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Queensway Hospital looks to build urgent care centre on shortlisted sprung structure site

Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod and Barrhaven councillors are hoping to secure funding for a new urgent care centre for the Queensway Carleton Hospital. It’s a political move to potentially stop a sprung structure from getting built.

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Good morning! 

Did anyone else notice that downpour of rain last night? It came out of nowhere and really drenched the Capital. It almost felt like a hurricane in Nepean. 

As we reported on a few weeks ago, the city will soon announce its scoring for where two sprung structure encampments will be built to house an influx of asylum seekers wanting to call Canada home. Two of the proposed sites are in Barrhaven and residents are not pleased. Now, politicians are trying to secure new plans for the Highbury Park site so the planners will need to look elsewhere. It’s a long story, but we have all the exclusive details you haven’t read about anywhere else. 

A quick correction to note from the last newsletter: In the agenda we wrote Abdirahman Abdi died in 2026 when the date should have read 2016. We regret the error. 

Let’s get to the news of the day! 

— Charlie Senack, [email protected].

PS - If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign up for free.

WEATHER

Wednesday: 22 🌡️ 8 | ☁️

Thursday: 23 🌡️ 12 | 🌤️

Friday: 13 🌡️ -1 | ☁️

CITY HALL

Queensway Carleton Hospital looks to build urgent care centre on shortlisted sprung structure site

The Highbury Park location that has been shortlisted for a sprung structure and where Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod would like to see an urgent care facility built. Photo by Charlie Senack.

The issue: When two Barrhaven locations were shortlisted for a sprung structure to be built for housing asylum seekers coming to Canada, the community was quick to share its feelings. 

A petition launched pushing back against the possible locations has garnered over 4,600 signatures and an in-person rally with upwards of 300 demonstrators is now being planned. 

The two possible sites in question are at Highbury Park off Greenbank Rd and on Strandherd near the Nepean Woods OC Transpo Park & Ride. Both parcels of land are owned by the city. 

Political move: To protest the possible Highbury Park development, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod is trying to secure the land for an urgent care clinic, which would serve as a satellite facility for the Queensway Carleton Hospital. While talks have been in the works for years, the file has moved nowhere — at least not publicly — and would cost perhaps billions of dollars to build. 

Ongoing discussions: Sources have told the Lookout that MacLeod, Queensway officials, and local Barrhaven city councillors Wilson Lo and David Hill met with Ontario Health Ministry officials to advocate and push for the site to be sold to the hospital. While no deal has been reached, the request wasn’t shot down either and talks are ongoing. 

Blasting council: During an online community meeting on Oct. 25, MacLeod blamed the city for being more “concerned about bike lanes downtown than a tent city in Barrhaven.”

  • “It’s such a young council. You can’t blame them for not understanding the importance of that,” she said. 

David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development, also spoke during the call and blamed the Justin Trudeau-led Liberal government for letting in a record number of asylum seekers. 

  • ”At no point during our modern history have we seen the number of asylum seekers we are seeing today. In some parts of Ontario upwards or 70 per cent of their shelter systems are being occupied by asylum seekers,” said Piccini. 

Community concern: As part of the roundtable discussion, a handful of Barrhaven residents voiced their worry about having an encampment with 150 asylum seekers in their backyards. 

They raised concerns over safety: Barrhaven currently has the highest rate of car thefts in the city. Only one police officer is usually stationed in the community of 100,000 people. It was argued that Kingston, which has a population of about 130,000, has an entire police force of 300 members. 

Fear was also raised over the overcrowding in schools, the lack of social support in the suburbs away from the downtown core, and the problem-plagued transit service which makes it difficult to get around town. 

Jason MacDonald, president of the Barrhaven Improvement Association and local homeowner, said his business, MacDonald Realty, is located just steps from the Highbury Park site. 

Lack of transparency: MacDonald said the BIA was hoping to speak with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe about their concerns, but to date, all requests for a meeting have gone unanswered. The Lookout reached out to Sutcliffe’s office for comment but did not hear back ahead of publication. 

“Why is the mayor so averse to having a conversation with the business community who has supported him? Why has the mayor not been willing to engage in conversation with the Barrhaven community? He was elected by the suburban residents, not the core,” a frustrated MacDonald, who was speaking on behalf of himself, told the Lookout. 

There have also been concerns over how Barrhaven West representative David Hill has been handling the matter. While he’s spoken out at the council table saying he’s against sprung structures, local resident Kyla Martin said he was unwilling to share the petition. 

  • “I know he said he opposes it, but I’m feeling a little uncertain with what’s going on behind the scenes at city hall and what’s being disclosed to us. Seeing this unwillingness from our city councillors makes me feel like we are not organized and not having our voices heard,” Martin said at the webinar. 

Hill responds: Speaking with the Lookout, Hill reiterated that he did not feel a communal sprung structure shelter was the right system for Barrhaven — or even Ottawa for that matter. The Barrhaven West councillor said it would be an expansion of the city’s shelter system and would not work with the winter climate. Hill added he’d rather see expansions of services like Mathew House which already operate under the radar in Barrhaven and other neighbourhoods. 

  • “I feel as though this direction is making its crisis response worse instead of transitioning into a more sustainable model. We need to increase investments in non-profits and acquire additional vacant properties that can be retrofitted to address a temporary program. Those are options that would have better outcomes,” said Hill. 

When asked if he’d support a different kind of shelter model built on the site, Hill said he believed the u-road brought “a great deal of awareness” to city staff and that “after a summer of reflections on those assessments,” he believed other options were being explored.  

Federal representative agrees: Giving a members statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Nepean MP Chandra Arya said Barrhaven would not be an ideal location given its distance from downtown and urged the city to explore other options. 

  • “We have to treat people with dignity and herding them into sprung structures is not the way to accommodate them. I strongly oppose the City of Ottawa proposal to accommodate asylum seekers in Barrhaven using a sprung structure. The city should use federal funds in a more productive way like upscaling existing buildings that provide actual homes, security, privacy and dignity,” he said. 

The Lookout reached out to Arya for further comment, but did not hear back before publication. 

Urban councillors accuse Barrhaven representatives of “fear mongering” 

In November 2023, city councillors voted in favour of giving city staff delegated authority to pursue semi-permanent shelter options. By doing so, they gave up their ability to vote on the matter. In July, Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo brought forward a motion to take city staff authority away, but it was almost unanimously shot down. 

Somerset Ward Coun. Ariel Troster said it’s time for the suburbs to start during their part to help combat the city’s homelessness crisis and took offence by Hill’s remarks stating that it would only be an expansion of the shelter system. 

  • “It’s fear mongering to people who have an aesthetic complaint to poverty. Guess what? Poverty is everywhere. Right now people who are homeless, who have addiction issues,  or who are newcomers, they are congregating downtown because that’s where the services are. We need these services in every part of the city. To hamstring staff in this way to me reads like preemptive nimbyism. It’s saying we didn’t get consulted about it coming to our community. Guess what? Downtown was never consulted about it coming,” Troster said at council in July

Others agree: Those sentiments were echoed by Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stephanie Plante and Alta Vista ward Coun. Marty Carr, who both spoke about the conditions refugees face inside the temporary community centre spaces. In some cases 150 residents are sharing a handful of showers. 

  • “There seems to be a misunderstanding of who are (living) in these community centers. I have had the privilege of sharing my ward office with the Heron Road Community Centre since November. Every day when I walk through those halls I see people who have left their country with nothing but two suitcases, who have nowhere to go, who are stuck living with 40 people in a room. It was so sweltering there last week I took my privilege and went home to work. These people don’t have a choice. To say conditions in a semi-permanent structure aren’t acceptable… I wish you could see how these people are right now,” said Carr. 

Those comments were upsetting to MacDonald and other Barrhaven residents opposed who said they have the right to ask questions over what the proposed sites would house. 

  • “Some of the urban councillors have been attacking the Barrhaven BIA and me personally for asking questions and wanting to know what is going on. They’ve called me racist and a NIMBY. It’s so fundamentally offensive. I am the son of an immigrant. My mother came over when she was 15. My father was one of the contractors who was contracted to do renovations and repairs for the Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope. I personally built the bedrooms in the Ottawa Mission years ago with drywall,” said MacDonald. 

MacDonald also referenced Barrhaven’s immigration rate is at 32.5 per cent — higher than Ottawa’s which is at 25.5 per cent. 

So what happens next?

Councillor Lo has confirmed that soil samples are currently being taken at the Highbury Park site, though that does not mean it has been chosen as a location for a sprung structure. Because staff have delegated authority, they were able to take the tests without asking council for approval. 

Demanding answers: City councillors have been asking privately since May for details of testing requirements for the site, and despite repeated promises they’d be given, no one has seen them. That led Lo to file an information request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

  • “If you want to settle conflict with people before they go off and do something on their own, and just go straight to attacking, being transparent is the stuff that keeps people from doing that. Councillor Lo and I spent three months holding back and I don't think we’d be successful in doing that much longer. The more it went in the more unacceptable it gotta have that information withheld. It’s internal information, not confidential material,” Lo told the Lookout. 

Engineering reports are expected to be in the hands of councillors the week of Nov. 11. 

What Lookout readers said

We asked Ottawa Lookout readers to share their thoughts on the sprung structures and if they felt Barrhaven was the right location for them. Answers have been edited for length and clarity. 

 “A bedroom community which has nothing to offer in services to the dispossessed is an excuse. Poor bus schedules, heavy traffic and big box stores will not be helpful to those in need. I don't know the answer to housing but surely there are some unused buildings in the city which could be modified into acceptable living quarters. And in a more convenient location for services that are needed.” - Susan Abbott

“I believe that if the schools in Bells Corners could accommodate more students, then positioning a structure somewhere along Robertson Road would enable the refugees being temporarily-housed ( the description of the structures sounds like a complete supportive form of housing with services) to access many businesses and transit within walking distance. The Barrhaven structure appears to isolate these immigrants and would not make for a good welcoming experience for them.” - Carolyn Herbert 

“I live in Barrhaven and I welcome having refugees in our community.  It’s humanitarian to support our fellow human beings. They are people like us who have had terrible lives due to circumstances beyond their control.  We have a new immigrant living with us and he awaits the arrival of his wife and four teen children. A better man I have never met and we feel like he is family.” - Carolyn Andrews

 “I strongly agree that the proper solution lies in the construction of permanent housing above temporary alternatives such as these Sprung structures. Why doesn’t the Federal Government use a portion of these lands on the east side of Uplands to build temporary and/or permanent structures here…close to the airport and immigration officials, closer than Barrhaven for community and social service centres, and on land that previously served as a residential area for Forces members ERSL serving at CFB Uplands. This seems like a no-brainer to me.” - Tim Sutton

You won’t believe how late Charlie worked on this story, calling sources, fact-checking and writing late into the evening. But it’s worth it for us to bring you exclusive stories like this about the biggest issues facing Ottawa.

But guess what? This story is not just possible because of Charlie and our team’s work, but because of readers who fund our journalism. Monthly and yearly members directly funding the Lookout mean we can pursue stories like this.

If you believe in this type of local journalism, consider becoming a member today. There are still a few discounted memberships remaining, but they’re going fast.

OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🚴 13: The number of city councillors who have signed a letter demanding the Ford government backtrack on its new bike lane policies. [CTV]

🎃 70%: The chance for showers on Halloween Thursday. [CTV]

💰 $2 Million: The donation Algonquin College received to help students facing financial barriers. [Ottawa Business Journal]

Community Builder of the Year shaping the future of youth mental health

At United Way East Ontario, we know that when you tap into the insights and the powerful voices of youth, amazing things can happen.

That’s why we’re honoured to present our 2024 Community Builder of the Year Award to YouthNet/RéseauAdo: a youth-led mental health promotion and intervention organization making a real difference in the life of local youth.  

Across our region, as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, young people are facing significant challenges.  

Nearly half of Ottawa’s students report fair or poor mental health, and two in five young people report wanting to talk to someone about their mental health but not knowing where to turn.

At a time when the mental health and addictions crisis is at the forefront of our communities, empowering young people as catalysts for better mental wellbeing will mean a healthier future for all of us. 

Read the full story here.

HOME OF THE DAY

It seems a lot of large, multi-million dollar homes are up for sale in Ottawa these days. This one located in Cumberland is a five-bed estate on two acres of property. The sunken family room boasts a striking floor-to-ceiling feature wall, a cozy gas fireplace, and soaring cathedral ceilings, with windows that reach up to the second floor, flooding the space with natural light. Elegant formal living and dining rooms provide additional areas for sophisticated gatherings and a den on the main floor. 

House of The Week is a home selected by the Lookout team and is not a paid advertisement. All ads are labeled as such. If you’re a realtor who wishes to feature your home in our newsletter, please contact our sales team.

THE AGENDA

🚊 The LRT is fully running again after crews chipped away loose concrete in the St. Laurent tunnel. OC Transpo boss René Amilcar says a detailed inspection of the aging concrete tunnel at St. Laurent Station is “continuing and may require additional remedial works.” [CTV]

🔥 Ottawa fire crews spent a portion of Monday afternoon putting out a blaze inside an old barn on the 2900 block of Kinburn Side Road. It left behind the dust and ash from a large collection of antiques and priceless objects that were destroyed. Among the pieces of history that went up in flames included a hearse that dated back to the 1850s, a landau that reportedly once belonged to the reviled Montreal business tycoon Sir Herbert Holt and a two-wheeled gig that belonged to lumber baron J.R. Booth. [Ottawa Citizen]

🕯️ During a candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening, about 100 people gathered at Paul Landry Park near Uplands to mourn the passing of 36-year-old Brkti Berhe, who was stabbed to death on the playground last week. An art piece titled “Pebbles of Peace” with painted rocks in the shape of a heart was launched by a group of women, children and youth “who bravely came together to collectively heal from the loss of a dear mother in our community.” [Ottawa Citizen]

🍷 Convenience stores are now allowed to sell alcohol, but some in the downtown core say it’s simply not worth the risk. Irin Jon, whose parents own the Bayscorner convenience store at Bay and Gloucester Streets, said they opted out over fear of increased shoplifting. [Capital Current]

🏡 A new subdivision will not become part of Greely despite support from developers and residents who advocated to see more growth. The subdivision proposal for 1600 Stagecoach Rd. has 71 lots and was originally proposed to be a part of the village, but the land has been designated as rural. [Capital Current]

🐀 Rats are becoming a problem in Ottawa, and in one east-end neighbourhood, they are taking over. Residents have reported the rodents floating in toilets, scurrying through backyards, and disrupting badminton games. The city is now baiting sewers to try and get a grip on the growing issue. [CBC]

🕯️ Andrew Haydon, the former Ottawa-Carleton regional chair and first mayor of Nepean has died. He was 91. Some of Haydon’s accomplishments include the building of the Nepean Sportsplex and the National Capital Equestrian Park (now known as Wesley Clover Parks). He was strongly against the building of light rail transit and suggested a downtown bus tunnel instead. [CTV]

⛪️ The owners of St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts want to create a 500-person event space in the historic church located in Ottawa’s Lowertown neighbourhood. The application, submitted by architect Barry Padolsky on behalf of the organization, said they want to help address a “growing heritage infrastructure deficit.” [CTV]

👮🏼‍♀️ Elianne Assinewai, 58, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Jean Cowie. The man was stabbed to death in Vanier on Monday night. [CBC]

GIG LISTINGS

Justin Duhaime | Bar Robo, Queen St. Fare | Oct. 30 | Blending jazz standards, improvisations, and original compositions with exceptional skill and passion.  Free Show.

Rich Aucoin | Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St | Nov. 2 | Ambitious and exploratory pop from the Juno-nominated artist. Tickets $20.  

Root Cause | House of Targ, 1077 Bank St | Nov. 2 | Emo/punk/alt rock with self-deprecating lyrics, catchy melodies and big-time nostalgia.  Tickets $15.

Destroyer | 27 Club, 27 York St | Nov. 2 | Defying musical convention to weave glam, yacht rock, and eclectic influences into ambitious, genre-bending statements. Tickets $30.

Cassie Noble | The Douglas, New Edinburgh | Nov. 3 | Mellow indie folk pop heavy with emotion, and overflowing with honesty, like sitting by a fire in the middle of nowhere. Tickets $15. 

Listings for music shows are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Mountain Orchards is reflecting on 50 years in business. [Capital Current]

  • Why is one of Chinatown's most iconic restaurants closing? [CBC]

  • The Stittsville Sports Wall of Fame is being revived, renamed and relocated. [Stittsville Central]

  • Here are some safety tips from Ottawa Police to keep your kids safe this Halloween. [Stittsville Central]

  • Take a read to the past and learn about The forgotten legacy of Hintonburg’s first thrift store. [Kitchissippi Times]

  • Fresh Meat Fest is bringing vulnerability to Ottawa’s theatre space. [Apt613]

  • Here is what’s playing at Ottawa’s independent cinemas in the second half of October. [Apt613]

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

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