2018 Municipal Election Strategy

2018 Municipal Election Strategy

Paul reported that 11 of the newly elected council members had completed our Municipal Election Survey and expressed the view that the new council may be more favourably disposed to greenspace issues than the last one. It was agreed to prepare a report on the stand these councillors took on specific greenspace issues in the survey and to distribute it along with an introductory letter from the GA to the new council.

Action: Paul to prepare the report and send introductory letters to the new Council.

Ottawa River Watershed Study

The Environment Canada team leading the ORWS issued its first report, with a deadline for comments submission by October 31. This led to a very good discussion by members, with many suggestions for comments, including Nicole’s discovery of the Ottawa River Act 1870, which gives the federal government exclusive jurisdictions over works on the Ottawa River.

Action: Paul to prepare and submit comments based on the members’ discussion.

OPA 150+ Pre-Hearing Conference, October 22

 Erwin and Paul gave a report on the pre-hearing conference held on October 22 by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal regarding the OPA 150 appeals. Erwin’s report can be found <here>.

Significant Woodland Policy

Significant Woodland Guidelines – final draft

 Paul gave a presentation on the final draft of the Significant Woodland Policy guidelines. He explained the different criteria for designating significant woodlands in the urban and rural areas of the city. Once identified as significant, any development in or around these urban woodlands must take into account the ecological, economic and social benefits on a no net loss basis. The guidelines provide a detailed methodology for evaluating these benefits.

Action: Paul to circulate the final draft guidelines.

2015-2018 Term of Council Performance Re: Greenspace Objectives

A discussion on how to evaluate Council performance on specific greenspace objectives in the 2015-18 term concluded that such a task would be very difficult and perhaps of less benefit than concentrating instead on the greenspace objectives, and measurements, it should set itself for the next term of council. It was suggested that consideration be given to organizing a forum to discuss and formulate proposals for this agenda. No specific action item was agreed upon.

Erwin reported on the letter writing campaign being organized by West Coast Environmental Law Association to demand that the Senate pass Bill C-68 and Bill C-69. The generic letter and mail out is organized by province. Given that the scope of our activities straddle both Quebec and Ontario, he suggested we craft our own letter, based on WCELA’s, and send it to the Senators in both provinces. Agreed.

Action: Paul to adapt the WCELA letter and look into the means to send it to Ontario and Quebec senators.