LOCAL EVENTS

Alta Vista Market open on June 1 and will run Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at St Thomas the Apostle, 2345 Alta Vista Drive

The market will run every Saturday until October 7.

Awesome Alta Vista Garage Sale, Saturday June 8 from 8 am to 1 pm across Ward 18

Looking for that hidden treasure? Hoping to unload some items that you have outgrown? Come take part. Participants are encourage to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Heron Emergency Food Centre. There will also be a book sale at St Thomas the Apostle, 2345 Alta Vista Drive.

The Garage Sale map is now available here. To be added to the map please send your address including postal code to  altavistacommunityassociation@gmail.com.

Canterbury Community Association Family Fun Day, Saturday June 22 from 12 – 4 pm at 2815 Arch Street

Free barbecue, live music, games, magic show and a raffle. 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

New Zoning By-law draft to be released on May 31

For those of you who are not aware, the City of Ottawa recently released a report on the draft Zoning By-law which sets the policy direction of the new Bylaw. The proposed direction of the new Zoning By-law is bold – bolder than the three units per lot mandated by the province. Given that Smyth Road is a major corridor and Pleasant Park a minor corridor and the Transitway Faircrest Heights is proposed for considerable upzoning for density and height (4-6 units and 3 storeys on interior lots and 8-12 units and up to 6-9 storeys for lots on/near corridors or the transitway at Pleasant Park and the Riverside Hospital). These heights will most likely be tempered by our existing Secondary Plan that characterizes the neighbourhood as Low-Rise (up to 4 storeys). There are several elements for consideration in the Zoning By-law beyond density and heights, including parking, set backs from property line, tree protections and introduction of commercial enterprises within neighbourhoods.

See recent VISTAS articles on pages 7 (written by myself and Garry Lindberg) and 14 (written by Marty Carr) for a brief higher level overview on the new zoning policy.

The first draft Zoning By-law is scheduled to be released on May 31. There is to be an interactive map that allows you to see the proposed zoning of your lot. A FHCA Update will be sent once the draft Zoning Bylaw becomes public with an assessment of the proposed changes on Faircrest Heights.

Consultations on the first draft of the Zoning By-law will be ongoing until early Fall. There are a number of ways to get further informed and to engage during the consultation period. The City intends to release a Second Draft of the Zoning By-law before moving forward to Council for approval and so anticipate that some changes will be made. Please cc me on any comments that are sent to the City to help form the FHCA position. We could also hold a Faircrest Heights discussion on this matter. Please let me know if there is appetite.

Marty Carr will be hosting 2 information sessions on the zoning changes in June. There will be an in-person session on June 10th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Jim Durrell Recreation Centre (1265 Walkley Road) in Ellwood Hall. The same information will be presented in a virtual format on June 13 via Microsoft Teams from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm. To register for either session, email Jane.Gibson@ottawa.ca.

The City is also hosting a New Zoning By-law Citywide virtual community information session on June 20 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Register here to attend.

The City of Ottawa public page on this topic can be found here. To receive news and updates directly on the New Zoning By-law email newzoning@ottawa.ca.

FHCA is liaising with the local Community Associations and the Federation of Citizens’ Associations to better understand the potential impacts of the proposed zoning at the neighbourhood and City level. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please let me know.

Hospital Developments

As you may recall local hospitals and medical facilities are undergoing changes all around the same time. Construction of the new CHEO multi-storey parking building, expansion of the Ronald MacDonald House, the building on a new advanced Medical Research Centre next to the Medical School, as well as construction on the 1 Door 4 Care Treatment Centre to be built in the existing CHEO parking lot are all commencing this year. As well, at the Riverside Hospital the project to build a new Schlegel Retirement Village is slowly advancing. A multi-use path around the existing Medical Office building is one of the first priorities to allow people to connect from Smyth Road at the current entrance to the Riverside Hospital Complex (to allow cyclists and pedestrians to get to Rodney Crescent at Pleasant Park). All of this combined development could eventually have impacts on local traffic and parking and it is something that is being monitored.   

DND Medical Centre lands

As you may have seen in the recent Federal Budget, the federal government has announced it will sell the National Defence Medical Centre on Alta Vista Drive. No firms plans have been announced yet, however apparently there is wide interest in these lands, both from developers and from institutions. 

NEIGHBOURHOOD WELLNESS & SAFETY

A gentle reminder to lock and keep any valuables out of sight in your cars and to safely store your bikes. As some may be aware from your Neighbourhood Watch block captains there have been some incidents in Faircrest Heights this spring. 

Judy Korecky

President – Faircrest Heights Community Association

LOCAL EVENTS

Ward 18 Temporary Traffic Calming Meeting for Alta Vista and Faircrest Heights, October 5 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (virtual)

For more details go to https://martycarrottawa.ca/ward-18-temporary-traffic-calming-consultations/


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 October 7.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

New Zoning By-law Open House Update

The City will be hosting two in-person open house events to review and discuss the new Zoning By-law Review Project. These events are an opportunity to learn about and engage on this significant city project. Residents will be able to join us for interactive discussions and the opportunity to ask your questions with the zoning team members. The in person event does not require registration.

In-person event

Saturday, September 23, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Location: Ray Friel Recreation Complex (Fallingbrook Room) 1585 Tenth Line Rd.

Virtual Open House

City staff will also be hosting a virtual meeting on October 05 where residents will also be provided an overview of the new zoning by-law and have an opportunity to take part in a Q&A session.

Date: Thursday, October 05, from 6pm to 7pm

Those interested are asked to register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdeqrpjwrHNMwTJcCI5_LzTK8MboJhuy3?os=ipad#/registration

NEIGHBOURHOOD WELLNESS & SAFETY

A gentle reminder to lock and keep any valuables out of sight in your cars and to safely store your bikes. As some may be aware from your Neighbourhood Watch block captains there was a car theft and one car break in Faircrest Heights in the last month.

COUNCILLOR MARTY CARR

Councillor Carr can be reached at marty.carr@ottawa.ca. Sara Falkowsky at Sarah.falkowsky@ottawa.ca is her point of contact on community issues.

The Councillor’s weekly e-newsletter and Facebook Page are good sources of information. If you would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list, send an email to either Marty or Sarah.

Judy Korecky

President – Faircrest Heights Community Association

Updates on local matters.

LOCAL EVENTS

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

To note - Rain Ready Ottawa, from the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change Resiliency Unit will be on hand to help you learn about how we can prepare better for extreme weather events.

The market will run every Saturday until October 7.

Innovations for Seniors, Windsor Park, Wednesday August 23 starting at 6:30 pm

Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS) is inviting residents from Old Ottawa South and surrounding neighbourhoods to hear plans for the Senior’s Health Innovations Hub (SHIH) for central Ottawa. Experts will be on hand to answer questions related to aging in our communities.

Phoenix Big Band is pushing back the date of its 2nd annual charity event for the Heron Food Bank to Saturday September 23 2-5 pm, 411 Billings Avenue

Please put this enjoyable and worthwhile event taking place right in Faircrest Heights in your calendar.

Ward 18 Temporary Traffic Calming Meeting for Alta Vista and Faircrest Heights, October 5 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (virtual)

For more details go to https://martycarrottawa.ca/ward-18-temporary-traffic-calming-consultations/

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Proposed Development at Ottawa General Hospital Riverside Drive Campus

A notice of approval for the site plan to create a seniors care community consisting of a Long Term Care Home (256 beds) and a 15 storey registered retirement home (270 beds) and shared amenity space has been approved. It is not known yet when construction will commence.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WELLNESS & SAFETY

A gentle reminder to lock and keep any valuables out of sight in your cars and to safely store your bikes.

Repairs to sidewalk at Smyth Road and Alta Vista Drive

As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle repairs will be made to certain earmarked sidewalks as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City’s sidewalk network lifecycle. This work is expected to occur in the late August to October timeframe. The road will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic through the site.

COUNCILLOR MARTY CARR

Councillor Carr can be reached at marty.carr@ottawa.ca. Sara Falkowsky at Sarah.falkowsky@ottawa.ca is her point of contact on community issues.

The Councillor’s weekly e-newsletter and Facebook Page are good sources of information. If you would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list, send an email to either Marty or Sarah.

Wishing all a lovely end of summer.

Judy Korecky,
President – Faircrest Heights Community Association

(Ottawa) – March is Fraud Prevention Month and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) wants to equip residents with information on how to avoid some common scams.

 “We have been seeing a significant increase in grandparent schemes in the Ottawa area, where the person identifies themselves as a family member in crisis and asks for immediate financial help, typically in the form of cash for bail or lawyer fees,” said Fraud Unit Staff Sergeant Cameron Graham. “It’s important to educate yourself on some of these more common scams to avoid falling victim.”

 According to our partners at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), it received reports of $530 million in victim losses last year. This was nearly a 40 percent increase from 2021, where 75 percent of those reports were tied to cybercrime. The CAFC estimates that only between 5 and 10 percent of victims report fraud-related incidents.

 Over the next month, the OPS will share some common scams and how to counter them on our social media channels (@OttawaPolice on Twitter, @ottawapolice on Instagram, and OttawaPoliceService on Facebook). Watch your social media feeds for helpful information.

 “It’s important that adult children look after parents who are not comfortable with how computers work,” said S/Sgt. Graham. “A lot of these scams target the elderly online.”

 Common frauds include: Investment scams, spear phishing, and phishing scams. You can read more about types of frauds and how to avoid them by visiting the CAFC website.

Cst Brad Burleau  #1835
Ottawa Police Service
Community Safety Services
613-236-1222  ext 8591
burleaub@ottawapolice.ca

 Make The Right Call:
Life-threatening emergency or crime in progress: 9-1-1
Telephone report: 613-236-1222  ext. 7300
Online Reporting: : http://bit.ly/1rHsIT1 [bit.ly]

Challenge with creating '15 minute neighbourhoods' in built up areas .... see more

City of Ottawa Solid Waste Master Plan

https://engage.ottawa.ca/solid-waste-master-plan

One little house becomes four $1.2 million Units:

Egan: A little house, now four $1.2M units. What's cost to City View? | Ottawa Citizen

From Judy Korecky:

• FHCA will be following up with City officials to understand better what changes are being proposed to our Secondary Plan and to liaise with zoning staff in the coming weeks. I will report back via email in the next update.
• A revised track-changed version of the Official Plan and key documents will be released through July and first half of August as they are finalized.
• In an earlier email I had suggested that we could consider holding a virtual FHCA meeting on the Official Plan after the release of the City and Ward What we Heard Reports and the Transect meetings. These documents were released and the meetings took place later than originally anticipated and now we are in summer. I am happy to hold a meeting if there is sufficient appetite. If you are interested in having a virtual meeting, please send me an email in this regard and advise when you would like this meeting to take place (either in the coming weeks (perhaps after discussions with the City on the Secondary Plan), or only after the release of the revised draft Official Plan and Secondary Plan sometime in August/early September (before Council Consideration of the Official Plan in mid-September). 
• I will continue to share important information with you as I receive it over the course of the summer, and I am happy to engage with any of you via email or telephone if you have any questions or concerns about any of the above.

Official Plan

• The “As We Heard It” Report was released this afternoon. There are a number of concerns with the first draft that have been addressed, notably:

• Alta Vista has shifted to Outer Urban!

 

• Minimum density requirements will only apply to Hubs and Mainstreets, leaving flexibility for Neighbourhoods and Minor Corridors to instead reach a target range.

 

• Single family homes can be rebuilt (not prohibited)

 

• Height limits will be revised on Mainstreets. Any applicable secondary plan that requires a lower height would also take precedence.   (The current draft of the applicable secondary plan would limit Smyth Road to low-rise (aka 4 storeys).

 

The full 28 page report can be found here: https://engage.ottawa.ca/the-new-official-plan/news_feed/the-new-official-plan-city-wide-interim-as-we-heard-it-report.  For those who would prefer an abridged version, attached find the 2 page key messages document that touches on the highlights of the report.

 

·  Draft Official Plan Timelines  Here is what you can expect as the City moves forward on the New Official Plan.  ·  Ward Specific reports – released as they are completed in the coming weeks* AFTER THE RELEASE OF OUR WARD REPORT, WE WILL CALL A FHCA MEETING TO DISCUSS WHAT WE LIKE, DON’T LIKE AND NEXT STEPS ·  Public Transect Meeting on Outer Urban Area – June 23, at 7 pm. To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/transect-outer-urbanapproche-du-transect-le-secteur-urbain-exterieur-tickets-158592427219 ·  Full release of next iteration of the Draft OP – prior to mid-August (tentative)  ·  Public open house – No date set  ·  Joint Planning / ARAC committee – September 13, 14, 15  ·  Council – Fall 2021  Smyth Road Cycling Improvements and Neighbourhood Bikeway Modifications Consultations ·  Online Engagement Opportunity from June 9 -23 (you can also phone in comments!) Go to https://ottawa.ca/smythcyclingimprovements to see the design drawings. Of most import to FH is that the City is proposing unidirectional bike sharrows (street markings) and signage on Billings Road, a pedestrian crossover on Lynda Lane at Billings Road, and curb and sidewalk modifications on Rodney Crescent and Pleasant Park near the train tracks. ·  Online Meeting with City Project Team: Wednesday, June 16th at 6:30pm Register for the consultation here: Meeting Registration - Zoom     Walkable Ottawa Alta Vista 15 Minute Neighbourhood Study   For those who participated in either of the Workshops of March 20 or March 27, the draft report has been circulated to participants for comments. Please contact me if you did not receive a copy of the draft. We have until Monday June14th to provide comments. I will share a version of the final report with this distribution once it is released.   New Official Plan - Interim As We Heard It Report

Click here for the FHCA submission on the draft of the Official Plan - March 12 2021

When’s the last time you ordered take-out from a restaurant?

I haven’t personally used any of the sundry “services” which pick up and deliver your meal. Those of you who do often are charged a delivery fee but were you aware of the impact on the restaurants?

I wasn’t until last week when we decided to order some takeout, something we generally do once a week. It was from one of our favourite restaurants on Bank Street which provides not only great food but also great service.

Like most restaurants in Ottawa -- and in many other places -- it is limited to take-out. When I drove down to pick up our order, the place was understandably deserted. It fronts on the sidewalk and there is literally no room for a patio.

There was an Uber Eats driver ahead of me. The restaurant owner told me that in the 30 minutes or so which had elapsed since I called, he had had seven other orders, all to be picked up by Uber Eats.

When I said business seemed steady, he said he was considering shutting down, which took me aback. It seems that Uber Eats takes 30 per cent of the cost which, as anyone familiar with the hospitality trade, essentially leaves him profitless!

I knew there obviously had to be some additional cost associated with Uber Eats (and similar services) but feel that 30 per cent is, frankly, extortionate. 

So, the next time you opt for take-out and the restaurant, regardless of its ethnicity, is fairly close, a drive or bicycle trip could help to ensure that the place is still in business the next time you feel the urge.

INFORMATION FROM COUNCILLOR JEAN CLOUTIER

 As Ottawa Public Health and the City of Ottawa continue to move forward in our response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are writing to provide greater clarity on a number of communications and ask for your support in sharing information with members of your community.

 It is important to recognize that the COVID-19 situation is evolving very quickly. Please refer to OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus to stay up-to-date on the latest information. For information relevant to businesses and workplaces, please visit: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/workplacecovid19

Social Distancing

Ottawa Public Health is urging everyone to practice physical (social) distancing. More information on physical (social) distancing for you and your family can be found on our website.

The province of Ontario is ordering non-essential workplaces to close-down as of Tuesday March 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Further details can be found on the OPH website for workplaces.

Our efforts are needed as a community. The actions you take will affect not only you but your loved ones and our community’s most vulnerable residents. While we appreciate that people are thinking of their loved ones, now is not the time to visit them in person. Luckily, we have technology on our side, which enables us to communicate in other creative ways like video chats and group phone calls.

Physical (social) distancing by all is IMPERATIVE to limit transmission in the community, to protect older adults, vulnerable populations and outbreaks in institutions. We must “flatten the curve” so we don’t see spikes in cases. This means that we want to slow down transmission of the virus and reduce the number of cases in the community that happen at the same time, so that our health system continues to work properly. Here are some ways that you and your family can practise physical (social) distancing:  

• Talk to your supervisor, manager, or employer about the possibility of working from home where possible.  
• Avoid visiting elderly friends or relatives. Use the telephone, video chats or social media to stay connected unless the visit is absolutely essential.  
• Avoid all non-essential trips outside your home.  
• Keep the windows down if you have to go into the community for an essential trip via taxi or rideshare.  

• Cancel group gatherings and limit your contact to those within your home. 
• Hold virtual meetings or get-togethers.   
• Spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a two-metre (six feet) distance from each other. 

·         Take precautions to maintain distance in shared spaces in multi-unit dwellings;

·         Avoid crowded elevators (wait for an empty one if you can). 

·         Avoid using the mail room or laundry room at the same time as other residents (keep to a small number at a time to maintain distance).  

 Physical (social) distancing does not mean emotional distancing. Check in with others by phone or other technology. Check in with yourself. It’s ok not to be ok. Please know that help is available, and we encourage you to reach out to Distress Centre of Ottawa to connect with someone at 613-238-3311 if needed.

 Self-Isolation

Many people are returning home from March Break or winter travel and will need groceries and essential items. It is imperative that all returning travellers self-isolate for 14 days, so groceries and essential items should be picked up by a family member or friend, or through on-line ordering options. Visit our website for further guidance on self-isolation. We have been working with the Ottawa International Airport to ensure this is being communicated clearly to returning travellers.

You also need to self-isolate if you live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, OR is suspected to have COVID-19, OR who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of Canada.

 Human Needs Taskforce

Our community partners are working together through the City’s Human Needs Task Force for those requiring assistance.  The task force is receiving, assessing and triaging all social and human needs inquiries, while mobilizing and supporting community organizations to address urgent community needs. The Human Needs Task Force aligns internal city resources, external partners, existing funding and new funding to community need.

 Outreach to Isolated Seniors

The Good Companions’ Seniors Centre Without Walls has expanded its services with a focus on outreach to vulnerable and isolated seniors and other populations. Emotional and practical support is provided via telephone. In addition, they have trained 20 agencies (32 staff) to do similar outreach calls through various programs.

Rural Ottawa Support Services is working with Good Companions to provide similar telephone outreach and practical supports to isolated seniors through their A Friendly Voice program, which does wellness calls connecting seniors to local services and programs.

Ottawa Community Housing has facilitated wellness check phone calls to approximately 2,700 residents, focusing on people identified on the Fire Evacuation List.

 Food Security

Ottawa Food Bank is supporting the emergency food centres and are coordinating with other task force members to sort and deliver food where needed. Demand has increased by 30 per cent across community food banks. They are working with the Salvation Army to support distribution of food hampers offered by local restauranteurs. The City is providing facility space for safe storage of food hampers.

Meals on Wheels has been increasing offers of frozen food for seniors in the Ottawa area and connecting with Ottawa Food Bank to provide hamper supplies and deliveries. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are delivering 100 fresh and 700 frozen meals daily. These services have ensured a supply of full dinners for those individuals in need.

 Urgent Transportation

Working with other non-profit organizations, the Good Companions and Champlain Community Support Network are coordinating urgent transportation to medical appointments, assessment centres, and food centres/grocery stores for those with financial constraints, transportation difficulties, and/or health and mobility issues.

Services can be accessed by contacting Good Companions website or by telephone at 613-236-0428.

 Volunteer Coordination

The City and United Way of Eastern Ontario are developing a plan to support volunteer coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer Ottawa has established a pool of pre-screened volunteers and will continue to accept new applicants.

  Stay Updated

Information is changing rapidly and Ottawa Public Health is working around the clock to provide information to the public as soon as possible.

Please share this information and receive the latest updates by:

-          Visiting OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus frequently

-          Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ottawahealth

-          Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ottawahealth

 

Reduce the spread of germs including the flu and COVID-19

·          Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer. 

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands. 

·         Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.

·         Stay home if you are sick. 

 Thank you for your partnership.

 

	Contact Us President - Judy Korecky Webmaster - Tom Saikaly