Orléans South-Navan Community Update | October 24th, 2025

Councillor's Message

There’s been no shortage of events and activities to enjoy across Ward 19 and the east end this fall! Two special ones that stood out for me recently were the Butterfly Run Ottawa and the Race to End Homelessness.

Every October, the Butterfly Run brings our community together to support the 1 in 6 families in Canada who experience infertility, pregnancy loss, or infant loss. For families walking that difficult and often lonely path, this event is a reminder that they are not alone. I was touched to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in lending our support to this meaningful cause.

I also had the chance to walk/run in the Race to End Homelessness alongside Mayor Sutcliffe, Councillors Marty Carr and Theresa Kavanagh, and many other familiar faces.

Whether you walked, ran, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines, your energy helps move us closer to a city where everyone has a place to call home.

We’re also in the midst of a busy fall legislative season — as I write this, I’m preparing for eight committee meetings in nine days! And, of course, budget season is well underway. I invite residents to join one of our upcoming 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations:

• East End Session: Saturday, October 25, 1 – 3 pm at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex (Rendez-vous Room, Hall D).

• Rural Session: Tuesday, October 28, 7 – 9:30 pm at the Osgoode Community Centre (Fred Alexander Meeting Room).

City staff will be on hand to share information and answer your questions.

Last week at Finance and Corporate Services Committee, two important reports represented major wins for healthcare in Ottawa — especially here in Orléans. A new two-storey healthcare facility at 4405–4409 Innes Road will expand local access to care, with an enhanced Orléans Urgent Care Clinic, pharmacy services, and new medical offices for family physicians and specialists.

The committee also approved a Primary Care Provider Recruitment and Retention Strategy, a 10-point plan to help attract and keep more family doctors in Ottawa. As Chair of Ottawa Public Health, I’m proud to support these important steps toward improving access to care close to home.

A new licensing regime plan was approved for landscaping contractors, addressing what’s often been called the “Wild West” of unregulated hardscaping work. The proposed bylaw would require contractors to obtain an annual license, maintain insurance, and sign contracts with homeowners to ensure accountability and helping prevent costly bylaw violations for residents.

I also want to note that the Lansdowne 2.0 reports have now been released, and Mayor Sutcliffe held a press conference earlier this week to walk residents through some of the details. The reports that committee will begin considering on Wednesday, October 29 include the Amendments to the Lansdowne Partnership Agreements, the Lansdowne 2.0 Redevelopment and Construction Approval Plan, the Economic Impact Analysis, and the Lansdowne 2025 Annual Report.

As Vice-Chair of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, I’ve been consistently engaged on this file at every stage or “gate”, and we are now approaching the critical “go or no-go” decision point. There will be a great deal for both committee and Council to consider in the weeks ahead, including at the Auditor General’s update the following week on November 4.

I want to assure residents that I continue to review every submission and piece of feedback shared with my office as I continue to read over the reports. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to engage thoughtfully on this important city-building project.

Finally, as we wrap up Small Business Week, I’d like to recognize the many outstanding small businesses that drive our local economy and enrich life here in Orléans South–Navan. Thank you for all you do — and let’s keep supporting local, all year long.

Go Jays go!⚾💙

REMINDER - new traffic control set-up is underway on Brian Coburn Boulevard for Groupe Heafey development

Before reading further, please know that two-way traffic will be maintained at all times during this work. Originally, this work was proposed to fully close this stretch of Brian Coburn — a closure I made clear could absolutely not be accommodated. A request to proceed simultaneously during the Navan Road work was also denied. We’ve secured a setup that keeps traffic moving and minimizes disruption. Residents should not expect significant delays.

The work involves lane shifting and will impact OC Transpo buses entering and exiting the Chapel Hill Park & Ride. Flag personnel will be on-site from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays to assist OC Transpo buses and construction vehicles accessing the site as needed. This flagging operation is not intended to manage general traffic — again, two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project.

What to expect:

• Two-way traffic will remain in place at all times, though drivers should be aware of active construction in the corridor.

• The sidewalk and multi-use pathway (MUP) on the south side of Brian Coburn will be closed, with clear signage and a temporary pedestrian detour through the Chapel Hill Park & Ride MUP.

• The work will be carried out in four traffic control phases, each involving different lane shifts and construction barrel setups.

• No weekend work is planned, though traffic control measures will stay in place between phases.

• A City inspector will be on-site to monitor the setup, particularly on the first day, to ensure everything is functioning safely and as intended.

• The work is anticipated to be completed in 8 weeks.

While I recognize that Brian Coburn is already operating well beyond capacity, we’ve been able to negotiate a construction plan that minimizes the impact on residents and transit users alike.

Once complete, the modifications will deliver:

• Improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and cross-rides for safer pedestrian and cyclist access to the Park & Ride and the new community;

• Improved safety and connectivity for cyclists using the Brian Coburn multi-use pathway;

• A dedicated left-turn lane to better manage traffic entering and exiting the new development;

• An upgraded, signalized cycle crossing for safer, more predictable movements to and from the Park & Ride.

Thank you in advance for your continued patience as this work moves forward. These improvements are required to bring the new community online in Bradley Estates, and I appreciate your support throughout the construction process.

Critical culvert replacement projects will impact traffic over four days

Two culvert replacement projects will require short-term road closures to complete work safely and efficiently.

Innes Road Closure

From Monday, October 27 to Friday, October 31, 2025, Innes Road will be closed between Dunning Road and O’Toole Road. Access for those living within the work limits and emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.

Magladry Road Closure

From Wednesday, October 29 to Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Magladry Road will be closed between Dunning Road and Sarsfield Road for a separate culvert replacement project. Access for those living within the work limits and emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout.

These upgrades are essential to ensuring proper drainage and maintaining the long-term safety and reliability of our rural road network.

I’ve worked closely with City staff and my east-end colleague, Councillor Matt Luloff, to minimize disruption and coordinate the timing of these closures as much as possible.

I appreciate residents’ patience and understanding while this important work is completed. Please plan ahead and follow detour signage during the affected dates.

A further update on the Navan and Milton roundabout project

In the September 19th edition of my newsletter, I shared that the Navan and Milton roundabout project was originally scheduled to begin construction this fall. Like all major City projects, it went through a competitive tendering process to ensure the best value for taxpayers and to select a qualified contractor. That process has now concluded, and I’m pleased to share that the City of Ottawa has awarded the contract.

The contractor has indicated that they will begin “soft works” which include tree clearing, grubbing, staging, and culvert installation this year, primarily along the north side of the intersection. The full project area includes approximately 140 metres east and west along Navan Road and 85 metres south along Milton Road.

Because of the timing and nature of the work, major construction is now anticipated to begin in spring or summer 2026.

I know how important this project is for local traffic flow and safety, and I remain fully committed to seeing it delivered with the quality and value residents expect.

Overnight noise exemption for the new Bradley Estates' elementary school

Due to recent inclement weather impacting the construction schedule, the contractor working on the new school at 700 Spring Valley Drive in Bradley Estates has requested a last minute noise by-law exemption for a critical concrete pour and crane operations for one night only.

As a result, there will be work taking place after hours tonight, Friday, October 24 from 10 pm - 2 am. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Photo Credit: Rafay Azhar

Winner of the first-ever Ward 19 fall photo contest!

Two weeks ago, I launched my Ward 19 Fall Photo Contest and I was blown away by the number of beautiful submissions we received! Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their favourite fall moments from across Orléans South–Navan.

I’m thrilled to announce that Rafay Azhar is the winner!Rafay’s photo (featured above) captured the stunning stormwater pond and surrounding forest in the Trailsedge community of Bradley Estates, which is a perfect snapshot of autumn’s beauty in our community.

I also want to extend a special thank-you to the several residents who sent in honourable mentions — from vibrant suburban shots in Orléans South to scenes of harvest time near Navan. Your photos truly showcase how beautiful and diverse our ward is in every corner.

Draft assessment complete for the province’s Orléans Area Reinforcement Project

Hydro One has completed the draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the Orléans Area Reinforcement project. Now, you’re invited to provide feedback at HydroOne.com/Orleans

The proposed project includes building a new 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line within the existing corridor from Hawthorne Transformer Station (TS) to Orléans TS, as well as converting an existing 115 kV line in that corridor to 230 kV. While no alterations to the existing transmission towers are required to complete the conversion, modifications are required inside both stations to increase capacity.

Please note that this is not a city-led or initiated project. The draft ESR is available for public review and comment until Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Work continues to advance the Cumberland BRT

This past Thursday, the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee approved an addendum to the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Transitway project, marking an important next step toward improving east–west connectivity across our city’s east end.

The updated alignment, first introduced during the Transportation Master Plan Part 2 this summer, refines the section between the roundabout at Brian Coburn Boulevard and Navan Road to Blair Road.

As I shared in my written comments for the report, this addendum helps maintain project readiness and positions the City to pursue external funding opportunities for the Cumberland BRT, a project our community needs to provide faster, more reliable transit and reduce congestion on Innes Road, Brian Coburn Boulevard, and Highway 174.

The revised approach, relocating the corridor adjacent to the Blackburn Hamlet Bypass, responds to National Capital Commission concerns while maintaining integration with the Brian Coburn Extension. I also emphasized the importance of ensuring safe, multimodal connections for walking and cycling, reviewing potential noise impacts and sound barrier considerations, and continuing strong engagement with east-end residents and stakeholders, particularly where the alignment interacts with existing homes along the Hydro Corridor.

Advancing this work keeps us on track to ensure that growth in Orléans South and surrounding communities is supported by sustainable, future-ready transportation infrastructure.

Road and intersection safety at Tenth Line Road and Wall Road

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the recent pair of collisions at Tenth Line and Wall.

I fully appreciate the communities’ rightful concerns with safety at the intersection, and rest assured I am working with staff on what our options are to improve safety in the area. Since the initial collision last week, I immediately worked with staff to have the weeds in the area cleared in order to enhance site lines and improve overall visibility at the intersection. I will also be meeting on-site in the next couple of weeks with the Road Safety Action team and Ottawa Police Service to discuss next steps and review the intersection.

Further, I wanted to take a moment to clarify some of the statistics at the intersection as there've been several different variations circulating. Between January 01, 2001, to December 31, 2024, there were 11 collisions at the intersection, and since January 01 2001, there've been no fatal collisions at the intersection. The fatality on July 07, 2022, involving a motorcycle was south of the intersection, and police have confirmed that traffic control measures at the intersection would not have impacted this collision.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reach out to me since these collisions and rest assured, I will continue working to enhance road safety where I can in our community.

Removal of temporary traffic calming measures across the city has started

This spring and summer, our office worked to implement hundreds of new temporary traffic calming (TTC) measures throughout the ward. These measures are designed to improve safety, reduce speeding, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Every year, my team diligently tracks speeding concerns and traffic calming requests and works with the City's team of traffic calming professionals to invest in appropriate measures that will have the greatest impact.

Since most of these measures are temporary (installed from spring-fall), crews have begun removing measures like flexstakes for the winter months. You can be assured that these will be reinstated come the spring.

As always, my team will continue to track all requests for traffic calming that we receive throughout the year to review them for next year’s new TTC installation budget.

Have your say on the new Beaugency Park in Orléans Village

The City is seeking input on concept plans for Beaugency Park located at 230 Beaugency Street.

Proposed amenities for the park include a playground, sand play, swings, splash pad, shade structure, pickleball courts, walking paths, mini sports field, bird watching, skating rinks and rink bunker. The design also features a communications board to support inclusive play.

The Engage Ottawa Page for the project, including project summary, concept plans, and an opportunity to provide written comments can be found at the links below. The City is also seeking feedback on playground equipment options, and I’ve heard from residents that it would be great to see some variety from nearby parks like August Park, which I agree with.

Resident feedback is open until October 30, 2025 here: https://ow.ly/tWyH50XcHhP

Navan is the place to be this fall!

From fluffy stacks at the Fire Station 71 pancake breakfast to the spirit and charm of the Navan Community Association’s Fall Fest, it was another incredible day in our village!

A huge thank you goes out to our firefighters, volunteers, Navan Lions, and all the neighbours who showed up to celebrate community and the change of season.

A big thank you also to everyone who donated to support CHEO.

Public information session on the Bear Brook Watershed study

South Nation Conservation (SNC), together with municipalities, community partners, and local stakeholders, is leading a multi-year study to plan for the future of the Bear Brook Watershed.

The Study webpage has been launched on the SNC website: Bear Brook Watershed Study | South Nation Conservation Authority It includes a story map that highlights key findings from the characterization phase of the study. Material is offered in both English and French.

The first public information session is scheduled for Thursday November 13, 2025, from 6 – 8 pm at the Bearbrook Community Centre (8720 Russell Rd, Ottawa).

The goal of this first PIC is to introduce the study and present findings from the characterization report.

Please note that this study is separate from the work being done on the McKinnon’s Creek Engineer’s Report.

SNC encourages property owners to plan now for Spring 2026 tree plantings

SNC is accepting seedling orders and scheduling free site visits, making this the perfect time to prepare sites, test soils, and secure preferred tree species before the busy planting season.

Through partnerships with Forests Canada and the City of Ottawa’s Green Acres Program, SNC offers affordable full-service tree planting that includes sourcing and delivering seedlings, site preparation, planting, and tending.

Through these partnerships, seedlings can be purchased at discounted rates and can cost as little as $1.11 for coniferous trees or $1.68 for deciduous trees, with additional grants available for rural landowners within Ottawa. Over-the-counter orders, where residents plant their own trees, are also available for smaller projects, with a minimum of 25 seedlings per order.

The deadline for over-the-counter orders for Spring 2026 is December 1, 2025, or while supplies last. For more information, please click here.

Thursday Night Lights at Millennium Park

It may have been a chilly one here in Ward 19 at Millennium Park, but the energy at this year’s All Saints Bowl was electric as the St Matthew Tigers took on the St Peter Knights.

I wore my old St. Matt’s sweater with pride (yes… it still fits!), and as a proud Tiger, it’s always special to be back cheering on this classic rivalry. With my east-end colleague Matt Luloff in the Knights’ corner this year, the friendly competition was on! Seeing those stands full and the crowd buzzing brought back all the nostalgic memories.

Congratulations to St. Matt's on the victory and well done to St. Pete's for an exceptional game. What a wonderful display of sportsmanship in Orléans.

TOMORROW - Greater Avalon Halloween Bike Ride

The Greater Avalon Community Association is hosting a “Kidical Mass” Halloween Bike Ride in the community.

The ride starts at 1 pm leaving from François Dupuis Recreation Centre. The route is a 3 km loop through the Avalon neighborhood back to FDRC.

Hot chocolate and treats will also be served. The rain date for the event is Sunday, October 26.

OPS reminds off-road vehicle riders to stay safe this fall

With the fall season underway, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding off-road vehicle (ORV) operators to ride responsibly and safely. Shorter days, cooler weather, and changing trail conditions can increase risks for riders.

“Fall is a great time to explore Ottawa’s outdoors on an off-road vehicle,” said Sgt. Shyldon Safruk. “By wearing proper gear, checking your machine, and riding within your limits, you can make sure every ride ends safely.”

Find all the safety tips here.

TOMORROW - Trick or Treat with the Mayor 2025

Come Trick or Treat with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and your favourite costumed characters in the “Weird and Wonderful” Heritage Building where you will be welcomed by the Enchanted Witches and Goblins of Elgin Street! 

Witches and reapers guard the entrance to the Heritage Building, leading you from treat to treat down its shadowy halls where villains lurk, ghosts whisper, and wonderful magic stirs.

The event is tomorrow, Saturday, October 25 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.

For more information, please click here.

Public information sessions on the Private Approach By-law

The City 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 driveway or vehicular access to private property that is on the City’s right of way.

City staff are hosting a citywide online public information session on November 4, 2025. A second rural focused session will be held on November 10, 2025. The information sessions will cover how the City reviews and permits private approaches, the functions of the right of way that need to be preserved, and an overview of the proposed by-law updates.

Date: Tuesday, November 4

Time: 6 - 7:30 pm

Online platform: The session will be held virtually on Zoom

Registration: Click here to register

Rural session

Date: Monday, November 10

Time: 6 - 7:30 pm

Online platform: The session will be held virtually on Zoom

Registration: Click here to register

A reminder about peak leaf and yard season clean-up

Let’s rake & roll – peak leaf and yard season is almost here. What does this mean? Starting in mid-October, waste collection operators have until 8 pm to pick up separately set out leaf and yard waste at the curb. The peak season typically lasts for approximately four weeks into late November but can be longer depending on yard waste quantities and the weather. When it’s not peak leaf and yard waste season, curbside waste is picked up by 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 as of March 30, 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

New online tool is in place to help Ottawa’s small businesses succeed at every stage

If you are starting or buying a small business, or looking for ways to grow your business, the City's Small Business Navigator is a new, one-stop shop to find the tools and resources you need.

You can find answers to the questions you didn’t even know you were supposed to ask about how to plan, launch, grow or transfer your small business.

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4qlnLTE