Market Mobile is back on Wednesday March 16th

This is just a friendly reminder from Somerset West Community Health Center that the Market Mobile is coming to Laroche Park (62 Stonehurst) tomorrow (Wednesday, March 16) from 3:30-5pm. Market Mobile is at Laroche Park every 2nd Wednesday.  It’s our first market of the season and they'ld love to see you!  Fruits, vegetables and dried good at great value for everyone – don’t forget to bring your own bags!  Ask them about volunteer opportunities!

 

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

Annual General Meeting

Annual General Meeting - Mechanicsville held it Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 9, 2016. Please find below the DRAFT minutes for that meeting. The minutes are approved at the following AGM. If you were in attendance and see an error or discrepancy, please send your comments to the Secretary via email, under the ‘Contract Us’.

Mechanicsville Community Association (MCA)

 

Annual General Meeting

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Laroche Park

 

Attendance: 16 members present

 

Blair Simser, President, opened the AGM at 7:12 p.m., and informed the group on the agenda which included:

 

·       Update from MCA – Blair Simser and Jeff Leiper, City Councillor, Kitchissippi  Ward

·       Update on Security from our Community Police Officer – Const. Dawn Neilly

·       Update from Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) – Janelle  Vandergrift            and Katie Lawson.

·       Financial Update

·       Elections of Directors

·       Other Business

 

1.   Update from MCA

 

Development of three (3) New Condominiums on Parkdale Avenue

 

There has been some activity at the Brigil Homes and Condo site located on Parkdale Avenue (corner of Burnside), Jeff Leiper confirmed that the city has not yet received any key submissions at this time; there could be some developing in 2016.  This appears to be the only development that may go forward at this time.

 

Bayview Yards

 

The City of Ottawa received $15M to contribute to the development of Bayview Yards for the purpose of housing the federal, non-profit agency called Innovation Center.   It will contain office space and eventually a 12-story tower on the former snow dump location. Due to its historical designation, the building will retain its current outside appearance. Construction is slated for August 2016.

 

Scott Street Community Development Plan

 

Jeff Leiper added that there currently exist Community Development Plans (CDPs) for all areas that are available on the city website. The CDPs provide the layout of the community and were developed with significant consultations from the respective communities. CDPs identify the maximum heights of buildings that could be developed on lands in the communities. Naturally, around the O-Train station, there will be taller developments; however, within the Mechanicsville current area, the heights of new buildings are lower.

 

John Howard Society Building

 

The John Howard Society has the successful recipient of a request for proposal by the City of Ottawa to operate a 5-story, 40 units supportive housing project on Carruthers and Burnside.  It will be residential units, primarily for adult males, to assist them to transition to their own dwellings. It will be staffed on a 24-hour basis. You can find more information on Jeff’s website.

 

Westfest

 

The Westfest in 2016 will be held at Laroche Park on June 4-5, 2016. It will only be held for 2016. An MCA Board member participates on the planning meetings for Westfest to ensure that all community issues are raised and properly dealt with in the planning and execution of this big event.

 

Laroche Park

 

Laroche Park will be closed in 2017 for replacement of water and sewer lines and significant remediation. As some of you may be aware, the site was previously a garbage dump and the soil is contaminated. This work will allow Laroche Park to qualify for the Sens Rink in 2018.

 

Food Trucks

 

MCA has received a proposal from the City Planning Department for the Richcraft property on Parkdale, formerly Cottage & Kitchen and an apartment building. The proposal is for 5 food trucks. Jeff has received some feedback and encourages residents to provide him with feedback quickly. Although the due date has just passed, there is still time to get your concerns to Jeff and the City Planning Department.

 

Traffic

 

Jeff advised that traffic measuring was undertaken on Burnside last summer and it did not indicate high traffic volume to warrant measures from the City’s Traffic Office. However, Jeff mentioned that each councillor has a yearly budget of $41K to add temporary measures to reduce the speed of traffic. Jeff will be looking at some key areas within Mechanicsville for the summer of 2016.

 

Parking Lots

 

Mechanicsville has seen a significant number of large parking lots be developed on residential properties. MCA and Jeff were successful in shutting down a new large lot on Forward and Lyndale and will continue to monitor any new lots created. This does not apply to homeowners who rent out their driveways.

 

Events

 

Blair advised that MCA meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month. MCA hosted two events this year: Mechanicsville Day was a huge success with many residents, including children enjoying the festivities. On February 7, WinterFest was held and was also a huge success. Blair thanked all the volunteers for both events and encourages others to volunteer for next year’s events.

 

2.   Security

 

Constable Dawn Neilly informed the group that on a positive note there has not been much crime in this area in the last six months. There have been a few car break and enters. Dawn cautioned the residents to ensure that they don’t leave any valuables in the car that is visible, including GPS and laptop/computer cases. Dawn mentioned that she has brought ‘cards’ for residents that you can place in your car that indicate that there are no valuables contained in the car.

 

Constable Neilly mentioned a number of break-ins through 2nd floor balconies in Eastview and Centretown and advises residents who live on the 2nd floor units to ensure that the balcony doors are locked.

 

Constable Neilly strongly urges residents be alert for any suspicious events and report them to the police. It may not be a crime in progress but the City Police have crime analysts that prepare studies based on the reports provided by residents and are of great assistance to the police.

 

3.   Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC)

 

Janelle Vandergrist mentioned that SWCHC has been in existence for over 40 years. There original building is on Eccles Street and have a second office on Rosemount. They provide a number of programs in the Laroche Park Field House and at the Forward Avenue Crisis Shelter. Katie Lawson with SWCHC has developed a Community Development Framework to engage the community to determine needs and provide extra support. This initiative determined that access to fresh fruits and vegetables was needed and SWCHC brought in the Market Mobile.  The Market Mobile pilot project last year was a huge success so Mobile Market will return on March 2, 16 and 30, 2016 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

 

SWCHC are planning adult daytime events such as: coffee, exercise classes, connection with other resources at the Laroche Park Field House.  These programs will be advertised through social media, posters and door-to-door in the community.

 

4.   Financial Update

 

Blair informed the current balance is $1,006. The MCA major expense is approximately $800 for insurance for events and Director’s Liability. MCA is seeking fundraising ideas. MCA formed 4 years ago and is a registered Non-Profit.

 

MCA plans to expand to include Committees for key issues, such as: Safety, Development, Membership/Communications, etc. Blair encourages all members to volunteer for a committee.

 

5.   Elections

 

Jeff Leiper chaired the election process. Jeff mentioned that currently there are nine (9) directors seeking re-election. They are:

 

1. Blair Simser

2. Sandra Walby

3. Keith Brown

4. Chris Burke

5. Crystal Gallant

6. Crystal Dixon

7. Holly Cartwright

8. Aleisha Arnusch

9. Dino Testa

 

 

Jeff opened the floor to see if there are any nominations from the floor: Lorrie Marlow was nominated. There were no other nominations after seeking nominations three (3) times.

 

Each member present, introduced themselves and indicated why they were interested in working on the Board.

 

A motion from Janice Oliver and second by Chris Burke was made to accept the slate of ten (10) members seeking election to the Board. The motion was carried.

 

MCA thanked Janice Oliver, who decided not to seek re-election, for her dedication and hard work over the years.

 

Adjournment

 

Given that there was no other business, a motion from Crystal Gallant, second by Dino Testa, to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. There motion was carried.

 

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

Rosemount Library - Let YOUR voice be heard!

Do you care about Rosemount -  YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY?

 Rosemount Library is the second most used library per sq/ft of all 32 branches AND has been the #1 branch priority for the Ottawa Public Library for three years.  Yet, other libraries lower on the list have had expansions and redevelopments. Now is a critical time for Rosemount, especially with all the surrounding development that is occurring. 

READ (Rosemount Expansion and Development) is a group of local volunteers throughout Rosemount's catchment area that want to support Rosemount Library.  We are working closely with library staff and with politicians at various levels of government on this issue.

We encourage you to have your voice be heard in a few key ways:

1. Have your say in the vision!

Participate in the community consultation upcoming in March and April – Absolutely EVERYONE is welcome! What would you like to see in a redeveloped Rosemount Branch?

Details available at http://www.readrosemount.ca/read-rosemount-library-community-consultation/

2. Sign the Letter of Support for Rosemount

Every name on the letter of support matters. Take two minutes to add yours at www.readrosemount.ca. 

3. Spread the word

Tell your neighbours, friends, and community connections about Rosemount's current status and the consultation process.

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

The Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail

 Ottawa – Skiers, snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers will soon enjoy a multi-use winter trail along the Ottawa River Pathway, right by the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. One track will be set for skiers, the other for snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers.

The proposed winter trail will connect the Canadian War Museum, with parklands along the Sir John A. Macdonald corridor all the way to Westboro Beach.

The Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail is a grassroots initiative led by the Westboro Beach Community Association, a not-for-profit community organization with a long, healthy history of partnerships, with the active collaboration of the National Capital Commission (NCC). Jeff Leiper, City Councillor for Kitchissippi provided support and assistance on this initiative.

Dave Adams of Nakkertok Ski Club, Canada’s largest ski club located in Cantley, Quebec is the project coordinator and chief groomer. He will oversee the first trial run on Friday, February 26th. Skiers, snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers will be able to test the trails on Saturday, February 27th.

The snowshoeing and walking track will follow the existing pathway. The ski track will be groomed (prepared) for skiing. Serpentine loops at open green spaces will add distance to the ski track for an expected distance of 16 kilometres.

Run as a pilot project this year, this initiative will see the trail groomed up to three times this winter with hopes of making it a regular service as early as next winter.

The LeBreton Flats, Bayview/O-train and Dominion public transit stations make it easy to access the Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail. Parking is available off the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway at the Canadian War Museum, the Champlain Bridge and Kitchissippi Lookout.

Contacts:
• Dave Adams, Trails and Facilities Coordinator of Nakkertok Ski Club
trails@nakkertok.ca, 613-761-1980
• Mari Wellman, Chair of the Westboro Beach Community Association
wellmanemail@sympatico.ca, 613-722-5944
• Jean Wolff, NCC Media Relations
jean.wolff@ncc-ccn.ca, 613-239-5678 x5703 or 613-797-0279

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

New ski trail along Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway

Skiers, snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers can now enjoy a multi-use winter trail along the Ottawa River Pathway, right by the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. One track will be set for skiers, the other for snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers.

The proposed winter trail will connect the Canadian War Museum, with parklands along the Sir John A. Macdonald corridor all the way to Westboro Beach.

The Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail is a grassroots initiative led by the Westboro Beach Community Association, a not-for-profit community organization with a long, healthy history of partnerships, with the active collaboration of the National Capital Commission (NCC). Jeff Leiper, City Councillor for Kitchissippi provided support and assistance on this initiative.

Dave Adams of Nakkertok Ski Club, Canada’s largest ski club located in Cantley, Quebec is the project coordinator and chief groomer. He will oversee the first trial run on Friday, February 26th. Skiers, snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers will be able to test the trails on Saturday, February 27th.

The snowshoeing and walking track will follow the existing pathway. The ski track will be groomed (prepared) for skiing. Serpentine loops at open green spaces will add distance to the ski track for an expected distance of 16 kilometres.

Run as a pilot project this year, this initiative will see the trail groomed up to three times this winter with hopes of making it a regular service as early as next winter.

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

Scott Street Widening update

January 18, 2016

 OC Transpo buses running on Scott and Albert streets between Empress Avenue and Merton Street

·         Signals at Merton Street are installed and operational

·         ISD sewer lining of Cave Creek Collector, between Merton Street and Bayview Road is  completed

·         West Transitway Detour bus shelters are installed

·         Overhead “bus only” lane signs are installed on wood poles between Merton Street and Empress Avenue

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

Mechanicsville Community Association Annual General Meeting. Tues Feb 9th, 7pm at the Laroche Park fieldhouse.

Mechanicsville Community Association Annual General Meeting. Tues Feb 9th, 7pm at the Laroche Park fieldhouse.

Come find out what your community association has been up to the last year. General election of Board members. Come volunteer and find out what committee position you can volunteer for.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

Dave Ginies

Dave Ginies, a long time residence of mechanicsvile past away Jan 4 in hospital from a massive heart attack. Dave was well know in the community and Laroche Park with his big white dog Buck.

He will be greatly missed.

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Mechanicsville Community Association.

CRIME ALERT

                                                           WELLINGTON COMMUNITY POLICE CENTRE

                1064 Wellington Street West –

              tel: 613-236-1222, ext 5870/5871

 

  

              CRIME ALERT

 

The Ottawa Police Service has seen a significant increase in THEFTS FROM VEHICLES in the areas of Chinatown, Little Italy and North Hintonburg close to Scott St in the last 10-12 days. The suspect(s) are targeting vehicles at various times of day and Night. They will target a vehicle that has a GPS, Cell Phones, bags or cash (loose change) left behind and are mainly doing smash and grabs.

 

Residents, business owners and employees are reminded to remove all valuables when leaving their vehicles and ensure their vehicles are secured. Please be diligent in reporting any suspicious people or activity to police immediately by calling 911.


*****************************************************************

 

If you witness a crime in progress, call 911.  For any suspicious activity or vehicle, or for youth under age 16 out between midnight and 6:00 a.m., call 613-230-6211. 

To make a report after the fact, call 613-236-1222 ext. 7300.

 

 

OTTAWA POLICE SERVICE

  working together for a safer community

  www.ottawapolice.ca

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Mechanicsville Community Association.