Committee approves grant funding for community projects

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee approved funding for applications to the Rural Community-Building Grants Program.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today approved funding for applications to the Rural Community-Building Grants Program. The program supports rural community improvement projects delivered by non-profit organizations. The four projects approved today would receive a total of more than $41,000.

• The Marionville Citizen’s Committee would receive $15,000 to replace a 30-year-old village sign with an LED changeable-message sign.
• The Cumberland Township Historical Society would receive $6,800 to buy equipment to help digitize and archive its collection.
• The Metcalfe Agricultural Society would receive $10,800 to purchase two sets of aluminum bleachers for spectator seating at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds.
• The Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre would receive more than $8,500 to train mentors in rural communities to support youth mental health on behalf of the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective.  

The City will continue accepting grant applications until the program’s annual budget is fully allocated. Please consult the grant program guidelines for information on how to apply.

Committee updated on draft plan to support rural Ottawa businesses 

The Committee received an update on the City’s draft Economic Development Rural Plan. Aimed at ensuring rural Ottawa continues to thrive as a vital and dynamic part of our local economy, the draft plan outlines ways the City can deliver greater support to rural businesses.

The draft plan proposes 12 recommendations to strengthen Ottawa’s rural economy, including actions to encourage more networking and collaboration among rural businesses. Under the plan, the City would also establish a rural business liaison position to provide dedicated support and improve access to City and partner services. The plan further aims to ensure that rural business needs are considered in all City initiatives, helping build confidence that the City understands and represents rural interests.

Promoting rural tourism is another major focus. The plan recommends launching a campaign to raise awareness of rural Ottawa as a destination for film, tourism and special events. These efforts would help generate economic activity for local businesses and strengthen Ottawa’s reputation as a filming, business and tourist-friendly destination.

The draft plan was developed in collaboration with rural business owners, rural Councillors, Business Improvement Areas, community organizations and City departments. The City is now seeking public input, and you can share your thoughts on Engage Ottawa. Your feedback will inform the final plan, which the Committee will consider in May.

Committee moves to allow expansion of Stittsville Quarry 

The Committee approved Official Plan and zoning amendments that would permit expansion of the Stittsville Quarry on lands east of the current operation. The expansion would support the quarry’s long-term viability as a major rural employer. The property owner has applied for a provincial license to permit the quarry expansion, and the amendments approved today would ensure the Official Plan designation and zoning for the property are aligned with that future license.

The expansion area includes two wetlands that have been deemed not provincially significant. Provincially Significant Wetlands are those the Province has identified as being the most valuable, and while there is one nearby, it is not part of this application, and the expansion would have no negative impact on it. For added protection, the zoning amendment requires a 30-metre buffer between extraction activities and the edge of the Provincially Significant Wetland. The wetlands on site that are deemed non-significant would be affected by quarry operations. Provincial guidelines allow quarries to impact such wetlands, as long as the site can be restored and the restoration is done soon after extraction operations have ended.

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, March 11.