Candidates’ debate, and news on the Mutchmor rink!
John Crump
President Glebe Community Association
Capital Ward Councillor and Ottawa Mayoral Debates
A mayoral candidates’ debate moderated by Joanne Chianello, an award-winning journalist and CBC Ottawa’s city affairs analyst, is coming up on Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at the Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park. Organized by the GCA and over a dozen community organizations in the central core, we are expecting an engaging, in-depth debate. We will post a recording online in case you can’t make it in person.
We hosted a debate for Capital Ward City Councillor candidates on September 22, moderated by David Reeveley, correspondent for The Logic and former Ottawa bureau chief for The Canadian Press. You can find a recording here: https://youtu.be/kgA50dJoJS8.
One of the key issues that affects our ward is the proposed Lansdowne 2.0. There are a wide range of issues involved, including use of taxpayers’ dollars, lack of a transportation plan, loss of parkland, privatization of public land, high-rise towers and affordable housing. We encourage you to seek candidates’ views on the questions raised by the proposal. More information can be found at glebeca.ca.
Thank you to our excellent moderators and to June Creelman and Bob Brocklebank and our community partners for organizing the debates. And a friendly reminder to vote to choose who represents you in the municipal election on October 24 – it’s an important one for our city and our neighbourhood.
Mutchmor Rink
We have been actively working to see the Mutchmor skating rink re-established this winter in the Glebe. The historic outdoor rink has been a favourite in the neighbourhood for generations. While there are final details to discuss, we are pleased there is a tentative agreement between the Mutchmor principal, the Parent-Teacher Council and the Playground Committee about the return of the rink this winter. Beyond this season, the longer-term feasibility of the rink remains in question.
Transportation
The GCA Transportation Committee has received funding approval in principle for an active transport study in the Glebe and Central Ottawa. Results of the study, which we plan to conduct in early 2023, will be used to consider measures to improve community safety related to the interplay of pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle and public transportation.
Ottawa Police Community Liaison
In response to concerns about reports of crime in parts of the Glebe, we invited the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) neighbourhood liaison to our September 27 meeting. While our OPS contact was not available, we will continue to engage with her on these issues.
In the meantime, calling the OPS or filing a report online, no matter how big or small the incident, helps OPS identify increases in particular types of crimes and to address it more effectively. To “Make the Right Call” here is the information shared by the OPS:
- Crime in Progress/Life Threatening Emergencies – 9-1-1
- Non-emergency but requires patrol – 613-236-1222 ext. 7502
- Non-emergency information taken over the phone – 613-236-1222 ext. 7300
- Online reporting – ottawapolice.ca
Membership Drive
The GCA relies on volunteers and the sale of memberships to support our work promoting the interests of our community. Our Spring membership drive saw an increase in memberships back up to pre-pandemic numbers; we currently count approximately 1,300 members, about 33 per cent of Glebe households. The membership drive highlighted the importance of in-person canvassing to understanding concerns in our community. If you have not yet purchased a GCA membership, its not too late to do so on-line at glebeca.ca/membership/.
Environment
The Environment Committee is working with Carleton University students through the Foundations in Community Engagement course. The goal is to encourage people to talk about how to climate proof their houses and neighbourhoods and better inform the city’s zoning discussions.
Twenty-three new trees will be planted in the next few weeks at Glebe Collegiate Institute. This project, supported by a City of Ottawa grant, was a collaboration between the GCA, the Glebe Collegiate Institute parent council and TWIGS club.
More details about our work can be found at glebeca.ca. We are currently surveying GCA Board members to decide whether we will be moving back to in-person meetings or continuing to meet virtually. To find out the best way to join us at our October 25 meeting, please email secretary@glebeca.ca for details.
