In my last column, I provided an update on the Clapp Lane development at 1125 Clapp Lane. As many of you are likely aware, this is a property that was acquired by the City of Ottawa and subsequently sold for the development of a seniors independent living centre by the Manotick Mill Quarter Community Development Corporation. The builder is Reichmann Seniors Housing. RSH acquired the property from Joe Princiotta following the sale from the City.

Further to the last update, you can expect to see activity on the site this week. The general contractor, Laurin, will be setting up their trailer as well as fencing and signage. Over the next two weeks, the contractor will carry out work to prepare the two houses for demolition. Both demolition and tree removal are scheduled to begin April 9th.

There will be an Open House regarding this property on April 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Manotick Place Retirement Community (1145 Bridge Street). Parking is available across the street in the Clapp Lane lot. This is an opportunity for the community to get an update on plans. Coffee/tea and cookies will be served. 

Kanata South Link Info Session

The City of Ottawa invites you to a Public Information Session to review information with respect to the Kanata South Link project that is planned to begin fall 2018 with completion in spring 2021. Design drawings will be on display for your review. Staff will also be on hand to provide information and receive comments. This session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at the Kanata Recreation Complex.

The purpose of this project is to widen Old Richmond Road and a portion of West Hunt Club Road to improve traffic capacity across the Greenbelt from Kanata South. The proposed work will widen sections of these roads to four lanes, including roundabouts and intersection modifications. Design is nearing completion. Construction will take place on the following roads:

• Old Richmond Road (Hope Side Road to West Hunt Club Road including Roundabouts at three intersections)
• West Hunt Club Road (Old Richmond Road to East of Moodie Drive)

Plans for future adjacent work including the Preliminary Design of Hope Side Road and West Hunt Club Road will be available for viewing, as well as the Preliminary Design of the Wetland Compensation Plans required for this project.

City staff and the project consultant will be on hand to discuss the project, construction impacts and to respond to questions. Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require special accommodation, please contact Carolyn Newcombe.

If you are not available to attend the meeting or would like additional information, please direct your comments to the City of Ottawa Senior Infrastructure Engineer, Carolyn Newcombe, at [email protected] or 613-580-2424, x28230.

Flowing Creek & Hobbs Drain Floodplain Mapping Open House

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed hazard mapping studies for Flowing Creek and Hobbs Drains, which are tributaries of the Jock River.  Members of the public are invited to an upcoming open house to review regulations and hazard maps. 

These studies provide new mapping that show areas that are prone to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion and have natural environmental features such as wetlands. The mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating their Official Plan and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning Act. RVCA will also use the mapping to guide the review of development applications submitted under the RVCA’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the open house and/or provide comments on the mapping. Conservation Authority staff welcome historical records of past flood events, news clippings, photographs and even anecdotal stories to help confirm the reasonableness of calculations and resulting hazard mapping. 

The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at the Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena Hall in Stittsville. For those unable to attend the open house, mapping can also be seen online at www.rvca.ca/flowing-creek-and-hobbs-drain-hazard-mapping-studies. To understand how mapping may affect your property or to provide comments, please contact an RVCA Resource Specialist at [email protected] or complete an online property inquiry form at www.rvca.ca/regulations-planning/general-property-inquiries.

This study is being done through a collaboration involving the City of Ottawa and the Rideau Valley, Mississippi Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities. The City recognized a need to update its zoning schedules based on up-to-date flood risk mapping, and has provided contributions enabling the Conservation Authorities to move ahead with these studies sooner than would otherwise be possible. The RVCA is currently working on several studies in the Ottawa area. For a complete list on ongoing work, please visit www.rvca.ca.

Volunteer with Doors Open Ottawa

The City of Ottawa is proud to present Doors Open Ottawa (DOO). On June 2nd  and 3rd, more than 140 of the city’s historically, culturally, and functionally significant buildings will open their doors for free public viewing, including several right here in Rideau-Goulbourn.

Each year, the City helps connect participating buildings with volunteers for this event. From greeting visitors to assisting as tour guides, volunteers play an important role in the success of DOO. It is a pleasure each year to see familiar faces assisting at participating buildings in our community. If you are interested in getting involved with this fantastic event, I encourage you to attend one of the upcoming volunteer information sessions to learn more:

• May 14 from 6 pm to 8 pm – Room 1A, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive
• May 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm – Councillors’ Lounge, City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Do you know a Snow Angel who deserves recognition?

A Snow Angel is a neighbour or friend who has volunteered to help you, or someone you know who needs some assistance by clearing snow or ice from their property. If you know of a resident of Ottawa who is a Snow Angel, the City of Ottawa wants to thank them!

Snow Angels will be recognized with a certificate signed by Mayor Jim Watson and a custom keychain with a snowflake symbol and Ottawa logo.

To nominate a Snow Angel, please provide the name and address of the candidate, as well as relevant details (who they are helping and how) by emailing [email protected] or by regular mail Attention: Snow Angel Program, City of Ottawa, 100 Constellation Crescent, 5th floor, K2G 6J8.

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If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491. For information on Rideau-Goulbourn issues, please visit RideauGoulbourn.ca.