Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Dawson: Here's why OC Transpo should worry about Uber

By Tyler Dawson, Ottawa Citizen, December 8, 2017

The reasons people don’t use public transit are fairly straightforward, if not easily solvable. It can be inconvenient or slow. And, these days, it’s not always exceptionally economical.

Why would you sit on a cramped bus when you could drive, carpool or hop in an Uber? Research from the U.S.-based Institute for Transportation Studies says “ride-hailing” leads to a six per cent reduction in bus usage, and a three per cent reduction in light-rail usage among Americans. Now, that’s just one study; other examinations don’t conclude that at all.

Stretch of Blair Road shut due to culvert repairs, sinkhole

By Ottawa Citizen, December 9, 2017

A kilometre-long stretch of Blair Road between Innes Road and Meadowbrook Drive was closed for culvert repairs on Saturday.

The culvert, near the Pineview Golf Club, was apparently damaged by a sinkhole under Blair Road.

The city tweeted shortly after 2 p.m. that the sinkhole was due to a broken watermain.

Councillors propose one-time tax increase to help cover infrastructure gap

By Ted Raymond, CFRA News, December 7, 2017

Eight City Councillors have, so far, signed on to a plan to propose a one-time tax increase next year to help cover a gap in funding for city infrastructure.

The 2018 draft budget will be voted on at City Council December 13, but councillors say there is a $70 million gap in funding for things like roads and sidewalks, and other city-owned infrastructure.

A motion by Kitchissippi ward councillor Jeff Leiper proposes a one-time 0.5% increase to property taxes in 2018, which he says would raise about $8 million to go toward repairing crumbling capital assets. It would mean an extra $12 a year for the average urban homeowner, on top of the $76 increase already laid out in the budget.

B&B owners convince city to consider impact of proposed accommodation tax

 

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, December 5, 2017

(...)Council starts spending phantom hydro dividend surplus

No one knows if the city will collect a larger hydro dividend next year, but council is already looting the phantom surplus.

Hydro Ottawa guarantees sending the city at least a $20-million dividend each year. Any extra money is a bonus for the city.

The city is the hydro utility’s sole shareholder.

The environment committee previously voted in favour of using any hydro dividend surplus for renewable energy projects.

Councillor asks for suggestions for Rideau Canal bridge name

By Josh Pringle, CTV News Ottawa, December 4, 2017

Ottawa residents are being asked to help name the new footbridge over the Rideau Canal.

But Councillor David Chernushenko says “Bridgey McBridgeface is not eligible.”

The Capital Ward Councillor is collecting suggestions for names that honour local historical events, people or places, or outstanding individuals of the community.

Residents can complete the form on Chernushenko’s website, and explain in 250 words or less why it’s an appropriate name. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2018.

Ontario spending $93 million to expand bike lanes

By the Canadian Press, Ottawa Sun, December 4, 2017

TORONTO — The Ontario government says it is increasing its spending on bike lanes across the province.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca says the province is spending $93 million — up from a previously announced $45 million — this year to help 120 communities build bike lanes and biking infrastructure across Ontario.

The spending comes under a four-year municipal commuter plan designed to help Ontario reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Orléans residents perturbed over proposed 13-storey 'flatiron' building

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Sun, December 4, 2017

Residents in an Orléans community are perturbed by a Toronto developer’s plan for a 13-floor “flatiron” building on a triangular chunk of land across from Place d’Orléans — creating a rare tall-building controversy in the eastern suburb.

The Torgan Group, planning this project under the name Orléans Heights Developments, wants to construct the building at 3030 St. Joseph Blvd. in the community of Queenswood Heights, which is considered a gateway landmark property for the commercial strip. The grassy, steep-sloped land is across the street from Place d’Orléans mall.

Pothole claims almost quadrupled since 2015

By Joanne Chianello, CBC News Ottawa, December 4, 2017

The number of claims to the City of Ottawa over damage to cars due to potholes has almost quadrupled in two years.

In 2015, 225 claims were made, while 480 claims were made in 2016.

But so far in 2017, that number has soared to 891, according to a staff brief written in response to an inquiry from Coun. Diane Deans.

$1.75 transit fare for low-income riders approved at transit commission

By CBC News Ottawa, December 4, 2017

Low-income transit riders are a step closer to paying the discount rate of $1.75 for a single ride after the transit commission voted in favour of introducing the new EquiFare.

The commission also passed a motion to credit the $6 cost of buying a Presto card — which is required to take advantage of the lower fare — because advocates have argued that the price was a barrier for low-income riders.

Council must approve both measures as part of the budget discussions on Dec. 13. If approved, the new fare is expected to be in effect by June 2018.

Social housing providers build Canada's greenest apartments

By Emily Chung, CBC News Ottawa, December 5, 2017

They're buildings so energy efficient they don't need a furnace, an air conditioner or any other kind of active climate control to keep their residents comfortable through Canada's sticky summers and icy winters.

"Passive houses" are buildings that rely on insulation, ventilation and heat from their occupants or sun falling on them to maintain the perfect temperature.

In Canada, up until now, they've mostly been single-family dwellings — green dream homes for those who can afford them. But now, builders using international passive-house design principles and standards are scaling up to big apartment buildings.

Today's letters: Blind River, and development woes

By Duncan Bury, Ottawa Citizen Letter to the Editor, December 4, 2017

Our city holds some blame over Blind River

Re: How solar energy dreams became a nightmare for the small Ontario town of Blind River, Dec. 2.

I wonder if any of the past or present members of Ottawa city council and former top city staff who so ardently promoted Plasco are prepared to take any of the responsibility for the financial mess that the town of Blind River has got itself into?

Meeting to feature Kanata Highlands urban expansion area concept plans

By Jessica Cunha, Ottawa Community News, December 1, 2017

Concept plans for the Kanata Highlands urban expansion area will be presented at a public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Planners with the city and Richcraft Homes, which owns the land, will discuss proposed boundaries for future development and environmental protection, as well as locations for stormwater management and municipal parks.

Kanata North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson said its important residents come out, particularly those who live in the Richardson Ridge area.