Orléans South-Navan Community Update | June 06 2025

Councillor's Message

What a couple of weeks it’s been! From community events, a national conference, and a marathon 10-hour committee, it’s been a busy—and incredibly rewarding—two weeks.

Participating in my first Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend was a definite highlight. To run alongside so many determined, courageous participants and be cheered on by the most encouraging crowds was something truly special. Huge thanks to the organizers and volunteers who make this world-class event happen. Ruby and I even came back Sunday to cheer on the marathoners!

I was also thrilled to attend the Miracle League of Ottawa season opener—always a heartwarming day. It was great to be joined by MP Marie-France Lalonde and Councillor Laura Dudas at a place that champions play for all abilities. Shout-out to the volunteer firefighters from Stations 71 (Navan) and 73 (Vars) who joined in the fun. I even got a chance to take a turn in the outfield!

Ottawa Fire Services’ Team Morgan car wash in memory of Morgan and in support of CHEO is one event I’ll never miss, and May saw the perfect day for the season’s first Original Navan Market! Last weekend, I also had the very difficult job of judging shawarma at the first annual Shawarma Fest—someone had to do it!

In between community events, Ottawa had the privilege of welcoming thousands of municipal leaders from across Canada for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference. Under the theme Stronger, Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity, we shared strategies to build more resilient, sustainable, and united communities. I was proud to represent the City of Ottawa on a national panel exploring how municipalities and farmers can work together to support Canadian food security. It was an honour to join leaders like Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Dairy Farmers of Canada President David Wiens to talk about local food systems and self-sufficiency.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and learn about the unique cultures, experiences and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Take time this month to commemorate Indigenous history and the exciting revitalization of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Locally, the Anishinabe Algonquin Host Nation has shaped this region since time immemorial and continues to make significant contributions to the betterment of this land.

June also marks Pride Month, and it was wonderful to join the annual Pride Flag raising at Ray Friel. Thank you to Orléans Pride for organizing this important event for nine years—and here’s to celebrating the Big 10 in 2026! The City flies the flag as a commitment to inclusion and equality for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Happy Pride, everyone!

Full closure on segment of Navan Road postponed until June 23

The closure, originally set for June 5, has been postponed to Monday, June 23.

Unfortunately, I was only made aware of the delay late in the afternoon on the day before, and mobilized to inform you as soon as possible on social media. I know this kind of uncertainty is frustrating, and I’ve made it clear that residents deserve clear and timely communication.

I’ve been given assurances by the developer that this delay will not result in the work extending into the new school year. I’ve confirmed that to stay on schedule, two construction crews will be deployed to accelerate the work once it begins.

Despite this setback with timing, I was encouraged that in the days leading up to the closure, we had some positive negotiations with the contractor about easing the detours further and lessening the impact to OC Transpo.

It’s important to note that this is a developer-led project, which means the City—and by extension, my office—are not the leads on this project. That said, I’m committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and will continue to fill in any gaps where I can.

As always, I remain in close contact with City staff and the developer to ensure the community is kept informed and that impacts are minimized wherever possible. I’ll continue to provide updates as this project progresses. Thanks for your continued patience and understanding.

Lane reductions on Birchgrove Road for culvert renewal

As part of the city’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, rural road culvert replacements will occur to improve drainage and roadways.

In Ward 19, there’s a culvert renewal that started taking place this week on Birchgrove Road, approximately 1 kilometre south of Magladry Road. A road closure is not required, however there will be a lane closure with a single lane of traffic at all times maintained with flaggers on site for the duration of the works.

Weather permitting, construction will be complete at this location by the end of July.

Lane reductions on Emmett Road for road resurfacing

The city’s road rehabilitation program is already underway, and as a result, Emmett Road from Wilhaven Drive to French Hill Road will be resurfaced during the day and evening as required and will involve minor lane interruptions.

The road will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Flaggers will be directing traffic through the site. The work is expected to wrap up in the early fall.

O-Train Line 1 service adjustments in June

On specific days between Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 29, O-Train Line 1 will be partially or fully closed. This is for annual maintenance and work on the O-Train Line 1 east extension.

These closures will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to complete required work across the entire line and advance multiple priorities. This work has also been coordinated with Stage 2 project and other city departments to minimize the number of disruptions to O-Train service for customers. 

For specifics, please click here.

Pushing the needle forward on smart and sustainable housing

We all know Ottawa is in the middle of a housing crisis—and we have a responsibility to do more than just talk about it. That’s why I recently co-hosted a roundtable with Councillor David Hill, bringing together key players from the local development industry, housing experts and advocates. It was a frank and solutions-focused conversation about how Ottawa can lead on this issue.

I would like to see more incentive for development to occur where services already exist—not defaulting to pushing the city outward, further into disconnected greenfield areas like Ward 19. But unfortunately, Ottawa isn’t the only one at the wheel. The Province continues to override our planning decisions and has opened the door for even more urban expansion. We tried to hold the line in our Official Plan, but the Province’s rewritten rules have made that impossible.

On April 16, Council received Draft 2 of the new Zoning Bylaw. As members of the Councillor Sponsor Group, Councillor Hill and I identified several concerns, particularly with how the draft proposed to limit intensification—especially around major transit hubs. That’s not how we build a smart, sustainable city. Together, we successfully pushed for staff to include options that would open the door to more density where it makes the most sense: near transit, services, and existing infrastructure. This includes reducing tower setbacks to allow for more high-rise development, ensuring that LRT stations are surrounded by meaningful density, and allowing more flexibility in low-rise zones to support the missing middle.

What’s written on paper doesn’t always work in practice. That’s something I see often at the local level. Policies that might make sense from a distance don’t always reflect the realities on the ground.

One example I’ve been working on is a shift in how we plan frontages around new schools. Narrow roads and poor traffic flow have been common issues in new developments. In response, I’ve pushed for changes to our development review procedures—specifically to prioritize wider local road rights-of-way and to build on-street parking bays at the time of subdivision. These changes are now being implemented by staff and are heading into industry consultation. It’s a good step forward.

Change in municipal planning is never fast or easy—but it’s necessary. There’s more to do, and more to come, like Draft 3 of the New Zoning Bylaw later this year, and an update on population projections coming in a few weeks.

Community meeting in Chapel Hill South to discuss temporary traffic calming measures

Thank you to everyone who attended this week's community meeting at Notre-Dame-des-Champs Community Hall to discuss the traffic calming pilot at Orléans Boulevard and Silverbirch/Longleaf.

It was a productive evening with thoughtful feedback from residents. City staff presented a revised configuration informed by community input to date, and discussion focused on balancing safety, visibility, and traffic flow.

For those unable to attend, an online survey is now available to ensure everyone has a chance to weigh in. It's available here: https://forms.office.com/r/6BaPu2L3vA

I remain committed to a collaborative approach as we evaluate next steps.

Geese mitigation at Felicity Stormwater Management Pond in Bradley Estates

Last year, parks staff launched a pilot project using construction slit fencing along the perimeter of the storm facility and the peninsula to help deter geese from nesting in the pond and entering the community.

Parks staff did note a decrease in geese in the community and have made the decision to move forward with more permanent measures. In the coming weeks, new fabric materials will be installed along the fence that is more sleek and less invasive.

I would like to note that given community feedback, staff have made the decision not to install any fencing on the centre peninsulas. All the materials will be along the fencing.

I want to thank everyone for their continued patience during the pilot project and I'm pleased to be moving forward with a permanent solution.

Celebrating the end of another school year at Summerside Public

It was great to hang out at Summerside Public School's annual year end BBQ again last Thursday!

I was able to meet new friends and admire all the works on display at the student art show. The highlight of the event was the Glow Show featuring a display of student art illuminated by black lights!

Thank you once again for this invitation, and I hope all students have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.

TOMORROW - Canada Day Orléans Team BBQ Fundraiser

Join the amazing Canada Day Orléans Team tomorrow, Saturday, June 7 from 11 am - 3 pm for a BBQ fundraiser. 

It's taking place at the Sobeys at Trim & Innes (5150 Innes Road).

TOMORROW - Cumberland Farmers Market Opening Day!

The Cumberland Farmers Market is back for another season! Stop by RJ Kennedy arena (1115 Dunning Road) tomorrow, Saturday, June 7 from 9 am - 1 pm to load up on amazing goods from local vendors!

Rural Ward 19 residents encouraged to fill out Agriculture Rural Exemption Survey

Through the Agriculture Exemption Program, residential agricultural properties are exempt from the three-item garbage limit for unavoidable farm waste until December 2025.

Visit: https://bit.ly/2zn77hQ to give feedback on the future of the Agriculture Exemption Program.

Look out for our Environmental Education Assistants who will also be conducting the survey door-to-door.

Discover What’s Behind Closed Doors with Doors Open Ottawa 2025!

Have you ever walked past a stunning building and wondered what’s inside? This weekend, your curiosity gets rewarded!

On June 7 and 8, Doors Open Ottawa 2025 invites you to explore some of the city's most iconic, historic, and intriguing buildings, places you usually only admire from the outside.

Whether you are a history buff, architecture lover, or just plain curious, this is your opportunity to uncover the stories and spaces that shapes Ottawa.

Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to see Ottawa in a whole new light.

More: https://bit.ly/4jyM4IX

THIS SUNDAY – Public Works Big Wheels Expo

The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is set to roll into The Ottawa Stadium – home of the Ottawa Titans – this Sunday, June 8, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

This inclusive event welcomes all ages and offers a dedicated sensory friendly period (for those who benefit from lighter crowds) from 9 am to 9:30 am.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various trucks and equipment utilized by public works professionals, offering both educational insights and hands-on excitement.

This is a great opportunity for young people interested in pursuing a career in Public Works to speak with both HR staff and operators.

Best of all, admission is free!

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