Rothwell Heights Community News

Transcription

1 Published by the Rothwell Heights Community News Current RHPOA Executive: See page 8. (RHPOA) October 2012 Letter from the Community Association Executive Dear Residents: Autumn greetings to everyone, and welcome to the new residents of our area. By choosing to live in Rothwell Heights, we hope that you share our appreciation of the area s fabulous topography, tall trees and natural woodlands that give our area a country-in-the-city ambiance. This unique character and appeal that we value is enhanced by the few streetlights, lack of sidewalks, large lots with abundant green space, the generous gardens, and last but not least, the mature trees, all of which contribute to the area s relatively peaceful environment. Although Rothwell Heights is a relatively small residential community in Ottawa, our Community Association is frequently very active in issues which affect our collective quality of life, both at the neighbourhood level and regionally. We work to develop and support constructive approaches to community problems, trying to ensure that the City s decision-makers recognize and take into consideration our neighbourhood s character and the collective interests of our residents. Several recent items of neighbourhood interest are outlined in this newsletter. The most fascinating is an Application under the Ontario Heritage Act to create a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) in Briarcliffe, a tiny section of Rothwell Heights comprised of Briarcliffe Drive, Kindle Court and Kindle Court Park. Briarcliffe was developed as a cooperative in the early 1960s in accordance with covenants agreed to by all the property owners and that governed design of its homes and preservation of its natural landscapes. Today, Briarcliffe is considered to be a rare, intact example of mid-century modern planning and architecture in a spectacular natural setting. The initiative for the HCD Application arose from an overwhelming majority of residents of Briarcliffe themselves. Our Community Association Executive fully supports the heritage designation of Briarcliffe and applauds this resident-driven initiative. If designated, Briarcliffe would be the first mid-century modern heritage district in Canada a cultural coup for Ottawa, and for the residents who have worked hard to help make this happen. For more information, see page 6 of this newsletter, or go to our website, Read on to find out about How 22 Rothwell Dr became 3 residential building lots and an important precedent How severance of 50 Rothwell Dr reminds residents of the need for pro-active thinking How 20 Robin Cr is being considered for a residential building lot, despite its small size What a little activism by residents can do for the neighbourhood The continuing saga of noise & odours from NRC Redevelopment starts again at the Rockcliffe Airbase What s happening about the inter-provincial bridge? Did you know there is geocaching in our parks? Have you seen the travelling picnic table?...and more... Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 1

2 22 ROTHWELL Dr BECOMES 24A, 24B AND 24C The property at 22 Rothwell Dr (north side of the street) is unusual as it has a stream running along its western boundary, down the hill to Oriole Dr. The property owner applied for approvals to demolish the existing dwelling and garage, and to sub-divide to create two new residential building lots, in addition to the retained lot. All three lots meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Zoning Bylaw for frontage (30m) and area (1390 sq m). A severance such as this would typically present little or no basis for challenge, because the proposed lots would meet bylaw minimum requirements. However, in this case, there were issues around the stability of the hillside and the nature and condition of the stream. We (the Community Association) sought professional advice and filed notice of these concerns. At two meetings of the Committee of Adjustment, we were present to participate in discussions about the stability of the hill and help determine necessary conservation measures for the stream. The discussions were informed by the review and report of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, as well as by a geotechnical report describing the results of a site and borehole assessment. To address these significant concerns, the approved site plan now defines limits of development on each lot, together with an extensive area of hillside and stream bank setbacks which are stipulated to remain natural and to be no mow zones. These measures were deemed by all participants to be adequately protective of the integrity of the slope, the green corridor along the Rothwell ridge and the stream. The severances were approved, but approvals are provisional upon nine (9) conditions which must be fulfilled within one-year (i.e. by 12 April 2013). This decision is an important precedent in demonstrating the need and one way to protect the ridge along Rothwell Dr above, and Oriole / Burrows below from slippage and erosion. If other property owners on the north side of Rothwell Dr (where the ridge constitutes part of their private property) would like to explore options for ensuring future protection for the ridge, please get in touch with the Association Executive. This land remains in its natural state and is largely undisturbed to date. But it may not always be so, and we should not take for granted that it will be. For proof of this caution, read on ROTHWELL Dr CREATES 2A DELONG Dr, as well as a REMINDER to be PROACTIVE The owner of 50 Rothwell Dr (at the east side of Delong Dr) applied for approval to sever the western part of the property along the Delong Rd hill, to create a new residential building lot. This part of 50 Rothwell is a tree-covered gully that, though now dry, was probably once a small watercourse. This wooded area is also a small part of a continuous green corridor connecting Ski Hill Park (east of us) to the Rothwell ridge and Nivens Woods (in our area), and beyond through the NRC/NCC woodlands, the Rockcliffe Airbase escarpment and Rockcliffe lands to the west. We have all passed this wooded corner for many years, and many people believed it could never be developed (difficult terrain, unstable hill because of leda clay, too small an area) But the area was not too small the severed lot exceeds the minimum requirements of the Zoning Bylaw for frontage (30m) and area (1390 sq m). A severance such as this may proceed without basis for challenge because the proposed new lot meets bylaw minimum requirements. However, in this case, there were several issues including the stability of the hillside. Several property owners at the bottom of this hill (on Gaines Dr in Beacon Hill) were very concerned about possible slippage of the hill due to construction disturbances. We (the Community Association) filed notice of these and other concerns. At the two meeting of the Committee of Adjustment, we were present to witness and participate in discussions about hill stability and the appropriateness of development on the site. The discussions were informed by the review and report of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, as well as a by the geotechnical report describing results of a site and borehole assessment. Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 2

3 The geotechnical report indicated the slope is unstable, but that it would be stabilized by the proposed building and its associated site drainage. It was therefore decided that the City s normal review processes leading to a Development Agreement would provide reasonable assurance that design factors would be adequate. The Association then specifically requested that the Committee of Adjustment designate the northern-most part of the severed land as a natural protected area, in order to maintain the green corridor along the Rothwell Ridge from Ski Hill Park to the Rockcliffe Airbase lands. The owner had indicated his intention to keep the area in natural state, therefore, it seemed a reasonable option to request the natural protected area designation. The Committee decided it would not impose the requested condition for two reasons (1) the owner said he wanted to retain vehicle access through this area, in case it was needed in the future (for maintenance of 50 Rothwell Dr lands); and (2) in the Committee s view, the issue of a natural protected area affects all properties along the ridge and should be addressed on a broader scale than just this one area. Therefore, we repeat If property owners along the Rothwell ridge (north side of Rothwell Dr) would like to be proactive and explore options for ensuring future protection for the ridge, please get in touch with the Association Executive. This land is largely in its natural state now, but we should not take for granted that it always will be. PROTECTING THE ROTHWELL RIDGE - Ski Hill Park to Nivens Woods If you know the full length of this ridge, you will know it to be a varied and dominant feature of our neighbourhood. The ridge has been left largely in its natural state. It is very steep to the west where it is an erosion-prone rocky slope, which to the east along Rothwell and Oriole Drs, moderates to a wooded hillside. The eastern and western ends of this ridge (Ski Hill Park to the east, Nivens Woods to the west) encompass City-owned park lands. This is because the Niven s Woods ridge is extremely sensitive and erosion prone because of its steepness and loose shale; Ski Hill Park has leda clay and was prone to slippage in the 1970 s when Beacon Hill was being developed. The slope in between these two City-owned areas is important in defining the character of our neighbourhood and is, to a large extent, the back yard of residents along the north side of Rothwell Drive. It has not been characterized geologically along its full length, so it is not known how stable or unstable the hill is. But in its natural state, it has been a consistent source of visual pleasure to all onlookers. During the Application for Severance for 22 Rothwell Dr earlier this year, the owner agreed to legally defining a natural protected area encompassing the hillside and the stream setback area. During the Application for Severance of 50 Rothwell Dr earlier this year, the owner did not agree to legally defining a natural protected area on the hillside, because of anticipated future need for vehicle access through the space. The Association Executive wants to hear from you. Do you think the Association Executive should work to keep the ridge natural in the future? Do you have other comments or concerns? Please contact the Association Executive directly or through the web site ( DEVELOPMENT PLANS for 20 ROBIN CR Note from Association Executive: The following article is about a proposed development at 20 Robin Cr, and was prepared by the proponent. It has been edited to fit the space available. The full article is on our web site ( The information contained in this article is the sole responsibility of the proponent, and does not reflect the opinion or position of the Association Executive. Introduction: We wish to thank the RHPOA Executive for the opportunity to present the following notes in regards to the proposed design and construction of a new Single Family residence on the existing property with existing civic address at 20 Robin Crescent (corner of Thrush Court). Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 3

4 It is worthy to note by introduction that both David Park (Owner) and Don Brown (architectural design) were raised from circa 1953 on Davidson Drive, all but immediately above this property until leaving the neighbourhood in the 1970's. These lands were their 'playground' and both still hold sincere respect for this property and Rothwell Heights. To this end, the proposal to finally create a residence for this property is being addressed with the utmost of sincerity. History: Thrush Court was created in the 1980's in part from the lower reaches of the Park family's property from above. The subdivision planning and design then was executed for them by Don Brown. To provide the access for Thrush Court, the existing registered lot at 20 Robin was somewhat diminished in size. The retained property has since that time remained in the private ownership of the Park family, more specifically David Park. Approval Required: It is proposed to request a Minor Variance from the Committee of Adjustment (CofA) for relief from lot area requirements of the bylaw, because the current lot is +/- 939 sq.m instead of the required minimum lot area of 1390 sq. m. Proposed Site Design: The design as proposed presents an articulated, respectful and finished facade to all sides and more specifically to each of Robin Crescent and Thrush Court. As well, when viewed diagonally from the lot corner, the 1 1/2 storey Living Room is projected and set at 45 degrees to the main plan to further enhance this. The design ethic proposed is in the theme of classic Frank Lloyd Wright with modulated use of full wall and lower wainscotings of masonry and siding materials so as to be a worthy neighbour. The trees that are worthy of being retained will be. Lawns, plantings and clusters of new deciduous and conifer trees are also proposed. There are but a few worthy trees of scale on the property with those specifically to the West and South protected and as best retained including low bushes where found. It is noteworthy to highlight that no existing 'front door' looks out upon this property. The closest residence would be at least 35ft. away. (Ed Note: Please see site plan schematics attached to this newsletter and the complete article on our web site.) The Association Executive want to hear what you think about this proposed development. Please let us know your views. You can contact a member of the Executive, or submit comment through our web site. RESIDENTS REPORTS ON PROGRESS - NOISE & ODOURS FROM NRC ACTIVITIES Over the years, some of our residents have had recurring problems of noise and/or strong odours from NRC activities, at day and at night, to such a degree that these irritants have affected enjoyment and use of property, and/or their comfort in their own homes. In recent years, NRC has made significant efforts and investment to identify and reduce these emissions. NRC has also made greater efforts to be responsive to community concerns, and more transparent in their activities. (See Do residents see reductions in noise and odour incidents? Limited polling of several of the most affected residents indicates that some see improvement in number of incidents (but not duration), some see improvement in duration of incidents (but not number), and some see no change at all. But still, there are days when residents have reported they have had to escape indoors and shut their windows, because of fuel odours. And still, there are days and late evenings when the noise is sufficient, and of long duration, in someone s back yard or home to significantly disturb occupants. Is this situation acceptable for a residential community such as ours? The Community Association Executive continues to urge NRC to restrict engine testing to normal working hours, to ensure that engine test conditions do not result in large releases of fuel or combustion products to the atmosphere, to continue to respond promptly to community complaints, and to implement necessary mitigation measures to address complaint situations. Our MP, the Honourable Mauril Belanger continues to be a strong advocate for an open and effective relationship between NRC and the Rothwell Heights community. Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 4

5 If you have a noise or odour complaint related to NRC activities, let them know at community@nrc.ca, and tell the Association Executive as well. If you have questions, comments or concerns about the impact of NRC on our neighbourhood, please let the Association Executive know. You can also post comments on our web site ( RESIDENT ACTIVISM MAKES A DIFFERENCE As residents, you should know that your input, ideas and efforts make a difference in improving the neighbourhood. For example, a resident recently initiated an effort to control invasive species infiltration in Kindle Court Park. This initiative is expected to be on-going, as invasive species are always present or nearby. Another resident-initiated effort has reduced unnecessary lighting at the Combermere Park tennis courts the lights have been put on a concierge switch - users can turn the lights on and off by pushing a button. This helps to reduce the time that lights are on unnecessarily. Another resident s effort addressed No Parking signs along Blair Road the City put signs on both sides of the road, until a resident led the effort to acquire the necessary evidence to change the signage to one side only. Residents can often affect changes such as these, if there is sufficient support from other residents affected by the proposed changes. The Community Association Executive tries to help residents navigate the process of change, often by providing information, informing other residents, collecting input from affected neighbours, and collaborating with Councillor and City Staff to determine and mplement an appropriate change. In process now is the suggestion of several residents to revise signage on their streets (for example, No Exit or Children at Play signs). To advance this suggestion, there will be several Notices to Neighbours delivered to residents on the affected streets. If you receive one, please review it and provide the requested feedback. ROCKCLIFFE AIRBASE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING STARTS AGAIN Development of the old Rockcliffe Airbase into a residential community is underway again! The consultant team for site plan development has now been hired, and the first Public Advisory Committee meeting and an Ideas Fair are both being planned for late November. Canada Lands Company s Project Manager for the site has indicated significant interest in receiving ideas from the public for what they would like in the plans. Preliminary information on the Project can be found at Like other surrounding communities, we are interested in the Project, its potential for innovation, and its design of community infrastructure which will contribute to quality of life for residents in this part of the City. We are also interested in the Project s potential impacts on transportation and transit around us. Therefore, our Association Executive will be participating in the Project s Public Advisory Committee. If you are interested in working on this Project for the next 1-2 years with the Executive and on behalf of the community, please get in touch with the Association Executive. INTERPROVINCIAL BRIDGE STUDY RECOMMENDATION EXPECTED SOON The Study Team for the Interprovincial Crossing is expected to go public late this year with its recommendation for the technically preferred crossing location, among the three previously selected alternatives. Choosing among these three alternatives is generally considered by many to be a process of choosing the least of three dreadful possibilities. All three locations have highly valued features that would be damaged or ruined by a major bridge, associated roads and traffic. While the Study Team has been deliberating behind closed doors, many community representatives in the east end have been promoting a no bridge option. This is partly because no assurances have been given that a new bridge will solve the problem of large trucks in Ottawa s downtown core; it is also typically expected to cause worse rush-hour traffic situations in Ottawa from the Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 5

6 downtown core east to Orleans. Neither of these concerns has been adequately refuted by the transportation experts on the project. Throughout the Interprovincial Crossing Study processes to date, the Association Executive has worked to assess and challenge, as needed, the Study methods and findings. Our position was established several years ago, and was that we support working towards another inter-provincial crossing because it is needed for inter-provincial transportation over the next 50 years, as well as needed now to get the trucks and a lot of traffic out of the downtown core. We also support location selection criteria that include (1) minimizing impact on established communities, (2) providing good opportunities for transit, and (3) supporting opportunities for economic development and future movement of goods and services. Watch for the Study Team s announcement, expected before the end of the year. For archived and formal information on the project, go to For information and views from an affected community, go to GEOCACHING EXPLORES ROTHWELL HEIGHTS It has been brought to our attention that geocaching has been done in several of our local parks and public spaces. As you may know, geocaching is a popular sport that is practised all over North America. It encourages people to go to places they would probably never otherwise go, to search for hidden caches that are listed on internet sites such as For some people, the activity is a welcome encouragement to get out and explore. For others, it s an unwelcome intrusion of strangers into places that otherwise rarely attract non-residents. At least one geocaching location in Rothwell Heights has been challenged by nearby residents, who were concerned about the strangers and their lack of care in searching. The geocache site was subsequently removed from the geocaching organization s web site list. What do you think of geocaching on public land in your area? Would you be concerned about the potential for unexpected strangers searching a space near you? Please think whether you would support a geocache site listing and the resulting visitors in our neighbourhood - for example, in the quarry part of Quarry Park? the hill in Niven s Woods or the staircase in Niven s Woods? the play structures in Birdland Park? the trees in Combermere Park? We need your feedback, if you want your Executive to make a formal request to the Councillor and City Staff to limit, or to prohibit, geocaches in our local parks. Please let us know what you think. Is it a good thing to encourage visitors with interests in finding hidden caches? Or is it an unnecessary intrusion into your part of the neighbourhood? BRIARCLIFFE HERITAGE UPDATE Briarcliffe, a tiny section of Rothwell Heights comprised of Briarcliffe Drive, Kindle Court and Kindle Court Park, is currently being studied by the City of Ottawa to determine whether it merits designation as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Briarcliffe was developed as a cooperative in the early 1960s in accordance with covenants, which were agreed to by all property owners and that governed design of its homes and preservation of its natural landscapes. Many of Ottawa's most progressive architects at the time designed homes there, including Matthew Stankiewicz, Paul Schoeler, Brian Barkham and James Strutt. Today, Briarcliffe is considered to be a rare, intact example of mid-century modern planning and architecture in a spectacular natural setting. The initiative for the HCD Application arose from the residents of Briarcliffe themselves, born of a desire to protect the unique character of their neighbourhood. Last December, Ottawa City Council designated Briarcliffe as a Heritage Conservation District Study Area under the Ontario Heritage Act. Since then, the City has been conducting an in-depth study in accordance with the Act, to determine whether permanent designation is warranted. Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 6

7 Contrary to popular belief, HCD designation does not prevent change - rather it ensures that any major exterior changes or new construction within the HCD are in keeping with the district's unique character. For example, during 2012 (the current designation period as a Study Area), a property owner in Briarcliffe applied for a substantial addition to the rear of an architecturally significant house, and for new construction of a separate 1700 square foot / 158 square meter garage building. The owner received approval to construct the large addition at the rear of a house (conditional on a design detail), and was denied approval to construct the separate garage as it was considered out of keeping with the district's character. There are currently 17 Heritage Conservation Districts in Ottawa, including the New Edinburgh area and the (previous) Village of Rockcliffe. If designated as an HCD, Briarcliffe would be the first midcentury modern heritage district in Canada a cultural coup for Rothwell Heights and for Ottawa at large. The overwhelming majority of Briarcliffe residents support this designation as a Heritage Conservation District. Designation is also supported by our Ward Councillor Tim Tierney, by Heritage Ottawa, the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects, the Ontario Association of Architects, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and numerous other groups of heritage professionals, academics and admirers of modernist architecture in Ottawa and beyond. The Association Executive fully support the heritage designation of Briarcliffe and applaud this resident-driven initiative. For more information, please visit our website at NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Over the past year, there have been at least 5 break-ins in Rothwell Heights, in the daytime or early evening, and through a door (in most cases, a front door). Residents are therefore reminded to keep a watchful eye on people and vehicles in the area. Ask questions, record license plate numbers, talk to neighbours. Neighbourhood eyes and ears are one of the best deterrents to opportunistic burglaries. If you want an expert s security review of your home, we suggest you obtain referrals directly from the Ottawa Police; or contact our Neighbourhood Watch (Les Filotas on the upper level, Mary and Don Baxter on the lower level) or the Association Executive. WALKERS WANTED This newsletter was delivered to your door by a community volunteer. We are always looking for people to help deliver community news on your street. If you can offer to help in some future deliveries, please let us know at RECYCING REMINDER - Beginning the week of October 29, your household garbage will be collected every two weeks. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DEPOTS - Saturday, November 10, 2012 Drain-All Ltd., 2705 Stevenage Drive, bet Hawthorne Rd & Russell Rd, S of Walkley Road Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 7

8 There are no limits to what you can bring to our Community Barbecue! RHPOA Current Executive 2012 President: Jane Brammer (613) Treasurer: Feliks Welfeld (613) Secretary: Tony Brammer (613) Upper Level Rep: Janet Kiff-Macaluso (613) Middle Level Rep: Maria Barrados (613) Lower Level Rep: Bob Forward (613) Household Membership Our Association represents Rothwell Heights property owners when community input is sought by City Staff, Committee of Adjustment, Ottawa Police, etc. We are the go-to people, who try to represent community interests and work to protect the character of the neighbourhood. Your membership in the Association helps demonstrate your interest in community efforts. YES, I want a strong Community Association! Enclosed is $10.00 for annual household membership in ROTHWELL HEIGHTS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION. Please send to RHPOA c/o Treasurer, 34 Davidson Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1J 6M3, or give to any member of the Executive. Name: PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Address: Postal Code: address: Rothwell Heights Community News - October 2012 (rhpoa.ca) 8