Kevin O'Donnell's blog
Chilling out on a chilly walk
I am blessed with a kid who's super easy to parent. Really, super easy. For instance, mornings are generally a breeze. Since less than a year old wake-up has been at 6:30 and out-the-door has been at 7:40 - first for daycare and now for school. Everyday is much the same: wake up and two minute cuddle, then I make breakfeast while she slumbers on the couch for extra winks. Then easy peasy: eat, brush, dress, play, coat & shoes and out the door. Read more »
Minute differences in the Minutes
Today at Council an attempt was made to correct a staff error in relation to the minutes from April 24th. On that meeting's agenda was a motion to approve the Carling/Preston design plan, with a few exceptions. Notably, part 3(a) deferred the "mews" (aka: road) that is proposed for the eastern edge of the O-Train corridor. Here's the motion - I've bolded the important part: Read more »
Harassment at work - can men mansplain to other men?
Proud of my cousin Cleoniki Kesidis, who wrote about why she's sick of being asked why she studies computer science: ottawacitizen.com/life/women+stu…
Inside the Budget Lockup
I'm writing from within the budget lockup. Mike just left to go to Queen's Park for the budget speech, and we've finished our news release, so I'm left with about half an hour until I'm once again allowed to communicate with the outside world.
Hello world. Read more »
Who is Richardson Kennings?
Who is Richardson Kennings? Why "he" is the alias I use when signing random petitions I am curious about. It's good to see what the other side is doing.
I don't remember ever sending him to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. So I'm not sure how they were able to send me this letter, which arrived today.
Perhaps I've forgotten - Kennings and variations like him get around. Read more »
The Consistency of Bike Commuting
I use Google's MyTracks to record my morning and evening bicycle commute from home in Westboro to Centretown for work. The route changes very little. Sometimes I start it from kiddo's school and take Byron. Othertimes it's from home and I take backroads until Fisher Park. Coming home I usually take Scott. Read more »
Treasurer's Report on Development Charges - Planning Committee
I can't physically get to Planning Committee today to present a delegation, so an emailed one will have to do.
Mayor Watson, Councillors:
With regard to the Treasurer's Statement on Development Charges Reserve Funds for 2012 (Planning Committee on April 23)
I encourage you to pressure the province to amend the Development Charges Act so the City of Ottawa can capture more development charges for public transit purposes. Read more »
Intensification along Western LRT & Proactive Rezonings
With the announcement the city is looking at two new Western LRT route options I thought I would take a look at the New Orchard catchments. It is plainly in the city's interest to see intensification around LRT stations: less car commuting, more development charges, etc, etc. But you can't have intensification in established neighbourhoods without rezonings. Read more »
319 McRae - Development applications are in
The developer has filed three applications with the city for 319 McRae - related but separate. I thought I would collect them here.
If I have this right, the Official Plan Amendment needs to be passed before the zoning could be requested. Once both of those are approved (if approved) then the site-plan would go forward. Read more »
