The final hearing for the Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear wastes at Chalk River was held on August 10 2023. First Nations organized an in person meeting where they presented their briefs, with Commissioners observing online. Erwin and David attended this in person gathering and shared with members a brief description of the proceedings and their impressions on the process.

The application for a development application for two apartment towers at the corner of Parkdale and Carling Avenue, came before Planning and Housing Committee on August 16. The GA appeared as a delegation and also made a written submission, focussing on the shading the towers would produce, which would render a large section of research fields on the Central Experimental Farm unusable. Other delegations included the heritage and scientific community, the Protect the Farm coalition, broader environmental community and local community associations. Notable for their absence was any representation from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the “owners” of the CEF. Planning Committee approved the application. However, we subsequently learned that an official notice of the proposed zoning bylaw amendment was not send to AAFC ahead of the meeting. As result, the item was not considered by Council as scheduled and was returned to Planning Committee, where it will be on the agenda of their September 20 meeting. It is expected that AAFC representatives will attend.

Nothing to report.