Orléans South-Navan Community Update | June 5th, 2026

Catherine Kitts
Jun 5
15 min read

Councillor's Message

Hello from Edmonton! I'm currently attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference, where municipal leaders from across the country are coming together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. I look forward to bringing back ideas, best practices, and insights that can help support the continued growth and success of our city.

On Wednesday evening, I attended the return of Music in the Park at the Navan Fairgrounds. it was wonderful to see residents gathering once again to enjoy great music and good company outdoors. It’s the unofficial start of summer in Ward 19!

Last week, Councillor Laura Dudas and I were joined by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and our new General Manager of Transit, Rick Leary, for a morning commute aboard Route 30 and the LRT. The purpose was simple: to provide an opportunity for senior leaders to hear directly from residents about the daily challenges many transit users in our community face.

Residents spoke candidly about unreliable service, overcrowding, missed connections, and the broader transportation pressures facing the east end. I appreciated the Mayor and General Manager taking the time to experience the route firsthand and to engage directly with riders. Even on a relatively smooth morning, it still took us an hour and a half to travel from the Millennium Park and Ride to City Hall. Spending three hours each day commuting is simply not reasonable for many families, and it underscores the need for continued investment and improvements. We also talked about how commuting home is even more challenging.

This community knows I have been working closely with the Mayor to advance transportation infrastructure projects that will improve how buses move through our area. While recent scheduling changes introduced through OC Transpo’s Spring Service Adjustment have helped slightly in some cases, there is still significant work ahead to deliver a transit system that is reliable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our growing community.

I want to thank the residents who took the time to speak with us during the commute. Your feedback was invaluable and helped provide a real-world perspective on the challenges our community experiences every day. Those conversations matter, and I will continue ensuring they are heard at City Hall.

I also continue to closely monitor progress on the O-Train East Extension. A Transit Committee meeting is scheduled for June 14, and I expect to receive another update. At this time, we still have not been told when trial running will begin, and when the extension is expected to launch. As always, I will continue advocating for clear information, accountability, and the improvements our residents deserve.

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.

Happy Pride, everyone!

Update on 2026 road rehabilitation program

Work continues to advance on Trim Road between Colonial Road and Delson Drive. Concrete reinstatement has now been completed, and milling operations recently got underway. Granular placement and base paving are expected to follow shortly, with final paving anticipated to start Monday once sewer repairs near Fairgreen Avenue are completed.

On Trim Road between Brian Coburn Boulevard and Navan Road, sidewalk repairs have been completed, and paving work is finished. Residents may have noticed the recent roundabout closures that allowed crews to mill the roadway and complete paving activities. Additional shoulder work is expected to continue into the coming week, while coloured concrete features will be reinstated following completion of the asphalt work.

Further north on Trim Road between Innes Road and Salzburg Drive, crews have completed the necessary concrete repairs and are carrying out paving operations on Sunday night to minimize impacts on daytime traffic.

Work is also progressing on Navan Road between approximately 90 metres east of Renaud Road to Diamond Way. Concrete removals and repairs near Notre-Dame-des-Champs have been completed, with additional reinstatement work continuing over the next two weeks. The City has advised that this work is being scheduled around existing community bookings as much as possible. Milling operations on Navan Road are expected to begin on Tuesday.

As with all road construction projects, timelines remain subject to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. My office remains in regular contact with City staff and contractors, and I will continue to share updates as work progresses throughout the construction season.

Thank you to residents for their patience as these important road rehabilitation projects move forward. While construction can be disruptive, these investments help extend the life of our road network and improve safety and driving conditions for everyone.

Weekend Highway 417 work between Preston Street and Kent Street

MTO Highway 417 work will take place this weekend between Preston and Kent streets starting tonight, Friday, June 5 at 9 pm until 5 am on Monday, June 8.

There will be lane closures in both directions, and the O’Connor Street WB on-ramp will be closed. Delays are expected, please allow for extra travel time.

For more details please click here.

Update on coyote activity and enhanced response in Lalande Conservation Area

On Thursday afternoon, I was made aware of a report circulating online of a serious coyote encounter that occurred Wednesday evening. The City has confirmed that it received a report of that incident near Lalande Conservation Park, where staff have been monitoring an active coyote den since early April. ByLaw and the City's wildlife staff are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the confirmed incident and are planning next steps.

For over a month now, the area surrounding the den site has been posted with warning signage. More recently, since mid-May, additional "No Public Entry" signs have been installed in an effort to keep residents away from the affected area.

Given the location of the den, there is considerable complexity and fluidity involved in developing the appropriate course of action moving forward, particularly when balancing public safety, wildlife management practices, and provincial regulations. I have been advised that the City's approach moving forward will be different in light of the reported incident. Multiple City departments are actively working together to assess the situation and develop an effective and coordinated response.

In the meantime, a reminder to all that residents are strongly encouraged to exercise caution when outdoors, particularly in and around wooded areas and natural spaces. If you encounter an aggressive wild animal, do not approach or attempt to touch it. Do not turn your back or run. Instead, remain calm, stand tall, wave your arms, make loud noises, and slowly back away. Carrying a flashlight when walking at night is also recommended.

Residents should avoid wooded areas, particularly after dark, and ensure pets remain leashed and under close control.

If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, residents should call 9-1-1. If a scratch or bite breaks the skin, Ottawa Public Health should also be contacted. General coyote sightings should continue to be reported through 3-1-1 so that the City can monitor activity and identify patterns.

I continue to stay in close contact with staff and will share further updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding as this situation quickly evolves.

Protected left signals coming to two Tenth Line intersections

After several discussions with City staff and ongoing efforts to demonstrate that these intersections were no longer operating at an acceptable level, protected left-turn signals will be installed for both the northbound and southbound left turns at the Brian Coburn Boulevard/Tenth Line Road and Southfield Way/Decoeur Drive/Tenth Line Road intersections.

These changes reflect evolving conditions at both locations, including increasing traffic volumes, changing travel patterns, growing pedestrian activity, and a pattern of collisions that warranted additional safety measures.

The new signal configurations will introduce dedicated left-turn phases intended to improve the overall safety and operation of the intersections for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Installation is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with changes at Southfield/Decoeur/Tenth Line anticipated in mid-June and Brian Coburn/Tenth Line expected to follow in early July.

Thank you to the many residents who have contacted my office to share their experiences and concerns. Community feedback has played an important role in helping identify issues and support improvements that make our roads safer for everyone.

New school crossing coming to Summerside Public School

As part of my on-going efforts to address pedestrian safety concerns on Portobello Boulevard, I’m pleased to share that a new school crossing is coming to Summerside Public School.

I strongly advocated for this project to move forward, and I am now pleased to share that construction is expected to start this summer with anticipated completion ahead of the first week of school in September.

The new mid-block crossing will feature visible signage, standard double line crossing indicators, new ramped curbs with accessible matting, and will be serviced by a crossing guard during both the morning and afternoon bell-times to ensure safety for parents and children.

A big thank you to the staff at Summerside Public School and members of the parent council for supporting my efforts.

Provincial and federal governments unveil details about lowering development charges

On Monday, the federal and provincial governments announced new details of a $8.8 billion housing-enabling infrastructure fund that municipalities, including Ottawa, will be able to apply to for support with critical infrastructure projects needed to accommodate growth if they lower development charges.

For years, municipalities across Ontario have been sounding the alarm that housing cannot be built without the roads, transit, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needed to support it. Any recognition from senior levels of government that growth requires infrastructure investment is positive.

That said, I remain cautious and have continued concerns about what this means in practice for Ottawa taxpayers and more importantly, the transportation infrastructure projects I work daily at trying to accelerate faster.

Throughout the discussions surrounding housing policy changes and development charge reductions, municipalities were repeatedly told that they would be made whole. Instead, Ottawa now finds itself in a position where we must compete for funding and identify significant municipal contributions in order to access infrastructure dollars. Under the program, the City of Ottawa will be required to pay 10% of those DCs to be eligible.

I am also concerned by the competitive, project-by-project nature of the program. Infrastructure should not be political. The roads, transit corridors, and servicing projects that complete communities need should be prioritized based on objective planning, growth forecasts, and demonstrated need, not on which ward has the most favourable relationship with the province.

As the Councillor who represents one of Ottawa's fastest-growing areas, I worry that this approach risks leaving areas like Orléans South further behind. Residents have been waiting for years, and in some cases decades, for transportation infrastructure investments that were identified long ago. We should not have to enter a competition when we need to build infrastructure that is already required to support approved growth.

I am sharing this with you because I continue to have concerns about this shift in practice and want residents to be made aware of what's changing. I will continue advocating for a funding model that recognizes the realities facing growing municipalities and ensures infrastructure investments are allocated fairly, predictably, and based on need. The real test will be whether it helps deliver the projects our residents have been promised and whether local taxpayers are truly protected from carrying an even larger share of the cost. I continue to remain skeptical.

O-Train Line 1 service returns to full capacity on June 8

For customers, this means that beginning Monday, June 8:

O-Train Line 1 will operate with double-car trains on weekdays.
Frequency will be every five minutes during peak periods.
On weekends, single-car service will continue.

Restoring Line 1 capacity as safe and quickly as possible has been the top priority of OC Transpo’s Customer-First Action Plan. With an adequate supply of Cartridge Bearing Assembles and advancements made in implementing a condition monitoring system, the number of light rail vehicles available for service has steadily increased and is now stable to allow full double-car service to return.

South Nation Conservation hosts second open house on Bear Brook Watershed Study

On Tuesday evening, I attended South Nation Conservation’s public open house at the Navan Arena to receive an update on the ongoing Bear Brook Watershed Flood Mitigation Class Environmental Assessment.

This was the second open house held as part of the study and provided residents within the watershed with an opportunity to learn about the progress made. To date, the project team has completed a flood damage assessment and developed damage curves to better understand the impacts of flooding throughout the watershed. They have also begun identifying potential flood mitigation measures and establishing the criteria that will be used to evaluate them.

Public feedback is an important part of the process. Before the study team can begin evaluating the various mitigation options and developing preferred solutions, an initial round of public consultation is required.

The outcomes of this study will play an important role in informing both ways to mitigate future flooding events and ongoing planning processes for both the Tewin and E1 urban expansion areas.

Thank you to South Nation Conservation, and the residents who took the time to participate and share their feedback.

If you are an impacted landowner & you missed the session, please share your comments using the online form by clicking here.

Second open house announced for proposed Navan Landfill expansion

Waste Connections of Canada (WCC) is continuing its environmental assessment process for a proposed expansion of the Navan Waste Recycling and Disposal Facility (landfill) and is inviting residents to attend a second public open house.

The proposal would increase landfill capacity and extend the operating life of the site by creating additional disposal space by increasing the contours on site.

The open house will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa (3349 Navan Road).

At this session, residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the draft Terms of Reference for the Environmental Assessment, review feedback received during the first open house, understand the potential expansion areas being considered.

I remain fully engaged on this file and have met with both the proponent and City staff several times since the proposed expansion was announced in November 2025. I will continue to closely monitor the environmental assessment process and represent the concerns of residents throughout this multi-year review. I also want to reiterate that I do not support WCC’s proposed landfill expansion.

I encourage residents to attend the open house, learn more about the proposal, and share their feedback directly with the project team.

Questions or comments can be submitted in advance to Chris.Visser@wasteconnections.com or Yannick.Marcerou@wsp.com.

Touch-A-Truck event in Navan

What an incredible day in Navan last Saturday for the Ottawa 200 Touch-A-Truck event!

It was wonderful to see so many families and children out enjoying the sunshine while getting up close with the mighty machines that help keep our community running. From big trucks to specialized equipment, there were smiles, excitement, and plenty of curiosity all around!

A huge thank you to the Navan Community Association and Shelley Cotton for organizing this wonderful event, as well as to all the exhibitors and amazing volunteers who took the time to bring their equipment and share their passion with visitors.

AccessAbility Day 2026 at City Hall

I had the opportunity to participate in the City of Ottawa’s 23rd annual AccessAbility Day event, held in recognition of National AccessAbility Week. This year’s theme, Game Changers: Accessible Sport in Action, highlighted the importance of inclusive sport and the individuals and organizations working to make recreation more accessible for everyone.

Before the formal event began, I joined several of my Council colleagues and members of the City’s Senior Leadership Team for a wheelchair basketball game in Marion Dewar Plaza, organized with the support of Wheelchair Basketball Canada. It was a humbling experience that gave us a firsthand appreciation for the strength, coordination, skill, and endurance required to play the sport. I have a newfound respect for all wheelchair basketball athletes!

Events like this are an important reminder that accessibility is not just about removing barriers, it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to fully participate in community life.

Another successful Team Morgan fundraiser

Last week, I had the opportunity to stop by the annual Station 53 Car Wash fundraiser in support of the CHEO Foundation alongside Team Morgan. The event drew a great crowd and showcased the strong community spirit that makes Orléans such a special place.

Residents came out to have their vehicles washed while supporting an important cause, with firefighters volunteering their time and energy throughout the day. It was wonderful to see community members and first responders working together to raise funds for CHEO and the children and families who rely on its services.

Thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, donated, and participated in this year's event.

Orléans Craft Beer Festival starts today!

Orléans Craft Beer Festival returns to Centrum Plaza this weekend, bringing together local breweries, food vendors, and live entertainment for two days of community celebration.

Taking place on June 6 and 7, the festival will feature more than 35 vendors offering a wide variety of craft beverages and local food. It’s a great opportunity to discover new local favourites, support small businesses, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Orléans!

A busy weekend ahead in Cumberland

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, Cumberland has it all!

From the annual Community Garage Sale and Farmers' Market to Firefighter Day at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Doors Open Ottawa, and the Black Walnut Block Party, there are plenty of opportunities to get out, explore the community, and support local organizations and businesses.

Some highlights include:

Cumberland Community Garage Sale

Saturday, June 6 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.Homes throughout the village will be participating in this popular annual tradition. Whether you're hunting for a bargain or simply enjoying a walk through the community, it's always a great day in Cumberland.

Cumberland Farmers' Market

Saturday | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (1115 Dunning Road)Pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade products while supporting local farmers and artisans.

Firefighter Day at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Saturday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Ottawa Fire Services will be on site with demonstrations, emergency vehicles, and family-friendly activities. Admission to the museum is free all weekend as part of Doors Open Ottawa.

THIS SUNDAY – Public Works Big Wheels Expo

Public Works Big Wheels Expo is pumping the tires and getting ready to roll into The Ottawa Stadium, home of the Ottawa Titans, on Sunday, June 7, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm!

This inclusive, family-friendly event welcomes all ages and features a dedicated sensory-friendly period from 9 to 9:30 am for those who benefit from lighter crowds.

We encourage other visitors to arrive after this time to help ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone.

THIS SUNDAY – Yoga 4 Food Security fundraiser

You're invited to take part in the Yoga 4 Food Security fundraiser at Décarie Park tomorrow, Sunday, June 7, from 9 – 11 am. This outdoor yoga class is open to all skill levels and is a great opportunity to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and support an important cause.

Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or make a donation in support of local food security initiatives.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Ali Shaker, Executive Director of Foodeliver to learn more about the work being done to address food insecurity in our community. His passion and dedication to this cause are inspiring.

Best of luck with the event, and I encourage residents to consider taking part in support of this important initiative.

Orléans Kidical Mass Bike Ride

Get ready to roll, Avalon! Bring your bikes, helmets, and smiles for a fun-filled family bike ride through the community on Saturday, June 13 from 10 am – 12 pm.

The Greater Avalon Community Association Kidical Mass is all about kids, parents, and neighbors coming together to celebrate safe, sustainable, and joyful cycling.

This short, easy-paced ride is perfect for children and riders of all ages — we’ll pedal together along a safe route and finish with treats and refreshments at the park. Decorate your bikes, bring your friends, and show your community spirit on wheels!

Two events in Sarsfield this June

The first is the Sarsfield Party Celebration on Friday, June 19 from 4-8:30 pm at the Sarsfield Community Centre. Enjoy bouncy games, lawn games, pickleball, and Beavertails. There is also line dancing from 6-7 pm.

Then, on Saturday, June 20, there’s the Sarsfield Community Yard Sale from 9 am – 12 pm. To book a table, please email Lyne Bédard at lmcbedard@gmail.com.

Two amazing events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Orléans Pride

Orléans Pride is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer with two special community events that highlight a decade of advocacy, inclusion, and community-building.

The celebrations begin on Tuesday, June 30, from 6 – 10 pm at the Royal Oak Orléans (1981 St. Joseph Boulevard). You’re invited to enjoy an evening featuring live music, a silent auction, and an opportunity to come together in recognition of 10 years of Orléans Pride and the many people who have helped make it a success.

The celebrations continue Sunday, July 5, at 1 pm with the annual Pride Flag Raising at 255 Centrum Boulevard in the heart of Orléans Town Centre. This long-standing tradition brings together residents, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate diversity and reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming community for everyone.

Businesses and community members interested in supporting the anniversary celebrations through a silent auction donation are encouraged to contact Orleanspride613@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose dedication and hard work have helped make Orléans Pride such an important and valued part of our community over the past decade.

THIS WEEKEND - Doors Open Ottawa 2026: no passport required for this weekend adventure

This June 6 and 7, Doors Open Ottawa invites you to “find your own adventure” across the city. As we celebrate our Ottawa 200 anniversary, it’s the perfect time to explore some of our most fascinating spaces.

Each stop offers a unique glimpse into Ottawa’s history and story. Check it out here.

Stay safe around water this summer

As warmer weather is here and more residents head to beaches, pools, rivers, and waterways, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding everyone to make water safety a priority this spring and summer.

The OPS encourages residents and visitors to take simple precautions to help prevent drownings, injuries and water-related emergencies. Stay safe around water by following these important safety tips:

Keep children within arm’s reach near water;
Never swim alone and choose lifeguarded areas whenever possible;
Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD);
Ensure your vessel has the required safety equipment onboard;
Never operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs;
Be aware of currents, changing weather, and water conditions;
Obey posted signs, speed limits, and “no wake” zones;
Avoid swimming near bridges, quarries, or unauthorized areas;
Carry a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card and required documentation;
Keep a phone and emergency equipment nearby;
Learn CPR and know when to call 9-1-1.

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. The Ottawa Police Service encourages residents to make safe choices, wear a life jacket, and look out for one another while enjoying Ottawa’s waterways this season.