Cumberland Community Association
Minutes
Cumberland Community Association
May 3, 2012
In Attendance
Executive
Rebecca Dufton President
Lynda DeViller Treasurer
Clive Horne Acting Secretary
Board
Charlotte Kerluke Lions Liaison
Jim DeViller Trails Committee
Mathieu Blanchard Manager, Farmers’ Market
Kevin Poll Cardinal Village Working Group
Euan Swan 174 Working Group
Craig Clarke Website
Anne Hawley Social Affairs/Beautification
Regrets
Bob Hawley Outdoor Rink
Tom McNeely Member at Large
Residents
Eva Lyons
Keith Erskine Lamplighter
Guest
Philip Berthiaume Councillor Blais’ Office
Agenda Items
1. Minutes of Last Meeting
The Minutes were approved as written. It was noted that the Garage/Plant Sale has been moved to June 9th because of a prior booking for June 2nd.
2. Business Arising
Philip Berthiaume noted that the questions raised about the Taggart development had been forwarded to the Planning Department, and a meeting would be set up when they had replied.
3. Update from the President
The President reported that the FCA meeting of April 12th hosted by Old Ottawa South CA was an eye-opener as they have 8,500 members a budget in the hundreds of thousands, a Dinner/Dance with Silent Auction which raised $30,000, a full time Executive Director and they help the city run its programs in the community. The meeting also generated some useful ideas, such as getting real estate agents to sponsor brochures and/or pay for their distribution. CCA should pursue this, and aim for a distribution by /at the AGM.
Also, a number of the rural associations commented that residents in new suburban developments do not get involved in the community and that efforts are needed to encourage their participation and support.
She added that CCA can send two people to these monthly meetings, held on different days in different locations, if anyone is interested.
On April 26th the President participated in the city’s Planning Summit. There were about 250 attendees - about 90 from community associations, 40 from the development industry, 30 plus from the public at large, city staff/councilors and a few each from BIAs and Advisory Committees.
Mayor Watson indentified six key issues: containing urban expansion, promoting transit, making suburbs complete communities, making villages more complete and sustainable, economic growth, and achieving more predictability in planning. He added that the next Official Plan (OP) will include a focus on tall buildings, that selected Community Design Plans (CDP) and Secondary Plans (SP) will be reviewed within a year, that the city’s website will be revamped and that there will be a city ‘SWAT’ team to work with developers and communities to resolve zoning and development issues.
The President sat in on the ‘Growth in Rural Areas’ (morning) and ‘Community Design Plans’ (afternoon) round tables. The rural session centred on struggling village cores and country lot estates (CLEs). Greenspace Alliance reps noted that CLEs attract urbanites who are against rural priorities, tend not to participate positively, and added that CLEs are not connected to the community with a single point of entry. But they liked the idea of developing trails in such communities, as a means of drawing such residents out of their isolation. Again, there was focus on the need to build ‘complete’ communities (eg Blackburn Hamlet).
In the afternoon session it was noted that there seemed to be practical differences between ‘greenfield’ and urban/suburban CDPs , and the latter are becoming more difficult to complete and are taking longer to do, and create unrealistic expectations is the process. One possible solution is that the OP process become more transparent so that the broad strokes of the planning of the city are more apparent from the get-go.
After the whole event wound up one of the participants commented privately that the whole day seemed to have been devoted to making the development process (buildings/roads/infrastructure needs/designs) better, and had ignored the social issues of the environment/pollution etc.
The President noted that the Cardinal Village Working Group, chaired by Kevin Poll, had corresponded with the Councillor and was now seeking clarification on issues such as the distinction between a CDP and a Community Concept Plan (CCP), and the timeline for the consideration/approval of the Taggart proposal/OPA for this area. She suggested that all those interested in/concerned about this issue should join the Working Group.
On the issue of Emerald Ash Borer M. Berthiaume noted that another information session has been organized by the city to be held on May 17th at the Bearbrook Community Centre, 8720 Russell Road, starting at 7:00 pm. But the comment was made that treating trees with Triazine could be done a cost of somewhere between $160 and $240 per tree (the city-treatment cost is 6 cents per tree millimeter diameter, whereas commercial costs are 10 cents per), which treatment should last two years according to some research (an unknown time, according to the city), whereas felling and disposing of a tree costs well over $1,000, and perhaps as much as $1,800. M. Berthiaume said that the city is conducting a pilot project of Triazine use amongst other things seeking to find out the efficacy/duration of such treatment here.
Concern was expressed about the lack of consultation on the part of the city, particularly with respect to the ecological impacts of tree removal in both the short and longer term.
The President brought the community’s attention to a Stream Watch Training Session to be held on Sawmill Creek on May 26th from 9:00 to noon. Participants will be introduced to the techniques of stream quality assessment and ‘stream science’. The announcement noted that this year a number of creeks in the east will be studied, including the Ottawa East Tributary just west of Cumberland village.
The President also noted that she had been interviewed by EMC about the Cardinal Village development. The article was quite positive, indicating the CCA’s goal to help make this development a vibrant community, and she was pleased to see that Cardinal Village had been identified in the article as being in Cumberland.
4. Report from Councilor’s Office
Philip Berthiaume stated that the city had a budget of $2.5 million for tree planting, but that this was for all plantings, not just ash replacement. Given that the city has 75,000 ash trees on its property, general replacement of all these at this time was not feasible.
The city has prepared a policy proposal for discussion on the issue of outdoor woodburning stoves (mainly used for home heating). The policy addresses such issues as setbacks from property lines and chimney heights, and is now in the public domain for input/comment. This initiative has been driven by a number of complaints of air quality problems.
There has been a Heritage Designation application for the residence at 2226 Old Montreal Road. This is the property on the south side just east of Quigley Hill Road. The city supports the application and it will be considered at a meeting of the Heritage Advisory Committee on May 17th, and brought to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on May 31st.
The on site review/inspection of the possible trail routes through the area behind the museum is planned for June 17. City planners, environmental experts, and CCA trail representatives will attend.
The stop signs requested at St Peters and St Johns intersections of Market Street have been installed to reduce speeding.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The CCA bank account stands at $6342.41, after all Volunteer Social bills (which totaled $533) have been paid, and petty cash is at $65.
6. Next Edition of the Lamplighter
It was noted the Suzie Erskine has all the material and it should be in the mail no later than May 10th. The President noted that she did not get articles translated this time, since the translator had not replied to messages. A new translator may be required.
7. Volunteer Social on April 26 – review and policy issues
It was noted that the attendance was around about 40, which was not bad considering the clash with an important hockey game, but the event needs to be more widely promoted to residents as more than a volunteers’ get together. It was pleasing to see the ‘rink’ kids present, and they seemed to have a good time. It was suggested that a brochure and calendar of annual CCA and community events should be prepared. The event could also be advertised on the A-frame panels that could be placed at visible points throughout the community.
The CCA made a donation of $3,000 to the Cumberland Lions Club at this event, for ongoing renovations to Maple Hall and an access ramp. Charlotte Kerluke said that the permit had been obtained for the new ramp, but there was now a requirement for engineering studies to ensure the soundness of the changes. CCA has received a plaque and letter of appreciation from Lions President Gordon Kerluke and words of thanks at the event.
The issue of the degree of recognition and who should be rewarded was raised, since only farmers’ market and outdoor rink volunteers are being recognized. Farmers’ Market volunteers receive ‘market bucks’ and rink volunteers have received gift cards ranging from $20-$75. Further discussion is needed as the current ad hoc practice does create some problems.
Kevin Poll moved that any financial recognition for volunteers should be limited to a maximum of $25. Seconded by Craig Clark, and passed. It was noted that for some youth having such activities on their CVs, with a letter of appreciation/reference letter from CCA was just as, or even more, valuable.
8. Community Garage Sale
The garage sale will be held on June 9th. Jim DeViller noted that there have been a good response, though many wait until later to commit. Participants will have to provide their own table(s) and groups or individuals organizing neighbourhood sales will have to put up their own signage. A map where sales are taking place will be provided and added to the CCA website. Since Lions will be serving a breakfast on this date, CCA will not offer refreshments.
This event should be widely publicized, using our A-frames strategically located, in the Lamplighter (done) and at the Lions Hall with their announcement for their breakfast. Also, as the Community Hall interior is undergoing a minor renovation at this time (floor refinishing) washrooms will be available at the arena.
9. Community Clean Up day
This is set for Saturday May 5, 9:00 at the arena, where participants will be able to pick up the kits of garbage bags and gloves. Unfortunately it has not been widely publicized, but as an annual event will be included in future calendars.
On the related topic of Beautification it was suggested that the flower barrels be located where residents can commit to maintenance (watering/weeding). Cumberland Kanata Landscaping will be asked to provide soil for them this year. Clive Horne will provide mulch for the barrels, reducing watering requirements. It was also noted that new barrels are available at a reasonable price at Lowe’s. Barrels should be installed on the weekend of May 26/27th.
10. Other Business
Keith Erskine said that he just needed the pictures to put together a slide show of the activities of the CCA, so the more/sooner people get them to him the better. With respect to the brochure of community events, while CCA will take the lead, other groups (churches, Lions, sporting) need to be contacted to provide contact details and annual events. It was suggested that local businesses should be contacted also for their inclusion in the brochure; and the real estate community should be approached for sponsorship.
Encouraging youth participation in the community was also discussed. It was suggested that the Lions and/or the CCA could create some activities within the community that would attract youth. Examples include a movie night, or a computer games day. To be further discussed.
Jin DeViller was thanked for all his work on getting the winter and summer banners selected, made and installed.
It was noted that registration for the tennis will be at Maple Hall on May 8th and 17th, from 6:30 to 7:30 each evening; also, that the Heritage Museum is opening for its season on May 13th.
Charlotte Kerluke indicated that the Lions are looking for someone to assume the role of booking point person for the hall; interested parties should contact her or Gordon.
11. Summer Social for Board, and CCA planning/strategy session
It was agreed that the Board social would be on June 21st at Rebecca’s, and that Jim DeViller would again be master chef, others would provide salads, desserts etc. and Clive Horne would provide some wine.
The June board meeting will include a brief planning/strategy session.
12. Next Meeting
Jim DeViller moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Kevin Poll, at 8:45.
Next Meeting is June 7th.
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