Because we are in a climate emergency, the people of Mechanicsville neighbourhood and our supporters across Ottawa's Kitchissippi Ward and beyond are calling on the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission (NCC) to preserve a unique and well-used green space.  We also urge the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Anita Anand, and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, to support our basic demands. - YES TO TREES - NO TO EMBASSIES

We oppose rezoning of a magnificent green space overlooking the Ottawa River.  This land is loved and valued for providing homes for many birds and animals.  This 3.7 hectares of trees and grasses is currently an open, natural place.  It is integral to our quality of life in Mechanicsville.  Our densely populated neighbourhood relies on this urban gem, as do many thousands of people in Kitchissippi Ward, because it links the northern edge of Ward 15 to recreational paths and the tree-lined shores of the beautiful Ottawa River.  Our City Councillor, Jeff Leiper, has asked the NCC to withdraw its rezoning application to the City.

We are calling on the City of Ottawa and the NCC to act in accordance with municipal and federal declarations of a climate emergency.  By planting more trees in this green space, both levels of government can preserve an area that can serve as a valuable carbon sink and can honour their commitments to tackle the climate crisis.  Rezoning the land for buildings and parking lots would be a serious breach of prior declarations.

For all these reasons, we urge you to support us to preserve this magnificent vantage point for viewing the Ottawa River, to keep it in its natural and green state enhancing the pathway along the Ottawa River, and to maintain this green oasis which deserves to be enjoyed by many more generations of Canadians.