Old Ottawa South

OSCA BOARD VOTES TO STAY AT THE FIREHALL

In probably the most important and contentious issue that OSCA has faced in recent years, the Board of Directors narrowly voted to retain the Firehall as our Community Centre rather than move to the old City of Ottawa training building in Brewer Park. A separate article in this paper explains why we voted as we did and what we want to do to address the deficiencies inherent in the Firehall.

At our annual Board workshop we identified our top priority issues and established our subcommittees for the year ahead. The Board will focus on four major areas in addition to our on-going activities. We plan to work towards establishing the renovation and expansion of the Community Centre as a project in the City's Capital Works Budget. We fully recognise that this is a difficult process and we will not likely see any construction for many years to come. We must contend with the current City freeze on Capital improvements for at least four years, and, we need to build a convincing business case for refurbishing the Firehall that can successfully compete against many worthwhile projects in other parts of the City.

Bank Street Reconstruction is another issue that we will be involved in. We have struck a committee to work with Regional staff and members of the Old Ottawa South Business Association to develop plans that will hopefully minimise the work's disruption to our community. We will explore what options are available to upgrade from the basic improvements that are budgeted for by the Region. This could include a "Town Square" at Hopewell Avenue and Bank Street, planters, benches, decorative lighting, flower baskets, distinctive flags or banners and the like. At this time, we are unsure of whether the reconstruction, that will involve repaving, wider sidewalks, underground wiring, new lights and light standards, will go ahead next summer, as originally planned, or will be delayed by a year or two. Additionally, the ECOS 2000 Millennium Project is moving full steam ahead after receiving a Federal grant of $100,000. The goal is to ensure a healthy, biologically diverse Rideau River for future generations.

Finally, the first edition of our Essential Guide to Old Ottawa South has gone to the printer. We will be working to improve its content and look to area residents for input. We have yet to decide how to distribute it and may offer the guide for sale to recoup printing costs. As always, we welcome everyone to join us in our various activities. You don't have to commit to being a member of the OSCA Board to participate in one of our committees. If you are interested in serving our community in some capacity, please give us a call at 247-4872.

Plans are in place to plant a variety of new trees and shrubbery next spring on the East Side of Bronson Avenue between the Canal and the River to act as a buffer to the traffic using the Airport Parkway. Regional Councillor Clive Doucet was successful in securing additional funds to ensure that denser reforestation is carried out than was originally planned. Regional staff will be planting poplar, birch, red maple, ash, oak and possibly elm trees to help develop a green corridor while controlling certain invasive species of vegetation that are encroaching on the area. Schools and youth groups will be approached to help with the planting as an educational experience if they so wish.

A small group of interested residents met with Councillor Inez Berg to discuss the pros and cons of installing a sidewalk on a portion of Bristol Avenue between Fentiman and Belmont. Concerns focused on safety factors and snow removal. Most attendees were willing, in the end, to accept the City Works staff proposal for a sidewalk on the east side of the road, with a slight road widening and asphalt edging on the west. Councillor Berg hopes to do a site inspection with City staff and any interested residents to ensure that only minimal damage to hedges and trees will result. Work could be done next spring and would be funded from the Capital Ward Minor Infrastructure Account.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

As a kick-off to the festive season the Old Ottawa South Business Association will be holding its second annual Holiday Lights Between Bridges on Thursday, December 10th. Last year's inaugural event was great fun for the whole family. Again this year there will be free horse-drawn wagon rides up and down Bank Street. As well, there will be storytelling and Christmas carols at the Mayfair Theatre. We may even see Santa Claus. This is a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit along with your neighbours while supporting our local merchants. Don't forget to enter the draw for a stay at the Chateau Montebello. Further details are advertised in this paper and are also available at area businesses. Finally, on behalf of the OSCA Board and staff, I wish you and your family the best Christmas and New Year ever.