Policies & Threats Related to Greenspaces
New updated content: 2026-06-10 16:48:01 The Poets’ Pathway was featured at the River Ward Earth Day event on April 18, at which the GA and the Poets’ Pathway shared a table. Many visitors stopped at the table and a few unexpected but welcome contacts were made that will help promote the Poets’ Pathway. Good progress is also being made on the new website, which should be ready to launch by
New updated content: 2026-03-14 15:44:46 Both the GA and the Poet’s Pathway delegated at the December 17 joint meeting of Planning and ARAC, bringing welcome new attention to this key greenspace. Our focus will now extend beyond the two parcels currently under threat to mount a campaign to preserve and protect the entirety of the linked greenspaces that form the inner greenbelt that is the Poets’ Pathway. To raise awareness
New updated content: 2025-12-08 09:29:26 The major threat at this point is the potential rezoning under the new Zoning Bylaw to Development Reserve of lands through which the Poets’ Pathway goes. This is being countered through our advocacy on the new Bylaw, in collaboration with the Poets’ Pathway Committee and the Community Associations directly affected. Contacts have been established with the local councillors, federal and provincial elected officials and a
New updated content: 2025-10-06 11:40:27 There are lands used by the Poet’s Pathway that are under threat of development. This is particularly true for the Southern Corridor, which in the Woodroffe-Merivale segment could be opened to residential development by a new Secondary Plan, while the McCarthy meadow section is slated for reclassification to Development Reserve in Draft 3 of the new Zoning Bylaw. The loss of greenspace in these segments
New updated content: 2025-01-27 15:22:36 Thanks to new contacts from members of the Rideau Trail Association and following our walking the complete circuit around this time last year, there is renewed interest in the Poets’ Pathway. A preliminary meeting with these new contacts and members of the original Poets’ Pathway team was held on November 28 to revisit the status of the trail based on our collective observations last year
On Sunday, May 21, 2006, the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee organized the first of a series of walks in Ottawa’s natural areas. The walk took place in McCarthy Woods and its Meadow to the west and was under the guidance of Erwin Dreessen and Seaton Findlay. Here is Erwin’s report. There was an excellent turnout — I estimate about 50 people, and this on a rainy day! Actually,
In the crisp morning hours of April 5, 2005 renowned bird photographer Tony Beck led a field trip to the future Canadian Poets’ Park. Participants included Richard Scott (then of the NCC) and Councillor Maria McRae. These lines from Archibald Lampman’s “Solitude” set us on our way: Sometimes a hawk screams or a woodpecker Startles the stillness from its fixed mood With his loud careless tap. Sometimes I hear The
In May 2005, the Poets’ Pathway Committee made a second presentation to the NCC’s Board of Directors, this time focussing on what we propose for the Southern Corridor. Here is the brief that was submitted. A Press Release and Mr. Beaudry’s reply follow below. Erwin Dreessen’s slides (download all [2.86 MB pdf], or one by one below) and speaking notes: Presentation to the NCC Board of Directors – May 3,
One important objective with the creation of Poet’s Hill is to make contributions to the literary life of the capital. A number of events have already been held and others are planned. This programming goes under the catchy title “Dead Poets Live!” Here is what’s taken place so far, often in the beautiful Reception Room in the Beechwood Cemetery office building. June 24, 2007 – While not formally part of
One key reason why the particular site of Poet’s Hill at Beechwood Cemetery was chosen, is that it offers an excellent view of Parliament Hill. The central axis of the site’s design points to the Peace Tower. However, this view is not protected in Ottawa’s Official Plan! Nor is the even more spectacular view of Parliament Hill from the memorial to Tommy Douglas, which is nearby Poet’s Hill. As it
