Latest news with #Glebe
CBC
04-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Councillor calls for referendum on Lansdowne 2.0, but mayor opposed
Social Sharing As the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment ticks along behind the scenes, one city councillor tried publicly on Tuesday to explore the idea of a referendum during the 2026 municipal election so residents could ultimately decide whether the new arena and football stands should be built. Coun. Shawn Menard, who represents the Glebe neighbourhood where Lansdowne Park is located, pointed out that more than 5,000 people have signed a petition calling for a citywide vote on whether to spend upward of $419 million on the project. The plan is to replace the north-side stands at the football stadium, and to replace the arena with a new one that has thousands fewer seats and is located where there's now a grassy berm. The city's private sector partner at Lansdowne, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), owns the Redblacks football team and Ottawa 67's hockey team, and manages those city facilities at TD Place. "That's a nice-to-have. It's not necessary," Menard told reporters after a meeting during which the finance and corporate services committee discussed facing a $10.8-billion dollar funding gap for city infrastructure in the coming decade. "Do we really want to be spending on this when all these other priorities are there?" asked Menard. "It's hard to get the basics right these days in the city." The Lansdowne 2.0 concept was first discussed during the last term of council under former mayor Jim Watson, when OSEG was struggling to attract visitors to Lansdowne during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plans have been modified since then, including a two highrise towers instead of three, but the estimated price tag has risen from $332 million to $419 million. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the public has had many chances to weigh in, and will have yet another opportunity before a final vote this fall. "We were talking about Lansdowne in 2022 when the previous municipal election took place, so there's no need for a referendum," said Sutcliffe. "I don't think councillors want it." No referendum was held for other big projects such as the new central library or the two stages of light rail construction, Sutcliffe pointed out, because those decisions are within the purview of council. Going to tender June 16 Indeed, councillors on the finance and corporate services committee voted nine to three Tuesday to discuss Menard's motion that day, rather than weeks later as Menard intended, because they said it was time-sensitive. Expecting it would be voted down, Menard quickly jumped in to withdraw his motion and preserve a chance to pursue the referendum discussion later. This bit of procedural interest came after staff confirmed they plan to put the project out to tender on June 16, seeking construction companies to submit bids to build Lansdowne 2.0. Staff intend to get updated prices and choose a contractor to present to council for final approval in the fall. The city also held a separate procurement in recent months to find developers wanting to either buy or lease the air rights for two highrise towers. It closed April 30, and the city is deep in negotiations with one preferred bidder. "I think there's a reputational risk and a credibility risk in this motion where it would possibly negatively impact those conversations and those tenders," said Tammy Rose, general manager of the infrastructure and water services department. Sutcliffe also underscored the importance of following the procurement process already laid out and not creating uncertainty for the construction industry. Building permit application in March Along with tendering the construction and air rights, the Lansdowne 2.0 team has been busy working on other tasks council gave them last year in order to prepare a final package for council approval. One big goal was to apply for a building permit in time to fall under Ontario's 2012 building code, rather than the 2024 code that took effect Jan. 1. Sean Moore, who is leading the Lansdowne project for the City of Ottawa, confirmed the application for a building permit went in on March 21, 2025 and would fall under the old code. The province did allow a transition period and a project could still apply under the old code by March 31 if its working drawings were substantially complete by Dec. 31, 2024. Site plan approved last month Moore said those drawings were ready on time as part of yet another related task: getting approval for what's called the "site plan," which lays out details about everything from building elevations and design to landscaping and servicing with municipal water. That key step only got final signoff by city planning staff on May 26, after the Lansdowne team and its consultants submitted dozens of studies to be reviewed by city subject matter experts and the urban design review panel. Even with the signoff, city reviewers still had a long list of conditions for Lansdowne 2.0 to meet, such as updating its assessment of Lansdowne's transportation impact and updating its grading plan to show water won't pool. Asked how the building permit had complete drawings on Dec. 31 when many more studies were submitted and reviews were done afterward, Moore explained the architect's designs were submitted for the arena in August 2024, and for the north-side stands in December. The structural and mechanical elements needed to meet the building code were complete, he said. As for elements outstanding on the approved site plan, Moore said only final clarifications are missing — an entire transportation plan doesn't need to be redone. "We're just talking now about crossing t's and dotting i's," explained Moore. "But overall, staff have accepted how it all works in terms of [Lansdowne's] design, and how it's modelled, the transportation system and so forth."
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Paid evening parking in ByWard Market, ‘bubble bylaw': Here's what happened at Ottawa City Council
The City of Ottawa is moving ahead with developing a 'bubble bylaw,' and will charge motorists for evening parking in the ByWard Market and parts of Little Italy and the Glebe. Here is a look at what was approved during Wednesday's council meeting. Evening paid parking in the ByWard Market, Little Italy Drivers will need to pay for on-street paid parking during the evenings in the ByWard Market and parts of Little Italy and the Glebe, despite a last minute push to hit the brakes on paid evening parking in the market area. Council approved a plan to extend paid parking at on-street parking spots in busy areas until 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Under the plan, on-street paid parking hours will be extended to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday in the ByWard Market and Little Italy South, and to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday in parts of the Glebe. The changes will be rolled out on Sept. 2. Councillor Riley Brockington, seconded by coun. Stephanie Plante, introduced a motion to exclude the ByWard Market area from a plan to charge motorists for parking between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 'Do you believe the ByWard Market needs special treatment? I think the answer is yes,' Brockington told council. 'We are putting in the necessary time, effort and energy to rebuild our market, a cherished destination within our city. What I'm suggesting is increasing times where we demand the public pay for parking, this is not the time to do it. Let's rebuild the market first, can revisit it, but this is not the time.' Brockington's motion was defeated 21 to 2. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he respects where the idea of Brockington's motion is coming from but couldn't support it. 'If you look at strong and vibrant neighborhoods throughout North America, many of them have metered parking throughout the evening, throughout the weekends and those neighbourhoods and those business districts are thriving and successful,' Sutcliffe said. 'Introducing longer hours for paid parking in any area of the city is not necessarily going to be the make it or break it thing for that area of the city.' Ottawa parking A parking sign in Ottawa's ByWard Market. Staff are recommending extending parking hours to 9 p.m. on weekday and weekend evenings. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa) 'Bubble Bylaw' Council has directed staff to draft a new 'bubble bylaw,' to prohibit protests and demonstrations within 80 metres of places of worship, schools and hospitals. Councillors voted 21 to 3 to proceed with a 'Vulnerable Social Infrastructure' Bylaw. Councillors Jessica Bradley, Sean Devine, and Shawn Menard voted against the motion. 'What this motion in front of city council is doing is stifling dissent. It's clamping down on peaceful demonstrations it might disagree with,' Menard said Wednesday morning. Under the plan, staff will have nine months to draft a proposed bylaw for councillors to vote on. 'This is not an easy issue, and I appreciate the rights and values that, to some extent, are being pitted against each other,' Sutcliffe said during the council meeting. 'But I actually think this is a great example of how democracy can and should work. The solution before us is balanced and thoughtful, it is careful and precise, it is principled and prudent. It aligns with what's happening in other communities and at other levels of government. It responds to the legitimate concerns and worries of many of our residents.' The motion wants the 'Vulnerable Social Infrastructure' Bylaw to incorporate the following: Prohibition of demonstrations near vulnerable social infrastructure : 'The bylaw shall prohibit demonstrations within a defined distance of vulnerable social infrastructure,' the motion states. Places may include, but not limited to, places of worship, schools, hospitals, and long-term care and congregate care facilities. : 'The bylaw shall prohibit demonstrations within a defined distance of vulnerable social infrastructure,' the motion states. Places may include, but not limited to, places of worship, schools, hospitals, and long-term care and congregate care facilities. Time-limited protective zones : The motion recommends staff establish 'time-limited protective zones that are only active during operational hours or specific high-risk periods.' The motion adds the proposed bylaw, 'shall be narrowly tailed to minimize any infringement on Charter-protected rights and freedoms.' : The motion recommends staff establish 'time-limited protective zones that are only active during operational hours or specific high-risk periods.' The motion adds the proposed bylaw, 'shall be narrowly tailed to minimize any infringement on Charter-protected rights and freedoms.' Protective distance : The motion directs staff to assess and recommend 'an appropriate protective distance of up to 80 metres around vulnerable social infrastructure.' It also proposes considering 'other means of protecting safe access' such as allowing staff or other officials to erect barricades or close highways. : The motion directs staff to assess and recommend 'an appropriate protective distance of up to 80 metres around vulnerable social infrastructure.' It also proposes considering 'other means of protecting safe access' such as allowing staff or other officials to erect barricades or close highways. Targeted application : The motion recommends including provisions in the bylaw to ensure 'protective zones do not apply to demonstrations that are not specifically directed at the protected vulnerable social infrastructure.' : The motion recommends including provisions in the bylaw to ensure 'protective zones do not apply to demonstrations that are not specifically directed at the protected vulnerable social infrastructure.' Labour/internal exemption : The motion recommends the bylaw 'explicitly exempts lawful labour union protests, strikes, pickets, or any other activities undertaken as part of a labour dispute or negotiation.' : The motion recommends the bylaw 'explicitly exempts lawful labour union protests, strikes, pickets, or any other activities undertaken as part of a labour dispute or negotiation.' Scope of government-owned infrastructure: The motion recommends the bylaw exclude embassies, Ottawa City Hall and Parliament of Canada buildings. 'The bylaw shall apply to government-owned property only where the primary function of the building or facility is to provide medical care, education, or long-term care or congregate care services,' the motion said. New rules for festivals, events, demonstrations The City of Ottawa is moving ahead with new rules for festivals and events, as it looks to shake the image as the town that fun forgot. Council approved a new Special Events Bylaw and a Highway Events Bylaw, which will regulate events indoors, outdoors and on roadways. The new rules provide flexibility for noise exemptions beyond 11 p.m. when events are impacted by 'unforeseen factors' like severe weather, cut the red tape for bars and restaurants and venues to host after-hours events between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Under the new bylaw, licensed food trucks or mobile vendors would not need additional permits to participate in a block party or street festival.
CTV News
24-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Great Glebe Garage Sale returns
The Glebe was once again transformed into a treasure hunter's dream as thousands packed the Ottawa neighbourhood looking to score a bargain. CTV's Camille Wilson reports.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
iHeartRadio Weekenders: May 22, 2025
Events in Ottawa this weekend: Ottawa Charge vs. Minnesota Frost, Kanata Ribfest & Poutine, and The Great Glebe Garage Sale.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Plan for paid street parking during evenings, weekends frustrates business owners
A plan to extend paid street parking hours into the evenings and weekends in high-traffic neighbourhoods is drawing the ire of some Ottawa business owners. City staff are recommending a range of reforms to an on-street parking regime that's been the norm in Ottawa for decades. Among the most significant changes are proposals to add five new paid parking zones, extend paid hours into the evenings and add paid Sunday parking in some high-traffic areas. The new parking rules would promote vehicle turnover to give visitors "more choice and less frustration," according to a city report, but some business owners in the most affected neighbourhoods aren't convinced. "Anyone that's in business, it will bother them, yes," said Paolo Di Rienzo, owner of Di Rienzo Grocery and Deli near Little Italy. "They should leave it at least the way it is, because they already make enough money anyway." In the ByWard Market, The Grand Pizzeria co-owner David Mangano called the proposed parking rules a "big concern." "Anything that affects parking in the market, negatively, we're against," he said. "We need as many people to come to the market as we possibly can." Glebe, Centretown, ByWard Market affected While Mangano and others worry any extra parking hurdles could chase potential customers away, the city argues a new approach to parking would benefit visitors and businesses alike. The city currently charges for street parking in 20 zones. The new plan would add five more — Churchill, Wellington West, Hintonburg, Richmond West and Richmond East. New rules for evening and weekend parking, however, would only apply in the busiest zones. The city defines those as commercial areas with existing paid daytime parking where at least 80 per cent of the spots are filled at peak times in the evening or on the weekend. For any areas that meet that bar, weekday paid parking would be extended from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., while in the mornings, a standard 8:30 a.m. start time would be brought in citywide, regardless of how busy the area is. On weekends, paid parking would run from 10 a.m. to either 5:30 or 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, depending on demand. Parts of the Glebe, Little Italy, downtown and several streets in and around the ByWard Market are set to see paid parking extended in the evening and on weekends. The report includes a full list of new paid parking hours for each zone. Rates are typically around $3 per hour but vary by location and are "regularly reviewed and adjusted." Staff estimate that the proposed rules would drive a net increase in annual parking fee revenues of about $3 million. That money would be re-invested in the city's parking management program to support road and sidewalk maintenance, among "other initiatives," the report says. Encourage 'turnover' and reduce 'cruising' The purpose of paid parking, according to the report, is to "encourage turnover" and make more spots available at any given time. According to city staff, the benefits include "more choice and less frustration" when trying to park, more convenient parking for those with accessibility issues and less "cruising" in search of a parking spot. The city also claims that revised parking hours would help support Ottawa nightlife by improving access for customers and encouraging foot traffic. Mangano isn't buying it. "The sweet spot for us — for diners and for retail — is 5:30 to 9:30, so the free parking is very beneficial to us," he said. "That's when the majority of money is spent in the ByWard Market, and in the other business districts around Ottawa." Mangano said he's working on a compromise with the city that would preserve as much free parking as possible, while also allowing the city to raise more revenue. ByWard 'not targeted,' councillor says Not all businesses oppose the changes. Claude Bonnet, owner of Le Moulin de Provence, said he believes extending paid parking hours into the evening is an approach that's "more fair for everybody" — and perhaps an opportunity to lower prices throughout the rest of the day. Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante said the new paid parking zones help address "a lot of inequality in parking" across the city. Plante stressed that extended hours are not targeting any one neighbourhood in particular. "We want to make sure that people understand the ByWard is not being targeted," she said. "We're not trying to extort money from people if they have to drive." The report goes to committee on May 22 and city council on May 28. If approved, the city is aiming to roll out the new parking rates on Sept. 2.
