1. Montreal Road has been struggling. Momentum for its renewal is beginning to build, but there have also been setbacks. What can the City do to turn Montreal Road into the neighbourhood-serving mainstreet that Vanier residents want it to be?
Marc Aubin: The City should not cave-in to developers who pay too much for lots on Montreal Road and then propose tall buildings as the only way to recoup their costs. This is also necessary to prevent these developers from driving up the land price/rents for the kind of neighbourhood-serving businesses we want. We need a program that creates incentives for developers to build the kinds of development we want to see along Montreal Road. For example, for the right kinds of development, the city could consider reducing development charges.
Mathieu Fleury: The first thing that we needed to do on Montreal Road was ensure that the proper zoning was in place to attract the type of businesses we want to make it a thriving main street. We changed that zoning last year through the review of the Montreal Road Secondary Plan. Now we must focus on making Montreal Road a desirable place to be. I will work to bring a streetscaping project to Montreal Road to refresh the sidewalks, street lamps and street furniture. This will give us an opportunity to create the desirable space that our community needs.
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre: Vanier has made great strides. However, serious issues persist in some areas that prevent it from being the highly desirable urban family neighbourhood that it could become. The prevalence of slum landlords, prostitution and drugs must be addressed head on if we are to attract more community-invested residents and the ensuing commercial activity that we seek.
As councillor, I would work closely with the community police officer, the Vanier Community Association and bylaw to tackle problem addresses. I would also work closely with the Vanier Community Services Centre to ensure that all community members have access to the programs and services needed to lead independent and healthy lives.
2. Vanier has three designated heritage properties, but much additional heritage value. In the midst of redevelopment, how will you ensure protection of the existing built heritage?
Mathieu Fleury: Heritage is something that is very important to me. This term, I worked closely with our community to have the St-Charles Church designated. It is important that we as a community have discussions on the heritage value of our community to ensure that we place the proper designations to protect these properties for years to come.
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre: Vanier is in a transition period and the community seems eager to attract development that will spawn additional economic activity and attract more families.
As councillor, I would work closely with Quartier Vanier BIA to create conditions favourable to responsible development. I also recognize the importance of integrating Vanier’s unique character and history in its future. As such, I would champion the safeguarding of existing built heritage by helping the community find new viable uses for such important places.
Marc Aubin: I have been a relentless advocate for our built heritage in Ottawa. Vanier is one of the oldest neighbourhoods and yet it lacks so much designation. I would work with the City's heritage department to add more designated heritage properties in Vanier. I would also ensure that the traditional mainstreets of Vanier (Beechwood, Montreal Road, McArthur) retain their mainstreet character and not be allowed to be turned into canyons of drab condos.
3. As Beechwood Avenue and Montreal Road transform into more healthy, traditional neighbourhood mainstreets, how can we turn the Vanier Parkway into more of a multi-modal, pleasant connector street (and less of a neighbourhood divide?) And, specifically, how might we improve the intersection of Montreal Road and the Vanier Parkway for cyclists and pedestrians?
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre: The Montreal Road and Vanier Parkway intersection should be re-examined with a Complete Streets lens. Longer crosswalk time, traffic calming measures and safer waiting areas for pedestrians and cyclists should be considered (i.e. Montreal uses cement barriers to protect people near high traffic roads).
If we want to encourage residents to reduce their dependency on cars, then we must offer real alternatives. Segregated cycling lanes, as well as wide and maintained sidewalks, are essential to transforming Vanier streets into pleasant and active spaces.
Marc Aubin: The Vanier Parkway divides Vanier. We need to gradually take it back. I want to see more crossings or linkages across it. I would like to see bike lanes. I want to see more trees. I want to do a visioning to explore the idea of turning it into one of our mainstreets with shops facing out along it. As noted in my platform, I want to seek a reduction in the speed limit in our ward to 40km/h and this includes the Vanier Parkway. I also want to see traffic calming measures on the parkway which serve to improve the compliance of cars with the posted speed limit. At the Montreal Road intersection, we need to return this to an urban intersection and away from the "highway" design that is currently there (eliminate pedestrian islands, removing turning lanes, shorten crossing distances). I would want to explore adding right turn on red restrictions and longer crossing times to reduce the stress on pedestrians & cyclists. In the long term, the Vanier Parkway could dip underneath Montreal Road as an underpass if there are no other solutions to urbanize it.
Mathieu Fleury: The Vanier Parkway is a prime location for raised cycling lanes and properly connected sidewalks. The intersection of Montreal Road and the Vanier Parkway needs to be reduced in size and bulb outs and islands for pedestrians need to be installed to greatly increase the safety in the area. Opportunities already exist with the renewal of Montreal Road and the planned resurfacing of the Vanier Parkway in the years to come.
4. Vanier is only indirectly benefiting from light rail - and trips by public transit to downtown are longer than for many arriving downtown from Ottawa's suburbs. How will you enhance Vanier's connection to downtown by public transit?
Marc Aubin: I will focus on redrawing the bus route network in Vanier with new bus routes that can travel on priority corridors to connect residents of Vanier to the nearest LRT station so that they will also benefit from high frequency high speed LRT connections to the downtown. And I will not lose focus on the need for better service on local bus routes connecting destinations within Ward 12 itself. I will also support good protected cycling connections to these new LRT stations so Vanier residents can bike to the LRT.
Mathieu Fleury: Light rail will bring many opportunities to Ottawa. With a reduction in buses downtown, the City will be able to increase the service and capacity for transit in Vanier, including the 5, 12, and 14. I also want to ensure that residents of Vanier are able to access light rail efficiently from our community by improving routes to the major stations.
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre: It is incomprehensible that there is still no quick and efficient way for many Vanier residents to access the downtown via public transit. I believe that Vanier’s ability to provide this service will greatly enhance its attractiveness amongst prospective residents and investors, and will reduce downtown traffic congestion.
As councillor, I would advocate for an express like bus route between Vanier and downtown stops at peak times.
5. What does Vanier mean to you? Can you share any micro stories about how this neighbourhood has impacted you directly?
Mathieu Fleury: In the last four years, I have had the opportunity to see the importance of engaging residents in community building. Vanier has amazing residents that take pride in their community, through many initiatives, including beautification projects and neighbourhood watches. Vanier is always full of friendly faces and passionate individuals who want to make our community a better place to live.
Catherine Fortin LeFaivre: To me, Vanier represents an important hub of Franco-Ontarian culture. As a high school student at De La Salle, I remember performing “Les murs de nos villages” (Jean-Marc Dalpé) at the Centre Francophone de Vanier in recognition of the many Franco-Ontarian struggles that our ancestors throughout Ontario have faced.
I have noticed similarities amongst Vanier residents through the years: you are welcoming, kind and determined. I believe that the strength and pride of the people of Vanier should be its most celebrated aspect—something no amount of money can buy!
Marc Aubin: My mother lived in Vanier at one point in her life. My mother and father worked in Vanier and were married at Assumption church on Olmstead. I feel a personal connection to Vanier as I also do to Sandy Hill and Lowertown. In addition, what I enjoy about Vanier is its unique Franco-Ontarian and small village feel. I enjoy travelling there as an alternative experience to the bustle of the Byward Market, Rideau Street, and the areas around Ottawa U. It is imperative that through ongoing development this atmosphere is preserved.
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Election Day is Monday, October 27, 2014, with voting polls across Vanier open from 10AM-8PM. If you’re uncertain of where your voting station is, check the City of Ottawa guide here. We’d like to extend our thanks to the candidates who engaged with our questions, and took the time to respond.