We have 416 signatures to date and growing. Thank you to everyone for your support. In a meeting this afternoon, Ottawa city councillor Matt Luloff received the petition. He was attentive and open minded but could not make any commitments. The next step will be an informal in person meeting with interested parties. Date and time to be announced. The following step will be a meeting of the city planning committee. That meeting will be crucial because it will decide whether or not to change the zoning to residential. Date and time to be announced. That will be the time to turn out as many people as possible.
Summary of Findings
- Almost without exception, all 416 respondents were opposed to this proposal. It was clear that the petition respondents opposed any kind of construction at this location.
- Residents not only wanted to conserve the existing greenspace, they wanted more green space.
Recommendations to the City
1) The City cease and desist any and all contemplation of construction on this site, due to the safety, environmental and material jeopardies that would ensue.
2) The City maintain, expand and further develop the greenspace at this location.
3) The base interest of the investor is to achieve revenue to maintain their existing facility. The base interest of the area residents is to keep and even expand their scarce green space.
4) A compromise solution could be reached by having the city lease, buy or expropriate all of the property from the investors. The City could then lease back the existing building for a nominal amount of $1 per year. This would provide a revenue stream to the investors, while providing environmental conservation of a valued green space.