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MANOR PARK CHRONICLE
MAI 2005
C.F.B. Rockcliffe – What’s the Hold-up?
Many have wanted to know what the future holds for the Canadian
Forces Base Rockcliffe. It is evident to all that this land is
surplus to the needs of the Defence Department. It now only
requires the signature of the Minister declaring that fact. I am
told that such a paper has been ‘on his desk’, waiting his
signature, for some months. Indeed, I know that the Department has
been ready to release this parcel of land for years at this point.
So what is the hold-up and why should residents of Manor Park (and
citizens throughout the City) care?
Some may imagine, especially those in communities close by - such
as Manor Park, that their interest lies in a decision, on the
future of this 335 acre (135.57 hectare) site, being delayed for
as long as possible. I would point to LeBreton Flats as a prime
example that such is demonstrably not the case. It did not serve
this municipality, or any of its taxpayers, to have that land lie
unused for many decades. In those decades, Ottawa continued to
grow. Instead of growing in a fully serviced area (serviced by
roads, buses, water, sanitary & storm sewers etc.) already paid
for by taxpayers, a few minutes from Parliament Hill, Ottawa grew
at its edges. This sprawling approach forced huge capital
expenditure for the installation of all those services. Moreover,
services far from the core are more expensive to operate.
Naturally the money for this foolish way of proceeding can only
come from one source – the City taxpayer. We can no longer afford
this approach. This is the major principle behind the “Smart
Growth” strategy of Ottawa’s Official Plan and the “Grow in, not
out” theme underpinning the Regional Municipality’s 1997 Official
Plan. Less urban sprawl is cost-effective and environmentally
responsible. It is one way that our society can contribute to
meeting our Kyoto goals. It does not mean a degraded life-style or
less-liveable neighbourhoods, but rather the reverse.
I am reliably informed that a locally elected federal
representative is strongly advising the Minister that doing
nothing is preferable to declaring these lands surplus in a timely
fashion. If the Federal Government actually has a vision for CFB
Rockcliffe, perhaps the government could share it with the public
and produce a timeline for its implementation. Failing that, it
should move on, because doing nothing is detrimental to its own
National Capital. It would appear that some decision has been made
regarding 25 acres (10.12 hectares), involving the NCC, for some
institutional use (another museum?). Why can we not start the
planning for the remainder now?
Once the Minister of Defence signs-off on the surplus nature of
the lands, the Federal Government will sell the property to the
Canada Lands Corporation (CLC). This is a federal crown agency
charged with disposing of federal lands. CLC will then start to
plan for the future uses of the lands. This will be done with the
full participation of the City’s Planning Department and, I have
been assured, in harmony with the City’s Official Plan and its
public participation policies. The process will likely take a
couple of years. The community will have a significant role in
determining the future of this site. The imminence of an election
call should have no bearing in reaching a decision on this matter.
I invite you to let the Minister know your thoughts on the matter
and copy your MP.
Hon. Bill Graham
Minister of National Defence
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Graham.B@parl.gc.ca
(613) 992-5234
Hon. Mauril Bélanger
Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Minister responsible for Official Languages
Minister responsible for Democratic Reform
Associate Minister of National Defence
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Belanger.M@parl.gc.ca
(613) 992-4766
Jacques Legendre
Councillor, Rideau-Rockcliffe
You can communicate with me at (please include a telephone
number):
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa ON K1P 1J1
Tel: 580-2483, Fax: 580-2523
E-mail:
jacques.legendre@ottawa.ca
Web Site:
www.rideau-rockcliffe.com
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