The MPCA held it's 52nd Annual General Meeting on October 12th to a sold out crowd at the Manor Park Field House (capacity 30 people). A new slate of 14 officers, directors and another six ex-officio members were approved to continue another year of business managing community issues and social events.

MPCA's New Board
First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Patrick O'Keefe who was voted in as our new Vice-President. In addition, Melanie Rebane has been elected as a new Director of the MPCA. I would also like to welcome back many old faces who have served the community well over the past several years as Directors. Please check our updated list of Directors serving on the board for 2004/2005 on this page. Finally, the MPCA and MPCC now have an official Web-site manager, Allison Simpkins who brings valuable professional skills to this important job.

The annual meeting heard a detailed update on local issues of importance from our City Councillor Jacques Legendre. Jacques mentioned several important initiatives related to the City Budgeting Consultations which will include all city councillors this year, a welcome addition to the process. Also of note, Mr. Legendre came out in support of the community - against the proposed new 12 story apartment building being planned for the corner of Karen Way and St. Laurent. The Karen Way Planning Group has been meeting regularly to monitor issues related to this proposed development. Their report appears on page 5 of this issue.

Development Issues
Councillor Legendre also confirmed our fears that the Kettle Island site will be considered as one of the options in the upcoming environmental review getting underway to determine the best route for a new bridge across the Ottawa River in the eastern part of the city. The MPCA will be monitoring this issue very closely and ensure that the concerns of our community are well voiced to the City in this long running saga of where best to site a new bridge.

As noted above the Karen Way proposed development is entering a critical phase as the City staff report on the feasibility of a 12 story apartment building plus condominium development will most likely be presented to the Planning Committee of City Council on November 23rd.

Karen Way
The MPCA has learned that City staff has recommended the proposal 'as is'. Therefore, it is critical that a concerted and well-organized lobby be mounted by the Karen Way Group and the MPCA to convince the City's Planning Committee that the full effects of the proposed development have not been considered by City staff.

In support of these efforts, another public meeting is being planned for November 10th at St. David and St. Martin's Church, 444 St. Laurent Boulevard to fully air the views of those opposed to the current Karen Way proposed development.

2005 Dinner Dance
Finally, I would like to remind every one that tickets will be going on sale on Monday, December 6 for the annual MPCA dinner dance to be held on January 29th - the premier social event of the year for our community.