NOVEMBER 13, 2020 VOL. 25 NO. 10 THE CENTRETOWN BUZZ

Should e-scooters return to Ottawa in ‘21, 8 Virtual walkathon increases donations, 5 Coalition reimagines Ottawa’s budget Alayne McGregor the housing and homeless- ness emergency declared by coalition of 18 the city in January, and the community groups climate emergency it de- A has rethought the clared in 2019, the coalition City of Ottawa budget said. It describes its budget from an environmental and as a “bold step to reimag- social justice viewpoint. ine Ottawa where an ethics The 2020 Alternative of care for people and our Municipal Budget, released environment is at the fore,” November 2, aims to trans- and says it puts priority on form the city’s spending services “that keep our com- and taxing priorities. The munities healthy, such as 48-page document proposes childcare, food security ini- reallocating money from the tiatives, and addiction and police and the use of fos- mental health services.” sil fuels, spending more on About 20 volunteers social services, affordable worked substantively on the housing and transit, and add- budget proposal since the ing new sources of revenue. summer, said spokesperson After 12 years at Bronson and Gladstone giving old bikes a new life, re-Cycles needs to find The Ottawa Coalition for Angela Keller-Herzog, and a People’s Budget includes an economist worked to bring a new location. Seen here: coordinator Mark Rehder and the tools volunteers use to refurbish groups like the Healthy some of the numbers togeth- 100s of donated bikes each year. Read about the shop on page 3. Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ Transportation Coalition, er. They divided the work up ACORN Ottawa, the Ottawa by chapters, but also looked Transit Riders Association, at the cross-implications, and Ottawa’s housing emergency: Child Care Now Ottawa, met via Zoom. They thought Harmony House, and City it would be an interesting for All Women Initiative challenge, but it ended up be- bad before, worse now (CAWI). The coalition said ing “way more work than we Jack Hanna end up in a shelter. And ernment’s recent injection this was the first-ever full, had envisaged.” during a pandemic this is of housing funds to cities costed-out alternative budget Members of the coali- ttawa’s hous- riskier. “People are afraid to helps–Ottawa will get $31.9 for the city. tion had been following and ing and homeless go to shelters, or to live in a million–McKenney calls it a The budget responds to continued on page 5 O emergency was rooming house where they drop in the bucket. “With the worsening even before the might bunk three or four to status quo, there is no way pandemic. COVID-19 has a room,” McKenney said, out. I’m afraid it is going to Transit loop: an idea whose just cranked up the pain. “so they sleep outside.” She get worse.” Councillor Catherine noted that some 200 people She says the failure time has finally come? McKenney says, “More in Ottawa sleep outdoors ev- to tackle the housing and Alayne McGregor Parliament Hill. people are falling into home- ery night. homelessness crisis can be Plamondon, a former Na- lessness. More people can’t The city is increasing chalked up to discrimination. citizens group has tional Capital Commission pay their rent. Last night, at beds in shelters and over- “We discriminate against the stepped forward (NCC) board member, told least 1,900 people (in Ot- flow shelters. As well, Tom poor, indigenous and racial- A with a vision to The BUZZ that the loop idea tawa) slept in shelters,” she Brown Arena opened this ized communities. We would turn Wellington Street into had been around for a long said in an interview late last month as a downtown respite not allow any other demo- a pedestrian mall and to time–but this time is differ- month. “That includes fami- centre, replacing the centre graphic to fall into this kind link Ottawa and Gatineau’s ent. lies with children.” at McNabb Arena. However, of emergency.” downtowns with a bidirec- “Every 10 years it seems Those numbers are head- these are band-aid measures. COVID-19 has made the tional tram loop. to come up as an obvious ed up with job and income The city desperately needs to housing emergency worse. The Supporters of the way to connect both cities, losses due to COVID-19. increase affordable housing But the pandemic has shak- Loop, who include several both from a public transit Since the start of the pan- of all types, local experts say. en the world and this gives former mayors of Ottawa and point of view and just from demic, the number of local In a recent panel dis- McKenney a glimmer of Gatineau and prominent busi- a functional point of view, people to default on their rent cussion, Katie Burkholder hope. She says, “COVID has nesspeople from both sides to shrink the downtown has risen by about 3,200, the Harris of the Alliance to forced us to think and act of the Ottawa River, were core and to make our na- councillor said, citing data End Homelessness Ottawa, outside our comfort zones. inspired by the recent propos- tional institutions and sites from a landlords’ association said, “There’s a spectrum of We are starting to look at als from Gatineau’s transit more accessible. It was a which stated, “That’s going needs.” Those facing heavy vacant city land and vacant corporation (STO) to build good idea every time it’s to happen more and more.” challenges, for example, parking lots, and ask, What an electric tramway link from been raised, but it never had Renters can now be transitioning off the streets can we do with them?” Aylmer ending in Ottawa’s enough champions. The tim- evicted for non-payment of or with mental-health con- In a pandemic, attitudes downtown (see the October ing wasn’t quite right.” rent. Ontario had a tempo- cerns, may require support- are shifting said McKenney. BUZZ). These options will be But now Ottawa has a rary pandemic-inspired ban ive housing with on-site sup- “We cannot make decisions discussed at Transportation light rail system and Gatin- on evictions but that ended in port workers. based on fear. Everybody has Committee Nov. 16 and then eau is planning one. For August. Last month, Ottawa The city is short of co-ops to accept accessible, afford- at Ottawa City Council. its Ottawa link, Gatineau City Council appealed to the and rent-geared-to-income able housing in their neigh- But, according to group is considering either a tun- province to provide rent sup- units, and there’s a big need bourhood. The conversation spokesperson Bob Plamon- nel, which Plamondon says port for those struggling, or for apartments with moder- today has to be about public don, the STO proposals don’t would be “prohibitively to bring back the moratorium ate rents. “More and more, health. This is a health emer- go far enough in terms of ad- expensive,” or a surface on evictions. people are feeling the impact gency. People will die. We dressing the need for better tramway on Wellington end- If someone can’t pay of living in an unaffordable certainly don’t need thoughts transit links across the river, ing before Confederation their rent and gets kicked city,” said Burkholder Harris. and prayers. We need bold a better tourist experience, Square. out of their home, they may While the federal gov- thinking and action.” and better security around continued on page 10 2 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020

November 13, 2020 — Vol. 25, No. 10 The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy: THE Winter is coming Ryan Lythall A example of this is light-rail tran- workers, nurses, doctors and paramed- CENTRETOWN sit or LRT. I’m sure we all remember ics. Others require much-needed medi- t’s coming. We’ve already had a the LRT’s many issues last year: frozen cal appointments, for example, cancer BUZZ little sample of it. switches, snow on the tracks and other treatment, dialysis and trips to the ER. I I’m talking about that dreaded problems related to winter. Many of the When it comes to people with disabili- AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA SINCE 1995. word . . . snow! stations are fully or partially open-air, ties, going out, even grocery shopping Most, if not all, people with disabili- so there’s not much room for riders to or seeing friends, can seem like a monu- 101-210 Gloucester St. ties hate snow. It wreaks havoc on our take shelter or stay warm while waiting mental event during the long, cold win- Ottawa, ON wheelchairs and other mobility devices. for the train to show up. ter months. K2P 2K4 We often have problems using public It truly boggles my mind why Otta- Nevertheless, we need to try to Phone: 613-565-6012 transportation due to a lack of snow wa almost always seems to forget about make the best of winter. To do so, the clearing. winter. city needs to make snow clearing a I’ve lived in Ottawa my whole life I sincerely hope that the City of Ot- much bigger priority. centretownbuzz.com and I can’t remember a single winter tawa doesn’t think there’s less need for Now’s your chance, Ottawa. If you twitter.com/centretownbuzz when snow clearing hasn’t been an is- proper snow clearing this winter. People want people to shop locally and rely facebook.com/centretownbuzz sue. still need to be able to get around town. on curbside deliveries, we need cleared The City Of Ottawa appears to be Although we’ve all been impacted by roads and sidewalks to ensure business- BUZZ Staff in deep denial that we’re in Canada. COVID-19, and for many of us our es’ and customers’ safety. Winter happens every year and when it home has now become our office, we The plow’s in your corner, Ottawa. Managing editor: Alayne McGregor hits, especially at the start of the season, still need to go out. [email protected] people seem shocked by the white stuff Many people still need to travel Find Ryan on Twitter: falling from the sky. to work, including personal support @rolling_enigma Associate editor: Eleanor Sawyer

City Editor: Robert Smythe Letter: don’t block sidewalks with scooters [email protected] live in Centretown and for many, The other day, while walking south tretown to email Mayor Jim Watson and many years have enjoyed my dai- on the east side of Bank Street from Councillor Catherine McKenney to ask Distribution manager: Archie Campbell I ly walk on Bank Street. Gloucester, there were two scooters, them to do something about this prob- [email protected] Sadly, as time has gone by, bikes side by side, coming toward me on the lem. have crowded pedestrians on the side- sidewalk and not paying attention, as O’Connor Street has both north and walk, moving us over to let them pass. they were having some kind of discus- south paths on the road to keep bikes, Then it was roller bladers and skate- sion. I was reluctant to stop them, not etc., from interfering with pedestrian ACKNOWLEDGEMENT boarders and now e-scooters are being knowing their reaction if I had stopped safety on the sidewalks. It would help if allowed to take over our sidewalks, and asked them to get off the sidewalk. Bank Street had the same. The Centretown BUZZ is created and distributed making it unsafe for pedestrians walk- I would venture to say there are in Centretown, Ottawa, located on traditional and ing, or using wheelchairs, canes and many other instances, not only mine. Addie Crawford unceded Algonquin land. crutches. I am asking people who live in Cen- A Centretown Resident

NEXT ISSUE Letter: Ottawa-Gatineau needs a joint transit authority hank you for your article on start the critical transition from person- equal number of representatives from The next issue of The BUZZ will be published the proposed light-rail transit al vehicle trips to rail, bus, cycling and each side of the river and govern by Dec. 11. Deadline for ads and submissions: Nov. 30 (LRT) project that will bring pedestrian trips, Ottawa-Gatineau needs consensus. Given the interprovincial ISSN 1204-1604 T trains from Quebec into downtown a joint transit authority that unifies the nature of the system, it would also merit Ottawa. This is an important and ex- current systems. The public needs federal funding. citing project for the city of Ottawa- seamless connections that increase the Importantly, such investment would ADVERTISING Gatineau. And, yes, it is one city, de- efficiency of the city to reduce costs for only benefit the city. After all, transit is spite the best efforts of the various business and save time for people. A much cheaper both societally and in- The BUZZ is proud to offer an effective advertising levels of government over its history. joint authority could achieve this goal. dividually. All that needs to happen to medium that reaches 10,000 Centretown homes and Transit is an important example of Gatineau’s LRT proposal is exactly reap the benefits of this efficiency is businesses each month. Our competitive advertising rates are the disconnect between the two sides of the type of project that would benefit for the system to reach a tipping point as low as $31 per issue. View our rate card and publishing dates at the city. How can so many live on one from joint governance which has a larg- in service levels that pushes ridership centretownbuzz.com/advertising. side of the river and work on the other er vision for the city as a whole. Others higher. As long as the two systems re- For more information, email without an interconnected transit sys- include a streetcar loop around Confed- main separate, this tipping point re- [email protected] or call 613-565-6012. tem? Public perseverance and suffering eration Boulevard or the rehabilitation mains a ways away. are how. of the Prince of Wales rail bridge. To make people’s lives easier and A joint authority could have an Desmond Fisher Thank you to our volunteer carriers Ahmed Shalabi, Amanda Asquith, Anne O’Connor, You might be able to lower your Hydro bills Archie Campbell, Bayne Pearen, Betty Gregory, Alayne McGregor 577kWh, the most electric- consumption to see which Worried that this will in- Brendan Hennigan, Brent McLean, Brett Delmage, Carol Sissons, Cassidy Beers, Catharine Vandelinde, ity that year, were the time- rate structure would give you crease the demand for elec- Catherine Boucher, Charles Akben-Marchand, ydro Ottawa has of-use rates cheaper. Other the lowest bills. tricity? The Independent Chris Edwards, Craig Layng, Colleen McGuire, switched all its friends who have done the Hydro Ottawa will Electricity System Operators David Seaborn, Debbie Barton, Diane Holmes, customers back to calculations have had similar switch you from time-of- (ieso.ca) have calculated that Don Smith, Drina Wethey, Eleanor Sawyer, Emily Graves, H time-of-use payments this results. You may also want to use to tiered (or vice-versa) the initial COVID-19 lock- Glynda Newton, James Bruce, Jennifer Bedwell, month, meaning that you choose tiered if you’re work- on request. The change will down this spring reduced Kathleen Oliver, Kenney Vandelinde, Kim Malcolm, pay less for electricity on ing at home, or for conve- come into effect with your Ontario electricity demand Laura Mueller, Michael Hatfield, Michael Powell, evenings and weekends, nience. next billing cycle, not im- by 10 to 12 percent because Michelle Kirkman, Mike Gregory, Mindy Sichel, and more at peak hours. For the first 1,000kWh mediately. You can request of lower business demand. Pam Gahan, Pat Shaulis, Patricia Marsden-Dole, Robert Smythe, Ruth Barrie, Shelley Pearen, Suzanne Nash, For most of 2020, ev- per month in winter and the the change by phone, email, On the other hand, residenc- Venita Warren, Wendy Bennett, Wendy Hunter, eryone had been charged a first 600kWh in summer, the postal mail, or on the Hydro es were using 14 percent Wendy Sewell, Zsofia Orosz tiered rate, which only var- tiered rates are 12.6 cents per Ottawa website (search for more electricity between 11 ied depending on the total kWh. After that, it increases rate selection). a.m. to 7 p.m. To join our distribution team, please call amount of electricity you to 14.6 cents/kWh. The time- 613-565-6012 or email used each month. You now of-day rates are 10.5 cents/ Centretown Ottawa Counselling Practice have the option of returning kWh off-peak, 15.0 mid- Dr. Andrew C. Watson, BA (psych), M.D., CCFP [email protected] to that rate, which might be peak and 21.7 on-peak. in your interest if you’re not The Ontario Energy • Adult (18+) individual counselling The Centretown BUZZ is published by the Centretown BUZZ Board a heavy electricity user. Board has an online calcula- • Focus on people who have been affected (past or present) or concerned with another’s alcoholism or drug addiction of Directors, a group consisting of community I did the calculations tor at https://www.oeb.ca/ members representing all residents of Centretown. • Stable concurrent disorders/problems welcome: from my 2020 electricity rates-and-your-bill/bill-calcu- e.g. complex PTSD, depression, childhood trauma/neglect The Centretown BUZZ operates under the guidelines of the bills and found that I saved lator to simplify the process. • Non-OHIP, private practice Canadian Copyright Act. several dollars a month You sit down with your © 2020 The Centretown BUZZ with tiered rates. In only previous hydro bills and en- [email protected] one month in which I used ter your actual electricity NOVEMBER 13, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 3 re-Cycles needs a new home to make old bikes new Alayne McGregor the streets still deter casual Donations were also up cyclists, he said. this year: 575 bikes as of e-Cycles, Ottawa’s Each bike has a piece the end of September, an not-for-profit volun- of paper indicating how it’s increase of over 140 bikes r teer-run bike recycling been checked, the condition from 2019. shop, needs a new home. of its parts, and what work The building in which has been done on it. At a Volunteers learn by doing the shop operates, at 473 minimum, the brakes, head- Except for part-time co- Bronson at Gladstone, has set, gears/shifters, chain, ordinator Mark Rehder, who been sold, said re-Cycles bottom bracket, and wheels will shortly celebrate his President John Gibson. The and tires are checked and the 20th anniversary with the shop’s lease expires Decem- bike’s serial number (impor- store, all the work is done ber 31, although it may get tant if a bike is stolen) is de- by volunteers. Volunteers an extension, and it plans to termined. Refurbished bikes receive credit for each hour move before spring. are accompanied by a two- worked and can then use the It’s been actively look- page checklist of everything shop to work on their own ing for the past few weeks, checked, fixed, and replaced bikes. but hasn’t yet found a large, on the bike, and have a 30- The shop is run by a central, affordable, and eas- day warranty. 10-person volunteer board. ily accessible new location. Bike prices are mostlybe- It has about 40 experienced If you need a used bike, tween $80 and $200, but may volunteers – mechanics or re-Cycles President John Gibson shows the bins of donated bikes at the back of the shop, bike parts, tires, tubes, or be a bit more for some bikes. sales staff – who schedule waiting to be sorted, and on top, reusable wheels. Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ even used bike shoes, re- Gibson also noted that, themselves for regular shifts. Cycles is the place to go in because of the wide range of Beyond that, Gibson said, In 2008, it moved to Strathcona location of Ot- are a few places that are pret- Ottawa. The shop accepts bikes it receives, re-Cycles there’s as many as 300 ca- Bronson Avenue and in 2010 tawa Community Housing ty good candidates right now any and all donated bikes carries parts for rarer and sual volunteers who drop in it moved next door to its (OCH), “which were very but are slightly above our for adults and children. The older bikes as well as stan- when their schedule allows. current location. Since then, well-received, and we have snack bracket. Some are not ones in good shape it cleans dard city bikes. For example, “And we do our very best volunteers have brightened 30 more children’s bikes in an ideal location. Some up and sells; the ones that there’s a large metal jar in the to let them grow their skills the place with wall murals, a earmarked for their future would be awkward for our need a bit of work, it refur- parts bin area that contains in bike mechanicing. Many ceiling light made from front clients.” It also donated 14 customers; there’s a couple bishes and sells; the others vintage Sturmey-Archer and of our current head mechan- derailleurs, and a sculpture children’s bikes to the Car- of basements that are plenty not in usable shape (about Raleigh parts. ics started as volunteers just of Fendi the Flying Turtle lington Community Centre, big but I don’t know how one-third of the donations) walking in and saying, ‘Gee, made from bike parts. In and has previously donated much you relish taking your it strips for any useful parts DIY bike repair closed do you think I could work on 2018, they removed part of to the east-end group Help- bike up and down the stairs. and sells the metal to a scrap Before the pandemic, an bikes here?’ ” a concrete block wall, up- ing with Bikes. “We’re really very hope- metal dealer. equally important part of the graded the staffroom, and “There is a wonderful store was its fully equipped “Bikes are an accessible relocated the bathroom to sense of satisfaction when bicycle repair shop, where technology” improve service. we take an old or neglected cyclists could use the store’s The chance to work on Within the shop, every- bike, breathe new life into it, space and tools for a small bikes is a draw, he said. “Bi- thing is well-organized: tires and save it from a possible hourly charge, and learn how cycles are an accessible tech- and wheels hang from the landfill fate. And that- sat to do their own repairs under nology. There’s a sense of sat- ceiling and are brought down isfaction is complete when the guidance of experienced isfaction and problem-solving by long hooked sticks; tools someone buys one of our volunteer mechanics. Four or in working on a bike and get- hang from pegboards in front bikes and gets it back on the five cyclists–and sometimes ting it going again. And there’s of workbenches; small parts street!” the re-Cycles web- a few more during the peak definitely a social aspect to our are sorted into a series of bins site says. spring period–could share volunteers working together and drawers, and larger parts the workbenches and truing in the shop. like forks are stored in floor stands. “And there’s also satisfac- bins. In the back, bikes are That had to close “be- tion when we’re able to pro- disassembled for parts and cause we need to be close to vide a good-quality bicycle to old tires and scrap metal are A cuastomer leaves the shop with a tire. The shop sells used people when we’re coaching somebody who’s going to have stored. Bicycle tubes, sorted Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ them on how to repair their solid transport for the price of a by size, are conveniently parts as well as bikes. bikes. It just wasn’t the right one-month bus pass!” right by the sales window. Gibson said he’d appre- ful and optimistic because thing to do to respect our Currently sharing the re- Gibson emphasized that ciate any leads for a new re- there are some pretty good own volunteers’ safety and Cycles location is the social re-Cycles did not compete Cycles location by email at candidates out there. But this the safety of our customers.” enterprise Cycle Salvation, with local bike shops: “The [email protected]. The is still a very new develop- Because of the pandem- which also refurbishes and bulk of our bicycles are a shop’s wishlist is: a central ment for us.” ic, bike shoppers had to stay sells donated bikes while little older, tend more to- location, with safe access by In the new location, he Fendi the Flying Turtle outside the shop until recent- also training people for jobs ward the basic model end bike, transit, car, or foot; af- said, re-Cycles would like to Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ ly, when a small area was as bike mechanics. By mutu- of things.” It does sell a fordable for a self-sustaining increase its capacity during set up just inside the door al agreement, the two groups few new parts like cables non-profit organization; and peak season “because we hate This month is your last for one shopper at a time. will separate after 2020. or chains, either for safety about 2000 sq. ft. A cycle- to turn people away when chance to see the current Parts sales are done through The shop was estab- reasons, or because they are friendly street nearby for peo- they came to work on their bi- location; the shop will close a separate service window. ple to do test rides would be cycles and the lineup was just for its regular winter break For both bikes and parts, ideal. “We’re not looking for too long and there were too after November 26. Until lineups are outside, and peo- high-end retail space because many people working ahead then, it’s open on Tuesday ple are asked to wear masks every dollar we spend on rent of them. We need to do that and Thursday evenings from and keep their distance from is a dollar that does not go in steps to make sure we can 6 to 8 p.m. Bike sales are by each other. Bikes are sold on into providing bicycles at low manage each step.” cash or e-transfer; parts are a time ticket system, with cost to our customers.” It also wants to increase by cash only. eight tickets given out at 6 its connections with the com- p.m. each evening. Still looking for the right spot munity, “as part of our sup- The best month to find bikes That didn’t hurt sales. In The current intense re- port to diverse communities It’s also an ideal time to fact, Gibson said, up to the development in Centretown and in recognition that our buy from the store, Gibson end of September “we actu- Pre-pandemic, these tools were also available for cyclists for does pose some problems. location is one where we said, because its inventory ally sold a few more bikes DIY bike repair. Alayne McGregor/The BUZZ “It’s a great story that Cen- don’t get a lot of children of bikes and parts is higher than we typically do in a year. tretown is developing – we’re coming in but there are a from donations over the Demand has been constant.” lished in Ottawa in 1996 by awkward to find at odd hours happy about that – but it does lot of children in town who summer and fall and there’s He said re-Cycles cus- Lloyd Deane, who had vol- but necessary to ride your leave us with a smaller selec- could use a bike.” more selection. In peak pe- tomers for the most part have unteered at a similar shop bike. Sometimes bike shops tion for places that are good re-Cycles has every in- riods in the spring, a refur- been very understanding in Kitchener. It operated out also give parts that are worn enough and big enough, and tention of continuing, he bished bike is sold almost as of the restrictions, greeting of donated space, first in but still serviceable to re-Cy- where we would not be get- said. “We’ll carry on doing soon as it reaches the shop them with “patience and re- Gloucester Centre and then cles, he said. ting in the way of an upscale our very best providing folks floor. The other good time gret” and with “good cheer in Lowertown. With a Tril- The shop also helps com- designer clothing store.” with good quality used bi- to buy from re-Cycles is just in a difficult environment.” lium grant, it was able to rent munity organizations; for He said the search has cycles as low as we can man- after it reopens in late winter, Many also missed the DIY a space on Nelson Street in example, it recently donated been “both encouraging and age to sell them, with used when the snow and slush on repair shop. 2000. 15 children’s bikes to the a little bit challenging. There parts, and help for DIY.” 4 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Pressed couldn’t survive the pandemic Alayne McGregor a glass of wine, and sit back OVID-19 has killed and enjoy the show. For a a Centretown cof- listening venue with a cozy C feehouse which had space that offered a stage, showcased many local mu- sound guy, food and licensed sicians, poets, comics, and beverages, Pressed could not visual artists, as well as be beat! There really was no helping local community other place like it in Ottawa. groups. “I will miss their big Pressed, at 750 Gladstone stage that they decorated Avenue at Arthur, closed at with area rugs, an antique the end of October. Its own- couch and nice soft-glowing er, Karie Ford, had put the lamps. A lovely ambiance!” venue up for sale a month The jazz vocal group before but had not found any Cuppa Joe performed at buyers. Pressed over many years, For almost a decade, the and appreciated the venue’s coffeehouse featured local trained sound tech and mini- and touring artists up to six mal overhead costs. Its tenor, nights a week. Bluegrass John Wilson, said he was played every Monday; indie, shocked at the news. folk, blues, new music, and “It provided a cozy, com- The vocal jazz quartet Cuppa Joe (John Wilson centre) played a sold-out show at Pressed in April 2017. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ jazz artists performed later in fortable atmosphere for per- good until the pandemic hit and they developed a close switches, and then you pick myself up and get out there.” the week. There were regular formers and audience mem- in March, although margins relationship. yourself up again and OK, She said she still owned improv, comedy, poetry, and bers alike. It was always a were never huge. “It was hugely success- this is how you’ll do it. You the Pressed corporate identi- trivia nights, and local paint- full house for our perfor- “It was humming along. ful, especially the first three try to be creative, and try ty and recipes and protocols, ers displayed their art on the mances, and a great space We were doing fine.” months. It was insanely to be super-energized, and but had no idea whether she walls. to grab a beverage between busy. We could hardly keep come up with a new plan. would ever reopen it else- Jazz vocalist Betty Ann sets and hang out with our A quick switch to groceries up with it. I was able to hire And then it seems like that where. Bryanton, who organized friends.” The pandemic affected someone back just to do lasts for a week and then that “Pressed pre-COVID was several sold-out concerts The venue also supported the store “overnight,” clos- that.” one’s gone.” all about community events at Pressed, described it as local organizations and non- ing its doors on March 15 in Pressed also accepted and music and brunches and “such a hip little place” that profits such as women’s and the first wave. But by April takeout food orders and got “I can’t do this anymore” just all that amazing stuff. was “so incredibly support- LGBTQ groups, offering 3, Ford had reopened with a a decent but not huge re- Her biggest problems But that seems a lifetime ive of ALL local talent! them free space for grass- “walk, bike or drive thru no- sponse, since they didn’t use were certainly financial, she ago. “They had managed to roots events like political ral- touch grocery store” called the commercial delivery ser- said, but “I’m also totally “I think any time a busi- set up this respectful, con- lies, sign-making events, or Goods in the Hood. It oper- vices. “It was of course su- burnt out. At the end, I didn’t ness closes in a community, cert-type venue. That is, environmental strikes, Ford ated two days a week for a per-appreciated but it wasn’t really want to pick myself up that hurts. They’ve lost a customers came to listen to said. few months and then just on like serving someone and anymore. I was like, I can’t place to gather, they’ve lost the music–another real treat! Ford, who bought the Fridays. Many of her cus- checking in how their meal do this anymore. I don’t have a good neighbour, a place to They could grab a home- venue in February 2017, tomers were there from day is. It was not a very personal the energy.” have fun and a good meal made yummy deli sandwich, said that business had been one to the last day, she said, experience.” By the end of September, and a good chat. I think For several months the “it was just not sustainable.” there’s going to be a huge store also prepared meals as She wasn’t sure when the hole and the worst part is that part of the Parkdale Food restaurant could be open for this will be vacant for a long Centre’s Cooking for a Cause indoor dining, whether the time. With COVID going program, and donated meals important Christmas sea- on, how fast are places like to the Dalhousie Food Cup- son would happen, “and for Pressed and the hundreds of board and the Centretown me looking forward it just others that have closed going Emergency Food Centre. looked like up and down, up to be replaced?” In the summer until the and down constantly. It was She said she appreciated end of September, its pa- that sense of no control.” the community support, even tio was also open for food Ford advertised the busi- hearing from one customer service “which carried us ness was for sale. She said who had met his girlfriend at through. It was great seeing she received lots of “wish- Pressed and had been hoping customers coming back to ful thinking” support and to propose to her at the res- our patio.” Brunches were some interest, but no serious taurant when it reopened. popular, she said. buyer. Because she was on “Every day I’m getting But that gave the restau- a month-to-month lease, she dozens of emails, dozens of rant a “false sense of secu- could close easily. messages on Facebook and rity. It was just enough to get For the next few months, Instagram expressing their cash flow going to keep on Ford will help out at other memories and their sadness. top of the bills. And then that businesses: shelving, pack- It did not go the way any- slipped away.” ing boxes, and other simple body wanted it to go, but I’m The constant crises and tasks. “I don’t want any re- just so grateful for this com- changes were exhausting. sponsibility. I’m just going munity. Pressed gave out a “You adapt to a scenario and to take time and process this lot of love but we definitely then overnight everything whole thing, and then pick got a lot back.” NOVEMBER 13, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 5 Virtual walkathon increases donations for emergency food centre Patricia Marsden-Dole their own routes. They took their spouses, partners, he Sunday, October friends, kids, dogs, or just 4, walkathon for the themselves for a walk. T Centretown Emer- The organizing com- gency Food Centre (CEFC) mittee said it received great raised 40 percent more do- promotional support again nations this fall than in this year from Councillor 2019, the organizing com- Catherine McKenney, the mittee of the Centretown Centretown Community Churches Social Action Association, sponsors and Committee (CCSAC) said. member churches, as well The generous support as from first-time supporter from volunteers and donors Councillor Shawn Menard. will enable the CEFC clients, McKenney said, “We are staff and its volunteers to all grateful for the kindness There was also a special The walkathon was a continue to function through of our community in these one-time Kerry Kaiser Prize, big vote of confidence and the pandemic this coming troubled times.” dedicated to the coordina- thanks from our community. winter. There were prizes given tor of the Food Centre, who This year the walkathon for photos taken on the vari- is retiring after 26 years of Patricia Marsden-Dole is a Walkers contributed photos taken on their trips into a contest. was virtual. Walkers stayed ous individual walks such as dedicated service. The win- member of the Centretown Above: “By the shoreline”, contributed by Rob Sheffield within their own bubbles the cutest photo with kids ner was St. Andrew’s Church Churches Social Action rather than congregating in or dogs, or the most scenic on Kent Street, whose team Committee. Right: “Sunday School Wagon Team” from the team Knox Walks large groups and they picked route. had the most donors. How the Legion and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are linked

Deborah Rosenlund made for the proper care of other for survival. By 1925, of Canada’s unknown sol- Memorial, the soldier was service personnel returning these groups joined together dier, a member of the Ca- escorted home to a grateful s we mark Remem- to Canada in a world also be- to form the Canadian Legion nadian Expeditionary Force nation aboard a Canadian brance Day this ing swept by the Spanish Flu of the British Empire Servic- (CEF), who died in battle Forces aircraft. This historic A year, we should pandemic. By 1919, the fed- es League. in 1917 near Vimy Ridge. undertaking was a millen- remember the link between eral government had created This year marks 60 years Unidentified, he was buried nium project of the Royal the Royal Canadian Legion a much-needed Department since this organization was alongside 1,603 other un- Canadian Legion to produce and the Tomb of the Un- of Health. The Great War granted royal patronage by known Canadian soldiers in a lasting memorial and a crowds in Ottawa who lined known Soldier. This tomb Veterans Association was Queen Elizabeth II and, in one of France’s nearby war monument to forever honour his final route, as he was car- is one of the landmarks in also formed. 1960, renamed the Royal cemeteries. those Canadian soldiers who ried on a horse-drawn gun Centretown and is located At the same time, various Canadian Legion. (In Cen- Twenty years ago, in sacrificed their identities, as carriage to the National War beneath the National War service groups were spring- tretown, the Montgomery the Cabaret-Rouge Cem- well as their lives, for their Memorial in Confederation Memorial in Confederation ing up across the country. Legion on Kent Street at etery, the Commonwealth country during wartime. Square and laid to rest in the Square. They took on the challenge MacLaren provides veterans War Graves Commission On May 28, 2000, this Tomb of the Unknown Sol- In the months preceding of connecting with and pro- services.) chose a specific site: Grave unknown soldier, who gave dier, surely the most visited the end of World War One viding help for soldiers who This year also marks 20 7 in Row E of Plot 8. After everything, was now respect- memorial in Canada today. in 1918, plans were being had for years relied on each years since the repatriation a ceremony at the Vimy War fully acknowledged by the Lest we forget! Alternative budget puts priority on people and the environment continued from page 1 One of its most drastic “which invest in fossil fuel carbon economy.” assessments. The proposed analyzing city budgets for changes would be a 63 per- infrastructure (new, renewal, On the revenue side, the brackets would be $250K years, but “it’s tough slog- cent drop ($235M) in the po- maintenance) and have not alternate budget proposes and under, up to $400K, up ging work. [The city budget] lice budget. It proposes that started or tendered. Priority increasing parking fees from to $700K, and over $700K, seems designed to be some- the Ottawa Police Services candidates are transportation $3.50 to $4.50 per hour with the highest bracket hav- what impenetrable.” retain control of investigative and building projects (e.g. ($8M), increasing the use of ing an 85 percent higher rate They worked from the services, but all front-line and fleet renewal, building com- red light and traffic cameras than the lowest. city’s 2019 budget, but were community relation work, missioning).” Keller-Herzog ($10M), and implementing This tax might not be also able to use the city’s de- and its respective funding, said this means that, for ex- a land transfer tax similar to popular with Centretowners, tailed Q2 financial reports, would be moved to commu- ample, furnaces or vehicles that in Toronto ($65M). who already pay higher taxes released in September, to get nity programs and services. at their end of life should be It also recommends a on small homes than those more information on capital All spending on ammunition replaced, not by devices that new tax on vacant housing to in far suburbs, because of projects. and explosives was eliminat- burn fossil fuel, but by those create incentives for “home- market value assessment. It to break boundaries between Not all the proposals in ed in this budget. which don’t create emis- owners to rent their homes to might even be considered to budget silos at the city, and the alternative budget could It also suggests removal sions, like electric vehicles. residents that live and work promote sprawl. Keller-Her- have a fresh think about how currently be implement- of all transit fares, a more As well, buildings being re- in the City.” When asked zog said this did need further things are structured. ed, because some require accessible and sustainable furbished should be energy- how that could be imple- study to see how it would To see the full alternate changes to provincial legis- transit system with extended retrofitted. mented, Keller-Herzog said shake out for different parts budget: ottaltbudget. lation. Keller-Herzog said it routes in underserved, prior- City investments would one way could be to check of the city and different types mailchimpsites.com To see would be extremely difficult ity areas, “solid ParaTranspo be removed from the stock utility bills for evidence of of building owners, “but I the official proposed City to change the official 2021 infrastructure,” and replace- market and “re-invested lo- low use. definitely think it merits a of Ottawa budget: https:// budget – already released in ment of diesel buses with cally to capitalize Ottawa Another new tax would very good look” and might ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/ draft form on November 4 electric. Climate Finance and Eco- be to make property taxes involve rethinking how as- budget/detailed-information- – but she hoped some of its The budget projects nomic Development Cor- progressive ($66M), charg- sessments are made. 2021-budget ideas could be incorporated $390M in savings from de- poration to create local jobs ing higher tax rates for those She said one of the reasons Read more about the 2020 city in the 2022 budget. ferring all capital projects and fund transition to a low- whose homes have higher tax for this alternative budget was budget at centretownbuzz.com Looking for a good home? 6 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Skyline review: Elgin Street’s new public art expressions of people who live, work or play around the Elgin Street community.” However, it’s doubtful that you will recognize denizens of Elgin. Some of the patinated bronze castings of various body parts (hands) have been miniaturized to half-scale, isolated on stainless steel mini-plinths, and situated in secluded settings–at Gilm- our, Waverley and McLeod Streets–well back from the sidewalk’s edge. In order to Some of the new Elgin St. public art’s mirth, strung together discover a discernible ex- like a mini-Mount Rushmore. pression, they require the viewer’s careful study, after Robert Smythe/The BUZZ a short detour from the trav- Robert Smythe Francis Montillaud. It was elled portion of the street. an exercise in collaboration The collected bronze gathering of free- intended to engage diverse visages in Boushey Square, floating heads and members of the local com- caught mid-grimace, are A hands has recently munity. The resulting work is definitely expressive if not appeared on Elgin Street. supposed to provide a visual pained, possibly verging on For over 30 years, the identity that responds to the the grotesque. City of Ottawa has set aside a street’s distinctive character. The less than playful, not small percentage of the bud- Montillaud told artsfile.ca immediately arresting and get for major public works that the project involves “themes unexpectedly sombre impact This stack of frozen bronze faces was caught grimacing in Boushey Square. projects to pay for the com- of body language and social in- of the street’s three west side Robert Smythe/The BUZZ missioning, fabrication and teractions through a series of pieces doesn’t spell Elgin installation of public art. The video production workshops. ... Street for me as a denizen total public art budget for the I am trying to democratize the of the street. They demand a renewal of Elgin Street was portrait.” deliberate standing stop for $150,000. People on Elgin Street contemplation and are more Artists are selected were selected for record- to be admired than enjoyed. through a peer review as- ing sessions at SAW Video. The art in the western sessment process. Once Molded impressions of their end of Minto Park–stacked complete, these art works faces and bodies were also and strung-out linked heads enter the city’s permanent art taken for later castings. fashioned from laminated collection. Ottawa’s public art pro- laser-cut aluminum plates– For Elgin Street’s new gram said that the project’s is another matter. Riotous public art, Ottawa opted intention was “to capture might be the right descrip- for a five-month artist-in- snapshots of a laugh, a gri- tion. These should make you residency by Montreal artist mace or any of the many pause and smile. That all of these pieces have been fabricated with meticulous care, display ob- vious effort, are representa- tional, and ostensibly have a back story, should protect them from the public scorn that’s accompanied many of Ottawa’s previous more ob- scure installations. It’s best A collection of hands gestures at Elgin and MacLaren. The castings are based on real people to remember that public art can’t always be straight from found on the street. Robert Smythe/The BUZZ the carnival. Judging from his online portfolio (www. francismontillaud.com), Montillaud’s work has frequently taken the form of big, bold and bright humanoid figures suitable for animating public outdoor spaces. One can slightly regret that Elgin Street did not benefit from such joy, but Centretown’s fun strip can always use a serious corrective.

Laughing heads of laser-cut aluminum form a human totem pole in Minto Park. Robert Smythe/The BUZZ Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ

NOVEMBER 13, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 7 Planet of the Scapes: savour COVID-19 testing comes to Centretown Alayne McGregor assessed by a health care Bring your health card if Pearl Pirie professional and tested if re- you can. finally made the con- entretowners can quired. The Sandy Hill Commu- nection: eat refined finally get tested Appointments can be nity Health Centre at Rideau I sugar and get sore C for COVID-19 in booked at https://www. Street and Nelson is also of- throat or laryngitis. That’s their own neighbourhood. ottawapublichealth.ca/ fering tests by appointmernt. unfortunate, since sugar is As of this month, the en/resources/Corona/ The COVID-19 assess- a go-to in stress. But gradu- Centretown Community testingupdates/factsheets/ ment centre at Brewer Park ally I’m training the recal- Health Centre and the Som- COVID-19-Testing-at- Arena in Ottawa South and citrant body to appreciate erset West Community three-of-the-Ottawa-Com- the centre at 1485 Heron water, less fat, less sugar Health Centre are offering munity-Health-Centres- Road are also open for tests. and get powerful cravings tests by appointment. Each Factsheet-EN.pdf or by You will again need to make for greens. This time, two person must have their own calling 613-789-1500. an appointment. new ways to get nutrients appointment time. into the body. The Centretown centre (at 420 Cooper Street) will Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ Side Dish: Falafels accept adults and children Side Dish: Breaded Squash For the crumb, mix: six months and older. The 1 cup garbanzo and fava • 2 pitas, dried and food Somerset West centre (at 55 flour It is a basic thing to bread processed or blended Eccles Street) will accept 4 Tbsp buckwheat (or whole- food. You need food, and a into crumbs adults and children 13 years wheat) flour wet (egg white, soaked flax • 1/4 cup sliced almonds and older. Patients will be 1 medium onion, minced seeds, mayonnaise, or wa- • 1/4 cup wheat bran 1 clove garlic, minced ter), and a dry (store-bought 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced Panko, flour, crushed corn Dip the squash and tofu 1 tsp ground cumin flakes, dry sliced bread, or pieces into mayonnaise and 1 tsp ground coriander pitas put in a blender then then into the crumb mixture. 1/2 tsp salt (or less to taste) baked dry, some almonds, Bake for 30 minutes at 400 Please wear SVP portez broken crackers in a pinch), F (200 C), flipping over after votre masque! Stir together and add 1/2 and heat. 20 minutes. Serve with plum your mask! cup of water to make a paste. Wet a thing, dredge it in sauce, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, Add a little more water and the dry, and bake, fry or deep chutney, or zucchini relish. let sit to absorb. Meanwhile fry. heat a cast iron pan to me- In this case I used, Pearl Pirie’s fourth poetry Catherine McKenna dium heat and add a touch • 1/2 kabocha squash, collection, footlights, is out! M.P. for Ottawa Centre | Députée pour Ottawa-Centre of oil. baked Buy now: https://www.radi- Form the dough into balls • 1/2 block of firm tofu antpress.ca/shop/footlights and cook until browned, By scoring the tofu and Author site: www.pearlpirie. Constituency Office | Bureau de circonscription : turning once. Eat as a snack, breaking it apart, it gives a com. Keep washing your Telephone | Téléphone : 613-946-8682 a side dish, or a sandwich. more irregular surface for hands and wearing your Email | Courriel : [email protected] It’s hard to see where they all the crumb to stick to vegan masks. This could take many go; they get eaten fast. mayonnaise. months more.

Catherine McKenney City Councillor for Somerset Ward

Budget 2021: Have your say! Members of the public are welcome to speak at the following public budget meetings. For information about the budget and meetings, please visit: https://engage.ottawa.ca/draft-budget-2021

November 17 Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management Committee November 18 Transit Commission November 19 Community and Protective Services Committee November 23 Police Services Board November 26 Planning Committee November 30 Ottawa Board of Health December 1 Finance and Economic Development Committee December 1 Ottawa Public Library Board December 2 Transportation Committee December 9 Budget adoption at Ottawa City Council

Questions? We can help! Keep in touch! 613-580-2484 For the latest news on Somerset Ward, sign up for my newsletter [email protected] at catherinemckenney.ca and follow me on social media: mckenneycatherine cmckenney cmckenney14 8 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Should e-scooters return to Ottawa in 2021? companies. All said they requiring designated areas Roll received seven were very happy with their would be a barrier to that reparking requests “The rea- 2020 results. convenient use, but having son it’s low is that our Roll “In a word – it was stel- them as an option as we did squad also patrolled. They lar!” said Austin Spademan, in Calgary would be a help.” relocated many more than Bird’s assistant general man- seven.” ager for Ottawa. “We were Handling complaints Ertürk said Roll ad- floored at the demand from Complaints came in to dressed sidewalk riding by the residents of Ottawa. The the operators via the city’s educating riders through usage, even in a time when 3-1-1 service and social in-app messages, social me- there wasn’t much in-office media, plus phone calls and dia, and the Roll Squad, and work, was outstanding. It felt emails. They were primarily working with accessibil- like overnight it became part about parking and riding on ity advocacy groups like the of the city’s cultural fabric.” sidewalks. CNIB. “The city saw side- Bird Canada had the highest By October, the majority walk riding in some zones e-scooter usage in Ottawa, of riders were experienced like Bank Street so they with about 40,000 users users, Spademan said, and asked us to focus on that area making 160,000 trips. there was a “huge reduction in terms of our patrol team to Jonathan Hopkins, the di- in instances of bad parking educate riders. After a week, rector of Strategic Develop- and complaints as a result they received a lot of feed- ment, Canada & NW US for because the users get it.” back from BIAs and local Lime, said the scooters had Bird received 50 com- businesses thanking the city been “fabulously popular” in plaints during the trial, he and the operators.” Ottawa, and above the usage said, mostly about parking. He said they’re also in other cities. Most occurred in the first six working on technological Roll didn’t launch until weeks of the trial; they re- solutions like alarms that the end of August, but co- ceived fewer than five in Oc- would warn pedestrians if founder Arda Ertürk said tober. “Our average response a scooter was approaching, overall the response exceed- time [to move a scooter] and hoped to have these in ed their expectations. once we got a tweet, was Ottawa next year. Spademan said the scoot- eight minutes.” ers attracted three types Spademan said he talked More scooters, wider area of riders: commuters into to Centretowners and heard All three companies were downtown; people shopping there was a problem with side- enthusiastic about returning at restaurants and stores in walk riding on Elgin. He start- to Ottawa in 2021, but would local business districts; and ed talking with riders, “and it like to field more scooters recreational riders and tour- was because they didn’t know, and serve a wider area, par- This e-scooter was left improperly parked and blocking the sidewalk on Lisgar Street just ists. Each group comprised and they felt nervous driving ticularly for commuters. west of Bank Street on October 21. Brian Goldstein/The BUZZ about one-third of Bird rid- on the road. That’s a learning “In any city there will ers. Roll and Lime reported thing – and so I created the be more trips downtown Alayne McGregor ans: would users ride them transport option. “In prac- similar usage. Safe Streets Team.” but sometimes there’s even on sidewalks or leave them tice, though, I was mostly All three companies tout- From Thursday to Sun- greater utility outside down- he three companies blocking sidewalks? impeded and endangered by ed their scooters as a green day each week this summer, town where it’s further in which rented e- them. I was optimistic and alternative to private car he said, that team walked key between bus lines or people T scooters in Ottawa High-speed weaving and buzzing excited about the idea, but use. But Ertürk was blunter: streets like Bank, Elgin, Wel- trying to take scooters to the this summer, all want to The BUZZ asked its read- I don’t think it worked, and “People are afraid of getting lington Street West, Preston, O-Train [LRT stations],” return next year after what ers what they’d seen, and we don’t want to see it for an- on the bus or train, but this and ByWard. They’d talk to Hopkins said. they describe as a highly received only critical emails. other season. provides a really great op- riders about the rules. Those “We would like to take successful first season. But For example, Diane Bas- “I mostly cycle and portunity to commute while who rode on the sidewalk or what we learned from the their riders have left a bad sett recounted how in mid- walk, and in the cycle lanes practicing social distancing.” parked improperly would get pilot and use that next year,” impression with some Cen- October she was buzzed the people on scooters are The scooters were still one warning – and then they Spademan said. He would tretown residents. by an e-scooter rider on the less predictable than people being used by commuters were permanently suspended deploy his Safe Streets team The e-scooter pilot, Metcalfe Street sidewalk, on bikes. This makes them during the cold snap in Octo- from the Bird app. Thirteen early in the spring, and in- which ran from July 16 to who passed her very closely dangerous to pass, and also ber when overnight tempera- businesses on Elgin wrote form residents of how to October 31, attracted more without slowing. makes intersections more tures dipped to -10C, Spade- a letter to the city saying reach scooter providers. than 60,700 unique riders “Then just as quickly, the challenging as people using man noted. they’d noticed a huge im- Ertürk and Spademan making more than 221,600 young man crossed in front of them would often stop and provement in behaviour after wanted access to NCC path- trips, according to the city. me, and went onto the road, hop off, or enter on one from Alternative parking places? the team was deployed. ways in 2021, both for rec- Riders could choose among obliviously, going against a crosswalk, without warn- Many riders used the During periods of high reational riding and commut- three companies – Bird, the traffic. He continued for ing. When walking, many e-scooters to get to LRT use and in popular areas, Hop- ing. Spademan said, “With Lime, and Roll – and book a short distance, and then re- many times the scooters stations, Pimisi being par- kins said, Lime had a team e-scooter riders I’m find- and pay for the scooters us- peated exactly as he had done were left blocking my path, ticularly popular. Next year, out on patrol, sometimes on ing that a big barrier is that ing their smartphones. with me, with another person, which is a challenge as I use Spademan said, Bird would scooters. They helped people they’re afraid to be in mixed The pilot ended up cover- going onto the sidewalk, be- walking aids. … This would like demarcated areas near having trouble and looked for traffic on streets. Providing ing the Ottawa’s central neigh- hind the individual, buzzing make it impossible to pass LRT stations for scooter park- misparked scooters. “If we a trail like the NCC Ottawa bourhoods, from Island Park them from the right, crossing for those with carts, strollers, ing because of problems with get a complaint of a scooter River trail is big on building Drive/Westboro to the Rideau in front of them, back onto or wheelchairs!” scooters blocking bus stops. blocking a sidewalk, we can up their confidence to then River, and from the Ottawa the road, and then continued Addie Crawford said she Currently, scooters are dispatch them or someone get into mixed traffic.” River to Lansdowne Park. The south for a short distance. recently saw two scooter rid- parked in the utility area from the warehouse.” The city says that staff area was slightly expanded Only to repeat the sequence ers coming straight at her on between the sidewalk and Ertürk said that Roll re- will be reviewing the pilot during the pilot. The scooters of ‘zig-zag’ events, two or the sidewalk on Bank Street the road. As an alternative, quired users to make a photo and the feedback from all were electronically prevented three more times.” (see her letter on page 2). “Edmonton and Calgary of their parked scooter in stakeholders. Spademan said from being ridden on NCC Daniel Coates said he And Brian Goldstein sent have rolled out a couple order to end their trips. “We the city will also be conduct- paths or roads. had similar experiences of The BUZZ a photo of a scoot- dozen [on-road scooter cor- analyzed these pictures [ei- ing a survey of both riders The most popular area for e-scooter riders aggressive- er parked in the middle of a rals]. That’s an approach that ther manually or] based on and general residents about e-scooters was Centretown. ly travelling at high speeds sidewalk on Lisgar Street on works in the densest areas. It machine learning and artifi- the pilot, including discover- “Centretown was the “weaving into and out of October 21. Goldstein said wouldn’t be an efficient use cial intelligence models. If ing how many car trips were hub of all [e-scooter] traf- pedestrian traffic, with abso- this was a very common sight of resources in a residential we detect that it’s blocking replaced by scooter trips. fic,” said Austin Spademan, lutely no notice or warning,” in Centretown and was a haz- area 5km outside of down- the sidewalk, we fine the rid- City staff will bring for- Bird’s assistant general man- adding to the problems he ard for those with poor eye- town,” Hopkins said. er. And if you keep not park- ward a report on year one of ager for Ottawa. “It was the already faced with cyclists sight. He said he also saw a Ertürk said that Calgary ing properly, we ban you.” the pilot to Transportation central meeting point and the on sidewalks. He was also large percentage of e-scooter had some designated park- The company also had Committee in early 2021. glue between all the different concerned at a lack of police riders using sidewalks. ing areas and, if Roll riders a Roll Squad on the streets Want to have your feed- communities.” enforcement. parked in those areas, they “helping people, distributing back included? Email city e- The most common com- Lisa Freeman said she A great year for the e-scooters received an incentive. But helmets, giving the proper scooter coordinator Kathleen plaints about the scooters supported e-scooters in the- The BUZZ interviewed “the whole point of these education on how to ride and Wilker at were their risk to pedestri- ory as another semi-active representatives from all three scooters is convenience. So how to park.” [email protected]. NOVEMBER 13, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 9 Gotta Go! says accessible toilets belong in the city budget Mariam El-Behiry public health infrastructure city. “The issue of cost is un- in the current budget consid- derstandable but putting up ho has not been erations. signs around the city show- caught short Twenty-seven organiza- ing where toilets are and how W by a need for a tions supported the initia- far they are is feasible. We toilet at a time where none tive, including downtown have urged the city over the seem to be around? What BIAs, the Council on Aging, years to put up signage and parent has not had to resort the Federation of Citizens’ have gotten nowhere.” to a tree in a park when Associations of Ottawa and Because of COVID-19, Centretown Community Association report their child needed to use a individual community asso- the availability and acces- vehicles through the spring More information at: toilet? Which tourist, pub- ciations, the Ottawa Disabil- sibility of public restrooms Jack Hanna and summer to enable folks [email protected] lic transit user, pregnant ity Coalition, the Shepherds has only worsened. Many to stretch their legs while woman or cyclist has not of Good Hope, the Social businesses have closed their Financial assistance to maintaining social distanc- Neighbours helping neigh- had doubts about leaving Planning Council of Ottawa, restrooms to the public and clear snow ing. The closure was a huge bours their home because of wor- and the Somerset West Com- public toilets around the city The city’s Snow Go Pro- success as walkers, joggers The CCA’s Centretown ries of not finding a facility munity Health Centre. Both are closed or under restricted gram helps seniors, or those and cyclists flocked to the Support Network (CSN), in time if needed? Councillor Catherine McK- hours of operation. with disabilities, to clear Driveway. which links folks facing ex- As a capital city, Ot- enney and MPP Joel Harden “During these times, we snow from private driveways The Globe and Mail re- tra challenges during CO- tawa’s lack of safe, clean, signed on. are encouraged to exercise and walkways. The program ported that, when roadways VID-19 with volunteers accessible and environmen- The initiative proposes and breathe fresh air,” Whit- may pay half the cost of in cities across Canada were willing to help, will continue tally responsible public toi- the following models for ac- more said. “It’s difficult to snow removal per snowfall closed to vehicles during the through the winter. Volun- lets is unacceptable, says cessible toilets: signage for do so with restroom restric- to a season maximum of pandemic, the volume of teers have fetched groceries, the Ottawa-based GottaGo! existing public toilets, sub- tions. Dundonald Park has $250. The service will also people using the roadways delivered meals and checked Campaign. It’s making this sidies to existing businesses, a playground for kids and match a resident with an in- multiplied. There were far in with shut-ins occasionally lack an issue in the current and permanent public toilets. senior activities are ongo- dividual or contractor who more walkers and cyclists to make sure all is well or city budget. Bessa Whitmore, a core ing but there are no toilets. clears snow. than there had been motor- just to chat. Tourists visiting the city team member of GottaGo!, Needles and feces are being Information at: https:// ists. This was also true for Calls to the CSN ta- are shocked by the lack of spoke on the obstacles the found in the area. What is ottawa.ca/en/family-and- the Queen Elizabeth Drive- pered off during the summer. public toilets, it says. Public campaign faces from public even more dangerous is that social-services/older-adults/ way. However, Coordinator Kyle toilet systems are safely and officials. Cost and safety are the science is telling us that help-around-home The NCC should recog- Hanna says, “Winter is here fully implemented in other the most common concerns: human waste can contain nize a winning experiment and a second COVID wave cities in Canada, including “The cost is weighed up COVID-19.” Keep automobiles off the and make it a permanent suc- is hitting us. That’s going to Edmonton, Vancouver, Lon- against all the other needs of How can citizens support Queen Elizabeth Driveway cess. More information at: create challenges for people don, and Montreal, and in the city: Is it more important this initiative? Whitmore The CCA is considering [email protected] trying to stay safe.” Nova Scotia. to build another kilometre advises: “Getting involved asking the National Capital If you could use a hand, Founded in 2014 by Joan of road in Barrhaven than a means contacting your city Commission (NCC) to per- Ban bad plastics contact the CSN at support@ Kuyek, Gotta Go! believes set of public toilets with ad- councillors and the mayor manently close the Queen The federal government centretowncitizens.ca or that this is not only a prob- equate staffing or even some on this issue. Talk about the Elizabeth Driveway to motor has issued a discussion pa- 613-518-3908. lem of accessibility but also signage? Another issue is issue enough so there won’t vehicles. The west side of the per proposing a ban on some a public health issue, a dis- safety. Many people will say be a chance for it to be dis- Rideau Canal would become types of single-use plastics, ability issue, a tourism issue, that [public toilets] are un- missed. The more the public a grand promenade with including plastic bags. The Don’t miss an issue! and a key to sustainable cit- safe, or unclean. All we have pressures their councillors walkways, bicycle paths, CCA’s Single-use Plastics ies and complete streets. to do is look at successful to make a commitment, the flower beds, trees and green- Group, which has worked Subscribe to The BUZZ In a letter sent to Mayor models around the world and more we will be heard.” ery and, perhaps, pubs, play- with Centretown stores to notification list, and we’ll let you Jim Watson and city council- Canada.” To become involved with ing fields and performance cut back on single-use bags, know as soon as the next issue is lors on October 5, GottaGo! Another issue the cam- GottaGo! and keep up with stages. plans to submit a formal re- published. Email asked for the inclusion of paign seeks to resolve is the their ongoing progress, visit After COVID-19 hit, sponse to the discussion pa- [email protected] public toilets as essential lack of signage around the www.ottawapublictoilets.ca/ the Driveway was closed to per. 10 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Pedestrian/transit mall: a safe place in front of Parliament Hill

continued from page 1 in Centretown, and it would gathering place,” a safe place The Gatineau surface op- remove car and truck traffic which could include art, tion is “already covering al- from Centretown streets. monuments, and benches. most half of what would be “This makes the loop He said the mall would the loop that we propose.” idea that was a good idea 30 also allow cycling and would The loop would also help years ago that much more at- be a “slow zone” for both complete Ottawa’s light rail tractive today.” the trains and cyclists. This system and give people more The tram loop would be works very well all across reasons to use it, he said. It an at-grade, continuous bi- Europe, he said: “a some- would increases ridership directional loop, Plamondon what seamless integration and be simpler to use than said. It could either be a 5km and harmony between pedes- trying to find a parking spot loop covering the Ottawa trians, cyclists, and public in Gatineau, he said. and Gatineau’s downtowns, transit. It is effectively man- Secondly, the Alexandra or it could include Gatin- aged and respected. It’s just a Bridge is proposed to be re- eau’s rail link out to Aylmer. matter of getting used to it.” placed in the next 10 years, In either case, it would likely When asked about con- making this “an ideal time” cross the river at the Portage cerns that the tram opera- to make the replacement Bridge, travel down Wel- tions might be blocked by bridge compatible for light lington Street and then back demonstrators going to the rail. (via a so-far-undetermined Hill, Plamondon pointed out And, thirdly, increased street in Lowertown) to the this could happen today with A concept drawing of Wellington Street converted into a pedestrian mall with the transit loop, concerns about public secu- Alexandra Bridge, and then protests blocking buses. prepared by McRobie Architects for the Supporters of the Loop. See more at transitloop.ca rity mean that “Wellington to Laurier Street in Gatineau. He said the group wants Street needs to be closed off Plamondon envisioned this to remain a citizens’ ini- to traffic [in front of Parlia- the tram having frequent, all- tiative and so has been trying ment Hill]. Right now it’s day service: “a convenient, to avoid making it partisan Somerset Ward: What are your littered with trucks and buses predictable, accessible pub- by getting endorsements and cars. You’ve got a mas- lic transit option.” from current politicians. He budget priorities? sive amount of noise and The group’s website did note that Ottawa Centre The direction from coun- room, $3000 per month. pollution within feet of the (transitloop.ca) includes il- MPP Catherine McKenna, Catherine McKenney cil to staff was to allow a This is almost double East Block and West Block. lustrations by local architect who is federal minister of In- three percent increase to what it would cost to place A five-ton truck could pull David McRobie of what the frastructure and Communi- n December 9, Ot- property taxes in 2021. Ad- these same families in a for- up right beside the prime pedestrian mall and tramway ties, mentioned the proposal tawa City Council ditionally, transit fares would profit apartment and far more minister’s office and that’s might look like in front of in a speech the morning after O will determine its increase by 2.5 percent and than it would cost to house an issue that has to be man- Parliament Hill. its release. 2021 budget. the Ottawa Police Services families in safe and afford- aged.” Plamondon emphasized Plamondon said his in- This decision will reflect budget will increase by three able community housing. The loop would also that their proposal is only a box has been flooded with our priorities moving into percent. I did not support this At the same time, we be a tourism draw, he said, vision so far, and would need support. People say “it ticks 2021. Will transit fares in- direction because I felt that need more funding for so- bringing tourists to major to have the details fleshed virtually every single box crease? Will we spend more it did not leave us with the cial services. Every com- attractions like museums or out by a study, preferably that we need ticked. So how on police or less as many flexibility we need to address munity in Ottawa deserves a Winterlude, and making the conducted by the NCC. This do we make it happen?” residents have been asking? the growing needs in the city. range of social services such capital that much more ap- would include the exact The group is now sending Will we ensure that there is I also oppose transit as accessible mental health pealing. It would also make route, how the tram would letters presenting the case for money in the budget to ad- fare increases. I believe that counselling, playgroups that it easier for public servants be powered, the number of the loop to local decision- dress our housing and home- transit should be used by nurture child development, to get to meetings on the oth- stops, the links to Ottawa’s makers in the two cities, the less emergency? Will we everyone and, therefore, it or Meals on Wheels to help er side of the Ottawa River. LRT, and the hours of opera- federal government, and the consider the needs of seniors should be paid for by every- seniors stay independent lon- For Centretown resi- tion, and whether it would be NCC. It’s also looking for and youth in determining one. If we want to reduce ger. Ottawa’s most vulner- dents, the loop would make free or charge fares. broad community support. how much we spend on rec- greenhouse gas emissions able citizens are being placed it “a lot more convenient” Plamondon said that the “We think this is a project reation and other activities? in our city, we must reduce at risk because these and to get to museums, parks, pedestrian mall was integral that gives us the foundation Will we commit funding to the number of cars on the many other essential social and restaurants in Gatineau, to the proposal but might for public transit and how tackle climate change? road. If we want to make our services are being eroded. he said. It would also make only cover the portion of the this national capital should Like you I will be focus- streets safer for everyone and Funding for them has simply it easier for Gatineau resi- street from Bank to Elgin. work for a hundred years.” ing on many aspects of the reduce congestion, commute not kept pace with the city’s dents to patronize businesses He envisioned the mall as “a budget. times and have a healthier growth, rising levels of de- population, we need to get as mand and the complexity in many people as possible out our population. People are MPP report: Renouncing hate and embracing our neighbours of their cars and onto buses, at risk of falling through the . . what is sexual orientation? percent of the vote in Otta- the bullets in his head.” trains and bikes. We can’t cracks. Critical social ser- Joel Harden You could have an orienta- wa’s Zone 9 (Rideau-Vanier/ Imam Guillet is right; achieve this if it’s cheaper vices need to be a priority in nce again, Premier tion to pedophilia, you could Capital). Since being elected, hate is sown. It festers and it to drive and park than it is to our city. We all benefit when Ford has shown have a sexual orientation to Lyra has been an outspoken can manifest in terrible con- use public transit. we have a strong safety net O Ontarians that his commit all kinds of things. It voice, notably for marginal- sequences. It’s time McVety I also oppose the three that includes comprehensive, friends and political allies doesn’t mean that we have to ized students. and his supporters embraced percent increase to the police accessible and sustainable get to live a different real- accept it.” McVety has also And consider the Ottawa a more inclusive Christianity budget. We need to exam- social services. ity than the rest of us. claimed that “Islam is not Muslim Association. On Sep- and acknowledged the beau- ine why the cost is so high Between November 17 Last week, we found out just a religion, it’s a political tember 21, 2018, when three ty that is present in everyone. and whether there are tasks and December 2, the city’s that he has, under the cover and cultural system as well tornadoes struck our city, the A famous carpenter told the police do that would be standing committees will be of the pandemic, quietly in- and we know that Christians Ottawa Mosque delivered us to “love your neighbour as better handled by civilian- holding hearings on the bud- troduced legislation before and Jews and Hindus don’t over $5,000 in food, walk- yourself.” And in Amos 5:24, led mental health and social get. The meetings are public the legislature that would have the same mandate for a ing up the stairs of countless we are asked to “let justice workers. and citizens can register to grant his friend Charles hostile takeover.” apartment buildings to offer roll on like a river, and righ- I will also be looking for speak at the meeting (they’re McVety’s Canada Christian This is a man who mis- this support. They did the teousness like an ever-flow- a critically needed commit- currently held via Zoom). College the right to award guidedly thinks his hateful same during floods in 2019. ing stream.” This is welcome ment to social infrastructure You can also submit a writ- university degrees. McVety views represent Christian- Hate won’t stop these advice in a world filled with and affordable housing fund- ten statement via email and has a long history of racist, ity. They don’t. These ideas remarkable folks. But it so much bigotry. ing. I have heard from many the clerk will ensure it goes homophobic and transphobic don’t represent Christians will poison your mind. I am Along with my col- of you about the need for to every member of the com- comments. But this doesn’t like me, who will challenge reminded of Imam Hassan leagues in the official oppo- additional community hous- mittee. You can see details seem to be a problem for Pre- intolerance whenever it rears Guillet who said the follow- sition caucus, we will keep ing. The wait list for afford- about the budget and com- mier Ford. its ugly head. And it won’t ing about Alexandre Bisson- up the pressure on Premier able housing is over 12,000 mittee meetings at https:// This week, my colleague stop queer and trans people, ette, the shooter who gunned Ford for him to do the right households and most will engage.ottawa.ca/draft-bud- Laura Mae Lindo (MPP for Muslims or anyone else, down six men at a Quebec thing and withdraw proposed wait six to eight years for a get-2021 Kitchener Centre) asked from getting the respect they City mosque on January 29, changes to the status of Can- housing offer. The final budget will be Premier Ford to reconsider deserve. 2017, “Alexandre, before be- ada Christian College that According to the city’s decided at the City Council bestowing degree-granting For example, Lyra Evans ing a killer, he was a victim would give hate an even big- auditor general 2019 report, meeting on December 9. status on Canada Christian is the first transgender candi- himself. Before planting his ger platform. we spent $24.5 million to I hope by then you will College. She did so after date to be elected to a pub- bullets in the heads of his shelter families in hotels and have had an opportunity to quoting what he has said lic school board in Ontario’s victims, someone planted motels between 2015 and read, discuss and comment about sexual orientation, “ . history, winning with over 55 ideas more dangerous than 2018. One family, one hotel on your budget priorities. NOVEMBER 13, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 11 What’s on this month, in Ottawa and beyond

Tony Wohlfarth Screenings continue un- Directed by Felix Rose, the til November 22, when the film is a personal reflection n November, a new da- festival closes with screen- of the imprisonment of his tabase at inaturalist.ca ings of the best films of the father, Paul, who died in I will allow you to report OAFF, set for the Mayfair 2013. Felix described the flora and fauna sightings Cinema (1074 Bank Street). film as the culmination of a and, on November 19, at The films were selected by a personal journey. 7 p.m., you can participate jury from among 200 films The Rose Family makes via Zoom in a presentation submitted for consideration. extensive use of archival by James Pagé of the Cana- The program on Novem- footage including private dian Wildlife Federation. ber 22 includes live music family collections to docu- Arts and culture events by The Obsidians. Mike ment key developments from over this month can be ac- McKay, festival director, is the October Crisis in 1970. cessed online and in person. a Chelsea-based kayaker and Paul Rose was a major figure the OAFF founder. in the establishment of the Admission is based on Parti Québecois. I found the membership or by pay what two-hour film informative you can (PWYC). Member- and relevant to understand- ship is $100 and includes ing contemporary Quebec discounts and offers from politics. Felix Rose directed the new NFB film,The Rose Family, a personal reflection of the OAFF sponsors. Further The NFB also produced information is available at a series of seven short films imprisonment of his father, Paul Rose of the FLQ, and about the 1970 October Crisis. www.oaff.ca about the impact of the pan- demic for vulnerable Ca- for November 18 to Decem- eration of Holland on display open this fall with its current European Union Film Fes- nadians. I screened the first ber 6 and IDFA is screening through March 31, and from exhibit, Planet Ice, on dis- tival (EUFF) three at https://www.nfb.ca/ its festival online. the Canadian Armed Forces play through January 3. The virtual EUFF launch- the-curve/wide-shots-and- Centretown BUZZ read- photographers until January es with a German film, All close-ups/ ers can access all the films at 3. For the Younger Set About Me, on November 13. Jia is the story of a cou- www.idfa.nl Just in time for the sec- Mike McKay, OAFF founder Online screenings continue ple from Saskatchewan, who Canadian Museum of Na- ond lockdown, a series of until November 29. were stranded in Wuhan, Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) ture children’s books are avail- and director Tickets and more infor- China, and repatriated along The OAG (50 Mackenzie Each fall, the CMN able for download at https:// 4th Annual Ottawa Adven- mation on the films are avail- with their newborn. King Bridge) is open from opens its storage facility in www.iristhedragon.com/ ture Film Festival (OAFF) able at www.cfi-icf.ca/euff Pandemic – At the End of Wednesday to Sunday, 10 Gatineau for limited public bookstore.html and the col- Beginning on November Ticketholders have 48 hours the World is a personal story a.m. to 4 p.m. viewing. The museum has lection is free. 13, the OAFF returns big- to watch each film. about the impact on the Inu- Visits must be booked in now taken its collections ger and better with 50 films vialuit going back to small- advance at https://oaggao.ca/ online with a series of vid- Tony Wohlfarth is an to enjoy in person and virtu- National Film Board (NFB) pox. eos via its YouTube channel. Ottawa-based freelance ally. The event kicks off at 7 The NFB makes its ex- Very Present is the story Canadian War Museum This growing collection can film, arts and entertainment p.m. with an action-packed tensive collection of docu- of a prisoner under house ar- The war museum (at 1 now be accessed anytime writer. He is covering the program of 12 of the best mentary films available - on rest during the lockdown. Vimy Place in LeBreton from across Canada. Search IDFA Festival virtually and films from earlier fests. Full line at nfb.ca Flats) is open from Wednes- for Virtual Open House: Ca- reviewed the four NFB films Friday tickets are available at On the 50th anniversary Outside Canada day to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 nadian Museum of Nature via their website. https://events.com/r/enUS/ of the imposition of the War The International Doc- p.m. Collections. tickets/oaff---full-send-fri- Measures Act, the NFB re- umentary Film Festival Current special exhibits The museum (240 day-795414. leased The Rose Family. (IDFA) in Amsterdam is set include photos on the lib- McLeod Street) remains Your street may get blocked by Queensway bridge replacements Alayne McGregor Rochester to add speed For the Rochester up to three weeks between Soccer field taken over for had walked the routes to change lanes. Chamberlain Bridge replacement: Roch- Imperial and Glendale. Per- new bridge construction confirm that they feel safe. he replacement Avenue will be realigned ester will be closed for up to cy will be closed to motor The replacement bridges She suggested a walkabil- of five downtown to be opposite the Bronson three weeks from Gladstone vehicles from Catherine to will be constructed in three ity audit of the detours with T bridges over the eastbound off-ramp. to Orangeville. Raymond Chamberlain for two years locations: taking over the pedestrians to check that the Queensway will noticeably Queensway noise barri- Street will be closed for (and possibly for all traffic soccer field beside Ottawa routes were well-lit and, in disrupt walking, cycling, ers will be added along the two years from Rochester to for shorter periods), and to Technical High School off particular, that construction and driving in west Cen- Queensway from LRT Line 2 Booth, and Orangeville from bicycle and pedestrian traffic Preston Street; in the Ottawa hoardings under the spans tretown. to Rochester, and from Bron- Rochester to Lebreton Street as well for up to five weeks Community Housing lands didn’t block light and make it Starting this week, you son to Lyon Street. Noise South for up to five years. before the replacement. between Booth and Roches- impossible at night to see on- will have one last chance to barriers from Rochester to Pedestrians and cyclists will Percy is a heavily used ter north of the Queensway coming traffic or pedestrians. influence how the construc- Bronson will be replaced. be detoured to Preston and bike route: cyclists will be which are slated for redevel- Gray was also concerned tion will be implemented. The former A-1 Mini Stor- motor vehicles to Booth. diverted along Chamberlain opment; and in the former Ot- that the Bronson construc- On November 2, Ontario age at 458 Catherine will be For the Booth Bridge to Kent Street and then back tawa Board of Education site tion plan was dangerous for Ministry of Transportation demolished. replacement: Booth will be to Percy. At the meeting, at Bronson and Chamberlain. cyclists: “This looks like a consultant Lincoln MacDon- closed for up to three weeks Councillor Shawn Menard Councillor Mathieu Fleu- plan that creates a funnel ald told the city Transporta- Streets closed weeks before from Arlington to Oran- asked for a bike lane to be ry noted that Ottawa Com- where we will have cyclists tion Committee how MTO Each bridge will be de- geville. Pedestrians will be installed along the detour. munity Housing planned weaving into traffic on both plans to replace five bridges molished in place and MTO redirected to Rochester and MacDonald said he had met to redevelop the Rochester sides of that bridge.” over Preston Street, Roch- will use rapid replacement vehicles to Preston. with city staff about the de- staging site for badly need- If you have any concerns ester Street, Booth Street, technology to put in the new The Bronson Bridge re- tours, but the idea of a spe- ed housing and asked how about the proposed road clo- Bronson Avenue, and Per- bridge over a weekend, as placement will require fully cific “protected” bike lane quickly MTO would be re- sures, detours, or timing, you cy Street in stages over the was done this summer with closing Bronson to pedes- had not been discussed. leasing it. MacDonald said have one last chance to com- next five years. the bridge over the LRT Line trians and vehicles for up to For the Preston Street they would vacate the site ment. The project’s Design MTO says the schedule is 2 tracks. MacDonald said three weeks from Catherine Bridge replacement: Pres- as quickly as possible and and Construction Report has now being coordinated with this would require partially to Imperial Avenue/Plym- ton will be fully closed expected to be out by year 3. been posted as of November other ongoing and adjacent or fully closing the streets outh Street. Pedestrians and between St. Anthony and 12 to the project website at Highway 417 projects and is under these bridges in the cyclists will be detoured to Young for up to three weeks Walkability audit suggested www.highway417-midtown- expected to start in 2021, sub- year before and, in particu- Percy. Motor vehicles will prior to the replacement, and MacDonald said that pe- bridgesandimprovements. ject to environmental approvals. lar, the weeks leading up to be detoured to Booth Street from Louisa and Young on destrian and cycling detours com At Bronson Avenue, the the replacement. southbound and Chamber- the replacement weekend. would be provided for any The public will have project will widen and ex- The bridges will be re- lain/Bank/Catherine north- Pedestrians and cyclists will closures. At committee, pe- until December 14 to com- tend the eastbound 417 on- placed in this order: Roches- bound. be detoured to the Trillium destrian advocate Miranda ment on or suggest changes ramp and extend the west- ter and Booth (year 2), Percy For the Percy bridge Pathway, while motor ve- Gray said she was concerned to the bridges’ design or the bound off-ramp, and widen and Bronson (year 3), and replacement, Chamberlain hicles are supposed to use about the length of those de- construction schedule and the overpasses at Booth and Preston (year 4). will be closed to all traffic for Gladstone/Bronson/Carling. tours and whether anyone implementation. 12 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA NOVEMBER 13, 2020 COMMUNITY UPDATE MIDTERM REPORT

COVID-19 RESPONSE • Working collaboratively with Dr. Etches and her team at Ottawa Public Health, local hospitals, and our federal and provincial partners • Working to improve access to COVID-19 testing • Creation of an Economic Partners Task Force to provide the City with “on the ground” feedback from the business community as the pandemic evolves • Implementation of a Property Tax Hardship Deferral Program and creation of a Business Reopening Toolkit • Opening self-isolation centres for our most vulnerable residents

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC SAFETY • Keep life in Ottawa affordable while investing • Progress on construction of Stage 2 LRT • Hiring new paramedics to improve response in essential services with a cap on taxes • Extending no-charge OC Transpo service times in all areas • Continuing to attract major events, for seniors to include Sundays in addition • Hiring additional community-based sporting championships and film productions to Wednesdays police officers to Ottawa • $80-million investment to improve the state • Launching the Automated Speed Enforcement • Breaking ground on the new Central Library of roads across the city (ASE) pilot project, seeing 8 cameras installed • Supporting job-creating projects like the • Increasing cycling tourism opportunities in Community Safety Zones to encourage safer Advanced Building Innovation Centre in rural villages driving behaviours near schools

Ottawa Tourism

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND INCLUSIVITY ENVIRONMENT • Partnering with Ottawa Community Housing and the federal government • Investing $3 million per year in energy retrofits to City facilities, with a to build 700 housing units across three sites on Gladstone Avenue seven to ten-year payback through energy savings, for a total investment • Partnering with Multifaith Housing to build 40 housing units for veterans of $12 million this term of Council at the new Wateridge Village • Growing the city’s urban tree canopy through partnership opportunities • Increasing the amount of City land available for affordable housing along that will see an additional 500,000 trees planted over the term, with an transit corridors initial focus on areas impacted by the recent tornadoes • Appointing Liaisons for Veterans’ Affairs, Gender Equity and Anti-Racism • Protecting Ottawa’s water environment for future generations through the Ottawa River Action Plan (ORAP) and the Combined Sewage and • Achieving gender parity on advisory committees Storage Tunnel (CSST), now fully operational

@JIMWATSONOTTAWA JIMWATSONOTTAWA.CA [email protected]