News Bites

Losing Besserer Park?

Almost 10% of Besserer Park will be lost should a road opening application by TC United Group be approved for its 20-unit development at 244 Fountain Place. The developer seeks the road opening to provide access to three parking spaces at the rear of its property, meaning that Besserer Street would extend into Besserer Park. Given much of the park is treed and/or steeply sloped, the impact on usable park space would be greater and some 20 mature trees would be cut.

The request conflicts with both the existing Sandy Hill Secondary Plan and the Uptown Rideau Street Secondary Plan. Both plans, which are part of the current city’s Official Plan, have specific provisions to protect park space. Furthermore, no public meeting has been held to inform residents of this proposed change in use.

Action Sandy Hill opposes the loss of land in Besserer Park. Over 1,000 apartment units are under construction on Rideau Street nearby Besserer Park so it makes sense to preserve public parkland for future neighbours. – Michael Barnes and Susan Young

 

Don’t miss Action Sandy Hill’s Annual General Meeting

Action Sandy Hill has scheduled its virtual Annual General Meeting for Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. All neighbourhood residents are invited to attend and can become an ASH member in advance of the meeting in order to run for the board of directors. You need not be a member to join the meeting. For more information on becoming a member or to receive the meeting link, email info@ash-acs.ca

 

Rideau Winter Trail on east side of the river a hit

Although the new Rideau Winter Trail organizers were unable to actually count trail users—skiers, snowshoers, walkers or bikers—there was hardly a time this winter when the trail was not in use. On the funding side, 244 individuals contributed to a GoFundMe campaign which raised $14,350 for equipment and operations. A second campaign in late winter, for additional grooming equipment next year, has raised $2,015 so far. It’s never too late to donate (www.rideauwintertrail.ca). — Rob Sinclair

 

Clean up Sandy Hill’s streets!

The melting of snow has revealed some unwanted debris from our streets, sidewalks, and parks. That means it’s time for another season of the City’s “Cleaning the Capital” campaign. Strathcona Park is already being covered, but the rest of the neighbourhood is up for grabs! Councillor Mathieu Fleury’s office has garbage pickers and gloves available for those who wish to get involved in the spring clean-up. His office can be contacted at Mathieu.Fleury@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2482.- Kathy Moyer

 

Peruse this new nearby farmers’ market

Sandy Hill residents searching for fresh fruits and vegetables from Ottawa-area farmers will soon be able to visit the York Street Farmers’ Market launching this May in the ByWard Market. The market of locally grown produce will run every Saturday through to Thanksgiving. Artisanal and Canadian products will still be available seven days a week from the ByWard Market.