By Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen, February 10, 2014
OTTAWA — Expect 2014 to be a “breakthrough year” for the health of the Ottawa River, says the head of an environmental watchdog group.
Graham Saul, executive director of Ecology Ottawa, is looking to Tuesday’s federal budget in anticipation that there will be some funding for a $195-million project to reduce untreated sewage being dumped into the Ottawa River.
By David Reevely, Ottawa Citizen Blog, February 10, 2014
Veteran Somerset councillor Diane Holmes is very displeased with the way the city’s planning department has been conducting itself in her ward. She’s posted her community-paper column on her website.
The Development Review Services Branch is responsible for processing development applications. It has become increasingly apparent that this branch no longer represents the citizens, or neighbourhoods in the Ward. Rather, this branch represents the interests of the development industry. Applications are pushed through. Input from the public is generally disregarded because this branch considers residents’ comments to be NIMBY comments.
By Jessica Chin, Ottawa Citizen, February 10, 2014
OTTAWA — Snow blowers were out in full force Monday on the frozen Rideau River, as city crews began preparing for spring flood prevention.
Before they start the annual icebreaking program, crews must clear the snow off the top of the Rideau River. The City of Ottawa is in charge of the work, with the help of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which has environmental protection responsibilities for the Rideau Valley watershed.
By CBC News Ottawa, February 9, 2014
A co-housing complex in Ottawa with communal living spaces, shared backyards and group meals could be the model for a new development in Almonte.
A group visited the fenceless community called Terra Firma on Drummond Street in Old Ottawa East for inspiration.
By Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen, February 9, 2014
OTTAWA — The National Capital Commission is looking for proposals from businesses, community groups and recreation and arts organizations for pilot projects that will “animate” public spaces along the Ottawa River.
The open call for proposals seeks ideas that would aid in “placemaking” on the historic riverfront. Placemaking is the practice of creating spaces that are vibrant and interesting, promoting and attracting social interaction.
By Ottawa Citizen, February 9, 2014
OTTAWA — To the outsider, they might seem slightly mad but, for the third year in a row, dozens of the capital’s biking enthusiasts rolled through city neighbourhoods Saturday to prove that winter cycling is a doable and enjoyable thing.
Organized by Citizens for Safe Cycling and 8LocksFlat, the Family Winter Bike Parade started at the back of city hall, then rolled leisurely through Sandy Hill, ending at the Cork Town Bridge, a shared-space pedestrian and bike bridge over the Rideau Canal.
By Joe Oliver, Ottawa Citizen Letter to the Editor, February 7, 2014
Re: Cut tax on propane, governments urged, Feb. 5.
In response to former Toronto-area MP Dan McTeague's assertion that the propane shortage and price hikes have received little attention from the government of Canada, I would like to assure Canadians that we are doing our part in conjunction with our provincial counterparts and the industry, and will continue to carefully monitor the situation.
By Zachary Emery, Ottawa Citizen Letter to the Editor, February 8, 2014
Re: Enbridge gas purge causes big stink across capital region, Feb. 7.
My classmates and I at Algonquin College were certainly not having a gas on Thursday afternoon. Enbridge Gas Distribution's planned natural gas purge came upon us by surprise, causing nausea, dizziness and headaches in some of my classmates. In some cases, these symptoms lasted for several hours. One classmate confided in me that she couldn't stomach food afterwards until late that night.
By Ottawa Citizen, February 7, 2014
OTTAWA — It’s a sure sign that spring is on the way.
Crews will be on the Rideau River Monday to begin ice breaking operations in advance of the spring flood.
The work, which is done by the City of Ottawa and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, will begin by cutting leads on the river ice between Rideau Falls and Hogs Back. Blasting will begin March 1.
By CTV News Ottawa, February 7, 2014
The City of Gatineau has issued a preventative boil water advisory for residents in the Limbour and Touraine as crews continue work to repair a water main break on Saint Louis Street.
The advisory affects around 12,000 residents living north of Gatineau Avenue to the Cantley limits.
