Below is a motion that Councillor Brockington has recently presented at City council. This motion is to assess whether the NCC can require the Airport Authority to pause any removal of trees and prior to approval of a new plan, and explore the feasibility of a land swap between City of Ottawa and the OIAA.
On Feb 23, 2022, City Council unanimously approved the motion.
…staff will now conduct the necessary research to confirm if there are potential sites for a land swap. …In the coming days, I will verify with the GM of Planning/Economic Development on the scope of his review and when we might receive his report.
Riley Brockington
Item / Article: Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure
Re: Red Pine Forest
Moved by / Motion de: Councillor R. Brockington
Seconded by / Appuyée par: Councillor D. Deans
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider the following motion in order that the City may engage with the NCC and the Airport Authority at the earliest opportunity.
WHEREAS the Ottawa International Airport Authority plans to allow development on a 10 acre red pine plantation, along the southside of Hunt Club Road, between Paul Anka Drive and Billy Bishop Private,
WHEREAS there is considerable community and environmental concern with the plan to cut trees in the red pine forest; and large contiguous forest areas are normally protected when the City has authority; and
WHEREAS the City is prepared to work with the Airport Authority to find a solution that allows them to lease the site for a use that requires less cutting of trees, protection of a corridor link between Hunt Club and the forest to the south, and/or explore a swap of lands;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council:
- Request that the National Capital Commission review its authorities under section 12.1 and 12.3 of the National Capital Act to assess whether it can require the Airport Authority to pause any removal of trees and prior to approval of a new plan for the Hunt Club frontage by the Commission that would retain more trees and connectivity to the remaining forest; and
- Request that a delegation of Council comprised of the Mayor or his designate, one of the co-Chairs of the Planning Committee, and Ward Councillors Deans and Brockington meet with the City’s nominees to the Board of the Airport Authority to express Council’s concern with proceeding with tree cutting before further negotiations on the future of the red pine forest are completed; and
- Authorize the General Manager of Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development and his designates to explore the feasibility of a land swap and report back to Council on their findings.
Do not cut them down….