As we sit at home in this second lockdown, many of us have been enjoying the chance to watch movies together more than ever. For a lot of us, that means renting DVDs from a local small business, Glebe Video International. Film lovers in Ottawa know that Glebe Video International is an irreplaceable gem, the place where one can find thousands of films from around the world and through the decades—films no streaming service offers.

Ottawa’s Planning Committee recommended approval of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application for 1050-1060 Bank Street at its August 27th session.

Our Councilor, Shawn Menard, addressed the hearing and thanked the development team for having consulted with the broader community early in the process and for their willingness to work with his office, with the community, and with City staff and to modify the design considerably in order to address concerns.

The Bank Street Canal Bridge has been a source of concern for neighbouring residents for years. At street level, it is unsafe and unpleasant for pedestrians and cyclists. From a distance, the bridge is beautiful with its rounded arches crossing the canal and has a historic designation – it should be a joy to cross, but it is not.

Since he has been in office, Councillor Shawn Menard and his staff have been working with City staff to try and find a solution to the woes of the bridge. Over the summer, he has asked for input to several proposals.

The bridge rehabilitation will involve concrete repairs to the Bank Street Canal Bridge. The works consist of concrete repairs to the bridge piers and arch soffits under the bridge. Options are currently being evaluated for the implementation of a multi-modal transportation system including safer cycling lanes over the bridge.

Would you like to provide feedback on the proposed redesign of the Bank Street Bridge? Councillor Shawn Menard is looking for your input on changes for the bridge. The deadline to take the survey is August 7, 2020.

Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard has proposed a redesign of the Bank Street Canal Bridge: three vehicle lanes, two northbound and one southbound, with two widened pathways on either side, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Gardening Restart June 22, 2020

Wouldn’t you know it as soon as I wrote the last update we got the word from the city Adopt-a-Road program manager that we could restart gardening respecting physical distance, wearing gardening gloves of course and having no more than 10 people at the bed at any one time.

There is art to be found in Old Ottawa South, even if all the galleries in town are closed. Where? On the street. Take a walk along Bank on a sunny, quiet day. Make believe you are in a gallery. Look across the street at storefronts as though they were paintings and sculptures in an exhibition. Look up, down, all around. No need for labels.

The City of Ottawa has announced plans for rehabiliation work on the Bank Street Canal Bridge and is looking for comments by May 7, 2020. With the current public health situation, no public information sessions will take place; project details are posted on the City of Ottawa website.

Following the lead of several BIAs and Community Associations, we put together an overview of local businesses and how they are adjusting to the COVID-19 situation.