Orléans South-Navan Community Update | December 19th, 2025

Councillor’s Message

It’s my last newsletter of 2025, and I wanted to share a few important updates with you before the holidays.

After more than 10 hours of deliberations last Wednesday, the City’s 2026 budget was approved. 

When the draft budget was first tabled in November, I was vocal in my frustration, voting against the Public Works and Infrastructure budget at the committee table. I was disappointed to see that Orléans South-Navan was not receiving an oversize share of investment given the pressure our community is under due to rapid growth. But, over recent weeks I rolled up my sleeves. Symbolic gestures only get you so far; I believe that real results come from sustained effort. I’m never shy to raise my voice, but I’m also ready to put in the work. So, I negotiated for our community behind the scenes, improved proposals, and brought forward motions to improve our standing. Through site meetings with staff, frank discussions with senior leadership, and continued work with the Mayor’s office, important gains were made. 

The François Dupuis District Park expansion will break ground this year with an investment of over $12 million. Several long-needed intersection upgrades are moving forward such as Mer Bleue/Deceour, Brian Coburn/Tenth Line and Renaud/Fern Casey, along with road rehabilitation work on several sections of Trim Road and on Watson Road. I negotiated additional upgrades, including paving the Millennium Park gravel lot closest to the turf field, and advancing resurfacing of the problem section of Navan Road from just past Markinch to Mer Bleue, while the long-term urbanization plan is worked on. Culvert work will also take place on several streets in rural Ward 19 so that resurfacing work can follow. I also passed a motion that now requires the City to track road maintenance costs on a per-road basis, so future budgets will prioritize roads with the highest ongoing needs. 

One of the most important gains this month was ensuring that the Cumberland BRT was submitted to the Canada Public Transit Fund as the City’s highest priority for federal funding. And while it may feel incremental after so many years of advocacy, the process is finally beginning to widen Brian Coburn with millions dedicated to design, continuing the momentum from the Transportation Master Plan success in the summer. 

I also brought forward a motion directing staff to study Orléans South in a holistic way, so that planning and investment reflect the reality on the ground. It has felt like an uphill battle, especially when projects in other parts of the city leapfrog ours after receiving an injection of funding from the provincial government, but I remain committed to finding creative solutions to the transportation infrastructure issues we face daily. 

Bus reliability has also suffered under the weight of our congested roads. Through multiple meetings with senior staff at OC Transpo, I’ve been working hard to ensure that when Stage 2 launches, residents finally see better connections and more dependable service — especially on perennial problem routes like Route 30. Our community has shouldered the impacts of Stage 2 construction for years, and this year, we will finally see that chapter close with its launch. 

I appreciate the effort from Mayor Sutcliffe to secure fairer funding from our provincial and federal partners. At the same time, this term of Council has made real progress in finding efficiencies. This year’s overall tax increase is higher than I would have liked at 3.75%, but it’s important for residents to know that through the collective work of the Service Review Working Group and the Agile Working Group, of which I am a member, the City has realized more than $252 million in cumulative savings this term, saving residents from what would amount to a 12% tax increase – real double digit increases that we’ve seen in other municipalities. Like I've shared previously, in 2023, Vancouver raised property taxes by 10.7%, followed by a 7.5% increase in 2024. In Toronto, 2024’s property tax increase was 9.5%, following 2023 at 7% and in Edmonton, Council just approved a 6.9% increase in 2026, following 5.7% in 2025 and 8.9% in 2024. The majority of this Council has no appetite in ever seeing increases that high, and we worked hard to keep taxes as low as possible, fully aware that affordability pressures are rising both for families and for the city. 

One major investment in this budget is into public safety, with police receiving more funding than they have in recent years. I remain a strong supporter of Chief Stubbs’ Revitalized District Model in policing, because it ensures police resources will be dedicated to our community. When I meet with the Chief, I raise the issues residents raise with me: speeding on our roads, car and retail theft, and the need for a visible, consistent police presence in Orléans South-Navan. Since its launch more than a year ago, I have already seen significant improvements, and more progress is on the way. With all that said, my work is far from done. Projects like the widening of Brian Coburn, the Renaud Road realignment, the Innes Transit Priority Measures, and the Cumberland BRT, files I’ve pushed to advance, need to be moving faster. We did the hard work to ensure they were recognized and prioritized in the updated Transportation Master Plan; now they need to be funded. I’ve made that expectation clear to senior staff and to the Mayor’s Office, and the Mayor has given me his word that accelerating these projects will remain a shared priority heading into 2026. In fact, the very next day after the budget passed, our offices were already working together to keep that momentum going. 

I want to thank everyone who participated in the budget process and shared your feedback with me. You were heard, and I’ll keep fighting for overdue, meaningful investment. You’ve elected me to move the needle, and I haven’t stopped pushing, and on occasion shoving and elbowing, it forward.

As the holiday season is in full swing, I hope you are all making the most of the festivities! It’s been wonderful to see so many of you at events throughout the City and ward during this special time of year. The generosity of our community has been heartwarming, with many supporting those in need through food and toy drives and local resource centres.

On a more somber note, I also want to express my deep sympathy to the Jewish community following last week’s attack in Australia on the first day of Hanukkah. There is no place for antisemitism, here in our community or anywhere in the world. Please know that we are holding you in our thoughts during what should be a time of light and celebration.

On behalf of Team Orléans South-Navan and I, we’re wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Thank you for your support and engagement this year. I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us!

Warmly,

Office hours reduced for the holidays

My team and I are taking some much-needed time to recharge over the holidays. We’ll still be monitoring email and voicemail for urgent, emergency requests only, but please note that response times will be longer than usual.

As well, my ward office at François Dupuis Recreation Complex will be closed. Friday office hours will start up again on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

If you’re looking to submit a service request during the holiday break, you can do so by calling 3-1-1 or online at https://ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1.

For all urgent matters, please email me directly at Catherine.Kitts@ottawa.ca.

Addressing speeding concerns and future traffic calming plans for Décoeur Drive

Recognizing ongoing concerns with speeding and cut-through traffic on Decoéur Drive, I have been working to advance permanent traffic-calming measures for this corridor. I’m pleased to share that a concept plan is now underway, which may include elements such as speed humps, curb extensions (bulb-outs), and other design features aimed at slowing traffic and improving safety. 

Once the concept design is complete in mid-2026, it will be shared with the community for feedback, with construction to follow. 

In addition, a signalized pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of Notre Place is currently in design and is scheduled for construction in 2026. 

I also want to acknowledge a recent petition from local residents requesting that the street be restricted to local traffic only. Unfortunately, this request cannot be accommodated, as Decoéur Drive is classified as a Collector road, intended to accommodate higher traffic volumes and serve as a transit route. That said, I am hopeful that these new permanent traffic-calming measures will work to resolve concerns and help ensure this busy street remains safe for all users. 

For information about the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, please click here.

Protecting the condition of our roads as Orléans South grows

As development continues across Orléans South-Navan, it’s important that the cost of road damage caused by heavy construction hauling traffic doesn’t fall on residents. Last Wednesday, Council approved a motion I brought forward to take a more proactive approach to protecting our roads.

Earlier this year, I asked City staff to review what tools exist to manage and recover the costs of damage caused by heavy trucks hauling fill and construction materials. While there are by-laws that regulate truck routes and load limits, gaps remain when it comes to enforcement and cost recovery. Too often, road damage happens before a development is formally approved, leaving taxpayers to cover premature repairs through an already limited road rehabilitation budget.

With roughly one-fifth of all new homes city-wide being built in Orléans South, the impacts have been especially visible where excess fill is transported to rural areas of the community. The approved motion directs staff to explore more proactive options as part of upcoming by-law review work, including potential permitting or cost-recovery tools.

This is about fairness. Those who place heavy demands on our roads should contribute, within reason, to maintaining them. I will continue pushing for practical solutions that protect our infrastructure and make sure road renewal dollars go further for our community.

Make saving a life your greatest gift this holiday season

As we head into the holiday season, Canadian Blood Services is reminding residents that the need for blood and plasma donations is higher than ever.

While donations typically slow down over the holidays, hospitals continue to rely on a steady supply every day, and donation centres remain open throughout the season, including Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

Blood has a short shelf life, and a single donation can help save up to three lives. If you’re able, consider giving the gift of life this holiday season by booking a blood or plasma donation and making a meaningful difference for patients in need.

In the east end, the best place to donate is the Ottawa Donor Centre, located at 110 Place d'Orléans Dr - Unit 1120. To book, please click here.

Use City skating rinks, conserve your well water

Groundwater levels are still recovering, so City staff asking residents with private wells not to use their water supply to create or maintain backyard rinks. Building and maintaining rinks requires heavy flooding, which can strain your household’s water supply and your neighbours’.

Your rural councillors worked to ensure all community rinks — including those on well water systems — will open this season, following consultation with conservation authorities. Choosing shared rinks over private ones helps conserve water for everyone.

We have a network of 250+ outdoor rinks operated by dedicated volunteers. Opening dates depend on Mother Nature providing enough snow and cold temperatures. Residents on well systems can enjoy these rinks and the many arenas across the City — while helping preserve water for their homes and neighbours.

I recognize that some residents have already gotten a head start on backyard rinks, including trucking in water; the City is simply reminding everyone to be mindful not to overdraw from the aquifer.

Learn more here.

High levels of flu, RSV in the community, especially in children

With the holiday season and colder months driving people indoors, and into closer contact, it makes it easier for respiratory viruses to spread, leading to a rise in infections, hospitalizations, and increased pressure on the healthcare system.

Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) respiratory virus surveillance currently shows overall very high levels of flu, high levels of RSV, and low levels of COVID-19 in Ottawa, with all three rising. Hospital partners are also signaling that they are seeing an increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for respiratory illness – especially among children and older adults. Infants, young children, pregnant persons, older adults, and people with underlying medical issues are especially at risk for severe illness, complications, or hospitalization from viruses, like COVID-19 and flu.

Pharmacies continue to be the primary access point for both vaccines for people two years of age and older with many pharmacies offering walk-in services and appointments. Vaccines reduce your likelihood of getting these infections and are particularly effective in preventing severe illness, complications, and hospitalizations. 

OPH offers clinics for eligible groups facing barriers including newcomers without OHIP and children under five years of age and their household members. Vaccines are available by appointment at OPH Community Clinics and on a drop-in basis, based on capacity, at OPH Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.

OC Transpo to make switch to winter service hours starting Sunday

Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall, and winter.

This winter, starting, December 21, changes in service reflect expected changes in ridership when workers may be on vacation and schools are closed.

For a full list of changes, please click here.

Transit is free on New Year's Eve

OC Transpo will once again provide free transit service this New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MAAD Ottawa and Area.

As a reminder, the free service will run after 6 pm on trains, buses and Para Transpo.

• O-Train Line 1 will run until 2 am, after which Night bus service will run through downtown. 

• O-Train Line 2 will run until 1 am. 

• O-Train Line 4 will run on a normal weekday schedule until midnight. 

• Para Transpo service will run until 3 am. Last trips are booked for 2 am, or 1:30 am for rural trips. Bookings for midnight or later must be made the day before. 

Christmas tree disposal options

O’ Christmas tree, O’ Christmas tree, how do we dispose of thee? Discover reuse and donation options for your real tree at Ottawa.ca/ChristmasTrees.

The City also offers curbside collection of Christmas trees through the Green Bin Program. Please remove all decorations and place your tree at the curb no later than 7 am on your scheduled collection day.

Remember, setting out waste before collection day during winter can cause items to freeze in snowbanks, making them ineligible for pickup. Trees that are decorated, wrapped in plastic, or frozen in snowbanks will not be collected.Here’s to a sustainable and waste-free new year!

REMINDER - recycling contractors' contact information for post-January 1 blue/black box transition

Starting on January 1, 2026, an enhanced recycling system is coming to Ottawa!

For questions about recycling or if you have issues with your recycling pick-up, please contact Miller Waste directly at 1-888-852-2374 or area2@millerwaste.ca. As well, you can learn more here.

If you have any further questions or would like more clarifying information on how this transition took place, please read the excerpt from my previous newsletter here.

Changes coming to block party and vendor applications starting in 2026

As part of the Highway Events By-law (No. 2025-243) that is going into force on January 2, 2026, block parties are defined as a closure of one segment of a local or collector road, for a period of one-day or less to host a social gathering for the persons residing on that segment of the road.

Here’s what else is new:

• Applications now require 15 days’ notice (down from 28).

• Organizers may include one vendor during their event. A site plan showing the vendor’s placement is required with the application.

• Vendors must follow all City regulations, including the vendor conditions and business license requirements where applicable.

• Events with more than one vendor do not qualify as block parties and are rather categorized as street festivals. Street festival organizers must apply for a Special Event Permit which requires between 30 to 180-days’ notice and will be subject to a Special Events Advisory Team (SEAT) review and requirements. Timelines vary by event.

These changes are designed to make hosting community gatherings easier while ensuring safety and compliance. This information is available on Ottawa.ca.