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Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Review

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Policies & Threats Related to Greenspaces

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New Zoning By-law approved

New updated content: 2026-06-10 15:18:29 While supporting the overall objective of the ZBL review, which was to facilitate a denser, more compact built form in the urban area, the GA opposed the proposed rezoning for two greenspace parcels owned by the NCC to Development Reserve. The motion by Councillors Brockington and Johnson to retain the current zoning for these parcels was endorsed by full Council on January 28. This is

Paul Johanis June 10, 2026 June 10, 2026

NCC Lands for Homes

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:41 As part of the approval of the new Zoning By-law, the City passed a motion to establish a more transparent process for the identification of potential housing development sites on NCC lands. Staff were to return to the Joint Committee on March 25 with a report identifying these parcels and proposing methods of streamlining the approval process to expedite their development. We have learned that

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 June 10, 2026

Population and housing projections

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:40 The Chair delegated to the Joint Meeting of Housing and Planning and ARAC on February 18. While not contesting the population projections, he cast doubt on the validity of the assumptions underlying their conversion to household counts and dwelling types. His delegation, and a similar one by the Federation of Citizens’ Associations, seemed to resonate with several committee members and led to a motion co-sponsored

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Application denied

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:40 At least two applications have now been received by proponents to add specific parcels of rural land to the urban area. The latest one was for a parcel adjacent to the Goulbourn Provincially Significant Wetlands south of Stittsville. Both were rejected by the City on the basis that no new expansion is required at this time to accommodate the 2022 Official Plan’s growth strategy. The

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Motion to eliminate tree protection

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:40 Councillor Lo, representing Barrhaven East, tabled a notice of motion at the Environment and Climate Change Committee of February 25 that would essentially invalidate the Tree Protection Bylaw by giving homeowners the right to remove trees of any size or condition from their properties. Should this motion ever make it to Committee, the Greenspace Alliance will strongly oppose it, along with its many tree-loving partners

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

GA invited to join

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:41 The Chair attended the Mayor’s Roundtable on the Environment on behalf of the Greenspace Alliance on March 9, which was a first for the GA. Other participants were Ecology Ottawa, CAFES and Ottawa Riverkeeper. The agenda, which was proposed by the environmental groups, led to open and informative discussions and will give rise to several follow-ups. It provided an opportunity for the GA to highlight

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Inaugural meeting of the Public Advisory Group

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:41 Members discussed how to engage in the development of the Greenspace Masterplan. In addition to a seat on the Public Advisory Group, the GA has the benefit of the insight of member Arto Keklikian, former senior planner at the NCC, who is also working closely with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society on its Greenbelt protection strategy. The FCA is also keenly interested, and, through

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Rural communities concerned

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:41 A GA Member brought up the issue of the location of the corridor for the ALTO high-speed train project, which presents many challenges for rural communities and rural greenspace. Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation bill, introduces the High-Speed Rail Network Act to facilitate rail projects between Quebec and Ontario, including provisions for land expropriation. It received Royal Assent on March 26. A Petition to the

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Proposed merger of Conservation Authorities

New updated content: 2026-04-15 15:31:41 The provincial government has announced that it intends to reduce the number conservation authorities in Ontario from 36 to 9. This would mean that one single Conservation Authority would cover all Eastern Ontario. We believe this is just another centralizing power grab meant to further reduce local autonomy and expedite the destruction of wetlands and habitat in the name of increasing housing supply. The government

Paul Johanis April 15, 2026 April 15, 2026

Development Reserve Zoning turned down

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

Paul Johanis March 14, 2026 March 14, 2026