Here is a digest of the latest news from the RPCA, including updates from the City of Ottawa and our River Ward City Councillor.
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The RPCA Board of Directors will hold its next meeting virtually by Zoom on Wed, March 3, 2021. We will be joined by River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington for neighbourhood and municipal updates.
In January, the RPCA hosted an important community meeting with city planners about the draft New Official Plan for Ottawa … and its implications on Riverside Park.
This month, we will be reporting on our plans to submit a response to the Official Plan, based on the anticipated impact on Riverside Park and the feedback received from area residents. Join us for this follow up community discussion. This meeting is open to the public.
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Adoption of the Agenda
- Receipt of Minutes of the February 3, 2021 Board Meeting
- Presentation: River Ward Councillor Report
Councillor Riley Brockington will present an update on the community, Ward 16, and City Hall. - Presentation: RPCA Board of Directors Report
- Old Business
- Donation to Debra Dynes Family House
- Update on Banking and Signing Authorities
- Hydro One Twin Transmission Reconductoring
- Inquiry about Summer Student Funding for Park Covid Contact Tracing
- Operation Snow Angel
- New Business
- Setting Up an RPCA Zoom Account
- Update on RPCA Submission to Ottawa’s New Official Plan
- West Walkley Road Traffic Calming Initiative
- Other Business
- Announcements
- Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 –7:00 p.m.
- Adjournment


Since its release last November, the City’s draft new Official Plan has rankled Riverside Park residents. It seems the more we learn, the more we are concerned.
Below a glimpse into the kind of development that could be allowed on West Walkley Road if the City’s new Official Plan goes through.


RSVP to attend the community meeting at 7 pm on March 3, 2021 to discuss our neighbourhood response.

On February 9, 2021, the RPCA wrote to City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson in opposition to the controversial Tewin project proposal.
The Association’s objections were motivated by two factors: the city’s commitment to prioritize growth through intensification over urban boundary expansion; and our support for the concerns expressed by Indigenous communities, about the lack of consultation on major decisions affecting Algonquin lands.
Click here to download the letter.

Ray and Eleonore Benesch have lived on Hobson Rd for 54 years, after Ray took a job at the National Research Council. They were attracted to a small new development near Mooney’s Bay, called Edstan Gardens, because of the proximity to good schools, recreational opportunities, and a local grocery store.
In 1970, Eleonore was recruited to be the first Director of the Riverside Park Nursery School, which was jointly sponsored by the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Riverside United Churches. The parent co-operative nursery school became an instant success, far beyond the religious communities. With the support of Dan Donnelly Ford Lincoln Car Dealership, the RPNS secured daily transportation for children from the Ledbury development and gave a head start to young families.
The Riverside Park Nursery School continues to thrive and grow and is now in the process of constructing a purpose-built Early Learning Centre at the site of the original Bayview Public School on Springland Dr.
Eleanore’s lifelong passion for accessible childcare, is only matched by the couple’s commitment to family and community.
Ray and Eleonore Benesch are true Riverside Park Originals!
This post is part of an ongoing series called: Riverside Park Originals. To profile your long-time neighbours, send a photo and a short bio to communications@riversidepark.ca. Please include the proper spelling of their names, the neighbourhood they live in, how long they have lived here, and a quote, reflection, story, or description of the resident(s). Please ensure that they have consented to the use of their photo and bio. Submissions need not be carefully edited. We will polish before we post!
All profiles will be shared on this website, over social media, and in our monthly email newsletter.

Local activist Aidan Brown is a kid with a calling. He’s committed to peaceful co-existence with Ottawa’s amazing urban wildlife, but he’s also passionate about public safety. In the spring of 2020, a 12-year-old Aidan took it upon himself to print off public notices to raise awareness about the coyotes in Linton Park and the connecting green spaces. Since then his cause has gained traction. With the support of RPCA Director Terry Wood and the incredible advocacy of Councillor Riley Brockington, Aidan’s grassroots campaign became a permanent notice affixed at the entrance of Linton Park.
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Aidan has recently installed a Coyote Cam in the bush adjacent to the hydro corridor which captures amazing videos of our neighbourhood coyotes and wild turkeys. Follow his trail cam on Instagram @southendtrailcams
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The RPCA Board of Directors will hold its next meeting virtually by Zoom on Wed, February 3, 2021. We will be joined by River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington for neighbourhood and municipal updates.
Last month, the RPCA hosted an important community meeting with city planners about the draft New Official Plan for Ottawa … and its implications on Riverside Park.
This month, we are hosting a follow-up community conversation about the future of our neighbourhood. Join us to give your input on what should be included in our community submission to the Official Plan consultation.
Also at this meeting, we will be electing two directors, one to represent Riverside Park West and the other to represent Revelstoke. One of the new directors will fill the role of Treasurer. Click here for details on the nomination process.
This meeting is open to the public.
RSVP to receive meeting information and documents by email.
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, February 3,2021–7:00 p.m.
One-tap dial-in by phone: +16475580588,,83779304686#,,#,,847562
Join the meeting by ZoomID: 837 7930 4686;Passcode: 847562
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83779304686?pwd=aVh0eGJUR1oxeDdRY3pta1NxSUtsUT09
- Call to Order
- Adoption of the Agenda
- Receipt of Minutes of the January 6, 2021 Board Meeting
- Receipt of Minutes of January 2021 Electronic Motions
- Presentation: River Ward Councillor Report
Councillor Riley Brockington will present an update on the community, Ward 16, and City Hall. - Presentation: RPCA Board of Directors Report
6.1 President’s Report
6.2 Vice-President’s Report
6.3 Financial Update
6.4 Communications & Outreach Committee Report
6.5 Rinks and Recreation Committee Report
6.6 Gardening Committee Report
6.7 Planning and Development Sub-Committee Report
6.8 Transportation, Transit, & Traffic Safety Sub-Committee Report - New Business
7.1. Director & Officer Elections
Following the resignation of two directors (representing Riverside Park West and Revelstoke), the RPCA issued a call for nominations, with a deadline of 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. At this meeting, the Nominations Committee will present a slate of candidates, and a new Treasurer will be appointed. All appointments will serve a term commencing immediately, through to the October 6 Annual Meeting of the Members.
7.2. Community Discussion: Responding to Ottawa’s Draft New Official Plan
At the February 3, 2021 meeting of the Board, City of Ottawa planners presented a draft New Official Plan and discussed its implications on Riverside Park. Click here to view the presentation, click here to watch a full recording of the community discussion ( Passcode: ?3ecYy.W ), and click here to read the city’s response to community questions. At this meeting, we will discuss the priorities for a community submission to the Official Plan consultation. All residents are encouraged to join the discussion and share their perspective.
7.3. Presentation: 2021-2023 Action Plan
The RPCA Board held two virtual retreats on January 9 and 24 to develop a two-year action plan. At this meeting, the draft 2021-2023 Action Plan will be presented for discussion and adoption.
7.4. Presentation: Information Technology & Information Management Proposal
The RPCA Information Technology Manager, Sarah Brickell, will present a draft Information Technology & Information Management Proposal for discussion and adoption. - Other Business
- Announcements
- Next Meeting: Wednesday, March3, 2021 –7:00 p.m.
- Adjournment
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