Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition

05/31/2026

Researchers say the economic value of urban green space runs much deeper than what meets the eye.

Flood protection, thermal mitigation, and pollinator support are among the less visible benefits that green spaces provide. Dr. Laura Costadone, a researcher at Old Dominion University's Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, is working to put a dollar figure on those benefits.

The overarching goal is to give policymakers a practical, dollar-based case for building new parks and green spaces in their communities

05/31/2026

ANOTHER CALL FROM PREMIER DOUG FORD!

As we wrap up week 4 of our online pressure campaign, one of our supporters (Nick Davidson) sent us these notes from a 10-minute conversation he had with the Premier today.
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This afternoon I was contacted by Premier Doug Ford, and while I unfortunately missed his call. When I called him back, he picked up and we had a 10 minute chat about the proposed development of the golf course lands and what could be done to rectify the injustice being thrust upon us as homeowners.

Premier Ford stated that he believes the only solution that will result in a satisfactory outcome is a land swap. He stated that due to the legal process the land owner has gone through, any scenario where the province steps in to block it would result in a court case that the land owner would win. He further stated that he was going to follow up with Mayor Sutcliffe in the next few days and engage with one of his municipal ministers to ensure this was progressing.

He also noted that if we saw anything out of the ordinary or appearing offside on the land, to report it to the city, which has the support of the environmental ministry to engage and cease those activities.

I thanked him extensively for taking the time to talk to me, and for engaging on this issue and offered to help if there was anything I could do directly.

He reiterated he’d be following up with Mayor Sutcliffe and that he’d reach back out with more info once that is available.

He acknowledged that he's been getting hundreds of texts and emails from Kanata Lakes/Beaverbrook residents.
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Thank you Nick, for sharing your conversation! The rallies, emails, text messages, lawn sign campaign, letters, meetings, and countless conversations are ensuring that the concerns of our community are being heard at the highest levels. The fact that Premier Ford has personally taken the time to speak with multiple residents shows that this issue is getting attention.

Every voice matters! Together, we are keeping the pressure on and moving closer to our goal of permanently protecting these lands as public greenspace for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who continues to speak up, stay engaged, and support our fight!

FordNation Kanata North Mark Sutcliffe City of Ottawa Karen McCrimmon Jenna Sudds Prime Minister of Canada National Capital Commission

05/29/2026

IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE IT YET, NOW'S THE TIME!!! HELP US WRAP UP THE FINAL WEEK OF OUR ONLINE PRESSURE CAMPAIGN:
GIVE OUR GREENSPACE BACK

🌱Text (1-647-612-3673) or Email ([email protected]) Premier Ford AND cc Mayor Mark Sutcliffe ([email protected])
🌱Share one of our posts and Tag Premier and Mayor

Here’s a quick message idea: The intent of the 40% Agreement remains clear - to preserve the greenspace at the heart of our community. Municipalities and local communities – not provincial tribunals – should have the final say on how neighbourhoods are planned and protected.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out OUR STORY on our website:
https://ourkanatagreenspace.ca/history-of-the-greenspace/
It'll help walk you through our greenspace history and why we keep fighting to preserve it!

Mark Sutcliffe City of Ottawa FordNation Kanata North Karen McCrimmon Jenna Sudds

05/25/2026

IT’S TIME FOR THE FINAL WEEK OF OUR ONLINE PRESSURE CAMPAIGN: GIVE OUR GREENSPACE BACK

🌱Text (1-647-612-3673) or Email ([email protected]) Premier Ford AND cc Mayor Mark Sutcliffe ([email protected])
🌱Share one of our posts and Tag Premier and Mayor

Here’s a quick message idea: The intent of the 40% Agreement remains clear - to preserve the greenspace at the heart of our community. Municipalities and local communities – not provincial tribunals – should have the final say on how neighbourhoods are planned and protected.

Here's a great video message from Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry from the last community rally: - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GrD7Q39W8T4

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe City of Ottawa FordNation Scott Phelan

13 likes. "Save Our Community, Save Our Greenspace Rally April 26"

05/24/2026

Latest eNews - Our Kanata Our Say - Give Our Greenspace Back Pressure Campaign 4th message.
https://ourkanatagreenspace.ca/enews-every-lawn-sign-sends-a-message/

05/23/2026

EVERY LAWN SIGN SENDS A MESSAGE!

We’ve sold over 400 signs, and our final batch has just arrived, so don’t delay and buy one today. These signs are being noticed - by community members, elected officials, and decision-makers. They show that support for protecting our greenspace remains strong, visible, and growing across the community.
Thank you for helping keep our issue front and centre.
Order Link: https://ourkanatagreenspace.ca/form-to-purchase-lawn-signs/

We love seeing all the "vintage" signs around the neighbourhood too. Why not pair your old one with one of our new messages?

FordNation Mayor Mark Sutcliffe City of Ottawa Kanata North

Photo courtesy RicharD Murphy

05/20/2026

IT’S WEEK 3 OF OUR 4-WEEK ONLINE PRESSURE CAMPAIGN
UNSAFE MERCURY DEMANDS ACTION

🌱 Text (1-647-612-3673) or Email ([email protected]) Premier Ford a message along with a photo of the mess and tell him your concerns. SEE THE KEY POINTS BELOW
🌱Share our video of the destruction or a photo
🌱Tag the Premier , Tag the Mayor

1. Mercury-based fungicides and arsenic-based herbicides were used for decades on golf courses, particularly on greens and tees.
2. Mercury and arsenic are highly toxic substances and are recognized on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of top ten chemicals of major public health concern.
3. These contaminants can remain in soils for long periods. Disturbing contaminated soils during redevelopment could mobilize these toxins, potentially increasing risks to human health, groundwater, and surface water.
4. The KGC lands raise particular concern because more than 600 homes back directly onto the course, placing residents within meters of excavation and soil disturbance.
5. Water tables in some parts of the KGC lands are extremely shallow, potentially increasing the likelihood that disturbed contaminants could migrate into groundwater and nearby wetlands.
6. Mercury can transform into methylmercury in aquatic environments, a more toxic form that can accumulate in food webs and aquatic ecosystems.
7. Experts have raised concerns about the potential impacts of mercury and arsenic contamination on the Beaver Pond, Kizell Drain, Watt’s Creek, and ultimately the Ottawa River if contaminants migrate from disturbed soils.
8. A recent third-party review identified significant deficiencies and data gaps in the environmental assessment work, including concerns about sampling scope, contaminant delineation, and overall site characterization. The review raised concerns that the existing sampling may underestimate the full extent of mercury and arsenic contamination.
9. Residents believe the precautionary approach is to preserve this land as permanent urban greenspace to minimize disturbance and protect public health, ground and surface waters, and aquatic life.

Kanata North Mayor Mark Sutcliffe FordNation City of Ottawa Ottawa Public Health National Capital Commission Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

05/18/2026

LAST CALL FOR LAWN SIGNS!

We’ve SOLD OUT our first 2 orders. WE’RE PUTTING IN ONE MORE! So, if you’ve haven’t ordered yet, now’s the time. Order here: https://ourkanatagreenspace.ca/form-to-purchase-lawn-signs/

If you've enjoyed walking, running, sledding, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, or just looking out at the greenspace. Show your support and get your order in TODAY!

Fabulous photos courtesy of RicharD Murphy - Thank you RicharD!

05/17/2026

IT’S TIME FOR WEEK 3 OF OUR 4-WEEK ONLINE PRESSURE CAMPAIGN

UNSAFE MERCURY DEMANDS ACTION

🌱Share our video of the destruction or a photo
🌱Tag the Premier , Tag the Mayor
🌱Text (1-647-612-3673) or Email ([email protected]) Premier Ford a short message along with a photo of the mess and tell him your concerns about inaccurate and incomplete environmental site assessments, mercury levels reported above MECP safe standards, and the risk of mercury becoming mobile through the air or water from soil disturbance.
Try this one.... Dear Premier, an MZO to stop this development would protect our health, our water, and the long-term safety of our community. Please help today!

05/16/2026

Our Latest eNews - Answers to more of your questions and last call for lawn signs...
https://ourkanatagreenspace.ca/enews-more-answers-to-questions-you-are-asking/