Good morning Kanata North,
I realize it’s been two months since my last ClubLink update. While we are still waiting for the Appeal Court decision on the expedited hearing, I would like to provide a brief update on progress to date and next steps.
To start, I would like to assure our community that, despite being on an unpaid leave of absence, I am continuing to work on this critical issue and that I am always available. I am fully dedicated and truly care about protecting our greenspace, and not only because my own yard backs onto the Kanata Golf and Country Club lands. I know how important this is to our community. I am confident that we will prevail, and I would like to thank you all for your ongoing commitment to oppose this development.
Progress to date:
What have we achieved since ClubLink announced their intention to pursue options for the development of the Kanata Golf & Country Club lands on December 14, 2018. We have fought hard as a community, which this timeline demonstrates:
- January 2019: The community quickly rallied in opposition to any development of the golf course and stood firmly in the belief that the Forty Percent Agreement must be upheld.
- October 8, 2019: The City of Ottawa received planning applications on behalf of ClubLink to develop the lands at 7000 Campeau Drive.
- November 25, 2019: Public meeting held in Kanata North to discuss the ClubLink application with residents. Over 700 residents attended.
- January 20, 2020: The City of Ottawa cancelled the second public meeting in Kanata North after ClubLink communicated that their representatives would not participate in this meeting.
- March 6, 2020: ClubLink filed an appeal to the Local Planning Tribunal (LPAT).
- July 13-15, 2020: Virtual Court proceedings occurred via the Ontario Supreme Court to hear the Forty Percent case.
- July 16, 2020: The City of Ottawa received the second submission regarding the Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment applications. This submission is in response to the comments provided to the applicant in December 2019.
- November 16, 2020: City of Ottawa Planning staff issue report and recommend refusal of ClubLink application to develop the Kanata Golf & Country Club. The City of Ottawa Planning Committee supports staff position and refused the application.
- December 9, 2020: City of Ottawa Council unanimously voted to support the City of Ottawa staff refusal of ClubLink’s applications.
- February 9, 2021: Ontario Supreme Court decision rendered by Justice Labrosse. The Court ruled in favour that the Forty Percent Agreement is valid and is to be upheld.
- March 5, 2021: ClubLink served the City of Ottawa with an appeal against Justice Labrosse’s decision in the ClubLink matter, which would rise to the Ontario Court of Appeal.
- June 17, 2021: The Ontario Court of Appeal heard ClubLink’s submitted appeal during a virtual expedited hearing. To date, we are still waiting on the Appeal Court’s decision.
- June 17, 2021: ClubLink resubmitted their development application to the City of Ottawa, at the same time as the court proceedings were occurring.
Next steps:
- With the virtual appeal heard on June 17 by the Ontario Appeal Court, we are still waiting for the Appeal Court decision on the expedited hearing. We are hoping for a ruling any day now, which will impact next steps as to how the planning process is handled. Our strongest outcome would be a ruling in our favour by the Appeal Court. As soon as I have more information, I will share an update with our community.
- I’ve met with Mayor Jim Watson and Minister Merrilee Fullerton in early July and we discussed the possibility of asking Minister Clark to intercede by issuing a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO). They are both fully briefed and agreed that our smartest move is to wait for the Appeal Court decision. This is the strongest possible outcome for our community. I will of course continue to monitor and evaluate this should the court decision be delayed further.
- ClubLink appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal for the lack of timely decision on their application. As I had shared on October 9, 2020, a list of issues to be discussed at the hearing have been agreed to by the parties. This is scheduled to be heard by the tribunal starting on Monday, January 17, 2022. The city will seek to have this hearing stayed or dismissed should the Appeal Court rule in our favour. We are cognizant of the timelines needed, and hence the city has begun our preparations.
Again, I would like to emphasize that you have my full support, Kanata North, in fighting this development. This is critically important to our community. Thank you for your continued support, and please know I will share any updates as soon as I receive them.