Question 1:
What do you mean by lot turnover?
Marty’s Response:
Lot turnover refers to when a house is demolished and rebuilt. For example, last year, six lots were turned over, and all were redeveloped as single-family homes.
Question 2:
I have a 20-month-old in daycare, but it’s only for three hours a day. Finding afternoon coverage has been really difficult. Do you have any information on funding or expanding these programs?
Marty’s Response:
We’ve heard from several parents facing similar challenges. City staff have been in contact with Andrew Fleck Children Services on these issues. Contact Andrew Fleck Children Services for the most recent updates.
Question 3:
I love the programs at the Canterbury Community Centre, but I think it needs an upgrade. Is there any plan for expansion?
Marty’s Response:
We’ve looked into expanding the community centre, but unfortunately, staff determined it wouldn’t be possible to build on top of the existing structure. I agree that more community spaces are needed, but right now, there’s no money for a large expansion.
Question 4:
I recently had surgery, and I’ve noticed how terrible the sidewalks are, particularly along Southvale. Can anything be done about that?
Marty’s Response:
Thank you for bringing that up. We’ll look into the condition of the sidewalks on Southvale right away.
Question 5:
People are worried about intensification in Alta Vista. What are your thoughts on this, and what is the city doing to support the local food bank, given the increasing demand?
Marty’s Response:
I understand the concern about intensification. The city is planning for growth, but turnover is slow, and many developers have expressed that it doesn’t make financial sense to redevelop at a large scale in Alta Vista right now. Most of the development will likely occur in transit hubs and along main streets like Bank Street and Herongate. Regarding the food bank, demand is rising, and the city is working with the Ottawa Food Bank to address the funding shortfall. We were able to increase the sustainability fund last year for food providers, but it remains a serious challenge.
Question 6:
Why is there such a difference in zoning in Pleasant Park? One side allows four units per lot, and the other allows six units per lot. And has there been any assessment of the costs involved with intensification, like sewers and infrastructure?
Marty’s Response:
The difference in zoning is because part of the area is protected by the Alta Vista Secondary Plan, which caps the number of units. The city does conduct infrastructure assessments whenever new development is planned, and there are stormwater criteria that have to be met before applications are approved. Additionally, studies have shown that building within the existing urban boundary saves money compared to expanding outward, mainly due to the reduced costs of infrastructure like transit and pipes. I can send you the specific report on cost assessments for this.
Question 7:
Are we really saving money by packing everyone into smaller lots? Shouldn’t we also consider the costs of adding more schools, community centers, and other services?
Marty’s Response:
The city’s assessments suggest that we do save money by building within the urban boundary, particularly for infrastructure like transit and sewer systems. However, I agree that more services, including schools and community centers, are needed. The city is monitoring development closely and generating reports on intensification. I can follow up with the specific cost analysis you’re asking for.
Question 8:
Is the city planning to push back against the provincial government’s decision to remove bike lanes? I’m concerned that we’re building new bike lanes, but they might be torn out.
Marty’s Response:
I signed a letter today with ten other Councillors to the Premier, expressing concerns about the provincial overreach on bike lanes. It doesn’t make sense to tear out what’s already been built. We haven’t had a full discussion on how the city will handle this yet, but I believe this decision primarily targets Toronto. However, I will continue to advocate for maintaining our bike lanes.
Question 9:
There’s a lot of talk about intensification, but we also have underused facilities like Dempsey. Can we get some funding to fix up areas like Alda Burt Park and increase programming at Dempsey Community Centre?
Marty’s Response:
We’re working on getting funds to fix up Alda Burt Park, and we’ve already addressed some urgent repairs. Dempsey Centre is being used for free youth programming, and more programs will be added soon, such as a seniors’ drop-in. The programming has been limited due to the shelter crisis, but we expect to offer more once that situation is resolved.
Question 10:
I support increased density, but are there any plans for a ‘mature neighborhood overlay’ in Alta Vista to ensure new buildings fit the character of the area?
Marty’s Response:
I don’t have the exact details on that right now, but I’ll get back to you. Tree conservation and maintaining the character of neighborhoods are important concerns for residents, and I’ll make sure you get more information on those guidelines.
Question 11:
What about adding more sidewalks? Would that be considered as we increase density?
Marty’s Response:
Yes, it’s a city policy that whenever a street is redone, sidewalks are added. For example, Blossom is on the list for sidewalk improvements. We’re also working with the City’s transportation department to address school traffic issues, like around Alta Vista Public School.
Question 12:
There are some decrepit buildings on Bank Street, particularly around Blue Heron Mall. Can anything be done about these properties that are just sitting there vacant?
Marty’s Response:
Unfortunately, property owners have the right to hold onto their sites as long as they want. We’ve been in discussions about properties like Paula’s Sewing Basket and others along Bank Street, and we’re hoping the redevelopment of Bank Street will encourage faster action. I’ll look into property standards enforcement for the vacant lots, but the city’s powers are limited.
Question 13:
What about renovations that turn a single unit into two, like adding an upstairs and downstairs unit? Is that captured in the intensification data?
Marty’s Response:
Yes, that is captured when building permits are issued. The city tracks intensification through permits, including those for renovations that add units.
Question 14:
We live near Haig Drive, and we experience a lot of cut-through traffic. What’s the status of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor?
Marty’s Response:
The Alta Vista Transportation Corridor is still on the map, but I don’t expect to see it built within the next 30 years. It’s a project that many people have mixed feelings about, and while development to the south continues, the city currently has no plans or funding for it. I understand the concerns about cut-through traffic, and we’re working on ways to address that.
Question 15:
What’s the status of the Bank and Riverside development? It seems to be on hold.
Marty’s Response:
The developer at Bank and Riverside has run into issues with access points and is looking to buy extra property to resolve those. Unfortunately, development on that site is moving slowly. Other sites along Bank Street, like Langdon’s Flowers and 50/45 Bank Street, are also delayed, but we’re keeping an eye on these projects and working with developers.
Question 16:
It seems like violent crime in the ward has increased. Is that true?
Marty’s Response:
I spoke to the police, and statistically, violent crime in our ward has not increased, although we’ve had some high-profile incidents related to gangs and guns. There has been an uptick in property crimes like parcel and bicycle theft, and the police are increasing patrols in response. We’re working on setting up a neighborhood security meeting early next year to address these concerns.