Orléans South-Navan Community Update

Councillor's Message

If you missed my special newsletter, you can read my initial thoughts on Phase 5 of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) here. I also spoke at length with CBC News Ottawa, which you can read here.

This is the document that will dictate transportation planning and investment for the next 10-20 years. Despite my best efforts, including a bombshell inquiry into a historical funding discrepancy between the east, west and south, I don’t feel that the City is adequately accounting for our growth when it comes to road infrastructure. Development in our community has been fast and furious over the last decade, with no sign of slowing down. Orléans South is projected to welcome up to 15,000 new homes in the next 10 years. With all levels of government focused on building more housing, it is legislatively impossible to slow it down. So, we need the infrastructure to support it.

I believe turning Brian Coburn into a four-lane complete street, with segregated active transportation is an absolute priority and needs to be more highly prioritized in the TMP. There is a section below on how to make your voice heard on this issue and give weight to the arguments I’m making at city hall. Please take the time to share your feedback in the below surveys. I need your help in this final phase of this critical document. The stakes are so high for our future growth and quality of life.

Speaking of roads, last week I had the opportunity to attend my first Good Roads Conference in Toronto—one of the largest municipal conferences in Canada, with over 2,000 delegates from across the province. As Vice Chair of the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, and as someone who ran for office to champion much-needed transportation infrastructure in Orléans South, I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about these critical municipal services. Anyone who subscribes to my newsletter or hears me speak at Planning and Housing Committee, knows I spend a lot of time thinking—and advocating—for roads, transit, active transportation and smart infrastructure. It was great to be there, and I came away inspired after hearing experts speak on panels related to road safety innovation and sustainable infrastructure management.

I ended the week by opening a panel discussion at Algonquin College as part of their Future of Health and Wellness Speaker Series in collaboration with Ottawa Public Health.

I was also pleased to join the Sarsfield Community Association at the end of last week for its Annual General Meeting. It is incredible what this small group of volunteers is able to organize for this close-knit community, including several annual events, fitness and art classes, food drives, a pickleball club and more. Thank you for your dedication!

It has been a busy stretch at city hall staying on top of your inquiries, ensuring major files keep moving forward, caretaking for Ward 20 and stickhandling the recruitment of a new Chief Medical Officer of Health! That said, my amazing team and I always remain available to assist you. As the warmer weather arrives, I look forward to seeing you all out in the community making the most of it!

Finally, Go Grads Go! Let's all cheer on our home team as they chase the Bogart Cup for another season!

Noise exemption for concrete work in Avalon

A noise exemption has been issued for concrete finishing work at the CEPEO school currently under construction at 675 Monardia Way. The noise exemption is for three hours of extra work if needed from 10 pm to 1 am on Monday, April 14.

Due to the temperature at this time of year and the schedule, crews must pour the concrete slab on grade. The concrete pour will take much longer to pour since the curing time of the concrete in these temperatures is much longer.

Notification within the impacted radius has been given to affected residents.

Thank you for your understanding.

REMINDER – It’s your last chance to tell the city you’re frustrated by South Orléans' congestion issues

Last Friday, I sent out a special newsletter about this, but it cannot be overstated how important it is for you to participate in Phase 5 of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) consultations.

This is your opportunity to inform staff about the transportation issues you experience. There are two surveys, one is a mapping exercise where you can pinpoint your thoughts on the proposed infrastructure investments, and the second, what infrastructure improvements should be prioritized financially. Both can be found here. Please take the time to share your feedback.

Orléans South has seen rapid growth that has no signs of slowing down, and it's crucial to invest in infrastructure to support our community. I've been advocating for better connectivity in our ward, addressing traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and limited active transportation infrastructure. Now, I need your help.

The city is also hosting two east-end specific information sessions. One in person, and one virtual. They are:

In-person:

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Ray Friel Recreation Centre

1585 Tenth Line Road

Virtual:

Monday, May 5, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Please register by clicking here.

This is our chance to make the case for investment in Ward 19, and we can't let the opportunity pass us by!

While I always love hearing from you directly, do note that the best way to have your feedback on this issue captured at this time is to fill out the surveys above.

Second open house for proposed Navan and Milton roundabout

A reminder about the upcoming second open house for the Navan and Milton roundabout on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 7-8:30 pm at Aquaview Community Center (318 Aquaview Drive).

This drop-in style event will offer a chance to review the updated and latest design details and share your feedback with staff on-site—no formal presentation, just an opportunity to ask questions and share your input.

In September, I requested feedback from the farming community and area trucking companies on the proposed roundabout. Last November, we also had a great first information session at the Navan Arena. I appreciate everyone who both came and sent in comments.

Feedback so far has been shared with staff, and now is the opportunity to have your voice heard in person again.

East-end virtual information session for New Ways to Bus launch

New Ways to Bus includes more than 100 routes and is planned to launch on Sunday, April 27, 2025, opening new connections across the city. Every neighbourhood and most customers will see changes to their trip.

The new network is a key part of OC Transpo’s 5-Year Roadmap and is based on the results of the 2023 Bus Route Review.

To understand specific route changes, OC Transpo will be holding a virtual east-end focused public information session next Tuesday, April 15 from 7 – 8:30 pm.

To register, please click here.

McFadden barn reopens in Navan

Last Saturday was a special day in Navan.

When the May 2022 derecho tore through Ottawa, it hit rural properties in our community especially hard. The McFadden’s barn collapsed on their cows, and while Trim Rd was left devastated, neighbours left the damage at their own properties to help get them out.

After two long years, the temporarily relocated McFadden cows came back to a state-of-the-art facility, and last week we had the chance to gather as a community to officially welcome them home.

When faced with starting over, the McFadden family decided to build back bigger and better. The cows are now fed and milked by robots, have space to roam and are living the good life with a family who persevered through hard times.

It was heartwarming to see the hundreds who came out to celebrate this touching full circle moment, and I was grateful to be joined by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

Thank you, rink operators!

A big thank you to all the dedicated community volunteers in Orléans South – Navan who maintain our outdoor rinks every year. This year marked the first season in a few years that cold temperatures remained for the better part of the winter, but you also had to contend with record snowfalls.

It was great to celebrate you and all your hard work on Thursday night with a pizza party at Navan Arena!

I look forward to working with the community associations again when it’s time to prep for the 2026 season.

Ottawa Public Health distributing free well water testing kits

Did you know? Spring is a great time of year to test your well water. Snowmelt and spring showers can contaminate your well if the well is not properly maintained.

Starting on this week, Ottawa Public Health will be in the Navan, Metcalfe, and Greely communities promoting free private well water testing. They will be visiting homes delivering free well water sample kits. If you don’t receive a well water sample kit at your door, there are a number of locations where you can pick-up and drop-off a sample bottle for free.

For a list of sites, and for more information on testing your well water visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WellWaterTest

2025 Hazardous Waste Drop Off Events released

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event schedule has been released with one date in Orléans.

These events help to protect the environment and decrease the risk of toxic materials ending up in our collection vehicles or landfills.

Saturday, August 9, 2025 - Innes Snow Dump (2170 Mer Bleue Road)

For the most up-to-date schedule, and to see the list of acceptable items, please visit https://bit.ly/3nrqnDt.

Access to Free Employment and Newcomer Services at the YMCA’s Hub in Orleans!

Last December, the YMCA of the National Capital Region opened a new hub for employment and newcomer services located at 105-240 Centrum Boulevard in Orleans.

Like the Y’s Central and West locations, the East hub provides employment support for job seekers and employers, as well as essential resources and services for newcomers navigating life in a new country.

Y Employment Access Centres provide job seekers with personalized resume help, assistance in determining and achieving certifications to work in Ontario’s skilled trades, effective job searching and interview techniques, insight into subsidized placement options, and supportive guidance to help clients reach their career goals. They also provide employers with recruitment services to help them find employees with the necessary skills to build a successful business.

Y Newcomer Information Centres provide access to vital information and referral services to help newcomers successfully settle in Canada. Their teams of trained Information Specialists work to develop action plans that provide newcomers with everything they need to thrive in their new life, including language assessments, webinars about important topics like Canadian citizenship preparation, and more. Services are offered in English and French, and Y staff speak many other languages as well. Whenever possible, clients may be served in their first language.

YMCA Employment and Newcomer services are open to all and there is no fee to participate.

Ward 20 Updates

Welcome to this week’s update for Ward 20!

Throughout this transitional period, our team remains here to assist you with municipal concerns, connect you with resources, and keep you informed about what’s happening in our community.

Whether it’s a question about city services, road maintenance, or local initiatives, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help and we encourage you to connect with us at either Ward20@Ottawa.ca or 613-580-2490 whenever you need assistance.

Outreach Collection for Naomi’s Place

The Osgoode Outreach has been collecting household items, personal care items, and craft items for children and adults for Naomi’s Place and will continue to do so through April.

You can find more details on specific items this Resource Centre needs at naomiscentre.ca.

While they may not be physically located in Ward 20, this centre provides support to many across the area.

Sandbag locations in Ward 20

The City’s Spring Freshet Task Force continues to monitor conditions in coordination with our external partners and should more sandbag depots, open residents can find them here.

In Ward 20, sandbags are available at 2155 Roger Stevens Drive.

Hydro One Scheduled Outage

There will be a scheduled Hydro One outage on Sunday, May 4 from 7 am to 12 pm affecting parts of Manotick, Osgoode, and Metcalfe.

While we all know these outages are not ideal, they are necessary to keep up with maintenance on the grid and we all appreciate your patience throughout the outage.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event in Ward 20

The City of Ottawa will be hosting another round of nine hazardous waste drop-off events throughout 2025.

On Saturday, May 24th one will be held in Ward 20 at the Rideau Carleton Casino from 8AM to 4PM.

For more details on what items are accepted and other event locations please visit Ottawa.ca/HHW.

The Council on Aging's 50th Anniversary and Spring Luncheon

The Council on Aging of Ottawa is hosting its Annual Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23 at the Infinity Conference Centre, marking its 50th anniversary with a special gathering expected to draw over 500 attendees, including community leaders, older adults, and officials from all levels of government.

This year’s keynote speaker is the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, who will share her insights on aging drawn from a lifetime of public service, storytelling, and advocacy.

The event begins with a networking reception at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch and the formal program at noon; more information and tickets are available at https://bit.ly/SpringLuncheon2025.

Report a pothole

Spring is here, which means… it’s also pothole season!

With freeze-thaw cycles in full effect, Roads and Parking Services crews have already started repairs across the city.

If you come across a pothole in need of attention, you can report it through the City’s online service request system here.

Residents are asked to stay off sports fields and baseball diamonds

While we have seen the snow melting recently and have enjoyed some above-normal temperatures, residents are reminded that sports fields and ball diamonds still remain closed.

Ball diamonds and sports fields need maintenance and drying time before they open and could be damaged if used while in their current condition.

We will be monitoring the field and weather conditions throughout the remainder of March and April. Once it has been we have determined that ball diamonds and sports fields are ready for play not at risk, we will advise the public and confirm the opening dates.