By Norman Moyer, President
On October 19, at its Annual General Meeting, the Lowertown Community Association (LCA) chose its Directors for 2020-21 and launched its Vision 2035, what better way to welcome the second wave of the pandemic in our midst!! The pandemic is stirring the pot of our strengths and weaknesses, of our fears and hopes. Suddenly things that were only dreams are now being looked at as possible. The LCA will approach the next year with optimism and with a determination to work with all the stakeholders to build a better community and a better city. Here is our new team a few of our priorities as seen in our Vision 2035 and the opportunities that exist today.
Transportation:
Boris Pobric and Jordan Ferraro will co-chair the Transportation Committee and focus on King Edward and the federal proposal a “sixth crossing”. The Committee will guide LCA lobbying for funding for traffic calming measures on King Edward. They will comment on on-street parking restrictions, study ways to improve bicycle travel to and through our community, and examine the impact of street closures.
Public Safety and Security:
Sandra Milton will continue as Chair of this committee focusing on two major thrusts: working with the OPS and other stakeholders on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Resource Teams, and promoting the increase and better coordination of mental health outreach services for people experiencing homeless and addiction. The committee will also continue its focus on the underlying causes of the high crime rates in Lowertown: poverty, addiction, homelessness and the concentration of bars.
Planning:
Warren Waters is the new chair of this committee. They will review all significant development proposals, follow efforts to fund and implement the Public Realm Plan, and consider ways to expand the housing availability in Lowertown to meet the Vision objective of a growing population.
Housing and Homelessness:
Lauren Intven is the new co-chair of this committee. They will continue to lobby for more spending on affordable housing and to monitor the implementation of the new city plan for housing.
Environment:
Liz Bernstein will continue to lead this committee in the promotion of active transport, the greening of Lowertown and support for better measures to deal with, climate change and pollution.
Heritage:
Nancy Miller Chenier and Liz McKenzie are back to help us keep our focus on the incredible heritage assets of Lowertown. This committee will work hard to ensure that development opportunities are pursued in a way that takes advantage of the physical, cultural and social roots of Lowertown.
Arts and Culture:
This year Kenda Hughes and Fiona Slant will create a new committee dedicating to capturing and expanding the cultural spaces and activities in Lowertown. In an area already rich in galleries, theatre, music, the committee will focus on young artists and expanding their opportunities to enhance their skills and find new audiences.
The Executive of the LCA is rounded put with members who will provide overall leadership and administrative support. Norman Moyer will continue as President. Liz Bernstein will be Vice-President. Two new members join the Executive in key functions. Avery Burns will the Secretary and Lloyd Morrison the Treasurer. Catherine Hacksel with be our link to the Federation of Community Associations. John Chenier will handle our communications and outreach efforts while continuing as the Editor of the Echo. Zachary Daylor, the Executive Director of Ottawa Markets, will be the new business liaison for the LCA.
Its going to be great year. We still have room for new volunteers on all of our committees. Just go to our website www.lowertown-basseville.ca to sign up as a volunteer on one or more of our working committees.
Norman Moyer is president of the Lowertown Community Association