Orléans South-Navan Community Update | July 25, 2025

Councillor's Message

I hope everyone is having a great summer!

We’ve finally made it to a short break in the legislative agenda. Committee work will resume in mid-August. In the meantime, my team and I will continue to be available to assist with important community work throughout the summer.

This past Wednesday marked an important council meeting with the approval of the Transportation Master Plan. You all know how hard I've been fighting to fix the transportation situation in our community, so please read more on that below.

I hope to see you TOMORROW at my annual Millennium Park BBQ! Come join me at 100 Millennium Boulevard tomorrow, Saturday, July 26 from 1-3 pm for live music, a free BBQ, face-painting, and tons of family fun.

Monkey Rock Music will be back again playing tunes for the little ones with a scheduled performance from 1:30 - 2:30 pm. Food is first come first served.

See you there!

Ongoing closures due to critical infrastructure work across Orléans South-Navan

As we head into the dog days of summer, here’s a round-up of construction impacts around Ward 19:

🚧Innes & Lamarche

Construction started this past Monday, July 21 on important infrastructure servicing in the Orléans Village area to support the Caivan and Lépine subdivisions, as well as the future traffic signal at Innes and Lamarche.

Hydro Ottawa and Caivan crews are servicing 245 and 275 Lamarche via portion of Innes and Lamarche. Lépine will follow right behind Caivan with servicing for their 240 and 270 Lamarche subdivision, and then infrastructure work for the signalization of Innes and Lamarche is scheduled to begin mid-August, with full signalization completion expected and targeted by mid-November 2025.

On Lamarche Avenue, residents can expect the west sidewalk to be closed and one lane of traffic to be reduced with flaggers in place to help manage traffic flow. On Innes Road, there will be no sidewalk or lane closures, as work will take place within the boulevard and won’t impact traffic.

Work may occur in tandem on both Lamarche and Innes, but no weekend work is planned for this specific phase of construction.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as both servicing takes place for new homes, and critical work for the much-needed signalization happens.

🚧Sarsfield Road Bridge Replacement

The bridge on Sarsfield Road, about 1.1 km east of Dunning Road, is now closed for a full replacement.

It’s served us well but has reached the end of its service life. The new bridge will be wider and continue to accommodate two lanes of traffic. Local access is being maintained for the four farms in the area, but through traffic is detoured. The work is expected to continue until mid-November 2025.

🚧Roundabout Work at Navan & Milton

Utility relocation work has begun at the Navan and Milton intersection in preparation for a new roundabout. Enbridge, Bell, Rogers and Hydro One are all on-site moving infrastructure to make way for the new layout. While the roads remain open during this phase, there are off-peak single-lane closures—so please drive carefully. Construction of the roundabout is expected to begin in August, and this project has been shaped by valuable input from local farmers, truck operators and residents through multiple public sessions.

🚧Navan Road Closure (Pagé to Renaud)

Since June 23, Navan Road has been fully closed between Pagé and just west of Renaud for a major servicing project related to the Groupe Heafey development at Brian Coburn and Navan.

Two crews are working simultaneously to speed things up, and the closure is expected to last 8–10 weeks. Detours are in place via Mer Bleue and Brian Coburn.

To help with traffic flow, the contractor temporarily removed the “porkchop” median at Pagé and Navan to allow some north/south movement during Phase 1 of construction. It’s not a long-term fix, but it should help reduce some of the headaches in the short term.

🚧Dunning Road Closure (Régimbald to Giroux)

Due to urgent culvert replacements that need to take place as soon as possible, the Dunning Road closure originally scheduled from the beginning of August until late-September has been moved up.

As a result, Dunning Road from Régimbald Road to Giroux Road will now be closed until Friday, August 22, 2025

I know it’s disruptive, so thank you for your continued patience as we push forward on these much-needed infrastructure upgrades and road rehabilitation projects.

O-Train Line 1 service adjustments this weekend

On July 26 and 27, there will be adjustments to Line 1 service for integration work on the O-Train East extension.

For a detailed schedule and maps of service adjustments, please click here.

Council approves the Transportation Master Plan Part 2 update

After years of hard work, advocacy, and persistence, I am happy to share that Council has officially approved the Transportation Master Plan Part 2 — and for the first time in a long time, it delivers for Orléans South–Navan.

I have made it my mission to ensure our community was no longer an afterthought when it comes to transportation infrastructure. We’ve seen a similar pattern for far too long — families move in, schools open, thousands of homes built, and yet the roads stay the same. One way in, one way out. Traffic bottlenecks. Poor connectivity. Limited transit. Unsafe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.

This plan changes that.

Thanks to sustained advocacy, data-backed research, and — most importantly — the collective voice of Ward 19 residents, we now have real, prioritized commitments to long-overdue projects in our community. This includes the widening of Brian Coburn Boulevard, the realignment of Renaud Road, the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and key arterial upgrades — all built on “complete streets” principles that support all road users: drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders alike.

I want to highlight a few of the major projects secured through this TMP update:

• The Brian Coburn Widening (Mer Bleue to Tenth Line) is now a Committed Project, unlocking the ability to adjust future budgets (starting in 2026) to reassign funding and advance construction timelines in the near term.

• The Brian Coburn Widening (Navan to Mer Bleue) originally positioned in Phase 2 in the first draft (10-20 year time horizon), has been moved up to Phase 1 of the City’s Priority Network, meaning construction will follow Committed Projects.

• The Cumberland Bus Rapid Transitway is second in priority to all transit projects city-wide and has been given priority status for federal funding through the upcoming 2026 Canada Public Transit Fund — a major step forward in advancing east-end transit infrastructure.

• The Innes Road Priority Measures remains a Committed Project and is currently moving forward to detailed design and funding allocation. You will start to see field-surveying and soil texting along Innes in the next couple of weeks.

• The Renaud Road Realignment remains a Committed Project and design is underway. On track for construction to begin by 2028 once allocated funding has been secured.

• The Déceour and Mer Bleue intersection improvements is also progressing, with construction expected to begin in 2026.

• The Mer Bleue and Renaud intersection improvements will also be added to the project timelines of Décoeur and Mer Bleue for review and detailed design.

• The Signalization of Innes and Lamarche, while not officially part of the Transportation Master Plan, is a key improvement I was able to accelerate. The warrant study originally didn’t anticipate signalization being needed until 2031, but I pushed to have it prioritized — and I’m pleased to share that work is already underway with targeted completion of the intersection by November 2025.

• And several active transportation projects that were approved in TMP Part 1, and re-confirmed in TMP Part 2, including:

  • Bike lanes where feasible on Aquaview, from Brian Coburn to Esprit

  • Eastbound separated cycling facilities on Innes Rd from the Blackburn Hamlet Bypass to Orléans Blvd

  • An eastbound multi-use pathway on Brian Coburn from Mer Bleue to Portobello.

  • Westbound bike lanes on Brian Coburn from Montmere to Mer Bleue where feasible.

  • And bike lanes on Portobello, south of Brian Coburn to Valin, where feasible.

Just as importantly, I brought forward several successful motions that will help ensure the City doesn't continue to approve new developments without clear plans for the infrastructure to support them. Staff have been directed to report back on how and when key road and transit projects can be delivered before new homes are approved, and how new funding strategies could help speed up road construction in fast-growing areas like ours. I’ve also requested we continue to work alongside other levels of government to make a holistic, regional transportation network approach to how we plan our roads and communities moving forward. I pushed for key critical east-end corridors to be incorporated in the next Transportation Master Plan update due in the next 2–5 years, including a review of how the urbanization of both sections of Tenth Line and Navan Road could be phased in more quickly.

This didn’t happen overnight. And it certainly didn’t happen by accident. It took constant meetings, deep dives into transportation data, inquiries, and refusing to accept the status quo.

But I didn’t do this alone. You’ve stood with me every step of the way. Whether it was through phone calls, emails, meetings, pulling me aside at community events, or attending consultations, your engagement helped make the difference. Ward 19 had the highest level of public participation during all three major engagement rounds — Part 1 in April 2023, and Phases 4 and 5 of Part 2. That level of involvement is not only impressive — it was instrumental in showing decision-makers that Orléans South–Navan deserves to be a top priority.

While this is a significant and hard-fought milestone, it’s important to understand that the TMP is a long-range planning document. It sets the priorities and provides the blueprint that informs future budgets and funding decisions — but it does not guarantee immediate construction. These projects now have the planning and policy foundation to move forward but delivering them still depends on available future funding.

This update marks a real turning point for our community. Is there more to do? Absolutely. This is just the beginning. But we’ve never been in a stronger position to keep the momentum going. We’re no longer waiting at the back of the line — we’re helping lead the way. Through committed and planned projects and thinking outside the box on real policy solutions that make common sense.

Thank you for continuing to raise your voices. Thank you for backing the work I’ve done. And thank you for believing in the vision that we could finally bring fairness to the east end.

If you'd like to watch my comments at Council, you can view them here.

My comments at Committee can be viewed here. 

If you haven’t read my Ottawa Citizen op-ed’s on both TMP Part 1 and Part 2, please take a moment

• Part 1

• Part 2

I’ll keep working to see every one of these projects through and look forward to updating you on their progress.

Ward tour with Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs

I had a great conversation this morning with Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs and East District Inspector Marc-Andre Sheehy discussing policing priorities in our community. 

I also used the opportunity to discuss top-of-mind issues in my role as Chair of Ottawa Public Health such as the opioid, mental health, and homelessness crises to name a few. 

We had an informative discussion with the store manager of one of our local Shoppers Drug Marts to discuss the increase in shop theft and Break & Enters that are impacting both large and small businesses in our community. It was beneficial to hear first-hand the impact this is having on local businesses and hear about the work Ottawa Police is doing to address these issues. 

Of course, I wouldn't have a visit with the police service without discussing traffic, speeding, and car thefts, the biggest ongoing enforcement issues in our community. We focused particularly on concerns with drag racing on our major streets, like Trim, Tenth Line, Brian Coburn, and Innes. Enhanced communication between OPS and councilors' offices is working to combat these issues, and it was reassuring to hear of further plans to increase police presence in our community.  

I look forward to our continued discussions and collaboration on issues moving forward. 

Ottawa Board of Health appoints new Medical Officer of Health

I'm proud to share that Dr. Trevor Arnason has officially been appointed as the City of Ottawa’s new Medical Officer of Health.

This appointment comes after a thorough and transparent hiring process, led by a selection panel appointed by the Board, which I chaired, with help from an executive search firm. After wide consultation with Ottawa Public Health partners, it was clear that Dr. Arnason was the right person to lead the organization forward in a time where public health continues to meet the growing needs of our communities whether it be addressing mental health and additions, responding to the health impacts of climate change, or supporting the integration between health and housing.

As Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Arnason over the past several months during his time as Interim MOH. His thoughtful leadership, strong public health expertise, and deep care for our city have been evident every step of the way.

Dr. Arnason brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Associate and Deputy MOH at OPH, and as Regional MOH in Halifax. A lifelong Ottawa resident, he also holds dual certification in Public Health and Family Medicine and continues to contribute to clinical care and public health teaching.

On behalf of the Board, I want to congratulate Dr. Arnason on this well-deserved appointment. I am confident in his ability to lead OPH with compassion, collaboration, and vision as we work to build a healthier city for everyone.

First Pop-Up Freezie party is Tuesday at Bradley Ridge Park

Looking for a way to cool off Tuesday afternoon? I’ll be kicking off my first-ever Pop-Up Freezie Party this Tuesday from 2-4 pm at Bradley Ridge Park!

I'm thrilled to launch this fun new tradition in Ward 19, with treats for families and an opportunity to bond. All treats are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal - while supplies last. I'll be there with my team to say hello, answer your questions and enjoy some summer fun.

These are casual drop-in events, perfect for a sunny afternoon at the park. If the forecast changes, I’ll let you know on my social media. This is the first of five events. For more dates and locations, please click here.

Ottawa Police expand Safe Trade Zones

I'm proud to see that the Ottawa Police Service has expanded Project Safe Trade, with two new locations now available at the Greenbank and Leitrim police stations. This brings the total to five Safe Trade Zones across the city — including our own at the Orléans Police Station on St-Joseph Boulevard.

This initiative started after I heard concerns at a local community meeting about the safety of online buy-and-sell meetups. I brought the idea of designated safe exchange zones to Chief Stubbs, and with strong support from Council, we saw it launched in 2023.

These marked spaces — equipped with surveillance cameras — offer a safer alternative for completing transactions arranged through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.

I'm grateful to see this program growing. It's a small step that makes a big difference in community safety.

All five Safe Trade Zone locations:

• 3343 St-Joseph Blvd (Orléans)

• 466 Metcalfe St (Central)

• 211 Huntmar Dr (Kanata)

• 245 Greenbank Rd (Nepean)

• 4561 Bank St (Leitrim)

Let’s continue making safety a shared responsibility — happy trading!

Get ready for the 78th annual Navan Fair from August 7-10

This year’s theme is “Muddy Boots and Country Roots.”

During the four days, the Fair offers many great events and activities. An amusement midway, new special attractions, livestock shows including cattle, horse, alpaca, night concerts, and an agriculture education barn.

I also want to take a moment to share the best ways for getting to-and-from the fair this year! The Cumberland Township Agricultural Society is pleased to offer FREE shuttle service provided by M.L. Bradley Bus Lines. Round trips from Orleans to Navan and return. This is the best way to get to the fair, and the shuttle runs frequently all day!

I will share in advance that there will be very limited street parking available and limited paid parking sports available.

For more information and to plan your trip, please visit https://navanfair.ca/schedule/#directions

See you at the fair!

Residential Boulevard Gardening Guide is now available

Whether you already have one or want to install one, it’s important that you understand the rules around boulevard gardens, including the potential risks.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/46lL9c1

Private Approach By-law Review

The City of Ottawa is conducting a review and update of the Private Approach By-law, which regulates the construction, use and maintenance of private approaches in the city.

A private approach is the part of a vehicle access to private property that is on the City’s right of way (i.e. the portion of a driveway that is on City property).

To view the Engage Ottawa page, please click here.

Rain Ready Webinar on July 29

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7 pm, Rain Ready Ottawa will be hosting a webinar to share information about how you can improve how your home handles rain water!

Want to prevent water pooling or flooding around your home? Assessing your home to improve stormwater management is easier than you think!

In this Rain Ready Ottawa webinar, you'll learn how to:

• Identify where water flows and collects on your lot.

• Understand how it can impact your home and the environment.

• Choose the most effective stormwater solutions for your conditions.

Join us for this practical webinar to learn how to look at your yard with a new lens!

The presentation will be in English, and Q and A will be bilingual.

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