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 would be very deleterious to the integrity of the Poets’ Pathway. To counter these developments, the GA, led by Erwin, is engaging with the lead City planners on the Baseline-Merivale Secondary Plan. A first meeting was held, and some positive elements were uncovered. See report <here>. Regarding McCarthy Meadow, the local community association is engaged in the defense of this greenspace. The GA will also make representations to staff through the ZBL engagement. As these lands are federally owned, it was agreed that the GA would also engage with the Canada Lands Corporation to alert them to the potential conflicts in land use at these locations.

Action: Erwin will make contact with CLC and draft a communication as required.

Meanwhile, work continues on Poets’ Pathway redux. With the grant money obtained from the City, work on the revamped website for the PP can be initiated. This work must be completed by July 2026.

Erwin proposed that an Ottawa Choral Society event on October 26, a music and poetry reading on the theme of Canadian poets, would provide a good opportunity spread information about the Poets’ Pathway. All agreed.

Action: Chair to contact Beechwood Cemetery to arrange for the printing of 500 copies of the latest map of the Poets’ Pathway.