We have received word that Ashcroft has applied for a re-zoning to allow 11 surface parking spots at its convent site, 114 Richmond Rd.
This is the latest step in an ongoing discussion with Ashcroft and with residents of the building there about the lack of visitor parking onsite. While the details are not yet online, I can provide some colour on the issue.
As you may be aware, there is a Site Plan application currently circulating for 49 Iona, Elmdale School in the Wellington Village area. The application is to permit a two-storey addition to the west of the existing elementary school, and an addition to the north next to the existing gymnasium. Both additions will provide Barrier-Free access to the school. The north addition will include a new elevator providing Barrier-Free access to all above ground new and existing building floors.
Site development work will include:
As was a major discussion several years ago during the proposal to re-zone part the land that was formerly the Honeywell plant, the company has been taking ongoing measures to address contamination on the site. Recently, I received word from the company that they will soon be digging monitoring wells in the vicinity as part of a new phase of that work. They've provided a community letter that I've attached below. The work should be minimally disruptive, and should start around February 11. I'm pleased to see this work moving forward.
Tonight, I submitted on my and our community associations' behalf a submission to the consultation on Bill 66 - Open For Business - introduced recently into the Legislature at Queen's Park. Kitchissippi community associations and I are concerned that if the legislation moves forward, politicians in municipalities across Ontario will have too broad a tool to fast-track development applications when significant job-creators are proposed. You can read more about Bill 66 here.
For those following the Reid Park progress, you may have noted that the park was set to unofficially open this winter. However, unfortunately staff have been unable to get the contractor to open Reid Park to the public in advance of substantial completion of the contract. The contractor is contractually responsible for the park site until substantial completion is achieved, at which time the City will take over responsibility and open the park to the public.
As you may be aware, there is a Zoning By-Law Amendment and Official Plan application currently circulating for 951 Gladstone Ave and 145 Loretta Ave in the Civic Hospital / Hintonburg / Little Italy area. The application is to permit a mixed-used development with office, retail and residential uses in three high-rise towers at 30, 35 and 41-storeys in height.
Councillor Kavanagh and I were recently informed that as part of the Sherbourne re-surfacing there will be painted bike lanes implemented on the road when it's re-painted.
Recently I learned that the Royal Thai government, despite repeated opposition on my and residents' part, is proceeding with its application to re-zone its property at 180 Island Park Drive. They are seeking to add a site-specific permitted office use at the location, essentially allowing it to be used as an embassy. While I take no issue with the already-permitted "diplomatic premises" - allowing some consular functions as part of a residence - allowing an office building in a residential zone is simply asking the City to tie itself in planning knots.
We're winding down a bit after a couple of very intense months since the election, and will soon be closing the office for a holiday break. I'll be in the office on Monday and Tuesday before I take a vacation until January 7, and the office will be completely closed from December 24 until we re-open on January 2.
A Site Plan Control application has been submitted to the City of Ottawa for the first phase of the Westgate re-development at 1309 Carling Ave, on the north side of Carling Ave. The proposed development would be a 24-storey, mixed-use building with 2-storeys of underground parking. The applicant is proposing 216 residential units, 192 underground parking spaces with 32 surface parking spaces and 195 bicycle parking spaces.