This version of my President’s report did not appear in the July OSCAR as the paper went to press before the association’s June Board meeting and I was unable to report at that time on the decisions we took. Here’s a brief summary of the main items of business.
OSCA to Go Ahead with Fitness Room at the Firehall
After a very extensive period of planning and consultation the Program Committee brought a final business case for a fitness/cardio facility to the Board at its June 21st meeting. The proposal, which the Board approved, will see a fitness/cardio room established in the large basement general purpose room at the Firehall. When the Firehall was designed we worked with the architect to ensure that if we eventually went ahead with this proposal the room would be suitable for such a use. Consequently, the design of the ventilation system, flooring, ceiling height, electrical supply and security system in the room were modified to permit the installation of a fitness centre.
The proposal that has been accepted will see OSCA make a very substantial investment in equipment that will include treadmills, fully body elliptical/cross trainers, upright and recumbent lifecycles and adjustable and fixed weight training benches with free weights. Mirrors will be installed in the room and a stretch area will also be provided. Exact details on the costs for using this facility are yet to be finalized, but they will be very reasonable and memberships will be offered on a monthly, 6 month and annual basis and a qualified trainer will be available for at least a few hours each week to start. In addition to general access to the facility we are also looking at programming targeted to groups such as seniors, women and others with specific needs. If all goes well, the facility should be up and running by the late autumn. We will keep you posted in OSCAR and on the website about progress on the design and implementation of this very important addition to the Firehall’s programming capacity.
OSCA Support for Canal Footbridge
The Board discussed the current planning and consultation process being undertaken by the City concerning the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Canal between the Pretoria and the Bank Street Bridges. In general OSCA supports the construction of such a bridge which could significantly improve pedestrian and cyclist access in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South and Old Ottawa East. Through a letter to the City approved by the Board, we made clear our support for the project, although we had a number of suggestions on how the planning and environmental assessment of the project could be improved. We also made it clear that while we support the bridge’s construction, we continue to have high priority concerns about the safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists on existing bridges in the ward and in particular the Bank Street, Billings and Pretoria Bridges.
Future Programming Strategy
The Board also had a detailed discussion on programming, backed up by a briefing paper prepared by its working group on a partnership strategy with the City. At the meeting the Board approved a negotiating strategy with the City and agreed that starting this autumn we will need to re-examine and strengthen our staff support for programming and OSCA activities given increased demand for programming and the likely retirement of our Executive Director, Deirdre McQuillan, at about this time next year. We clearly have our work cut out for us!
Porch Sale–September 10
Just a reminder that the annual Old Ottawa South Porch Sale will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m. onwards. There will be notices up to remind you, but it’s a good idea to start planning now and think about dusting off those precious mementos, books, CDs, furniture, clothes, or whatever else you think will sell (and an amazing amount of stuff does sell)! It is a great event and very well attended, so it is worth putting in the time and effort to prepare.
Board Summer Break
As is traditionally the case the Board will not meet during the summer in July and August. Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehall. The Board Executive is available over the summer to make urgent decisions if they are required. On behalf of all our Board members, we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer. If you wish to contact OSCA on an urgent issue over the summer, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .