Galvanized by the strong reaction of our community to recent development initiatives and by its support for the work of a group of Karen Way residents opposing the re-zoning application and high-rise development proposal, the Manor Park Community Association (MPCA) has formed a committee to address local planning issues.

Chaired by MPCA board member and urban planner, Jeffrey Thiessen, the committee will be meeting this fall to review the broader aspects of planning, development and transportation for Manor Park, and to establish stronger links with other Ottawa communities facing similar issues.

Six community residents have stepped forward to join this working group. The group's mandate is to look at broad development issues and come up with a plan for Manor Park - a plan that has vision, goals and a strategic focus for what's right down the road for our community.

"We will be working to draw up with a set of principles for future development and transportation tailored specifically to meet the needs and priorities of the residents of Manor Park," says the committee chair. Such principles will be an essential tool in working with the City and its new Official Plan. "We will use these principles to engage in a dialogue with the City to work towards a commitment to look at Manor Park as an area that needs a special plan to address future growth and development concerns," said the Mr. Theissen.

Armed with a sound plan, MPCA can work to ensure the community's vision and planning priorities are accepted as a chapter of the City's Official Plan. Further, the association will be able to engage our city councillor and local MP to support its grassroots priorities. You can reach the committee by contacting Jeffrey Theissen at 741-8329.