Ottawa’s tree canopy is declining in urban and suburban neighbourhoods

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Good morning! 

Is anyone else getting tired of all this rain? It might be good for the garden but I’m ready for some summer sunshine. Good news is we should have a beautiful weekend. 

In this Friday issue of the Lookout I sat down with Aida Warah, founder and executive director of Gentle Ways for Our Planet, an organization that is looking to replant Ottawa’s urban tree canopy. I also spoke with the NCC to learn more about its reforestation efforts after the 2022 derecho decimated its forests. 

Some Orléans homeowners will finally be able to move into their new development after a legal challenge between the city and developer Ashcroft Homes is finally over. 

Happy reading! 

— Charlie Senack, [email protected]

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WEATHER

Friday: 28 🌡️ 19 | ⛅

Saturday: 29 🌡️ 19 | ☀️

Sunday: 30 🌡️ 20 | ☀️

Monday: 29 🌡️ 21 | ⛈️

TREES

Advocates push to plant more trees in Centretown

The issue: Ottawa’s urban tree canopy is in decline. Century-old forests are being torn down for development, trees have been toppled over during rare storms, and reforestation efforts are not keeping up with the cutting down of greenspace. 

According to 2019 data, Somerset ward had the least tree coverage at 22%, with Barrhaven coming in second place at 23%. Knoxdale-Merivale, Kanata South, Rideau-Vanier, Stitsville, Alta Vista, Kanata North and Orleans were also under 30%. The municipal ward with the most coverage was College at 48%. These numbers are expected to be lower now after tornadoes and a rare Derecho toppled over trees since the data was collected. 

Ottawa’s urban tree canopy sits at 31% compared to Gatineau which is 48%. 

Grassroots efforts: Gentle Ways for our Planet is a small organization that is looking to have a big impact when it comes to fighting climate change. Founded by former University of Ottawa professor Aida Warah, the group's initiative is to promote environmental issues while planting 30 million trees by 2030. 

On a sunny fall day in September 2022, Gentle Ways for our Planet planted 125 native trees at Neil Nesbit park in Barrhaven. A year later, 325 trees were planted at nearby Mowat Farm Park. 

Warah told the Ottawa Lookout that she believes in “equity planting” and notes trees are not being planted enough to keep up with climate change. 

“Forest benefits are very well known now. Their physical health advantages and mental health advantages are very well known through research. Walking in nature is extremely beneficial to your health,” said Warah. “Under the climate change vision we also can’t underestimate the importance of trees for cooling effects. In 2023 we saw many heatwaves and it was one of the hottest years on record.”

The advantages also stretch beyond human life. Birds, squirrels and other animal forms call the trees home. They are essential parts of our neighbourhoods, notes Warah, and play a vital role in our ecosystems. 

A complicated legacy of cutting down trees

An axe to grind: Ottawa has a complicated and troubled legacy when it comes to cutting down mature trees. Over the decades neighbours have fought to save historic trees on city blocks. 

Warah said it’s frustrating to see decisions like this being made when evidence clearly suggests the positive impact trees play on society. 

I feel both saddened and angry. Nowadays with the knowledge we have, it’s not that we don’t know better,” she said. “It takes a long time for a forest to grow but only hours to disturb it. Seeing this act of destruction is bewildering. I wish the people making those decisions would make them more rationally and would learn from all the knowledge that we have today. It’s a sense of disbelief that this is still happening.”

Gentle Ways for our Planet is looking to Centretown for its next reforestation efforts. It’s planning to hold another tree planting event in the fall in partnership with the City of Ottawa. 

NCC damaged forests will take decades to replant 

Forests destroyed: When a rare derecho storm hit the Capital in May 2022, it knocked down tens of thousands of trees across the city. In the NCC-owned Pine Grove and Pinhey Forests, at least 70% of the tree canopy was destroyed, according to CBC. It wiped out about 1,890 hectares of urban forest space — roughly the size of about five Experimental Farms. 

Dominique Huras, Strategic Communications Advisor at the NCC, told the Ottawa Lookout that damage was more severe than during the 1998 ice storm. 

“Environment Canada clocked wind speeds faster than 130 km/h. These winds had a significant impact on the Greenbelt’s forest canopy and natural area,” said Huras. “Hundreds of thousands of trees were impacted, especially in the Pine Grove, Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sectors of the Greenbelt. The storm also left its mark on large parts of Mer Bleue and Stony Swamp.”

Environmental impacts: Huras said the storm didn’t just take down the thin red pines planted in straight lines by the Ontario government in the 1950s and 60s to one day be used as hydro poles. Large, healthy and mature trees were also completely uprooted and will take decades to regenerate. 

“There is also an impact on the ecological benefits that trees provide, including the storage of carbon, moderating local climate by providing shade, and regulating temperature extremes,” she said. “The Greenbelt will look very different in years to come. The trees lost played an essential role in environmental sustainability and in recreation. The numerous species that call the Greenbelt home will adjust their behaviour and demonstrate their resiliency.”

Restoration and reforestation: Two years after the windstorm hit Ottawa, swaths of the NCC-owned forests sit bare, awaiting new life to grow. The organization said its immediate efforts were to remove any hazards including fallen trees which were in recreational trails and pathways. 

Now attention is turning to Phase 2, which focuses on removing coarse woody debris piled along trails, pathways and boundaries and addressing fire risks. This work will be done within the limited time window around nesting season and during optimal ground conditions found in late fall and early winter. 

The NCC plans to focus on natural regeneration alongside replanting efforts, but the work is expected to take decades. Much like after the 2018 tornadoes which touched down in Ottawa and Gatineau, successional species are beginning to grow on their own. Tree species like Balsam poplar can grow up to three metres in just three years. 

Not all bad news: New wildlife is starting to call the damaged forests home. An increased number of native insects eating dead or dying coniferous trees have also been observed. 

“These insects are now a food source for a population of three-toed woodpeckers, who tend to appear after a major disturbance causing trees to die,” said Huras. “As a result, this is the first time since 2014 that American three-toed woodpeckers have been spotted in the Greenbelt, and the first time that multiple individuals have been found staying in the Greenbelt.”

SPONSORED BY RUGBY CANADA

Friday night plans? Canada vs Romania tonight at 7pm!

Canada men's rugby team returns to Ottawa to play Romania, Friday night at 7pm! This is going to be a big physical battle between two nations close in the world rankings. Tickets start at only $20 plus fees.

Ottawa showed up in force to cheer on Canada last Saturday against Scotland, bringing an electric, patriotic atmosphere. Canada were spurred on by the crowd of 12,000, with Lucas Rumball scoring the first try of the game and bringing everyone to their feet. With more tries expected out of Canada on Friday, this is going to be the match to see.

Canada are building towards qualification for the World Cup 2027 as their players are developing and the team is showing strong potential. The rugby frenzy has taken over Ottawa over the last few years, so don't miss the last stop on the tour!

OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🏘️ $2,179: The average monthly cost to rent an apartment in Ottawa, according to rentals.ca. That is down $11 dollars compared to May figures. [CTV]

🏠 $754,7000: The average price of a home in Ottawa this spring. [CTV]

🏢 11.2%: Ottawa’s office vacancy rate, slightly down from the 13% it was in March. [Ottawa Business Journal]

CITY HALL

City settles legal fight with Ashcroft Homes over Orleans development

The issue: It is hopefully the end of a years-long limbo that had Orleans homeowners unable to live in their newly built properties.

Owners who purchased in the Ashcroft Homes' Eastboro development have been unable to move in due to a desperately-needed sewer system which comes with a steep price tag. 

Problems first surfaced when workers began to notice liquid clay soil filling up in a trench. It resulted in the work being paused and Ashcroft launching a court fight against the municipality due to rising costs. The entire street will now need to be torn up for the work to commence.  

The solution: During a city planning and housing committee meeting on July 9, members approved a deal that would split the cost: $30 million would be reimbursed from the city for construction, land and other costs which the developer would pay upfront. 

With construction beginning this summer, Ashcroft will receive an incentive if the work is completed in six months, according to city documents. In that case, the city would pay all additional interest. Ashcroft will pay for its development portion of the work, and the city will pay additional expenses for “oversizing” infrastructure to plan for few residential construction. 

It’s welcome news for the two dozen homeowners who can hopefully soon move in. Sami Bibi, one of those impacted, moved into a rental home temporarily in 2021 thinking it would be a short term stay.

To date he’s spent almost $90,000 on rent which he would have preferred to use as mortgage payments, he told CBC. We have some boxes that are still closed," he said. "We didn't open all the boxes (figuring) we'll move in six months.” 

It’s still unclear when residents can begin to move in. 

Councillor reaction: Catherine Kitts, the representative for Orléans South-Navan, told the committee that she was angry over how the situation was dealt with but was pleased the proper outcome finally came. 

“I have been advised by our legal counsel not to share my true thoughts on the experience of working with this developer. But I find it deplorable that these folks have been in this situation,” said Kitts. 

Navan closure: While Kitts wants to see the work begin as soon as possible, she’s asking for a slight delay to give the businesses and residents more time to prepare. The closure of Navan Road is expected to have a negative impact on the community. 

Kitts told the committee that despite her relief to see people finally get into their homes, the road closure puts her community in a bind. She wanted clarity on when construction would actually begin, so the community can brace itself. She also wanted updated traffic management plans, saying that the ones presented by the developer were “not rooted in reality. It is not going to work.”

“I'm at a loss on this one. I feel like it's a no-win situation, and I feel terribly for my community,” Kitts said.

THE AGENDA

🇵🇸 The pro-Palestine encampment outside of uOttawa’s Tabaret Hall has been dismantled after two months. Protest organizers said in a statement they decided to leave after negotiations went nowhere, citing “this university and president are out of touch with reality.” In a separate statement issued by the university, it said the site was left in a “deplorable state” and said that during negotiations, protestors escalated their tactics with “more graffiti and physical aggression.” [Ottawa Citizen]

🍷 Want to drink alcoholic beverages in Ottawa parks? The city wants to hear from you. It comes after Toronto led a pilot project to allow drinking in some of its city’s parks. If Ottawa’s Parks and Facilities bylaw is amended, it won’t come into effect until at least spring 2025. [CTV] 

👮‍♂️ A Kemptville massage therapist has lost her right to practise after having sex with two clients. Amanda Stark’s actions “undermined the public’s confidence in the profession,” according to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The first relationship began in October 2017 and ended in December 2020, whereas the second started in June 2019 and continued until 2021. [Ottawa Citizen]

⛺️ Two tent-like migrant centres could be erected at three possible undisclosed locations in Ottawa, despite a motion from two Barrhaven councillors to shelve those plans. The ‘Sprung Structures’ would house newcomers to Canada, but councillors Wilson Lo and David Hill said the migrants deserve more than “communal living,” other councillors including Marty Carr and Ariel Troster found the motion to be “fear mongering and disturbing,” and were in support of the project. [CBC]

👮‍♂️ Smith Falls has sworn in its first female police chief. Jodi Empey, who brings 30 years of experience to the role, said she decided to take on the new challenge over retiring to make a difference in the community. [CBC]

🔥 A fire in Nepean has temporarily closed the popular Merivale Fish Market. When fire crews arrived, flames were visible coming out of the window of a neighbouring closed pizza Ria and smoke was visible on the roof. The fire started in the basement of the business. [Ottawa Citizen]

💰 All Eco, a popular lifestyle store in the Glebe is closing its doors due to financial pressures. Founded in 2019 just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, All Eco supports Canadian-made, eco-friendly products. [CTV] 

EVENTS

What to do this weekend

🏇 Ottawa Summer Tournament, until Sunday: The 10th anniversary of the showjumping tournaments at Wesley Clover Parks, with hundreds of competitors. At 401 Corkstown Rd. Ticket prices vary by event. 

🏉 Canada vs Romania | TD Place, Ottawa | July 12, 7pm | Big hits and big tries, Canada is back to bring the heat against Romania, tickets start at $20 plus fees. | Buy tickets! [Sponsored]

👩‍🌾 Hammond Hill Market, Saturday 10 am: A market with food, beverages, crafts and more. Live music, BBQ, and activities for the kids. At 861 Du Golf Rd., Hammond. Free to attend. 

🎇 Ottawa Chinatown Bazaar, Sunday 11 am: A big event at the gateway to Chinatown with plenty of local vendors. At 687 Somerset St W. Free. 

💥 Fanaticcon, Saturday 11 am: Come celebrate toys, games, films, comics, and more, feturing plenty of special guests. Advance VIP tickets available. At the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd. Tickets $20 at the door. 

🏰 Big Bounce Canada, July 13-21: Bounce in a series of bouncy castles, including the “world’s biggest,” with time slots for all ages (including adults). At Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd. Ticket prices vary. 

🛼 Ottawa Valley Roller Derby, Saturday: the event is back presenting another terrific season of full-contact roller derby games, happening at St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté St. Free. 

🎡 European Union Culture Fair, Saturday 10 am: The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and the Embassies of E.U. Member States are hosting a daylong cultural fair on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Dr. Free. 

Arts events

🎭 Macbeth, until Saturday: A Company of Fools presents their annual Shakespeare in the park performaces featuring an all female and non-binary cast. At parks across the city. Pay what you can. 

🎸 Bluesfest, until July 14: This weekend’s headliners include JJ Wilde, The Tea Party, and Mötley Crüe. At LeBreton Flats. Ticket prices vary. 

🥯 Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest, Sunday: Featuring performances by Krystal Jessup, Victoria Laine and more. At the Ottawa Bagelshop, 1321 Wellington St. W. Free to attend. 

🎸 Vankleek Hill Porchfest, Saturday 12 pm: A series of concerts on porches across the village. In Vankleek Hill. Free.

CAPITAL EATS

This week in food

🍪 A perfect spot for cookie monsters. This new Wellington West shop is serving up tasty, sweet treats. 

🍜 A restaurant for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. Some of Merivale’s best food dishes can be found at this restaurant. 

🍺 Looking to cool off with a local beer this summer? Here is a list of Ottawa’s best brewers. 

🇹🇭 Want to try a pookie roll? This Thai food truck in Stittsville is reinventing the local food scene. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a peek inside OC Transpo’s operations centre. [CTV] 

• Sandyhill has been named one of Ottawa’s Canada’s best neighbourhoods to live in. [CTV]

• A look at some of Barrhaven’s NHL draft picks from over the years. [Barrhaven Independent]

• The Manotick community is mourning the passing of local historian and columnist Larry Ellis. [Manotick Messenger]

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

OTTAWA GAMES

Congrats to Mary Martha, Adam, Terry, Shaw, Justin, and the many others of you who knew this week’s Ottawa Guesser was of the US Ambassador’s residence, Lornado.

Think you can solve this week’s Ottawa Wordle? Play now.