PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AGREES TO DEFER REZONING IN BRIDLEWOOD

At its June 24 meeting the Planning and Environment Committee voted to defer consideration of the proposals to rezone land at 74 Stonehaven and 310 Stonehaven until its August 18 meeting. The intention of my motion was to allow both the plan of subdivision and the zoning to be discussed at the same time.

Often the response from planning staff to concerns from people in the community about proposed developments is that they can be addressed through the plan of subdivision or site plan. This is often the case, but sometimes problems occur when it is found that an issue cannot be addressed through the plan of subdivision. If the zoning amendment has passed, the opportunity to address issues people have proposed is lost.

Dealing with the zoning and plan of subdivision at the same time reduces the chance of mistakes that could hurt the community’s interest.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to write in with concerns and comments. Your messages are helping provide a clear picture of the level of concern in the community about these proposals.

PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION MEANS DECISIONS TO INCLUDE LAND IN THE URBAN BOUNDARY CANNOT BE REVERSED

One question that has come up as a result of the discussion of the proposed rezoning at 74 Stonehaven and 310 Stonehaven is whether it is possible to prevent the land from ever being developed.

Long before most of us moved to Kanata, a decision was made to designate the lands between the western boundary of the Greenbelt and Eagleson, north of Hope Side Road as urban. Provincial planning legislation means that once a municipality designates land as urban, the decision cannot be reversed. If the City were to try and reverse a decision to include land in the urban area or zone land to allow development, the property owner could appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and would win.

This does not mean that we have to accept whatever is proposed. We know that traffic is a problem in Bridlewood and we need to fight to ensure those problems are addressed.

However, it is a reminder that we need to be vigilant when proposals to expand the urban boundary come forward.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE HAZELDEAN MALL ANNEX

With the one floor empty and plans being made to move the community police station, the owners of Hazeldean Mall are looking at how they can use the space. Residents want to be sure that plans for the Annex will not lead to noise or traffic problems. To see if solutions can be found a discussion on plans for Hazeldean Mall Annex will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday July 7 in the Annex at Hazeldean Mall.

BEST WISHES TO STELLAE BOREALES FOR THEIR TOUR OF CHINA

During a break in a council meeting at the end of June, I had the opportunity to hear a concert by Stellae Boreales. The group includes a young violinist from Kanata, Catherine Sirois-Delisle. Being able to hear the group perform provided an oasis of calm during a turbulent council meeting!

In early July, the group is heading to China and will make great ambassadors for our city.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca.