22. June 2010 by David.

On Fri, 6/18/10, Doucet, Clive <Clive.Doucet@ottawa.ca> wrote:

Subject: One third of Lansdowne Park to be declared as SURPLUS land - this is not a done deal - Council votes on June 28

Dear Ottawa residents,

It’s always good advice to read the fineprint before signing a contract. Well, we have read the fineprint in the Lansdowne Partnership Plan (LPP) legal agreement and it contains several disturbing clauses that should be of concern to any reasonable and prudent person.

Here is a list of what’s in the legal agreement that Council will be voting on on Monday, June 28:

1) The LPP Legal Agreement includes a clause to declare 12 acres of Lansdowne Park as SURPLUS which means it is SALEABLE.

2) In addition, the retail tenant (the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group: Greenberg, Shenkman, Ruddy and Hunt) will have the right of first opportunity to buy the land, which means that competitive bidding for the surplus land will not be permitted. 

3) Pursuant to the Urban Park Project Management Agreement, OSEG will act as project manager for the construction of the urban park, which includes the front lawn and Sylvia Holden Community Park. 

4) Pursuant to the Urban Park Property Management Agreement, OSEG will manage the urban park, Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticultural Building. 

5) Although taxpayers are footing the bill for the stadium construction to the tune of $129 million, base rent for the stadium during the first thirty years of the term is $1.00 per year. 

6) And if you think any of this is bad, wait until an arm’s length Muncipal Services Corporation takes over control of the park.  This is a very real possibility.

7) Here is the link to the LPP Project Agreement Framework legal document #18:

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/lansdowne_partnership/project_agreement_framework.pdf

Contrary to what many are claiming - this is not a “done deal”. 

What can you do? 

1. Write to members of Council:
Georges.Bedard@ottawa.ca; Michel.Bellemare@ottawa.ca; Rainer.Bloess@ottawa.ca;
Glenn.Brooks@ottawa.ca; Rick.Chiarelli@ottawa.ca; Alex.Cullen@ottawa.ca;
Diane.Deans@ottawa.ca; Steve.Desroches@ottawa.ca; Clive.Doucet@ottawa.ca;
Eli.El-Chantiry@ottawa.ca; Peggy.Feltmate@ottawa.ca; Jan.Harder@ottawa.ca;
Diane.Holmes@ottawa.ca; Peter.Hume@ottawa.ca; Gord.Hunter@ottawa.ca;
Rob.Jellett@ottawa.ca; Kitchissippi@ottawa.ca; Jacques.Legendre@ottawa.ca;
Maria.Mcrae@ottawa.ca; Bob.Monette@ottawa.ca; Doug.Thompson@ottawa.ca;
Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca; Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca; Larry.OBrien@ottawa.ca

2. Contact your local Community Association:  http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/parks_recreation/partners/community_orgs/east/comm_assoc_en.html

3. Talk to your work colleagues and neighbours.

4. Support the future of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne: http://www.ottawafarmersmarket.ca/

5. If you’re on Facebook, join the “Save the Horticulture Building” group:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=131809170165702&ref=mf

and “Design Lansdowne Together”:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=40034316730

6. Donate to the Friends of Lansdowne Park legal fund: http://www.letsgetitright.ca/

For a quick one minute summary of the Lansdowne financial scheme, check out a YouTube video featuring retired economist, Michael Tiger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tsA1StX7PM or http://www.clivedoucet.com/

Sincerely,

Clive Doucet
Councillor, Capital Ward
www.clivedoucet.com

Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »

19. June 2010 by David.

Position available: 1 summer intern
Type: Full-time with stipend & board
Language: Français et anglais
Duration: Now – September 30th
***********

Riverglen Farm is a certified biodynamic farm located in Ottawa’s Greenbelt. This 112 acre heritage site is located in the west end of the city, surrounded by Greenbelt forest and wetlands, on the banks of the Ottawa river. An assortment of vegetables are grown and sold to an 80 harvest-share CSA as well as restaurants and natural food stores. A flock of laying hens supply eggs and share manure production duties with a few cows, sheep and ducks.

Position description:

I am seeking a solid pair of arms and a clear mind to help with farm tasks this summer. Vegetable production, harvest and distribution will take up a good part of the time, but there are daily animal chores to share, as well as property maintenance tasks to carry out.

The typical workweek is Monday to Friday but it may change and evolve, depending on celestial rhythms and tasks needing to be accomplished. You are expected to be fed, dressed and ready for work by 8am on regular days and 7am on harvest days. The workday ends at 6pm or 5pm respectively, and we break for lunch between noon and 2pm. All crew-members are expected to take their turn preparing a common lunch for the rest of the crew.

In exchange for your commitment, a dedicated work attitude and an eagerness to learn, I offer a weekly stipend of $50 per week. The amount depends on prior experience and accommodation arrangements.

Accommodations:

Interns should be ready to tent it. A wooden platform will be provided to pitch your tent, and we can supply a tarp to add another layer of protection. Commuting from Ottawa is possible by car or bicycle.
A common kitchen in the barn is equipped with hot water, a stove, fridge, kettle, as well as dishes and cutlery. The barn kitchen has a kitchen table and chairs, and an assortment of couches and chairs can be found nearby. Picnic tables, porches, benches, hammocks and a beach can be found around the property.

A compost-toilet is in the works for 2010. In case this doesn’t happen, a chemical toilet will be provided. An enclosed outdoor shower(with hot water) is accessible at all times. Laundry, telephone and internet facilities are located in the farmhouse and can be used during specified times.

How to apply:

Write a few paragraphs about the reasons why you want to join the farm crew and what you feel you can bring to it. Send it along with any questions to: david.burnford@gmail.com

Posted in Newsletter | 1 Comment »

19. June 2010 by David.

This is it. It has begun!

Pickup begins next week. Britannia, Westboro, Wellington and Centertown locations start Monday. Riverglen and Chipworks locations begin Thursday. Check your inbox for pickup details and send me an email if anything looks suspiscious!

And while you’re checking stuff out on the computer, check this out:

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/omnivore/archive/2010/06/10/capricious-cuisine-at-courtyard-restaurant.aspx

Posted in Newsletter | 1 Comment »

7. June 2010 by David.

Posted in Newsletter | 1 Comment »