Debates, Land Purchase Deal & Definitions: Takeaways from Ottawa City Council

Today’s meeting of Ottawa City Council began with West-Carleton March Councillor Clarke Kelly introducing a motion to purchase a 223-acre parcel of waterfront land at 5680 Ferry Road in the city’s west end. The proposed purchase would cost $1,950,000 plus taxes and closing costs related to the property sale.

Kelly’s motion also called for the land to be severed. The city would keep one plot of land for environmental and ecological reasons, and two additional plots would be created from the property that would be sold on the private market.

Councillor Laura Dudas asked if there was any insight into the possibility of selling the two parcels of land, noting that the property has been on the market for two years. City staff did not respond regarding the possibility of selling the proposed two plots.

Councillor Jessica Bradley inquired about the policy of 25 percent of the revenue from the land sold being used for affordable housing in accordance with city policy. Staff confirmed that this would be the case. Further inquiries were initially stalled when Councillor Steve Desroches called a point of order to the mayor, asking that the topic be returned to, as “three speakers” wanted the meeting to proceed.

After passing other bulk consent items, the discussion quickly shifted back to the Ferry Road property. Councillor Brockington inquired about what conservation efforts entailed and how much work or stewardship would be needed from the city.

City staff stated that the preservation efforts would include reforestation and preserving existing forests and wetlands on the property. Brockington then asked about the operating costs and whether profits from the sale of the plots would go toward the startup costs for conservation efforts. City staff confirmed that this would be the case.

Councillor Sean Devine inquired whether the city could put a sunset clause on the sale of the property if the two plots, the motion called to parcel off, were not sold. City staff noted that they had not been directed to do so, but could do so with the direction of the City Council.

Councillor Shawn Menard argued against the idea of selling the two smaller plots of land, pointing out that once fees were paid off from the sales of the property, the remaining funds would be negligible in helping to start the upkeep of the conservation area. Councillor Jeff Leiper also argued in support of the original motion brought forward in January to purchase the land in its entirety. However, Councillor Kelly’s motion proved an ample compromise to most of the council and was passed 19-5.

Councillor Wilson Lo then introduced a motion to remove definitions regarding racism from the Cultural Funding Policy Program. The definition of racism currently being used is: “a rooted system of power hierarchies based on race—infused in our institutions, policies, and culture—that benefits white people and hurts racialized people.”

Lo, who is of Chinese Canadian heritage, said the motion was merely technical because city staff were already reviewing the definitions for the report, and it would be important that the city’s definitions match.

Councillor Rawlson King stated that, in his capacity as Council Liaison for Anti-Racism, he would be opposing the motion, calling it “counterproductive and divisive”, saying that it would impact those communities most affected by racism and colonialism without proper consultation. He also argued that removing the definition would create a harmful gap in policy language.

After facing backlash from several councillors, including Ariel Troster and Shawn Devine—who stated that he frequently benefits as a white person from racism—Councillor Tim Tierney, who had initially seconded Lo’s motion, asked him to withdraw it from consideration. Lo pulled the motion.