Glebe Report

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1 GLEBE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 1984-1985 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, MAY 14, 1985 INTRODUCTION The Directors decided to publish 'rather than mail individual copies of the Annual Report, which was adopted unanimously at the Annual General Meeting. This form of distribution saves time and high postal costs, supports the Glebe Report and takes advantage of its excellent circulation. FINANCES The GCA's net surplus under the stewardship of Treasurer Harold Jones increased from $5891 in 1984 to $8,031 in 1985. This results in a substantial contribution to the reserve for major contingencies. MEMBERSHIP The 1984-85 residential membership drive did not produce the level of past increases. Nevertheless, with a membership of over 2200 adults, the GCA remains one of the largest associations, If not the largest, of its type in the region. Thanks for this achievement go to the block reps, the area directors and to coordinator Barbara Liddy, who has been overseeing the computerization of the membership list. The next step is its transfer from a commercial service to the GNAG's IBM PC. This will cut costs, improve access to the list and make use of community-owned resources. GLEBE BUSINESS GROUP Business membership quadrupled from a base of 21 to 85 businesses. This remarkable increase arose from the establishment of the Glebe Business Group led by Judy Richards of Davidson's Jewellers and Myrna Fenton of the Two Sister's Dress Shoppe. Brooke Briggs, director for Business interests undertook a survey of Glebe businesses and thus helped to lay the groundwork for this successful initiative. The Glebe Business Group plans to work closely with the resident members on matters of common concern and also to pursue activities unique to business concerns on a self financing basis, for example, special events and advertising. The GCA may be the only Ottawa neighbourhood association to unite residents and businesses in one organization. In so doing, the GCA has provided a common forum to (a) debate and resolve potential conflicts, (b) discuss and decide upon matters of mutual interest and (c) pursue them with a common front. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING Last year's report referred to a GCA appeal against a Committee of Adjustment decision. The Association, well represented by former GCA vice president (and architect) Herbert Otto, successfully argued that six units was too dense for the property at 5th and O'Connor. The builders then proposed four units and prior to the revised submission to City Hall, discussed it satisfactorily with the Board. REGIONAL PLAN REVIEVV The revision process of the Regional Official Plan saw Wayne Kauk, director for Neighbourhood Planning, chairing a committee of citywide community representatives who met nearly every week all through last summer. With Jim McCarthy, he drafted the GCA's 10 page well received brief to the Region. AVALON IVIEVWS In January 1985, Messrs. Sal Khan and Michael Courdin met with the directors to discuss plans for the buildings on the west side of Bank Street from McPherson's Gallery (non-inclusive) to Second Avenue and around the corner to the old Avalon Theatre, which until recently housed the Co-op Garage. They proposed to renovate the Bank Street stores and to convert the old theatre into 36 small, rental units. Mr. Khan also mentioned the possible erection of an apartment building "on stilts" over the parking area. The February Glebe Report produced an illustrated front page feature story. The GCA column provided the names and telephone numbers of two directors ready to take comments. The column also stated that the GCA would hold a public meeting if there seemed to be sufficient interest. There was but one call and it was in favour of the project. Mr. Khan undertook not to proceed with the additional apartment building over the parking area if the community opposed it. The Board concluded that the basic project would (a) fit within the Glebe Neighbourhood Plan, (h) upgrade the quality of buildings in the Bank Street area, (c) provide improved parking and (d) increase Ottawa's rental apartment accommodation, which is in short supply. Unfortunately, scandalously slow handling of the application by City staff, coupled with an unexpected tightening in the availability of Ontario Housing Corporation funds, forced the cancellation of the 36 apartments. THE WHYTE HOUSE A suddenly announced condominium development of the former papal legate's residence at 520 The Driveway aroused a worried response from neighbours and heritage interests. City Hall had not received any plans prior to the erection of the sign in' front of the Whyte house, which dates to 1876. At the GCA's invitation, Messrs. Morris Melamud and Peter Pivko, the project architect, presented their plans to the April monthly meeting, which many neighbours attended as well. The Board concluded that Melgro Developments' application to the Committee of Adjustment for severances was premature. The GCA supported the Planning Branch's request to delay the severances until the Branch completed its examination of the site plan and related heritage aspects of the application. (Subsequently Melgro withdrew the application temporarily.) Wayne Kauk chaired a committee of directors and concerned neighbours charged with the preparation of a brief for Green Island and the NCC by Friday, May 17, 1985. The results may be one of the subjects of next year's Annual Report. TRAFFIC Roger Short monitored the Queensway Traffic Corridor Study, which will continue into 1985-86. Recently at a public display by the Ontario Department of Highways and Communications, Roger discovered that the regional and provincial road planners could improve their "communications". Apparently, the regional planners are considering a new and better eastbound access from Bronson onto the Queensway. The Ontario Highways engineers were not yet aware of this interesti%g and potentially attractive idea. SOCIAL PLANNING Mayor Dewar wrote to all community associations to request their support on last summer's day care crisis. GCA directors, after a special meeting in August, wrote to the various governments to urge a satisfactory solution of the matter. Perhaps this action played a small role in the eventual improvement of the situation. The directors also endorsed the provision of space at Lansdowne Park for the Glebe Daycare Centre, which now operates in the Community Centre and nearby schools. The GCA made representations to Council to support controls on the location of "strip joints". The GCA believes that the community would not welcome them in the Glebe and the neighbours in Ottawa South definitely want to lose the one they have. RECREATION With Christine Wilson as coordinator, a GCA team entered Winterlude's Great Canadian Bedrace, completed the course, and won a prize for best decorated-bed. CANDIDATES FORUM Under the able direction of Jim McCarthy, the GCA sponsored two political meetings. Dr. E.P. Weeks chaired the August 1984 meeting with great skill. The April 1985 meeting for the provincial candidates was equally successful. At the August meeting, two candidates occupied the stage and demanded to speak at a time of their choosing rather than that of the GCA. At the GCA's request, the police removed these candidates who were charged with trespassing. While one charge is still pending, the other led to a conviction. That decision helps to reaffirm the right to organize a political meeting without fear of outside interference or disruption. LANSDOWNE PARK There has been progress on the Park and related activities. THE EX A public meeting held just after the event concluded that the 1983 EX was the worst in living memory for noise, traffic and general aggravation. Consequently, the last two years witnessed a lot of GCA work, much of it by Don Ray. Notwithstanding a senior City official's recommendation last summer not to enforce the bylaw againstTiwn parking, the end result appears to be a positive change of City Council's attitude to EX-related problem. The Central Canada Exhibition Association appointed a new general manager, former Ottawa mayor Don Reid. He responded positively to GCA requests to improve traffic flows and to reduce noise. The Glebe's consensus on the 1984 EX was that it was the "best in forty years" with respect to noise and general aggravation, in spite of an all-time record attendance. Mr. Reid has promised that for the 1985 EX, he will do better because he will have had more time to work on solutions to alleviate EX-originated problems for the Glebe. (NOTE: It was a pleasure to welcome Don Reid to the Annual Meeting at which he, as someone who lives or works in the Glebe, became a GCA memberi EX Parking/Traffic Control The EX over its ten day period concentrates at Lansdowne Park and in the Glebe an extraordinary number of people, nearly 750,000 in 1984, the equivalent of nearly every man, woman and child in the OTTAWA- HULL Census Metropolitan Area. Hence, GCA representations to Green Island, summarized in the 1984 brief on traffic control, argued that effective parking enforcement of off and on street parking rules, coupled with practical "park and ride", bus and taxi services, were fundamental to a safe and tolerable Ex. Ottawa Transpo, with some political and community encouragement, seized the opportunity to provide better service for the 1984 EX with a temporary bus depot near Lansdowne Park, together with the use of satellite parking lots. This arrangement, the GCA understands, will continue, perhaps with a combined TRANSPO/EX pass to encourage greater use of the bus to the 1985 EX. Park Developnnent In the words of Mayor Marion Dewar (March 14, 1985 letter to Mr. Gerard Robard, 650 O'Connor St.) the "Development Plan for Lansdowne Park is a concept plan only, which has been approved in principle by Council." As taxpayers, GCA members must remain positive but vigilant in their outlook to ensure that Lansdowne Park investments or expenditures are both economic and consistent with its inner city location and limited access. This reflects the basic message of the GCA brief to Council prior to its adoption of the "concept plan". At a more immediate and practical level, Council approved the installation of a new public address system, a long overdue improvement the Association heartily endorses. When it is operational, perhaps the people in the stadium will hear the speaker system and the neighbours won't. FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES The formation of the Glebe Business Group within the Association originates in part because of the need to rejuvenate the physical image and structure of the Bank, Bronson and Isabella retail areas. Retail competition is keen throughout Ottawa. To prosper, Glebe merchants have to attract shoppers from other parts of the City. That means the Glebe must find ways to improve its parking and traffic capacity - without damaging the residential area. Another major City issue arises from the need for relatively inexpensive rental apartment accommodation. It might be possible to develop one or two floors of apartments on existing Bank Street buildings. The approved Glebe Neighbourhood Plan refers to such a concept (page 12, para. (iii)). That sort of development, which does not increase through traffic, could also play an important part In strengthening the market base Glebe merchants need. Defensive measures have of necessity dominated GCA activities over the years. The need for such vigilance will unfortunately continue. However, the directors are confident that GCA members, resident and business alike, now sense the need to initiate positive, cooperative action to improve the physical structure and general wellbeing of the community. On behalf of the Directors Rob Quinn President, 1984-85 June 14, 1985, GLEBE REPORT - 9
NEWS Local support for Capital Park Fund By MICHEL RENE DE COTRET On May 25, after several months planning and work, an auction and bake sale was held at the Glebe Community Centre for the Capital Park Development Fund. About 110 people attended and thanks to the generous donations of the community and merchants $1900 was raised. The City will now match this amount. On June 18, at 8 pm a meeting will be held in the Community Centre to decide how to use this money. The community is invited to attend and make their views known. A cope kit for parents By MARJORIE FAIRHALL The Glebe Wellness Centre responded to a need in the community by presenting weekly workshops for parents who are experiencing difficulties with relationships in the family. These informal meetings offer insight and understanding through empathetic listening and sharing, practical information and role-play. Parents are encouraged to examine alternative ways of coping with Our auctioneer, John Sones though not a professional, certainly added to the day's enjoyment with his constantly humourous commentary. The Committee would like to thank him for his generosity and tireless effort. They would also like to thank: Jean McCarthy and Jo Irven for their continual work and Elaine Konecny, Michel René de Cotret, Sue Friedlander, Renata Dunn, Hugh Trudeau, Gerry and Mary Dunlop and all our other community helpers. The positive, interested response of many merchants showed a real concern for and communication, as well as learning how to identify a drug abuse problem. Problems The problems shared by many parents today are best described as behavioural, with lack of respect, lack of initiative and lack of responsibility the common characteristics. They are frustrated by their seeming inability to control the situation effectively. Richard Priestman, who rebellious behaviour and other has been guiding these crises that may arise between meetings, feels that there themselves and their child- is hope for parents who ren. These include ideas are prepared to spend some for more effective discipline time considering options, Glebe Fashion Cleaners 29 Years in the Glebe 9 their community. We would like to thank the following merchants for their generous donations: Room to Move Workouts, McPherson Gallery, Davidson's Jewwellers, Ambience Recording Studio, Olympic Ski Shop, Chanticleer, Bread and Fruit, Octopus Books, The Book Bazaar, Arkum Books, Glebe Meat Market, Mexicali Rosa's, Houlihan's, Flippers Glebe Fashion Cleaners, Noddy's,,Herb and Spice, World Mosaic Inc., AVICO, U Frame-It, Prime Crime, Custom Muffler, Stephano, Glebe Apothecary, Ernie's, Zig-Zag, Forhan's Pharmacy, including the possibility of making changes in their own attitudes and behaviour, in order to restore relationships and have peaceful co-existence in the home. For information, please call The Glebe Wellness Centre, 230-0317 or Marjorie Fairhall, 233-241. Mrs. Tiggy Winkles, Byblos, Century Paint and Wallpaper, Fifth Avenue Florist, International Shoe Repair, Cultures, Thanks Thanks also to those people donating freely their professional service: Gregg and Meredith Blaney, Adel and Sarah Francis and Leslie Manley. Thanks to two local artists Simon Brascoupe and Joan Massey. NEW IN OTTAWA FERRARO BAMBIN! Children's Designer Clothing 6 months - 14 yrs. Imported Fabrics Ladies Designers Casual Wear Liberty of London Cotton and Other Natural Fibres 151 Sparks Street Mali La Promenade (Upper Floor( 234-4093 7i9h,'nue 970th! FLORAL ARTIST AND DECORATOR ,Ataesetitff Aktda, :it'd fictoe.d, i/t:ek Jekrizia-r Atee,44, kced aim/ einhca4ket (:.'y Aktdd dekceoy 6e2tree à? (um/ me' ex/tesq:e.wed ,1iz/j1 CanpÎct q)/Axid C)eivOicceis, 836 Bank Street 236-2244 oteoe Your clothes should look as fresh and bright as the flowers from your garden. Keep them looking that way longergive them professional care. Have your clothes professionally cleaned at Glebe Fashion Cleaners For Professional Care 829-831 Bank St. 235-9776 4 ERNIE'S GIFTSCARDS.SMOKE SOUVENIRS. :TRAVEL DIARI[ NI@ BON VOY E GIFTS. / 785 BANK ST. 232-7407 ' OW June 14, 1985, GLEBE REPORT - 10
Page 1 and 2: glebe report N_. I H!
Page 3 and 4: NEWS Plans for Avalon Mews revised
Page 5 and 6: EDITORIAL NOTES Special summer issu
Page 7 and 8: NEWS Morning workout a community ef
Page 9: GCA A new rider in the GCA saddle B
Page 13 and 14: NEWS Masonry stove-heater By KAY ST
Page 15 and 16: NEWS Finding your fashion category
Page 17 and 18: SCHOOL. NEWS Arts Night at Glebe Co
Page 19 and 20: NEWS Gallant comedy of manners and
Page 21 and 22: NEWS In step for 75th anniversary p
Page 23 and 24: GNAG BAG Summer schedule rest and r
Page 25 and 26: Ottawa Recreation City Vitte d' ipf
Page 27 and 28: KIDSPACE r.I\ (Ages 9 to 16) PLA ss
Page 29: P.D. DAY PROGRAMS June 26, 27, 28 9

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