Editor’s Note: If you’re a regular reader of the newsletter, you will notice that starting last month the association has started posting news and updates more frequently on the website, with the newsletter serving up a summary of the news and activities for the month. Check the website regularly or subscribe to updates to stay connected.
Jeanne d’Arc Roundabout and Transit Improvements – Virtual Public Information Session on October 9
The Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard Transit Measures project is currently underway, focusing on the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, Fortune Drive, and Vineyard Drive. This project aims to improve traffic flow and safety in the area, addressing long-standing concerns from the community. The detailed design plan highlights the integration of modern traffic management solutions, including a bus bay to facilitate smoother public transit operations. The construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025, coinciding with the opening of the LRT East Extension.
To keep the community informed and engaged, a virtual public information session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024. This session will provide updates on the project’s progress, address community concerns, and offer a platform for residents to ask questions and provide feedback. Registration is required to attend the session, ensuring that all interested parties can participate and stay informed about the developments in their neighborhood. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the improvements coming to Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard and how they will benefit the community!
2024 Annual General Meeting
The CGOWCA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24, 2024. The meeting, which took place at the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex, covered several key topics, including a presentation from our President and the launch of the new 5-year strategic plan, updated financial reports, and updates on ongoing community projects. The association discussed the progress of the Jeanne d’Arc roundabout construction and the community’s response to it. The meeting also included elections for new board members.
The AGM provides a platform for community members to voice their concerns and suggestions, fostering a collaborative environment. The association emphasized the importance of community involvement in local projects and encouraged residents to participate in upcoming events and initiatives. Overall, the meeting highlighted the CGOWCA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Convent Glen-Orléans Wood area through active community engagement and transparent governance.
A Weekend in the Suburbs with No Car (and Two Kids)
Rob Attrell, Secretary and Member of CGOWCA Board of Directors
For many suburban parents, reading the title of this article might send shivers down your spine. For a lot of families, one car per adult in the household is pretty typical, unless a car is in the shop or out of commission for some other reason. In my case, one of the reasons we are a one-vehicle household (a minivan, which is great by the way), is to accommodate our financial priorities. We would rather spend our money elsewhere rather than finance a second car for the rare occasion we are doing two things at once that require one. We are a family of 5 with one income at the moment, and not looking to change that.
This past weekend was a great opportunity to demonstrate that I was perfectly capable of getting around the suburbs with kids (who are 6 and nearly 4), with just my long-tail cargo bike.
Read the story of the whole weekend
Community BBQ Recap
Despite the cold, we had a solid turnout at our Community BBQ on September 8. Thanks to our neighbours who stopped by and participated in the event. The weather held out and warmed up by early afternoon, and attendees had a great view of the nearby airshow with jets crisscrossing the sky.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Golden Fries, Trinity Physio, Allegro Music School, Metro Convent Glen, and Councillor Laura Dudas for your support, as well as to Station 52 Fire Hall and MPP Stephen Blais for your involvement. Until next time!
Spotlight on Earthub
Savanna Symons, CGOWCA Environment Committee
Reducing our waste to benefit environmental conservation is something we can all do. Thanks to Earthub, it’s easier than you think! Earthub is a local organization on a mission to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to embrace eco-friendly solutions that preserve our planet for future generations. It was founded in 2019 by Ottawa’s own Brittanny Belanger after she was startled to find that medicine bottles were not recycled, but ended up as more trash.
Benefits of the Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan
Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President, CGOWCA Board
At our annual general meeting on September 24, we were lucky to have Robin van de Lande come to present on the Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan Study which is in the final stages of being adopted (pending Ontario Land Tribunal case OLT-23-000243). In May, a first development application was published which is an example of the type of developments that we can expect coming out of the plan. I thought it would be good to present the short-, medium- and long-term benefits that the community will see as these developments start to appear and a little bit on how I see the community association handling these developments.
Zoning By-law Workshop – Oct 1st at Ray Friel
This fall, the City of Ottawa is hosting a series of in-person workshops to discuss the new Zoning By-law. These workshops aim to engage the community, gather valuable feedback, and ensure that the new Zoning By-law aligns with the Official Plan and meets the needs and aspirations of all residents. The workshops are an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about proposed changes, ask questions, and provide input on how zoning regulations can better serve their neighborhoods.
Attend the Orleans session October 1st at Ray Friel.
CGOWCA News
A handful of exciting updates from the association have also come in for the month of October.
First, our new bylaws have been approved and come into effect on October 1st. You can read a summary of the changes and see the new bylaws here.
Next, as far of new rules governing non-profit organizations in Ontario, we have set up a form to register as a member of the community association, which also comes into effect on October 1, so get registered to continue to vote in CA matters.
We also published the CGOWCA 2024-29 Strategic Plan at our recent AGM, and you can read about our mission, vision, and values statement here.
Finally, at the AGM we also elected 5 new Board members, bringing the total number to 8, you can read about the board here.
Special thanks to Mykal Ibrahim
For about the last two years, Mykal has been translating our newsletter issues to French. Mykal has started getting much busier with work and graduate studies, and so will be stepping away from translation duties. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their incredible and dedicated work for the community, helping make the work of the association and the community more accessible.
