The Village Voice
Council moves to rezone agricultural lands in city limits
By Grace Thrasher, Manotick Village Community Association
The City of Ottawa has tabled a zoning amendment that rezones agricultural land within the City limits to either Agriculture or Rural Countryside. The changes are occurring as a result of the changes to the Official Plan approved by the City in 2019. Those changes are based on an updated Land Evaluation Area Review (LEAR) which is used to determine the viability of land for agricultural purposes and to protect prime agricultural land.
The planning documents for the amendment outline the background for the decision and include 17 maps for various sectors throughout rural Ottawa. Eight of those maps include land that is moving from Agriculture Zone to Rural Countryside. The remainder cover lands being rezoned from Rural Countryside to Agriculture.
Rural Countryside zones are allowed to accommodate country residential lots as well as smaller businesses such as bed and breakfasts, kennels, artist studios, cemeteries, small retirement homes (limit of 10 people) and others. Agriculture zones are designated for agricultural operations as well as some small businesses. These zones do not allow country residential lots, retirement homes, artist studios or cemeteries.
There are a few parcels around Manotick that will be affected by these amendments. The parcel of land just north of Tim Horton’s between River Road and Spratt Road is being rezoned from Agriculture to Rural Countryside. As well, parcels located north of Barnsdale between Prince of Wale and Rideau Valley Drive and at the corner of Greenbank and Barnsdale will also be rezoned from Agriculture to Rural Countryside. There are also three parcels on Mitch Owens just east of Limebank Road that will move to Rural Countryside.
Residents have until April 13 to comment on the proposed changes. The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will be considering these changes on June 28.
Clean the Capital starts soon
Register now for the 28th annual Clean the Capital campaign to remove winter litter from our parks, roadsides and green spaces. The campaign takes place from April 15 – May 15th and you can register up until the final day. Registration enables City staff to provide clean-up supplies, track which areas have been completed and also recognize the work of many volunteers. This year, COVID restrictions do apply and participants must maintain a six foot distance, wear a mask if they cannot maintain that distance and wash their hands. It is also recommended that you bring gloves and wear comfortable footwear. Full details on how to participate are located at: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/environment/community-environmental-and-beautification-programs/cleaning-capital-program
Seasonal Load restrictions in effect
We can expect to see a few more trucks coming through the village due to seasonal load restrictions. Every spring, these restrictions are placed on secondary and connecting roads that are unable to handle heavy loads during the spring thaw. The Mitch Owens truck route is not a restricted route so trucks that might have used other rural roads will be required to use this truck route instead. These restrictions usually last until mid-May. For more details and a map of the rural truck route, visit https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/road-and-sidewalk-maintenance/spring-maintenance-and-flood-control#seasonal-load-restrictions
Around the Village
Ottawa Police Services is reporting a five per cent increase in car thefts and there have been reports of local thefts of high end vehicles. Lexus and Toyota SUVs and trucks seem to be popular with over 35 thefts reported so far this year in the City. OPS recommends the following steps to deter thieves: keep the vehicles locked, use anti-theft devices and park in a garage where possible or block it with another car. In particular, Lexus or Toyota SUV owners should contact the police if they notice any damage to the driver side door handle or see anyone taking pictures of their Vehicle Identification Number. If you do see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please call 911.
COVID-19 update
Ottawa Public Health has a new page on vaccines at https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx The page provides updates on the vaccine rollout and opening of new vaccine clinics.
OPH has also released its fifth public survey report which focused on vaccines. The report outlines why residents want to be vaccinated, why they would delay getting vaccinated and who residents trust for information on vaccines. The report can be found here: https://engage.ottawa.ca/covid19
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The Manotick Village and Community Association needs you!
The MVCA has been fielding many questions of late on truck traffic, pedestrian sidewalks and snow clearing. These have enabled us to continue to make the case to the City about the need to address these issues. Another way to help us help you is to join the MVCA. You can become a member for as little as $10 a year, $15 for a family. To learn about the MVCA and how to join, visit www.manotickvca.org
Community Events
Guide Dog Trivia Night, March 27, 7 p.m.
The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind have organized another fundraising on-line trivia night for Saturday, March 27. Tickets are $20 for 90 minutes of virtual fun! Full details are at: https://www.guidedogs.ca/category/events/
Manotick Arts Online
The Manotick Area Center for Arts and Wellness is offering many online activities including free concerts, sing-alongs, yoga and tai chai. For a full list of offerings, visit https://www.manotickmacaw.com/calendar
YOMA is online. Every week YOMA is offering free online social programs featuring different topics and activities for youth in Grades 4-12. They are also available for homework help. The schedule is available on their website at yoma.ca
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