Weekly newsletter: April 4, 2023
A few days ago, I thought this week’s newsletter header should recognise having been your Councillor for 100 days. Then my staff said I missed the 100-day mark over a month ago.
So… Today is my 140th day in office. I’m about as comfortable as I should be in my role, and that sentiment is still true: I am truly grateful for your kindness and engagement.
Our list of issues have been relatively short and many are still in progress, but so far, in the ward, we’ve…
Opened files for improved traffic calming measures on Earl Mulligan, Highbury Park, Longfields (Strandherd to Berrigan), and Stoneway
Requested traffic assessments for Strandherd/Greenbank, Strandherd/Riocan, Strandherd/Beatrice, Longfields/Clearbrook-Marketplace, and Woodroffe/Claridge-Stoneway for traffic signal and safety improvements
Requested traffic assessments for a new traffic signal at Fallowfield/Wolfgang
Requested traffic assessments for some neighbourhood intersections
Implemented a single-sided winter parking ban on Montana Way
Began dialogue between the South Nepean Muslim Centre and the neighbourhood behind it to address longstanding parking issues
Established a relationship with Bell to increase accountability for their Fibe installation projects
Began the process to de-pave or close Blackpool Lane to expand Gospel Oak Park
My email archive contains other minor issues, mostly hyper-local in nature. I’m excited to finalise and share other initiatives and projects in the coming months. I hope you are, too!
Changing gears, several residents have reached out to voice their concerns about using municipal funds to support the construction of a new hotel near the airport. Like any project, there are some myths which may be the result of oversimplification of what’s going on.
As background, Germain Hotels (under their Alt Hotel brand) applied through the airport Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The airport CIP — itself controversial when it was discussed — was approved by last council and is effective July 2022 to July 2032.
The application is misunderstood as a simple $13 million grant towards construction costs. Rather, it’s a reduction in property taxes for 10 years totalling $13 million in foregone revenue. The hotel chain still pays about $4 million in development-related fees.
Like other federal properties, the airport does not pay property taxes. Rather, it provides the city with payments in lieu of taxes, known as PILTs in bureau-speak. Annually, the airport pays the city one dollar per passenger that gets on and off an airplane.
From pandemic lows, passenger volumes have slowly returned. The airport authority hopes to return to pre-pandemic volumes next year and believes the hotel will be a catalyst in that achievement.
The matter will be discussed by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee today. Should the Committee approve it, the matter will rise to Council on April 12 for final approval. As I don’t sit on the Committee, my chance to speak to and vote on the item is at Council next week.
Based on the information I have right now, I am not supportive of the application and will vote against it if it makes it to Council.
That’s all for this week. Enjoy the upcoming long weekend!
-Wilson