The propositions:
1. Support for a strong site alteration by-law, with emphasis on “strong.”
2. Renewed commitment to an annual allocation towards an environmental lands acquisition fund.
3. Standing firm in support of the prohibition against future country lot subdivisions.
4. The City’s Advisory Committees should be genuine bridges between the public and Council.
Scott Hodge:
#1: “I admit that I need to research this further to properly understand the full scope of the intended by-law but I support in principle the approval and implementation of a site alteration by-law and the protection of woodlots across the City of Ottawa.”
#2: “I fully support and endorse the ‘protection’ of specific funds for their intended purpose. Dollars allocated to and held in the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund should be used for acquisition of natural areas and woodlots across the City and should not be re-allocating to offset operating expenditures for issues that might be related to environmental issues. The amount of the annual allocation to this particular fund should also be reviewed as most environmentally significant lands are of substantial size and therefore present a considerable cost for acquisition. An annual allocation of $1.6-million is not adequate to meet the demand.”
#3: “I understand the intent of the moratorium on the construction of future country lot estate developments. I support the continuation of this policy.”
#4: “The approach for the design and utility of Advisory Committees need to be reviewed. The degradation of advisory committees over this past term of Council is concerning. However, under previous councils, advisory committees were rarely utilized to their full potential. As stated in the question, Ottawa is rich with residents who bring world-class expertise in a variety of topics that are germane to municipal management, urban development, and environmental stewardship. The City needs to adopt an approach for its advisory committees that enables them to tap into this vast array of expertise.”
Michael Qaqish: “…you can count on my support.”
The other three candidates did not respond.