The well-established community of eastern Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood is expected to see the development of a new major roadway over the next year.
The first budget of Mayor Jim Watson includes plans to begin construction on the Alta Vista transportation corridor in 2011. This four-lane road would link Riverside Drive to the General Hospital Campus.
The city has allocated $55 million to kick-start development, hoping to ease congestion on Alta Vista Drive and provide comprehensive access to the hospital. Residents of the Riverview Parks Community Association have raised concerns over the large price tag and the possibility that the corridor could destroy neighbourhood green space.
No construction has taken place since the plans were approved by city council in 2005.
Despite these concerns, Alta Vista Coun. Peter Hume has expressed support for the corridor, mentioning the need to accommodate growth throughout Ottawa. Hume also chairs the city’s planning and environment committee.
This comes after a $750,000 upgrade to the Alta Vista Public Library, which re-opened Jan. 21. This is part of the $4.7 million in federal, provincial and municipal stimulus funding provided to branches across the Ottawa Public Library system. Renovations included the entrance, children’s area and the information desk.
Alta Vista Public Library
This library is a staple in the Alta Vista community for it family-oriented setting and its service for new Canadians. Partnering with the Somali centre for family services, it offers sessions to help local immigrants prepare for a Canadian citizenship while offering English and French.
The presence of over 10 schools in the area is needed to support the family-oriented atmosphere. Small parks and open spaces are scattered throughout the Alta Vista region.
One of those parks, Grasshopper Hill, could get a new play structure at some point this year, according the to Alta Vista Community Association.
Family and educational activities are also available at the Billings Estate National Historic Site sits in the northwest corner of the Alta Vista area. This national historic site is unique to the community and updates it exhibits regularly throughout the year.
The big issue to watch will be construction of Alta Vista corridor, which will soon hit one of Ottawa’s most quaint and residential communities.
Here are some other great sources for information on the community:
Community Leaders:
Peter Hume – Alta Vista Ward Councillor.
Phone: 613-580-2488
Email: peter.hume@ottawa.ca.
Bronwyn Funicello – School Trustee for Rideau-Rockliffe/Alta Vista.
Phone: 613-842-9184
Email: bronwyn.funiciello@ocdsb.ca
Jean Cloutier – President of the Canterbury Community Association.
Phone: 613-738-8998
David McGuinty – Federal MP for Ottawa South.
Office Phone: (613) 990-8640.
Email: McGuinty.D@parl.gc.ca
Community Organizations:
Alta Vista Public School
Canterbury High School
Alta Vista Public Library
Canterbury Community Association
Somali Centre for Family Services
Community Blogs
Alta Vista Community Association
Ottawa East Community Association
Riverview Park Community Association
Alta Vista Ottawa 