In recent weeks, I have used this column to touch on some construction projects throughout Rideau-Goulbourn. This week, I would like to notify residents about two projects not in Rideau-Goulbourn but that will certainly affect the commute of some of our residents.

In Riverside South, Urbandale will be extending the trunk watermain, sanitary and storm sewer on River Road south of the Summerhill intersection. This is a substantial construction project to convert the road to a full urban cross section with three new deep sewer crossings.  The depth of excavation means that the contractor cannot provide a safe active lane of traffic through the construction zone.  As a result, a full closure of River Road will be required.

The intent would be to complete the works in July and August 2018 taking advantage of the reduced traffic during the summer holiday period. We acknowledge that the closure of River Road will be disruptive, however due to depth and size of the trunk sewers we cannot safely install the infrastructure without full closure of River Road. Residents of Manotick will have to detour using Rideau Road and Spratt Road to travel north.

For Goulbourn residents, you have likely noticed the closure of Eagleson Road, between Hope Side Road and Fallowfield. This section has been closed for a culvert replacement project. The road is closed for safety reasons. The culvert is located on Eagelson just north of Fallowfield. Last summer, two steel plates were installed on top of the culver to maintain the integrity of the road. Unfortunately, the culvert deteriorated quicker than anticipated and will be replaced immediately. The detour is via Hope Side Road to Old Richmond to Fallowfield. The closure is expected to last two weeks. The City has requested the contractor to expedite the construction and open the road as soon as they can.

While the work north of Fallowfield Road is carried out, the City will also be replacing a culvert between Akins Road and Fallowfield Road under Eagleson as well. These coordinated works will help mitigate future traffic disruptions.

1618/1622 Roger Stevens Drive

The City of Ottawa has received a Site Plan application to accommodate the development of a four-island gas bar, 1 storey convenience store and a drive-through facility. For long time residents of the area, you will know this property as the former site of Driscoll’s Pizza. For those newer residents, it is located just west of Dorack Drive, immediately to the west Tubman’s Funeral Home. It was most recently an art studio. The existing joint access with the subject property from Roger Stevens Drive would remain.

The Site Plan application has been filed to accommodate the redevelopment of the subject property. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing buildings and the development of a new one-storey convenience store, four-island gas bar, and associated drive-through facility. The site will be serviced by private well and septic system and will have a parking lot, which will accommodate 20 parking spaces.

This proposal is good news for those worried about a similar application coming forward for the southeast corner of Roger Stevens Drive and Rideau Valley Drive South. Through hydrogeological studies, it was determined that corner was not suitable for a service station.

6420/6431 Ottawa Street

Mattamy Homes has submitted a revised Draft Plan of Subdivision for their land at 6420 and 6431 Ottawa Street, known locally as the Western Development Lands. The proposal is for:

• 848 single family homes
• 129 townhouses
• 48 back to back townhouses

Also contained in this plan are a 3.75 hectare community park co-located with a 2.48 hectares school block, a 0.8 hectare parkette and 19 public streets. Of some importance to note, the lands adjacent to properties along Queen Charlotte and Ottawa Street, which were originally proposed to abut a stormwater management pond, are no longer part of this submission. Mattamy did not acquire that property. There are no plans for that parcel of land at this time.

As many of you may recall, Mattamy Homes owns the southern portion of the Western Development Lands. Caivan Communities are currently developing the lands to the north of this proposal. The southern edge of the subject lands abuts the Jock River flood plain.

These plans can be viewed at Ottawa.ca/devapps. Comments are being accepted until August 16th, 2018 and can be directed to [email protected].

RVCA Watershed Statement

This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed is now at Moderate severity.

Rainfall in the last 90 days, measured at climate stations in and around the watershed, is about 60% of the normal amount for the time of year which is the threshold for Moderate Severity Low Water. Rain presently forecast for much of next week will be welcome but is not expected to have a significant impact. Longer range forecasts indicate temperatures above normal and precipitation below normal through the rest of the summer and into the fall.

Although daytime highs greater than 30 degrees appear to be passing, it will still be warm enough for evaporation to continue to reduce water levels on all lakes and streams. Levels and streamflows are below normal for the time of year but are still above critical thresholds. Flows in smaller streams will be raised briefly if the short range weather forecasts prove to be accurate.

Rideau Canal reservoir lakes are at levels typical of later into September. However, there have been no reports of insufficient draft on the Rideau Canal system relayed to the Conservation Authority.

Conditions are expected to decline generally. Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.

Water conservation is recommended for everyone within the Rideau River watershed including residents on private wells inside the City of Ottawa boundary. Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are encouraged to reduce their actual taking as much as possible. Residents on private well systems are also urged to use water conservatively. Using rain barrels to capture any rain to water lawns and gardens. Avoid using pressure washers to clean houses, driveways, decks and fences. All these actions contribute to the conservation of our water resources.

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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.