And the highlights of recent ASH meetings are …
Ralph Blaine & Christine Aubry
Since the last issue of IMAGE, there have been two meetings of the Action Sandy Hill (ASH) Board (March 30 and May 25), as well as the Annual Meeting (AM) on April 27. The following is a summary of key points of interest from the perspective of two Sandy Hill residents and does not represent official ASH record.
Somerset Street rezoning
As reported in the Spring issue of IMAGE, the City’s move to prepare for increased residential density in Ottawa resulted in a rezoning of Somerset Street in Sandy Hill. This rezoning will allow greater density and taller buildings on Somerset. The efforts of ASH and our councillor to repeal this zoning decision failed, and ASH is now considering a move to appeal. It is still not clear if ASH has legal standing to make such an appeal. However, after discussion, the ASH Board agreed to “in principle” approve up to $1,100 to support such an appeal pending clarification that such an appeal is possible. However, Councillor Plante expressed the view at the AM that this was a lost fight. As of now, there are no new development applications with the City for Somerset Street East.
Strathcona Park gazebo
Following a consultation meeting of Sandy Hill residents, a consensus was reached by the Board that the “Living Gazebo” proposal from the Environmental Committee for using the Homestead Funds was the best approach to re-creating a gazebo in Strathcona Park. The Board presented this decision at the AM. Briefly put, this project proposes to plant a ring of disease-resistant elm trees around the perimeter of the circular concrete platform in Strathcona Park to form a partial canopy over this space; there will also be benches and historic plaques. ASH is hoping to obtain an additional $15,000 from the City and hoping it can all be done by October 2027, if there are no delays from the City.
Strathcona Heights Community House proposal
Representatives from Strathcona Heights and the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre have asked ASH to support the plan to build a Community House in Strathcona Heights that would serve as a hub for various community initiatives, including an extension of the health services presently provided by the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, among others. IMAGE is hoping to report on this interesting initiative in the next issue.
Consumption and treatment services
Dean Dewar of the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre presented ASH with some of the measures that are being discussed to continue some services to the current clientele of their Consumption and Treatment Services after this program loses its funding this year. The Board has invited SHCHC to share any ideas so that they might cooperate in these efforts.
Councillor’s updates on Sandy Hill parks and green spaces
The “trees” that were removed last year by the pool near Dutchie’s Hole were, in fact, invasive shrubs. The City plans to plant native trees, but no other details have been shared with ASH. To the south of the pool building, a boat launch will be installed on July 20 at the Rideau River “beach” near Robinson Field.
Herbert and Estelle Brown Park will become the first amenity space in Ottawa named after black individuals. There will be an official ceremony in partnership with Black History Ottawa on July 28.
The play structure at the north end of Strathcona is finally being replaced. As part of the new equipment, there will be a communication board for children with autism, a first in Ottawa!
Photo: Christine Aubry
Councillor’s updates on development
The City’s push for increased residential density in the urban core has brought a flurry of complaints from residents near these developments. Many of these complaints involve activities that amount to trespassing and other disruptive activities. Councillor Plante feels the City should adapt its enforcement, possibly through extensions of bylaw enforcement, to deal promptly and effectively with these disruptions and has held further consultations on this issue.
She hosted a consultation on the proposed changes in the City housing infill bylaws and was encouraged by the participation. She asks residents with concerns about nearby developments to contact her office (Email: stephanie.plante@ottawa.ca; Phone: 613-580-2482). For more on residents’ concerns, see Jennifer Cavanagh’s article.
Alto High Speed Rail terminus
The Ottawa Board of Trade proposed that Alto’s High Speed Rail system have its Ottawa terminus in downtown Ottawa. Councillor Plante pointed out that the current plan sees this terminus placed in the Tremblay Road area where the present ViaRail train station is located. She is opposed to the proposal of the Ottawa Board of Trade because of the amount of expropriation and major disturbance this could cause in downtown neighbourhoods. She also noted that this proposal would require a bridge across the Ottawa River to re-route truck traffic. ASH passed a motion to send a letter to the Ottawa Board of Trade asking them to explain their position on the construction of a bridge across the Ottawa River to take truck traffic out of the downtown core.
Smart Living / Takyan / Dwell
At the ASH AM, Councillor Plante reported that the company known as Smart Living Properties (previously Takyan, and also known as Dwell) had declared bankruptcy and the owners have left Canada. It appears that many of the buildings are now abandoned and not maintained. IMAGE has not been able to obtain more details but is interested in speaking to anyone affected by this situation. Please contact: editor@imagesandyhill.org.
214 Somerset Street East
The Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) property at 214 Somerset St. E. is being turned into supportive housing, expected to be completed in 2028. Visit the OCH website www.och-lco.ca/contruction/214-somerset/ for more details. Councillor Plante is very interested in working with organizations like Ottawa Community Land Trust to find opportunities for other housing acquisitions that can preserve affordable housing in Ward 12 and Sandy Hill.
Traffic impact of Lees/Robinson project
At the AM, a resident asked about the traffic impact of the new development on Lees/Robinson. (See the front page of the October 2025 issue of IMAGE for details) Plante reported that a traffic study had been completed as part of the development application, and that the City is not concerned about traffic impacts since these buildings are mainly intended for students. (For a dissenting view, see the editorial here)
Waste issues
Finally, Councillor Plante has expressed concern at the poor level of participation in the recycling and compost programs within Sandy Hill. There is discussion within City management as to whether requiring clear garbage bags might increase participation. She encourages residents who live in a multi-unit building to make sure the management of their building provides receptacles for recycling and organic matter (compost).
ASH Environment Committee
This committee continues its efforts to eradicate invasive plant species along the Rideau River. They are also taking the initiative to promote the replacing of grass with native wildflowers and plan to conduct a tree canopy survey in Sandy Hill.
Photo: Jane Waterston
ASH Town and Gown Committee
(Liaison with the University of Ottawa)
As reported in the December 2025 issue of IMAGE, uOttawa has plans for adding a few thousand more units of on-campus student housing which should be completed by 2031. Work will begin with the demolition of the Brooks complex, and the university has announced it would consult with residents on the new development plans this summer.
In a bit of good news, the Sandy Hill Housing Co-operative and the St. Georges Co-op have been granted a two-year extension on their leases to 2029. However, the university claims they need the buildings for visiting professors and Plante stated decision-makers don’t appear to understand how difficult it will be for all displaced residents to find affordable housing. (See Glen Grignon’s letter in the June 2022 IMAGE at: www.home.imagesandyhill.org.) Councillor Plante also reported that she has raised ASH’s concerns about the number of houses owned by the University of Ottawa that have been vacant for long periods.
In other good news, Councillor Plante reported that the university is looking for a new permanent space for the Bernadette Child Care Centre, but had no other details at this point.
ASH Heritage Committee
The Chair of this committee, Andrew Johnston, is hoping to put together a committed group of volunteers to work on this important file. No experience necessary; all that is needed is an interest in heritage and a few hours a month!
ASH Membership and Funds
ASH membership now stands at 194. During 2025, 42 memberships expired without being renewed. The AM was attended by approximately 40 residents of Sandy Hill. The Report of the Treasurer at the AM showed an opening balance for 2025 of $62,648 and a closing balance for the same year of $65,218, which was accepted by the assembly.