Community associations in the central part of Ottawa want another opportunity to give public input into the City of Ottawa’s urban forest management plan, which is scheduled to deliver a landmark report in September.
The 20-year management plan will establish a long-term strategic approach to protecting, maintaining, and enhancing Ottawa’s urban forest. The project was launched in September 2015, and the development of a draft plan is under way, with the next opportunity for public input planned for September 2016.
“The plan will highlight what the city is already doing, but it will also identify where the gaps and the challenges are,” says Martha Copestake, project manager and forester for the City of Ottawa.
A Phase 1 public consultation, attended by about 150 residents, took place in November.
But urban forest advocates with the new coalition of core-area community associations want an additional chance in the coming months to help shape the strategy.
“We understand that it does seem like a long time, and we are making efforts to add a consultation with our key external stakeholders sometime in the spring,” said Copestake. “We need the public’s input.”
A group of community representatives recently met to provide input into the project. The document they sent the city includes expectations, policy proposals, and various concerns such as the need for open public consultation during the design phase.
“The city’s project managers and the consultant . . . will gladly receive and consider others,” says Capital Ward Coun. David Chernushenko, chair of city’s environment committee.
Residents can provide feedback by phone, email or in writing at the City of Ottawa website.