The City of Ottawa has introduced opportunities for the public to provide comments on two initiatives – the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan and the Winter Maintenance Quality Standards. The City is seeking to develop a 10-year plan for the future of parks and recreation and wants your feedback on amenities. The Winter Maintenance Quality Standards have not been updated since 2003 – the City wants to hear your suggestions for winter maintenance on our roads.
Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan
The one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced is how much parks and recreation facilities mean to so many Ottawa residents and neighbourhoods. The are a valued contribution to community vibrancy and our social and physical well-being. The City would like to gather input from residents to help develop its 10-year Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan through an online survey.
Until February 5, 2021, the online survey will be available to receive your comments about the type of park and recreation facilities your family uses and what amenities are important in our parks through their website, Engage.Ottawa.ca. Ontario government legislation requires the City to develop this plan to continue to request that park land is dedicated in new communities at the highest possible rate, instead of the minimum provision as allowed by Planning Act.
Virtual public engagement sessions are also planned in February and more information will be provided in the coming weeks. The plan will go to Community and Protective Services Committee and Council for approval in October 2021.
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Winter Maintenance Quality Standards
Maintained by approximately 525 staff plus additional contractors, Ottawa has approximately 2,300 kilometers of sidewalks and 12,900 lane kilometers of roads, transitway and local highway (Highway 174) – with an added more than 50 kilometers of a cycling network – to manage, clear and salt during the winter season. Ottawa is currently reviewing the 2003 Winter Maintenance Quality Standards (WMQS) with a focus on residential roads, sidewalks, cycling paths and multi-use pathways for walking, cycling and rollerblading.
You now have an opportunity to share your opinion on how the City is maintaining its roads during the winter season. Until February 19, 2021, visit engage.ottawa.ca/wmqs to complete a survey. You can also participate in a virtual workshop, four are being held on January 25, 26, 27 or 28, providing an opportunity to ask a question in the discussion forum. If you need to complete the survey by phone or require other accessibility related accommodations, please call 613-282-2685 for assistance.
Results of the review will be shared later this year with the Transportation Committee and City Council, along with the recommendations of City staff, to inform and establish updated WMQS for future winters.