The Queensway Terrace North Community Association (QTNCA) has decided to participate in a planning study of the community that may help define limits on development intensification city-wide.

Members voted unanimously to get involved during the group's Nov. 22 annual general meeting.

Intensification has been a hot issue in the neighbourhood this year (see related story) with several successful rezoning applications passing through city council allowing local duplexes to be converted to triplexes.

Local city Coun. Alex Cullen will ask for city council's approval for the study later this month, as well as requesting an interim control by-law to freeze such rezoning applications for the study period.

"It was a very busy year," noted QTNCA President Henry Sweich, who was re-elected to the position during the meeting.

Aside from the triplex issues, Mr. Sweich outlined several others that have occupied the group this year.

A request to the city to consider reducing the slope of Connaught Ave. was answered in the negative, he noted, since the street is in good condition and not due for any maintenance in the next five years.

A proposal to open a car dealership on Queensview Dr. at the community's south end has been discussed.   Concerns were raised over potential noise and light intrusion, Mr. Sweich said.

In response, city staff are requiring low-intensity lighting.  The developer, the Dilawri family - who also operate Ottawa Honda on Richmond Rd. - have also agreed that an air conditioning unit for the site will be put on the building's south side, furthest from homes.

Given city development charges however, and an imposed condition from the city that they build a sidewalk on Queensview, Mr, Sweich explained that the proposal may not move ahead.

Mr. Sweich called the community's 2004 spring clean-up a success, with some 40 people participating. He also took the opportunity to remind residents that local greenspaces are not meant to be used as a dumping ground for yard waste. This has been a problem in the area recently, he noted.

The association participated in the second phase of a city tree planting in the Elmhurst woods area this past May, Mr. Sweich said.  More than 1,000 saplings of various species were added.

"The survival rate is very high," he said. "We're hoping our children and grandchildren will enjoy this."

Mr. Sweich applauded the forthcoming construction of a semi-detached home at 863 Pinecrest Rd. by Habitat for Humanity.  A second is planned for the lot, he explained, but is dependent upon a sponsor being found.

"It's a very creative way to use the property," said Mr. Sweich, adding that the association will seek community help on the build if Habitat asks.

Ottawa Police Const. Tina Read, the community policing officer for the area, reported that the neighbourhood has been relatively quiet of late, thanks in part to a very active Neighbourhood Watch.

"You guys are doing really well," she said. "You should be very proud of yourselves."

The year was marked with a series of minor arsons in which trash was set on fire and issues with late-night youth partying in Frank Ryan Park, however, and Const. Read said residents should be vigilant in the approaching holiday season.