WHAT IS THE KGPC’S MISSION?
To preserve and protect Kanata’s green spaces and promote the value of our natural environment.
The KGPC is focused on increasing public awareness about the importance of greenspace preservation. Urban greenspace has numerous mental and physical health benefits and is key to the liveability of our Kanata North neighbourhoods.
Our goal is to raise funds and public support for the City of Ottawa efforts to ensure that the 40% Agreement is enforced.
WHY ARE YOU RAISING MONEY?
To pay for legal counsel for the ongoing battle against ClubLink, Richcraft Homes and Minto Communities. We continue to retain lawyers that specialize in litigation to defend the 40% Agreement. We are also taking ClubLink to court over two Restrictive Covenants that limit how the land can be used.
Previously, we’ve hired experts in planning, storm water management and the environment to highlight the important role our greenspace plays in our community. Their papers and opinions have been shared with the City of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, the Federal Government, the National Capital Commission, and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority to inform them about the disastrous impact the proposed development would have on our community and encourage their support of our fight.
We continue to engage expertise as needed on issues pertaining to our greenspace.
Some of our minor expenses include: advertising, accounting and web services. Our financial reports are posted on the web site. If you have any questions about our financials, please contact info@ourkanatagreenspace.ca
WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR?
- We fought and won Intervenor Status in Ontario’s Superior Court
- We argued alongside the City of Ottawa to defend the 40% Agreement
- We won the 40% Agreement court decision – only two clauses were overturned on appeal
- We returned to court with the City of Ottawa to uphold the validity of the 40% Agreement that states that the golf course lands are to remain greenspace
- We participated in the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing, to confirm the serious stormwater management and environmental concerns related to the proposed development
- We filed a legal action against Clublink to stop the development by citing two Restrictive Covenants on the land
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
We wait for Justice Labrosse to determine what, if any, impact the Ontario Court of Appeal ruling has on the 40% Agreement. Only two clauses in the five-page 40% Agreement were declared invalid, not the entire agreement as sought by ClubLink.
We work ahead. The KGPC has filed a notice of application in Ontario Superior Court to have the court declare that two Restrictive Covenants are enforceable and limit how the land can be used.
The first, is about the preservation of greenspace due to the 40% Agreement in principle which states that 40 percent of the original development area, which includes the golf course, Trillium Woods and Kizell Wetlands, remain as greenspace.
The second, concerns stormwater management and stems from an agreement ClubLink signed when it acquired the golf course lands in November 1996. It specifically restricts the (re)grading of the land and the altering of its inherent stormwater management function.
WHAT IS YOUR FUNDRAISING GOAL?
Our 2023 Greenspace Defence Fund target is $100,000; to continue to engage our legal experts to defend the 40% Agreement and pursue legal action related to the Restrictive Covenants. It will also allow us to obtain any other expertise needed to help protect and preserve our greenspace.
It’s important that our supporters understand that a win for ClubLink will dramatically impact the environment, health and safety of our community. As well, property values in Kanata Lakes and Beaverbrook could drop by 5-15%, depending on location.
HOW CAN I MAKE A DONATION?
Donations can be made by cheque, e-transfer or credit card. You can donate now. Thank you for helping Save Our Kanata Greenspace!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE FUNDS IF THEY’RE NO LONGER NEEDED TO FIGHT CLUBLINK?
The KGPC will distribute our assets to recipients that the corporation deems appropriate. We will consult broadly with our donors to ensure any funds stay in the community and are in line with our mission to preserve and protect Kanata’s green spaces.
HOW IS THE KGPC RUN?
We started out as the Kanata Greenspace Steering Committee. A group of concerned citizens who wanted to raise funds and awareness to support the City of Ottawa’s efforts to defend the 40% Agreement. Following the huge success of our lawn sign campaign, we initiated the process to become a not for profit corporation and changed our name to the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition. By becoming a corporation in July 2019, we were able to assure that the money raised is assigned and managed in accordance with the objectives of the corporation and the law. It also allowed us to engage in legal action to support the City of Ottawa in the 40% Agreement fight. In December 2019, we were successful in winning leave to intervene as a party in the matter of the 40% Agreement, allowing us to argue the rights and interests of our community.
There are no owners or shareholders. The corporation is governed by members, officers and directors. They are all concerned citizens who are providing their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.
CAN I GET A CHARITY RECEIPT?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide a charity receipt as our mandate does not meet the requirements to be eligible for charitable registration.
WHY DO YOU SELL MERCHANDISE?
All of our sales are fundraisers. We only sell items that will be profitable. We are required to charge and submit HST on any items we sell, in accordance with CRA requirements.