Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Developers could be tapped to build city parks

By Laura Mueller, Ottawa Community News, April 17, 2014

The city is looking at getting out of the business of building new suburban parks and instead letting developers do the work. That's a proposal being looked at as part of an internal review of the city's development charges bylaw. Developers already pay for the parks to be built - it's part of the charge for development, which covers the construction of new infrastructure and facilities needed to support the larger population when a new development goes in. via Developers could be tapped to build city parks.

New farmers market coming to Beechwood; Local produce, artisans, family activities to be a part of the weekly summer event

By Michelle Nash, Ottawa Community News, April 17, 2014

A farmers' market is coming to Beechwood Avenue this summer. Vanier resident and co-ordinator of the Claridge Homes Beechwood Famers' Market, via New farmers market coming to Beechwood; Local produce, artisans, family activities to be a part of the weekly summer event.

580 CFRA News Talk Radio :: BIA hoping to smash stigma surrounding Vanier :: News - Article

By Alison Sandor and Lauren Davis, CFRA News, April 17, 2014

The Quartier Vanier Business Improvement Area is working to breathe new life into what's often regarded as a run-down, or even seedy community.

The BIA held a seminar Wednesday night to set the record straight and attract new investors.

Crime is down 20 per cent in the past five years, developers are investing millions in new residential units and local businesses are doing facade work.

Monthly natural gas price fluctuations could be more than expected, analysis shows

By Vito Pilieci, Ottawa Citizen, April 17, 2014

OTTAWA — The unrelenting cold this winter has left Enbridge Gas Distribution with a $655.5-million tab it now needs to recoup from consumers.

The utility applied to the Ontario Energy Board last month for a major increase to the natural gas rate it charges consumers.

$40M in conservation projects planned by public works

Ottawa & Region

News

Ottawa Sun

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Sun, April 17, 2014

The city's public works department wants to spend $40 million over four years on energy-saving retrofits. The bulk of the money would be spent on changing 67,000 streetlights to LED technology at a cost of $8 million annually. When the full installation is done the city would save $5.3 million annually in energy and maintenance costs, according to a report published Thursday for council's environment committee. via $40M in conservation projects planned by public works | Ottawa & Region | News | Ottawa Sun.

NCC sells Ottawa bike-share service to US-based CycleHop - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, April 17, 2014

US-based CycleHop will run Ottawa’s bike-share service as it takes over from the National Capital Commission, the NCC announced Thursday. The sale by the NCC to CycleHop took effect Thursday and CycleHop, as the new owner and operator, has promised to double the program within the next few years. via NCC sells Ottawa bike-share service to US-based CycleHop - Ottawa - CBC News.

Bike racks to make a comeback on OC Transpo buses

Metro

By Lucy Scholey, Metro News Ottawa, April 16, 2014

It might be too chilly for many Ottawa cyclists to bust out their two-wheeled rides, but it’s the right season for OC Transpo buses to re-install bike racks. Anyone thinking about dusting off the bike for daily work commutes might plan for April 20. That’s when the racks are making a comeback on bus fronts. via Bike racks to make a comeback on OC Transpo buses | Metro.

Another university-area apartment up for debate

Ottawa & Region

News

Ottawa Sun

By Jon Willing Ottawa Sun, April 16, 2014

Another application to build an apartment complex near the University of Ottawa has hit the planning committee's agenda. The proposal for a nine-storey, 120-unit building at 45 Mann Ave. will be subject to debate during a meeting next Tuesday. Current zoning for the property allows a six-storey building but city planning staff are satisfied a nine-storey building would be appropriate for the land. via Another university-area apartment up for debate | Ottawa & Region | News | Ottawa Sun.

Snap freeze stopped floods: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

Ottawa & Region

News

Ottawa Sun

By Megan Gillis, Ottawa Sun, April 16, 2014

For once this year, we can be grateful for the deep freeze. That cold snap slowed runoff after April showers threatened to bring more flooding, according to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Water levels along the swollen Rideau River have peaked and are finally on the way down so residents in the low-lying areas will soon be able to pack up the sandbags and drive on their own streets. via Snap freeze stopped floods: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority | Ottawa & Region | News | Ottawa Sun.

Electricity rates going up in Ontario May 1 - Toronto - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, April 16, 2014

Keeping the lights on will cost more for Ontarians next month, following a rate hike approved by regulators on Wednesday. Electricity is going up by 0.6 cents per kilowatt hour during peak hours to 13.5 cents, starting May 1, according to the Ontario Energy Board. The rates for off-peak and mid-peak hours will both go up by 0.3 cents, to 7.5 cents and 11.2 cents per kilowatt hour, respectively. via Electricity rates going up in Ontario May 1 - Toronto - CBC News.

Coalition issues safety warning as waterways fill

By Oliver Sachgau, Ottawa Citizen, April 16, 2014

OTTAWA — Winter may still be trying to hold on to Ottawa, but the city’s waterways are already flowing, and people are being warned to stay clear of them.

The Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition said in a release that higher than normal water levels this year, combined with slippery banks, pose a threat, particularly to young children and pets.

City offers to spot developers $6 million to speed completion of Orléans park

By Joanne Chianello, Ottawa Citizen, April 16, 2014

OTTAWA — The city could potentially loan four developers $6 million to finish a major park in Orléans by 2015, years before it would have been completed otherwise.

At 34 hectares, Millennium Park is already a large recreation facility in the city’s east end, but it turns out that plans to build the remaining 11 hectares somehow fell through the cracks. Not only is there a constant demand for sports fields in the city, there’s a dearth of washrooms for the hundreds of children — and their parents — who use the facility.