763

Municipal election candidate assessment

A second version of the ratings for all candidates for councilor regarding their positions on the greenspace and climate agenda was distributed. This one reflected the comments and feedback received from the full membership distribution. A few more candidate selections were finalized and additional questions raised, resulting in a version that will be distributed for consideration to the full list of GA subscribers. Target for announcing the GA selections is early October. 

763

POP Mayoral Eco-debates

The POP coalition has put on a series of mayoral candidate debates on the environment. The first three attracted most of the candidates for each: August 16 in Barrhaven, August 30 in Kanata and September 7 in Orleans. All were well attended, attracted media attention and provided a good forum for candidate views on environmental and climate issues. A statement by candidate Bob Chiarelli at the Kanata debate, that the provincial government was planning to disallow the Tewin urban expansion approved by City Council, drew particular attention. This gave rise to a discussion as to whether the GA should take a public position on this statement. It was agreed to write a letter to the Editor and/or submit an op ed in the Ottawa Citizen restating the GA position that there should be no urban expansion approved in Ottawa’s new Official Plan.

The final POP debate, this time featuring only the top candidates by invitation, will take place on September 28.

Action: Paul to arrange to have a letter to the editor and/or op ed drafted for review. 

Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Review

Comprehensive Zoning By-law review

Paul provided an update on the fourth meeting, on September 16, of the stakeholder group on the review of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. This one dealt with building height and parking issues for zoning in the Neighbourhood designation.