The winter of 2007-08 limiting outside activities beyond shoveling, ECOS has spent the time reflecting and planning. ECOS has also focused on addressing issues left outstanding from last year’s Green Strategy Planning session. An Environmental Policy for OSCA was drafted and circulated to the board as a first step in clarifying the commitments established at this strategy session, including supporting community environmental/green initiatives whenever possible, being a strong and vocal supporter of green practices at city hall, and becoming the “greenest” community association in Ottawa. Also, in an effort to meet our commitment to ‘green the Firehall’, an environmental audit of OSCA practices is underway to evaluate our current environmental performance and to identify ways we can reduce our impact on the environment As a related follow-up, OSCA's representative to the Federation of Citizens' Associations is soliciting input from the various Associations in Ottawa for similar environmental policy proposals.
Although last year's projects on OOS parks are on hold, two issues remain to be dealt with: the hacking of trees in area streets remains an open issue. The reassurances given OSCA members and our Councilor needs clarification and re-affirmation. A related issue is "greening" of Sunnyside, which will assuredly mean tree planting.
ECOS continues to monitor the City's Environmental Advisory Committee's meetings and decisions. The growing emphasis by the EAC in relating environmental conditions to the City's rising traffic problem has significant meaning to OOS. Our position in the City's traffic flow demands that ECOS work closely with EAC in providing information and policy suggestion input.
ECOS is maintaining a "watching brief" on LEED issues involved in the Firehall renovation project. Patti Ryan's efforts in this regard have been exemplary and ECOS commends her spirit and energy. ECOS will provide any support it can in furthering this activity.
As of this AGM, stephen a. haines will be stepping down as Chair of ECOS to be replaced by co-chairs Michael Loewen and Nerys Parry.