Latest news with #ShawnMenard
CBC
8 hours ago
- 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
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
City of Ottawa staff recommending against proposed ban on municipal fossil fuel advertising
The City of Ottawa is not recommending a ban on fossil fuel advertisements on municipal property after community groups had called on the city to remove them over concerns for the environment. The decision comes after staff conducted a review of the city's new Advertising Using City Assets and Programs Policy that included a motion from Coun. Shawn Menard regarding the ads last year. Various community and environmental groups had urged the city to ban the promotion of fossil fuels and the sponsorship of those companies in city facilities after the advertisements were spotted on ice rink boards and OC Transpo buses. In a memo to councillors on the finance and corporate services committee in response to Menard's motion, staff said the City of Ottawa's advertising policy must comply with federal and municipal laws. 'Unlike the Federal regulations restricting advertising of tobacco, there are no Federal laws that prohibit or severely restrict fossil fuel advertising,' wrote Dan Chenier, the city's general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services. 'As any prohibitions or significant restriction on fossil fuel advocacy advertising would constitute a limit on the right to freedom of expression under section 2(b) of the Charter, a reviewing Court would consider whether the limit is reasonable in a free and democratic society.' Staff say municipal law must comply with new provisions under the federal Competition Act targeting 'greenwashing,' a term for misleading or false environmental claims in advertising. Under the rules, a business wanting to that claims to be 'net-zero by 2050' would have to substantiate it with a concrete plan and backed by an international recognized methodology, for example. Companies who don't comply could face substantial penalties. Staff recommend updating the city's advertising policy to clarify the federal greenwashing provisions, to pre-screen advertisers for compliance, and provide greater clarity around the new rules on the city's website. Chenier writes that the city is not aware of other municipalities that have banned fossil fuel ads. Toronto and Montreal have also taken steps to comply with federal greenwashing rules, the memo says.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Ottawa residents could be allowed to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in parks this summer
Parkgoers could be able to enjoy a cold alcoholic beverage while visiting parks in Ottawa this summer. An update to Ottawa's Parks and Facilities Bylaw, to be discussed at the Community Services Committee meeting on May 27, recommends allowing alcohol consumption in designated parks selected by councillors, but not at beaches, sports fields and around playground equipment. The current bylaw prohibits alcoholic beverages in a park, except at events with a park rental permit and a special occasion permit. Councillor Shawn Menard asked city staff to explore a pilot project to allow the consumption of alcohol in municipal parks. Staff are recommending allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks, as determined by the Public Works general manager in consultation with the ward councillor. The report does provide two potential options for allowing alcohol consumption in parks: Option 1 : Allow the councillor in each ward to work with their communities to decide on designating a park, or not, to permit personal consumption of alcohol. : Allow the councillor in each ward to work with their communities to decide on designating a park, or not, to permit personal consumption of alcohol. Option 2: Implement a phased approach, whereby the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department general manager would, in consultation with the local ward councillor, select 'up to one park per ward' to authorize personal consumption of alcohol from July 1 to Oct. 31. Staff are recommending the city proceed with option one, staying the bylaw 'will make it possible for individual councillors to identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol would be allowed.' The proposed rules include: No alcohol consumption before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m. or hours designated by the general manager. No person shall possess or consume alcohol within a five-metre radius of a playground or playground equipment, wading pools or splash pads or outdoor pools, beaches, parking lots, natural or artificial ice ranks, and at sports fields, sports courts and ball diamonds. Both the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Ottawa Public Health have raised health, safety and security concerns about allowing alcohol consumption in parks. 'The OPS has significant concerns about the implications of this policy, which may undermine public safety,' Chief Eric Stubbs said in a letter to the city. 'The OPS does not support the initiative to allow alcohol consumption in city parks. While we understand that municipalities in Ontario are exploring this possibility, we believe such a change presents risks to the public.' Stubbs says residents have raised concerns about open-air drug use, and 'allowing alcohol consumption in public parks could further these concerns and heighten their sense of insecurity.' The chief says if the City of Ottawa allows alcohol consumption in parks, police would need to discuss 'specific implementation measures' to mitigate the risks. 'Adequate bylaw enforcement presence and clear guidelines for managing alcohol consumption would be essential,' Stubbs writes, adding police support would 'be limited.' 'While OPS is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community, permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources.' Staff say if city council wishes to maintain the current ban on alcohol consumption in parks, a motion would be required to amend the bylaw. The Liquor Licence Act of Ontario gives municipalities the authority to designate public places for legal alcohol consumption.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Charge Avenue': Ottawa Renames Bank Street to Celebrate Charge's Playoff Run
Image The City of Ottawa has gone all in on its support for the PWHL's Ottawa Charge, officially renaming a stretch of the city's iconic Bank Street to 'Charge Avenue' in honour of the team's inaugural playoff berth. Bank Street—home to TD Place and a major artery through Ottawa's downtown core—will carry the temporary new name throughout the postseason. The symbolic gesture comes as the Charge prepare for their opening-round matchup against Montreal, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. ET on TSN and RDS in Canada. 'We've been privileged from the onset to call TD Place home and have such incredible support,' said head coach Carla MacLeod. 'The fan base is unbelievable. Now you can tell people to head on down to Charge Avenue—that's where you're going to find the action.' The renaming was coordinated in partnership with the city and area councillor Shawn Menard. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praised the initiative and the team's broader impact. 'We had a few conversations at City Hall, including with Councillor Menard and a few others,' Sutcliffe said. 'We discussed what the options would be and started preparing. We wanted to show our support for the team and remind them that we are with them in this. We're very proud of them.' For the players, the tribute was both emotional and energizing. 'It's just so cool,' said Mannon McMahon. 'The city of Ottawa has been supporting us all season long, so I think this playoff run is more for them as we look to bring the Walter Cup home to Ottawa.' 'It was really cool to see 'Charge Avenue' up there and have [Brianne Jenner] leading the way,' added Gabbie Hughes. 'It just speaks volumes to what the city means to us.' Alexa Vasko echoed the sentiment: 'I think it's one of a kind, and we were informed that it's all the way down Bank Street. It's so cool to see 'Charge Avenue' up on the streets and I was happy to be a part of it.' With the city rallying behind them and 'Charge Avenue' setting the tone, the Ottawa Charge head into the postseason with momentum, belief, and the unwavering support of a community that's been behind them from day one. As they travel to Montreal, they carry more than just a playoff berth—they carry the pride of an entire city.
Ottawa Citizen
01-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Moffatt: Zombies, fairies and dragons in Ottawa's new transportation plan
Long-range transportation planning always involves some element of fantasy. The future is impossible to predict: Who would have anticipated the upheaval in transportation patterns we've seen since 2020? But even with that caveat, Ottawa's draft new Transportation Master Plan (TMP), released April 1, is an unusually fantastical document. Article content Article content And much like other classics in the fantasy genre, the new TMP is filled with zombies, fairies, and dragons. Article content Article content Let's start with the zombies. These are transportation plans that aren't quite alive, but never seem to die. Take the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC), a proposed four-lane arterial extending Conroy Road north to Highway 417 at Nicholas Street. It's been in the city's planning books since the 1950s, but has never been built (save for a small Hospital Link stub). In the new TMP, the AVTC lives again — though Coun. Shawn Menard took a proverbial machete and chopped off one of its arms (the north section through the so-called 'People's Park,' a bare field on Lees Avenue). Article content Even in this compromised form, the zombie trudges on, hungry for brains — or, in this case, hungry to pave over the Kilborn Allotment Gardens. Will this undead foe never be vanquished? Article content Next, the fairies: transportation projects with magical powers despite their possible non-existence. The 2013 TMP called these part of the 'Ultimate Network'; the 2025 edition places them in the 'Needs-Based' network. In plain English, they are projects without any funding or timeline attached to them. Article content Article content Development without transit Article content Article content Yet even though these might not be real, they still carry real power. For years, the city has been approving highrises on Carling Avenue under the pretence that their residents would be one day served by an LRT line. This was obviously never built and the new TMP has replaced it with bus rapid transit (BRT), expected construction … to be determined. All that's actually planned for Carling by 2046 are regular bus lanes of the non-rapid variety. It's transit-oriented development without the transit: magic! Time will tell if the Stage 3 LRT to Kanata-Stittsville and Barrhaven is a fairy or the real thing. Article content Ottawa is set to grow from one to 1.4 million people in the next 25 years. We can handle that many people, but we sure can't fit that many new cars on the roads. That's why Ottawa's Official Plan set the target of shifting the majority of trips to walking, cycling, transit and carpooling by 2046. The new TMP throws cold water on that idea — calling it 'difficult to achieve.' And what's the point of trying something difficult? Instead, the TMP keeps the majority of travel to be done by drivers, which will add an anticipated 542,000 car trips per day to Ottawa's roads. More cars mean more traffic and slower commutes.
