Chiarelli's absence a concern for College ward residents

Some College ward residents say they feel like they've lost their voice at city hall during Coun. Rick Chiarelli's months-long absence.

Chiarelli hasn't attended city council since the summer break.

This fall, 13 women told CBC they experienced or witnessed inappropriate comments or behaviour by Chiarelli while he was in office, including allegations he asked female staff to wear revealing clothing and enter strip clubs.

The councillor has denied all the allegations.

• Former Chiarelli staffer comes forward with familiar tale

Greg Elliott, president of the Crestview-Meadowlands Community Association, hopesto challenge a 12-storey development planned for Merivale Mall.

Instead of working with his local councillor, Elliott met Tuesday night with Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Scott Moffatt and members of Chiarelli's staff.

"I don't know Coun. Moffatt. I'm not sure what he's able to offer," Elliott saidbefore going into the meeting.

Moffattmissed an earliermeeting between the developers and residents on Oct. 17 because of a scheduling conflict involving his own ward.

Missing councillor's 'muscle'

While Elliott said he's been disturbed and upset by the reports about Chiarelli he said he'sworked personally with some of the complainants he's also concerned with whereChiarelli'sabsence leaves residents.

"He's only one voice on the council table, but we expect him to be our close ally," Elliott said. "His muscle behind a few things has got things done."

If [Chiarelli's] going to be away for a long period of time, we would rather see some process to bring in a new councillor.- Greg Elliott, Crestview-Medowlands Community Association

Elliott said his community association is worried the development at Merivale Mall will bring more traffic to the area and amplify drainage problems for nearby residents, among other issues.

The proposed building at Merivale Road and Viewmount Drive would replace a Harvey's restaurant with 271 one- and two-bedroom units.

"Their gut feeling is things will get worse," he said.

"If [Chiarelli's] going to be away for a long period of time, we would rather see some process to bring in a new councillor."

Last week, city council unanimously denied Chiarelli's application for a medical leave. Under the Municipal Act, he has until the end of November before his absence from city council triggers a byelection.

But ifChiarelli returnsfor even one meeting, the clock restarts and he has another three months.

'We'll make do'

In the meantime, Moffatt and Kanata South Coun. Allan Hubleyare picking up the slack.

That means signing financial documents for the ward, answering residents' questions and, when they can,meeting with associations likeElliott's to hear their concerns.

"In the short term, we'll make do. We'll do what we can," Moffatt said Tuesday."Right now, if I'm in a meeting with residents of another ward that means I'm not doing something in my own ward."

Adam Haga, an assistant to Coun. Rick Chiarelli, said in an email to CBC the councillor remains involved in day-to-day operations inhis ward, despite being on medical leave.

"He is unable to attend events, committee meetings, and council meetings based on advice from his doctor," Haga said.

The councillor continues to advise staff on issues such as traffic calming measures, property damage claims andconstruction projects in the ward, Haga said.

• Chiarelli's leave request denied
• Chiarelli affair has cast 'shadow' over city, mayor says

Moffatt isn't optimistic the development atMerivale Mall will be stopped.

The developer is looking for a variance to build a higher building than what's technically allowed, but the site is zoned for residential development, he said.

The councillor plans to meet with developer First Capital and learn more about the project.

Moffatt said it may be possible to address concerns around congestion, for example, by adding more buses to the area.