Update from Councillor Cathy Curry
Return-to-Office – Confusing messaging– I have had many residents reach out to me quite upset that they heard that federal government employees are being asked to stay downtown longer to help out the downtown businesses. I would be upset if that was the message sent, too! However, that was incorrectly characterized in various forms of media. Here is what actually happened. Council passed a fulsome strategy to manage the traffic in September when traffic volumes will increase. It is a multi-faceted plan that you can read more about at Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan | Engage Ottawa. Knowing that some departments/employees may be able to adjust their work hours to spread out the traffic volume (This is done in many major cities!), there was a comment made that some people may be able to start later and stay later or start earlier and leave earlier if working hours are adjusted. That was misconstrued to become that government employees were being asked to purposely stay downtown later to help businesses out. I hope that is clear now. No one is being asked to stay later downtown after work.
Property Standards/Long Grass on the Kanata Greenspace/golf lands– Many times a day, I receive emails about the long grass and the unkempt appearance of the former golf lands. I have sent in requests for By-law to go out and take a look at what a mess it is. It is so disrespectful to the residents of Kanata North! Residents are concerned about the increase in ticks, earwigs and other wildlife, in addition to the change in the storm water patterns with the hayfield that is there now. I sent an email to our Head of By-Law and our GM of Planning. Below is our exchange. We will watch for some action here.
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I’m writing to request a written classification determination for the former Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club lands at 7000 Campeau Drive under the Property Standards By-law (No. 2013-416).
Specifically, I’d like staff to confirm in writing whether these lands are classified as “vacant land” or “open space land” as those terms are defined in the by-law. My understanding is that “open space land” is limited to lands designated as significant wetlands, natural environment area, urban/rural natural feature in the Official Plan, or vacant lands devoted to farming–none of which appear to apply here. If that reading is correct, the lands would fall under the by-law’s standard “vacant land” classification, including the 2022 amendments addressing pest control, grading, and drainage for vacant lands, as well as the general requirement that lawns be kept trimmed and not overgrown or in an unsightly condition.
This matters because residents in Kanata Lakes and Beaverbrook backing onto the site are raising real concerns: the golf course has gone unmown for months and now resembles a hayfield, with associated tick risk; and the lands are subject to a drainage covenant prohibiting changes to existing drainage patterns. If unmaintained grading, ditches, or culverts are altering how water moves across the site, that raises both a property standards question and a potential covenant issue.
I’d also like written confirmation that ongoing environmental testing or the site’s development status under the OLT-approved plan does not exempt the owner from property standards obligations in the interim. My understanding is that property maintenance and environmental assessment are separate legal tracks, and I want to make sure that’s reflected in how this file is being handled.
Given the level of resident concern, I’d appreciate a written response as soon as possible given the number of emails we are getting. I will note that residents have been trying to mow the areas behind their houses to protect themselves from ticks. The developer has now installed “no trespassing” signs all throughout the property.
Cathy
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Hello Councillor Curry,
Under the Property Standards By-law, 7000 Campeau Drive would be considered vacant land and not open space, as defined below:
“Vacant land” means lands, other than open space lands, with no buildings and not devoted to the practice of farming.
This address is being added to our vacant property list and will be monitored proactively. The assigned officer has advised that a re-inspection of the property is being conducted today to verify compliance with the order that was issued.
The property owner is required to comply with the Property Standards By-law and has indicated a willingness to comply with the outstanding order.
Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
Jake Gravelle
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