Full disclosure at the outset: Mr Sadik was very reasonable and we had a great chat. He has his own constraints imposed by his job that I fully understand. He seemed to understand my position as well. I am sending him a link to this blog in case he wants to comment on anything I've put forward here. Here is how things went today:
1. I sent this message to my City Councillor
Dear Mr Chernushenko,
I have been an OOS resident for eight years. I love that I can walk, skate or cycle to work. I love the community involvement of OOS residents. I love my street and my neighbours. I am, however, increasingly dismayed by the fact that City Council seems to have all but forgotten my little street. I am writing to solicit your support in having the city enforce the current by-laws and to examine our situation to determine whether further parking restrictions or signs are required in order to maintain the safety of our street.
You will be familiar with Rosedale Avenue as it is in your own neighbourhood. It is a mere two blocks long, from Colonel By to Sunnyside. It is probably the most narrow street in OOS. Despite its lack of width, parking is permitted along its length, making it a one lane road all year round - despite its two-way designation. During the winter, parking continues to be permitted, despite the fact that we are among the last to be plowed and the snow banks reduce our tiny street even further. By-law does not issue tickets on Rosedale Ave. The three hour parking restrictions are not enforced. Cars park on Rosedale for days without moving. The distance from laneway restrictions for parking are not enforced, nor is the distance from the stop sign at Sunnyside - cars park right up to the stop line, forcing south bound traffic to arrive at the stop sign in the on-coming lane. Many a time I have been in the unenviable position of almost being hit by traffic turning onto Rosedale. All of this creates an unsafe street and I think it is time for City Council to take notice.
While I too enjoy parking occasionally on the street, the winter parking in particular is causing me increasing problems with my own driveway. All houses on Rosedale, with the exception of an apartment block on the corner of Sunnyside, have on-property parking either in front, beside or behind the residence. However, three houses near Woodbine have special difficulties with narrow entrances and unenforced parking by-laws that make it extremely difficult - and at times even impossible - to access our laneways. In addition, I have a hydro pole directly at the end of my driveway.
It would be possible for me to ensure access to my property by removing the snow bank from the front of my neighbor's property and moving it across the street. By doing this, I would be able to access the street even when cars are parked across from my driveway even if parked well out from the curb as they are all year round. However, in recent discussions I had with by-law on the matter, this is apparently a violation of the by-law - even if none of the snow involved is from my property but is all snow that is left on the road. I am sure that there is a solution that ensures me access to my property without being in violation of any by-laws.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit us on Rosedale and speak with my neighbours and with me to discuss possible solutions to address our concerns. I would be pleased to host a short tea and discussion followed by a walk around our area if you are amenable.
Donna Blois
69 Rosedale Ave
613-612-9901
2. I received this in response (I have no idea what 9 Rosedale has to do with my parking issues - it's a party house however):
Hello Donna- Thank you for writing to Councillor Chernushenko about this matter.
We are thoroughly familiar with Rosedale Avenue (being frequent visitors to the street due to the situation at 9 Rosedale) and so an on-site meeting is probably unnecessary.
We will speak to City staff about the problems you have described.
Do you mind if we share your name with staff?
Regards,
Pierre
Capital Ward Office
3. I responded:
I don't mind the sharing of my name but i would appreciate being kept apprised of steps being taken. As of this afternoon with the current snowfall I may not be able to access my property this afternoon:). Cheers
4. Mr Sadik responded:
Thanks Donna, will do. I imagine it will take some time before we get to the implementation of some of the solutions.
Regards,
Pierre
5. My final volley:
Understood. However I may need to take on the role of the crazy lady of Rosedale in the interim to ensure attention doesn't wane. I know that you'll appreciate my position. Enjoy the weekend.
That earned me a phone call from Mr Sadik!
When he identified himself on the call I burst out laughing! I had his attention apparently. He indicated that the city could not change the parking on the street without causing strife amongst the neighbours and I can empathize with that. However, I am firm in my belief that the City could easily make a small section across from my driveway no parking to ensure I can access my property. The stree would lose one space at most and all our problems would be solved. Failing taking that step, I would be happy if the city actually took steps to enforce the current by-laws, especially those regarding parking too far from the curb. I understand winter in Ottawa can suck, but seriously, how can the city take no action while I'm locked in? My only option to get out of my home is to break a by-law - REEDONKULOUS! That cannot be the answer - it is not reasonable. We seriously had a good chat and I have every confidence that Mr Sadik will continue to help me with this matter. I told him that ultimately I would be forced to bring some type of suit against the city if the matter couldn't be resolved. Mr Sadik pointed out that it was basically futile to sue the City. Ah, but one thing that I have learned, media attention can make all the difference in the world. Imagine if I miss chemo b/c I can't get out after the next snow fall? If I played that card, would Dr S call me a "cancer survivor"? That is a risk that may have to be run!
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