Opposition from neighbours halts pop-up bistro in Glebe

The digging has stopped and the construction machinery has been removed for now, but residents who live across the street from Patterson Creek are still angry they weren't consulted about the National Capital Commission's plans to install a pop-up bistro in their residential neighbourhood.

The NCChad planned to set upthree temporarybistros housed in shipping containers this summer, one atPatterson Creek in the Glebe, another in Confederation Park and a thirdat Remic Rapids near Tunney's Pasture.

It's part of two-year pilot plan designed to "enhance the urban park experience" in the capital, according to the NCC.

Construction began at the Patterson Creek site Monday, but complaints from nearby residents to their city councillor prompted the NCC to suspend the operation.A public meeting has been scheduled for Monday evening.

Liquor licence application

David Sutherland lives on nearby Linden Terrace, and enjoys setting off on his kayak from the boat launch at Patterson Creek, which connects to the Rideau Canal under the picturesque Queen Elizabeth Driveway bridge.

Sutherland said he only noticed theliquor licence application attached to a railing last week as he lowered his kayak into the water.

Some Glebe residents concerned about impact of NCC pop-up bistro

5 years ago

Duration 1:40

After complaints from residents, the NCC is now planning to hold a public meeting about plans to install a pop-up bistro near Patterson Creek.

"Then they started digging on Monday," he said.

Sutherland said he'sworried about the noise, garbage and traffic congestion a drinking establishment will bring to the quiet park.

"At the risk of sounding like a Glebe Nimby, I'm just not for it," Sutherland said.

'Innappropriate for this area'

Wendy Myers, another Linden Terrace resident, agrees.

"A bistro is inappropriate for this area," she said.

Myers is part of group collecting signatures for a petition to stop the bistro. She said it'snot just people who live in the area who opposed the idea, but also others who enjoy the park as it is.

If people are initially kind of opposed to an idea, they're goingbe really opposed if you don't consult them properly on it.- Coun. Shawn Menard

"Which is to enjoy a little green oasis in this beautiful place," Myers said.

Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard said the NCC approached his office about the Patterson Creek locationin May. Menard said he wasn't opposed to the idea, but said the NCCmade a big mistake by failing to consult nearbyresidents.

"If people are initially kind of opposed to an idea, they're goingbe really opposed if you don't consult them properly on it."

Menard saidhe asked the NCC to halt construction after hearing from numerous irate homeowners.

NicDolcetti-Korosand James Moreira,university studentswho often bike through the leafy park, said they'd enjoy stopping for a drink alongside the inlet.

"It would definitely be nice to have a place like this to come tohave a drink or something," Moreira said.