Submitted by the K9 working group
Here are updates from some of the nine community associations in our ward.
Hintonburg Community Association
Since their September 2023 AGM, the Hintonburg Community Association has been very active.
Activities have included a thrilling Ball Hockey Tournament and an overwhelmingly successful Artisan Craft Fair. Looking forward, there are a few issues of greater concern: Saving Plouffe Park, the Tunney’s Pasture redevelopment, Bayview Yards, Parkdale Avenue traffic, affordable housing, and the safety and security of residents— especially students and seniors. The Community Association is also looking forward to working together with other Community Associations to expand greenspace and replace trees in Hintonburg.
Island Park Community Association
Island Park Drive turned 100 on October 18, 2023. In celebration of this milestone, the Island Park Community Association (IPCA) held a community-wide social event on Sept. 21 at St. George’s Parish. It included a keynote presentation and Q&A with Built Heritage Ottawa representatives to discuss Heritage Conservation District options for the neighbourhood.
In Nov. 2023, the IPCA submitted an application to the City that Island Park be approved for a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study to determine if the area warrants that status. Some of the supporting research can be found on the IPCA website at islandparkcommunityassociation.ca. It includes a slideshow and history of the Island Park Drive research paper.
Anyone wishing to contribute historical information about the neighbourhood is welcome to submit contributions or ask questions by sending an email to info@islandparkcommunityassociation.ca.
McKellar Park Community Association
MPCA is holding a Spring Egg Hunt on Sat, March 30 at 10:30 a.m. at McKellar Park – 539 Wavell Avenue. It will go ahead rain, snow or even mud! Fun for the whole family and a great way to meet your neighbours! Find out more at the MPCA website: mckellarpark.ca.
Mechanicsville Community Association
MCA was thrilled to present a cheque to Kristi Ross, their legal counsel, for $12,800 to pay for final legal fees in the “Trees Not Embassies” legal challenge to save precious greenspace called Lazy Bay Commons. Every donation, big or small, helped MCA save the space.
Mechanicsville would like to personally thank the many individuals, community, environmental organizations and politicians who devoted time, energy, creativity and funding to this challenge. It was a monumental three-year fight that succeeded in preserving 25 per cent of the green space plus securing many other gains that will benefit the community for generations to come. If you are interested in learning more about this challenge, contact Mechanicsville.org.
Wellington Village Community Association
The WVCA has been busy. Recently, they have been working alongside neighbours and the City to reimagine the (now vacant) lot on Spencer Avenue as a brand new community park. City public consultation is expected soon. The group is also leading Neighbours for Tunney’s with surrounding community associations to promote community engagement in the redevelopment of Tunney’s Pasture. Find out more in a 2023 Year-in-Review at wvca.ca!
Westboro Community Association
Westboro residents are helping make the skies a little safer for birds in our city! Every year in Ottawa more than 250,000 birds die colliding with glass structures. In a survey organized last fall by Safe Wings Ottawa and Carleton University students, 118 Westboro residents offered suggestions to reduce these accidents, while local architect Barry Hobin and his firm support bird-safe design solutions. The Westboro Community Association (WCA) hopes this research will encourage the City of Ottawa to consider bird protection standards that have been in place in Toronto and Vancouver for more than 10 years.
Community events
April 19-20: KITCHISSIPPI UNITED CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE: This popular event has a good selection of boutique items, books, art, jewellery, toys and household items for sale. The sale starts on Fri. April 19th at 7:09 p.m. and Sat. April 20th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. We are located at 630 Island Park Dr.(at the Queensway). For information, call (613) 722-7254.
APRIL 25-27: SPRING YARD SALE IN SUPPORT OF HUMANE SOCIETY: The OHS Auxiliary will be selling high quality handmade crafts at its Spring Craft Sale. The sale takes place at “The Spot” between Bentley and Laura Secord, Carlingwood Mall, 2121 Carling Avenue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 25, 26 and 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Proceeds go to support the animals at the Ottawa Humane Society. They accept cash, credit (over $10) or debit. For more info, contact Connie constance_nunn@yahoo.com.
TUESDAYS: FRIENDS OF TAI CHI: Friends of Tai Chi and the First Unitarian Church on Cleary Avenue would like to let the community know that on March 12 we will be begin to offer, free of charge, guided Tai Chi practice every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.