Responses to “As We Heard It”
Constance Bay Community Plan

General Comments

Some residents are opposed to new development and felt that Constance Bay should not undergo any further growth.

Development may proceed in accordance with zoning regulations provided that it satisfies all the technical servicing requirements. No changes to the Village boundary are being proposed at this time.

There is no focal point except for a linear strip of commercial development along the waterfront.

The Constance Bay Community Plan (Community Plan) provides a plan for the future. It identifies future areas for a “Village Mainstreet” at Constance Bay Road and Bayview Drive and a “Village Shopping Area” near Constance Bay Road and the area identified for new residential development. However, the private sector will be responsible for the implementation of these areas.

There is a feeling that the public lanes accessing the beach from Bayview Drive need to be restored as soon as possible.

The City is working with the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association (Community Association) to establish the locations of the public rights-of-way and access points to the beach areas. The majority of the rights-of-way have been clearly marked, cleared and brought to their end state through the efforts of the Community Association.

Residential

Some residents feel that the Village does not have sufficient residential density to support the Constance Bay Community Plan. Others feel that Constance Bay has reached its limit since septic systems and wells are already strained and there are nitrates in the water.

It will ultimately fall to the private sector to determine whether there is a sufficient population base to implement the areas designated as Village Shopping Area and Village Mainstreet.

The Community Plan’s Section 7.1, policy 1 specifically addresses the issue of nitrate build up. It says that hydrological studies to support new development will be required to take into account the observed built-up nitrates in the overburden sand aquifer and will provide measures to minimize additional nitrate loading.

Natural Environment Area

Some residents support retaining the forested area “as is” while there were others who support developing a portion of land along Len Purcell within the ANSI so that the community centre and adjacent park would not feel so isolated making it a safer place for children to play e.g. more eyes on the street creating a disincentive to criminals.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has identified the sand dunes and associated natural vegetation in the Village as the provincially significant Constance Bay Sand Hills Area of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSI) and these lands have been designated as a Natural Environment Area (NEA) in the City’s Official Plan and in the Community Plan.

The ANSI includes the City-owned Torbolton Forest and other privately-owned lands. The NEA identifies environmentally sensitive areas that the City intends to preserve for conservation and passive recreational uses. Development is generally not permitted in these types of areas. The lands along Len Purcell were acquired by the City in accordance with the NEA policies and are being managed according to the Forest Management Plan for the Township of West Carleton Torbolton Forest completed for the period 1992-2012.

The Public Works Department’s Forest Planning and Protection Unit, which is responsible for the Torbolton Forest management plan, will be preparing a new management plan once the current one expires. At the Spring 2011 workshop it was clear that better connectivity was important to residents so all comments gathered through this process related to the Torbolton Forest have been forwarded to the forestry group for their future consideration.

There was the question of whether or not it was feasible to expand the boundary of the existing park. The community would like to see a toboggan hill in their park as per a plan that was prepared in the past. This would require minimal disturbance to protect the environment yet provide a huge amenity for the children in the community.

After approval of the Community Plan, an environmental consultant was hired by the City to identify the precise boundary between the community park and ANSI. Sensitive ANSI features were identified on all sides of the community park, such that it cannot be expanded without affecting the ANSI. The park boundary was subsequently implemented through a Zoning By-law amendment.

The plan prepared for the former Township did include a toboggan hill in the woods to the west of the current community park. Creation of a safe hill for toboganning would require significant tree clearing in this area, which is one of the few areas of natural (non-planted) woods in the Torbolton Forest. This would not be consistent with the goal of conserving the natural features and functions of this area.

What is the status of the lands to the north of the Torbolton Forest?

The lands to the north of the Torbolton Forest are part of the provincially significant ANSI and have been designated as Natural Environment Area, which generally prohibits development except for an existing lot fronting on a public road.

Open Space

There was some opposition to designating waterfront areas as Open Space. Some residents do not want the Village to become a tourist destination.

The City is working closely with the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association in resolving access issues to the waterfront. Lands are in the process of being surveyed and signage will be used to indicate where public access will be permitted.

Commercial

Future commercial development at the edge of the Village will not encourage a better community feel since everyone must use their cars to get there.

During preparation of the Community Plan, residents felt that Constance Bay should be a more complete community that offered more community and commercial services. Various locations were reviewed and it was concluded that the site located on Constance Bay Drive at Willand Lane, at the entrance to the village, was the best location for a new village shopping area. This area was intended to provide space for community facilities such as a medical centre and day care, in addition to commercial uses. These uses would be also be easily accessible to non-residents and would improve the viability of the uses.

New Residential Development Area Land Use Designation

There were some concerns expressed about the potential impact of development on environmentally sensitive lands and floodplain areas.

The Constance Bay Environmental Management Plan prepared for the New Residential Development Area identifies the location of the sensitive areas and minimum setback requirements. When an application for subdivision is received, there will be a detailed review of the plan, including the exact location of the new collector road in relation to sensitive environmental areas. At the time, an environmental impact statement will also have to be prepared by the developer.

It should be noted that there is floodplain mapping identifying both the floodway and flood fringe areas in Constance Bay. The extent of flood hazard should be determined in consultation with flood plain maps prepared by Mississppi Valley Conservation. Development is not permitted in the floodway, but limited development is permitted in the flood fringe areas. Ultimately approval from Mississippi Valley Conservation is required.

Future Community Park

The new park should be located closer to the existing residences and not just at the edge of the village. Children in the community need to be able to bike to their park.

The location of the Future Community Park is shown conceptually on Schedule A – Land Use. Its final location will be refined through the subdivision review process and will be subject to further discussions with City staff and residents through the formal public consultation process. The future park is generally meant to serve residents in the New Residential Development Area.

Lot Sizes

There was a concern that the Comprehensive Zoning By-law did not take into consideration the existing lot sizes since most of the lots are non-complying.

The City’s Zoning Team agrees that the majority of existing lot sizes are non-complying and this issue has been added to the list of the Department’s recommendations for further work resulting from this review. As a result there could be fewer “issues” with potential sale of the property in the future.

Some residents were opposed to closing of unopened road allowances that extend to the water.

The City and Community Association are jointly working on clarifying the location of the unopened road allowances through surveys and signage. It is not anticipated that any unopened road allowances will be closed.

Road Improvements

Extend Allbirch Road to Len Purcell Drive - there is sufficient road allowance and this would divert some of the traffic off Bayview Drive providing travellers with an optional route.

There must be a demonstrated need for the road since turning the existing forest track into a paved road would further fragment and divide the forest, possibly leading to salt spray on regionally rare species of vegetation and increased risk to wildlife.

This area of Constance Bay is included in the provincially significant Constance Bay Sand Hills Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and has been designated as a Natural Environment Area. Development is generally not allowed in such areas, which are intended for conservation and passive recreational uses.

Install a light at Kinburn Side Road.

A warrant analysis for the installation of a traffic control signal (TCS) was undertaken for this intersection based on a turning movement count conducted on Thursday, August 18, 2011. Review of the traffic count shows that the intersection meets 64% of the required warrant. Since the warrant conditions are not achieved (100% required), staff cannot recommend the installation of a TCS at this location at this time. Consistent with their general policy, when the TCS warrant meets less than 75% of the minimum warrant conditions, they generally do not review the same location during the following three years.

Bayview Drive is not properly graded and there are no ditches resulting in erosion. There is a need for more run-off control.

Bayview Drive has not been identified for any road works. This comment has been forwarded to transportation staff dealing with road needs.

The shoulders should be paved on Bayview Drive to Allbirch Road, Constance Bay Road to Dunrobin Road for cyclists and pedestrians.

Currently the Community Plan identifies the need for paved shoulders on Bayview Drive and Constance Bay Road for use by pedestrians and cyclists. This recommendation will continue to stay in the Community Plan until the work is undertaken.

New Secondary Road

Where will the new road(s) for the proposed new residential development area go and could this road go through the floodplain or environmentally sensitive land?

The new collector road, which will provide a secondary access for Constance Bay, was discussed and reviewed during preparation of the Community Plan. Lands on which the new road will be located (New Residential Development Area) were included as part of the “village lands”. After approval of the Community Plan in 2006, an environmental management plan was prepared and subsequently approved for the New Residential Development Lands, which identified the development limits and areas where an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will be required prior to development.

Some residents stated that a secondary access to the Village was important while others stated that a secondary access road should not be a priority and that funds should be directed to other priorities such as maintenance of current roads. Some residents believe that the proposed secondary access is in the wrong location being too close to the existing access and should not be connected with Constance Bay Road. There was also reference to a bridge crossing proposed for the south end of Buckham’s Bay prior to amalgamation.

The actual cost and responsibility for building this road will be that of the developer who will be constructing the adjacent subdivision. That is, road construction will take place at the same time the new residential area is built.

During the comprehensive review that took place during preparation of the Community Plan, there were very limited options to create a secondary access road. The proposed new road location was the best choice.

A submission suggesting that an alternative access road to Constance Bay be provided to the south of the Village boundary and that this new road should replace the new road proposed by the current Village Plan. The proponent of this road suggests that the unopened road allowance (that is the extension of Kinburn Side Road east of Dunrobin Road), be re-aligned to the north-east so that it connects up with the southern end of Willand Lane to provide an alternative access into the Village. This new alignment will bisect three rural properties located outside of the current village. The proponent also suggested a park and ride area near the intersection of this road with Dunrobin Road to encourage car pooling.

Planning and transportation staff have reviewed this suggestion, but do not recommend this alternative road access for the following reasons:

1. The cost to the City for land acquisition and construction of this road. No development is permitted on the land impacted by this road resulting in the City bearing the cost of purchasing land for the road and cost of construction. The proposed secondary access in the Community Plan is entirely supported through the development of the land added to the village at that time.
2. It would fall to the City to undertake an environmental assessment to review and determine a preferred road alignment. This is a further cost to the City.
3. This new proposal would inevitably lead to a village expansion request for the lands adjacent to this new road. No additional lands are needed at this time since there is close to a twenty year land supply already in the village.
4. The road suggested includes significant environmental features that could be impacted by the proposed road such as a significant valley-land, a significant woodland, fish habitat and natural corridors for wildlife.
5. The new road connects to an existing local street (Willand Lane), which was not designed to accommodate the levels of traffic this new access will accommodate. This would be the first access point for northbound traffic and traffic wishing to avoid using Constance Bay Road.

The provision of a park and ride facility would be an additional public cost for similar reasons.

Encroachments on Municipal Land

Encroachment on public rights-of-way was identified as an issue, with specific mention made of the west end of Len Purcell and the adjacent owner there who has paved over and assumed use of the lane.

Concerns with encroachments should be reported to 3-1-1.

Unkempt yards and public laneways were an issue, with various sites identified.

Issues with property standards should be reported to 3-1-1 for follow-up by City staff.

Traffic and Speeding

A number of concerns were raised about traffic and speeding in the Village e.g. reducing traffic, traffic calming needed on Constance Bay Road, speeding, cars not yielding to pedestrians and cyclists.

Any area-specific concerns related to traffic should be sent to Traffic@ottawa.ca

At The Point bar – survey needed to reconfigure parking and traffic.

The Community Plan includes a recommendation to provide and maintain community facilities at the Point, which includes parking. Parking has already been improved at this particular location.

Future development proposed on Dunrobin will provide major concerns as more cars will come driving down the hill at Kilmaurs.

Generally the zoning on Dunrobin Road permits a limited range of general rural zones (Agricultural Zone, Rural Countryside Zone) permitting uses such as: animal hospital, home-based business, kennel, and agricultural use. Typically someone wishing to rezone to a more intensive use would be required to provide supporting studies (traffic, hydro-geological) to support their development. At present it does not appear that there are any significant traffic concerns that would impact Kilmaurs

Cars are parking on the shoulders of roads and are travelling in opposite directions of one way street.

Parking is an issue in Constance Bay and efforts will be made to resolve on-going concerns. Residents and efforts have recently been made to improve parking at various locations in the Village: The Point, Auger’s Beach, and Ritchie Street Boat Launch.

Residents can call 3-1-1 to identify specific and urgent concerns.

Cycling

The priorities for cycle routes on Dunrobin Road from West Carleton High School to Kanata and on Bishop Davis around Bayview Drive. Making cycling more accessible and safe will contribute to community development by encouraging recreational activity.

The need for more cycle lanes has been identified in the Community Plan. It currently recommends that when new road work or resurfacing is undertaken on Bayview Drive and Constance Bay Road, the shoulder of the road be paved to provide space to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

Further, the priorities for cycle routes are recognized in the Ottawa Cycle Plan, which shows existing and proposed new cycle routes. An Existing Paved Shoulder is shown along the length of Constance Bay Road. Future connections are also identified including: a Proposed Paved Shoulder on Dunrobin Road past West Carleton High School, which becomes an Existing Paved Shoulder outside of Kanata; a Proposed Shared Use Lane (Signed Route) on a portion of Bayview, which then turns into a Proposed Off-Road Pathway through the Torbolton Forest and along a portion of Allbirch. Implementation of these routes is typically planned when road work is scheduled in these areas.

Pathways

A bike path is also needed because March Road is too dangerous.

The Ottawa Cycle Plan shows that a bike route is needed. A Proposed Paved Shoulder is planned for March Road/Dunrobin Road.

There was concern expressed that new paving/paths/lanes not alter drainage and should not be established through private property.

Public pathways are not established on private property without consent of the owner. Any pathway construction undertaken by the City would be properly constructed so as to not negatively affect drainage patterns.

There is a potential for a property acquisition in the south end of the village (along Shanmarie) to provide a pathway connection down to the creek as the land is too constrained for development.

This information has been provided to the park planning group in the department. There may be opportunities to secure a pathway through the development review process.

Ensure protection of environmental elements in the floodway south of Buckham’s Bay.

The area south of Buckham’s Bay was included in the study area of the Constance Bay Environmental Management Plan approved in 2007. This plan identified limits of development and locations where an environmental impact statement (EIS) would need to be undertaken to minimize the impact of development. The lowlands south of Buckham’s Bay are severely constrained by the regulated floodplain, unstable slopes, organic soils, and aquatic setbacks for the protection of fish habitat. The woodlands associated with this feature have also been identified as significant woodlands in the City’s Official Plan (2009).

The red oak trees located along perimeter of village should be preserved.

The Community Plan recognizes that Constance Bay is a community built in the forest. Further it states that trees will be preserved wherever possible and where there is no tree cover, trees (preferably oak trees) will be planted as a condition of development approval. There is no intention to remove trees on City property including rights-of-way without good reason.

Some residents agreed with the environmental management plan for the New Residential Area to protect sensitive areas and for the expansion of the ANSI.

The purpose of the environmental management plan was to precisely identify those areas within the New Residential Development Area which should be protected from development and to establish any associated setbacks from those areas thereby providing clarity to everyone involved in the development process. The plan did not, however, recommend expansion of the ANSI, which is a provincially identified feature mapped by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Torbolton Forest and ANSI

Management of the Torbolton Forest should move away from pine monoculture towards original savannah landscape to better reflect its historical character. Other comments include: more areas should be part of the ANSI and be covered by the EMP;

The City is managing the Torbolton Forest according to the “Forest Management Plan for the Township of West Carleton Torbolton Forest”, which expires in 2012 and will have to be updated by forestry staff. In addition to the comments received during the Spring 2011 workshop in Constance Bay, which have been forwarded to forestry staff, there will be a public consultation process on the management plan.

The ANSI is a provincially identified feature mapped by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The EMP was undertaken specifically to guide development of the New Residential Development Area.

Expansion of the ANSI area into new development areas is acceptable and a good thing to do for the purposes of conserving land.

The ANSI was identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources based on specific features of interest, and its boundaries cannot be altered without their consent. The City has identified additional features outside of the ANSI that may also warrant protection from development. Any such features that are not already designated for protection will be examined through an Environmental Impact Statement prior to development, and the City will work with the landowners to ensure no negative impacts occur to significant natural features or their ecological functions.

Recreational areas should be integrated into the ANSI so that children can play in natural settings instead of manicured lawns.

ANSI lands should not be transformed into manicured parks.

Torbolton Forest – Traffic

• In the winter, the trails are open to snowmobiles. Are there any plans to open up the trails to ATVs. Why is snowmobile use allowed and not ATVs?
• In the winter use of trails should be segregated so cross country skiing can return.
• Snowmobiles and dog walkers use all the trails. Trails are unusable for skiers.
• It was suggested that the Torbolton Forest, which is already used for snowmobile and ski trails could also integrate hiking and cycling in the summer. Should focus on creating activities for kids more related to the kinds of activities they enjoy doing – e.g. wall climbing.
• Security is an issue in the “Meadows”, located in the Torbolton Forest. Snowmobiles are not running where they are supposed to. These vehicles interfere with cross country ski trails. Proper enforcement should be provided by the City.
• The isolated nature of the park makes it a prime area for criminal activity.
• Access point to forest has sign stating no motorized vehicles permitted yet there is a 50 km/h speed limit sign.
• Speed limit sign is for snowmobilers – shouldn’t allow these uses within the Forest.
• If it is allowed, then signage should clearly identify what vehicular uses are permitted along speed limits.
• There is ambiguous signage at one of the main trail entrances. Access by machine is forbidden but there is also a “use at your own risk” and a higher speed limit allowed than vehicles.

Torbolton Forest – Littering

• There is littering/dumping in the north part of the Torbolton Forest and at the Lighthouse Restaurant which is located in the northeast part of the Village.
• There should be a clean-out of the junk and garbage in the Torbolton Forest including appliances such as fridges and computers, toxic waste such as tires, shingles, cement and non- biodegradable materials.
• People are dumping yard waste and large pieces of garbage in the forest. The community should arrange for an organized large garbage pick-up so that people will not pollute the forest. There should be some signage stating “bring it with you…take it with you” like in provincial parks. Garbage cans should not be provided since people are just throwing out their paints and other toxic items in them.

These comments regarding recreational uses in the forest have been forwarded to the Parks and Forestry Division so that they can be considered during preparation of the new management plan for the Torbolton Forest.

Residents can call 3-1-1 if there is dumping on City property.

A land owner at the north end of the ANSI lands might be interested in donating 10 acres to the City to be developed as parkland, if he could develop houses on the remaining 50 acres. This land is located closer to existing residences.

The ANSI lands are designated Natural Environment Area, which generally prohibits development except for a house on an existing lot that fronts a private road. Under current Official Plan policies where a private landowner wishes to sell NEA-designated lands to the City, the municipality is required to acquire the lands. The City would then retain the lands in their natural state for conservation and passive recreational purposes.

Existing Community Park and Community Centre

The community park is located in a very isolated location. Parents are concerned that they cannot leave their children alone at the park. There is a sense that the needs of the community are second to the needs of protecting the ANSI lands.

With the recognition of the ANSI as a significant feature by the province and its subsequent designation as a Natural Environment Area and acquisition by the City on that basis, development is very limited making it difficult to address the isolated location of the community park and community centre. There may be methods of increasing pedestrian and cycle access during preparation of the Torbolton Forest management plan.

The Community Centre should be a focal point in the community but it is not. It does not accommodate small children and youth.

Since approval of the Community Plan, a variety of efforts have been made with limited success. There is a Sustaining Grant Agreement between the City and the community association to operate maintain both the community centre and sports fields. Residents should approach the community association about their needs. If specialized expertise is required, then City staff are available to assist.

• We should move towards a more complex, integrated activity networks that engage youth within the community re: Torbolton Forest.
• There is a direct correlation between criminal activity and the lack of appropriate and targeted activities for youth – if naturalized recreational areas are made available throughout the village there will be less desire to get into trouble.
• How we design parks will influence crime, vandalism - suitable environment will in turn affect human behaviour.
• How we design parks will influence crime, vandalism - suitable environment will in turn affect human behaviour.
• When people congregate and cause a disturbance this also causes noise and dust pollution.

Over the years City staff have worked on a variety of ways targeting and providing programs for youth. “Youth Connexion” was one of these initiatives where youth are involved in planning activities for their peers. City staff are available to assist the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association in developing any specialized programs for the Village’s youth.

More funds should be allocated for the security in the Community Centre area. Lighting of areas such as the Community Centre and Legion is too bright at night – this attracts criminal activity. If the lights were turned down criminals or people causing a disturbance may be disinclined to congregate at that area as they won’t be able to see.

The City has tried a variety of ways to limit unwanted activities at the Community Centre ranging from lowering to increasing the lighting levels. With both scenarios there was limited success. The approach now is to turn off the lighting in the evening.

Light pollution of neighbouring properties across from Legion is an issue.

This comment has been forwarded to the Legion.

Introduction of municipal facilities into the area will reduce its “complexity.”

Currently there is a community centre, park facilities and a library in Constance Bay. However, there are no plans for additional municipal facilities.

Recreational areas should be spread out throughout the Bay instead of centralized in one or two parks. This could help reduce the instance of bush parties in Torbolton Forest.

Constance Bay’s current community park is currently located in the centre of the Village on Len Purcell. Another community level park will be located to the south in the New Residential Development lands which is in the vicinity of the new secondary road access. These two parks are intended to serve different parts of the community. Opportunities to develop additional recreational facilities in Constance Bay are limited.

New Residential Area – Proposed Community Park

The proposed community park should preserve natural features and integrate new park into the existing landscape. There was a suggestion that it be moved closer to the village shopping centre to allow for a mix of uses to occur in a more integrated fashion. Issues such as traffic would need to be addressed as this would put the park near Constance Bay Road, which is fairly busy and cars travel at high speed.

Moving proposed community park near shopping centre would also save natural resources.

The proposed new park location is shown at the westerly limits of the village within the area shown as New Residential Development Area. It is a conceptual location at this point. In the future when a subdivision application is made for the development lands, there will be further detailed discussions regarding road layout, location of the park and connections to the park. The subdivision application will be supported by an EIS if it includes or is adjacent to any significant natural features. The EIS will demonstrate how negative impacts to those features will be avoided.

What will be in the new park? The community wants to have the opportunity to provide input as to what facilities go into the new community park. What age groups will be addressed?

When it is time to build the park, the elements of the park will be discussed including location and type of play structures, play fields and landscaping. The final plan is affected by factors such as available budget, service levels and consultation with residents.

Businesses in the Community

• Community needs to become more self sufficient and should be better promoted throughout Ottawa as a place to come and visit.
• There are a number of home-based businesses that would benefit from wider publicity.
• The Bay should be a destination for trades and crafts.
• By creating a self sufficient community with shopping and amenities people would drive less to the City thus reducing the overall environmental impact
• Local home-based businesses, on-line businesses and delivery of goods into the village has produced a local economy where residents do not need to leave the village. E.g. “In Sync With Pink” Festival 2011, focussing on networking among home-based business, was strongly supported and encouraged.

At the spring workshop, there were a variety of opinions re: future of Constance Bay. However, residents clearly articulated a vision for their Village during the preparation of the Community Plan. Through resident surveys the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association determined that there was overwhelming support for the vision, the basis of their Community Plan.

Development

• Groundwater resources already impacted by current levels of development and further development would lead to more erosion of landscapes in Bay.
• There is a liability problem - more houses and roads will produce more contaminants which will leach into water supply and Ottawa River. The wells are all surface (shallow) wells.

The Community Plan recognizes the importance of protecting groundwater resources since development is on private services. For the New Residential Development Area, there is policy direction that in order to protect ground water resources, new development will be supported by a hydrological study. This is re-iterated in Section 3.3.2 Policy 4 that new development will be supported by a hydrological study.

Section 7.1 of the Community Plan specifically addresses protection of the drinking water supply and reports on a groundwater study that found that nitrate concentrations were elevated within the acquifer. As a result, the Community Plan stated residents were encouraged to have their well water tested for bacteria and nitrates on a regular basis.

Weeds

• Nitrification of the River and the Bay has occurred as a result of a variety of factors including fertilizers run off from the golf course, and pesticide use on poison ivy. This has caused extensive weed growth. As a result, this is ruining fish habitat, the beaches look terrible and boating is problematic. There were no weeds in the area 50 years ago. Water sampling should be done by the golf course.
• Some biologists and conservationists indicate that the Ottawa River’s weed problem identified in the Community Plan are actually native aquatic plants and not weeds. These plants should not be disturbed. The statement about weeds found in the “village objectives” should be removed.
• The biggest environmental problem is the water quality and the associated weed growth.

The City monitored the water quality of the Ottawa River at Constance and Buckham’s Bay during the summer of 2005. Results indicated that from a water quality perspective the area is quite healthy. E. coli results are within recreational water quality objectives and there was no excessive weed growth associated with nutrients. Staff has recommended that water sampling be undertaken on an as needed basis to determine nutrient levels and to identify problem areas.

The Community Plan also suggests that in the case of excessive plant growth and algae blooms that “best management practices” should be used by property owners working in consultation with Mississippi Valley Conservation.

There are certain older houses along the beach which do not have their septic systems up to code. Some sewage goes directly into the River. The locations are easy to identify in the winter months as the ice doesn’t form in those areas.

Questions, concerns or complaints about septic systems can be directed to the Ottawa Septic Systems Office, phone: 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1129.