The year 2022 was a tumultuous one, and the Lowertown Community Association (LCA) was kept busy addressing the many challenges which arose.
The Lows
The Truckers’ Convoy had a massive impact on our community, from a safety and security perspective, with a great loss of income and negative health impacts.
The purchase of St. Brigid’s Church occupied much of our time and became a national issue. The LCA worked to bring the conversation into the public domain, represent your concerns as residents and ensure that leaders were addressing the issue. A task force has been struck to look at the future of this facility and the LCA is engaged. It’s also great to hear that the pub has re-opened!
When it comes to social services the LCA has long advocated that the concentration and proliferation of social services in our community has had a massive negative impact on residents, businesses and visitors. We have created a situation where anyone needing help has to come to Lowertown and ends up living here.
We are disappointed with the plans for the Shepherds of Good Hope to move ahead with the plans for a new facility at 216 Murray next to their existing shelter.
And the Highs!
While the situation may seem dire, we are very encouraged by the partnerships and constructive conversations we have with those in the social services. The City has implemented some new initiatives (Community Engagement Team, Mental Health Task Force, etc.) which are having a positive impact.
The City of Ottawa did commit in their Official Plan to conduct a participatory secondary-planning exercise for the ByWard Market. As of yet the start date has not been announced and no budget has been assigned.
A number of meetings and consultations have been held regarding the revitalization of Bingham Park.
Work continues on updating the plans for the two Heritage Conservation Districts west of King Edward (ByWard Market and Lowertown West), and a draft plan for the conservation of Macdonald Gardens Park (heritage designated in 2017) is currently circulating.
Looking to 2023
Our priorities for 2023 include continuing to work with the City of Ottawa, our community partners and a smaller task force to improve social services as well as minimizing negative community impact. The following need to be addressed:
Governance. Efficiencies and better delivery of services could be gained with all agencies under one umbrella, under the City’s leadership.
Ward-level social service models. The current mega-shelter approach was meant to be short term, but many residents end up living there for years. Smaller models exist around the world and have been proven to deliver better results with less negative impact in the communities where they operate.
Diversity in the ByWard Market. The attractiveness of an area such as the Market depends on diversified businesses. We are determined to work with our City Councillor make the ByWard Market Secondary Plan a priority of this term of Council. Unless it is made a priority, it will not get done.
Beautification. We are establishing a beautification committee to propose an exciting and consistent approach to putting some sizzle into a number of areas.
Sylvie Bigras is president of the Lowertown Community Association.