Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Pay attention, Ottawa cops tell cyclists, walkers
Ottawa & Region
News
Ottawa Sun

By Danielle Bell, Ottawa Sun, November 29, 2013

Far too often, police say pedestrians and cyclists simply aren’t paying attention. And the consequences can be deadly. “They’re busy, they’re thinking about other things, and I guess they’re rushing to try to get across, and there’s cars coming all the time,” said pedestrian Kealey Crossan, who admittedly was wearing earbuds while walking downtown. via Pay attention, Ottawa cops tell cyclists, walkers | Ottawa & Region | News | Ottawa Sun.

OC Transpo safety plans questioned

By Derek Spalding, Ottawa Citizen, November 29, 2013

OTTAWA — Questions are being raised about what steps OC Transpo is taking to ensure the safety of its bus stops and property after the transit authority failed this week to quickly produce statistics about harassment and assaults on its property.The concerns, voiced by women’s groups, come amid an apparent delay by OC Transpo in releasing a report looking at the best practices for transit safety in other communities.

CFRA - Council approves hikes to property taxes, transit fares, water and sewer rates - News Talk Radio

By Stephanie Kinsella, CFRA News, November 27, 2013

Council approves hikes to property taxes, transit fares, water and sewer rates

City council unanimously approved a 1.9% property tax hike as part of its final approval of the 2014 budget.

It will cost you about an extra $62 for the average urban home owner and $55 more for rural residents.

Stay off the canal folks
Ottawa & Region
News
Ottawa Sun

By Doug Hempstead, Ottawa Sun, November 27, 2013

Apparently, people need to be warned to stay off the Rideau Canal. The NCC issued an advisory Wednesday after a thin layer of ice formed on what will eventually become the world’s longest skating rink. The water level beneath the ice surface varies from three feet to 14 feet along the length of the Rideau Canal between downtown Ottawa and Dow’s Lake. via Stay off the canal folks | Ottawa & Region | News | Ottawa Sun.

Federal government unveils latest vision for Tunney’s Pasture

By Michael Woods, Ottawa Citizen, November 27, 2013

OTTAWA — The federal government’s latest vision for Tunney’s Pasture features more residential units than previous plans, differently-planned green space and could assuage nearby residents’ concerns about their community’s future.Fifteen months after presenting two different options for the campus west of downtown, the government unveiled a single “preferred development option” Wednesday night; a vision for the next quarter-century of development at Tunney’s Pasture.

CFRA - Giving Tuesday set to benefit local charities, non-profits - News Talk Radio

By Alison Sandor, CFRA News, November 26, 2013

We\'ve all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Well there\'s a new day on the horizon this year - Giving Tuesday is a day set aside for people to make a donation to their charity of choice.

Marina Glogovac of CanadaHelps.org told CFRA this day marks the beginning of the giving season.

Ottawa's rail-focused, $4B transportation plan gets unanimous council vote
Ottawa & Region
News
Ottawa Sun

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, November 26, 2013

Mayor Jim Watson can knock on voters’ doors next year armed with a transportation vision supported by every ward in the city.

Council voted 24-0 Monday to implement a $4-billion “affordable” transportation master plan that would see rail extended farther west, east and south.

Chianello: City planners would do well to heed advice of renowned architect

By Joanne Chianello, Ottawa Citizen, November 25, 2013

When Jack Diamond — officer of the Order of Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal winner, all-around Canadian design icon — comes to town to discuss how we should build cities, the cognoscenti take note.

So it was no surprise to discover National Capital Commission executives, senior city planners, Mayor Jim Watson and a couple of councillors, developers, architecture professors and a smattering of media types piled into a Rideau Club dining room late last week to listen to the renowned architect.

Light rail’s real effects

By Sarah Thuswaldner, Ottawa Citizen, November 24, 2013

The morning traffic jam in Ottawa is practically a public landmark, but the city’s efforts to curb it might be misplaced.

Mayor Jim Watson announced a new plan for a light-rail system on Oct. 9. It’s intended to reach as far east as Place d’Orléans, as far west as Bayshore and some distance to the south — although it won’t extend as far as the airport.

While the proposed system neglects some significant parts of the city, more serious problems may develop.

Three reasons to watch Ottawa City Hall this week
Ottawa & Region
News
Ottawa Sun

By John Willing, Ottawa Sun, November 24, 2013

The council term still has about one year left but some decisions this week will mark the end of much of the heavy lifting for Mayor Jim Watson\'s administration.

One more major policy decision remains next year when council considers a new development charge bylaw.

Hybrid OC Transpo catches fire

By Carys Mills, Ottawa Citizen, November 24, 2013

OTTAWA — A hybrid OC Transpo bus caught fire in the engine area on Sunday afternoon near Colonnade Road and Concourse Gate, according to Ottawa Fire Services.

An acting supervisor said there was no one on the bus when firefighters responded around 2:30 p.m. and no one was injured.

City invests heavily in parks and rec, despite budget restraints

By Derek Spalding, Ottawa Citizen, November 22, 2013

OTTAWA — City councillors on Thursday followed up on their push to create more green space by approving budget plans to invest heavily in public parks next year.

Members of the community and protective services committee approved its massive $1-billion 2014 operating budget and a $47.9-million capital budget. Both will be voted on by council later this month.