Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Three dead in double-decker bus crash at Westboro Station, 23 others injured

By various reporters, Ottawa Citizen, January 11, 2018

What we know about the crash:

* A westbound double-decker bus travelling on the Transitway hit Westboro Station around 3:50 p.m. on Friday * Three people are dead and 23 were injured * Two people died while on the bus, while the other person died standing on the platform * One witness said the bus hit a patch of ice before crashing into the side of the station * The police chief said it was Route 269. He said the driver of the bus was arrested and taken in for questioning. “Something led us” to arrest her, said the chief.

Sidewalk Maintenance Standards

By CBC News Ottawa, January 11, 2018

Intrepid seniors are taking to the streets over the state of the city's sidewalks. Our reporter Deborah MacAskill joined the Snow Moles of Old Ottawa South on a sidewalk audit. 10:18

Anti-pipeline protesters descend on Ottawa, delay Trudeau appearance

By the Canadian Press, Global News, January 9, 2019

OTTAWA – Dozens of protesters delayed an appearance by the prime minister Tuesday afternoon, drumming and chanting in a government building where Justin Trudeau was set to speak.

Police have kept Trudeau out of a Sussex Drive office building in Ottawa, where he’s to address a forum bringing together federal officials and representatives from self-governing First Nations that have “modern” treaties with the Crown.

City of Ottawa aiming to open LRT to public in April

By Jeff Slack, 1310 News, January 8, 2019

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is confident members of the public will be riding the Confederation Line by late April.

"I've been told generally it takes three to four weeks to get everything up and running to make sure we meet all the safety standards, which of course is our first and most important preoccupation," Watson told the Rick Gibbons Show on 1310 NEWS.

However, this will only be possible if there is a smooth transition.

"Our folks in transit services have responsibilities that they have to fulfill, and they anticipate that to be three to four weeks which would be the end of April," Watson added.

The train is coming through: House of Pizza last business open in Richmond Road strip mall

By Blair Crawford, Ottawa Sun, January 9, 2019

For 23 years, Gabriel Khater has come to work at his House of Pizza at 747 Richmond Road.

Seven days a week — 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 11 to 2 a.m. on weekends.

“I feel like I could close my eyes and run the store,” Khater said as he slices up a fresh-from-the-oven pie in his pizzeria, the last business left open in the once thriving strip mall.

In a few years, train tracks will run through this mall near the corner of Richmond and Cleary Avenue, which has been expropriated by the city as it prepares for Phase 2 of the LRT system. The mall will be the site of the train’s Cleary Station.

Meehan: Development fees don't trump smart planning

By Carole Anne Meehan, Ottawa Citizen, January 7, 2018

We invited each of Ottawa’s seven new city councillors to outline their priorities. Today: Carol Anne Meehan, councillor for Gloucester-South Nepean, warns against poorly planned residential development.

 

During the 2018 municipal election campaign, the big issue in Gloucester–South Nepean was roads and transit. In the south end of the city, we have a huge problem. Thousands upon thousands of new homes are being built, but the road and transit infrastructure has changed very little.

If you live in our ward and you work downtown or in the urban core, you face gridlock and snail-paced commutes regardless of whether you take your car or OC Transpo. As a candidate for councillor, I suggested Ottawa put the brakes on development until we solve the mess; now, after being in office only a short time, I am convinced that we can no longer allow residential development to continue as it has.

Everything you need to know about the Elgin Street renewal in 2019 — and beyond

By Taylor Blewett, Ottawa Citizen, January 7, 2018

(...)The completed project is slated to transform 16 blocks between Gloucester and Isabella Streets with wider sidewalks, infrastructure upgrades and streetscaping, among other changes. But in the meantime, it’s going to seriously disrupt traffic in the area.

(...)The changes will include wider sidewalks that conform to accessibility standards, flexible parking spaces that can also be used for streetside restaurant patios, public art, bicycle racks and streetscape elements such as tree planting and seating areas.

(...)Pedestrians, Cyclists, Transit

For pedestrians, access to both sides of Elgin Street will be maintained at all times, either though a sidewalk or pedestrian clearway alongside building facades or down the centre of the street.

For cyclists, there will be a signed detour route.

Warmer water making ice building on Canal a challenge

By CTV News Ottawa, January 4, 2019

Warmer than usual water temperature is making it challenging to build ice in some sections of the Rideau Canal Skateway, according to the National Capital Commission (NCC).

“We noticed more vapour than normal…water discharging more heavily…we believe it seems to be warmer water than usual,” says Bruce Devine, senior manager of the Rideau Canal Skateway.

The NCC says in late December 2017 and again in December 2018 while the weather was very cold, the water was warmer and the ice wasn’t growing at the expected pace.

3 ways to get rid of your old Christmas tree

By CBC News Ottawa, January 5, 2019

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how do I get rid of thee?

With the holidays behind us, many families are setting their trees out on the curb, waiting for them to be collected.

But that isn't the only way to do it, and some organizations would really appreciate it if you got in touch.

(...)Dave Adams, also known as "Groomer Dave," is gathering trees for the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) winter trail.

(...)The Ottawa Wild Bird Care Centre's Patty McLaughlin suggests your back deck could actually be the best place for your old tree.

(..)The Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in nearby Greater Napanee, Ont., would happily take any trees on offer.

The centre's Tess Miller said many of their injured animals love the trees — particularly porcupines.

She said her tree is on her deck now, near some bird feeders, providing birds "a place of protection."

Today's letters: On the Public Service's real woes, LeBreton and matters of thanks

By Dono Bandoro and Carol Clemenhagen, Ottawa Citizen Letters to the Editor, January 5, 2019

(...)Municipalities right to pursue costs Re: Turning up the heat on climate change, Jan. 2

I applaud the efforts being made by municipalities in British Columbia to forge a united front to confront the threat of climate change by demanding accountability from the oil and gas companies for their contribution to climate change. No one can really blame these municipalities for taking an activist stance on climate change. After all municipalities are at the fore front when it comes being impacted by climate change, such as flooding, forest fires and destruction caused by increasingly severe weather changes. The key for these municipalities is to ensure that they absolutely understand the scientific facts behind climate change and being able to articulate and educate companies as well as their constituents on the negative impacts of climate change and to develop strategies to mitigate them. Other communities across Canada should follow in their footsteps and take up the challenge of confronting climate change intelligently within their communities.

(...)Why not think green at LeBreton?

With the meltdown of RendezVous LeBreton, the NCC now has a rare opportunity: to make reforestation and re-naturalization our LeBreton Flats re-development. The public’s priorities are clear. Protected green space was the strongest direction to the NCC in all its consultations on LeBreton Flats. A concern was the threat of multiple unit housing overtaking green space. The NCC should be considering an urban forest for LeBreton Flats, a renewable asset offering immeasurable natural beauty, practical green house gas absorption, and public recreation in the heart of the city.

Mike Holmes: Trends worth building on in 2019

By Mike Holmes, Ottawa Citizen, January 4, 2018

(...)More green technology and net-zero building

I love the trend of net-zero building — a home that creates as much (or more) energy than it consumes. By utilizing solar, wind or another source of renewable energy, you can provide enough power to run your home comfortably.

Of course, this all becomes much more difficult if your home wastes a ton of energy in the first place. How do we fix that? You’ll also need to make sure the building envelope is in good shape — that means prevent air leaks, heat loss, and stopping water from getting into the home.

Farmers fume over expected focus on plant-based proteins in Canada Food Guide makeover

By the Canadian Press, Ottawa Citizen, January 5, 2018

OTTAWA — An overhaul of the Canada Food Guide is set to be released soon, a highly anticipated makeover that will do away with the rainbow visual many Canadians associate with the dietary guide commonly used in hospitals and daycares.

One of the major changes expected in the new guide is a focus on plant-based sources of proteins — a move that has sparked concern among industry players, including the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, the national policy and lobby organization representing Canada’s farmers warned the decision could have a detrimental impact on future generations and harm a sector that continues to be “negatively impacted by the concessions granted in recent trade agreements.”