Newsletter February 4, 2024

COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE 

#TeamCanada 

We have just entered the most volatile state of political and economic uncertainty in well over a generation. We are teetering on the verge of a potential trade war not of our own making with what was until recently our greatest ally. And here in Ontario and in Canada, we’re faced not only with a provincial election, but almost certainly a federal election soon to follow, leaving us unsure of whose hands will be on the wheel to lead us at this challenging time. Despite being in such a state of unrest, it’s reassuring to see such unity in defending Canadian interests, across the country.

As I often say, local politicians at the municipal level are at the bottom of the political food chain, but we’re the frontline foot soldiers of our political system. Our powers may be limited, but we have the most immediate impact on the day-to-day battle of defending a healthy civic life

And so, while we’ll be relying on our federal and provincial governments to take the lead on this matter, municipal governments can still take action. As of this writing, several Canadian provinces have taken retaliatory measures against the U.S., specifically through the removal of U.S. liquor from store shelves. The B.C. government has taken it one step further, with Premier David Eby directing B.C. government and Crown corporations to buy Candian goods and services over American ones.  

On Sunday morning, several of my colleagues and I reached out to Mayor Sutcliffe to propose that Ottawa adopt similar measures to prioritize Canadian purchasing over American goods and services. Mayor Sutcliffe responded with forceful action later that day, and a motion passed at Tuesday’s Finance & Corporate Services meeting which addressed this topic and laid out specific actions.  

In the meantime, there’s never been a better time to say it: please buy local! 

Provincial election 

If you ask people what they think this snap provincial election is about, many of them will give a one-word answer: Trump. Indeed, Premier Ford has said that his reason for calling an early snap election is to seek a mandate to respond to Trump’s tariffs and the ensuing trade war.  

Certainly, this is a critical issue for Ontarians to consider, but I’m always wary of when incumbent governments seek to define the “ballot question”. Truly, the “ballot question” for this election should be whatever each individual voter thinks it is.     

Most readers of this newsletter understand that there are separations between what I can do at the municipal level, and what MPPs can do at the provincial level. Nevertheless, I regularly get requests from residents asking me to do something that falls within provincial jurisdiction, or that I can’t do without greater provincial support.  

And so, I will be reaching out to candidates of both of Ward 9’s provincial ridings (Ward 9 has segments of two provincial ridings: Nepean, and Ottawa West-Nepean), to convey what I believe to be some of the core issues resonating in Ward 9 that fall within their provincial jurisdiction. While every voter will have their own priorities, here are some of the issues I will be raising with provincial candidates:  

• Health care – Many families in Ottawa struggle to get a family doctor or a primary care physician and wait times at emergency rooms continue to be a problem, which often affects the availability of ambulances for urgent care. This comes at a time when the Queensway Carleton Hospital is trying to secure critical provincial funding to support the urgent expansion of their emergency room, after issuing an alert last week that wait times for their emergency room was over 12 hours.  
• Transit & transportation – Ottawa's growing population is going to need better solutions to how we move around our city. And with today’s exciting provincial election announcements from the Conservatives and the Liberals about transit funding – this could be huge news for Ottawa  -   provincial officials seem to agree. Municipalities across Canada are struggling to cover the operating costs for public transit, and we also need to see new infrastructure that reduces dependency on vehicle transportation and encourages greater use of active modes of transport. Unless we see the same level of investment in Ottawa that we see in other cities across Ontario, then congestion in Ottawa will get worse. So, I will certainly be pressuring the parties to keep their election promises when the provincial government resumes its business after the election. 
• Speed racing – I have had many meetings with Ottawa Police Services to address the constraints they face when it comes to fighting speed racing, which is an issue that affects Ward 9 more than most suburban areas. More often than not, it’s the limitations contained in the Highway Traffic Act, or in the court system, that prevent local police from getting speed racers off the road and keeping them off. But there are potential changes to provincial legislation that can give Ottawa Police Services many more tools with which to make our roads safer from dangerous drivers.  

Stay tuned for more info in our next issue. And be sure to raise these issues and any other you might have with your candidates in this provincial election.  

Newcomer Reception Centre 

There continue to be developments regarding the Newcomer Reception Centre. If you haven’t already seen it, we published a substantive update on January 22nd.   

Here are a few updates: 

• At last week’s Council meeting, my motion to address the future use of the structure to be built at 1645 Woodroffe passed unanimously. The goal of this motion – which has now been achieved – was to have Council pass a directive that now holds staff and Council accountable for prioritizing the future use of the structure, once it’s no longer needed as a Newcomer Reception Centre. The amended language of the motion now states that “any future use of the pre-fabricated building structure once the needs of the Newcomer Reception Centre are fulfilled prioritize recreational and/or community uses.” The last-minute addition of the “and/or community” from Councillor Brockington was done to ensure that potential “community” uses (e.g. library, seniors centre) be considered in addition to “recreational uses” (e.g. pickleball courts, art studios).  

• I received an update from staff on the Inquiry on Clarity & Transparency of Newcomer Reception Centre that I brought to the January 22nd Council meeting. Council will receive a public response to this Inquiry in March. But some of the information I requested may be available sooner (e.g. procurement, project financing), and I will share that information when it becomes available.  

• Following the original announcement of the City’s procurement process – which had raised concerns that it had the appearance of being a sole-source contract – the City has now announced that it has received three additional submissions from businesses asking to be allowed to bid on the project. The procurement team is assessing those qualification submissions, and we should hear more in the coming days.  

• Finally, news came out this week that Peel Region has taken a different approach to its choice of facility for the temporary sheltering of asylum seekers. The Peel Reception Centre that opens this week is a converted office building that reportedly will house 680 asylum seekers in dormitory-style settings, funded by the same federal funding program that’s funding Ottawa’s solution. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown wrote an op-ed about his city’s success in delivering this model. What stands out in comparing Peel’s solution to Ottawa’s is the significantly lower cost-per-bed, but also the speed with which Peel delivered its solution. However, Peel Region may have been operating under emergency conditions that accelerated their process. Plus, there’s a major difference in the dorm-style housing that the Peel Region will be offering compared to the more dignified “pod style” model to be employed in Ottawa. Finally, the Peel Region is leasing their facility, whereas Ottawa will own its facility, which will eventually be converted to recreational and/or community use. I will be talking further with City of Ottawa staff to get their understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the two different delivery models.       

Dangerous intersections 

On January 24th there was a horrific collision at the intersection of Woodroffe Avenue and Knoxdale Road. I arrived on scene within a couple hours of the accident and saw with my own eyes just how severe the damage was to the passenger vehicle and the OC Transpo bus involved in the crash. The most recent reports I have from OPS regarding the condition of the young male driver of the private vehicle is that the injuries were life-threatening. I have already scheduled meetings with Traffic Services to learn more about the possible causes of this accident and to explore potential safety improvements. 

But that’s not the only dangerous intersection in Ward 9. Far from it. In fact, Ward 9 has far more than its fair share of dangerous intersections.  

Last week, Ottawa Police Services released their 2024 Collision Statistics, which is a very informative report on vehicle collisions across the city.   

My office will spend the next week properly analyzing the findings in this report, but here are a few items from the table found on page 52 that should be of concern to Ward 9 residents: 

• Of the city’s top 20 intersections in terms of number of collisions, 6 of those intersections (30%) are in Ward 9. These are marked by the red dots in the table below. An additional 2 of those intersections are within 500 metres of the border of Ward 9. Those are marked by the green dots in the table below. This means that 40% of the city’s most dangerous intersections are either in Ward 9 or in very close proximity to Ward 9. 

• One intersection in Ward 9 (Woodroffe Avenue and West Hunt Club Road) had the 3rd most collisions in the city, while the intersection that ranked 1st in terms of collisions (West Hunt Club and Riverside) is within 500 metres of Ward 9.  

• Hunt Club Road / West Hunt Club Road featured in 6 of the top 20 intersections, including 3 in Ward 9.   

• The table also counts the number of persons that were involved in collisions at each intersection, as well as the number of injuries to those persons. It then calculates what percentage of persons involved in collisions at each intersection experienced injuries. While the average percentage for all 20 intersections was 9.35% (i.e. on average 9.35% of persons involved in collisions experienced injuries), the highest percentage for an intersection, by far, was 18.87%, which was the intersection of Merivale & West Hunt Club.     

There is a lot to digest here, and I don’t wish to jump to conclusions. I’ll be having meetings with Ottawa Police Services, as well as city staff involved in our Road Safety Action Plan. Along with several of my colleagues in the outer urban wards, the data would seem to suggest that our intersections are far more dangerous than most. When we consider the fact that intersections are frequently the most dangerous point of any road, I’d say we have cause for concern.  

Lansdowne finances 

I have raised concerns about the plans for Lansdowne 2.0 several times over the last two years. It is no secret that the massive financial commitment that the project represents gives me pause. There are, of course, good reasons for this. The next phase of plans for revitalizing this key city asset comes with an enormous price tag, verging on half a billion dollars. That’s why the release of the latest financial statements for the Lansdowne partnership have only increased my concern. Once again, the partnership posted a loss in 2023-24—$9.2 million, up from $9.1 the year before—despite the resounding success of the Ottawa Charge PWHL team, a significant boost in overall revenue, and the office and retail space being fully leased by the end of the fiscal year. While, no doubt, interest rates played a role in that loss, interest rates remain below historical averages. The fact that the project has posted a loss every year since its inception is, to say the least, not encouraging. As we approach our final decision point in October 2025, I will continue to monitor the progress of this file and continue to ask pointed questions about the evolving plans for Lansdowne 2.0.  

FEATURE STORY – HOUSING IN WARD 9 

In the first issue of our Ward 9 Newsletter for 2025, Councillor Devine laid out his priorities for the year. One of those priorities was housing. Specifically, our office has been helping to advance some exciting innovations in housing, both in Ward 9 and across Ottawa. For the next several issues of this newsletter, we’re going to share news about some of those projects.  

Today, we’d like to introduce you to an exciting affordable housing infill project at Dunbar Court.  

Dunbar Court is an affordable housing complex located just northeast of Greenbank / West Hunt Club. Owned and operated by the Nepean Housing Corporation, Dunbar Court is a complex of semi-detached, two-storey townhomes. Situated on its own private road, it’s got a lovely community feel to it, filled with small families, new Canadians, seniors, and low-income working professionals.  

With the urgent need for new affordable housing, and with funding available from all levels of government, the leadership team at Nepean Housing Corporation launched a project to convert the undeveloped greenspace at the rear of their property. In the photo below, the area inside the red outlined box is the space that they developed for this infill project.  

In the space that once held only 4 townhomes, Nepean Housing Corporation has now constructed a three-storey low-rise that now contains 31 separate units, comprising bachelor suites, 1-bedroom units, and 2-bedroom units.  

And that’s not all! 

As part of its goal of pursuing innovations in affordable, accessible, and sustainable housing, this new complex also contains several units equipped with special equipment for people with severe disabilities. It also includes solar arrays as window awnings on the building’s southern wall. Not only do the awnings protect these southern-facing units from heat, but they also generate solar power to help support the building’s power needs.  

The City of Ottawa is a proud partner on this project, and contributed $5.4 million in project funding. Councillor Devine was extremely pleased to help advance the project by getting Hydro Ottawa to accelerate some of the work required and toured the site last year with Nepean Housing Corporation  
Executive Director Tom Belanger and Capital Project Manager Tim Dowell. You can learn a little more about the project details and climate innovations in videos taken during that tour. The Councillor is now working with Tom and Tim to help develop exciting environmental projects in the surplus municipal land immediately adjacent to Dunbar Court.  

This project is set to be completed in early 2025. Councillor Devine looks forward to helping Nepean Housing Corporation welcome its new residents and all of Dunbar Court with a BBQ this Spring! 

CITY WORKS 

Trend Arlington Pavilion 

Our office is excited about the positive development of the new Trend Arlington Outdoor Pavilion, which is a project that Councillor Devine initiated back over six years ago when he was president of the Trend Arlington Community Association. This project originated after the 2018 tornado, and the new structure will even incorporate some of the wood from trees that residents salvaged after the storm.  

The photos below are images from the ongoing milling and preparation of the pavilion’s wooden structure. The current schedule will see the pavilion construction beginning in early February. Stay tuned for a grand opening in Spring 2025.  

Medhurst Splashpad 

We’re also excited to see progress in the new Medhurst Splashpad project, which Councillor Devine initiated by securing a $200,000 contribution from Hydro One to the community of Tanglewood, to recognize the multi-year impact of Hydro One’s mega-project at the Merivale Transformer Station. The contribution from Hydro One, as well as funds contributed by the Tanglewood Hillsdale Community Association, have been matched by the City of Ottawa, resulting in a project budget of approximately $450,000.  

There will soon be a community consultation process where Tanglewood residents will be able to choose from two or more designs for a splashpad. The current schedule will see this new amenity open in Summer 2026.  

Woodroffe Avenue watermain repair 

Our office is happy to report that as of last week, repair works on the distressed section of the Woodroffe Avenue watermain has been completed. The watermain was returned to service on January 29th. The final reinstatement work is scheduled for the spring and, once it begins, will take a few days to complete. Details about the traffic impacts will be provided closer to that time.  

We’re also pleased to report that this emergency repair work was the result of the city’s watermain monitoring system, which is a proactive system that actively and regularly surveys and monitors all of Ottawa’s critical watermains. Councillor Devine has been very active in engaging with city staff on this matter, ever since submitting an Inquiry on the status of the city’s critical water infrastructure. Th Councillor will soon be doing a tour / demonstration of the watermain monitoring system.  

Merivale Transformer Station: weekend work 

While construction work at the Hydro One Merivale Transformer Station in Tanglewood continues, we have learned from Hydro One that, due to schedule delays resulting from supply chain issues, the project risks falling behind schedule unless they do more weekend work to keep on track. As we know that weekend work will cause stress and inconvenience to Tanglewood residents, we’ve asked Hydro One to provide more detail.  

To maintain their project schedule, weekend work will be required throughout the month of February into early Spring 2025. This involves the delivery and installation of steel materials, with work taking place on Saturdays during daylight hours. They do not anticipate any work on Sundays. 

Residents can expect construction activity with the use of heavy machinery at the site during the week and on Saturdays. Crews will begin mobilizing on-site as early as 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays while complying with the municipal noise by-law. To minimize disturbances, Hydro One is making every effort to operate heavy equipment and install steel only after 9:00 a.m. on weekends and to complete the work as efficiently as possible. For more information, please refer to Hydro One’s public notice. 

Hydro Ottawa: protecting your home against winter outages 

Winter storms present unique challenges that can affect power restoration efforts, including icy conditions, heavy snow, and extreme cold. Hydro Ottawa is committed to maintaining reliable service while prioritizing the safety of the public and our crews. From why winter complicates restoration to key steps residents can take before, during, and after an outage, we aim to keep everyone informed and prepared. To learn more about winter outages, read Hydro Ottawa’s latest blog.  

Cold Weather, Warm Pipes: Top Tips to Keep Your Pipes Flowing 

Winter in Ottawa brings many joys, but frozen water pipes are not one of them. With fluctuating temperatures and the possibility of prolonged cold spells, keeping your pipes from freezing becomes an important task. As frost seeps deeper into the ground, it can freeze water lines—the underground pipes that connect your home to the City’s watermain—leaving you without water. 

But don't worry! Here are top tips for protecting your pipes from the cold: 

1. Keep the Heat On: Maintain an indoor temperature of at least 8°C, even if you’re away for a few days. 
2. Warm Up Water Lines: Leave doors open to areas with water lines or your water meter, especially in colder basements, to allow heat to circulate. 
3. Insulate Pipes Near Exterior Walls: Wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes that are more likely to freeze, like those near exterior walls, in crawl spaces, or attics. 
4. Close Your Garage: Keep the garage door shut to prevent cold air from reaching hidden water pipes, such as those in the ceiling servicing upstairs bathrooms. 
5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Ensure outdoor taps are disconnected to prevent freezing. If you have an older tap with a shutoff valve, turn it off for the winter. 
6. Leave Your Water Service Buried: The snow acts as insulation, so avoid clearing it from around your water service line to keep the frost from reaching the pipes. 
7. Locate Your Shut-Off Valve: Know where your home’s water shut-off valve is and make sure it’s operational. This will help you act quickly if there’s a burst pipe. 

If you find no water coming from your taps, you may have a frozen pipe. Contact 3-1-1 to submit a service request. The City’s First Response Team will assess the issue and help restore your water service as soon as possible. 

Free Home Energy Upgrades 

Struggling with high energy bills, drafts, or poor indoor air quality? EnviroCentre helps income-eligible households save on energy costs and improve home comfort. You could get free upgrades like: 

• Energy-efficient fridge 
• Energy-efficient freezer 
• ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs 
• Additional attic or basement insulation 
• Smart thermostats 
• Cold climate air source heat pump 

Find out if you qualify – visit EnviroCentre's website today! 

Funding opportunity environmental sustainability projects 

Applications are now open for the City of Ottawa’s 2025 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP). CEPGP provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa. The application deadline is Monday, March 31 at 4:00 p.m.  For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to submit an application, please visit Ottawa.ca/cepgp.    

Ottawa’s Tree Dedication Program 

In June 2024, Ottawa City Council approved the launch of the new Tree Dedication Program, which replaces the former Commemorative Tree Program. This updated initiative provides residents with the opportunity to dedicate a tree in celebration of milestones such as births, anniversaries, or other significant events. Applicants can choose from pre-determined locations across various City parks, with the option to select tree species based on site conditions. Applicants are responsible for the costs, which include the tree’s supply, installation, three years of watering, public utility locates, and the tree tag and plaque. Planting typically takes place in the spring (May to June) or fall (October to November), and while specific planting dates cannot be accommodated, applicants will be informed of any delays due to weather. Additionally, applicants are not permitted on-site during planting, and nothing is allowed to be buried at the base of the tree. For more information, or to apply, please visit the Tree Dedication interactive map and follow the application process. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  

Elder Abuse Online Seminar  

Elder abuse is a growing concern among Ottawa's older adult community, and the situation has only worsened in recent years due to a loss of provincial funding for resources to address this crisis. Elder abuse can take many forms - physical, psychological, financial, neglect - and the sources and causes of elder abuse are wide and varied.  

Following the success of last year's Older Adults Summit, Councillor Devine will be hosting an Elder Abuse Online Seminar on Monday, March 24th. We’ll be posting more details in the coming weeks.  

Ward 9 Pop-up Office Hours 

Our team is once again hosting Pop-Up Office Hours, an opportunity for residents to have a one-on-one chat with Councillor Devine to discuss municipal issues, or to address local concerns. We'll be hosting these events every 3 - 4 weeks at different public spaces around Ward 9.  

Here are details about the first two sessions:  

• On February 21st from 2:30pm – 4:30pm we’ll be in Craig Henry. 

• On March 14th from 2:30pm – 4:30pm we’ll be in General Burns / Fisher Glen.

Details of subsequent sessions will be in our next newsletter.  

Kindergarten registration 

OCDSB 

Exciting times are ahead for families with children turning 4 in 2025! The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is ready to welcome your child to an inclusive, safe, and dynamic Kindergarten program where they will begin their educational journey in a nurturing environment. The classes are designed to help children explore, problem-solve, and make new friends, fostering their social, emotional, and academic growth. 

• Kindergarten Information Nights: OCDSB schools are hosting in-person Kindergarten Information Nights in January and February 2025. This is your chance to visit your local school, meet staff, ask questions, and learn more about the Kindergarten offerings. Find an information night near you! 

• Registration is now open for Kindergarten 2025! It’s easy to register – visit the Kindergarten Registration page to sign up online at your convenience. 

OCSB

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is excited to invite you to the Kindergarten Open House Nights in March 2025, where you’ll have the chance to explore what awaits your child in our welcoming and nurturing classrooms. OCSB is committed to providing an inclusive educational experience for children of all religions.  

• Take a Virtual 3D Tour: Can’t wait until the Open House? In the meantime, OCDSB is offering a virtual 3D tour of the Kindergarten classrooms, allowing you to experience the space from the comfort of your home. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with our learning environments and get excited about what’s to come! 

• Registration is now open for Kindergarten 2025! Visit the Registration page to sign up online at your convenience. 

Raoul Wallenberg Park Fitness Equipment 

The City of Ottawa is excited to announce its plans to install new fitness equipment at Raoul Wallenberg Park! Designed to encourage physical activity and promote wellness in the community, the new outdoor fitness station is perfect for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. 

The addition of fitness equipment at Raoul Wallenberg Park is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing recreational spaces and creating inclusive, active environments for residents. 

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY  

Thank you, Dr. Vera Etches 

Last Friday, January 31, marked the last day for Dr. Vera Etches as Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health. At a ceremony at the January 22 City Council meeting, Etches was recognized for her work over the last few years, particularly for shepherding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Etches has been with Ottawa Public Health since 2009, eventually becoming the Medical Officer in 2018. Dr. Etches is moving on to become the new CEO of CHEO, a post she will take up in the first week of March. While the Board of Health conducts a search for her replacement, Dr. Trevor Arnason will serve as the interim medical officer. Councillor Devine would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Etches for her many years of service and leadership. 

Respiratory disease update 

We are in the depths of winter and, no doubt, you are seeing a lot of illness around you right now. You are not imagining things. Levels of all respiratory illness have been elevated over the last month and continue to lead to increased levels of hospitalization in Ottawa. So when you are out and about, exercise some caution. Wear a good mask when you are in group settings, use air filters, and stay home and get better when you are ill. 

Affordable Spay & Neuter Event – Hosted by HolliBell Foundation  

Councillor Sean Devine’s office is pleased to support the HolliBell Foundation’s Spay & Neuter Initiative, an event designed to provide accessible and affordable spay and neuter services for cats in our community. 

• Date: April 29, 2025 
• Location: Howard Darwin Centennial Arena (Parking Lot) 

How It Works: 

Morning Drop-Off (Exact Time TBD): Pet owners will arrive at the designated parking area in the morning to check in and drop off their cats. The HolliBell Foundation team will be on-site to ensure all paperwork is completed before safely transporting the cats to an off-site veterinary facility. 

Transport & Surgery: Once checked in, cats will be transported by HolliBell to a veterinary clinic for their spay or neuter procedure. 

Evening Pick-Up (Exact Time TBD): After surgery and recovery, the cats will be transported back to the same location in the evening, where owners can pick them up. The HolliBell team will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

Cost & Registration: This is a low-cost service, and pre-registration is required. To secure a spot, please fill out the registration form on the HolliBell Foundation’s website. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged! 

This initiative helps reduce the stray population and supports responsible pet ownership in our community. We encourage all cat owners to take advantage of this opportunity! 

Winter helmet safety 

Ottawa has had a solid bout of cold winter weather this year and that means there have been lots of opportunities for outdoor winter fun. Whether you are skating, sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling, it's important to be safe while you’re enjoying all that the season has to offer. OPH is reminding residents that a key piece of gear for your winter gear is a good helmet designed specifically for your favourite activity. Check out these helpful resources and gear up! 

OPH Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub 

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 

Public meeting: 780 Baseline 

Work is expected to begin this June on Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the Lone Star Plaza at 780 Baseline Road. If you are wondering what to expect and how the site will be managed when this major project gets underway, here is your opportunity to hear about and provide your feedback on the developer’s plans. Councillor Devine will be hosting a public Information Session for 780 Baseline with the developer, Theberge Homes, on March 6th at 7:30pm, to be held at the Fisher Heights Community Centre. The session will focus on what work is expected this year, how the site will be managed, impacts on the neighbouring roads and infrastructure, and the expected timing for various phases of the project. We hope to see you there! 

2175 Prince of Wales 

There is a planned development at 2175 Prince of Wales, which is a large undeveloped space just southeast of the intersection of Prince of Wales and West Hunt Club. This parcel of land is the subject of a Zoning By-Law Amendment application, to change the zoning of this parcel to “General Industrial”. The stated intention of the landowner (Myers Auto Group) is to develop the land either as an auto dealership, or as a hotel.  

The period for public comments on this application closed February 3rd, and this application will be coming to Planning & Housing Committee in late Spring.  

Councillor Devine has met with representatives from Myers Auto Group and facilitated a meeting with Myers Auto Group and leaders from the Country Place Community Association.  Councillor Devine is also meeting with city planners to address questions and concerns raised by the community.  

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS 

Glens Community Association Winter Carnival 

Celebrate Black History Month with Ottawa Public Library 

February is Black History Month, and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites the community to celebrate the significant contributions of Black Canadians to our history, culture, and society. This month, OPL has curated a diverse lineup of events, workshops, and film screenings that offer enriching opportunities for learning, reflection, and fun. 

Here’s what’s coming up at OPL for Black History Month: 

• February 7, 1:30 PM at North Gloucester Branch: Afro-Caribbean Dance 

• February 7, 2 PM at Cumberland Branch: Sci-Fi Fridays Film Screening: Parallel 

• February 7, 3:45 PM at Hazeldean Branch: Traditional Storytelling 

• February 7, 7 PM at La Nouvelle Scène: Afrofuturisme – Réimaginer les futurs de la diaspora africaine with Mélodie Joseph 

• February 8, 2:30 PM at Blackburn Hamlet Branch: Traditional Storytelling with Jacqui Du Toit 

• February 9, 2 PM at Cumberland Branch: Docu-Dimanche: Ali Farka Touré: Ça coule de source 

• February 9, 2 PM at Nepean Centrepointe Branch: Stories from the Black Diaspora 

• February 12, 1:30 PM at Metcalfe Village Branch: Afro-Caribbean Dance 

• February 14, 1:30 PM at Beaverbrook Branch: Afro-Caribbean Dance 

• February 21, 3:30 PM at Carlingwood Branch: Character Development Workshop 

• February 22, 2:30 PM at Centennial Branch: Film Screening: Someone Like Me 

• February 22, 3 PM at Greenboro Branch: Black History Month Film Screening: John Ware Reclaimed 

• February 25, 7 PM at Greenboro Branch: Celebrate Black History Through Film and Music 

These events are designed to promote meaningful engagement with Black history and culture, offering everything from artistic performances and storytelling to thought-provoking discussions and film screenings. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Explore Black Heritage & Culture 

In addition to the events, Ottawa Public Library invites you to explore their curated booklist featuring stories, histories, and voices that highlight Black heritage and culture. 

All events are free and open to the public, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all. For more details, visit biblioottawalibrary.ca. 

Join the Ottawa Mission for The Coldest Night of the Year 

On February 22nd, get ready for a winterrific, family-friendly fundraising event that makes a big impact! The Coldest Night of the Year is an annual walk dedicated to raising funds for local charities that support people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. It’s a great way to give back while enjoying the crisp winter air! 

Team up, fundraise, and walk together to support those in need. Whether you're walking as a family, with friends, or as part of a team, this event promises to bring the community together for a meaningful cause. The walk is fun for all ages, so gather your loved ones, bundle up, and join us as we change the tune for people who need it most. Together, we can make a difference and show that compassion doesn’t freeze, no matter how cold it gets outside. 

For more details and to sign up, visit the Coldest Night of the Year Website.  

Let Girls Play: mobile soccer clinic