In its noble title, the intent of the Ford government’s bill 23, More Homes Built Faster, is self explanatory. We all agree that we need more housing.  However, beyond this nobility, there lies a more sinister agenda that threatens the lives of Ontarians. Kennedy Lane is but one example. Consider this:

• Established bylaws and legal standards for the safe density of housing units are being brushed aside, by use of an “Urban Exception” by the City, with no justification, pertaining to 360 Kennedy Lane. 
• Even basic reality is being twisted. City planners believe that tenants of the new development should bear the hardship of travel by bicycle, by foot or by the much-maligned OC Transpo system. This delusional assumption has allowed the city to dispense with a standard traffic engineering safety study. The true risk to life and property is unknown. 
• Private motor vehicles are an essential part of our lives. However, only a partial allowance has been made for vehicle parking of 0.75 spaces per unit. All comparable area developments (are confirmed) to contain 2.0 spaces per unit or more, out of necessity. 
• To promote a green environment, class II vehicle charging stations are quickly being added to similar area housing properties. In only a few years time, almost 100% of new passenger vehicles will be electric. 
• The 360 Kennedy Plan contains none of these considerations and will be ill prepared for the real world needs of its tenants, regardless of income.

The” elephant in the room” is really a question. How can the city, in good conscience, allow the intensive construction of 81 housing units, to be squeezed between a children’s playground and a seniors home, serviced by a single driveway? 

Regrettably, the City of Ottawa has turned a blind eye to the real world needs of the development’s future tenants. An appeal is now underway with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). No activities can legally take place on this proposed development, until the appeal has been decided by the OLT.

In this complex atmosphere of imbalance, a city survey seeks to ask residents to choose between green space and parking. Both are possible. Given the use of enhanced drainage systems, any possible flooding would be prevented. Sufficient parking space would allow for an unrestricted lifestyle, to freely travel to and from work, study, travel to shopping or recreation or for a busy family to live their lives. 

To show your concerns to the City, you may respond using an online survey, following the web link

https://s-ca.chkmkt.com/?e=349409&d=e&h=CD9096692BC5052&l=en