16 minute read
LETTERS ...................................4
Housing density helps local businesses
Editor, Glebe Report
Re: “Glebe needs affordable housing,” Glebe Report, January/ February 2022
I was pleased to see Dan Chook Reid‘s article on affordable housing in the Glebe. Clearly Ottawa, like the rest of Canada, has to more than double the number of houses created each year if we are to address the devastating situation faced by many Canadians. We also need to increase housing density in the Glebe.
Adding affordable housing has to be addressed as well to provide for the many who can‘t afford ever-increasing rental costs. I am happy to see that the Glebe Community Association is working with the city to introduce more affordable housing in the Glebe.
In addition to the need to provide housing for people, there is another reason why we have to aim for more housing density in the Glebe. The many small businesses in the Glebe are crucial for the quality of life we enjoy in this neighbourhood. However, COVID has accelerated the diversion of spending to online purchases to the detriment of bricksand-mortar businesses. One only has to walk by homes in the Glebe on garbage collection day to see how much is now being delivered from big warehouses directly to our homes. If we want to keep a vibrant business community in the Glebe for our enjoyment, we will have to accept more residents who can compensate for reduced spending in the Glebe by Glebe residents. If we lose more businesses in the Glebe and more empty shops line the streets, the community will lose much of its appeal.
Doug Daniels
NATTAPOL SEENGERN: NOUNPROJECT.COM
Parking woes
Editor, Glebe Report
For the last two years or so, we have had construction between Fifth and Fourth avenues with fences, trucks, cranes, you name it. The developer, Minto, had an encroachment permit for that time, but the permit expired about two months ago!
The signs for the construction zone were not removed by the city. One of the signs was turned around, but the other is still there!
Every morning, cars park on Bank Street without any problem. We are all happy to have our street back! But of course, it has to be me who got a ticket for $130.
I am fighting the infraction, of course, but in the meantime, could that “construction zone” sign be removed so that it is clear that the regular two-hour parking applies?
Caren von Merveldt Owner, Von’s and Flippers
Glebe Tailor owner Shirin Farzin remembered Rink rats reunited
Editor, Glebe Report
Editor, Glebe Report
I was saddened to learn the other day that Shirin Farzin, the owner-operator of Glebe Tailoring, died this past summer at age 69 from cancer. Many of us have happy memories of chatting with Shirin when we dropped off dry cleaning or while she planned an alteration to a dress for a special occasion.
With more remote shopping and a reduced need for services like dry cleaning and tailoring, life in the pandemic has meant that we are less likely to encounter many of the friendly faces who make our neighbourhood feel like home. I did discover during my visit that the shop will be in good hands under the new ownership of Mansour, who had been the store’s tailor.
But Shirin, you will be missed. Re: “Dudleigh Coyle honoured as volunteer extraordinaire,” Glebe Report, January/February 2022
Reading Roger Smith’s article on Dudleigh Coyle brought back many pleasant memories. I’m not sure how I was drafted by Dudleigh to become one of the gang he assembled to help run the Glebe Memorial rink, but it led to finding myself on quite a few evenings hosing down that precious patch of ice next to the Queensway. Dudleigh has a certain charm that makes it impossible to say no to his requests.
I’m very glad he drafted me, it was a lot of fun. I have saved – and cherish – my Glebe Memorial Rink Rats sweatshirt.
Hunter McGill
Mira Sucharov
With Lansdowne priorities clearly commercial sport and commerce, and the cars that go with them, there’s no room left for pedestrians. PHOTO: JOHN DANCE
Lansdowne priorities lead to absurdities
Editor, Glebe Report
We were not successful in transforming Lansdowne Park into Ottawa’s Central Park. Instead, developers and city councillors created a venue primarily catering to professional sports and commerce. Nothing wrong with either, but neither should be the primary activity at the park in the centre of the city and in the heart of the Glebe, Old Ottawa East and South.
One of these months – after more than half a year of virtually no consultation with the neighbouring communities – OSEG and the city will propose a very expensive replacement arena and north side stands. With the coming municipal election, it’s time to say no to such a proposal.
We need a Lansdowne Park focused on pedestrians and active activity, not on spectating and consuming. Let the professional teams build their new facilities where there is LRT, rather than between the perpetually clogged Bank Street and a parkway that was never designed to be an arterial and in an area that has no high-capacity roadway in an east-west direction.
To illustrate the absurdity of what happened with the previous Lansdowne refurbishment, just look at how pedestrians have to make their way through the park – the sidewalk before Aberdeen Square is minuscule while there is lots of room for vehicular traffic. That’s what happens when the focus is on professional sports and commerce.
John Dance Old Ottawa East
Crosswalk rage
Editor, Glebe Report
Every morning and afternoon during the school year, Mutchmor students need to cross Fourth Avenue because their yard is not on the same side of the street as their school. The Ottawa Safety Council is actively trying to hire a crossing guard for this location, and the city is planning safety improvements.
In the meantime, this continues to be a place of regular near misses and, recently, a disturbing incident that impacted a number of staff and students. In late February, a driver was so enraged at the group of children crossing the street that he began honking and edging his car ever closer to the crosswalk. He even got out of his car to yell at the teacher and the children. This type of behaviour is abhorrent and unacceptable. The police were called, and the incident was reported.
Thank you to the parents who
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helped control the situation and protect our kids.
As we rush through the neighbourhood, often running late or distracted, please remember that slowing down and being patient, especially around schools, are important first steps in making the Glebe a better, safer place.
Say goodbye to the hassle of moving!
Ask about our moving assistance
For seniors and their families planning ahead, the moving process can be daunting. At Villagia in The Glebe, we’ll remove the stress and help you settle in with practical solutions, empathy and care. Families take comfort knowing assistance is available for the whole process or just part of the transition.
Learn how we can help you! Contact Sue at (613) 617-7888
480 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3N6
Mary Tsai
GNAG Executive Director
N 613 233-8713 E info@gnag.ca www.gnag.ca
It’s all happening at GNAG
GNAG’s vaccine policy
After a stellar March Break week, there is nothing better than the feeling of life slowly returning to normal.
As you are aware, there have been some changes to Ottawa Public Health and provincial COVID restrictions. As we navigate the health, safety and comfort level of all our clients and staff, GNAG has decided to take a more gradual approach to changing our safety practices.
Proof of full vaccination is still required of all staff and participants in GNAG programs. This includes children starting new programs after April 1.
Some of you may be wondering why or how is this fair? During the pandemic many businesses, including GNAG, have had to respond and pivot quickly to the constant and sudden changes set out by public health officials. The volatility of the pandemic has put a huge strain on our not-for-profit business. It has also made clients and staff feel uneasy.
Like everyone, we want to get back to normal as soon as possible. We are a small team doing the best we can. We continue to monitor the situation, and for the moment this is the best way forward for us.
An online Daily Health Screening is no longer required; however, we ask that all participants and clientele perform a passive self-assessment before entering the premises. If you are not well or your child is not well, please do not attend your program or enter the building. Please note, GNAG and City of Ottawa staff have the right to ask you to leave the building/program if signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are detected.
Masks are still required while indoors for all those 2.5 years and older. Some activities are exempt (dance, fitness, theatre); for these classes, masks must be worn until the start of the class.
As things evolve, our policies may change. For updates and the most current information about GNAG’s safety protocols, please visit gnag.ca/ covid-19-updates.
Career opportunities at GNAG
In the February issue of the Glebe Report, you may have read the article “There is something about Mary” by GNAG chair Elspeth Tory announcing my retirement. I am overwhelmed by all the kind words and well wishes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Elspeth (the movie reference still makes me LOL) and to my many wonderful GNAG friends.
My plan is to end my role as GNAG’s executive director by the end of June. Our board is in the process of finding its new executive director. If you are interested in learning more about the position or would like to apply, visit GNAG.ca/careers or GNAG’s LinkedIn page for details.
Summer Camp staff opportunities – this is how it all started for me
How did I get into recreation? Believe it or not, I was once a camp counsellor. My summers were spent playing with children in wading pools, going on out-trips to Mont Cascade and the museum, camping at Lac Philippe and making friendship bracelets at the beach. As a teen, these were the summers of a lifetime. I got paid to play while making lifelong friendships. I learned how to be an effective leader, how to be responsible and that giving back to the community was fun! While it was not my intention to pursue a career in recreation, I realized the skills I learned at a young age were transferable to any career path.
Do you want to get paid to play? Want to laugh, be out in the sun, learn some valuable job skills? Sign up to be a summer camp counsellor. You will not regret it. Check gnag.ca/careers/ for updates.
An Act of Grace – GNAG Theatre is back this May
Award-winning playwright, director, actor and GNAG’s very own adult program manager John Muggleton pitched the idea of bringing GNAG Theatre back to the Glebe Community Centre stage, and the play to be featured is his creation.
An Act of Grace is written by Muggleton and directed by Venetia Lawless. In this dark comedy thriller, greed, an illicit affair and a dying woman’s last wish may force two men to turn to violence in order to survive a business meeting. It will feature Muggleton himself, Jenny Sheffield, Dale MacEachern and me (yes, you read that right!) as Julie.
Warning: Strong language, mature themes; this production is not intended for children.
Tickets are now on sale at a cost of $32, and all proceeds will go towards GNAG COVID Recovery. It runs May 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in Scotton Hall at the Glebe Community Centre.
Make it a date night or a fun evening out with friends. Stick around after the show for a glass of wine and a social.
To advertise on glebereport.ca and in the Glebe Report email advertising@glebereport.ca
Time to Shop LOCAL!
Next up: park consultations for 299 Carling site
By Sue Stefko
With the removal of so much of the Glebe Annex’s tree canopy for infill development and the influx of population that follows development, including approximately 550 units at the 299 Carling site alone, a public park in this location is most welcome.
The proposed zoning changes for 299 Carling were approved earlier this year, with the site’s zoning bylaw released on January 26. As expected, the zoning will allow buildings ranging from 8 to 20 storeys and will include space for a new public park, as well as privately owned but publicly accessible space at the rock outcrop area which will be incorporated into future development.
The zoning approval sets the stage for the next step in the process – the creation of the public park.
The park, expected to be just under half an acre in size, will be located at the north end of the site, next to Hasenack Place and west of the Dow’s Lake Towers apartment building at 360 Bell Street South. Although Canada Lands has solicited feedback throughout the process since 2017, there will soon be another opportunity for the public to have a say on the creation of a park plan. Information about that process will be posted on the project’s website (www.clc-sic.ca/ real-estate/299-carling-avenue) in the coming weeks.
Previous public engagements asked for feedback on the most desired amenities for the park. Public art, seating, playground structures and fitness equipment were most frequently listed. Although the children’s play structures at Dalhousie South Park were updated in 2018, many still want playground equipment in the new park as well. However, given that the updated Dalhousie South playground is geared more to younger children, some think the new park should better support older children and adolescents, with amenities such as a multi-purpose court to accommodate a variety of sports like basketball, ball hockey, volleyball and badminton.
What people want for the new space may evolve as a result of COVID. During the pandemic, public use of parks and public greenspace has increased due to restrictions on indoor amenities but also due to the psychological, physical and social benefits of these spaces. This may well change park design in the future. Some see a greater move to outdoor fitness equipment or perhaps individualized uses instead of team sports. Others expect a greater movement towards contem- Looking northward across the 299 Carling site from plative-style gardens that provide a greater connec- Carling Avenue. The Dow’s Lake Towers apartment tion to nature. building is the tall building at the back right.
The creation of the Norman/ PHOTO: DAVID PERKINS Rochester Street park at the Booth Street Complex is also something that many may take into account when considering what amenities we need at the Lebreton Street location, as it is just a block or two away. Canada Lands completed the public engagement process for that park in 2020, which resulted in a proposal for a play structure, splash pad, covered/sheltered area, a basketball key (a partial court) and public gathering space for teens and adults. Given our proximity to this park, this may reduce the need The Canada Lands development at 299 Carling. The park is to be built at the for a splash pad or a multi-pur- north end (outlined in red) CONCEPT: CANADA LANDS COMPANY pose court.
The Norman/Rochester park will undergo a final round of community consul- astronomical price of land and the fact so much of it tations, this time led by the city which will ultim- has already been developed, it is very likely this will ately manage the park, before Canada Lands starts be the last park built in our area for many years. We construction. The process will be similar for the 299 encourage all residents to take maximum advantage of Carling park. Following public consultations, the this opportunity, consider what our community needs city will lead its own confirmatory consultations and most and how to best maximize this very valuable and finalize the details before construction can start. If all much-needed space. goes well, construction of our new park could start in spring 2023. Sue Stefko is president of the Glebe Annex Community
Given the size and density of the Glebe Annex, the Association.
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