Story by Jason Ashton

BEACON HILL NORTH – Beacon Hill North Community Association (BHNCA) held its first town-hall meeting Feb. 5, with close to 150 residents in attendance.

The association’s president Tim Tierney called the meeting to order by thanking the executive committee for their hard work and dedication to the community and resurrection of the association. The BHNCA was re-established just four months ago after a lengthy hiatus.

Three issues were discussed in detail, including the possible closure of Colonel By High School and the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC), the Kettle Island inter-provincial bridge project, and community safety.

The meeting opened with a state of the association address by BNHCA vice-president Bryan Johnson. A new association constitution was reviewed and new standing committees for the ARC and inter-provincial bridge project were announced.

BHNCA treasure Marlene Dobson shared the association’s financial information to those in attendance.

“We are in a good position,” said Dobson. 

With important topics on the table, Tierney announced the association was planning some exciting events for the community.

“It is all not doom and gloom,” said Tierney, as he returned to the microphone to present some community activates and events he said the community needed. Tierney continued on making mention of Canada Day family fun day to include moon bounces, hotdog and fireworks.

“We have many residents traveling across the city for Canada Day festivities, and feel strongly that this is a great opportunity for our community to grow together,” said Tierney.

After the executive presentation, Constable Wayne Wilson of the Ottawa-Carleton Police Service, talked about the Neighborhood Watch program. Wilson addressed many issues of concern to the residents of Beacon Hill and made a great presentation.

Tierney asked for a show of hand on how many people have had their car broken into, and 
two-thirds of the room put up their hands.

“This is an issue in the community,” said Constable Wilson “These are not career criminals performing these acts, but teenagers looking for a open door.”

“Lock your doors and don’t leave valuables in your car,” said Wilson.

The standing committee chairs presented their contentious topics and took questions from the floor, beginning with Jeanne Gillanders discussing the interprovincial bridge. Gillanders made mention of the Kettle Island, Lower Duck and Gatineau corridors that are currently in the news.

“Kettle Island has been selected number one in three reports to date,” said Gillanders, “and that is why this standing committee feels Kettle Island makes the most sense”.

Questions came from the floor regarding the bridge and how people could get involved.

“Tools and data is available through the KettleMakesSense.com website,” said Tierney.

Evelyn Power Reid, chair of the ARC standing committee, talked about the ARC meeting held the night before at Colonel By, and the fact the board came back with staff recommendations for the Ottawa-Carleton School Board scenarios for possible closer. 

Three out of the five options recommended that Colonel By be closed, an announcement that sparked a spirited discussion and question from those in attendance.

One resident talked about how Colonel By is unique, and how it is the only high school that is non-semestered. The other schools up for closure, Gloucester High School and Rideau High School are not.

Power Reid mentioned these are points that had been voiced at the last ARC meeting, and hopes to see them included as public consultations continue.