New updated content: 2021-02-21 11:02:28

Daniel briefly presented information on a development application made by the NCC to build six structures suitable for embassies on vacant greenspace along the Sir John A Parkway, just north of Mechanicsville. He outlined a plan of action to oppose the application, including among other actions, a letter to Minister Marc Garneau, Minister of Global Affairs, a draft of which was circulated. Everyone supported the proposed course of action and agreed to provide comments on the draft letter urgently. It was also agreed that Daniel would lead this campaign on behalf of the Greenspace Alliance.

New updated content: 2021-03-22 12:04:05

Paul gave a brief update on the status of advocacy efforts led by Daniel Buckles to preserve this greenspace north next to the Ottawa River, adjacent to the Mechanicsville neighbourhood. The Mechanicsville CA is also actively opposing this development application by the NCC. Paul mentioned the security risk posed by locating a multi-embassy complex so near a residential area, a point highlighted by a resident of nearby Champlain Park, a retired architect with a security background. This seems to have gained some attention, Iola mentioned that the location would also expose the site to surveillance and even assault from the river, a new point that will be reported to Daniel.

New updated content: 2021-04-19 12:15:03

The GA and its Mechanicsville partners have continued to collaborate in opposing this proposed development on NCC land. The latest effort is a letter to the CEO of the NCC questioning the NCC’s motivation for undertaking this project.

New updated content: 2021-06-21 15:25:07

The NCC has updated its development application in response to community concerns, reducing the number of structures from 6 to 5, and expanding somewhat the parkland on the east of the site. This is far short of the community’s hope to prevent any development on the site and to preserve it as useable greenspace.

New updated content: 2021-08-23 08:57:12

Local representations continue to be made opposing the development of a number of embassies on vacant greenspace in Mechanicsville, bordering the Sir John A, McDonald Parkway. (Post-meeting note: The NCC application was approved by Planning Committee at its August 26 meeting, modified by motion from Councillor Leiper to 5 embassies from 6, less surface parking and a larger remaining greenspace/park area.)

New updated content: 2021-09-27 09:00:06

City Council has approved the NCC application to build 5 embassy/foreign mission buildings on Mechanicsville greenspace bordering the Ottawa River Parkway.  At a minimum our advocacy helped reduce the number of buildings from 6 to 5 and increase the size of the greenspace that will be preserved. Construction is unlikely to proceed for a very long time.

New updated content: 2022-02-21 09:15:11

The NCC proposal to build a suite of five embassies on vacant greenspace in Mechanicsville adjacent to the Sir John A Macdonald Parkway was approved by Planning Committee and but, unusually, rejected by Council as the result of the votes against of several eastern ward councilors, ostensibly unhappy with the NCC’s position on the City’s Brian Coburn extension project. An unexpected win for the local community association and the GA which actively supported their opposition.

Post meeting note: The NCC has appealed this decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

New updated content: 2022-03-28 09:25:59

The NCC has appealed Council’s decision to deny their development application for building a suite of embassies on greenspace along the Sir John A MacDonald Parkway to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The potential loss of this greenspace is therefore still in play.

New updated content: 2023-03-20 12:07:25

Embassy Row:

It seems that a negotiated settlement between the NCC, the City of Ottawa and the local community has been reached, dedicating in perpetuity as greenspace a sizeable portion of the site, including unfettered access to the Ottawa River shoreline, this as a result of effective advocacy by the local community, assisted by the GA. More to come.