“We had residents in one of my neighbourhoods in New Edinburgh who experienced problems with bylaw,” said Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King, who believes that, with “real policy” in place, there will be fewer calls and complaints.The regulations change the spirit of how the bylaw is perceived, King said. “It’s really a sprit of permissiveness since the previous bylaw prohibited any alterations to the ‘grass boulevard’ within the right of way. I think we have to remember that.
The city report on the matter also revealed concerns about contaminated soil in areas used to grow food and the possible health effects. Ottawa Public Health has asked Public Health Ontario for a review of the approach other municipalities are taking on the benefits and drawbacks of growing food on rights of way. Ottawa’s transportation committee is to receive and discuss those findings by the end of June 2024.
Many people don’t know where the city’s right of way starts and ends. In some downtown neighbourhoods, the right of way covers almost the entire distance between the street and a residence, the transportation committee heard.