General Meeting – June 17 2024 – Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital

Meeting Minutes

General Meeting – June 17 2024

Published on:

August 30, 2024

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Meeting date:

June 17, 2024

Members present: Paul Johanis (chair), Iola Price, Erwin Dreessen, Arto Keklikian, Jason Kania

Adoption of the agenda

The proposed agenda was agreed upon

Moved by Erwin, seconded by Jason.

Administrative items

a. Minutes of April 15 2024 meeting (for approval)

Moved by Erwin, seconded by Iola. Carried, with action required to activate hyperlinks.

b. Website report

Paul reported on the status of the work on the project to improve the timeliness and comprehensiveness of our website content. The second phase of the project, including the additional activities agreed upon at our April general meeting, is essentially complete. This involves a refresh and redesign of the website, while conserving all the static content (About Us, Archives, Links, Readings, and modifying the dynamic Current Issues pages to accept the automation that will be implemented in the final phase of the project. The recommended software packages for this phase of the work have been purchased. As contract costs are coming out below projections, several additional activities that could be undertaken by the team and would enhance the website were proposed

c. Treasurer’s report

The fee for our membership renewal with the FCA ($40) was approved, moved by Erwin and seconded by Arto, as was the payment of the second installment for the website project ($739.85) moved by Jason, seconded by Iola. A reimbursement to Paul for the GA’s Zoom account ($242.84, Erwin and Jason), the rental of the Hintonburg CC meeting room ($88.14) and photocopying for the AGM ($9.04) moved by Iola, seconded by Arto, and the purchase of the Make.com software product for the website automation project ($192) moved by Jason, seconded by Iola, for a total of $532.02, was approved.

79
City of Ottawa Wildlife Strategy

The staff report on the review of the City’s Wildlife Strategy was presented to a joint meeting of ARAC and Environment Committee on June 17. GA members Donna Dubreuil and Kate McNeil (Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre) had long prepared for this day organizing and mobilizing local groups and individuals, preparing position papers on wildlife issues and engaging with City councillors over several weeks ahead of the meeting. As a result, many well-prepared delegations appeared before Committee, which on the whole were well received and lead to motions and directions to staff being adopted. Overall, the outcome was much more positive than anticipated. The GA’s submission, developed jointly by board and members, can be found here: Submission on Wildlife Strategy, June 17 2024.
Bill 185
Ontario Bill 185

Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes, walked back some provisions of previous housing bills, reinstated provisions that were previously dropped in similar earlier bills and introduced other assorted measures to address housing supply. Our analysis of the Bill identified measures we could support and others which we oppose. The GA’s submission to the Province can be found here: GA comment on Bill 185.

RURAL
Nothing to report.
MAJOR URBAN
Public Consultation on George Etienne Cartier Parkway
George Etienne Cartier Park Plan

Iola gave an update on the NCC’s consultations on its plans regarding the greenspace adjoining the George Etienne Cartier parkway. She shared the comments of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, citing many inconsistencies and concerns with the plan: Additional lighting and signalized pedestrian crossings, the status of Hillsdale Park, the restoration/excavation of a stream from McKay to the River, the clearing of Pine Hill to afford better views of the River, the preservation of an ancient burial ground, the preservation of the off leash dog park, parking on Lisgar Road, removal of invasive species, the conversion of Mile Circle to parking and the status of the Ottawa New Edinburg Canoe Club programs and facilities. The current state of the plan leaves all these questions open.
Central Experimental Farm
CEF building heights working group

We have received confirmation that this working group comprised of City, NCC and AAFC representatives has indeed been set up and is now working to develop a protocol for building heights on the perimeter of the Central Experimental Farm. We are glad to see it being set up but would appreciate some form of reporting and public engagement on its progress.
OTHER
Nothing to report.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10.

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About Greenspace Alliance

The Greenspace Alliance works with community organizations and individuals to preserve and enhance natural areas in the National Capital area, including public and private green spaces, wetlands and waterways.

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Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 45032 Kanata RPO Bridlewood Kanata, ON K2M 2Y1

E-mail:

contact@greenspace-alliance.ca

For Consulting (Paul Johanis, Chair):

Tel.: (613) 513–8372

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