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.
Alex Cullen:
#1: “I was a member of the City’s Planning Committee for many years, and a strong supporter of preserving greenspace in our urban communities. I agree that there is a need for such a strong bylaw to regulate the removal of vegetation (eg. trees) and topsoil, grade alteration and placement of fill, and would work to bring such a bylaw about.”
#2: “I support having (and contributing regularly to) a City fund to purchase threatened environmentally sensitive lands. The growth of the urban area continues to threaten such lands and it is important to preserve them in order to maintain a healthy local eco-system. This would include woodlots, wetlands and the like.”
#3: “I have consistently opposed country lot subdivisions at City Council – they are a woefully inefficient land use. You can count on my firm support.”
#4: “I am a strong supporter of advisory committees to enable both the interested public in becoming involved in the development of City policies that affect their community, but also as a means for City Council to gain access to the wealth of experience and expertise that resides in our community – a win-win.”
Brendan Mertens: “I … support and endorse this.”
Michael Pastien:
#1: “I’m all for a very strong pragmatic relationship between the City of Ottawa & an ultimately recognized Greenspace leadership team in developing an Official Site Alteration Bylaw, and producing an all-important first draft.”
#2: “Due to the dire need to fund infra renewal of Ottawa’s deteriorating old sewer system, among many other concerns such as climate change initiatives; I doubt there is currently extra money for such things as Enviro Lands Acquisition.”
#3: “I support yours and the City of Ottawa’s stand towards prohibiting further Country Lot Subdivisions for the foreseeable future. I believe in fostering pragmatically mutual transparent openness, towards periodically re-examining city-wide satiable long-term sustainable big picture ecovisions!”
#4: “City Council currently does not manage to consult anywhere near as well with the Community at large, nor its talent pool of industry professionals as it should (especially in a purposely meaningful way), for a wide array of initiatives and endeavors. [A prime example has been its perhaps somewhat inadvertent, apparently non-transparent, full-bore half-baked at best LRT Development/Expansion “Plans”]”
Trevor Robinson:
“I agree, in principle, with what Greenspace Alliance is trying to accomplish with the four propositions. However, as I have already previously stated, I am not making any campaign promises other than if elected, I will do my best to better the community of Bay Ward as well as the City of Ottawa. Issues change, as do circumstances, accordingly I am not looking to restrict myself if provided the honour of representing the residents of Bay Ward as their next councillor.
I am not an environment activist, nor am I an environment expert. I do however, like many residents, have an appreciation for the natural aspects of our region that we are so fortunate to have, so close to urban areas. As such, when brought to my attention, I was troubled by one of the draft proposals for the redevelopment of the Britannia Park area which showed the removal of many mature growth trees. Draft drawings showed an expanded parking lot, where there are currently mature growth trees, in order to partially compensate for the loss of another parking lot, which was shown to be turned into green space. Many residents have questioned why cause so much damage and go to such cost levels when the two existing parking lots could both be slightly expanded and resurfaced without the need to take down mature growth trees. (for reference, I have attached the drawing that was provided to me by a local resident)
We need to ensure that the city we provide to future generations is healthy and functional and that can only happen if we take the time to listen to what our taxpayers want. Ultimately a councillor is there at the table to represent the taxpayers of his or her ward.”
The remaining two candidates did not respond.