Author: Rhiannon

 

Friends, Neighbours and Colleagues of River Ward,


(Une copie de ce bulletin est disponible en français, sur demande.)

We have all seen the shocking images of our City, and our Nations Capital over the last few days. My office has received a high volume of calls and e-mails concerning the occupation of the downtown core, and the incidents as they are being reported for the nation, and the world to see.

I want to first say that while I respect the right to free protest and speech, the symbols of hate and propaganda that we have seen, including the display of the Nazi flags and symbol, Anti-Semitic buttons and badges, pride flags being torn down on private property, verbal threats against a paramedic of colour and many other examples of despicable behaviour such as at the National War Memorial, have no place in our society and must be denounced at every opportunity.
 
This protest should have ended peacefully on the weekend; it has now evolved into an out of control occupation. Downtown residents have become prisoners in their own homes, fearful of venturing outside.  Noise, diesel fumes, verbal intimidation are now commonplace.  Local amenities such as schools, childcare centres, the Main and Rideau branches of the OPL, vaccination centres, shops, and bus routes have closed and/or been impacted.

I want to be clear; this occupation is illegal and unsanctioned and must end immediately. During the protest, the OPS wanted to maintain order with a crowd that eclipsed 16,000.  Social media posts in advance indicated some were intending various levels of anarchy and the number one goal was to mitigate violence and rioting. The optics of Police members facilitating fuel and food deliveries, posing in photos and other ‘acts of kindness’ now shred the confidence that many Ottawa residents have at this critical time.  I do believe Chief Sloly when he says he wants to avoid death and serious property destruction, we all do, but there must be a daily movement to curtail the assistance being provided to the protesters and take a stronger stand.
 
This protest continues to cost the city exorbitant amounts in police and other costs, estimated upwards of $800,000 a day.  The City is engaged to explore every cost recovery method available. 
 
As residents in the downtown core and beyond continue to bear the brunt of this occupation, Ottawa Police have provided Community Contacts, beyond the usual emergency numbers:
 
Hate-motivated Incidents can be reported to 613-236-1222 ext. 5015

Criminal offences directly related to the demonstration can be reported at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300
 
These occupiers do not have a bone to pick with Ottawa residents, this is a political occupation that happens to be in Ottawa. Therefore, the federal Government must get involved. I agree with the Ottawa Police Chief, that the further this occupation goes on, a policing solution is not the answer. It’s time for the federal government to step up!

Today, I am asking that you write to your MP and urge that the federal government assist in the peaceful end to this occupation. It is very likely, that if it proves unsuccessful, force will be required to clear the streets. I have been clear throughout this process, you have the right to protest peacefully and responsibly, but the lawlessness and hateful rhetoric, along with the lack of enforcement we have seen to date, is unacceptable and justifiably shocking.

I know we share similar sentiment and emotion with what we have seen and continue to see in our city. While my main focus has been to persuade the Mayor to reach out to the Federal Government for resources and assistance, people must be held accountable for their actions and this occupation must come to swift and peaceful end immediately.

Riley Brockington
City Councillor, Conseiller municipal
River Ward, Quartier Rivière
613-580-2486
Riley.Brockington@Ottawa.ca

 

Kirwood Avenue redesign public consultation

On December 2, I consulted with residents regarding a plan to decrease the travel lanes on Kirkwood from 4 to 2 and use the surplus space to create bike lanes in each direction. It is proposed to also include a middle turning lane.  Thank you to all those who participated, a video was recorded for resident who were unable to attend.

To view video of session, click on the following link: Kirkwood Avenue Design Public Consultation - Dec 2, 2021

To view draft presentation, click on the following link: Kirkwood Avenue Presentation

 

 

 
 

Holly Jolly Jamboree

Please join myself, the River Ward team, and fellow community members at the Annual River Ward Holly Jolly Jamboree. Saturday, December 11 from 1pm to 3pm.

For more information, email Rhiannon.Wilson@Ottawa.ca

Link to facebook event click here

 

 

 
 

2022 Draft Budget Public Consultation   Dear friends and neighbours of River Ward, You will have two River Ward opportunities in the coming weeks to be informed on the City’s draft budget for 2022.I, along with some of my Council colleagues, have organized virtual consultation sessions for residents...

ASHCROFT DEVELOPMENT (130/136 CENTRAL PARK)-

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

 

Earlier this week, construction began at 130/136 Central Park Drive. 

What will be built at this location?

  • There will be 2 towers (8 and 10 stories) with approximately 350 units
    • The gross floor area of the two new buildings combined is 3,810 square metres 
    • Preliminary excavation has already started with some occasional blasting which is regulated by the province
  • There will be 2 months of excavation and the total build will take 25 months to be completed by 2023 
  • Any workers on site will not be parking in residential neighborhoods and it is the responsibility of the builder to secure parking for them
  • All construction vehicles will be exiting the site along Central Drive to Merivale
    • All vehicles leaving the site will be hosed down and periodic street cleaning will occur 

If you are looking for more detail on this development, they can be found here

For any construction issues you can reach out directly to:
Hunter Chen (Project Manager)
E-Mail: hchen@ashcrofthomes.ca 
Phone: 613-226-7266 ext 225 

As always, you can reach out to my office: 
E-Mail: Riley.Brockington@Ottawa.ca 
Phone: 613-580-2486  

Additional updates will be posted as new information becomes available.