Riverview Park teetered on the brink of commercial development - Riverview Park Review
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FEBRUARY 2015 A Voice of Riverview Park VOL.7 NO.1
Riverview Park teetered on the brink of commercial development
by Bill Fairbairn and Carole Moult hanging over their heads. Clear-
P
roposed zoning revisions ly the change in policy was the
for four properties ad- result of a spirited reaction at a
jacent to Balena Park in public meeting at City Hall on
Riverview Park had many resi- January 21, and in particular, the
dents upset. A zoning by-law efforts of Councillor Cloutier.
amendment in the works since Andrew McCreight of the
2013 for review by the Plan- planning and growth manage-
ning Committee and approval ment department outlined his
by City Council before this team’s proposals for commercial
summer had proceeded virtu- development in residential ar-
ally without consultation and eas of Ottawa. Attendees, with
little understanding of the pos- a large contingent from Alta
sible consequences for residents. Vista Ward including Council-
Until City Planner Andrew Mc- lor Cloutier, generally opposed
Creight’s letter of January 29 to changes from residential to
Councillor Cloutier announcing commercial zoning that would
the cancellation of the zoning allow small local businesses to
Janina Nickus and Bastian Kruidonier examine the Alta Vista Ward 18
plan, the threat of commercial
development map.
Photo credit: Bill Fairbairn
development penetrating into Continued on page 3
the heart of the community was
Eastway not a pleasant
garden due to LRT work,
Councillor Cloutier told
by Bill Fairbairn
T
he name Eastway Gardens
at present gives a some-
what false impression of
a community of eight streets and
about 250 homes tucked away at
the intersection of Belfast and
Tremblay roads.
That is why Alta Vista City
Councillor Jean Cloutier and
Ottawa community liaison officer
Matt Eason gave talks at a meeting
on area light rail construction held
at the White Horse restaurant on
Belfast last month.
The City information mission
fundamentally was to try to ensure
residents of Eastway Gardens
Continued on page 10
A Tremblay Road view of tunnel construction – bigger in real life than it looks from here.
Photos on page 15 Photo credit: Carole Moult
Page 2 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Vincent Massey SOLE update
by Emily Money best spend their money and realise Further advertising is going to be projects the class has learned skills
M
r.McKean’s grade 8 class is how much goes to witch project. It’s done using social media - Twitter that will hopefully help them in
again working with Rus- time to get down to business and Facebook accounts as well further years to come. By writing
sell Heights on the “Sole” One of the first things they had as Instagram and of course the the grant application and having
project. This year they have named to create was a poster that would Riverview Park Review newspaper. it be successful they have learned
themselves “Community of Sole”. advertize their work and promote The class had to split up into groups how to write one and how to have
In order for the class to get it’s pro- their activities. In order to make the and some of them were given the job it in on deadline. They have also
jects started, they had to apply for a final decision, the class invited Sarah of creating and maintaining these learned financial literacy and how
SPEAK UP grant which they then Dwyer (the community housing projects. You can now follow our to get value for your money. Finally
sent to the Ministry of Education coordinator) and a community progress on: Facebook’s community they have learned the most efficient
in late november. The applications member to review the designs. In of sole@gmail.com; Twitter’s @ way to run each project and how to
must have been persuasive because the end, the final poster was chosen justcos2015; and Instagram’s manage each other.
they got the grant in early january. and will be reproduced to advertize communityofsole.
The class now has to learn how to the SOLE Project. By creating and running these
Sarah Dwyer and Mr. McKean’s class cheering the
Photo credit: David Noonin
SOLE Project.
Business Hours:
Mon – Fri 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
5 - 1571
Alta Vista Drive
Ottawa
613-733-6657
See us for our Services
Grand Opening February 4, 2015
Bio-Gel
Solar-Gel
UV-Gel
Porcelain
Acrylic
Pedicure
A World Away
Manicure
Waxing
Right Next Door
Paraffin Wax
Tinting
FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 3
compli for the zoning plan, and he (Somerset), 15 (Kitchissippi) and 17
Commercial development outlined micro-business restric- (Capital) where staff was available
Continued from page 1 tions that would alleviate the po- to answer individual questions, but
tential disruption and problems it was difficult for the attendees to
operate in residential areas. Op- that could arise from new com- gain a complete perspective on the
position was primarily based on mercial developments, but it was overall plan.
Planner Andrew
poor coverage and extremely low difficult to discern any plan for Totally surprised
McCreight addresses the
participation in the initial survey public review and amendment. The busiest huddle was at the audience in City Hall.
and no provision for community The rationale for the proposals Alta Vista ward map where Mc- Photo credit: Bill Fairbairn
feedback. It was noted that in six was explained as a response to the Creight presided. Riverview Park
wards targeted in the study there growth of the city and the need to Community Association Treasurer
were 250,000 residents, but that promote vibrant and healthy com- Alan Landsberg, whose house on
the total of 359 people who re- munities. Balena Avenue was targeted for
sponded to a survey on commer- After 10 minutes of questions zoning change from residential
cial zoning was less than .15% of and answers the audience was di- to commercial, questioned Mc-
the total population. rected into groups around maps of Creight on the plan’s practicality.
McCreight denied that the 359 Wards 18 (Alta Vista), 12 (Rideau- Jean Cloutier
responses would result in a fait ac- Vanier), 13 (Rideau-Rockcliffe), 14 Continued on page 7 Photo credit: Sean Sisk
Alan Landsberg outside his home was faced with Three bungalows on Devon Street next to
commercial rezoning on Balena Avenue. Balena Park were targeted for zonal change from
Photo credit:Bill Fairbairn residential to commercial.
Photo credit:Carole Moult Depicted were commercial buildings within
residential areas.
Photo credit:Bill Fairbairn
2651 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa
In the VISTA PLAZA at the corner of Bank and Alta Vista
(613) 680-8883
Get your Jewellery work
done by a
PROFESSIONAL
ON-SITE
Targeted houses for zonal change – 1 on Balena Avenue and 3 on Devon JEWELER
Street
Photo credit: Google Earth
Repairs and Services
• Ring Sizing
• Necklace & Bracelet Repair
• Pearl Restringing
• Free Jewellery Cleaning
• Watch Repairs
• Watch Battery Replacement
Custom Jewellery Designs
by a world class artisan
Bring in this ad for a
Free Gift
A Devon Street photo in front of the Balena Park and rink snapped on a with Purchases over $149
recent Saturday afternoon.
Photo credit: Carole Moult
FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 5
Love with power
A skit by some 30 Carson Grove
A peace-to-all gesture from one
Carson Grove student suits the
as King loved,
Elementary School students
depicting Dr. King’s battles
Martin Luther King credo
multicultural
audience told
against racism
by Bill Fairbairn
Story on page 25
A big handclap follows the Carson Grove A platform of Ottawa civic leaders joined Mayor
Elementary School’s live tribute to the struggles Jim Watson and Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey at
of Martin Luther King centre
Dr. Qais Ghanem of Alta Vista
received a DreamKeepers award for
his many civic contributions
Vanessa London-Lumpkin is about to
sing the Canadian National Anthem.
Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey presided
over the celebration with aplomb.
Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemens went
out among the audience eulogizing
Martin Luther King
Page 6 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Board of Directors: Peter Bishop, Bill Fairbairn, Michelle McLellan, Rob Column Coordinator: Catina Noble
Southcott – rpr.board@gmail.com Distribution Manager: Cheryl Khoury – rpr.distribution@gmail.com
Editor: Carole Moult – rpr.editor@gmail.com Cartoonist and Masthead Artist: Greg Money
Advertising Manager: Carole Moult – rpr.advertise@gmail.com Bookkeeper: Anne Jackson
Staff Writer and Editor Emeritus: Bill Fairbairn 613-737-3212 Printer: Performance Printing
Layout and Design: François Allard
C
harlie Brown once said, yards and those who maintain
There are three things
in life that people like
them maintain more than ice–
they maintain community, just
Howzit goin’, eh?
to stare at: a flowing stream, a like the numerous people who
crackling fire and a Zamboni volunteer at our local schools,
clearing the ice. programs and organizations.
While there are no Zambonis So heres to these rink regu-
to watch grooming our local lars. They probably dont attract
outdoor ice surfaces, we are for- many onlookers, but they help
tunate to have well maintained us to embrace the chilly months
outdoor rinks in Balena and of winter, right in the neighbor-
Dale parks. hood.
This is thanks to dedicated Bruce Aho is Rink Coordin-
residents who, day after day ator for the Dale Park Rink, and
and often year after year, clear, Chris Khoury is Rink Coordin-
flood and maintain these rinks. ator for the Balena Park Rink.
Because of their efforts, kids of A huge thank you to both, and
all ages skate and play hockey, to all the wonderful volunteers
events like annual winter car- who assist them in keeping both
nivals take place and our local rinks in such beautiful shape
parks get used throughout the and in all kinds of weather. Well
winter. done everyone!
For those who use them, these
rinks are like common back Riverview Park Rink Hosers
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FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 7
impressive to see so many people dences and have never been used 3. To provide conveniently lo-
Commercial Zoning
at the city hall meeting when we for commercial activity.” cated non-residential uses pre-
Continued from page 3 were given less than a week’s warn- dominantly accessible to walkers,
ing about proposed changes to Nanda said the RPCA board cyclists and neighbourhood transit
Landsberg later told the Riv- residential zoning around Balena and other Riverview Park resi- users.
erview Park Review: “I was totally Park. My hat goes off the Riv- dents had communicated these Non-residential uses such as
surprised by the move. Apparently erview Community Association concerns to Alta Vista Councillor convenience stores, instructional
a survey went out but few people from jumping on this misstep by Jean Cloutier. “We do thank him facilities, medical facilities, per-
knew about it. I know that the the city. Kris Nanda, Alan Lands- for bringing this issue to our at- sonal service businesses, restau-
Riverview Park Community As- berg and Carole Moult led the way. tention (when nobody else did). rants and retail stores would be
sociation and even our Councillor This is an example of the RPCA, permitted. Non-residential uses
Jean Cloutier, previously president I am impressed that city employ- residents and Councillor Cloutier would be restricted to the ground
of the Canterbury Community As- ees were quick to withdraw the working together to produce a floor, the basement, or a combina-
sociation, had not been informed.” proposal to turn four residences mutually desired overcome; in this
tion of the two. Vehicle parking
Landsberg, who has lived in into commercial properties. But case the process actually was re-
would not be permitted for other
his house for 48 years, said com- it is unfortunate the city based sponsive.”
than the owner. Such businesses
mon sense told him that restrict- its proposal on a weak online sur- would be restricted to 100 square
ing small businesses from pro-
vey of 360 respondents covering a The purpose
population of 250,000. This short- metres.
viding parking for customers or At the public meeting Mc-
lived community crisis tells me In general only wall-mounted
employees, as the proposed by-law Creight was questioned on the rec-
three things: the grassroots can signs would be permitted but signs
stipulates, means drivers would ommended zoning bylaw amend-
make a difference if we are vigi- that didn’t intrude on neighbours
park elsewhere on the neighbour- lant; city hall is not very motivated ment’s purpose which a study
could be larger. Liquor would be
hood’s narrow streets. He pointed to get our input but will listen if document says is:
permitted in walk-to restaurants
out that there were no sidewalks we are loud and clear. ” Meagher 1. To regulate development in a
and patios provided a licence was
on Balena or the adjacent streets concluded. manner compatible with existing
obtained.
making it difficult for pedestrian land-use patterns so that the resi-
Kris Nanda, president of the The meeting left RPCA mem-
access, particularly in winter. Then Riverview Park Community Asso- dential character of a neighbour-
bers wondering the next day if any
there was delivery traffic to add ciation, said: “This whole initiative hood be maintained.
such pub or other small business
to the problem. Three designated came as a surprise to the RPCA 2. To allow a variety of small,
could ever succeed in the four Riv-
Devon Street houses in his judg- and many other community lead- locally-oriented convenience and
erview Park locations suggested
ment were each too small for a ers around the city who tend to be service uses that complement ad-
by the planners. In all of Alta Vista
combined residence and business in the loop on these sorts of things. jacent residential land uses and is
Ward 18, those four designated
and had similar limitations to his I agree with the sentiments voiced consistent in size and scale with
houses are the only ones named
home for commercial develop- by many at the public meeting residential needs. Complaints
that are not already designated
ment, further highlighting the lack who felt that much of the uproar such as lighting, noise, parking and
commercial.
of judgment that was given to the could have been avoided had City business size would be subject to
selection of properties. by-law justice.
staff conducted a more thorough
The concern in Riverview Park, consultation process and done a
unlike much of the rest of the better job of involving community
city, is the potential for businesses associations.
starting up where none had existed Nanda said the RPCA has ac-
before. This is exacerbated by hav- tively promoted walkable com-
ing no provision for public review munities and the idea of grandfa-
prior to a new business approval. thering the rezoning of existing
He sees the idea of micro busi- small-scale shops and corner stores
nesses in residential areas as po- is attractive where they have been
tentially beneficial, “... but not so operating for many years and
in most of Riverview Park where where the local community sup-
there are narrow streets, limited ports the businesses. “However
parking, no sidewalks, and no his- this is not the case for the four
tory of commercial presence with- houses on Balena and Devon that
in the community.” the City identified in the study.
“These designated homes have None of the owners have sought
always been residential. If I were rezoning. Moreover, the RPCA
I to sell my home, my neighbours had not received or heard of any
could be confronted by a commer- requests from Riverview Park
cial enterprise with its attendant residents for more new local busi-
noise, visual blight or other irri- nesses, such as the ones envisioned
tations. There really should be a in the study. It would be a differ-
public review process for any new ent story if we were talking about
a location where there was a long-
commercial initiative.”
standing local business or corner
Not a plan for people
store that was operating and was
Patrick Meagher, who lives
popular in the community. How-
across Balena Avenue from the
ever, the houses identified next to
Landsberg home, said: “It was
Balena Park are used only as resi-
Walmart Shopping Carts
Please call the Ottawa Train
Yard’s Walmart to report shop-
ping carts in Riverview Park. The
telephone number is
613-562-0500 to tell where
the cart is located.
Page 8 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Planning and Development Update
by Kris Nanda also raised around certain technical project, along with the possibility Staff and Council asking that these
Chair, RPCA Planning and aspects of the design. that there may be some environ- four Riverview Park houses be re-
Development Committee mental sensitivity issues connected moved from the list of possible
T
he Riverview Park Com- The plans showed a new two- with the woods and greenspace, candidates for rezoning. Efforts by
munity Association lane vehicle and transit link from much of which has been zoned by the RPCA, residents and Council-
(RPCA) and its Planning Riverside Drive and the Transit- the City as an environmental pro- lor Jean Cloutier were successful,
and Development (P&D) Com- way which connects to the Hos- tection area, but are part of the and on
mittee follow developments of in- pital Ring Road and facilities that newer expanded portion of the January 29th RPCA members
terest in the local community and comprise the Ottawa Health Sci- Hospital Link’s eastern terminus. and others who attended the Janu-
around the City which may affect ence Centre (OHSC). The plans They are also seeking confirmation ary 21 meeting received an e-mail
Riverview Park residents either included an at-grade signalized in- about the size and the scope of the from Andrew McCreight, the City
directly or indirectly. RPCA Board tersection at Alta Vista Drive and a project (including the “footprint” official in charge of the study, stat-
members continue to work with bridge passing over the Transitway, on the woods and elsewhere during ing that ‘recommendations to Plan-
other community associations on with an underpass below the Via construction) and about noise and ning Committee will not include
issues of common interest through Rail line and a realigned Riverside light mitigation measures as well as 1601 Balena and 1620, 1624, 1628
organizations like the Federation Drive. the aforementioned rail relocation Devon Street, or any other prop-
of Citizen’s Associations (FCA). work erties in the immediate vicinity of
RPCA representatives communi- Work has recently begun on the Balena Park’.
cate regularly with local council- relocation of the Via rail line ap- In a 2014 communication to
lors on planning and development proximately 32 feet east of its pres- RPCA Board Members, then- While supporting in principle
issues of interest and participate ent location during construction of Councillor Hume indicated that the “grandfathered” rezoning of ex-
in the Alta Vista Planning Group an underpass to allow the AVTC to “given the unique nature of this isting small-scale shops and corner
hosted by Councilor Jean Cloutier. travel underneath the railway. project, the City, in the tender stores that have operated out of
Although the area affected by documents, has retained the right residences for many years in other
A pressing issue that the RPCA the relocation of the original rail to make adjustments to the design parts of the City (many of which are
continues to follow is the contro- line is well outside the study area right up until physical construc- included in the recommendations
versial Hospital Link portion of used for the Environmental Impact tion. This means that although the and which are popular within their
the Alta Vista Transportation Cor- Assessment previously performed City is seeking comments at this own communities), the RPCA not-
ridor (AVTC) road between Riv- for the AVTC, the RPCA was un- time, should issues arise after the ed that the houses identified next
erside Drive and the Ottawa Hos- successful in its 2014 request to tender is awarded, adjustments can to Balena Park are used only as res-
pital Ring Road. In particular, the the provincial government for an be made.” idences and have never carried out
RPCA is closely monitoring de- addendum to the Assessment, due commercial activity. Moreover, the
velopments related to the reloca- to the Via Rail Line relocation and The RPCA is hoping to have RPCA had not received or heard of
tion of the VIA rail line on Abbey changes in light and noise mitiga- Councillor Cloutier and City staff any requests from local Riverview
Road residents. It is also looking tion measures that were not con- conduct a public “walk-through” Park residents for more new local
into the revised proposal plan pre- sidered in the original Assessment. along the proposed route between businesses, such as the ones envi-
sented in the most recent drawings In December 2014, a $37 million Alta Vista and the Hospital Ring sioned in the study.
that show the eastern terminus of contract was awarded to Greenbelt Road, an activity that was original-
the road lying considerably east of Construction, a subsidiary of Tom- ly promised in Spring 2014 by his National Defence Medical
what had been proposed during linson, in for road construction be- predecessor. Centre (NDMC)
the EA process. The RPCA also tween the Hospital Ring Road and The Department of National
responded successfully to a City Riverside Drive (part of a larger to- Local Commercial Study – Defence and Canada Lands Cor-
of Ottawa planning study that rec- tal package of at least $65.5 million Potential Impact on Balena poration (CLC) are still working
ommended changing zoning to al- for the project). With the contract Park on disposition of the NDMC, lo-
low some commercial uses in four now awarded, Councilor Clouti- Members of the RPCA Board cated just off of Alta Vista Drive,
houses adjacent to Balena Park – er was able to provide the RPCA and other Riverview Park residents adjacent to the AVTC. No actual
none of whom have asked for such with the updated design drawings, attended a January 21 public meet- construction date has yet been set.
a change. which he did prior to the Board’s ing at City Hall concerning a recent CLC officials have confirmed that
January 2015 meeting. City study that had recommended NMDC lands are not likely to be
Details on issues of interest a change in zoning to allow four transferred from DND before
which the RPCA is monitoring in- These new drawings reveal that houses adjacent to Balena Park to 2016 at the earliest. The RPCA has
clude the following items: the eastern terminus of the Hos- be rezoned for limited commer- heard from at least one federal offi-
pital Link road to be considerably cial usage. This proposal came as cial that there is a potential Algon-
Alta Vista Transportation further east than in the previous a surprise to most residents and quians of Ontario land claim for
Corridor – Hospital Link map which showed the AVTC in- Community Associations in Alta NDMC property. Board members
The tendering process is under- tersecting the Hospital Ring Road Vista and elsewhere in the City (in- are investigating and following up
way for construction work associ- at a roundabout near the sledding cluding the RPCA). It had recom- to get more details on the nature
ated with the bulk of the 1.2 km hill by the Co-gen plan). The re- mended that these four residences and scope of this potential claim as
Hospital Link section of the con- vised design and detail drawings for – none of whose owners had sought it refers to both the NDMC lands
troversial Alta Vista Transportation the AVTC now show the Hospital rezoning, would be able to open up and the AVTC.
Corridor (AVTC) between River- Link intersecting the Ring Road small businesses, such as conve-
side Drive and the Hospital Com- road directly south of the Lindsay/ nience stores or cafés.
plex. This work is likely to begin in Acton intersection – several hun- Implications from Light Rail
2015. The RPCA and other groups dred metres further east than in The RPCA and most of those in Construction and Highway
around Ottawa had put forth evi- the older drawings that were used attendance at the January 21 event, 417 (Queensway) Expansion
dence questioning the cost-effec- for several years and at the March strongly voiced their concerns Projects
tiveness of the Hospital Link and 2014 Open House. about the consultation process and Work continues to stage the area
whether it was, in fact, even need- the manner in which residences just north of the existing Hurdman
ed without sufficient proof that the P&D members are now review- around Ottawa were identified by Station, in preparation for pre-
Link itself will resolve perceived lo- ing these detailed drawings and ad- City staff as candidates for rezon- liminary construction work on the
cal traffic problems. Concerns were dressing technical questions about ing. The RPCA Board also passed
feasibility of several aspects of the a motion to write a letter to City Continued on next page
FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 9
Planning and Development Update
tween Tremblay and the Baseball to begin in 2015, though as this ar- cess road for Farm Boy/LCBO to
From previous page Stadium is expected to open in ticle went to press, the tenant(s) encourage patrons and employees
February 2015. Re-opening of Bel- had not been confirmed. to travel on foot or by bus.
new Light Rail Transit (LRT) sta- fast Road between Tremblay and
tion. Piling activities (placement Coventry to pedestrians and cy- Work is just about finished on The RPCA has also proposed
of structural support poles) for the clists has been delayed until May the retail facility at 575 Industrial Industrial Avenue as a candidate
foundation and elevated guideway 2015 – the road is expected to re- - between the Pioneer Gas Station for inclusion in the City’s “Com-
of the new LRT station are an- main closed to vehicular traffic un- and the CIBC building. The first plete Street’s list of projects so
ticipated to continue until March til Spring 2016. two tenants, Banana Republic and that it could be beautified and re-
2015. MEXX, opened in Fall 2014l, but designed to be more conducive
The opening of the new Cov- the latter is closing as the MEXX to pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
Foundation work for the new entry bridge over the Queensway chain is going out of business. The An example would be to include
LRT station will start once pil- leaves the gap between the Ottawa third tenant – Skechers - will move greenery (shrubs) in the new bou-
ing activities are completed. Con- Train Yards and the Via property in later this year. Development levard median that will be built in
struction of the structure of the as the only missing link for safe has also been continuing at 175 front of 575 Industrial Ave.
new transit station is scheduled to pedestrian and cyclist travel be- Trainyards, the space right besides
begin in phases, as early as Summer tween Riverview Park or the Ot- SAIL. Artemano, a specialty world- Alta Vista Shopping Centre
2015 with completion in Summer tawa Train Yards and Coventry wide sources furniture and acces- The RPCA Board has been in
2016. According to City officials, Road (that would also benefit Train sories store opened a 9500 square contact with the property manage-
the work is supposed to be com- Yard’s customers and staff seeking foot retail outlet November, with a ment company regarding new ten-
pleted during daytime hours with quick access to the Transitway and 15,000 square foot Old Navy store ants for the long-vacant storefronts
minimal impacts, and OC Transpo future LRT system. An Overbrook expected to open in March 2015. in the Alta Vista Shopping Centre.
operations are not anticipated to Community Association repre- The mall is under new ownership
be affected. City officials will be sentative recently approached the Other planned constructed is and two new tenants are opening
invited to make a follow-up pre- RPCA about a new pedestrian at 197 Trainyards Drive (just east in early 2015 (Simply Chiropractic
sentation to the RPCA Board in connection between Train yards of The Athletic Club, with 18,000 and Sophia’s Nails Spa). The tenant
Spring 2015. More information on and the VIA Train Station/ LRT square feet of multi-tenant retail, for the third space had not been
the LRT project, including weekly stop. (e.g. either a tunnel or a pe- including a Bulk Barn store) and at identified at the time this article
construction summaries, can be destrian bridge). There is a condi- 595 Industrial Avenue (the vacant went to press.
found at www.ottawa.ca/confedera- tion in the original Ottawa Train space just west of Pioneer), with
tionline Yards complex project approval 40,000 sq. for two major retailers. More information on some of
that requires this access way to be these project proposals can be
Pedestrian and Cycling Other Industrial Avenue
built once certain square footage found at the City of Ottawa web-
Connections Issues
of space in the Train Yards complex site at: http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca/
The multi-use path (MUP) ad- is constructed. There is a questionThe RPCA is also monitor- residents/planning/index_en.html.
jacent to the Transitway Bridge ing and will follow up on its ear-
as to whether timing of this proj- The RPCA welcomes your input
over Rideau River (between Hurd- lier requests to install an advance
ect could be tied in with LRT con- on these proposals and any other
man and Lees) will be closed dur- struction and both the RPCA and green for eastbound traffic on In- potential developments in the area.
ing conversion of Transitway from dustrial turning into the Farmboy
its Overbrook counterpart will be
buses to rail. This MUP is heavily and LCBO, to alleviate some of
raising this issue with their coun-
used by pedestrians and cyclists cillors. the present congestion. While no
travelling between Alta Vista and formal reply has been received, ini- If you are interested in joining
downtown/University of Ottawa. Trainyards Developments and tial indications were that the City’s the RPCA P&D group or would
The RPCA has also raised the is- New Retail monitoring counts did not pres- like further information, you may
sue of pedestrian/cyclist access us- The site plan to construct a ently seem to warrant an advanced contact the Committee Chair, Kris
ing the Transitway Bridge between 9-storey office building at 405 Ter- green at that location. Nanda at krpp1415@gmail.com.
Lees and Hurdman when the Tran- minal Avenue, just east of the Ca- For more information on this and
sitway is converted from buses to nadian Revenue Agency building at The RPCA continues to seek other activities in Riverview Park,
rail. 395 Terminal, has been approved. confirmation from City Council please see the RPCA website at
Construction of this structure – that the new sidewalk planned for www.RiverviewPark.ca. The con-
The Coventry Pedestrian and approximately 2/3 the size of the the South side of Industrial will ex- tact email for RPCA is info@river-
Cyclist bridge across the 417 be- facility at 395 Terminal – is slated tend at least as far East as the ac- viewpark.ca
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Page 10 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
David Chernushenko Councillor Capital Ward
What are your priorities for the City budget?
by David Chernushenko at committee meetings where we ces is messier than you or I would
T
he City’s annual budget- welcome the public. Will anything like it to be.
setting and approval pro- really change, or will the “draft” Increasing spending on any pro-
cess has begun, with the budget be passed with minimal gram, service or project involves a
2015 Draft Budget to be released tweaks? I get it. You see little value difficult choice. Either we offset
on February 4 and Council consid- in participating if you feel the increases with matching funding
ering final budget recommenda- consultations are a sham and the cuts to keep the impact budget-
tions on March 11. So this is the budget is a done deal. neutral, or we agree to raise taxes.
time for Capital Ward residents Based on the few changes made With that in mind, I ask you to
to let me know about what they to budgets during the last term share with me the following:
would like to see changed (or kept). of Council, I understand. The What do you wish to see more,
During the last election cam- 2011–2014 final budgets were but less or none of in the budget?
paign, I got a pretty good sense modestly amended versions of the What projects do you think are
of what people are thinking and draft put forward to the public. unnecessary or could be delayed?
feeling, but only in general terms: Why? I offer this commentary as What services or programs
More funding for transit, hold the useful context, but I’ll understand merit more funding? tion meeting are planned for the
line on wages, support affordable if it comes off sounding like an ex- What projects should be funded second week of February. Find out
housing, stop widening roads, etc. cuse: or advanced? more at bit.ly/ottawabudget2015.
This is helpful as broad guidance, A lot of the City’s spending is If recommending new spending,
providing a general sense of your locked in through union agree- how would you pay for it? Identify City Builder Award
priorities, but really useful budget ments, long-term commitments, specific cost savings or tell me how Do you know anyone who de-
direction needs to be more specif- multi-year construction projects much you’re prepared to pay in serves a Mayor’s City Builder
ic. and other limitations. additional taxes. Council approved Award? This civic honour recog-
For example, what programs or There is no “gravy train” to be a target 2% maximum tax increase nizes individuals, groups or or-
specific projects do you feel should slashed in the quest to achieve for 2015. How much higher are you ganizations that have, through
be maintained or boosted, and a magical “zero” tax increase. If willing to go? outstanding volunteerism or
by how much? Why are they im- there were, successive councils Few citizens are experts at read- exemplary action, demonstrated
portant? Which programs should prompted by engaged citizens ing City budget documents, so I an extraordinary commitment to
be decreased or eliminated, and would have found and eliminated will prepare a summary as soon as making Ottawa a better place.
why? Are they a luxury or counter- it by now. possible of the Draft Budget, with You can nominate someone
productive? I want to hear your What you consider an unneces- specific commentary on local pro- for life-long service, outstanding
arguments for and against budget sary frill may be a core service to jects and impacts, as well as city- acts of kindness, inspiring charit-
items because I will have to weigh your neighbour. Every line item wide priorities that came up fre- able work, community building or
them against the arguments I hear and program was created for a quently during the election (transit any other achievements. Find out
from others. Ultimately, I must reason. Each is well intentioned, service, affordable housing, pedes- more at bit.ly/ottawamcba.
present a credible case to Council though not necessarily run as effi- trian and cycling infrastructure,
in defence of any proposed cuts or ciently as it might, nor as relevant park maintenance, urban tree pro- Councillor
increases. today as it was when first initiated. tection/replacement). I will post David Chernushenko
Some people wonder if it’s But each program, service, grant the summary to my website and 613-580-2487 |
worth their time writing, com- or subsidy has its staunch defend- include it in an upcoming Capital David.Chernushenko@Ottawa.ca |
ing to budget consultation meet- ers. Eliminating or reducing servi- Ward newsletter. www.capitalward.ca
ings or speaking as a delegation Several pre-budget consulta-
the rails for the LRT track to be office. A resident had termed the road outside his White Horse
Eastway Gardens delivered this year and by the promise was made as a carrot to restaurant was closed and work
Continued from page 1 end of the year we will be laying counter inconveniences. started. He said few workers came
them,” he said. To a question on compensation from the site to eat at the White
that they are not forgotten in the Eason told the 25 residents for those businesses financially Horse although there is a plaque
enduring months and pending present that he expected that hurt by the work Coun. Cloutier at the entrance stating that his
two years getting out of mud-base Belfast Road would be reopened said he did not have a cheque beef and barley soup may be
construction at LRT’s Belfast in the spring with new routing for in his pocket to hand out since the best in Ottawa. “I hope this
Yards and what was termed near- buses in July. compensation in such a project LRT work will not put me out of
traffic chaos at roads and two From the audience Sylvie, a was not city policy. business.”
bridges near Eastway homes. daycare provider, said that in Looking to the future the Kim Lamont said that
The meeting, arranged by the summer children had been Tremblay (LRT) Station, when traffic speeding along Tremblay
Eastway Gardens Community getting colds due to clouds of completed in July 2017, should especially at rush hour was a
Association President Kim dust that did not allow residents help travellers get quickly and universal problem to residents.
Lamont, addressed problems and to open their windows. Another easily to and from VIA trains. Personally she hoped the planned
outlined progress. resident said that the city’s With the building of the Coventry concrete light rail tunnel to the
Eason said a berm is up to outdoor pool located 20 feet from Pedestrian Bridge the station Belfast Yards would soon be
counter noise from the huge the industrial site was almost will also connect to the Ottawa completed and that the serious
industrial yard site and that using more water for cleanliness Baseball stadium and encourage dust problem in spring and
December saw success in laying, than for swimming. Cloutier said further development in the area summer months be controlled
after midnight without trains he would work on keeping down and of course travel in the city. perhaps by constant watering
running, a massive support box such inconveniences. He was not Mike, the meeting’s host down of the huge mounds of dirt.
under the Via rail tracks above entirely sure that improvements restaurateur, told The Riverview Coun. Cloutier adjourned
the LRT ride on the east side of to Eastway Gardens Park were Park Review that he had lost proceedings promising further
Belfast Road. “We are expecting promised by Peter Hume when in thousands a month since Belfast updates.FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 11
Page 12 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Simply Therapy
– products from a small shop that make a big difference to your quality of life
by Carole Moult Another repeat customer was
T
here was a steady number interested in buying Epsom salts,
of people who came into and a variety of clinic supplies. He
the shop on a recent, very had seen the on-line flyer and was
cold, Thursday morning. One lady ready to shop. Someone else was
looked around, talked about the curious about the many fitness
Low- Rise Stools, was shown how and rehabilitation items that are
they worked, checked out both among the great number of prod-
oils and lotions, then was very ucts available at Simply Therapy,
graciously helped with getting her 2620 Lancaster Road, Unit E, but
purchases to the car.
Welcome to Unit E, 2620 Lancaster Road
all had come with a purpose to this ucts required of massage ther-
unique specialty shop. apists, physiotherapists, chiro-
When Denyse Braid opened her practic and Spas.
store in 2005 she did so because “I had a bad back problem and
there just were no alternative ther- my massage therapist recom-
apy product shops in Ottawa. Now mended that I purchase a particu-
fast forward to 2015 and lar product- but it wasn’t available
Simply Therapy is celebrating its
th
10 Anniversary, born out of a
need for local access to the prod-
Continued on page 27
Always a positive experience. Michael Tobin helping a Simply Therapy
customer.
There are certainly a lot of choices.
Fitness and rehabilitation: plenty to offerPage 14 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Many fun activities planned at Maplewood!
by Pam Maskell were fun for everyone. The resi-
M
aplewood kicked off dents were amazed and awed by
the New Year with talented local magician David
some great events that Dickons while celebrating the
beginning of a new year with a have already made plans to make
glass of champagne. red pepper jelly and peach mar-
The fun continued a few days malade, and look forward to
later when residents gathered in pickling a variety vegetables
the Activity Room for what has from the resident gardens at the
become our annual marmalade end of the summer.
making. The ladies got together There are always a variety of
in the morning to work on cut- activities happening throughout
ting, juicing, and chopping bags Maplewood regardless what your
of Seville oranges. After simmer- interests are. We look forward to
ing for the morning, the resi- hosting open houses and learn-
dents re-grouped in the after- ing series throughout the year
noon and their hard work was and hope that you’re able to join
rewarded with many jars of Se- us to partake in the fun!
ville orange marmalade to share Wishing you a Happy New
with their friends. Year from Maplewood Retire-
The preserving will continue ment Community!
throughout the year – residentsFEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 15
Eastway not a pleasant garden due to LRT work, Councillor Cloutier told ( story starts on cover)
A mission- accomplished closing handshake features Matt Eason and Jean Mike Ayoub looks into the future from The White Horse Restaurant on
Cloutier Tremblay Road
Closed! The bridge to Coventry Road.
A close-up of Eastway Gardens Community Association President Kim
Lamont and Councillor Jean Cloutier
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That’s a lot of trailers.Page 16 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Leaving creativity behind!
by Catina Noble A.J. Smith (AKA Alligator Jane) wrote a wonderful piece on the
I
love writing and photography. is a self taught artist who uses topic of inspiration in art on my
Over the last year I have add- recycled materials, re-purposed site. Her work can be seen at
ed art to my list. I like mak- and organic materials. She lives in https://facebook.com/AlligatorJane.
ing crafts, coloring, and recycling Asheville, North Carolina. I got Michael Demang put together
books to make alternative jour- in touch because her work looked the Art Abandonment Group.
nals. I find creating art a good way amazing. I feature writers and Stop by and take a look around
to help relax after a hectic day. artists on my site www.catinanoble@ at https://facebook.com/groups/
Early last month a creative wordpress.com . I contacted her ArtAbandonment.
friend of mine, Julie, mentioned hoping she would consider writing A.J Smith
a group she was involved in a piece for my site. She recently
called “Art Abandonment.” This
group has over twenty thousand
members from all over the world.
Basically they make art and leave it
in random places as a surprise for
strangers to find.
I have joined the group and left a
few different pieces in the Ottawa
area. I have left mini note cards,
magnets and my photo cards. I
enjoy the group and have met
a couple of gems along the way.
Linda Morgan lives in Falls Church,
Virginia and is a Mixed Media
Artist. She likes to “abandon art at
hospitals and libraries.” Before the
holidays I sent a few photo cards
to random people from the Art
Abandonment Group. I thought it
was a great way to help celebrate
the holidays, by giving to others.
Linda received my cards and to my
surprise, sent me a wonderful card
back. You can check out Linda’s
site at http://purplecards.blogspot.
com/ . A.J Smith The Card Linda Sent Me.
Flower Magnets I abandoned Linda’s Business Card Photo Cards I abandoned
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1793B Kilborn Ave.FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 17
A toy store for the young – and the young at heart
by Carole Moult wasn’t a specialty toy store in website, have a following of very Thursday of each month, with
Y
ou don’t have to be a the south end of the city, thus interested people who welcome 20% off all in stock items. We also
youngster to appreciate the introduction of this new and exceptional service, unique toys, provide a service for customized
the wonderful world of fascinating store. and items that you don’t find just loot bags, and there is a Birthday
Tag Along Toys. Just one step in- Both stores have the same anywhere. There is a big following and Baby Registry in store.”
side the door and you too will be catchy name. The answer to how on Facebook, and those who Online shopping for Tag Along
charmed by what’s inside; as a re- this came about was not because visit the Facebook page love the Toys is at www.tagalongtoys.ca .
sult of the background and exper- of a child tagging along toys, but suggestions posted, often coming Tag Along Toys also has its own
tise of owner Patti Taggart. as a result of a family connection into the store saying, “I saw on expert ‘in house’ toy tester named
What prompts a person to open in a couple of interesting ways. Facebook you showed …, can you Nicholas. He is Patti Taggart’s
a toy store one might ask? Well, “We chose the name as one my show me please?” son and has been the official toy
as a Registered Early Childhood uncles had an old boat called the What else makes Tag Along tester since the day he was born.
Educator, Wife and Mom; the ‘Tag Along’, and Taggart being my Toys the special place that it is? “He loves to test new products
answer for Patti Taggart is pretty last name, I thought Tag Along “We offer free gift wrapping, a and it’s great as I can share this
straightforward. Toys.” 10% discount to teachers and with customers with regard to
“I worked at the Algonquin Now, this popular specialty educators everyday, and we do
College Early Learning Centre toy store, plus its comprehensive a ‘Grandparent’s Day’ the last Continued on page 25
for over 12 years and decided I
needed to do something else but
wanted to have it still be related
to children. I knew the west end
did not have a specialty toy store
and so I thought this would be a
great opportunity.”
In September 2001, Tag Along
Toys opened in the Signature
Centre at 499 Terry Fox Drive,
to the delight of not only
children and their parents, but
grandparents as well, while in
August 2014, the second location
opened at the Blue Heron Mall,
1500 Bank Street. There really Visit the Signature Centre in Kanata or... Drop by the Blue Heron Mall
These shelves have lots of Science Madeline visits Tag Along Toys Wow! Science can be a lot of fun
Plush friendsPage 18 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Plumbing problems? Plumbing questions?
Ask the experts at DRAINPRO
by Carole Moult and beyond. There are six in the
W
hen various trucks and fleet, and these can be seen on
vans travel through- the road 24/7, since this plumbing
out your neighbour- company prides itself on its ‘Fast,
hood, many of these actually have Same Day Emergency Service’.
a human- interest story to tell; Tim Quaile, who was Ottawa
and part of it can be determined born and raised, is the sole owner
by the logos, or messages on the of DRAINPRO.
vehicles themselves. “After working for many years
Such is the case of the company in related fields, he established
named DRAINPRO, whose crisp the business in 2008, and it is
white, blue and red trucks have
become a familiar and valued sight
across the greater Ottawa area-
Continued on page 25 Tim Quaile, DRAINPRO owner, pauses just before leaving to solve a
frozen pipe problem
These DRAINPRO trucks are fully equipped for just about any plumbing
need.
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R0012447134-1205FEBRUARY 2015 Riverview Park Review Page 19
Alta Vista Shopping Centre bought for $6 million
Lalit Aggarwal, a Director Yes – Tim Horton’s is a part of ties not much more than a mile
nesses located beside resi-
or Manor Park Management, the shopping centre. The vacant from your centre in Riverview
dential properties affect the
represents the new owner of the units are being prepared for new Park to permit small-scaleAlta Vista Shopping Centre?
Alta Vista Shopping Centre. tenancies. A chiropractic clinic local businesses. The fourIs such competition a slippery
He answered the following and a nails salon will be open in residentially-zoned proper-
slope to fuller commercial in-
questions for the Riverview the very near future. There is one ties have been identified. The
trusion in this part of Ottawa?
Park Review. remaining vacancy and we are study mentions rezoning toWill your representative be at
by Bill Fairbairn the meeting? Can you give me
1. What prompted you to buy a detailed reaction? If you are
the Alta Vista Shopping Cen- represented our newspaper
tre? Do you intend to run it as will report any concerns.
is? Or have you other plans? Thank you for alerting us to
The Alta Vista Shopping Centre this. We have not seen the study so
is a well-located plaza in a mature it is difficult for us to comment. At
residential neighborhood that al- present, we are unable to attend
lows for the provision of daily ser- the meeting but upon reviewing
vices to the community. When we the study, will voice our opinion to
were alerted that it might be avail- Councillor Cloutier.
able for sale, we submitted an offer. 4. Is there a possibility of los-
We intend to run it as a plaza. In ing any existing businesses in
time, once we approach the useful the Alta Vista Shopping Cen-
life of the improvements, we will tre in the near future as you
evaluate redevelopment opportun- move in?
the Alta Vista Shopping Centre
ities but this will not be for many, Photo credit: Carole Moult
The next expiring lease is two
many years. years from now and we are work-
2. Is Tim Horton’s part of working with interested parties to encourage convenient ac- ing on a renewal. We do not expect
your shopping centre? Shop- lease this space. cess to neighbourhood goods to lose any existing businesses.
per’s Drug Mart at the other 3. On Wednesday, January 21, and services. The Riverview 5. What value in a rough
end certainly is included. In a public meeting at City Hall Park Community Associa- round dollar figure did you pay
the middle some renovation is discussed a Local Commercial tion intends to protest at the for the centre?
going on at two or three prem- Study that has recommended meeting. Would the introduc-
ises. What is happening there? rezoning four house proper- tion of small-scale local busi- Continued on page 23Page 20 Riverview Park Review FEBRUARY 2015
Touch of India — Mad about running
by Judith Fairbairn came to realise that Bangalore is a
I
’ve been a distance runner off perfect place to run. The weather
and on for most of my life. It was is ideal any time of the year. Only
the only sport that I excelled at on New Year’s day this year, when
during my Hillcrest High School I was looking so forward to having
years. I has hopeless at anything that the park to myself, was it poring rain
required accuracy or catching any- (unusual in late December). It was
thing. I didn’t do too badly at soccer, the only day I can remember since I
midfield, because it required a lot of arrived in India three years ago that I
running and no one else wanted to complained about the weather.
do it. There is a hard core group
Running is something that I of runners in this city and a few
always seem to return to as it is so running clubs. I joined the Hash
easy to organise. After the palaver of House Harriers with my husband,
doing triathlons for a while, it’s nice which is a ‘drinking club with a
to really think only about shoes. running problem’, which suits us
I’ve had postings in the world well. They are a super friendly group
where running was not an option for of people with a sense of humour.
weather or logistics reasons and I’ve Everyone is given a funny ‘Hash
taken up other sports such as tennis, name’-–I won’t tell you ours, and
swimming and dancing. When I the organising committee is called
came to Bangalore I didn’t think I ‘MisManagement’. They run a
would run here. The traffic is just couple of times each month and it’s a
too crazy to even consider it. I really great way to see semi-rural Bangalore
thought that I would do yoga and because we run just on the outskirts
learn classical Karnataka dancing to of the city. Bengu the mascot joins Ian Felton and Judith Fairbairn
keep fit. You can walk or run and also Hash usually meets on Sundays about Harriers South India (Bangalore,
We moved into a home near choose different distances (5-10 4 pm when it is a bit cooler. April is Chennai and Hyderabad) will
Cubbon Park a few months after kilometres) so there is something for the perfect time to go because the celebrate their 25th anniversary with
arriving. Cubbon Park is closed to everyone. You are also encouraged to sun is up later so you’re not trying to a three-day run in Kodaikanal. We are
cars in the morning and what a treat bring your children (they call them find your way home in the dark.
it is. I started running and slowly Horrors, which the kids love!). The In August 2015, the Hash House Continued on page 26
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