These are updates to stories published in previous issues of The BUZZ.
More powers for the mayor
The province released its draft regulations for the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act this month.
While similar to what had been revealed, they also allow the mayor to veto changes to development charges. They also set a schedule for city budgets: city council has 30 days to amend a mayor’s proposed budget.
The provincial priorities under which the mayor has more powers will be “Building 1.5 million new residential units by 2031” and “The construction and maintenance of infrastructure to support accelerated supply and availability of housing including, but not limited to, transit, roads, utilities, and servicing.”
Only 10 days were allowed for consultation on the regulations.
Background: “Strong Mayors bill passes, changing the balance of power at city council” (September 15, 2022)
Library hours increase
Starting this week, the Ottawa Public Library is restoring open hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, It will now open at 10 a.m.
However, evening hours remain reduced, meaning that the main branch’s hours are still 12 percent less than pre-pandemic. A planned increase in Sunday hours has not yet been announced.
Background: “Full library hours waiting for more staff” (August 18, 2022)
Library board to discuss branch locations in November
The Ottawa Public Library board will debate a proposed Facilities Framework on November 8.
The framework specifies the distance among branches, which could remove the possibility of a small downtown branch when the main branch moves to LeBreton Flats.
Residents can speak at the online meeting if they pre-register. Info: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/opl_board
Background: “Downtown library branch not in the cards?” (August 18, 2022)
Chief William Commanda Bridge delayed
The multi-use pathway over the Ottawa River on the Chief William Commanda Bridge has been delayed. The city said last week that the pathway will now open next spring to pedestrians, cyclists, and cross-country skiers. It attributed the delay to a strike, labour shortages, and supply chain issues.
Background: “Dalhousie Community Association report: construction coming” (December 9, 2021)
“Bridge-in” protests closure of Prince of Wales Bridge (September 24, 2016)