Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Pedestrian, cycling underpass at U of O to close from May to August

Ottawa Citizen

By Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen, April 18, 2016

A key east-west cycling and pedestrian connection at the University of Ottawa will be closed for the summer to undergo a major facelift as part of light rail construction.

The tunnel underneath Nicholas Street and the Transitway, which is used heavily by those travelling between the campus, Sandy Hill and the west side of the Rideau Canal, will close from May 2 to Aug. 22 as crews tear down the Transitway bridge and reconfigure an adjacent plaza as part of construction of the new uOttawa LRT station.

It’s Richmond or bust for LRT route, Ottawa says

Metro News

By Emma Jackson, Ottawa Metro News, April 14, 2016

If residents don’t want a light rail station on Richmond Road, they’ll have to live with an option they liked even less.

“We’re not revisiting Rochester Field, we’re not revisiting Carling Avenue,” said Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper, who represents many residents affected by the route change. “The city is pretty clear that it considers this new route to be a big advantage.”

George Street Plaza to be revamped

By Michelle Nash, Ottawa Community News, April 14, 2016

Change is coming to the ByWard Market.

Nearly three years after New York-based consultants People for Public Spaces (PPS) released its visioning document for the market, city staffers Court Curry and Dana Collins presented a preliminary report to Lowertown residents, market vendors and retailers at the Lowertown Community Association’s April 11 meeting.

Burn ban in effect for City of Ottawa - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, April 15, 2016

A city-wide fire ban went into effect for Ottawa Friday, one expected to last until green grass starts to show through dead tall grass.

Ottawa Fire Services put the ban in place to prevent the rapid spread of fire due to grass and brush fires.

Open air fires are prohibited during a fire ban, including for those properties that have an open air fire permit.

Proposed bike riding park divides Carlington residents - Ottawa - CBC News

By Stu Mills, CBC News Ottawa, April 16, 2016

A proposal to build a recreation area and trails for cyclists within an existing Ottawa park is threatening to divide the Carlington community.

The Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) is proposing a park with a circuit of small hills and jumps called a "pump track," a mountain bike skills area, dirt jumps, and trails designed for riders of different skill levels. The features would be added to the southern and western edges of Carlington Park, eventually taking up about half of the park area over four phases of construction.

Criticism prompts city to consider more options for ‘rain tax’

Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, April 15, 2016

The city is having second thoughts about how to make landowners pay a “rain tax,” the most controversial rural issue since the city introduced biweekly garbage collection.

Capital Coun. David Chernushenko, chair of council’s environment committee, said the city is looking at a more “nuanced” approach to determining how much people should fork over to the city to pay for stormwater services. Feedback from eight public meetings has prompted the city to consider delaying recommendations by a month.

Cyclists and pedestrian struck as police remind drivers to ‘share the road’

Ottawa Citizen

By Aedan Helmer, Ottawa Citizen, April 15, 2016

Police and paramedics were dealing with three collisions — two involving cyclists and the other a pedestrian, each struck by cars — on opposite ends of the city Friday afternoon.

The collisions happened on the same day Ottawa police posted a prominent notice on their website warning motorists to “Share the Road” with pedestrians and cyclists as the weather warms.

‘Off-the-grid’ solar cabin builder presents $12 innovation in solar power

Ottawa Citizen

By Patrick Jodoin, Ottawa Citizen, April 15, 2016j

A local entrepreneur who made global headlines for his off-the-grid home last year is getting ready to unveil his latest unconventional solution in sustainable energy.

Algonquin College mechanical engineering student Joseph Dupuis was thrust into the spotlight last spring when the story of his solar-powered cabin made from shipping containers went viral.

Criticism prompts city to consider more options for ‘rain tax’

Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, April 24, 2016

The city is having second thoughts about how to make landowners pay a “rain tax,” the most controversial rural issue since the city introduced biweekly garbage collection.

Capital Coun. David Chernushenko, chair of council’s environment committee, said the city is looking at a more “nuanced” approach to determining how much people should fork over to the city to pay for stormwater services. Feedback from eight public meetings has prompted the city to consider delaying recommendations by a month.

City greenlights scofflaw Uber, effective Sept. 30

Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, April 14, 2016

Municipal politicians on Wednesday scolded Uber for bullying its way into Ottawa. Then they legalized the company.

Uber’s roughshod move into the local taxi market ultimately rewarded the international ride-ordering company with its own licence category.

Traffic congestion study sees red light at Ottawa council

Metro News

By Lucy Scholey, Ottawa Metro News, April 13, 2016

Ottawa city council put the brakes on a proposed traffic congestion study on Wednesday.

Several councillors argued the $80,000 study would be too pricey, downtown-centric and ultimately lead to road tolls.

This, after Capital Coun. David Chernushenko tried to explain the study would include solutions to traffic build-up beyond the controversial road tokens. His motion failed 15-8.

Rural, suburban residents flood Nepean water rate meeting

By Megan DeLaire, Ottawa Community News, April 13, 2016

The city’s final water rate consultation meeting on April 7 left residents at the Nepean Sportsplex feeling like the consultation process should be far from over.

With proposed changes to stormwater, wastewater and water rate structures scheduled to go to the environment committee on May 17, residents pleaded with city staff to take more time to weigh the options and adjust them based on public feedback.