Present: Rebecca Aird (Chair), Roger Chenoweth, John Dance,
Vicki Davis (Minutes), Kathryn Nelson, Keith Shackleton, Julia Sneyd
Introductions
It was the first meeting for Roger, who is an experienced
builder of “natural” houses of straw bale, clay, etc. from B.C.
Presentation by nursing students
Rebecca distributed copies of the Power Point presentation
given by the University
of Ottawa nursing
students on November 27 at Sandy Hill Community Centre. Their interviews of
residents of the apartment buildings on Lees Avenue provide useful information
for SLOE regarding the possible use by local residents of a better trail along
the Rideau River.
SLOE website
The SLOE website is now live at http://sustainablelivingottawaeast.googlepages.com/home. It contains minutes of the last three
meetings, a link to the pages on the Rideau River Nature Trail, and a blog link
related to the community garden. There could be a nature journal, pages on the
children’s garden and the Old Ottawa East farmers’ market. Annette Hegel is
providing the service free of charge.
Farmers’ market
Rebecca mentioned that Akua has moved and that Rebecca
Goostrey will also be leaving our community. New people are becoming involved
in this project and a coordinator will be hired in April. The coordinator’s
salary will be covered by fees from the farmers. Volunteers will be required
for market days.
We need an interim coordinator from January to April. This
could be a shared responsibility. Sean and Kirsten are coordinating for now.
This task involves calling meetings, making sure that all roles are covered. A
letter to the farmers from the past market will be sent in January, asking for
a deposit and connections to other interested farmers.
Rideau River Nature
Trail
An article about the RRNT had been published in the December
2007 issue of the Mainstreeter. An application to support tree planting this coming
spring summer was submitted to the City, with a total value of $10,000. This
initiative will be a conspicuous means of making the project real.
Presentations are being made to three City advisory
committee meetings. Rebecca and John hope that they will influence City staff
to support the overall vision (versus the wide, paved path vision) and its
phased implementation. The Community Design Plan group will include the RRNT as
part of the CDP.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has responded to
SLOE’s questions regarding development that a developer cannot build within 30
metres of the shoreline (high water mark). This helps the argument for
establishing a permanent public ‘right of way’ for the path on the Oblate
property. The City
Parks and Recreation
Department position is that when the land comes up for development, as a
condition the City should acquire the land for a right of way.
SLOE could use the advice of a lawyer with knowledge of
property rights.
Ecological profiles
Rebecca reported that Mary has been working with Scott
Findlay, a University
of Ottawa professor, to
finalize a research project to be undertaken by one of Scott’s students to
develop an ecological profile of our stretch of the river. They have put
together some great source materials, including a fisheries assessment, the
Rideau eco-action kit sponsored by ECOS, and city storm water quality data. The
goal is ecological rehabilitation.
With regard to stormwater management, we do not want new
development to result in any increase in the storm sewer discharge on our
stretch of the river. Kathryn has been developing research profiles to post at
Ottawa U’s Experiential Learning Program to get students to do some research to
support this position and define alternatives. The approach fits with the Lower
Rideau Watershed Study and Management Strategy study. The City is also
developing a stormwater stategy
Children’s garden
There was a very dynamic meeting on this initiative, with
representatives from all five partner organizations. Julia reported that Lady Evelyn
School grades 4, 5 and 6
students are developing design options for the garden. The Sandy Hill Community
Health Centre has a co-op student who will work 2 days a week on the garden.
The City has given initial positive signals regarding the use of Leggett Park. The idea is for a mixed ‘natural
space’. It will have a fence and water.
SLOE is applying to the Community Foundation of Ottawa and
the Evergreen Foundation for funding. The Sandy Hill Community Health Centre
has agreed to play the role of institutional partner in support of these
applications.
Old Ottawa
East Community Association
The OOECA has agreed to incorporate. This will make
fundraising easier. John will help with consistent financial statements from
all bodies involved.
Future of SLOE
Rebecca mentioned that she is looking at her career/paid
work options and may have to reduce her work with SLOE. There was some
discussion about the possibility of having a salaried position and how funds
could be raised for it.
Energy-related
Rebecca has made contact with Ken Church of Natural
Resources Canada on sustainable buildings and communities. Among other things,
they discussed the idea of a community energy profile for OE, and some possible
options for a district energy approach for new development at SPU. Natural
Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency is about to announce a new program
to support uptake of domestic solar hot water. Rebecca also spoke to a rep from
one the companies (Isolara) that is likely to win a contract based on a
commitment to get SHW installed in a certain number of new residences. SLOE can
play a role by getting winning organizations interested in OE as a place to
meet their quotas, and getting OE residents interested in taking advantage. The
Isolara rep talked about wanting to get the first “20%” street in Canada (i.e.,
20% of households have a SHW system installed. It would be great to have that
street be in OE.
Environment Canada
has a new program for funding community NGOs related to clean air.
Ontario Ministry of the Environment has money to give
community groups related to education and clean air.
Pedestrian bridge
John reported that the Glebe Community Association executive
are interested in a bridge between 5th
Avenue and Riverdale/Echo Drive. Colonel By Drive
would need a pedestrian crossing there. Clive Doucet has advocated a pedestrian
bridge in the past. We should investigate creative ways to finance it.
Cycling lanes on Pretoria
Bridge
John reported that Robin Bennet of the City staff has said
that there will be cycling lanes on Pretoria
Bridge.
Brochure
It would be great to have someone to work on a new SLOE
brochure. The old one is outdated and there is now a new logo.
Next meeting
The next meeting will be held January 21.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
A bottle of wine was shared to celebrate the first year of
SLOE
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