NCC proposes Sussex development – invites feedback until Feb. 12

The NCC has launched an online survey regarding its plans to update its National Capital Core Area Plan. For New Edinburgh residents and others, one proposal within the plan may be of particular interest.

The Sussex Blocks “opportunity” within the plan proposes to “redevelop the urban blocks to support the Rideau Hall tourist anchor, with a possible new public park and mid-rise, mixed-use buildings in an architectural style faithful to New Edinburgh’s historic neighbourhood character,” according to the NCC.

A map in the plan shows the Sussex Blocks would run between Stanley Avenue and MacKay Street, and from Sussex Drive to Thomas Street. Photo renderings in an NCC presentation show four-storey buildings in a traditional style of architecture.

The three blocks of land are owned by the NCC and are currently zoned for development (and no longer designated for future embassies due to the security risk). The NCC would have full control over the design and architect for the development. Note that the NCC states that: “Based on public participation and feedback, detailed plans and recommendations will be developed for each sector to guide future development.”

New Edinburgh Community Alliance (NECA) has requested a full consultation with the entire community with the NCC on the Sussex Blocks proposal.

The full core area sector plan with details on each of the sectors (including the one discussed here) is also available at National Capital Core Area Plan.

Next steps/ action:

Should you have feedback to share with the NCC on this proposal, please copy NECA (at this email address: newedinburgh@outlook.com) on that feedback to help inform NECA’s position. NECA’s preliminary comments to the NCC can be found here.

The NCC’s online survey is open for responses until February 12 at this webpage: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/our-plans/canadas-capital-core-area-sector-plan. For anyone who misses the online survey deadline of February 12 (or wishes to send comments via email), they are welcome to send feedback to the NCC at: consultations@ncc-ccn.ca.

A Very Brief History of New Edinburgh

Article for the December 2009 edition of the New Edinburgh News

By Robert Serré, President, Gloucester Historical Society

The early history of New Edinburgh is closely connected to that of Ottawa, so much so that the Burgh might well be considered Ottawa’s third neighbourhood after Upper Bytown and Lower Bytown. However, Bytown was located within the township of Nepean, just west of the Rideau River, whereas New Edinburgh was located in the township of Gloucester, just east of the Rideau River. It was only in 1887 that New Edinburgh was annexed to Ottawa. The close connection between New Edinburgh and Bytown, from the very beginning, was due principally to one man, Thomas McKay. [Note: his name is sometimes spelled “MacKay”]

McKay was born in 1792 in Perth, Scotland, and was apprenticed to the mason’s trade. In 1813, he married Ann Crichton and they came to Canada in 1817, settling in Montreal. In the fall of 1826, he was selected by Colonel John By to perform the masonry work on the eight entrance locks of the canal that would link Bytown on the Ottawa River to Kingston on Lake Ontario. As early as 1829, McKay started buying land in the township of Gloucester, where eventually he owned more than eleven hundred acres. He started planning his village in 1830, and by 1832, the year in which the Rideau Canal was opened, McKay had built a saw mill near the Rideau Falls. Soon he added a flour mill, a bakery, a distillery and a cloth factory. The new settlement was laid out into lots around 1834, and McKay invited former canal workers to come and settle there. McKay was also a justice of the peace, and in 1834 he was elected to the House of Assembly for the riding of Russell, which he represented until 1841, when he was appointed to the Legislative Council of United Canada.

McKay’s first home was built near the Rideau River. His second home, located just east of the village, was completed in 1838. It was an eleven-room limestone residence, and local inhabitants called it “McKay’s Castle”. The family simply referred to it as Rideau Hall. Approached through a long avenue of trees, the original Rideau Hall was surrounded by a lawn reputed to be the finest in Canada, and a garden covering several acres abounded in fruits, vegetables and flowers. In 1865, the Canadian government leased Rideau Hall from Thomas McKay’s estate as a residence for the Governor General. There was no finer residence in Ottawa at that time.

McKay was quick to grasp the potential of railroads, and he played an important role in the construction of the Bytown and Prescott Railway. Its charter was granted in 1850, and the company’s president was John McKinnon, a son-in-law of McKay. This 52-mile rail link ran east of the Rideau River, from Prescott on the St. Lawrence River through Gloucester Township to McKay’s mills. The first train arrived in New Edinburgh on Christmas Day, 1854. During the following spring, a bridge over the Rideau River was completed, so that trains could directly enter Bytown, which was now only two hours from Ogdensburg, New York, and less than 24 hours from Boston.

Thomas McKay did not live to see another Christmas. He died of stomach cancer at Rideau Hall on 9 October 1855, and was interred in the private family burial ground at the eastern limit of the village he had founded. His remains and those of other family members were later transferred to Beechwood Cemetery, which was established in 1873. His wife Ann was 85 years old when she died, in Rockcliffe, on 21 August 1879.

For several years, travelling from New Edinburgh to Ottawa was a tricky business that could be made even worse by dust, potholes and mud. Eventually, a horse-drawn railway system was set up to connect New Edinburgh with Ottawa’s city centre. The venture was incorporated as the Ottawa City Passenger Railway Company in 1866, and the line was opened in 1870, at which time the office was in the village, with Thomas Coltrin Keefer as President, and Robert Surtees as Secretary. During the first five years, the street car was controlled by the MacKay estate. Initially, the single track line ran as far as Rideau street in Ottawa, but it was later extended to the Chaudière Falls. When the streetcars first operated in the Burgh, there was no loop, so the end of the line was at Alexander and Ottawa Streets. (Ottawa Street was later renamed Sussex Drive.)

I hope that this brief look at the early history of New Edinburgh will help promote a greater awareness of the men and women who built and developed the communities and neighbourhoods which give Ottawa its own very special character, making it such a beautiful place in which to live.

Chief Pinesi Day – July 1, 2024

Poster for Chief Pinesi Day 2024

Kichi Sibi Trails, in concert with NECA and the Crichton Community Council, is once again coordinating the July 1st Chief Pinesi Day event in New Edinburgh Park (in and around the Fieldhouse) to honour Algonquin Anishinabe presence in the area. If you’re interested in volunteering opportunities please contact: Kischi Sibi Trails

This year will be a bit different from previous years. Chief Pinesi Day will be the culmination of the Oka to Ottawa: Pinesi Paddle starting on 25 June. Over 40 paddlers, descendants of Chief Pinesi, Algonquins, other indigenous people and settlers will reach Governor Bay below Rideau Hall about 11 AM, likely with members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards.

The Sacred Fire will begin at 8 led by Doug Comegan. The program will be led by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and will feature drumming, singing and dancing by the Spirit Wolf Singers. Councillor Merv Sarazin will MC; Opening prayers will be offered by Kokom Jane Chartrand.

In the morning, attendees can take a land tour along parts of the revitalized Chief Pinesi Portage Trails, which were ancient (approximately 8,000 years old) indigenous portage trails between the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. The trail is marked by signs created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg artist Simon Brascoupé.

Want to know more about Chief Pinesi and the portage trail? Visit the Kichi Sibi Trails website.

Chief Pinesi Day Returns to New Edinburgh on July 1st

Kichi Sibi Trails, in concert with NECA and the Crichton Community Council, is once again coordinating the July 1st Chief Pinesi Day event in New Edinburgh Park (in and around the Fieldhouse) to honour Algonquin Anishinabe presence in the area.

Beginning at 9 am with the Sacred Fire, the day-long program – lead by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation – will feature drumming, singing and dancing. Councillor Merv Sarazin will be present for welcoming remarks; Opening prayers will be offered by Kokom Jane Chartrand. With an indigenous veterans honour guard, former Chief Wendy Jocko will speak about Chief Pinesi and his importance to indigenous and Canadian military history.

During both the morning and afternoon, attendees can take a land tour along parts of the revitalized Chief Pinesi Portage Trail, which was an ancient (approximately 8,000 years old) indigenous portage trail between the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. The trail is now marked by signs created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg artist Simon Brascoupé.

Photo of canoes below Rideau Falls.  Courtesy of ONEC
Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC) is providing the canoes and guides for the Medicine Paddle activity that takes place in the afternoon. Photo courtesy of ONEC

After the ceremonies, there will be an educational walk along the Rideau and a Medicine Paddle from Governor Bay along the Ottawa River (for those who are willing to get their feet wet).

This Chief Pinesi Day, people can visit the Bloodline – Miskwi and Gathering Phases – Bakaan Asiginan murals located on the side of the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, now with a three language panel description. These colourful ceramic and paint murals were created by the Algonquin mother and daughter team of Doreen and Charlotte Stevens. Miskwi means bloodline and the mural depicts several Algonquin lineages. Bakaan Asiginan signifies the gathering of indigenous people living in harmony with nature through all phases of their lives.

Photo of Miskwi mural and artist Doreen Stevens
Algonquin artist Doreen Stevens describes the concept of the mural Bloodline – Miskwi, which she and her daughter, Charlotte, created to celebrate and tell the story of this area’s indigenous history.

Who was Chief Pinesi?
Chief Constant Pinesi (1768 – 1834) was the last traditional Algonquin Chief to have hunting grounds in Ottawa – at Rideau and Chaudière Falls. He and his four sons fought in critical battles in the Niagara on the British side in the War of 1812. Pinesi was appointed Grand Chief by Governor-General Kempt in 1830.

For over a century, Algonquin Chief Pinesi and later his son, Kigonz and other leaders, often with the Nipissing, petitioned the Government of the day that a portion of their hunting and trapping grounds be untouched by settlement. They never did receive even a small piece of their traditional territory, extending across the Ottawa Valley, and in the end were even displaced for the creation of Algonquin Provincial Park. The many petitions exist today, held in archival files, revealing the truth of a stolen land, still without treaty.

Click here for the current full schedule of activities: Chief Pinesi Day – 1 July 2023 – Full Program. Registration is required for the Land Tours and Medicine Paddle: Chief_Pinesi_Day.eventbrite.com.

Ward Boundary Review Under Way

The next round of Public Consultations for the Ottawa Ward Boundary Review is underway. This round of consultation is focused on gathering resident feedback on six options. We encourage everyone to review the six options and let us know what you think.  We will be discussing these at the September 15 NECA meeting, in advance of a meeting of community association representatives with the City on Sept 21.

The city has also been hosting a series of public consultations. 

The final citywide consultation takes place Saturday, Sept 19 from 10 am to noon. There is also on urban-focussed session on Wednesday, September 23 from 7 to 9 pm.

Registration for the virtual public meetings listed above is required. Please complete and submit the registration as early as possible or at least one day prior to the start of the session you would like to attend. Following receipt of your registration, the consultant team will provide you with information and login details for the virtual meeting. You can also register over the phone, by calling 613-580-3620.

You may also provide your feedback through an online survey from Wednesday, August 19, 2020, to Friday, September 25, 2020, during Round 2 of the public consultation for the Ottawa Ward Boundary Review 2020. A ranking tool opens in a new tab or window is also available to assist residents, stakeholders and Members of Council in ranking the six ward boundary Options.  If you don’t have access to a computer or require a hardcopy survey, please call 613-580-3620.

COVID-19 Town Hall – June 22

Town Hall

Join us this Monday, June 22nd at 7:30PM for a public assembly with all three levels of government in Ottawa-Vanier. The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, Lucille Collard, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, and Rawlson King, municipal councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe, will provide an update on the situation within their respective governments and answer the community’s questions regarding COVID-19.

See event listing for registration details.

Local Businesses During COVID-19

The listings below are neither comprehensive, nor an endorsement, and are provided simply as a resource. If you have updates, please send them to neds@newedinburgh.ca.

Grocery and Food Services

Bibi’s Middle Eastern KitchenOPEN, reduced hours (noon-8 pm); Take Out or Delivery on Local Love Delivery (no in store seating); 613-421-0711 www.eatatbibis.com.
Bread and Roses BakeryOPEN, reduced store hours 8 am-6 pm, Monday-Saturday; 8 am – 5 pm. Sunday, visit https://www.facebook.com/breadandrosesottawa/ for updates.
Bridgehead Coffee HouseCLOSED, online coffee bag and coffee pod orders, with free delivery: https://www.bridgehead.ca/collections/coffee.
Clocktower Brew PubCLOSED
EpicuriaOPEN, reduced hours Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9:30 am-2:30 pm; Sunday Closed; Monday- Delivery and Curbside Pick-Up only; 613-745-7356.
Ferme Lève-Tôt CSA DeliveriesBeginning in June.
Fraser CaféCLOSED but offers pre-order, prepayment Take Away meals, through Love Local Delivery; Tuesday and Friday, 4:00-7:00 p.m., info@frasercafe.ca or 613-749-1444: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
GoodFoodToUONLINE ordering and HOME DELIVERY
Il VagabondoCLOSED
Jacobson’sOPEN, open for in-store, phone order and online purchases, plus local delivery when possible; 613-746-6002 or https://jacobsons.ca/collections/specialty-food.
Jasper RestaurantCLOSED
LoblawsOPEN, reduced regular store hours 8 am-8 pm, plus designated hour for seniors and those at high risk 7 am-8 am; online purchases for pick up at www.pcexpress.ca; quantity restrictions as needed.
MetroOPEN, reduced store hours 8 am-8 pm; Deliveries for in-store purchases Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; quantity restrictions as needed.
Ministry of CoffeeCLOSED
Muckleston & BrockwellOPEN – limited hours
Nature’s BuzzOPEN, reduced hours 9 am-6 pm Monday through Saturday; 11 am-5 pm Sunday.
Ola CocinaCLOSED System of Pre-Order Take Out/Delivery Service (through Love Local Delivery) coming soon 613-746-6222 www.olacocina.ca.
One Up BeechwoodCLOSED
Quickie Convenience StoreOPEN
Red Door ProvisionsCLOSED but online sale of coffee, preserves and Red Door products available: email lauren@reddoorprovisions.com
Royal Oak TavernCLOSED
Scone Witch  CLOSED – phone orders and home delivery from Cyrville location 613-744-2585; visit https://www.facebook.com/sconewitch/ for updates and Home Delivery Menu.
Second CupOPEN for TAKE-OUT and DELIVERY ONLY
So Good Asian FusionOPEN for take out service; reduced hours.
StarbucksOPEN, reduced hours 7 am- 7 pm, Take Out service (no in-store seating).
SubwayOPEN for TAKE OUT and DELIVERY
SushiMeOPEN FOR TAKE OUT ONLY
Tea TymeCLOSED
Union Street CaféCLOSED

There is also a Local Eats listing of restaurants across Ottawa offering food delivery and pick up options.

Online delivery resources:

InstacartDelivery from Staples, Superstore, Walmart, Loblaws, Shopper’s Drug Mart and others.
InabuggyDelivery from Metro, Costco, Petsmart, Loblaws, M&M, Canadian Tire and others. Has an app.

Pharmacies

Beechwood Whole Health PharmacyOPEN – 222 Beechwood 613-842-7455.
New Edinburgh Pharmacy – GuardianOPEN – Monday-Friday 8:30 am-8:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-2 pm; Contact 613-749-4444 for updates on store hours.

Other

Activa PhysiotherapyCLOSED but available for phone consultation.
Anytime FitnessCLOSED
Bank of MontrealOPEN
Beechwood Animal HospitalOPEN but with special protocols in place.
Beechwood Auto ServiceOPEN for appointments only.
Beechwood CemeteryOPEN but with reduced hours and special protocols
Bellefleur PhysiotherapyCLOSED
Books on BeechwoodCLOSED but phone, email or online orders still accepted: 613-742-5030; staff@booksonbeechwood.ca; deliveries via Purolator or Canada Post, or Store Pick by pre-arrangement.
Brown’s CleanersOPEN but call to confirm hours – also have free pickup and delivery
Clothes Encounters of a Second TimeCLOSED
Dr. John Martins (Dentistry)CLOSED
Dr. Luc Ducharme (Dentistry)CLOSED
Edward Jones InvestmentsCLOSED – Virtual meetings only
Epic FitnessCLOSED – online personal training and group classes via https://www.facebook.com/epicfitnessottawa/; online Personal Training, Lifestyle Coaching, Nutritional Counseling: email kathleen@epicfitnessottawa.com; EPIC Street Service – free delivery of naturopathic supplements, fitness equipment, Monday-Friday: email orders frontdesk@epicfitnessottawa.com.
Fresh Hair SalonCLOSED
Imperial Barber ShopCLOSED
Joe’s Shoe RepairCLOSED
Kelly’s Barber and BeautyCLOSED (GIFT CARDS available online)
Kimberley Wilson Bridal & FashionCLOSED
Marilyn Wilson Dream PropertiesCLOSED – Agents are available by phone.
Matnik Spa TherapyCLOSED
Medjo-Da Hair CuttingCLOSED
Mille Fiore FlowersCLOSED
Monson’s Deluxe CleanersOPEN – limited hours 8 am-3 pm Monday-Friday; 9 am-2 pm Saturday (status to be reassessed in first week of April).
Mood Moss FlowersOPEN – 11 am-4 pm daily; visit https://www.facebook.com/MoodMossFlowers/ for updates on store hours and operations.
Nature’s Care Health ProductsOPEN – Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm.
Nuvo OptometryCLOSED
Oresta Organic Skin CareCLOSED  – Online purchases only
Physical Therapy InstituteCOVID-19 protocols in operation; 613-740-0380.
Pet ValuOPEN
Rassi CoiffureCLOSED
Rowat InsuranceCLOSED – Virtual meetings only
Studio One PhysiotherapyCLOSED – Check for updates.
The Movement UnionCLOSED but online exercise classes via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themovementunion/.
Victoria Island RealtyTBD
Your Pet PalaceCLOSED

Ontario Government List of Essential Businesses

How to support local business through COVID-19 (Quartier Vanier BIA).

New Edinburgh Disaster Support – COVID-19

A New Edinburgh Disaster Support (NEDS) team focused on developing localized response mechanisms and to facilitate access to information and resources in the event of a crisis has been formed.  For the current crisis, the NEDS team has compiled COVID-19 information resources and is looking for volunteers willing to provide assistance to those who cannot leave their homes (e.g. picking up groceries or medications).

Community Consultation: CSST Reinstatement Plan

Sunday, January 12, 2020 @ 2 p.m.
New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave

Come and have your say! We are looking for input on:

  • Adjustments we would like to propose to the CSST reinstatement plan – pathways, plantings, etc.
  • Sustainability of nature restoration given that the City will require regular access to the park for its operations
  • How to ensure that whatever is done now fits in to the longer-term vision for the park

See Park Vision for more information.