ensure that proper zoning is enforced and the Community Design Plan is respected.

Several hundred people have come to several public meetings to discuss the Ashcroft Convent site. Many people have asked “What can I do?”. You can come express your opinion directly to the Planning and Environment Committee on Tuesday Sep 28th. Ashcroft has been manipulating the media to deliver the message that the community supports their plan. Without a strong opposition, their zoning application may pass as councilors may believe what they read in the media.

I know it is very difficult for most working families to take a day or half a day off work but I feel this is an important issue not only for this community but it sets a dangerous precedent throughout the city as it goes against the Official Plan and Secondary Plans.

If you are nervous about speaking in public, I would be happy to assist you. To that end, I would like to have a meeting on Sunday evening (Sep 26th) where we can share our thoughts and put together a speaking strategy in advance of Tuesday’s meeting. Each speaker is only allowed 5 minutes. There are lots of issues and concerns that the community has so we can organize these into 5 minute segments but we need more speakers. I know that I could probably easily speak for 60 minutes on all the issues that I feel should be addressed.

As was mentioned, it is not good enough to feel that your community association will speak for you. It is much more impactful for you to speak directly. Speak up for your rights in this community. While Christine has done a great job pushing forth the community’s concerns, we must now speak for ourselves.

If you are retired or have the ability to take some time off work, please sign up to speak. Note that City Hall has Wifi access so you can bring your work with you.

What can you do? Sign up!

Please email Caitlin Salter-MacDonald (Planning Committee coordinator) immediately and tell her that you would like to speak at the PEC meeting in Sep 28th. Her email is Caitlin.Salter-MacDonald@ottawa.ca
Contact me by email carrasco@caronadesigns.com or 613-852-2540 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              613-852-2540      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              613-852-2540      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              613-852-2540      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              613-852-2540      end_of_the_skype_highlighting and let me know that you plan to speak and would like to meet on Sunday. I will follow up with details
Sign the petition that Christine sent out last week and send it back to her or your community association

Regards

Sylvano Carrasco

125 Hickory coming to Planning and Environment Committee on Sept. 28th

A message from the office of City Councillor Christine Leadman follows:

The Planning and Environment agenda was released for Sept. 28 and the councillor has confirmed that the re-zoning application for this site will be part of that meeting. The councillor would like to invite all of you, if you are able, to attend the meeting being held in the Champlain Room at City Hall. The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. but there are a number of issues preceding it on the agenda which could lead to it being discussed later in the morning or in the afternoon. The rezoning of 114 Richmond Road is also on the agenda that day and immediately precedes 125 Hickory on the agenda.

If you wish to speak to the committee you can contact the committee clerk at caitlin.salter-macdonald@ottawa.ca. If you are unable to attend, you can also send your comments along to the clerk in advance of the meeting in order to have them noted and circulated to councillors.

As referred to in the newsletter earlier this year, there have been some changes to the development to reduce some of the height and density but the councillor still has some concerns including the remaining density and the traffic that would be caused. This is a big development that will affect those directly near it as well as the rest of the community.

If you did not receive the newsletter, I have included the link to the development update which includes 125 Hickory as well as 114 Richmond. I have also included the link to the application from the city's website. I have also included a link to the meeting agenda so you can see what else is on it and there is also a direct link from it to the City Staff's report to council.

Newsletter update: http://www.kitchissippiward.com/development-updates-in-kitchissippi/

Development application: http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__7UMT1F

Agenda: http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/09-28/agendaindex81.htm

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Councillor Leadman's office.

Kindest regards,

Jennifer Young
Office of Christine Leadman
City Councillor for Kitchissippi Ward

Street pics - Railway Street

CHNA Needs YOU!

Everyone is busy but more hands make for light work. Consider volunteering to support your neighbourhood association. It's a great opportunity to meet others, have fun and make our neighbourhood a great place to live. You can help by offering just a few hours of your time a year. Contact me at CHNA4U@gmail.com to find out more.


-Amanda

Ward Council Candidates to Speak at AGM

Join your neighbours for the CHNA AGM and hear the 3 Ward Council candidates speak on the issues and answer your questions. The AGM will be held on Oct. 5th at 7pm. The Candidates will speak and answer your questions from 7pm to 8pm. CHNA agenda to follow.

Update on 100 Champagne

According to staff at the Planning and Environment Committee:

"The item now rises to City Council on September 22 for the final decision. A few days after that [CHNA] will receive a notice of the decision, at which point, a 20-day appeal period begins, where an appeal will bring the application to the Ontario Municipal Board for consideration.

There is a disposition and minutes of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting [held to discuss 100 Champagne on September 14th], with the minutes taking a few days to prepare, both of which are/will be posted on the website here: http://ottawa.ca/cgi-bin/docs.pl?Elist=14204&lang=en"

Street pics - Queensway/Young Street

CHNA's submission to City's planning committee meeting on 100 Champagne

September 13, 2010

Dear Mr. Hakala:

Re: Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment Proposal and Site Plan Control Proposal for 100 Champagne Avenue South (File No: D01-01-10-0008; D02-02-10-0025; D07-12-10-0147)

The Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association (CHNA) objects to the development at 100 Champagne, as currently proposed.

We support the City's plans to promote intensification and sustainable development in a way that meets the needs of our community, both now and in the future. However, we request that the City recognize and deal with the traffic issues resulting from developments such as 100 Champagne, and consider our very reasonable recommendations (enclosed as Appendix 1) which are in keeping with Official Plan and 20-20 objectives.

As you know, the primary goal of the City's Official Plan is sustainability, where sustainable development is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The plan suggests a balance between the needs of present and future generations.

This development (and the other large developments in the same area) do not promote this balance. In fact, we think the needs of current residents are being ignored. We respectfully request that you consider our needs and our very reasonable recommendations.

A response to these recommendations would be much appreciated. Please note that we would like to make one minor amendment to recommendation number two to enable residents living on Hickory Street between Champagne and Loretta to get to their homes between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m..Recommendation 2 a) should read: 'No entry from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m' signs at Hickory and Champagne (going North and West) to divert traffic to Carling during rush hours.

Thank you.

Yours truly,

Katherine Steinhoff

Vice President

Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association

Upcoming meetings on developments near Carling O-Train stop

Domicile development (100 Champagne) - September 14th at 9:30, City of Ottawa, Planning and Environment Committee meeting, Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West

Arnon development (855 Carling) - September 14th at 1:00, City Hall, Keefer room, 110 Laurier Avenue West. The OMB hearing regarding Arnon is expected to last eight days.

Street pics - Hickory Street

Update on Arnon development at 855 Carling

Christine Leadman, City Councillor for Kitchissippi Ward, provided the following update in her latest newsletter:

"The property at the intersection of Carling Avenue and Champagne Avenue is of great importance to the city as it could have a big effect on the route for light rail transit. As such, what is allowed to be built there must be sensitive to this as well as the needs and wishes of the community.

This development was initially presented to the community as an office building that would most likely host government offices. However, as the market has changed, the developers are now investigating the option of residential buildings instead. If the developer pursues this option, it could result in an increase in building height.

The proposal was held up initially as an assessment needed to be done to see how the proposal would affect light rail. As a result, the application was delayed and the developer appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Since then, the Planning and Environment Committee has approved the requested zoning change despite the councillor’s best efforts. However, there is still an OMB appeal to be considered. The developer is appealing requirements placed on the site. They are regarding restrictions due to the possible light rail connection on the property and the requirement that the building must have a commercial space at grade. "

The OMB hearing regarding Arnon will start September 14, and is expected to go for 8 days. It will be held at City Hall in the Keefer room.

Lego model of development plans for area near Carling O-Train stop

A Lego model roughly shows development plans for the area near the Carling O-Train stop. Each Lego block represents a storey.







Each colour represents a new development, except for the blue buildings which represent existing structures.
Red: 125 Hickory. 20 storeys and 16 storeys.
White: 100 Champagne. 12 storeys. Plus a 3 storey building with 6
townhouses.
Yellow: 855 Carling. 15 storeys and 12 storeys.
Blue: Two storey homes - the norm for the area - and Emerald Towers, the
largest building in the neighbourhood (14 storeys).

CHNA's comments on revised proposal for 125 Hickory Street

August 30, 2010

Dear Mr. Bridgewater

Re: Revised Zoning By-law Amendment Proposal Summary for 125 Hickory Street (File No: D02-02-09-0104)

I am writing on behalf of the Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association
(CHNA) to comment on the revised proposal for 125 Hickory Street.
To begin, I would like to state that CHNA understands that the City of
Ottawa¹s Official plan (Official Plan Amendment 76) promotes intensification
as a strategy to manage growth in a sustainable way and that it has targeted
areas near rapid transit for intensification, including the land at 125
Hickory Street which is located next to the Carling O-Train stop.

The CHNA also understands that the primary goal of the City's Official plan
is sustainability, "where sustainable development is defined as "development
that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

We fully support this goal and hope to work with the City to manage growth
in a way that meets the needs of our community, both now and in the future.

With this in mind, we would like to raise a number of concerns in connection
with 125 Hickory Street.

Maximum Height of Building: As you may know, the area near 125 Hickory
Street is largely residential. There are a few apartment buildings and
condominiums in the area but most buildings are single family dwellings. The
tallest building in the area is Emerald Towers (14 storeys) and it towers
over most homes in the neighbourhood.

Currently, the land at 125 Hickory is zoned for a maximum building height of
34 metres. Developer Mastercraft Starwood is requesting that the City of
Ottawa increase the maximum height to 65 metres (down from a request for 76
metres) to allow for a 20 storey and 16 storey tower, with a total of 302
condominium units.

Accepting the proposal for two huge towers at 125 Hickory Street would
significantly reduce privacy for people living near the two buildings and
negatively alter the overall environment of the neighbourhood and skyline.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the towers would stick out like two
sore thumbs. To demonstrate this point, the CHNA has attached a photo of a Lego model which roughly shows development plans for the area near the Carling O-Train stop, including the revised plan for 125 Hickory Street. Each Lego block represents a storey. Each colour represents a new development, except for the blue buildings which represent existing structures.

Red: 125 Hickory. 20 storeys and 16 storeys.

White: 100 Champagne. 12 storeys. Plus a 3 storey building with 6
townhouses.

Yellow: 855 Carling. 15 storeys and 12 storeys.

Blue: Two storey homes - the norm for the area - and Emerald Towers, the
largest building in the neighbourhood (14 storeys).

According to the Christine Leadman, the City Councillor for the ward, the
plan for the 125 Hickory Street more than triples the City¹s housing density
target for the neighbourhood. (Source: Ottawa Citizen, 'Hotel-inspired
condos will have negative effect, Leadman says' May 4, 2010).

Leadman points out that "In 2002, the site was upzoned to 12 storeys to
permit construction of the 'Acquellero at Dow's Lake' apartment building
with 189 units. This development would have created a density of 475.5
jobs/people per hectare that is over twice the recent intensification target
of 200 along Carling Avenue. The proposed re-zoning would create a density
of 835 jobs/people per hectare." (Source: Christine Leadman, Councillor for
Kitchissippi Ward, Important facts for 125 Hickory St. Development, 2010)

The CHNA does not support the second upzoning or the significant increase in
density beyond city targets. We are especially concerned because the area
has inadequate infrastructure and will not be able to sustain this level of
development. There is no grocery store in the neighbourhood or other
amenities like a post office, dry cleaner, news stand or gas station. Even
public transit is a problem. The City's Light Rail network will not be
operational for another decade, and the O-Train will likely be shut down for
LRT construction for part of that decade. Ironically, most people who move
into the new developments near the Carling O-Train stop will have to drive
everywhere to obtain the basic requirements of life because they will not be
able to get them in their neighbourhood or get them very easily by public
transit.

If all zoning by-law proposals for the area are accepted as is, an estimated
1000 additional people will be moving in and around 125 Hickory Street.
(Note: This estimate assumes an average of two people per unit at 125
Hickory, 100 Champagne and the second Merrion Square condo which is
currently being built.) This will undoubtedly put a great deal of pressure
on our residential roads, parks and green space, as will the two office
towers at 855 Carling.

As stated earlier, the CHNA supports the City's plans to promote
intensification and sustainable development in a way that meets the needs of
our community, both now and in the future. However, the CHNA does not
believe that the current proposal for 125 Hickory promotes sustainable
development or meets the needs of current residents.

Transportation study conclusions: The 125 Hickory Avenue: Residential
Complex ­ Community Transportation Study concludes with the following
comments

"The principal impact of the currently underway and proposed developments
(Domicile, Arnon and Mastercraft Starwood) on local streets is anticipated
to occur on Sherwood Drive at Carling Avenue, based on the assumption that
the additional traffic to/from Carling Avenue west of Champagne Avenue will
likely get redistributed to/from Sherwood Drive at the Carling/Sherwood
signalized intersection in the same proportions as currently prevail at that
intersection.

Consequently, the two-way peak traffic volumes on Sherwood Drive between
Carling Avenue and Breezehill Avenue are projected to increase by 80/90 vph
by 2016. At less than 500 vph two-way total at this location during peak,
the projected volumes are still considered to be reasonable for a collector
road. It is noteworthy that the two-way peak hour volumes on Sherwood Drive
at Parkdale Avenue are approximately 50% of the two-way volumes at Carling
Avenue.

Since, an average of 85% of the traffic on Carling Avenue east of Sherwood
Drive originates/is destined for Carling Avenue, west of Sherwood Drive, the
resultant 15% of the projected increased traffic volumes resulting from the
proposed Mastercraft Starwood and Arnon developments is considered to be a
relatively minor increase in Sherwood Avenue traffic volumes, i.e.,
approximately 10% of the current p.m. peak hour total of 400 vph.

The existing traffic volumes on the local road network, Hickory, Breezehill,
Beech, Loretta, etc., are relatively minor and are expected to increase by
less than 40 vehicles per hour, as a result of all the proposed developments
in the area, including Domicile, Arnon and Mastercraft Starwood.

Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the proposed rezoning be
approved from a transportation perspective."

The CHNA does not agree with this conclusion. Much of the information
collected on traffic counts was collected during the dead of summer and a
period of major construction on Preston Street. We think it safe to assume
that these factors affected both the volume of traffic and the way people
use our roads. We would like to point out that a consulting firm called
Delcan collected information for the Carling and Sherwood intersection (the
intersection identified as having "the principal impact" ) on August 19,
2009. Traffic counts for Carling and Champagne were collected on August 17,
2009. Counts for Beech and Preston were collected on July 18, 2006. Counts
for Parkdale and Sherwood were collected on June 30, 2009. Also, there does
not appear to be traffic counts for some of the intersections that are
likely to be most affected: Champagne and Beech; Hickory and Loretta;
Hickory and Breezehill; Hickory and Bayswater.

The proposed development at 125 Hickory and other proposed developments in
the area would add more than 1192 vehicles to our streets (See Appendix A).
Most of these vehicles are likely to arrive and leave during peak traffic
hours. This increase in traffic would undoubtedly and negatively impact the
livability of our streets. We wholeheartedly agree with the late Donald
Appleyard. Appleyard, who was a professor of urban design, believed that
social street activities are greatly reduced and feelings of well being in
neighbourhoods are threatened when traffic volumes increase beyond what is
considered normal by local residents (Source: Donald Appleyard, Livable
Streets, Berkeley, CA.: University of California , 1981).

The CHNA would like to work with the City of Ottawa to preserve the
livability of our streets by maintaining current traffic patterns to the
extent possible. One of the best ways to do this would be to ensure that
traffic emanating from developments such as 125 Hickory Street is diverted
to Carling.

The City could also reduce the number of vehicles that proposed developments
such as 125 Hickory are scheduled to add to our streets by adding Vrtucar
parking spaces and by reducing the number of vehicle parking spaces. In
theory, this measure would also strengthen the link between development and
public transit.

Reliability of information: The CHNA also has concerns about the reliability
of the information provided by Delcan¹s transportation study. Delcan¹s study
was prepared for the developer (Mastercraft Starwood). We have a very hard
time believing that this document is impartial and suspect that Delcan may
be providing information in a selective manner. For example, Delcan
provides collision data for study area roads between 2005 to 2008 and
concludes "Analysis indicated no particular trends in collisions along the
subject section of Carling Avenue. Most of the collisions (76%) involved
only property damage, indicating low impact speeds, while the rest were
non-fatal."

One might assume, based on this information, that there were no fatal
traffic accidents between 2005 and 2008 but this would be incorrect.
Collision data only provides information about vehicles hitting vehicles. It
does not include information about vehicles hitting people. We know of at
least one fatal accident that occurred in March of 2005. A man and his dog
were tragically killed by a car at Carling and Sherwood
(Source:http://members.shaw.ca/leatherlion/benkozak/index.htm).

No Community Development Plan: The Carling Bayview Light Rail Transit
Corridor Community Design Plan is not yet completed. Development is usurping
planning at this point. We think the City needs to work with the CHNA to
address problems that are created by this fact.

In short, the CHNA believes that the City needs to do more to ensure that
development is sustainable for both current and future residents, as
mandated in the Official Plan, and that it incorporates the guiding
principles of Ottawa¹s 20/20 initiative into its plan by working towards
stated objectives such as the following:

-The link between development and public transit is strengthened.
- Focusing on alternative modes of transport and reducing the reliance on
the automobile for improved air quality.
- A better-balanced transportation system, which puts more emphasis on
transit, cycling and pedestrian facilities, and improves mobility and access
for all citizens, including those who do not own a car.

Commercial use: The CHNA is pleased to see that Mastercraft Starwood is
proposing to add limited commercial uses at grade at the southwest corner of site. On
this one particular issue, the developer appears to have listened to the
comments of residents in the neighbourhood, which we very much appreciate.

O-Train bridge: We fully support and encourage Mastercraft Starwood¹s
proposal for a Hickory Street bridge over the O-Train tracks. This link
would encourage more walking and less driving.

Bicycle parking spaces: Similarly, we like the proposal for 182 bicycle
parking spaces. Ideally, this proposal would include secure indoor bicycle
parking for residents of each tower and bicycle racks for visitors outside.

Recommendations for revised 125 Hickory Street proposal

The CHNA would like to make the following recommendations with a view to
addressing some of the above concerns and helping the City take measured
steps to implement the Official Plan and 20/20 objectives:

1) Maintain the current maximum building height of 34 metres.

2) Reduce the number of vehicle parking spaces to increase walking,
biking and use of public transit and add Vrtucar car spots to encourage car
sharing. There are about 15 to 20 vehicles removed from the road for every
car-share vehicle. (Source: San Fransisco Chronicle, "City working to make
car-sharing more popular", August 17, 2010
http://www.planetizen.com/node/45626). We recommend at least eight Vrtucar spots in prime locations.

3) In order to divert traffic to the Carling arterial, we recommend the
following:

a) 'No entry from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m' signs at Hickory and Champagne
(going North and West) to divert traffic to Carling during rush hours.

b) A 'No entry from 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m' sign at Champagne and Beech to
encourage traffic to enter from Carling at the end of the day.


c) A 'No entry from 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m' sign at Hickory and Loretta to
encourage traffic to enter from Carling at the end of the day.

This proposal should encourage the proper use of the Carling arterial if
people are respectful of the signs.

4) Ensure that City of Ottawa staff make it a priority to find solutions to
other traffic and parking issues in the CHNA catchment area, especially in
light of the fact that developments such as 125 Hickory are proceeding prior
to the completion of the Carling Bayview Light Rail Transit Corridor
Community Design Plan.

5) Do not consider any new developments or zoning by-law amendments in the
area until the Carling Bayview Light Rail Transit Corridor Community Design
Plan (CDP) is completed. Ensure that the CDP gives priority to adding
services and infrastructure in the area so that residents can walk or bike
rather than drive.

Thank you for considering our views.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact
either me or CHNA President Amanda Farris.

Yours truly,

Katherine Steinhoff
Vice President
Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association

APPENDIX A

Large Buildings AND PARKING Near Carling O-train Stop

In Progress

125 Hickory: Currently zoned for 34 metres. Proposal to increase to 65
metres. 22 townhouse units. Two residential condominium towers. One 20
storeys. One 16 storeys. Total of 302 condominium units. 275 parking spaces
for residents, visitors and commercial purposes (Source: Douglas
Bridgewater, Planning and Growth Management Development, City of Ottawa).
182 bicycle parking spaces will be provided on site.

100 Champagne: Currently zoned for Residential Fourth Density Subzone M
which has a maximum height 11metres.
(Source:
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/bylaw/a_z/zoning/parts/pt_06/index_en-04.html )
Proposal to increase to 42 metres. One residential apartment consisting of
12 storeys and 94 apartments. One three storey townhouse dwelling with 6
townhouses. 109 parking spaces. Two car sharing spaces (Vrtucar) and six visitor spaces.

855 Carling: Two office towers. One 15 storeys (56 metres). One 12 storeys
(45 metres). 800 parking spaces.

TOTAL:1192 parking spaces*

*The new condominium tower being constructed as part of Merrion Square
Development will generate additional traffic.

Current

Merrion Square at 330 Loretta: 30 townhomes. Two towers containing 152
units. One eight storeys. One ten storeys. One tower is currently being
constructed. The apartment towers share one common garage with 160 parking
spaces. There are 12 visitor and 2 Vrtucar parking spaces as well as parking
spots at each of the 30 townhomes. Status: Approved and in progress.

Dow Lake Court at 865 Carling Avenue: Two towers. One seven storeys. One
nine stories. 614 parking spaces.

Emerald Towers at 285 Loretta: 14 storeys. Unknown number of apartments.
Unknown number of parking spaces. Parking lot exits on Champagne.

Civic Hospital parking lot at Carling and Champagne: 300 parking spaces are
currently located on the vacant Arnon Corporation site, serving the Civic
Hospital. These parking spaces will disappear when the Arnon development at
855 Carling goes up.