The Copeland Park Community Alliance was formed in the late 1980s. Its first President was Duncan Klett, followed by Rob Bell. Since the early 1990s, except for a period in 2004 when Annie hall briefly took the helm, the President has been Kathy Yach.
The CPCA has established its boundaries as Agincourt Road, Baseline Road, Clyde Avenue and the Western Corridor (Bicycle Path)
The CPCA was formed in response to the proposed development of the land east of Clyde Ave., which is now Central Park. Originally, that land was divided into the eastern section to be developed by the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, and the western section to be developed by the Assaly Corporation. It became clear that some of the aspects of the proposed developments could have adverse effects on Copeland Park if left unchallenged. The major objective of the CPCA was to ensure that the best interests of the community were represented and defended at whatever forum was appropriate and necessary.
Since its inception, the CPCA has had a number of achievements:
- Successfully opposed a third access from Central Park onto Clyde Ave. That entailed countless meetings with the Regional and City Committees, two Ontario Municipal Board hearings, and raising $26000 to defend our position
- Preserved the Carlington ski hill from the threat of a waterslide park
- Made a major and influential submission on the City of Ottawa Official Plan
- Made a major submission to the Provincial Government panel concerning Bill C20 - Land Use Planning and Protection Act.
- Obtained increased domestic water pressure in Copeland Park
- Twice successfully opposed the designation of Maitland Ave. as a truck route.
- Successfully negotiated with the Ashcrof Corp. to increase the front setback of Central Park houses along Clyde Ave. to provide increased driveway parking space and thus reduce on-street parking
- Successfully opposed the proposal by management of the apartment at 1000 Castle Hill Crescent. To use Castle Hill as a loading area
- Organized the annual community garage sale
- Held a community Dance
- Made submissions concerning the Western Corridor (Bicycle Path); the Environmentally Sensitive area north of Central Park; the development policy for Regional and City governments; traffic; the Regional Official Plan; green space; the proposed closure of Putman and Laurentian schools, and others.
These were accomplished by the work of many people, including former, as well as present, members of the Executive, and with the support of the CPCA membership at large.
With the increased pressure for intensification and infilling across the City, perennial traffic issues, and other matters with the potential to impact on our community, the need for a vigilant CPCA will continue.