To: 

Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health and Deputy Premier

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa

Paul Johanis, Chair of the Federation of Citizen’s Associations of Ottawa

Saron Squire, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Subject: Preserve Ottawa’s Green Space and Mature Tree Canopy – Use the Lot, Not the Woodland Area

Dear Decision-Makers,

We, the undersigned residents of Ottawa and supporters of responsible urban planning, call on The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Ontario Government Officials to pause the proposed lease negotiations and construction of the Matthew Perry House on a vital stretch of green space that includes a mature tree canopy adjacent to the Royal Ottawa Hospital. A viable alternative exists that would preserve this publicly valued green space, safeguarding mature trees and continued community access to a natural area that contributes to the well-being of Ottawa residents.

While we fully support the mission of the Matthew Perry Foundation and recognize the urgent need for addiction recovery services, we are concerned about the permanent loss of one of Ottawa’s dwindling natural green corridors. This cherished green space enhances quality of life for nearby residents, offering a peaceful place for informal recreation and acting as a vital ecological anchor in the heart of the community. Meanwhile, a six-acre parking lot adjacent to the hospital remains a viable, low-impact alternative for development.

Why This Matters

Environmental and Public Health Impact – The Royal Ottawa’s own research confirms that access to green space promotes mental health recovery. In addition, scientific studies consistently show that mature tree canopies provide measurable health and environmental benefits, including:

• Improved air quality by filtering pollutants and fine particulates
• Cooler ambient temperatures, helping reduce urban heat islands
• Lower stress and improved mental health for nearby residents
• Increased biodiversity and natural habitat

According to research from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, "mature urban trees improve community livability and physical health, especially for children and seniors" (NCC, The Benefits of Urban Trees, 2022). Removing these assets contradicts both the hospital’s mental health mission and the city’s environmental goals.

In addition, the proposed development raises several important safety and accessibility concerns, such as:

1. Safety and Accessibility Concerns – The proposed entrance on Island Park Drive raises safety concerns due to heavy traffic and limited visibility, creating risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. In contrast, the adjacent parking lot is already equipped with existing infrastructure and access points, making it a more suitable and lower-risk development site.
2. Inconsistent with Urban Sustainability Goals – While the property is privately owned, it serves as an accessible natural space within a densely developed area. Its removal would be at odds with Ottawa’s broader vision for sustainable growth, climate adaptation, and the protection of green assets that enhance livability and reduce urban heat.
3. A More Suitable Alternative Exists – The six-acre paved lot directly adjacent to the hospital provides a logical and practical alternative for development. Choosing this location would allow the Matthew Perry House to move forward without impacting green space or mature trees that are valued by the surrounding community.

Our Requests

• Reconsider the lease of this green area and evaluate alternative sites in full
• Conduct a transparent public consultation with surrounding communities
• Delay groundbreaking until independent environmental and planning assessments are completed

Why destroy three-acres of green space, a tennis court, picnic areas, grassy fields, and groves of old growth elms, when a six-acre parking lot sits directly adjacent?

This decision flies in the face of every common-senseurban planning principle—and undermines everything we know about healthy, liveable cities.

But so far, the answer we get is: “It’s our land. We’ll do what we want with it.”

That’s not good enough.

We believe community choices matter.

All we are asking for is a pause on the lease until an independent, alternative site assessment of the parking lot has been done.