Update on Illegal Rooming Houses & Airbnb Properties
On Friday we had a marathon meeting of the Community and Protective Services Committee to consider regulations for rental accommodations. Staff consulted extensively on the recommendations, and committee heard from more than 60 residents, community groups and businesses.
Long-term rental housing
One third of residents rent and we heard from many of these residents, along with community groups, about the quality, availability and affordability of long-term rental housing. In an effort to increase the consistency of rental housing quality, the Committee approved a robust and focused regulatory and enforcement regime. Staff would focus on properties with a history of problems, develop specific pest and vermin control standards, and develop additional resources for consumer protection and tenant information.
Short-term rentals
We also heard from many residents about community nuisances due to short-term rentals, related to noise, garbage, parking, parties and even violence. By only permitting short-term rentals in principal residences, vacation homes and cottages, we hope to see a reduction in these nuisances, along with the return of some units to the long-term rental housing market. The regulatory framework would make it easy and affordable for residents to conduct short-term rentals in their own homes, while continuing to prohibit this activity in commercial and investment properties.
Rooming houses
Staff also reviewed and consulted on rooming houses. Based on consultations and to avoid a further decrease in the number of rooming houses available, staff did not recommend any further regulations of these type of affordable housing. Staff recommend using incentives, such as the provincial funding program for property enhancements, to improve living conditions for the vulnerable residents living in these properties.
Next steps
If approved by Council, staff would begin work in 2020 on the necessary by-laws and consultations with the community.
Long-term rental housing
One third of residents rent and we heard from many of these residents, along with community groups, about the quality, availability and affordability of long-term rental housing. In an effort to increase the consistency of rental housing quality, the Committee approved a robust and focused regulatory and enforcement regime. Staff would focus on properties with a history of problems, develop specific pest and vermin control standards, and develop additional resources for consumer protection and tenant information.
Short-term rentals
We also heard from many residents about community nuisances due to short-term rentals, related to noise, garbage, parking, parties and even violence. By only permitting short-term rentals in principal residences, vacation homes and cottages, we hope to see a reduction in these nuisances, along with the return of some units to the long-term rental housing market. The regulatory framework would make it easy and affordable for residents to conduct short-term rentals in their own homes, while continuing to prohibit this activity in commercial and investment properties.
Rooming houses
Staff also reviewed and consulted on rooming houses. Based on consultations and to avoid a further decrease in the number of rooming houses available, staff did not recommend any further regulations of these type of affordable housing. Staff recommend using incentives, such as the provincial funding program for property enhancements, to improve living conditions for the vulnerable residents living in these properties.
Next steps
If approved by Council, staff would begin work in 2020 on the necessary by-laws and consultations with the community.
Briargreen Annual Door-to-Door Food Drive
Rink Operators wanted for Centrepointe & Lisa Parks
If you or anyone you know is interested in being a rink operator for Centrepointe & Lisa Park this winter, please reach out to City of Ottawa Outdoor Rink Program Coordinator Dinos Dafniotis at 613-316-8534 or dinos.dafniotis@ottawa.ca
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Additional Bus Assignments for College Ward
Good news everyone! Ward 8 is getting a number of additional buses to help serve our area. This was made possible last week at Transit Commission where members heard the concerns of riders frustrated by the LRT service in our city and ward. Because of that, a number of buses will be added to routes so that they can serve morning and afternoon peak periods.
All of the bus assignments are based on feedback from customers, both through our office and directly to OC Transpo, and on operational data and observations. Supervisory staff have been making adjustments to the assignments over the last two weeks to be sure that we are using them so as to provide the greatest benefit to customers. You can check out the routes below.
MORNING PEAK PERIOD: Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 75, 80, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, 111, and 257
AFTERNOON PEAK PERIOD: Routes 55, 57, 62, 66, 80, 88, and 111 + Extra trips from Tunney’s Pasture to Eagleson
All of the bus assignments are based on feedback from customers, both through our office and directly to OC Transpo, and on operational data and observations. Supervisory staff have been making adjustments to the assignments over the last two weeks to be sure that we are using them so as to provide the greatest benefit to customers. You can check out the routes below.
MORNING PEAK PERIOD: Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 75, 80, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, 111, and 257
AFTERNOON PEAK PERIOD: Routes 55, 57, 62, 66, 80, 88, and 111 + Extra trips from Tunney’s Pasture to Eagleson
Public Meeting on Illegal Rooming Houses
The City of Ottawa’s Community and Protective Services Committee is meeting this Friday, November 15th, 2019 to discuss Short Term and Long Term Rental Accommodations. In other words, the issue of Illegal Rooming Houses.
If you would like to speak at the meeting publicly, please send an email DIRECTLY to Marc Desjardins, Standing Committee Coordinator at Marc.Desjardins@ottawa.ca.
Here are the details for the meeting:
When: Friday, November 15th, 2019
Where: Andrew S. Haydon Hall (Council Chambers), 110 Laurier Avenue West, K1P 1J1, Ottawa, Canada
Time: 9:30 AM EST
Paid Parking is available underground at Ottawa City Hall or on adjacent streets.
The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
If you would like to know more about my opinion on the issue and the work I've done thus far, please click here.
I'll be organizing a public meeting once the draft bylaws are written and proposed by staff.
If you would like to speak at the meeting publicly, please send an email DIRECTLY to Marc Desjardins, Standing Committee Coordinator at Marc.Desjardins@ottawa.ca.
Here are the details for the meeting:
When: Friday, November 15th, 2019
Where: Andrew S. Haydon Hall (Council Chambers), 110 Laurier Avenue West, K1P 1J1, Ottawa, Canada
Time: 9:30 AM EST
Paid Parking is available underground at Ottawa City Hall or on adjacent streets.
The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
If you would like to know more about my opinion on the issue and the work I've done thus far, please click here.
I'll be organizing a public meeting once the draft bylaws are written and proposed by staff.
College Ward 2020 Draft Budget Documents
Please be advised that below are our ward's draft budget priorities. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to my office directly. You can do so by emailing rick.chiarelli@ottawa.ca or calling 613-580-2478. I look forward to hearing feedback on this year's budget and how we can make College Ward a better place for everyone.
| College Ward Budget Priorities (English) |
| College Ward Budget Priorities (French) |
Remembrance Day Ceremony in College Ward
Barrhaven LRT Environmental Assessment Presentation
Please find attached a copy of the presentation that was used at the Open House event at Nepean Sportsplex on October 30th, 2019 for the Barrhaven LRT Environmental Assessment plan.
| Barrhaven LRT EA Presentation |
The new Ryan Farm Park!
After fighting for updates to Ryan Farm Park, I'm pleased to showcase the incredible work of city staff in parks and rec who along with planning, helped make this dream a reality. After public consultation and feedback from residents, the new play area is now open for those to enjoy in the Centrepointe community of College Ward. Work began on this totally accessible park back in June and has since wrapped up. If you're in the area, please stop by and enjoy the new junior/senior swing and tire set, lily-pad play structure, and new basketball court!
Dress Purple Day to support The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO)
Barrhaven LRT Planning and Environmental Assessment Study Open House in Nepean
Public Consultation for Proposed Development at Merivale Mall
Thursday, October 17th, 2019, 6-8pm
Merivale Mall, Unit 320 (in between The Source and Algonquin Travel)
I'm inviting you to a public consultation on Thursday, October 17th, 2019, from 6-8pm at the Merivale Mall, 1642 Merivale Road, Unit 320 in between The Source and Algonquin Travel to learn more about the proposed development application.
The proposal includes the construction of a 12-storey mixed-use “L”-shaped building with frontage along Merivale Road and Viewmount Drive. Commercial and residential space is also part of the development application.
You can also view all associated documents with this application by visiting www.ottawa.ca/devapps and entering “1642 Merivale Road” in the file search tool.
The proposal includes the construction of a 12-storey mixed-use “L”-shaped building with frontage along Merivale Road and Viewmount Drive. Commercial and residential space is also part of the development application.
You can also view all associated documents with this application by visiting www.ottawa.ca/devapps and entering “1642 Merivale Road” in the file search tool.
Public Engagement Period for Parkway Park Redevelopment
Please be advised that the feedback period for the redevelopment of Parkway Park is underway. The wading pool and field house will be removed and a new splash pad and play equipment will be installed. You can click the link here to provide your comment on the proposed concept plans by no later than October 14th, 2019.
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2020 Budget Public Meeting for College Ward Residents
Bus Route Changes in College Ward
With the launch of LRT in September, OC Transpo is undergoing major route changes to use the system as effectively as possible. Therefore, your commute using public transit in College Ward will be impacted as of Sunday, October 6th, 2019.
Please see below for a detailed explanation on which routes are affected in our communities. You can also learn more about these changes and plan your new trip here.
Please see below for a detailed explanation on which routes are affected in our communities. You can also learn more about these changes and plan your new trip here.
Lights, Camera, Action! Welcome to the Les Lye Studio Theatre at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
After years of lobbying on behalf of Les Lye and his family, I’m honoured to say that the Studio Theatre at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe has been renamed the “Les Lye Studio Theatre.” The incredible ceremony on September 27th was attended by over 100 of Lye’s family, friends, and former colleagues.
I’ve continuously pushed for years for Les Lye to be commemorated because of his exceptional contribution to both the local, national, and international entertainment and broadcasting industry that spans over 60 years.
Lye was celebrated for creating hundreds of unforgettable characters on CFRA, CKBY, and as the star in such hit TV shows as CJOH’s “Willy and Floyd” and Nickelodeon’s “You Can’t do that on Television”. The multi-talented actor who invented getting “slimed” on live TV was no stranger to the stage, performing at The Ottawa Little Theatre, Orpheus and the Meridian Centrepointe Theatre. He tirelessly volunteered for CHEO, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and The Aphasia Centre of Ottawa.
In 2003, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. This commemorative naming is a fitting tribute to a man whose iconic voice and face were central to Ottawa and the world’s entertainment industry for six decades.
A sincere congratulations to Ottawa’s funnyman, his family, and the Centrepointe community. It will be great to have entertainers from all over the world come to our ward to perform inside a space that honours the man who put Ottawa and College Ward on the entertainment world map!
I’ve continuously pushed for years for Les Lye to be commemorated because of his exceptional contribution to both the local, national, and international entertainment and broadcasting industry that spans over 60 years.
Lye was celebrated for creating hundreds of unforgettable characters on CFRA, CKBY, and as the star in such hit TV shows as CJOH’s “Willy and Floyd” and Nickelodeon’s “You Can’t do that on Television”. The multi-talented actor who invented getting “slimed” on live TV was no stranger to the stage, performing at The Ottawa Little Theatre, Orpheus and the Meridian Centrepointe Theatre. He tirelessly volunteered for CHEO, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and The Aphasia Centre of Ottawa.
In 2003, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. This commemorative naming is a fitting tribute to a man whose iconic voice and face were central to Ottawa and the world’s entertainment industry for six decades.
A sincere congratulations to Ottawa’s funnyman, his family, and the Centrepointe community. It will be great to have entertainers from all over the world come to our ward to perform inside a space that honours the man who put Ottawa and College Ward on the entertainment world map!
Tree planting to start in College Ward on October 2nd
As part of forestry's fall planting program this year, College Ward will receive 62 new trees. The new trees will be planted weather permitting from October 2nd until November 30th. This includes planting at parks, city facilities, and along residential streets. If a tree is being planted on city property adjacent to a residence, individual notifications will be provided to the resident in advance of planting. For a complete list of locations and types of trees being planted in our community, please click on the downloadable file below. I look forward to seeing these brand new, beautiful trees in College Ward.
| Fall Tree Planting Program.xlsx |
Event Notice: Psychology Mental Health Day at Carleton University
Councillor Rick Chiarelli recognized for supporting MADD Canada through community initiatives
I'm honoured to have been recognized for my continued support of MADD Canada and all their great initiatives to keep our roads, ward, and city safe from impaired driving. Events like my "Alcohol Free New Years Eve" directly help MADD because all food and drink proceeds from the event are donated to their cause. I look forward to continuing this tradition with both MADD and our community later this year and putting on another successful "Alcohol Free New Years Eve" for College Ward.
Public Comment Period Now Open for Rental Housing Policy Options Study
One of my top priorities as City Councillor for College Ward is to continue my work to stop illegal rooming houses. That’s why earlier this year, I was able to work with staff and the Chair of Community and Protective Services to secure $300,000 to develop proposals and regulations to enable us to preserve the character of neighbourhoods surrounding Algonquin College. We do not want City View, Ryan Farm, Bel Air, Centrepointe or Crestview to become another Sandy Hill (in terms of improper conversions, noise and property standards violations, etc).
That being said, I’m happy to let you know that the next step in proper legislation to stop illegal rooming houses and to protect the character of our neighbourhoods has arrived.
As part of the ongoing process, the City has retained MacLaren Municipal Consulting to complete an in-depth analysis of Ottawa’s rental accommodation regulations which has just been finished.
The report can be found online here: https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/HousingOptions_EN.pdf
I urge residents to send their comments and concerns by email to rentalhousingreview@gmail.com. Comments are being accepted until August 30th, 2019. Once comments are received, a final report will be prepared with recommendations to committee and council members. That report is expected sometime this fall.
As well, please send me your comments and concerns to Rick.Chiarelli@ottawa.ca. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing to work with you on this important issue.
That being said, I’m happy to let you know that the next step in proper legislation to stop illegal rooming houses and to protect the character of our neighbourhoods has arrived.
As part of the ongoing process, the City has retained MacLaren Municipal Consulting to complete an in-depth analysis of Ottawa’s rental accommodation regulations which has just been finished.
The report can be found online here: https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/HousingOptions_EN.pdf
I urge residents to send their comments and concerns by email to rentalhousingreview@gmail.com. Comments are being accepted until August 30th, 2019. Once comments are received, a final report will be prepared with recommendations to committee and council members. That report is expected sometime this fall.
As well, please send me your comments and concerns to Rick.Chiarelli@ottawa.ca. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing to work with you on this important issue.
Public Consultation/BBQ with Face Painting: Qualicum Community Building - Saturday, August 10, 2019
48 Nanaimo Drive from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Residents are invited to look at the proposal by the Community Association Traffic Committee to reroute traffic and install a number of restrictions including road closings, one way streets, turn prohibitions, etc. Please come see the plan, ask questions and give your opinion as we will decide whether this plan moves forward. (For more information, see the newsletter delivered to your door recently.) If you cannot make it to the consultation, please feel free to let your opinion be heard by calling 613-580-2478 or emailing rick.chiarelli@ottawa.ca.
Public Consultation/BBQ: Christ Church Anglican - Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Thank you to the many people who attended this consultation, viewed the design plans, made suggestions for improvement and/or voiced their concerns. if you were unable to make the meeting, please feel free to let your opinion be heard by calling 613-580-2478 or emailing rick.chiarelli@ottawa.ca.
Help Choose Bus Stops for Ring-and-Post Bike Racks in Bells Corners - Vote by Aug. 13, 2019
The City will be adding ring-and-post bike racks to 2 bus stops in the Westcliffe part of Bells Corners. Click here to see a map of the possible locations. Click here to vote on your choice.
Why My Motion to Reconsider the Chateau Laurier Design Was the Best Option
At the specially-held council meeting on the Chateau Laurier re-design of Thursday, July 12th, I put forward a motion for the purpose of reconsideration and to offer other City Councillors a 7 week period of sober second thought. I’ve heard loud and clear from my residents that giving time for Council to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan is the best course of action. My intention was to buy at least seven more weeks for your voices to be heard and for the proponent and representatives to dialogue to see if a better design could have been brought forth. But unfortunately that’s not happening. This has been one of the most disappointing times for me in my years as a City Councillor because the public has an expectation of what they want in their city and clearly that wasn’t met. Also because we laid out a clear case against the proposed Chateau design to the point that despite the fact that the majority agreed with us, they still voted for the design.
While the focus now turns from City Hall regarding what’s next, it’s time to show the owners of the historic hotel how you feel. There’s power in numbers and instead of lobbying council, we need to turn our attention to the business owners. The owners could make a decision based on backlash from the public. The federal government could also intervene at any time and in the worst case scenario, expropriate the property and sell it back.
I look forward to continued dialogue with my constituents on this issue, and hope that moving forward, you continue to show how you feel about the design because once it’s built, you’ll be able to see it right in front of you, and the very thing you might have been opposed to.
While the focus now turns from City Hall regarding what’s next, it’s time to show the owners of the historic hotel how you feel. There’s power in numbers and instead of lobbying council, we need to turn our attention to the business owners. The owners could make a decision based on backlash from the public. The federal government could also intervene at any time and in the worst case scenario, expropriate the property and sell it back.
I look forward to continued dialogue with my constituents on this issue, and hope that moving forward, you continue to show how you feel about the design because once it’s built, you’ll be able to see it right in front of you, and the very thing you might have been opposed to.
