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A Stittsville couple says they are dismayed after receiving a certified letter from the Ottawa Bylaws Department telling them to move their small library or be fined or charged.
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“It’s a sad day at Amethyst Crescent,” Wendy Chayter wrote on a community Facebook page. “Someone filed a complaint with the Ordinance about our Small Library, and as a result, we were forced to move it from the end of our yard or in front of a charge.”
The Little Library, which has been a popular place since the couple put it on the lawn of a quiet street last year, has now been moved to its porch.
Chayter says he has no idea who complained or what the nature of the complaint was.
“I’m sad that someone chose to complain about the regulations instead of talking to us directly to let us know they had a problem with our library.”
The Ottawa Statute Department told Stittsville resident Wendy Chaytor to move her small library or face fines or charges. Photo for PHOTO SENT
The City Council said they are obliged to place it no less than 4.5 meters from the curb and that it is too close. Hayter said he was placed about 1.25 feet from the curb. He said it seemed a reasonable distance that would not impede snowplows or impede visibility, but close enough for people to use.
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He said he had seen others in the city that were closer to the 4.5-meter curb, but the city council told him they had to move it that distance because there had been a complaint.
“I’m hurt because we were trying to do something nice for the community, but because of that complaint it makes it harder for people to enjoy it.”
He said the library has been making a lot of use since it was set up last summer.
“They appear more and more and it seems like everyone loves them. It’s something we’ve always wanted to do.”
Chayter said he is concerned that people will not use the library if it is too far from the street because they will hesitate to walk around the private property.
He said the status letter said the library was considered to be “attacking / damaging” a road. He said they are trying to find a solution. At the moment, it is on its front porch.
The City Council did not immediately respond to a request for further information.