Committee hears how Transportation Master Plan will address rural needs

The City’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee received a presentation on the City’s Transportation Master Plan focused on how it will address rural interests. The City’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today received a presentation on the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), focused specifically on how it proposes to address rural needs and interests. The presentation discussed the rural transportation and transit issues identified through public engagement sessions, including Rural Summit 2024. It provided an overview of the TMP Capital Infrastructure Plan’s recommendations for road projects, active transportation projects in villages, and Park-and-Ride facilities that would connect rural residents to the transit network. It also summarized recommended changes to road right-of-way protections and road classifications for the rural area. You can watch the presentation on the Ottawa City Council YouTube channel, and find out more about the Transportation Master Plan on Engage Ottawa. The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee will consider the TMP Capital Infrastructure Plan on Thursday, June 26 before Council considers it on Wednesday, July 23. ARAC considers proposed South March energy storage project The Committee recommended refusing a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR) for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed in Rural Ottawa, off Marchurst Road near Thomas A. Dolan Parkway. The facility would use lithium iron phosphate batteries to store electricity coming off the power grid overnight and release it during the day to help meet demand and make the grid more reliable. The proposed facility would connect to the South March Transformer Station. While the Province is the regulator, municipalities have authority over where new renewable energy generating and storage projects can be located. As a result, before such projects can proceed, Council must indicate support in the form of an MSR. Council will consider this matter on Wednesday, June 11. Granting an MSR is general in nature and proposed projects would still need to comply with all City development approvals, permits, safety provisions and regulatory requirements before they could be built. The applicant will need to apply for a zoning amendment before the facility could proceed, offering area residents opportunities to provide feedback on the project. Funding for community-building grants approved The Committee also approved funding for applications to the Rural Community-Building Grants Program. The program supports rural community improvement projects undertaken by non-profit organizations. The projects approved today would receive a total of $21,300.

• The Cumberland Community Association would receive $10,000 for materials to build boardwalks and bridges that would improve accessibility on a network of trails within the community.
• The Cumberland Farmers’ Market would receive just over $9,500 to acquire pop-up tents, tables, chairs and additional equipment to help modernize the farmers’ market.
• The North Gower Recreation Association would receive $1,800 to acquire 40 Canadian flag banners to be hung along the main streets of the village of North Gower, helping foster a sense of community and to serving as a centerpiece for Canada Day celebrations.

The City will continue to accept grant applications until the annual budget is fully allocated. Please consult the grant program guidelines for information on how to apply. Recommendations from today’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, June 11.