Hello Action Sandy Hill Members!

ASH has a new process for membership sign-ups and renewals! However, we have not moved it over to the www.ash-acs.ca domain. If you are very eager, you can go to sign up now by clicking on this link. This payment processor accepts credit cards and Google Pay and Apple Pay. For other types of payment, or to pay for more than 1 year, please contact Betsy Schuurman, ASH Chair. A note that the membership fee is $10 for one year. An option to pay $5 for one year is available for those who wish to pay a reduced rate.

ASH members will receive an email soon confirming your payment is up to date. Expired ASH members will also receive an email soon with instructions on how to renew. Not sure if you’re a member or have a question for memberships? Please reach out to Betsy!

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2. ASH Website and Request For IT Help

Do the terms DNS manager, CNAME, MX, and AAAA mean anything to you? ASH is transitioning to a new website that will integrate payments and the membership database. Before we make the switch, it would be great to have an expert to look at ASH’s current DNS records and give recommendations on what should be retained and what should be updated. We have instructions from the new host but those only cover the new records. As a reminder, ASH’s official website is www.ash-acs.ca and official email is [email protected]. The email may be impacted during the switch so please feel free to email [email protected] as well.

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4. New! ASH Community Conversations

Is there an issue you want to discuss or an expert you’d like to hear from? Please suggest it for ASH Community Conversations, a monthly virtual meeting, by emailing Betsy Schuurman, Chair, ASH.

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5. ASH Board Says Goodbye

Two members of the ASH Board of Directors resigned recently and we wish to thank them both for their service. We thank Arto Keklikian for his service as co-Chair of the ASH Planning and Heritage Committee and Michael Barnes for his years of dedicated service.  

 Notice: Four positions available on the ASH Board of Directors.

1. Rideau Initiative

The Rideau Initiative (RI) is a new group with representatives from Lowertown and Sandy Hill who are working to change policy so that it promotes service equity among neighbourhoods, thereby ensuring a high standard of living across Ottawa. The group has developed the Sandy Hill Community Survey to assist them in their work. The survey only takes 5 minutes to complete. If you are wondering how far you are from Rideau Street, check the map below.

If you have any questions, please contact RI.
 

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2. New Student Housing Project – University of Ottawa

Earlier this month, the University of Ottawa issued a press release outlining plans for a new on-campus student housing project. The project will begin as early as May 2026 , starting with the demolition of the old Brooks Residence.

Students and community members alike will have the opportunity to learn more during an Information Q&A session later this winter.

Click here to read the entire press release.

3. Sandy Hill Community Centre Redevlopment Survey Results

The majority of the respondents (77%) were members of the public. The other groups of respondents were representatives of an organization or rental group, and uOttawa students.

According to the survey, 77% of the respondents are presently using the community centre for commute/walk through, 65% for passive exterior and interior uses such as sitting and reading and 52% for skating. Other activities frequently mentioned are the use of the outdoor preschool structures and wading pool, attending children/after school programmes, March Break camps, and rental groups/rental activity/community events.

With regards to frequency, the majority of respondents indicated they use the community centre every day, a few times a week, or once a week. About one out of five respondents indicated they do not use the community centre due to the lack of programming.

Respondents indicated that the most important features to be considered as part of a renovation/addition to the community centre would be weather protection for the exterior patio (74% of respondents), a new gymnasium (68%), and universal change rooms/washrooms (58%). Sixteen percent (16 %) of the respondents indicated that a pool (indoor or outdoor) should be considered. In addition to the previously mentioned most desired features, other improvements were suggested such as better acoustics, more space for visual arts, and a sauna. These amenities will be reviewed with the feasibility study.

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3. The One & Only Arts & Crafts Fair – November 15

 

Note:  Donations of finger food (without nuts) for this event would be greatly appreciated. You can drop your donations off at the Community Centre on Friday, November 14 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm or Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.