In a decision issued on 03 April, the Ontario Municipal Board has ruled that Ashcroft Homes does not have to provide a third access to Clyde Avenue, to augment the two existing connections to Merivale Road. This means that all traffic from Central Park will continue to have to flow via Merivale, increasing the already serious traffic concerns on this road.
The hearing lasted five days, after a one day delay due to confusion as to whether the hearing would even proceed or not.
The Carlington community (including Central Park), was ably represented by Carlington Community Association President Mark Lavinskas, his sister, Suzanne Lavinskas and community resident Lois Smith who worked tirelessly to represent our interests. Several other CCA Directors attended through the week.
Emergency Access Compromised
Testimony given by the traffic engineer appearing on behalf of the City of Ottawa noted that emergency access had not been studied in detail, although he “ventured the opinion that the sub-division was adequately serviced.” However, both Police Chief Brian Ford and Lyle Massender, Manager of the Ottawa Carleton Regional Ambulance Service, testified that in the event of emergency, access from Clyde would be of benefit.
Also in attendance at the hearing was Mr. Harold Carswell of the Copeland Park Community Association, “apparently created specifically to oppose the third access.” While not admitted as an expert witness, he testified that any access to Clyde would result in significantly more cut-through traffic in Copeland Park, and that Merivale can better handle the increased traffic.
As a small consolation, the OMB directed in its decision that provision shall be left by Ashcroft for a future emergency-only access.
The OMB did not award any costs.