OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, 28 January 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
MINUTES 3
Note: Please note that the Minutes are to be considered DRAFT until confirmed by Council.
The Council of the City of Ottawa met at Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, on Wednesday, 28 January 2015 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Mayor, Jim Watson, presided and led Council in prayer.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
The national anthem was performed by the W. Erskine Johnson Elementary School Guitar Club.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 2 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES
RECOGNITION - MAYOR'S CITY BUILDER AWARD
Mayor Jim Watson and Councillors Rick Chiarelli and Mark Taylor presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award to Margaret Knight in recognition of more than 35 years of running free breakfast and lunch programs at the Foster Farm Community Centre, as well as volunteering with several other community charitable organizations.
ROLL CALL
ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS – MAYOR WATSON
MOTION NO. 3/1
Moved by Councillor B. Monette
Seconded by Councillor M. Taylor
BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s remarks given at the City Council meeting on January 28, 2015, be appended to the Minutes of today’s Council meeting.
CARRIED
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 3 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the special meeting of 3 December 2014 and of the regular meeting of 10 December 2014 were confirmed.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST INCLUDING THOSE ORIGINALLY ARISING FROM PRIOR MEETINGS
No declarations were received.
COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were received.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO):
The following communications were received.
Ministry of Education Proposing New Process for School Closures
AMO’s 2015 Pre-Budget Submission Outline
Petitions:
Petition received, containing 201 signatures from residents, requesting that temporary fireworks' locations and trailers not be permitted to operate within the city of Ottawa and that the sale of fireworks only be allowed at permanent retail locations.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 4 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
REGRETS
No regrets were filed.
MOTION TO INTRODUCE REPORTS
MOTION NO. 3/2
Moved by Councillor R. Chiarelli
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleury
That the report from the City Clerk and Solicitor, entitled “Status Update – Council Inquiries and Motions for the Period Ending 23 January 2015”; and Planning Committee Report 1 be received and considered; and
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to receive and consider the report from the Selection Panel, Ottawa Public Library Board entitled “Appointments To The Ottawa Public Library Board”; and the report from the Selection Panel, Transit Commission entitled “Appointments to the Transit Commission” (Subsection 29.(3)), because of the urgency of the items contained in the reports (specific reason set out below); and
That the 201 signature petition submitted by residents requesting that temporary fireworks’ locations and trailers not be permitted to operate within the City of Ottawa, listed under Communications, be received.
(Waiver of the Rules is being requested for the report from the Selection Panel, Ottawa Public Library Board entitled “Appointments to the Ottawa Public Library Board” and the report from the Selection Panel, Transit Commission entitled “Appointments to the Transit Commission” (Items 2 and 3 of the Agenda) due to timelines, to permit the citizen members of these Boards to be in place in time for the tabling of the 2015 draft budget.)
CARRIED
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 5 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
REPORTS
CITY CLERK AND SOLICITOR
1. STATUS UPDATE – COUNCIL INQUIRIES AND MOTIONS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 23 JANUARY 2015
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
SELECTION PANEL, OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD REPORT 1
2. APPOINTMENTS TO THE OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That, further to deliberations of the Selection Panel, Council approve the following appointments to the Ottawa Public Library Board, including waiver of Section 2.1 of the Appointment Policy as described in this report, all terms to be effective upon Council approval and to expire with the term of Council:
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 6 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
Steven Begg
André Bergeron
Kathy Fisher
Allan Higdon
Pamela Sweet
Heather Chiasson (Reserve member 1)
Rebecca Murray (Reserve member 2)
Jeremy Wittet (Reserve member 3)
CARRIED
DIRECTION TO STAFF
That staff, as part of the mid-term governance review, look at providing selection panel members with guidance and guidelines (e.g. grids and scoring mechanisms) to assist with the selection of citizen members for the boards and commissions.
SELECTION PANEL, TRANSIT COMMISSION REPORT 1
3. APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRANSIT COMMISSION
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That, further to deliberations of the Selection Panel, Council approve the following appointments to the Transit Commission
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 7 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
with terms to expire on 30 November 2018:
François Malo
Blair Crew
Graham Milner
Susan Burt
Martin Eley (Reserve 1)
Jasmine Tranter (Reserve 2)
Todd Mattila-Hartman (Reserve 3)
Brigita Gravitis (Reserve 4)
Catherine Gardner (Reserve 5).
CARRIED
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 8 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT 1
4. APPLICATION TO ALTER THE CHARLES BILLINGS HOUSE, 187 BILLINGS AVENUE, A PROPERTY DESIGNATED UNDER PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
1. Approve the application to alter 187 Billings Avenue, according to the drawings submitted on October 23, 2014 by Barry J. Hobin and Associates Architects Incorporated.
2. Issue the heritage permit with a two-year expiry date from the date of issuance.
3. Delegate authority for minor design changes to the General Manager, Planning and Growth Management Department.
(Note: The statutory 90-day timeline for consideration of this application under the Ontario Heritage Act will expire on February 6, 2015.)
(Note: Approval to alter this property under the Ontario Heritage Act must not be construed to meet the requirements for the issuance of a building permit.)
CARRIED with Councillor S. Moffatt dissenting.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 9 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
BULK CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT 1
A. APPLICATION TO DEMOLISH 140 HOWICK STREET - A PROPERTY DESIGNATED UNDER PART V OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT AND LOCATED IN THE ROCKCLIFFE PARK HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the demolition of the building at 140 Howick Street in the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District.
CARRIED
MOTION TO ADOPT REPORTS
MOTION NO. 3/3
Moved by Councillor R. Chiarelli
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleury
That the report from the City Clerk and Solicitor, entitled “Status Update – Council Inquiries and Motions for the Period Ending 23 January 2015”; the report from the Selection Panel, Ottawa Public Library Board entitled “Appointments to the Ottawa Public Library Board”; the report from the Selection Panel, Transit Commission entitled “Appointments to the Transit Commission”; and Planning Committee Report 1 be received and adopted as amended.
CARRIED
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 10 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
MOTIONS OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GIVEN
MOTION NO. 3/4
Moved by Councillor S. Blais
Seconded by Councillor D. Deans
WHEREAS the U-Pass program has been successfully implemented at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University since 2010 and at Saint Paul University since 2013, following successful referenda of their respective student bodies; and
WHEREAS these institutions have expressed support for the program’s continuation beyond the expiration of existing agreements in 2015; and
WHEREAS the Algonquin Students’ Association has confirmed its successful referendum for the introduction of the U-Pass in the 2015-2016 academic year and beyond, and the Algonquin College administration has advised of upcoming internal approval requirements for implementation of the U-Pass; and
WHEREAS the U-Pass program can be expanded at Algonquin College to also include students enrolled in full-time courses of study over the Spring/Summer Semester (May 1 to August 31), which may also be of interest to full-time students and the administration at other participating institutions; and
WHEREAS other post-secondary educational institutions may be interested in the U-Pass program in the future; and
WHEREAS this matter is being brought forward by motion due to the timelines associated with the implementation of the U-Pass program for Algonquin College;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that City Council approve the continuation of the U-Pass program at post-secondary institutions for the 2015-2016 academic year and beyond, on a continuing basis, based on the universal participation of eligible students at the institution, with a U-Pass fee of $192.70 per four-month semester (or pro-rated as agreed with the institutions) for the 2015-2016
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 11 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015 academic year, and subject in principle in future years to yearly fee increases of no more than 2.5% subject to City Council’s budget process;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council delegate the authority to the General Manager of Transit Services to negotiate, conclude, renew, and execute U-Pass agreements with such institutions and other post-secondary institutions, based on the above parameters and in accordance with applicable policies of City Council and Transit Commission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the definition of “U-Pass” contained in Section 1 of the Transit By-law (2007-268, as amended) be repealed and replaced with the following in order to reflect the inclusion of a Spring/Summer Semester (or time period) for full-time members of participating institutions:
“U-Pass” means the fare instrument in the prescribed form approved by the General Manager and issued to eligible members of participating institutions of the program, to be used during designated periods as approved by the General Manager as part of the Council-approved Universal Transit Pass Program.
CARRIED
MOTION NO. 3/5
Moved by Councillor A. Hubley
Seconded by Councillor S. Qadri
WHEREAS developing community pride in our new communities is important and our parks in Kanata South are a visual tangible reminder of the many reasons we can be proud more; and
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s emergency services recommends distinct park names in order to avoid miscommunications during emergency dispatching and response; and
WHEREAS the name ‘Proudmore Romina Park’ is not a commemorative name and does not fall under the commemorative naming process and emergency services has cleared the name ‘Proudmore’ for the purposes of 911; and
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 12 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
WHEREAS the Bridlewood Community Association and the Trailwest Community Association have been consulted on the proposed name;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Romina Park, which fronts onto Romina Street in Bridlewood Trails, be renamed to ‘Proudmore Romina Park’.
CARRIED
MOTIONS REQUIRING SUSPENSION OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE
MOTION NO. 3/6
Moved by Councillor M. Fleury
Seconded by Councillor J. Cloutier
That the Rules of Procedure be waived, due to the upcoming promotional signs- related approvals required for Ottawa 2017, to consider the following motion:
WHEREAS the year 2017 will mark Canada’s 150th anniversary, a significant occasion in the nation’s history and for the City of Ottawa as the nation’s capital; and,
WHEREAS in 2013, with support from the Mayor and councillors, the Ottawa 2017 Task Force was created to guide and support the Ottawa 2017 celebrations and is a key participant in the planning of a full 12 months of artistic, cultural, sporting, social, and other activities and events for residents, businesses, and visitors to the City; and,
WHEREAS it is deemed desirable on a City-wide basis to provide some flexibility within the City’s existing by-laws that regulate signs to accommodate appropriate Ottawa 2017 promotional signage that contains no sponsorship information and no commercial advertising such as the use of signs such as vinyl and mesh banners in a variety of sizes, right-of-way signs, temporary signage, and electronic signs, etc, in key locations such as on municipal buildings, private businesses and properties, and within City roadways and parks, and other
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 13 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015 landmarks, up to January 31, 2018 and having due regard to public health and safety;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law (By-law 2005-439, as amended) be amended, and public notification requirements under the Public Notice By-law be waived, to authorize the Director of Building Code Services or designate to approve variations to any provision of the by-law in respect of, and to issue permits for, Ottawa 2017 signs provided that the following conditions are met:
a) the signage is placed on private property at the request of the Director, Economic Development and Innovation Department, or designate, with the consent of the property owner for the purpose of promoting Ottawa 2017 celebrations;
b) the sign relates solely to one or more Ottawa 2017 events and does not contain any form of commercial advertising or sponsorship information;
c) all provisions of the by-law related to public safety are met with necessary revisions;
d) the permit is to terminate no later than January 31, 2018;
e) all costs related to and fees for of the signage under the by-law are borne by the applicant; and
f) the Director may assign conditions on the permit as she deems necessary for public safety, including the requirement for provision of engineering reports or other plans relating to the proposed sign, at the cost of the applicant.
2. That temporary signs such as A-frame signs as defined under the Temporary Signs on Private Property By-law (By-law 2004-239, as amended) be authorized on private property for Ottawa 2017 provided that the following conditions are met:
a) the signage is placed on private property at the request of the Director, Economic Development and Innovation Department, or designate, with the
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 14 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
consent of the property owner for the purpose of promoting Ottawa 2017 celebrations;
b) the Chief License Inspector of the City has approved the number (if applicable), placement, and structure of the signs for public safety;
c) the signage does not contain any sponsorship information or commercial advertising;
d) the sign is not affixed to a tree, lamp post, sign post or stationary vehicle; and,
e) the signage is removed no later than January 31, 2018; and
3. That signage on the City’s rights of way as defined under the City’s Signs on City Roads By-law (By-law 2003-520, as amended) be authorized for Ottawa 2017 provided the following conditions are met:
a) the signage is placed on a City right-of-way under the direction of the Director, Economic Development and Innovation Department, or designate, for the purpose of promoting Ottawa 2017 celebrations;
b) The General Manager, Planning and Growth Management, and the General Manager, Public Works, or designates, have approved the number (if applicable), placement, and structure of the signs for public safety;
c) the signage does not contain any sponsorship information or commercial advertising; and,
d) the signage is removed no later than January 31, 2018.
CARRIED
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 15 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
NOTICES OF MOTION (FOR CONSIDERATION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING)
MOTION
Moved by Councillor K. Egli
Seconded by Councillor S. Qadri
WHEREAS the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association submitted a Commemorative Naming application in October 2014 to commemorate Franz Gierer by naming the kitchen in the Tanglewood Park Community Centre after him;
AND WHEREAS this proposal has been through the commemorative naming process insofar as Commemorative Naming Committee review and public consultation and the public feedback received during the public consultation process was entirely in support of the proposal;
AND WHEREAS the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association will be holding its annual Winter Family Funday on February 16, 2015 and would like to take advantage of this event to commemorate Franz Gierer by publicly announcing the naming of the kitchen in which Franz traditionally prepared chilli for this annual community event;
AND WHEREAS having this proposal go through the normal Standing Committee and Council process would result in Council’s approval being finalized too late for the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association to make the announcement at their Winter Family Funday;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council, at its meeting of February 11, 2015, approve the proposal to name the kitchen in the Tanglewood Park Community Centre, located at 30 Woodfield Drive, the “Franz Gierer Kitchen”.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 16 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
MOTION
Moved by Councillor T. Tierney
Seconded by Councillor J. Cloutier
WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Francophone Municipalities of Ontario (AFMO) require specifically worded Council resolutions to support a representative seeking a Board and/or Committee seat for those organizations; and
WHEREAS, on December 10, 2014, City Council appointed Councillors Tim Tierney and Jean Cloutier to be the City of Ottawa’s representatives to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Francophone Municipalities of Ontario (AFMO) respectively for the 2014-2018 Term of Council, subject to any changes made as part of the Mid-Term Governance Review;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the City of Ottawa endorse Councillor Tim Tierney as Ottawa’s representative at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) on either the Board of Directors or through committee appointments for the 4-year term (November 2014-November 2018), subject to City of Ottawa’s 2014-2018 Mid-Term Governance Review, and that Council assume all costs associated with this member’s attendance at FCM’s Board of Directors meetings and advocacy days; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council of the City of Ottawa endorse Councillor Jean Cloutier to the Board of Directors of the Association of Francophone Municipalities of Ontario (AFMO) for the 4-year term (November 2014-November 2018), subject to City of Ottawa’s 2014-2018 Mid-Term Governance Review, and that Council assume all costs associated with this individuals’ attendance at AFMO’s Board of Directors meetings; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk and Solicitor be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Francophone Municipalities of Ontario (AFMO) as soon as possible after its adoption.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 17 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
MOTION TO INTRODUCE BY-LAWS
MOTION NO. 3/7
Moved by Councillor R. Chiarelli Seconded by Councillors M. Fleury
That the by-laws listed on the Agenda under Motion to Introduce By-laws, Three Readings, be read and passed.
THREE READINGS
2015-1 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to establish certain lands as common and public highway and assume it for public use (Country Meadow Drive).
2015-2 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to close part of Northwoods Drive, City of Ottawa.
2015-3 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to correct the spelling of croissant d’Émard Crescent in the City of Ottawa.
2015-4 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to establish certain lands as common and public highway and assume them for public use (Somerset Street, Renaud Road, Fourth Line Road North, Crichton Street, Palladium Drive, Banff Avenue, Fernbank Road, Shea Road, Devine Road, Saumure Road, Tremblay Road).
2015-5 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to establish certain lands as common and public highway and assume them for public use (St. Joseph Boulevard, Merivale Road, Colonnade Road, Heron Road, Walkley Road, Montreal Road, Greenbank Road, Woodroffe Avenue, Saville Row, Dunbarton Court, St. Laurent Boulevard).
2015-6 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to appoint a Chief Building Official for the City of Ottawa.
2015-7 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2001-17 to appoint certain Inspectors, Property Standards Officers and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in the Building Code Services Branch of the Planning and Growth Management Department.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 18 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
2015-8 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to impose special annual drainage rates upon lands in respect of which money is borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.T.8.
2015-9 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2003-499 respecting fire routes.
2015-10 A by-law to amend City of Ottawa By-Law 2009-200 respecting Urban Tree Conservation.
2015-11 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2013-375 of the City of Ottawa to establish the position and duties of the Auditor General of the City of Ottawa, including statutory powers.
2015-12 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2004-60 to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in accordance with private property parking enforcement.
2015-13 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at 616 Summerhill Street, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
2015-14 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at 100 to 106, 110 to 154 and 158 to 186 Overberg Way (even only), 103 to 173, 191 to 213 and 221 to 243 Overberg Way (odd only), 301 to 343 Tulum Crescent (odd only), 502 to 572 Rioja Street (even only), and 501 to 571 Rioja Street (odd only), as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
2015-15 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at 538 to 560 and 588 to 610 Foxlight Circle (even only), 501 to 563 and 585 to 613 Foxlight Circle (odd only), 400 to 422 Rosingdale Street (even only), 401 to 429 Rosingdale Street (odd only), 750 to 794 Summergaze Street (even only), and 769 to 791 Summergaze Street (odd only), as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
2015-16 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at 41, 43 to 52, 54, 56, 58 Nixon Farm Drive and 216, 218, 220 and 222 Cedarstone Street, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
2015-17 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at 601, 607, 609 and 639 Sunburst Street and 304 and 310 Laguna Street, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 19 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
2015-18 A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa to remove the holding symbol from part of the property municipally known as 3640 Greenbank Road.
CARRIED
CONFIRMATION BY-LAW
MOTION NO. 3/8
Moved by Councillor R. Chiarelli Seconded by Councillor M. Fleury
That By-law 2015-19 to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting of 28 January 2015 be enacted and passed.
CARRIED
INQUIRIES
From Councillor S. Blais concerning the aggregate levy rate.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 20 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
ADJOURNMENT
Council adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
______
CITY CLERK MAYOR
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 21 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
Appendix 1
Good morning.
I want to wish all Members of Council a very Happy New Year. I hope you had a restful Christmas and holiday season.
Because – as you know – we have a very busy year ahead of us.
Much of that work will begin next week as we table our first draft budget of the term.
I want to thank all Members of Council for providing their input into this year’s budget process.
I have appreciated hearing first-hand the priorities you have for your ward, and your areas of interest as we work together over the next four years.
I also want to thank the public for providing their ideas, whether it is directly to their ward councillor or to my office through the consultation process.
My friends, 2015 will be a year of momentum.
By this, I mean that we will build on the momentum started in the last few years...
And we will continue to focus our energies towards building an even better city.
Let me give you a few examples by looking back at our most recent accomplishments.
City Council unanimously approved the Stage 2 LRT project and Transportation Master Plan.
We decided to move forward with Arts Court and the Bayview Innovation Centre. And we continued work on key features of the Confederation Line… shaping the future of Ottawa’s transportation system.
Over that same time, we saw the opening of several significant investments in our city’s quality of life.
This includes big mobility improvements such as...
The Vimy Memorial Bridge in Councillor Qaqish’s ward...
And the Airport Parkway Bridge in Councillor Deans and Brockington’s wards...
We’ve added new community space in our fastest growing areas, including:
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 22 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
The Richcraft Sensplex East in Councillor Tierney’s ward…
The Francois Dupuis Pool in Councillors Blais’ ward...
The Richcraft Recreation Complex in Councillor Wilkinson’s ward…
The Minto Recreation Complex in Councillor Harder’s ward...
The new Greely library in Councillor Darouze’s ward...
And the expansion of the Goulbourn Recreation Centre in Councillor Qadri’s ward.
In Councillor Chernushenko’s ward, we can’t forget the beautiful new Lansdowne Park... a magnificent improvement being enjoyed by residents and visitors from all over.
Looking ahead… 2015 will have no shortage of cranes and bulldozers.
Signs of momentum are all around us.
I think you will be able to get a sense of this at our upcoming LRT showcase at Lansdowne Park, taking place in February and March.
Throughout our history, Lansdowne Park and the Aberdeen Pavilion were witness to significant moments in our country’s and our city’s history.
Many of these moments had to do with new products and innovations.
For example, in 1877, Ottawa’s Thomas Ahearn gave the first demonstration of a telephone at Lansdowne Park.
In 1892, he exhibited a series of new electrical equipment such as an early electric oven and electric water heaters.
Today, these are commonplace items.
But at the time, these were life-changing innovations that made the world a better place.
And tomorrow, another great innovation will be unveiled at the Aberdeen... the world- class Alstom Citadis Spirit train.
Ottawa residents have heard about this LRT project for more than a decade.
Only recently, they began to see progress at construction sites in several locations in the city.
Tomorrow, it becomes truly tangible.
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 23 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
You will be able to not only SEE the train, but FEEL the train.
You will be able to sit inside, look out the windows, and get your first experience of the Confederation Line.
This will be a turning point for LRT in Ottawa, as thousands of people visit the train over the coming weeks.
Residents and visitors will be able to visit the LRT showcase starting Friday, and it will be open every day from 8 am to 8 pm.
And I’m so excited that we will be able to share this experience with the public.
Our vision for light rail has much to do with momentum.
When we inaugurate the Confederation Line in 2018, we want to turn around and pick up the shovel to break ground on the Stage 2 LRT project.
As we continue with the Environmental Assessments for the project this year, we will continue to improve our plan to extend LRT farther east, west and south.
Working with our Transportation Chair, Councillor Egli, we are moving forward with this city-transforming project.
Ottawa deserves a world-class transportation system like this one, and I would argue that it is long overdue.
Think about it for a moment.
When you look at the world’s OTHER G7 capital cities…
Paris, Berlin, Rome, Toyko, London, and Washington…
Ottawa has the distinction of being the only one that has yet to build a significant rapid rail system for its commuters and visitors.
Even domestically, Ottawa is still catching up.
Over the last 10 years we have spent debating and refining the Confederation Line, Calgary and Vancouver opened a combined 42 kilometres of new rapid transit lines.
Now, Ottawa has momentum.
And together, we are delivering better transportation for the capital city of the greatest country in the world.
My friends…
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 24 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
When you look at what’s to come over the next 12 months, you get the sense that Ottawa is on the cusp of something special.
There has never been a more exciting time to be in the nation’s capital.
Together, we are building new institutions that will shape and define our city for generations to come.
This year, construction will move forward on two major facilities: the new Arts Court and Bayview Innovation Centre.
Located in the wards of Councillors Fleury and Leiper, these will be truly regional facilities that will be enjoyed by residents across the city.
With these, we will support and celebrate our city’s most talented creators.
They will be unique community gathering places where we can nurture Ottawa innovation.
On the canvass or on the drawing board... in the theatre or in the marketplace...
Our artists and entrepreneurs tell the story of Ottawa we all know and love.
A city that is dynamic, progressive and capable of great things.
We need to create places that are worthy of our city’s talent, ambition and potential.
In 2015, we will embark on a new project that will do many of the same things: A new central library.
With the right plan and the right partnership, I believe we can deliver a truly world-class facility for the nation’s capital.
This will be a complex project that we want to do right.
As a first step, Councillor Tim Tierney and I, along with the library board, will host a public engagement meeting in March of this year.
We will bring together the community, as a first step, to begin this important conversation.
What features does it need?
What opportunities can it bring?
How can it build on our strengths?
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL 25 MINUTES 3 WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2015
This will be one of several community engagement opportunities as we take these steps forward as a city.
I want this process to represent everything our new library should be: Open, collaborative and dynamic.
I’m pleased to also announce today that we will make the Mayor’s Rural Expo a permanent event.
Working with Councillor Moffatt, Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, we will work to make this the best year yet.
We launched this event two years ago, which seeks to bridge the rural-urban divide by showcasing the outstanding people and products of our rural areas.
And we do so in conjunction with Food Aid Day, in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
City Hall will also host a Tourism Summit in 2015.
The purpose of this summit will be to develop long-term growth strategies for our city’s third-largest industry.
We know 2017 will be a banner year.
But how do we avoid the “2017 hangover” in 2018 and beyond?
As the private sector builds more hotels... and our event organizers host larger events... how do we ensure our tourism industry can continue to attract large numbers?
In 2015, we’ll also continue to roll out our Ottawa 2017 brand across the city in order to build local momentum.
Under the leadership of our new 2017 Co-Chairs, Councillors Fleury and Cloutier, we will continue to raise awareness and excitement among our residents and visitors.
Ottawa 2017 has established a strong presence at the Ottawa Train Station in recent months, and you will see similar signage go up at the airport, city streets and local businesses.
This will also include an exciting expansion of our 417 underpass mural program.
This year, we’re seeking MTO approval to create murals at two new locations under the 417:
At Bank Street between Councillor McKenney and Councillor Chernushenko’s wards…
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And at Carling, west of Kirkwood, between Councillor Leiper and Councillor Brockington’s wards.
As we saw from the first set of murals this past year, this program provides us with an easy way to brighten up our neighbourhoods.
We’ll build momentum towards building a more liveable city this year as well.
We will open a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the 417 near Coventry Road in just a few weeks.
This will connect Councillor Cloutier’s ward with Councillor Nussbaum’s ward.
Councillor Fleury will be happy to see construction continue on a much-needed bridge over the Rideau River to connect Somerset and Donald Streets.
It will open next year, providing an important east-west connection to existing active transportation infrastructure.
These two bridges I’ve mentioned will close gaps in our transportation network.
They’re also how we’ll make walking and cycling safer, more convenient options.
Families in West Carleton will see the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre expansion open later this year.
Councillor El-Chantiry and the community have worked hard on this project, which will see new library space, a multi-use room and a fitness room added.
We make community improvements like these… we will make environmental investments as well.
The City of Ottawa is proud to partner with Ecology Ottawa on its “Tree Ottawa” project over the coming years.
Together with the community, we will plant 1 million trees in time for 2017.
I think this will be a wonderful way for our community to work together... and pass along the gift of cleaner air and better tree cover to the next generation.
Whether it is on the environment or other on issues, we can do more when we work together.
A great example of this has been the strong collaboration we are seeing on addressing guns and gangs in our city.
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The Ottawa Police Service has been working with Crime Prevention Ottawa and other community groups to take action.
I’d also like to thank Councillors Chiarelli and Taylor for bringing together residents in their wards to speak openly and honestly about the challenges we face as a city.
We all have a role to play, and the City will continue to show leadership on this file in the months ahead.
Also in 2015, I look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the City of Gatineau.
I have been working more closely with the Mayor of Gatineau, Maxime Pedneau-Jobin, than ever before.
We attended each other’s inauguration ceremonies and together placed a wreath at the War Memorial this past Remembrance Day.
In 2015, we’ll continue to collaborate on issues of mutual interest including transportation and transit between and within our two great cities.
I will be meeting with Mayor Pedneau-Jobin again in Gatineau in the first half of 2015 to continue strengthening our partnership.
2015 will be a big year for baseball and other sports.
Our CanAm baseball team will take the field at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium, thanks to the support of Members of Council such as Councillor Monette.
We look forward to cheering on our Ottawa Champions during the warmer weather in May.
The Miracle League of Ottawa’s fully accessible baseball field will also be completed this year in the ward of Councillor Mitic, our Sports Commissioner.
We’re very proud that Canada’s second fully accessible baseball facility will open for children and young adults with special needs.
Of course, Ottawa will host the Canadian Little League Championships this summer in Councillor Harder’s ward.
This will be yet another event to showcase our city to families from across the country.
On an even larger scale, we can’t forget the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming to Lansdowne in June.
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This will give Ottawa a priceless international audience, as we host some of the best soccer players in the world.
This exposure is so important for our city’s reputation and the long-term growth of our economy.
We remain optimistic in on our outlook for economic growth for the coming year.
In December, the region’s unemployment rate was 6.1 percent, still below the national rate of 6.6 percent.
But we are reminded by the departure of retailers such as Target that no city is immune to bumps along the road.
We must also remember that our population is growing faster than the national average, and with it comes the added pressure of ensuring there are good jobs and a high quality of life.
I believe we are on the right track.
Invest Ottawa is continuing to do great work as it approaches its third anniversary.
Our entrepreneurs and startups are being given the support they need to prosper and grow.
Our Economic Development and Innovation department will renew its strategy in 2015.
It will begin to introduce new tools and programs, to ensure City Hall can be a true partner with the private sector in its mission to create jobs and grow our economy.
To reflect on two briefly…
We will soon create a way for local businesses to pilot their technologies or products in municipal operations.
This program was inspired from an inquiry raised by Councillor Hubley during the last term of Council and I think it is a great one.
Soon our Economic Development department will act as the point of contact for any local startup business that wishes to pilot new technologies.
From there, they will choose a select number of innovations annually.
If we can help a business refine a technology before it moves into mass production, by acting as a test case, I think we should carefully consider it.
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The benefit to the City can include reduced costs and an innovative way of delivering services.
The benefit to our local entrepreneurs could include the ability to test and refine a technology before it goes to market.
I think this will be a win-win.
A second new economic initiative will have to do with taking a serious approach to attracting and retaining talent.
In 2015, we will begin to do this by developing a strategy and talent attraction toolkit
This will allow us to market our city more clearly as a great place to live and do business.
We need to remember that we’re competing against other cities for the best and the brightest.
Why should a family choose to come to Ottawa instead of Toronto, Montreal or Calgary?
How do we appeal to the interests of the most highly coveted, highly educated worker, as well as their spouse and children?
Ottawa is very good at tourism marketing – the kind of messaging that will attract someone for a long weekend.
But THIS kind of message will be focused on attracting people for a lifetime.
Ottawa has a great story to tell, but I think we need to do a better job of telling that story.
I want to close my remarks by sharing two significant civic projects coming up in 2015.
The first has to do with the terrible bus-train crash of 2013.
In partnership with Councillor Harder, we will begin the process of creating an appropriate memorial for the six neighbours we lost on that fateful September day.
We will approach this project carefully and respectfully, as we understand that emotions are still very raw.
The second civic recognition has to do with Daniel Alfredsson, former Captain of our Ottawa Senators.
As you know, Daniel retired last month after 18 years in the NHL.
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On the ice, he was our captain.
In the community, he was a leader.
From the Ottawa Senators Foundations, to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, he devoted his time and his energy to making our city a better place.
He embraced Ottawa the same way that we embraced him.
And for that…
Today, I’m pleased to announce that Daniel has accepted my offer to receive the Key to the City in a ceremony in March.
This is our city’s highest civic honour, and one that he has earned for everything he has done for Ottawa.
Colleagues…
2015 will bring us challenges and projects both big and small…
The effects of which will define our city for generations to come.
I look forward to collaborating closely with you on these important steps over the year to come.
And together, we will build momentum towards a more liveable, caring, vibrant and prosperous city.
Thank you.