LOCAL EVENTS

Invitation to MPP John Fraser's Strawberry Social - Tuesday, June 24, 2025 5:30-7:30 pm - Billings Estate

Canada Day Fireworks at Lynda Lane Park - 10 pm

As some of you may remember last Canada Day the impromptu local fireworks that many of us have been enjoying was shut down by By-law. A group for engaged residents are working with the Alta Vista Community Association to raise funds to have a Spectacular Canada Day Event with Fireworks. If you’d like to support the event day please consider donating to the fundraiser.
https://gofund.me/38630807

Reminder: Alta Vista Market is running Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at St Thomas the Apostle, 2345 Alta Vista Drive

The market will run every Saturday until the fall.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

New Zoning By-law, changes to the Official Plan and Alta Vista-Faircrest Heights Secondary Plan

FHCA has been liaising with the Planning Department, Councillor Marty Carr, AVCA. the Federation of Citizens’ Associations to better understand the implications of the proposed changes to the Official Plan and the Alta Vista-Faircrest Heights-Riverview Park Secondary Plan, to better explain the specific features of the neighbourhood and to request a closer look at what has been proposed.

I am pleased to announce that Joint Committee has agreed to some changes in the draft. As a result the height for Pleasant Park and Kilborn are to be reduced from a maximum of 6 storeys down to 4 storeys. Additionally, part of the area that had been earlier tagged for higher density on the west side of Alta Vista Drive between Balmoral Place and Pleasant Park has been brought down to neighbourhood zoning. This is in recognition of the walking friction caused by the elevation differences in this area. Full council will consider this package on June 25.

On a related note comments on the 2nd draft of the Zoning Bylaw are due for the end of June at newzoning@ottawa.ca . FHCA will make a submission and would welcome input from residents.

The next step is the 3rd draft of the Zoning Bylaw to be released for comment this fall.

Proposed Consent and Minor Variances to 1905 Alta Vista Drive

On Tuesday July 8, the Committee of Adjustment will consider Consent and Minor Variance Applications to subdivide the property into three parcels of land to construct three detached dwellings with reduced front and rear yard setbacks, area, lot widths, and to permit a corner lot with a front wall and driveway facing the same street. This application sets a precedent for Faircrest Heights in terms of minimum lot size and set-backs. Neighbours within a 60 meter radius of the property should receive notice of this application.

Further information can be found at HEARING OF APPLICATIONS - Committee of Adjustment - Panel 2 - July 08, 2025

If anyone is interested in getting involved in this application or zoning and planning matters more generally, please let me know.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WELLNESS & SAFETY

Ward 18 Community Safety Meeting - Tuesday June 24 - 6:30 to 8:30 - Jim Durrell

Councillor Carr’s office will be hosting a Community Safety Meeting at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre (1265 Walkley Road) in Ellwood Hall on Tuesday, June 24th, from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.

Please Community Police Officer Constable Brad Burleau, and City Traffic Services staff to discuss crime and public safety in our ward. To RVSP to this event, please email the Councillor’s office at marty.carr@ottawa.ca.

FAIRCREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

If you have some time to spare and are interested in getting involved in the community association or community, please let me know. There are a number of projects that could benefit from more attention (including the Faircrest Heights Park on Smyth Road across from the hospital).

Judy Korecky

President – Faircrest Heights Community Association