Orléans South-Navan Community Update | December 5th, 2025

Councillor's Message

After the snow and cold weather we received this week, it’s clear that the season has arrived in full force! I hope you’re staying safe and warm as we dive into December.

Last weekend, I joined so many of you at another incredible Santa's Parade of Lights in Orléans. It was wonderful to see the huge crowds come out to enjoy the magic of the parade! A special thank you to the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association for organizing such a spectacular event. I was thrilled to be there with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillors Tim Tierney, Matt Luloff, and Laura Dudas.

Ruby and I also stopped by Sobeys on Trim and Innes earlier that day to welcome the iconic holiday Coca-Cola Truck. Manager Derek and the whole Sobeys team pulled out all the stops from Beavertails, to live caroling from Sing House Studios, and so much more! As always, it was a pleasure to meet the members of the Cardinal Creek Village Community Association and all the volunteers who help bring a little holiday magic to our corner of Orléans every year.

Of course, it’s still budget season at City Hall, and I’ve been having ongoing discussions with the Mayor and senior staff about proposed investments in Ward 19.

In my last newsletter, I noted my continued concern that the east end is not receiving its fair share of the City budget. With the significant growth and development underway in Orléans South, I believe our community deserves a proportionately greater share of investment.

Earlier this year, I submitted an inquiry that revealed a staggering imbalance: between 2013 and 2023, the City invested $131 million in new arterial roads in the west, $174 million in the south, and just $20 million in the east end. 

Growth in Orléans South-Navan is accelerating faster than nearly anywhere else in the city, yet the infrastructure needed to support that growth simply isn’t keeping pace.

Residents feel this every day: the congestion, the delays, the unreliable transit, and the pressure of thousands of new homes being approved without the necessary transportation infrastructure. Our community did the heavy lift in ensuring our priorities were clearly established and elevated in this year’s Transportation Master Plan update. Now, those projects need to be funded.

I have repeatedly pushed for new funding tools and faster project delivery, but the level of urgency from staff does not reflect the reality my community is living. That is why I ultimately voted against the Public Works and Infrastructure budget, to send a clear message that we will not accept a budget that overlooks the needs of Ottawa’s fastest-growing community.

Until we see meaningful, substantial investment in east-end transportation infrastructure, I will not be satisfied, and I will continue to fight for the investment our community deserves.

To listen to my full wrap-up comments from committee, please click here.

ELast but certainly not least, we’ve reached an exciting milestone in the long-awaited François Dupuis District Park project! Following earlier public consultation, staff have now released two concept options featuring major amenities for families, youth, athletes, and residents of all abilities. This is the most significant recreation-related investment our community has seen in years and one I have continued to push forward.

Please see additional details below and make sure to give your feedback! You can do so until next Friday, December 12, 2025 at the link here.

Ongoing ramp closure at Place d’Orléans Drive and Highway 174

As part of the Stage 2 O-Train Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, motorists travelling on Place d’Orléans Drive should continue to anticipate impacts to traffic as crews complete necessary construction activities.

There's an ongoing full closure of the Highway 174 eastbound on-ramp from Place d’Orléans Drive until Friday, December 12, 2025 at 5 pm.

Hydro Ottawa infrastructure upgrades in Chapel Hill South

Crews have started replacing electrical infrastructure on several streets in Chapel Hill South until March 31, 2026. Residents may notice tree trimming, vegetation management, increased construction activity, and brief traffic or lane reductions as crews complete this work within the right-of-way.

Hydrovac excavation will take place for roughly the first three weeks, Monday to Friday between 7 am – 5 pm, which may cause temporary noise or vibration. Additional intermittent excavation may be required in 2026.

Affected customers will receive written notices about upgrades and, if needed, planned power outages. Notices will be delivered by phone, text, email, or to the door based on individual account preferences.

The contractor for this project is Bradley-Kelly Construction Ltd.

Impacted streets include Crestmont Place, Longleaf Drive, Montclair Avenue, Montpellier Place, Oakbrook Circle, Orléans Boulevard, Pagé Road, Perrywood Drive, and Rolling Brook Drive.

Lane closure on Joshua Street for new school servicing

Work is underway at the new school site at Spring Valley Drive and Joshua Street, and the contractor is completing underground servicing for the project.

The road has been temporarily reinstated with asphalt and will remain in this condition until the final connection to the school is completed. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times. The road is currently open, and any work occurring between now and December 23 will involve only short, intermittent interruptions with single-lane access preserved throughout.

The contractor is required to provide notification letters at least two days in advance of any work affecting Joshua Street. City Right-of-Way staff will continue to oversee the three phases of construction. Weekend work is not currently scheduled but may occur if required to meet project timelines.

For questions, concerns, or accommodation requests, please contact Core Civil Construction at 613-314-4102 or email gurpreet@corecivil.ca and brent@corecivil.ca.

Milton/Navan roundabout work paused until the spring 

Construction has now paused for the winter on the roundabout at Milton and Navan, and the contractor demobilized from the site in late November. To date, all utility relocations, required tree clearing, culvert replacements, ditching, and the widening of the roadway on the north side have been completed.

Work will re-mobilize in the spring, and I will keep you updated on any anticipated impacts as the project moves into its next phase.

REMINDER - Left turn restriction and detour continues at Innes and Lamarche for signalization work

The left-hand turn restriction and subsequent detour on Innes Road and Lamarche Avenue continues until mid-December. This work is being completed to minimize traffic impacts and is part of the installation of a new traffic control signal to improve safety and accessibility at the intersection.

During construction, left turns into and out of Lamarche Avenue will be temporarily restricted. Motorists will be detoured from Lamarche Avenue via Argonaut Street, east on Jargeau Road, and north on Ventus Way to reach Innes Road. The same route applies in reverse for entering the community.

Temporary signage will be in place to direct motorists through the detour. Work is expected to occur during overnight hours as well. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Temporary sidewalk closures may occur, with signage in place to guide pedestrians safely around the work area as currently in place. Cyclists will be asked to share the single open lane with traffic or to dismount and use the signed pedestrian route.

As well, a reminder to residents to please be respectful of construction workers and slow down as you make your way through construction zones.

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

Reminder that construction work in this location involves lane shifting, requiring flag personnel to 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 —two-way traffic is to be maintained throughout the project.

The sidewalk and multi-use pathway (MUP) on the south side of Brian Coburn are closed. Please follow a temporary pedestrian detour through the Chapel Hill Park & Ride MUP.

Thank you for your continued patience as this work moves forward. 

François Dupuis District Park: final consultation before construction

After initial public consultation earlier this year, staff have proposed revised concept plans, and we are looking for your feedback.

The proposal features amenities that encourage family play, an active lifestyle and inclusivity. For some of the major amenities, staff have provided two options that they are considering:

• Large play structure options which each feature plenty of climbing elements, musical play and accessibility features that allow children of all ages and abilities to express their creativity while exploring.

• Splash pad options that each take a unique approach to creating a natural environment for everyone to cool off on a hot summer day.

• Fitness equipment that has something for everyone! Whether you are looking to increase your strength and flexibility or want to let out your inner ninja warrior, the fitness equipment options offer a variety of components to enjoy.

Other proposed amenities include an off-leash dog park, tennis & pickleball courts, a full basketball court, skateboard park, a complete boarded rink & puddle rink, full sized cricket field, disc golf, ping pong table, pathways, shade structures and a toboggan hill for plenty of winter fun!

Visit this project’s Engage Ottawa Page to review the project summary, concept plans, and provide your feedback: https://engage.ottawa.ca/.../surveys/survey-on-concept-plans

The survey is open to residents until December 12th, 2025.

This project represents a significant investment in our community of over $12.6 million and is expected to break ground next year, in 2026.

I am excited to reach this critical stage in the project, and I look forward to seeing it come to life! Together, we are creating a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic park that will serve our community for years to come.

Celebrating Order of Ottawa recipients

Last Thursday, I had the honour of joining Mayor Sutcliffe, Council colleagues, and community members for the 2025 Order of Ottawa ceremony, which is one of the city’s most meaningful traditions. This award recognizes remarkable residents whose leadership, service, and dedication have made Ottawa a better place for all of us.

It was a privilege to celebrate this year’s 15 inductees, including three extraordinary leaders from our own community.

Wyatt McWilliams, a lifelong Navan resident, was recognized for his remarkable contributions to agriculture, rural affairs, and community service. Despite being legally blind, Wyatt continues to run a full-time farming operation with his family, raising Clydesdale and Shire horses, cattle, and hay. His legacy includes organizing the record-setting 50 Horse Hitch for Navan Fair’s 50th anniversary, launching the Hay West initiative that supported drought-stricken prairie farmers, and leading the Food Aid program, which has provided over one million pounds of beef to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Tahawar Rana, President of the Masjid Bilal Islamic Society of Cumberland, was honoured for his decades of compassionate leadership in Orléans. Since 1997, Tahawar has helped shape Masjid Bilal into a welcoming space for faith, learning, and community connection. He is widely admired for building strong partnerships across civic, interfaith, corporate, and humanitarian sectors.

Dr. Holly Ellingwood received the Order of Ottawa for his unwavering commitment to the rights of transgender people and people with disabilities, as well as for his role as founder of Orléans Pride.

I am incredibly proud to see these residents recognized among Ottawa's finest. Their leadership reflects the very best of our city, and I'm grateful for everything they continue to do to lift up our community.

Congratulations once again to all of this year’s Order of Ottawa recipients!

Mer Bleue and Décoeur signalization open house

Thank you to everyone who attended the Mer Bleue and Décoeur signalization open house last week. It was great to engage in thoughtful discussion and have staff available to address community concerns directly.

I want to take a moment to address a common question asked, as several residents inquired why a roundabout is not being implemented at the intersection.

City staff indicated that a two-lane roundabout at Décoeur with a similar footprint (to the Mer-Bleue/Coburn roundabout exceeds the available public right of way at the intersection and would require property and building acquisition from private lands. A smaller single-lane roundabout, which requires narrowing the existing four-lane Mer Bleue Road through the roundabout is not operationally viable. A review of 2046 forecast traffic volumes consistent with the City’s Transportation Master Plan long term planning horizon, indicates the capacity of a single lane roundabout would be exceeded resulting in significant traffic delays and long vehicle queues over 300m along Mer Bleue Road.

The proposed solution which includes a protected signalized intersection with dedicated left turn lanes can accommodate future traffic demand with stable operations while avoiding impacts to the adjacent private properties. The design also allows for safe and accessible pedestrian crossings and integration of dedicated cycling facilities, consistent with the City’s complete streets guidelines.

I'm looking forward to seeing these intersection improvements constructed next year.

Navan Landfill proposed expansion open house postponed to February 2026

My office was informed yesterday afternoon that Open House #1, originally scheduled for December 11, 2025, has been postponed. The new date is Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa, 3349 Navan Road, Orléans, Ontario, K1W 0K7.

It is important to note that these open houses are organized and scheduled by the private proponent, not by my office or the City. I do not choose the dates, times, or locations for these sessions, nor do I have the authority to change them. However, I remain fully engaged in this file, and I will continue to closely monitor the process and represent the concerns of residents throughout.

Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about the proposal, and share their feedback. For questions or comments in advance, you can email Chris.Visser@wasteconnections.com and Yannick.Marcerou@wsp.com.

If you’d like to see my initial comments and reaction from both my November 9 or November 21 newsletter, please click one or both of the dates.

Virtual community information session on dry wells

Residents experiencing, or concerned about dry or low water wells heading into the winter are invited to join a virtual community information session on Monday, December 8 from 6 – 8 pm via Zoom.

During the session, there will be short presentations from the Conservation Authorities on watershed conditions and seasonal forecasts, City of Ottawa staff on roles, available supports, well safety, water testing, and winter rink considerations.

The meeting will also include a discussion period where residents can share concerns, experiences, or best practices, with City staff and councillors responding to questions and taking back items requiring follow-up.

To join the meeting, please click here.

New Ottawa Catholic School Board secondary school is coming to Orléans South

The Ministry of Education announced this morning just over $74 million for a new Ottawa Catholic School Board high school in Ward 19. This school will accommodate more than 1,400 students and is located on Brian Coburn Boulevard, right in the heart of our growing Orléans South community.

This is an exciting moment for families in Orléans. Students will soon have access to a high-quality Catholic secondary school close to home. I look forward to seeing this project move from planning to reality.

As a reminder, new school development, timelines, and education funding fall under provincial responsibility. Residents seeking additional information about this project are encouraged to reach out to their local MPP.

Have your say on the proposed Trailsedge Parkette

The City is looking for your feedback on the proposed design for Trailsedge Parkette. The park will be located in a new residential development located south of Brian Coburn Boulevard and west of Mer-Bleue Road.

The park concept includes play equipment, sand play, benches, walking paths, and an umbrella shade structure.

Please complete the survey to provide your feedback.

The survey is open until next Friday, December 12, 2025.

Tips and tricks as coyote sightings continue

I’m aware of recent coyote sightings being shared on neighbourhood groups in our community as the seasons change and understand that encountering wildlife can be unsettling, especially if you are not used to seeing them in urban areas or they are near your pets. Coyotes are a normal part of Ottawa’s natural ecosystem, even in suburban communities, and they play a valuable role in controlling vermin populations.

Most coyote–human conflicts are linked to food sourcing. The City strongly reminds residents not to leave out garbage, compost or pet food, and never feed wildlife/birds. Doing so encourages coyotes to return and can change their behaviour.

Ottawa’s By-law Services continuously tracks reported coyote activity across the city to monitor behaviour and locations. Relocation is not performed unless an animal shows abnormal or aggressive behaviour, as coyotes are native urban wildlife. Should a safety concern ever be identified, stronger action will be taken immediately.

Residents are encouraged to report any sightings directly to 3-1-1 . The more information provided through official channels, the better the City can respond.

Back in February 2024, I invited Coyote Watch Canada to speak with residents in our ward. They provided practical guidance on coyote behaviour, reducing attractants, and what to do if a coyote approaches too closely. The key takeaway was that proper reporting and prevention, not relocation, are the most effective tools to maintain safe coexistence.

I encourage you to learn more about coyotes by visiting Coyote Watch Canada's website, and by completing their interactive e-learning module.

TOMORROW - Orléans firefighters' annual holiday food drive

Join our District 7 firefighters for their annual holiday Food Drive tomorrow, Saturday, December 6, from 9 am - 4:30 pm at grocery stores across Orléans.

All donations support Orléans-Cumberland CRC, which continues to see rising demand.

If you’re able, please consider stopping by and giving generously!

Ray Vetter wins Ontario Senior of the Year Award

This week, I had the privilege of presenting Navan’s own Ray Vetter with the 2025 Ontario Senior of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to our community!

I was proud to nominate Ray for this honour and worked closely with the Mayor’s Office to help make this recognition possible.

Ray is a dedicated volunteer with Friends of the Mer Bleue, the Membership Director of the Navan Community Association, and, together with his wife Juanita, the co-leader of the much-loved Nifty-50+ Seniors Club in Navan, along with many other roles supporting his community.

During their December monthly luncheon, the Mayor and I surprised Ray with the award and recognized his remarkable service.

Thank you for everything you do for our community!

Discovering local rural history with a visit to the Cultivating Community exhibit

I joined the Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Councillor David Brown, to tour the City of Ottawa Archives’ new exhibit, Cultivating Community: Agriculture Rooted in Ottawa’s History.

It’s a fantastic look at our region’s rich agricultural heritage and past. If you have a chance, I highly recommend visiting the Barbara Ann Scott Gallery at City Hall to explore it for yourself.

It’ll be on display until November 2028.

Sarsfield Community Association food drive and soup potluck

I stopped by the Sarsfield Community Association’s annual holiday food drive last Sunday where once again our rural community showed incredible generosity with both food and monetary donations. $2,700, 19 boxes and 39 bags of non-perishable food were donated from the Sarsfield Community to the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre!

This year featured a cozy new soup potluck, with neighbours sharing warm dishes at the community centre that even featured a visit from Santa!

TOMORROW - Free native seed giveaway in Orléans

The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) will be in Orléans on December 6, hosting a free native seed giveaway! Join the OWSL to learn about the benefits of native plant gardening, take in a winter sowing demonstration, and pick up free native seeds. 

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:30-3:30 pm

Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road

Visit the OWSL website for more information about weekly seed giveaways this fall, to see the seed catalogue featuring over 300 native species, and to shop for garden signs and magnets. 

TOMORROW - Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration

On behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, you and your families are invited to the Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration tomorrow, Saturday, December 6 from 3–6 pm at City Hall.

Enjoy festive activities including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, taffy on snow, skating on the Rink of Dreams, horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:45 pm.

Admission is a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. BeaverTails will be available for $2, with all proceeds supporting local families. Please dress warmly, as the event is fully outdoors.

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.

High levels of flu, RSV in the community

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.

2025 OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive!

The last few years have been challenging for many in our community, and this year is no exception. 

On Saturday, December 13 from 10 am to 5 pm, donate non-perishable food items in-person at participating Loblaw stores across the City.

The following stores are participating in the east-end:

• Loblaws Gloucester – 1980 Oglivie Road

• Marsha’s Your Independent Grocer – 1619 Orléans Boulevard

• Real Canadian Superstore Orléans – 4270 Innes Road

• Orléans No Frills - 1226 Place d'Orléans Drive

OC Transpo to make switch to winter service hours starting December 21

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.

Ottawa Police announce updates to their community data portal

The Ottawa Police Service has launched a significant update to its Community Safety Data Portal, giving residents a clearer and more accessible way to explore local safety information. The update reflects community feedback and a renewed focus on helping people find and understand the data that shapes public safety conversations in Ottawa.

Public use of the portal continues to grow. It’s served more than 100,000 users this year, more than double last year, driving more than 350,000 page views.

Residents can view these new changes by visiting data.ottawapolice.ca.