Liz Bernstein, LCA President
Recently I was reminded of what a fantastic community we have. Together with many of you, I was at a special meeting of the LCA focused on reducing crime and enhancing safety and security. Many volunteers had worked long and hard to prepare the meeting, review statistics and documentation, advocate for open crime data and invite panelists to share their views with us. All of the presentations were of high quality, and the perspectives thoughtful. So were the participants. While it could have left me feeling negative, tinged with a sense of fear or dismay, it was the opposite. Panelists and participants alike shared their passion for our community, acknowledging that it is unique in the combination of residents, bars, restaurants and other entertainment, businesses, a university of thousands of students, tourists, homeless shelters, rivers and parks, and that we cherish this vibrant diversity.
I was struck by Fathiya Warsame’s presentation about the Our Home project of the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, as she explained how they work with residents to create spaces where people feel welcome, and focus on positive uses of space and aspects of community. The room brimmed with the creative ideas of residents eager to help identify solutions and not just sit back, complain and wait for someone else to address their concerns. While each of us may have differing primary concerns, bringing together this spirit to advance solutions warms my heart so often.
In these pages you will find some of the incredible work of your neighbours. To highlight a few:
Nancy Chenier and Liz Mackenzie led members of the Heritage Committee to fight creatively, constructively and valiantly to save two Lowertown Heritage buildings this month. While Council did not save the buildings, the way they lead the challenge taught us all so much, and we know the struggle continues. Read more about it on pages 3 and 11.
Peter Ferguson and Mario Gasperetti led many active members of the Planning Committee to work with the developers of the project at 151 Chapel, Trinity Ltd. to improve the project and address some of our concerns.
Led by stalwart Justin Dyet, the ice rink crew prepared and maintained the rink despite weather challenges, so that enjoyment could be had by all. We thank you.
It’s also budget season, and we’ve participated in our provincial budget consultations and are preparing federal input, urging investment in the revitalization of ByWard Market so that we can make a difference in renewing the Market at the Centre of our community and city before the Ottawa 2017 anniversary. We asked Ontario to create an Active Transportation Fund so that Ottawa and other municipalities can accelerate developing active transportation infrastructure. The fund could expedite development of infrastructure such as bike lanes, walkways, pedestrian and cycle bridges or underpasses, and complete streets planning and development. We also urged Ontario to embrace a commitment to plant 150,000 trees for the 2017 anniversary. We echoed calls for a Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy.
Whether your passion is improving our parks, gardens, sidewalks, heritage buildings, planning or housing, budgets, or engaging neighbours, contact info@lowetown-basseville.ca to get more involved and join us every second Monday night.
Liz Bernstein, LCA President
Recently I was reminded of what a fantastic community we have. Together with many of you, I was at a special meeting of the LCA focused on reducing crime and enhancing safety and security. Many volunteers had worked long and hard to prepare the meeting, review statistics and documentation, advocate for open crime data and invite panelists to share their views with us. All of the presentations were of high quality, and the perspectives thoughtful. So were the participants. While it could have left me feeling negative, tinged with a sense of fear or dismay, it was the opposite. Panelists and participants alike shared their passion for our community, acknowledging that it is unique in the combination of residents, bars, restaurants and other entertainment, businesses, a university of thousands of students, tourists, homeless shelters, rivers and parks, and that we cherish this vibrant diversity.
I was struck by Fathiya Warsame’s presentation about the Our Home project of the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, as she explained how they work with residents to create spaces where people feel welcome, and focus on positive uses of space and aspects of community. The room brimmed with the creative ideas of residents eager to help identify solutions and not just sit back, complain and wait for someone else to address their concerns. While each of us may have differing primary concerns, bringing together this spirit to advance solutions warms my heart so often.
In these pages you will find some of the incredible work of your neighbours. To highlight a few:
Nancy Chenier and Liz Mackenzie led members of the Heritage Committee to fight creatively, constructively and valiantly to save two Lowertown Heritage buildings this month. While Council did not save the buildings, the way they lead the challenge taught us all so much, and we know the struggle continues. Read more about it on pages 3 and 11.
Peter Ferguson and Mario Gasperetti led many active members of the Planning Committee to work with the developers of the project at 151 Chapel, Trinity Ltd. to improve the project and address some of our concerns.
Led by stalwart Justin Dyet, the ice rink crew prepared and maintained the rink despite weather challenges, so that enjoyment could be had by all. We thank you.
It’s also budget season, and we’ve participated in our provincial budget consultations and are preparing federal input, urging investment in the revitalization of ByWard Market so that we can make a difference in renewing the Market at the Centre of our community and city before the Ottawa 2017 anniversary. We asked Ontario to create an Active Transportation Fund so that Ottawa and other municipalities can accelerate developing active transportation infrastructure. The fund could expedite development of infrastructure such as bike lanes, walkways, pedestrian and cycle bridges or underpasses, and complete streets planning and development. We also urged Ontario to embrace a commitment to plant 150,000 trees for the 2017 anniversary. We echoed calls for a Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy.
Whether your passion is improving our parks, gardens, sidewalks, heritage buildings, planning or housing, budgets, or engaging neighbours, contact info@lowetown-basseville.ca to get more involved and join us every second Monday night.
See you around the neighbourhood!