The application by Kavanagh to expand an existing quarry adjacent to the Burnt Lands ANSI in rural Ottawa, which the GA opposed in submissions made to staff and Committee, was turned down by Council, counter to the Committee recommendation, on a 13 to 11 vote. This decision will likely be appealed to the OLT, with a high probability of success for the proponent. However, this decision does reveal that there is an environmentally friendly majority on this Council, which should be cultivated.

Another bit of good news is that, despite the obstruction and delays by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, the purchase by the City of this large waterfront property near Fitzroy Harbour for conservation purposes, which we strongly supported, has been approved. However, two lots will be carved out for potential development. How this carve-out was determined has not been made clear.

More good news, the northern section of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor, running from Smythe Road across the Rideau River to Lees Avenue in Old East Ottawa, has been removed from the Transportation Master Plan. This will preserve greenspace in Hurdman Park, south of the river and Springhurst Park across the river. This was achieved as a result of the mobilization of residents of Capital Ward and environmental groups, and the City’s acknowledgement of changes in transportation patterns since the plan was first brought forward in 2005. There still remains plans, however, for the southern section of the corridor, extending to Walkley Road, which would destroy a lot of urban greenspace. The GA will continue to advocate for its preservation.

Work continues on revitalizing the Poets’ Pathway, with an Earth Day event on April 26, 2025 at McCarthy Park, which is on the path, and also a Jane’s Walk on May 4, on the Woodroffe-Merivale segment of the Pathway.

Local residents have alerted the GA of the potential for significant tree removal on the grounds of the Ottawa Royal Hospital for the construction of Matthew Perry House, a planned treatment center for drug addiction. We will make enquiries with city staff on the status of this application and its consideration under the Tree Protection Bylaw.

At the March meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, Councillor Cavanagh introduced a notice of motion for the following meeting regarding the removal of Tewin lands from the approved urban expansion in the Official Plan. This raised a lot of discussion and interest across the city and some skepticism as to its chances of success, both politically and legally. However, on the eve of the April meeting, the motion was withdrawn without explanation. We have heard that it may be re-introduced after the byelection in Osgoode ward for a new councillor to replace Councillor Darouze, who was elected as MPP for the riding in the recent provincial election. There will no doubt more to come on this issue.