Orléans South-Navan Community Update | April 25th, 2026

Councillor's Message

Good morning! It’s been a busy week, wrapping up with the Sarsfield Community Association AGM last night. This week’s update is reaching you a little later than usual, but with the sun shining this morning, it feels like a great day for an Ottawa Senators win!

Playoff hockey is back in Ottawa, and you can still feel the energy across the city as fans rally behind the Sems. Raising the flag at City Hall helped kick things off, and while the start of the series definitely hasn’t gone the way we hoped, it's been great to see so many people out supporting our local businesses. 

All eyes are on Game 4 today at the Canadian Tire Centre. Go Sens Go!

Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to attend Crosspoint Baptist Church in Navan on for a community-led information session on the ALTO high-speed rail project. I want to thank the organizers and residents who came out to share their perspectives. These conversations are important, and I continue to keep a very close pulse on what people in our community are saying and the very real, legitimate concerns being raised.

There is no question this proposal is generating real anxiety and anger, as Ward 19 lies within the corridor under study. Concerns have only intensified as private landowners are being approached for access to assess soil conditions. Communication to date has not met the standard residents deserve, and that has compounded uncertainty and frustration.

Even before a corridor was identified, I was clear in my opposition to any proposal that would see the loss of the Prescott–Russell Recreation Trail. I have communicated that position directly to the ALTO team, both publicly and in a one-on-one meeting.

Now that a corridor is under study, I have serious and growing concerns about the potential for land expropriation, including where it could affect agricultural lands and families who have lived in their homes for generations. I do not support a path forward that would come at that kind of cost to our community.

I will continue to press for clear answers and elevate the concerns I’m hearing. At the same time, I want to be clear that ALTO is not a City of Ottawa project, and municipal council does not have decision-making authority over whether or not it proceeds. That is why it is important for residents to share their feedback directly with the ALTO project team, as well as with your Member of Parliament. Being clear about where decisions are made is key to ensuring resident input has the greatest impact. Both Members of Parliament representing our area have indicated they’re hearing considerable support for the project, which differs significantly from the feedback I’m receiving from residents.

Projects of this scale must respect the communities they affect. Dismissing concerns about potential expropriation or fundamental changes to the character of our communities is unacceptable. Questions about cost and overall value must also be answered. 

I remain committed to listening to my community and advocating on your behalf. Hearing directly from residents and understanding their valid concerns continues to be a personal priority for me as this project evolves.

Over the past two weeks, much of my focus has been on responding to the coyote activity in the Lalande Conservation Area in Avalon. I want to thank residents for their engagement and patience as we work through this in a responsible and pragmatic way, grounded in best practices. My team was out door-knocking last Thursday, speaking directly with impacted residents, answering questions, and ensuring people have the information they need to stay safe. By-law officers were also out over the weekend speaking with residents as well.

Following several site visits by the City’s Wildlife Resource Coordinator and a representative from Coyote Watch Canada, a probable coyote birth den has been identified. Given the time of year, it is very possible that pups are already present. This is a critical piece of context. The behaviours many residents have observed, including in recent videos, are considered defensive, not aggressive, which is an important nuance. Coyotes are known to “escort” or “warn” people and dogs who come too close to a den as part of their natural protective instincts.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are strongly encouraging residents to avoid the immediate area around the woodlot for the time being. Dogs must be kept leashed at all times, and I would encourage residents to use Provence as an alternative route instead of the informal pathways north of Plainridge Crescent, where most interactions have occurred.

I also want to be very clear: feeding wildlife must stop. There have been reports of people feeding coyotes in the area, and this poses a serious risk. Feeding leads to habituation and increases the likelihood of unsafe interactions. Coyotes have more than enough natural food sources in this area, and human feeding is both unnecessary and dangerous.

I recognize how important these pathways are to the community, whether for recreation, connecting to parks, or getting to school. The goal here is to maintain safe coexistence while giving wildlife the space they need during this sensitive period. The situation is being actively monitored by By-law Services and City Natural Systems staff, in collaboration with Coyote Watch Canada, and adjustments will be made as needed.

A few important reminders:

• Avoid the area around the den

• Keep dogs leashed at all times

• Do not feed wildlife

• Respect all posted signage

• Report sightings through 3-1-1 or the City’s online reporting tool

At Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday, we received the annual update on the Road Safety Action Plan, including the financial and safety implications resulting from Bill 56 and the province’s decision to discontinue the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program.

I want to be clear: this is a provincial decision that the City had no say in. Automated speed enforcement was one of the most effective tools we had, particularly in school and community safety zones to change driver behaviour. Without it, we are already seeing reduced compliance and more speeding in areas where we should expect the highest level of caution.

This also comes with financial implications. The removal of ASE has eliminated a dedicated revenue stream that was being reinvested directly into road safety initiatives, meaning fewer resources available at a time when risks are increasing. The annual budget has been slashed in half from $15M last year, to just $7.5M this year. That funding is now being drawn from reserves rather than paid for by those who are speeding in our communities, shifting the cost from those breaking the rules onto taxpayers as a whole.

More broadly, the Road Safety Action Plan update highlighted several concerning trends. We are seeing increases in collisions in rural areas, a rise in e-bike related incidents, and a growing share of serious collisions occurring at intersections. These are not abstract issues and they reflect real changes in how people are using our roads and where risks emerge.

As a follow-up, I submitted an inquiry about how we can better expand or leverage enforcement tools such as the City’s pilot use of school bus stop-arm cameras. Staff confirmed that the pilot is still in its early stages, but it is already generating useful data, including a notable number of violations where drivers are failing to stop for school buses. They also noted that any broader rollout would require close coordination with school bus operators and the Province, particularly in relation to enforcement authority and the ticketing process. I asked staff to come back with more detail on what would be required to scale the program, including costs, operational requirements, and whether there is an opportunity to deploy this tool more strategically in higher-risk locations.

From my perspective, this is the challenge in front of us: we are being asked to deliver on road safety outcomes with fewer tools and less funding, while the pressures on our road network continue to grow annually. I will continue to advocate for practical, evidence-based solutions that actually change behaviour and improve safety for everyone.

As always, there’s a lot happening across the ward, and I remain committed to keeping you informed.

Two major transportation infrastructure projects to start construction in May

On May 4, construction will begin on not one, but two major transportation infrastructure projects at the same time. This marks a significant milestone in the work I’ve been pushing forward to improve safety, reduce congestion, and keep pace with the growth in Orléans South–Navan.

First, work is starting at the intersection of Mer Bleue Road and Décoeur Drive/Copperhead Street. This will be upgraded to a protected, signalized intersection, designed with safety at the forefront. The project includes dedicated cycling crossings and signals, corner safety islands, and improved geometry to better separate pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Construction will run through to winter 2026, with final paving in spring 2027. Throughout the project, pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained, along with two-way traffic on Mer Bleue Road and local access for residents.

At the same time, construction will begin at Brian Coburn Boulevard and Tenth Line Road, one of the most challenging intersections in the ward. This project will extend the eastbound left-turn lane into the Shops at Tenth Line plaza, allowing turning vehicles to move out of the through lane. This is a targeted, practical improvement that will reduce queuing and ease congestion along one of our busiest corridors. The bus stop on the north side will also be relocated, to avoid queuing in the intersection. It builds on earlier signal upgrades and is moving ahead in advance of the full corridor widening that is currently in design. 

In both cases, traffic will be maintained in both directions, and access for pedestrians, cyclists, and businesses will remain in place. As with all construction, there will be temporary impacts but these projects are about delivering long-term improvements where they are needed most.

Thank you for your patience every single day as I chip away at these challenges and remain relentless in pushing forward the transportation infrastructure our community needs and deserves.

Two-week full closure of a portion of Ventus Way starts Monday

Starting this upcoming Monday, April 27 through to Friday, May 8, Ventus Way will be temporarily closed south of the Halo Car Wash/U-Haul to de Jargeau Road.

This closure is required to allow Glenview Homes to complete critical underground servicing work for Phase 4 of their Commons subdivision, including sewer and watermain connections. Because this work involves deep excavations across the full width of the roadway, a full closure is necessary. A lane closure only option was reviewed when submitted, but due to crew safety concerns, a full closure is required.

During this time, a signed detour will be in place via Lamarche Avenue. Local access only will be maintained from de Jargeau Road to Ventus Way, and both the Halo Car Wash and U-Haul will remain open and accessible for all.

To support the detour, temporary no parking and no stopping restrictions will be in effect along both sides of Lamarche Avenue (Innes Road to Argonaut Circle), as well as on de Jargeau, Ventus, and Ludis within the closure area. These measures are necessary to keep traffic moving safely through the detour route.I have been in direct contact with developers currently active in the Orléans Village area and have strongly requested that they minimize construction traffic on Lamarche during this period. While I cannot legally restrict their operations during the closure period, I have made it clear that Lamarche will serve as the primary community detour and should be respected as such.

I have also proactively notified both school boards to ensure any impacts to school transportation are managed in advance. This is on top of the formal circulation that goes out to all impacted stakeholders, which is part of the already established road closure permit process.For those walking or cycling, the multi-use pathway and sidewalk are expected to remain open and unobstructed.As with the February Lamarche closure, City staff have confirmed that a secondary access point is not required for this specific closure. Emergency access will be maintained at all times, which meets the City’s standard requirement of ensuring at least one point of access into and out of a community during temporary closures. This is consistent with how many new developing neighbourhoods across Ottawa function, including those with single access points or cul-de-sacs. The City also retains the ability to require the closed road to reopen on short notice if needed, and the contractor must maintain a 24/7 emergency contact to respond to any such request. It is also a condition of any road closure permit, which is being followed in this specific case.

On traffic operations, I have already met proactively with Traffic Services to review signal timing along the detour. The signal at Lamarche and Innes operates on a responsive system based on real-time traffic queues and is supported by a permanent traffic camera, allowing staff to make adjustments as needed.

Finally, I will continue working closely with staff and holding the developers accountable to ensure proper street sweeping and the detour route remains clean throughout the closure for safe passage.

Thank you for your patience as this necessary work is completed to support continued growth in our community.

Full closure of Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks

To support underground infrastructure work at three separate infill projects that are being built in a row, crews are required to close the southern Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks.

Work will begin on Monday, May 11 and continue until Wednesday, May 20. During this time, the intersection will be closed, however, the crosswalk and sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.

The closure is located at the southern Pagé/Nature Trail intersection and not the northern one, allowing for full local access to remain for homes on Nature Trail and Noblewood.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regular annual tree and vegetation maintenance scheduled by Hydro One

Hydro One is scheduled to complete regular tree and vegetation maintenance in the transmission corridor from Navan Road to the Orléans Transformer Station on Lanthier Drive. Please note this work is not part of the Orléans area reinforcement project; it is part of their regular vegetation maintenance cycle.

Forestry Technicians will soon remove or trim (if possible) trees and other vegetation that could pose a risk to the electrical system. They are anticipating removing mainly brush and some tree removals, with some work being completed near residential properties. 

Hydro One will be dropping notices to any adjacent  impacted properties. If you have any questions, please contact 1-877-345-6799 or Community.Relations@HydroOne.com.

O-Train Line 1 service will start at noon on Sunday

R1 buses will run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations from 8 am until noon.  

Shuttles will connect: 

• St-Laurent and Cyrville stations 

• Lees Station and Mackenzie King Bridge

O-Train Extension testing and commissioning work will be taking place during this time.

Ward-specific changes to OC Transpo operation following spring service adjustment

Over the last year, I have been working closely with the team at OC Transpo to identify causes for the chronic issues with bus routes in our community, most notably, Route 30. In spring of last year, I asked OC Transpo to undertake a compressive review of Route 30's operation. Utilizing real-time operator reports, GPS analytics, traffic data, and of course, feedback from customers, OC Transpo was able to identify the key areas where buses are being slowed down and held up by traffic. In the fall, staff came to me with a detailed analysis which identified all the key areas that are creating challenges for the buses.

My first goal was to ensure that buses were arriving at bus stops when scheduled. As part of the Spring Service Adjustment, OC Transpo has confirmed changes have been made the Route 30 schedules to be reflective of actual operation and the realities of the transportation network. Additional buffer time has been added between stops along key areas of the route where buses are consistently being slowed down, helping to ensure that even when a bus is stuck in traffic, it will still arrive at the next stop on-time.

I want to acknowledge that these changes do not help address the amount of time it takes for the bus to help deliver customers to LRT. Addressing this issue is something that will require major changes to the transportation infrastructure in Ward 19. The biggest of these changes is the expansion of Brian Coburn, which is the area causing the most challenge for our transit network. It is important to note that when work on the expansion begins, there will be an opportunity for supporting infrastructure, such as que-jumps, bus-only signals, stop consolidations, etc., that will allow for transit to move more quickly along the corridor.

I want to also mention that there has been several concerns with overcrowding on buses, most notably with school routes, and I want to share that OC Transpo has taken steps to help ensure these are mitigated moving forward. In the morning, additional runs of Route 34 have been added to help alleviate pressure on Route 637. Other routes that have been identified to have challenges with overcrowding are being addressed on a case-by-case basis, with some specific runs of routes being updated to higher-capacity buses (60ft and double-decker buses) wherever possible, and contingent on fleet availability of these buses. It is also important to note that with more consistent on-time performance, overcrowding is expected to become less of an issue moving forward.

I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued patience as I've worked relentlessly with OC Transpo, and for everyone who continues to reach out to me and expressing very real and very legitimate concerns. While I fully appreciate that there is still significant work to be done, rest assured that I am fully aware of the challenges being faced by all the residents of our community, and I will continue working tirelessly and collaboratively with OC Transpo to address these issues and help create an efficient, on-time transit network in our community. 

Province reaffirms commitment to LRT and 174 upload agreements for Ottawa

On Tuesday morning, I attended the Mayor’s Breakfast Series where an important milestone was reached for transit in Ottawa. Provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh Sakaria and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe signed an agreement to move forward with uploading the City’s LRT system to the Province.

While there is still work to be done to finalize the legal and technical details, this represents a significant and long-overdue step toward a fairer approach to transit funding in our city.

For years, Ottawa has been in a very different position compared to other major cities in Ontario. In places like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton, the Province has taken the lead in funding and building major transit infrastructure, often covering the full cost before transferring those assets to municipalities. In Ottawa, however, local taxpayers have carried a much larger share of the burden. For both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the LRT, the City entered into cost-sharing agreements and ultimately absorbed a significant portion of the costs, including pandemic-related pressures.

That has had real consequences. Today, more than a quarter of OC Transpo’s operating budget is tied up in LRT-related debt servicing and lifecycle costs. That is funding that could otherwise be used to improve service, whether that’s increasing frequency, enhancing reliability, or expanding the network.

Uploading the LRT to the Province begins to address that imbalance, with $85M per year projected in savings. Over time, it is expected to free up billions of dollars that can be reinvested directly into Ottawa’s transit system. Just as importantly, it aligns Ottawa with the model used across the province, where rapid transit infrastructure is supported at the provincial level.

This is not about walking away from transit or shifting responsibility, it is about ensuring Ottawa is treated equitably and that our system is set up for long-term success. There is still more work ahead, but this announcement opens the door to improving transit in Ottawa in a way that simply has not been possible under the current model.

The signed agreement also outlines the final steps toward the provincial upload of the 174, a commitment included in the “new deal” signed by the Mayor and the Premier in spring 2024. That process has been moving through due diligence, and the City has already received millions from the province to help offset costs.

At its core, this is about righting a historical wrong. Regional Road 174 functions like a 400-series highway and should never have been the City’s responsibility. The costs associated with maintaining and operating a road of that scale should not fall on local property taxpayers. I will continue to push for those savings to be reinvested into east end infrastructure priorities. 

Working to address challenging conditions on rural roads

This time of year is always tough on our rural road network, and I know many of you are feeling it right now. Between the spring thaw and nearly a full week of non-stop rain, conditions on gravel roads across the rural parts of our ward have deteriorated. I hear the frustration, and I share it.

These are the same roads I drive on every day. I see the potholes, the wash boarding, and the soft shoulders firsthand. It’s not lost on me how challenging conditions have been, especially over the past month.

In our office, I have staff dedicated to working directly with Public Works crews to flag problem areas and ensure the worst sections are prioritized for grading. Every request that comes in is logged, tracked, and shared. We are actively communicating with crews on where attention is needed most, and I want residents to know those emails and calls are not going into a void.

That said, I also want to be transparent about the current situation. With the ongoing spring freshet and flooding response in Cumberland, many Public Works resources in the east have been temporarily reassigned to support those efforts. On top of that, the consistent rainfall we experienced last week made it difficult to carry out rural re-grading work effectively, as wet conditions limit what crews can do without causing further damage.

As conditions begin to dry out and resources are freed up, grading will resume, and problem areas will be addressed. I continue to push staff to prioritize our rural network and to respond as quickly as possible once it’s feasible to do so.

Second open house for E2-South Innes expansion lands

A second public open house has been scheduled for the E2 South Innes future neighbourhood lands.

Additional lands were brought into the urban boundary through the last round of boundary expansion in early 2020, before I was elected. As with all lands added to the urban boundary, they now move into the next stage of the planning process, where residents are invited to help shape the plan for the area.

The drop-in style session will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm at Notre-Dame-des-Champs Community Hall (3659 Navan Road). This follows the first open house held in July 2024, where background information was shared.

I would have preferred to see this meeting held closer to the expansion lands themselves. However, staff explored several different venue options and, given the timelines associated with this process, Notre-Dame-des-Champs was the only available location.

The E2 lands, located near Trim and Innes, are identified in the City’s Official Plan as a future neighbourhood. At approximately 20 hectares, the area is expected to accommodate around 1,000 new residents as the city continues to grow.

Resident input plays a role in shaping these plans. I encourage anyone interested to attend, learn more, and share their perspective as we work to ensure this new neighbourhood is planned thoughtfully and responsibly.

Staying prepared as flood conditions evolve in Cumberland

With rising water levels along the Ottawa River, flooding continues to be a concern across our region, including in Cumberland. Recent rainfall combined with spring snowmelt has led to increasing river levels, with minor flood thresholds already exceeded in several areas and some locations approaching major flood levels.

Locally, we are closely monitoring conditions, particularly along vulnerable areas near the Ottawa River, including Cumberland and parts of Orléans near Petrie Island. Some road closures and pathway disruptions have already been put in place as a precaution, and residents may notice impacts to access in low-lying areas.

The City has activated a number of supports, including sandbag depots for residents who may need them. Sandbags should be filled no more than one half to two thirds full. This allows them to be stacked more effectively and helps prevent bursting. Once filled, make sure they are packed firmly so they create a tight, solid barrier against water.

When stacking sandbags, place them in a staggered pattern, similar to how bricks are laid. This helps strengthen the structure and reduces the risk of gaps or collapse. Be sure to press each bag down firmly as you build your barrier.

It’s important to remember that this situation can evolve. Even if water levels begin to stabilize, they may remain high for an extended period, and shoreline conditions can change quickly. I encourage residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to stay informed, take precautions where necessary, and avoid closed roads and pathways.

A week of AGMs in Navan, Chapel Hill South, and Sarsfield

It’s annual general meeting season across Ward 19, and it’s been a busy and rewarding week connecting directly with our community associations.

On Monday, it was the Navan Community Association AGM, followed by Chapel Hill South on Wednesday, and Sarsfield last night. These meetings are always a great opportunity to hear directly from residents, share updates, and have meaningful conversations about what’s happening in each community.

I want to take a moment to thank our community associations for the incredible work they do year in and year out. Whether it’s organizing free events and BBQs, operating outdoor rinks, and serving as a strong and informed voice for their neighbourhoods, their contributions make a real difference. They are often the first point of contact and play a key role in keeping our communities connected and engaged.

I was able to provide a detailed “state of the union” update specific to each community, covering development activity, traffic calming efforts, and other local priorities. These conversations are important, not just for sharing information, but for ensuring I’m hearing directly from residents about what matters most to them.

A special thank you to Rylee from Chapel Hill South, Luc from Navan, and Caroline from Sarsfield for their leadership and for the invitation to attend. Your dedication and commitment to your communities does not go unnoticed. I'm looking forward to attending Bradley Estates' AGM at the end of May.

Adjusting the hardscaping by-law to reduce costs and improve clarity

Last fall, Council approved a new licensing framework for contractors doing “hardscaping” work, such as driveways, paving stones, and interlock. The intent was clear: protect homeowners and crack down on bad actors carrying out illegal work, particularly oversized driveways that don’t meet City regulations. However, as the rules began to roll out, it became clear that some aspects of the by-law were having unintended consequences for legitimate, hardworking businesses.

Over the past several weeks, I worked closely alongside Councillor David Hill, David Brown, and the Mayor’s Office to listen to concerns from the industry and ensure we got this right. Contractors and industry representatives made it clear that certain requirements were overly rigid and could impose significant, unnecessary costs on compliant businesses.

One of the biggest concerns raised was a requirement for large vehicle decals with very specific sizing rules. For some contractors, complying would have meant thousands of dollars in new costs. Through amendments brought forward at committee, that requirement has now been adjusted to ensure decals are simply clear and legible, maintaining accountability without creating an undue financial burden.

We also worked to clarify the scope of the by-law. As originally written, there was concern that even minor or incidental work, such as adjusting a few paving stones as part of another project, could require a full license. The updated language now makes it clear that this was never the intent, ensuring small-scale or incidental work is not unnecessarily captured.

Another practical change addressed how businesses provide an address for licensing purposes. Many contractors operate primarily in the field, and requiring a traditional office setup was not always realistic. The revised approach reflects how these businesses actually operate day to day.

This is a good example of how we can work collaboratively, respond to real concerns, and fine-tune policy to strike the right balance of protecting residents while supporting local businesses who are doing things the right way.

There is still more work to do, particularly when it comes to enforcement and ensuring bad actors don’t simply ignore the rules. But this was an important step in making sure the by-law is fair, practical, and effective.

Want to make a lasting impact on Ottawa’s environment? Here’s your chance!

Trees do so much for our city - absorbing rainwater, improving air quality, capturing carbon, and keeping our neighborhoods cool in the summer. They also add beauty to our communities and create essential habitat for wildlife, supporting biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem. With 40% of Ottawa’s urban area on private property, there’s a huge opportunity to expand our urban canopy - and we need your help to make it happen!  

This year, EnviroCentre is excited to partner once again with the City of Ottawa to deliver Plant Your Place! 

Now in its second year, the program is doubling in size and we’re distributing 2,400 free trees in 2026 to help residents green their private properties. Registered participants will pick up their trees at our Spring Tree Distribution events… and we need your help to make it all happen! 

There will be a full day tree distribution event on Saturday, June 6, at 2035 Trim Road. and we are looking for volunteers to support various shifts. Feel free to sign up for as many events as you like! 

Ready to help?  Click here to sign up!

2026 Hazardous Waste Drop Off events released

Mark your calendars! The 2026 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 8, 2026 - Innes Snow Dump (2170 Mer Bleue Road)

For the full up-to-date schedule, and to see the list of acceptable items, please click here.

Ottawa has a new primary care ambassador

Access to a family doctor remains one of the most pressing challenges facing residents across our community and city. While healthcare delivery is a provincial responsibility, the reality is that when people can’t access primary care, it affects everything from quality of life to our ability to grow as a city and support healthy communities.

That’s why, in October 2025, Council approved a Primary Care Provider Recruitment and Retention Strategy, and since then, we’ve been working to turn that direction into real, on-the-ground progress. As Chair of the Ottawa Public Health, I’ve been particularly focused on how we strengthen coordination across the system and ensure residents can access the care they need when they need it.

A key step forward in that work is the creation and now the hiring of a dedicated Primary Care Ambassador. I’m pleased to share that Danielle Vernooy has joined the City in this role, bringing strong experience from her work with the Kids Come First Health Team at CHEO and across Ontario Health Teams in Eastern Ontario. Her focus will be on connecting partners, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, and helping advance new approaches to improving access to care.

This role is about building bridges. That includes working more closely with local Ontario Health Teams, supporting team-based models of care, and partnering with institutions like the University of Ottawa to strengthen training opportunities for new physicians. It also includes promoting Ottawa as a place where healthcare professionals want to live and work, through regional and national recruitment efforts.

From a public health perspective, access to primary care is foundational. It means earlier diagnoses, better management of chronic conditions, and ultimately, healthier communities. While the City does not control the healthcare system, we do have a role to play in bringing partners together, advocating for our residents, and doing everything we can locally to improve access.

This is an important step in the right direction, and I look forward to working alongside Danielle in her new role.

Registration is still open for Spring 2026’s Cleaning the Capital campaign

Spring is here, and so is the Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign!

Plan a litter cleanup project with your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues and help keep our city beautiful.

Register your project by May 4: ottawa.ca/clean

New grants available through the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORCWP) provides funding for projects that protect surface water and groundwater quality.

Landowners completing projects in 2026 may be eligible for grants of up to $15,000 depending on the project they are undertaking. The next application deadline has been extended to May 15, 2026.

New grants are available for living snow fences! Grants are also available for 18 kinds of projects related to nutrient management, soil protection, water management, land stewardship, and education and innovation. Farmers from rural and urban Ottawa, along with landowners within rural Ottawa, are eligible to apply. Non-profit organizations can apply for education and innovation projects.

Applications will be accepted through the Rural Clean Water Program, which works in partnership with the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities and the City of Ottawa.

Contact the Rural Clean Water Program at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136, toll free at 1-800-267-3504. Visit ottawa.ca/cleanwater to see a full list of eligible projects and to apply online.