ManorPark Community

Over the years, Beechwood Avenue suffered as a result of a divided approach to planning, zoning and development. In the days before municipal amalgamation, Beechwood formed part of the boundaries of three distinct municipalities – Rockcliffe, Vanier and Ottawa.

This was recognized by the Ward Council established by Councillor Legendre shortly after amalgamation, and a project on this issue was undertaken. Assisted by Lana Burpee, the Ward Council surveyed Beechwood business and property owners. An open-house was organized by Andrew Wisniowski and his wife, architect Jane Thompson. A report was published (available at: http://www.rideau-rockcliffe.com) on the public response. This became the launch point for the current Bechwood Avenue Community Design Plan.

Coordinated by city planner, Donald Morse, this initiative will see the development of a 20-year guide for development through a series of community design workshops, professional and public consultations with input from local residents and businesses.

The final design plan for Beechwood Avenue will be a holistic development plan incorporating land use, structural and design guidelines, and zoning recommendations.

It is anticipated that a final report will be presented to the City’s Planning Committee in December, 2005 along with any zoning bylaw revisions and recommendations.

The first public consultation was held on April 30 at St. Charles Church. Attended by more than 100 community representatives and municipal politicians, ideas from three design revitalization workshops for Beechwood’s commercial corridor were reviewed and feedback was solicited.

A second public meeting has been set for October 5 at 7:00 pm at 300 Pères Blancs Avenue in the Richelieu-Vanier Centre (the old Vanier City Hall). A report on draft recommendations will be presented and feedback sought such that a final report, which will address transit and transportation issues, can reflect public opinion.

The Beechwood Village Community Design Plan has identified 10 highlights so far:
1. Beechwood Avenue is well used by local residents and is known for its diversity of shops and buildings.
2. To enhance the image of Beechwood, vacant lots, empty buildings, and poorly maintained properties need to be improved.
3. Small village-style buildings are preferred over large-format buildings.
4. Infill development should be promoted, as there are many vacant lots.
5. Mixed-use developments should be encouraged; low to mid-rise buildings heights are preferred.
6. Comprehensive streetscape improvements are needed to make Beechwood more pedestrian-friendly.
7. Parking should be retained along the street and placed behind buildings.
8. Additional landscaping would improve the streetscape.
9. Hydro poles and wires should be removed, but this also was recognized as a costly project.
10. St. Charles Church is a historical landmark along the street.

Those who wish to provide further input to the steering committee are encouraged to contact MPCA president, Patrick O’Keefe, at 746-4079.

(Article courtesy of the Manor Park Chronicle – Sept. 2005)