WHITE PAPER ASKS WHETHER PEOPLE WANT DEVELOPMENT IN THE GREENBELT

Any suggestion of development in the Greenbelt generates a strong reaction. People who use the trails in the Greenbelt or like having greenspace nearby are strongly opposed. Others, who are concerned about the costs the greenbelt adds to the cost of city services or people’s commutes, wonder why development isn’t permitted in areas of lower environmental significance.

One of the white papers prepared as part of the City of Ottawa Official Plan review looks at the question of whether development should be permitted in some parts of the Greenbelt. The paper outlines the costs and benefits of the Greenbelt and asks for feedback from the public.

Additional costs due to the greenbelt include the $60 million a year people who commute by car spend crossing it and the $10 million a year it adds to operating costs for transit.

There is also the requirement for additional infrastructure. There are 141 kilometres of road going through the Greenbelt. 43.4 kilometres of water pipes. 39 kilometres of sewer pipes.

But with those costs come benefits. There are seven million visits a year to the Greenbelt – most from people living in Ottawa. People like having greenspace nearby.

It is harder to quantify, but there is also an economic benefit to the Greenbelt. One of the biggest selling points for our city when we are trying to attract business is the quality of life here. For many people, the Greenbelt is an important part of that quality of life.

The Greenbelt is owned by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and it will be the federal government that makes the final decision about whether development will be permitted. However, as this is one of the first public consultations on the issue, the results are likely to receive attention.

A copy of the white paper can be found on the City website (link now gone). Comments can be provided by using the feedback form or contacting the author, Ian Cross, by phone, in writing or by e-mail at:

Community Planning and Design Division
Planning, Transit and the Environment Department
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
613-580-2424 ext. 21595
ian.cross@ottawa.ca

I know not everyone has access to the web. If you would like a paper copy of the report please don’t hesitate to contact me.

NOISE PROBLEMS INCREASE IN SUMMER

During the summer people want to sit in their yards or have their windows open. This means that people are also more likely to be affected by noise from activities nearby. One example I heard recently was allowing motorcycles to idle. All of us try to avoid inconveniencing our neighbours. In the summer we have to allow for the fact it is a lot easier for our neighbours to hear what we are doing.

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