Newsbites • Feb. – March 2018

• Nunavut Sivuniksavut purchases three TC United houses on Somerset East

The directors of a college program at Rideau and Chapel that serves Inuit youth from 26 northern communities will start housing their students, aged 18-28 years, at 274, 276 and 278 Somerset E. this fall. Constructed in 2016 and currently occupied by 66 uOttawa students, the property includes a ground floor commercial space that will be used as a common room.

Nunavut Sivuniksavut co-ordinator Morley Hanson says the purchasing part, “with all the usual angst,” wrapped up on February 1. Now the focus is on letting parents in Nunavut know that quality, safe housing as well as cultural and academic experiences is available in Ottawa, in a neighbourhood with many young people. “Ours will be walking out the door each morning, like all the other students, but heading in a different direction,” he laughs. North.

• Gazebo in Strathcona Park

Pro-bono services have been offered by architect Barry Padolsky and others. Homestead, owner of the Sandringham building at the south end of the park, has already made a contribution. ASH will be asking the City for $50,000 in matching funds.

• St. Patrick’s Day

The Town and Gown committee will meet on February 21 to discuss preparations for St. Patrick’s Day and other topics. Residents welcome; contact Mathieu Fleury’s office for time and place.

• 560 Rideau St. (east of Charlotte)

ASH has some concerns about the privately owned public spaces to be part of the Richcraft development. Judy Rinfret is discussing them with Councillor Fleury.

• Crime

Ottawa Police Services says their Sandy Hill statistics show these trends between the final quarter of 2016 and of 2017: crimes against persons were up 25%, crimes against property remained the same, and break-and-enters had declined.

• R4 zoning

The City’s Planning Department is still working on Phase 1 of the R-4 zoning review. They are hoping to have stricter garbage rules and a limit on the number of bedrooms that can be built in new multi-unit dwellings. Planning is also seeking a year’s extension of the pilot currently running in Sandy Hill. Phase II of the R-4 review will have to wait until after the October elections.

See Bunkhouses story by Trina Cooper-Bolam

• Plans for after the LRT is done

When the LRT is finished, the intersection at Nicholas and Laurier will go back to its original configuration. There will be no northbound buses at Waller. Albert and Slater will be narrowed and there will be bike lanes added to both streets.

See also Councillor Fleury’s post for Feb. – March 2018 

• Truck tunnel stalled

The truck tunnel study (to reduce trucks at Rideau and King Edward) is at a standstill. Funding is to be 1/3 from each level of government. The City and the province have committed their share but the federal government has not.

• Community Centre upgrade

The Sandy Hill Community Centre is about to have its roof refurbished. All activities on the upper level will be moved to the lower level until the work is finished, likely in early May.

• ASH AGM date uncertain

When it is able to schedule its annual meeting, Action Sandy Hill will be looking to elect a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer and several Directors at its AGM. If you are interested or know someone who might be a good candidate, please let the board know.

— Jane Waterston and Jan Finlay