General Meeting – May 29 2023 – Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital

GREENSPACE ALLIANCE OF CANADA’S CAPITAL

Greenspace Watch

General Meeting

MINUTES

May 29, 2023

On-line meeting

Members present: Paul Johanis (chair), Nicole DesRoches, Iola Price, Arto Keklilkian, Erwin Dreessen, J.P. Unger, Jason Kania

The meeting commenced at 8:15 pm following the Annual General Meeting held immediately prior.

Adoption of the agenda

The proposed abbreviated agenda was agreed upon. Moved by Nicole, seconded by Erwin.

Administrative items

a. Minutes of April 17, 2023 meeting (for approval)

Moved by Jason, seconded by Nicole. Carried.

b. Association reports

The GA membership in the FCA is due and our membership in Volunteer Ottawa has lapsed. It was agreed to renew both.

c. Treasurer’s report

i. A motion to pay the $35 fee to renew our membership in FCA was moved by Iola, seconded by Jason.

ii. The general liability insurance that the GA was required to obtain in relation to its participation in the Pinesi Trail project, in particular the 5 year maintenance agreement it has signed with the City of Ottawa regarding the mural at New Edinburgh Park and the trail signage on City right of way, is also up for renewal. A motion to pay the $2379.84 premium for this coverage for another year was moved by Nicole, seconded by Iola.

Policy instruments

a. Proposed revisions to the PPS in relation to recent changes to the Planning Act include a provision for on demand urban expansion rather than as part of 5 year comprehensive reviews. As agreed at the April meeting, Paul and Erwin developed a draft response regarding the pros and cons of either approach, which they shared for consideration by the group. Deadline for response is August 4, 2023.

Threats and opportunities

a. Rural greenspace

i. Tewin deforestation

There was a brief update and general discussion on the status of the Tewin deforestation and measures to prevent future recurrences of such events. Continuing to work with the rural based conservation groups to which we have been introduced was strongly supported.