By Zsofia Orosz
DCA secretary
At our March meeting, the Dalhousie Community Association unanimously approved the renewal of our membership in the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods (FUN). FUN is a good resource for sharing information and expertise, and for working together with other communities in Ontario to improve the lives of urban residents.
Several community meetings have been held recently and, on March 5, city planners laid out their proposals for the reconstruction of Bronson Avenue between Laurier Avenue and the Queensway. Though the roadway will not be widened, improvements will be minimal and mainly cosmetic. At least no mature trees will be cut down and people can keep their porches.
The Carling-Bayview Community Design Plan (CDP) community meeting on March 6 was organized by the DCA and the Hintonburg Community Association. Over 250 residents attended to support the CDP’s design principles, including the gradual stepping down of high-rise buildings toward existing low-rise neighbourhoods. Concerns raised included the increase of traffic on our streets–taken for granted by many, despite the various public transport options available and planned–and the need for more services and green space with the expected influx of offices and residents. The CDP’s design principles and plans are presented in a series of informative videos on the city’s website.
We will see if Claridge Homes will take these concepts to heart as it advances its plans for the corner of Somerset and Breezehill. This plot is just on the border of the CDP and right next to Devonshire Public School, attended by many children from our neighourhood. Claridge is currently proposing 28 storeys for this site. They will also unveil their plans on March 19 for the vacant lot on the northeast corner of Preston Street and Carling Avenue.
The DCA keeps a close eye on city plans for an omnibus rezoning, which will cover issues such as amendments to the definition of commercial patios, terminology of mid-high rise versus mid-rise, and amendments to the definition of a nightclub.
Section 37 of the Ontario Planning Act, discussed at last month’s meeting also remains on the agenda as the DCA develops its list of potential community benefits. We will forward this list to Coun. Holmes’ office for her consideration in future negotiations with developers, who seek building height or massing above-zoning limits.
We also reviewed a list of billboards that could be turned into digital ones. Eight billboards in our area could be converted but others that are situated on traditional main street cannot.
The DCA opposes digital billboards as they add to light pollution.
We were encouraged by the news that the city is considering expanding Chaudière Park by 8 x 140 feet, up to the street as part of its redevelopment plans. This is a small increase of greenspace but, nevertheless, a step in the right direction.
We also heard from the co-chair of the safety committee that things are generally quiet in the neighbourhood. Still, a few sex trade workers have been spotted around Gladstone Avenue, west of Bronson and certain cafes seem to be keeping long hours well into the night. Coun. Holmes’ office will check whether there is a bylaw that regulates business hours, outside the selling of alcohol. Cut-through traffic continues at Petro Canada at Bronson and Gladstone and, at the same corner, more and more transit users run across four lanes on Bronson to catch their buses at the last minute. The location of bus stops could be revisited during the Bronson reconstruction to improve safety.
Our AGM will be held at the Dalhousie Community Centre on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Dr. Bruce Firestone of Carleton University’s architecture department will speak on Intensification: Blight or Boon? His topic is timely seeing as our community is targeted for mid- to high-rise developments. Come out and learn more about your community and its future!