The FCA-FAC is sponsoring a training Workshop on Advocacy for FCA member community associations on Thursday May 6 @ 7 pm. To register, e-mail rsvp@fca-fac.ca including name of your association in the message. For event poster click here.
Not an FCA member association? Consider joining! Our dues are $35/year, and connects you to over 50 community associations across Ottawa. E-mail membership@fca-fac.ca.
2. We are expecting the City to release its "As We Heard" report on submissions to the draft Official Plan in early May. As a result of community feedback, we expect changes in some of the proposed policies, including intensification targets/overlays. As well, the report will be organized by ward.
The FCA is recommending that community associations review closely what City staff are saying about the issues they have raised, to assess what is needed/what is missing and next steps. This will be discussed at the May 12 FCA Planning & Zoning Committee meeting, and at the May 19 FCA General Meeting.
3. On Tuesday May 11 at 6:30 pm the City will be holding an information session on the City's Infrastructure Master Plan. To attend this session please contact newop@ottawa.ca
4. The May FCA-FAC General Meeting will be on Thursday May 19 @ 7 pm via Google Meet. The main topic of the meeting will be proposed amendments to the FCA constitutional by-law, for approval at the June FCA Annual General Meeting. Details will be provided with the May 19 draft agenda, however, the proposed amendments can be grouped into 3 categories:
(a) Housekeeping: For some time the FCA has been operating with one Vice-President (the 2007 FCA constitution calls for 2 VPs), up to 8 Directors at large (there is no mention of these positions), and a Board composed of table officers and directors (the 2007 FCA constitution recognizes an Executive of 4 table officers plus past-president). As well, the 2007 FCA constitution refers to Ottawa-Carleton, which is now the City of Ottawa. The housekeeping amendments bring the FCA constitutional by-law up-to--date with current practices.
(b) Elaboration of FCA purposes: While the current purposes of the FCA include encouraging citizen participation in Ottawa's municipal affairs, acting on the collective behalf of member community associations, and serving as a clearinghouse for information, the Board is proposing to elaborate on these themes by proposing a set of core values and purposes for the FCA, to better reflect the interests of member associations and the activities of the FCA.
(c) Empowering the FCA Board to act on behalf of members in-between FCA General Meetings: One of the challenges the FCA Board deals with is the ability to respond to issues of the day outside of the FCA General Meetings, which currently provide direction on policy issues. The Board is not seeking to act independently of the membership but, when necessary, be able to act instead of waiting for affirmation at a general meeting. The proposed amendment would so empower the Board to act within the constraints of the values and purposes listed in the FCA constitutional by-law, with the requirement to report such activities to a subsequent FCA General Meeting.
5. FCA-FAC Annual General Meeting: Wednesday June 16 is the FCA Annual General Meeting, where elections for the 4 table officers - President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to 8 Directors-at-large are held. The Board has struck a Nominations Committee to ensure that a full slate of candidates (including returning Board members) is presented to the AGM. Inquiries should be directed to nominations@fca-fac.ca.
6. The Nominations Committee is also accepting nominations for 4 FCA awards:
(a) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: outstanding voluntary contribution to improving the quality of life of the fellow citizens, not only at the neighbourhood and/or ward level but may be at the city and/or provincial/national level. They have been an inspiration to others, steadfastly engaging others to participate in civic life. Their Association is/has been a member. Duration and scope of commitment, as well as their impact, distinguishes one nominee over another. Previous year nominations are considered.
(b) FCA AWARD: outstanding voluntary contribution to the mission/activities of the FCA. Their Association is a member current Duration and scope of commitment, as well as their impact distinguishes one nominee over another. May be an individual or a member association. Previous year nominations are considered.
(c) CITY BUILDERS AWARD: outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life of the city’s citizens and/or advancing the aims of the Federation. Duration, scope of commitment, involvement with affected neighborhood as well as demonstrated impact distinguishes one nominee over another. May be an individual, group or organization. Previous year nominations are considered.
(d) EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARD: for in-depth reporting on municipal/neighbourhood issues. The Award consists of a citation on our website, and presentation of a monetary prize donated to a local charity of the winner’s choice. To be eligible for the Award, a nominee must have produced a publication in a media form in the current or previous year that: • Covered a municipal issue(s) related to such matters as built heritage, economic development, environment, neighbourhood/community services, planning, protective services, rural affairs or transportation focused on greater Ottawa or on wards thereof. • References the viewpoints of local citizens or spokespersons. • References practices in other Canadian municipalities, or • References North American research
Nominations for these awards should be sent to nominations@fca-fac.ca.
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