Orléans South-Navan Community Update | May 23 2025

Councillor's Message

It’s the height of a busy season, and my team and I are in full force — both on the ground supporting residents and at City Hall navigating an unrelenting legislative calendar. Spring always brings a spike in casework, and this year is no exception. The combination of increased community activity and a packed committee schedule means I’m moving quickly and juggling a lot — but as always, I’m committed to showing up and advocating for our community every step of the way and taking the time to thoroughly review files that come across my desk. I appreciate the patience with case-work requests as my small but mighty team triages and actions accordingly.

On that note, many of you will have come to know Heather Scott who has worked in my office since I was elected back in 2020. In a bittersweet update, I'm sharing that as of Tuesday, she has started a new role within the City of Ottawa. Heather was the backbone of our office, always making time to problem-solve resident concerns, a friendly face at community events and meetings, and a consummate professional. We were all very lucky to have her working on our behalf, and we miss her already! As my team onboards new staff to fill her big shoes, we appreciate your patience and understanding. Please join me in wishing Heather all the best in her new role!

Given how hectic my schedule has been lately, I wanted to provide you with some insights on what has been going on at City Hall and in the community. Last week, in addition to City Council, I attended the Ottawa Public Library Board meeting in my role as trustee, and the Board of Directors meeting with South Nation Conservation Authority in my role as Vice-Chair. Last week also featured a two-day marathon Joint Committee of Emergency and Protective Services and Public Works and Infrastructure — tackling the complex Special Events By-law Review and an important discussion on vulnerable infrastructure. I also was invited to a groundbreaking event for Matthew Perry House, a much-needed facility that will provide transitional housing, therapy and other supports for individuals who have completed addiction treatment. In the evenings, I had the opportunity to catch up with residents at the Greater Avalon Community Association's monthly meeting and the Cumberland Community Association annual general meeting! 

This week, I participated in the Joint Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Environment and Climate Change, where we debated the City’s proposed changes to the water rate structure. This includes transitioning the stormwater fee to a model based on impervious surface area — a more equitable approach that better reflects each property’s impact on the drainage system. Importantly, rural properties would see a shift to a special area levy to fund roadside ditch maintenance, and culvert funding will transition to the tax base. The new model, which is revenue-neutral and overseen exclusively by ARAC, is expected to be fairer overall, with most ratepayers seeing a change of plus or minus 10%. Full implementation is expected in 2027 and there is an appeal process.

At Planning and Housing Committee, I brought forward a motion to help ensure the new Hard Rock Ottawa facility can complete its build in time to host the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft in late-June. Yesterday, I submitted two important inquiries at Public Works and Infrastructure Committee — one on the ongoing impacts of fill-hauling on our roads, and another on the potential use of recyclable materials in road construction to help improve climate resiliency.

As always, I’ll continue working hard to support our community while advancing thoughtful, forward-thinking policy at City Hall.

Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and I can’t wait to see you at one of the many events in our community this summer, starting with the Original Navan Market on Sunday!

Upcoming full closure on segment of Navan Road for critical infrastructure work

I want to make residents aware of a major infrastructure project that will require the full closure of a segment of Navan Road between Pagé Road and Renaud Road starting Thursday, June 5. The closure is meant to last 8-10 weeks, weather dependent. This work is related to the Groupe Heafey development at the corner of Brian Coburn and Navan Road in which you’ve seen earth works and construction activity on site for over a year now. I want to be clear; this work is not connected in any way to Ashcroft Homes or their Eastboro site. This is a separate developer and separate site.

This closure is required to support critical underground servicing for their new development that will include over 332 units, a gas station, McDonald’s, car wash, mixed-use commercial, park, and affordable housing. Motorists will be encouraged to detour using Brian Coburn for eastbound travel and Mer Bleue for westbound travel, however only the small section of Navan between Renaud and Page will be closed. Access to all homes and businesses on Navan Road will be maintained.

This project represents phase one of a few road-related impacts expected over the summer and into the early-fall. As we continue to work through the timing and impacts of all works, I want to reassure residents that I am actively working to stagger closures and lane reductions to avoid overlapping disruptions and requiring evening/weekend work where possible and appropriate.

Behind the scenes, I have worked extensively with City staff and the developer to reduce the scope and length of closures. Originally, the project proposed a full closure of Brian Coburn Boulevard (impossible!) and an extended full closure of Navan Road. I strongly pushed back on that plan and successfully renegotiated and re-routed major underground infrastructure to avoid those broader impacts given what we’ve dealt with in the past.

Additionally, I’ve advocated for the developer to bundle their work where possible—reducing the number of separate closures and timelines that would disrupt our community. These efforts have already led to a condensed construction schedule with fewer long-term effects on local traffic flow.

I understand that road closures are never easy on the community. While it's helpful to take advantage of lower traffic volume in the summer months, I appreciate that there is a lot of construction work taking place all over the city, which adds complications to your travel. My commitment is to continue pressing for solutions that prioritize your daily commute, the safety of all road users, and the long-term success of our growing community. I have flagged my concerns on cut-through traffic around the closure which city staff are following up on.

Please plan accordingly and allow extra travel time during this period. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this critical work moves forward.

Expect some traffic disruptions during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend returns to Ottawa streets this weekend, from Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, May 25. 

The running event starts and ends at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and involves intermittent lane reductions and closures on Saturday, from as early as 11 am until 9 pm, and on Sunday, from as early as 5 am until 2 pm. 

A full list of the lane reductions, road closures and times are located on the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend website.

Making accessibility a priority at Tulip Tree Park

I have a special update that I am proud to share about Tulip Tree Park. As some of you may know, the large empty pit at the park used to house monkey bars that were removed due to safety concerns. The equipment had deteriorated and couldn’t be replaced under warranty, as the original manufacturer went out of business.

I saw this as a chance to do better—both by upgrading the equipment and improving accessibility, which I continue to make a priority in my everyday work at city hall.

I'm thrilled to share that, after over a year of work, a new Sway Fun Slide will be installed later this year! This inclusive piece of equipment isn’t just for children with accessibility needs—it encourages play for all.

A want to give a special thank you to local advocate David Benay and the efforts of the Bradley Estates Community Association. Your dedication to highlighting accessibility gaps has inspired my ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive community.

I’m excited to see this new addition come to life!

Update on temporary traffic calming in Chapel Hill South

As many of you are aware, the flex stakes at the intersection of Orléans Boulevard and Silverbirch/Longleaf were recently reinstated as part of the ongoing traffic calming pilot project in Chapel Hill South following concerns about intersection safety.

Since then, there has been considerable public discussion and based on the many concerns and suggestions I’ve received, I will be hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 7 - 9 pm at the Notre-Dame-des-Champs Community Hall (3659 Navan Road – beside the Miracle League of Ottawa Baseball Field). This will be an opportunity for residents to share their feedback directly, discuss ideas, and for my office and City traffic staff to present a new configuration based on what we’ve heard so far.

Appreciating that not everyone can accommodate attending an in-person meeting, we will also be launching an online survey to gather further feedback.

From the outset, I’ve acknowledged that this pilot would likely generate mixed views, and I want to reaffirm that I am listening. I’ve heard from residents who feel safer walking through the intersection, and I’ve also heard from those who feel the opposite. 

I want to thank the Chapel Hill South Community Association for their continued collaboration, and for encouraging respectful dialogue on this topic. 

The meeting is open to all, however if you're able to RSVP please do so here. You are always welcome to share feedback with me directly by emailing Catherine.Kitts@ottawa.ca

2025 Wild Parsnip Program is anticipated to start on May 26

The goal is to reduce the growth of wild parsnip in highly infested areas while ensuring that environmentally sensitive areas and public safety are not adversely impacted.

The 2025 Wild Parsnip Strategy will allow staff to:

• Continue and expand the application of Clearview and Navius FLEX herbicides to highly infested areas;

• Continue mowing operations, adjusting frequency and timing to best coincide with herbicide applications

• Re-map infestation areas and levels

Staff anticipate wild parsnip spraying in City parklands will begin June 3, 2024, weather permitting. Approximately 1200 lane kilometres of roadsides/pathways and over 200 locations of parkland will be treated this year.

To notify the public of the herbicide application, a Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) approved “Notice of Herbicide Use” advertisement will appear in local newspapers one week prior to the start of spraying. However, given the large number of public access points for parks, signs will continue to be posted every 100 metres.

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.

Raising the Ottawa Charge flag at City Hall

I had the honour of welcoming the Ottawa Charge to City Hall along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and my council colleagues on Tuesday to celebrate their incredible achievement of reaching the Walter Cup Finals.

We proudly raised the Charge flag in recognition of their outstanding season. In just their second PWHL season, this team has inspired our city—on and off the ice.

Congratulations and thank you for embodying Ottawa's values of fairness, excellence and opportunity! Good luck in Minnesota!

Recapping the 2025 Bradley Estates Community Association Annual General Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the Bradley Estates Community Association AGM on Thursday night at the Chapel Hill Retirement Residence!

I appreciated the opportunity to provide updates on several local development applications, highlight my ongoing work to improve transit and infrastructure through the Transportation Master Plan. I was appreciative to be joined by staff from OC Transpo who were able to hear your feedback directly on the need for better transit options in our area. 

A big thank you and congratulations to Yasmine Fathers on her re-election as President, and to all the board members who have stepped forward to volunteer their time and energy for the year ahead. Your dedication to the community is deeply valued, and I look forward to continuing our work together in 2025!

Celebrating Nursing Week 2025

It was great to be able to celebrate nurses twice last week with two separate events!

First, I had the privilege of sharing a proclamation, on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, designating May 12-18, 2025, as Nursing Week in Ottawa.

Nurses play such a vital role in transforming and enhancing our healthcare system.

Secondly, I joined fellow council colleagues for the 22nd Annual RNAO Region 10 “Breakfast with the Politicians” at Oat Couture Café to discuss ongoing issues such as as housing, pay inequities, and access to primary care.

Thank you for allowing us to come together to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication and hard work of all nurses in Ottawa.

Hanging out with OPS at East District Police Week

I was able to celebrate Police Week at the Ottawa Police Service East District Neighbourhood Policing Team’s event at Heatherington Park.

Ottawa Police officers do so much to keep us safe every day and are there when our community needs them most. I wanted to come by and thank them, especially after the difficult events that transpired the day prior on Innes Road. Thank you for everything you do!

TOMORROW – Team Morgan Car Wash & Firefighter Day on June 7

It’s that time of year again! Join Ottawa Fire Services tomorrow, Saturday, May 24 from 9 am to 2 pm at Fire Station 53 (500 Charlemagne Blvd) for the Annual Team Morgan Car Wash in support of CHEO and in memory of Morgan.

There will be a bake sale, BBQ, face painting, and more – all for a great cause!

Navan Fair Barn Dance with Eastbound of Bytown

The Navan Fair Barn Dance with Eastbound of Bytown is just a week away and we can’t wait to see y’all on the dance floor!

Dust off those boots, gather your crew, and get ready for a night of fun, music, and line dancing.

Tickets are already 70% sold out, so don’t wait - grab yours today by clicking here.

Also, mark your calendars for Firefighter Day at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum on Saturday, June 7.

Enjoy free admission, meet the crew from Station #72, and check out the fun from 11 am to 4 pm Activities include a BBQ, touch-a-truck, photo booth, and lots more for the whole family!

TOMORROW - Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event

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

On Saturday, May 24 one will be held in Ward 20 at the Rideau Carleton Casino from 8 am - 4 pm.

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

Hydro One Scheduled Outage Reminder

There will be a scheduled HydroOne outage this Sunday, May 25th from 7 am - 12 pm affecting parts of Manotick, Osgoode, Greely, and Metcalfe.

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

Seniors can get tickets for a Canada Day breakfast with the Mayor

Tickets will be available on Monday, May 26 for the Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors, which will take place on Tuesday, July 1 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa. Note this is a new location this year. 

The sponsored event with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, starting at 8 am, includes breakfast, served until 10 am, as well as door prizes and live entertainment. Please note that there is no reserved seating, and tickets are required for entry and to claim door prizes. 

Free tickets are available by calling 613-580-2470, or by emailing protocolrsvp@ottawa.ca.

Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while quantities last, with a limit of two tickets per person. 

A limited number of VIP tickets will be available to couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Guess who’s rolling back to town? The Public Works Big Wheels Expo!

The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is set to roll into The Ottawa Stadium – home of the Ottawa Titans – on 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!

Potential Canada Post strike impacts to city business

The possible upcoming postal strike may impact delivery of City of Ottawa paper billing, invoices, and other notifications.

Read more about the current contingency plans and visit https://bit.ly/4dlmIg8 for latest updates.

COVID-19 dose recommended for people at higher risk

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that individuals at high risk of severe illness, complications or hospitalization from COVID-19 receive an additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

This recommendation aligns with the transition of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program to an annual schedule, based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

For more information, please click here.

Extended collection hours during peak leaf and yard waste season

It’s officially peak leaf and yard waste season. Twice a year, in the fall and spring, waste collection operators have until 8 pm to pick up leaf and yard waste to accommodate the increased volumes of yard waste. Green, black & blue bins and garbage will continue to be picked up as usual between 7 am and 6 pm.

Did you know setting out your leaf and yard waste separate from your green bin saves money because it can be composted at the Barnsdale leaf and yard composting pad at the Trail Waste Facility Landfill? Setting leaf and yard waste out separately will be required in 2026, as part of the 2026 Residential Curbside Collection Contract.

To learn more about our green bin program and leaf and yard waste, visit: Ottawa.ca/greenbin.

Things you need to know about boulevard gardens

If you walk through a residential neighbourhood and see flowers or planter boxes near the road, then you are probably looking at a boulevard garden. Residents are allowed to plant and maintain a garden in the City-owned boulevard next to their property without a permit.

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

The boulevard is a City-owned portion of land that extends from the edge of the road and onto every property. It’s part of the City right of way (ROW). The City uses this property for such things as above and belowground utilities and infrastructure, planting trees and snow storage.

The size and dimensions of boulevards vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. The City’s geoOttawa program can be a helpful guide to illustrate where the approximate boundary of the City’s ROW and your property is located.

You can learn more about residential boulevard gardens and the rules on ottawa.ca/rightofway.

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