Councillor’s Message
Happy New Year Orléans South—Navan! I know we’re already more than halfway through January (where has the time gone), but given this is the first newsletter of 2024, I thought I’d take the opportunity to wish you and yours all my best. As we kick off the new year, I’ve already had several meetings with the mayor’s office, the City manager, my east-end and rural colleagues and City staff discussing the exciting prospects and challenges that lie ahead. What continues to be top of mind is the pressure Orléans South-Navan is under when it comes to the rapid-pace of development and our increasing transportation challenges. Believe me when I tell you I take every opportunity to raise this, and based on these conversations, I trust that we will make progress on solutions in the year ahead. Despite the cold and snowy weather, I want to extend a shout-out to the dedicated crews working tirelessly to clear the snow and maintain our industry-leading winter standards. Their commitment in this brutal weather ensures our streets remain safe and accessible. I also appreciate the positive and constructive feedback I’m receiving on their work, which I do pass along. The consistent cold weather has not deterred the volunteers at our outdoor rinks and trails. They’re working hard to build and flood rinks or groom our trails, providing a space for our community to come together and enjoy the winter season. If you see these volunteers out braving the cold, please take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication. I’m looking forward to the grand opening of the Vista Park Rink Shack tomorrow to ring in the skating season (more details below).
An exciting event to look forward to in 2024 is the Rural Summit—the first in 16 years. This community-led summit will cover a wide range of topics, and I’m eager to see how this collaborative effort fosters a deeper understanding of the unique needs of our rural communities among our urban colleagues and City staff. I'd also like to thank Ward 19 residents Glen Edwards (Navan) and Caroline Etter (Sarsfield) for agreeing to be on the working group for the summit. I know their long history in our community and deep knowledge of our rural strengths and challenges will contribute greatly to planning the event. Please stay tuned for dates, times, and locations to participate.
As you’ll see below, it’s already been a busy start to the year, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Stay warm,
Ruisseau Park Ravine Rehabilitation moves forward
The Ruisseau Park ravine forms part of the Blue Willow Stormwater Management facility, a quantity control facility built next to a small tributary of Mud Creek in the 1990’s.
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff is causing erosion within the ravine. The purpose of the rehabilitation process which started with community consultations in 2021 is to protect private and public property from slope instability, while minimizing negative impacts to the natural features in the existing ravine and minimizing long-term maintenance requirements. The ravine has already seen several failures over its lifespan, hence why the work is critical.
This week, crews have begun marking tree removal locations, setting up construction fencing, and pedestrian controls. Starting the week of January 22, crews will start tree removal which will take upwards of two weeks. Residents can expect to see tree removal in this area (158) to facilitate this critical work; however, 143 trees and 708 shrubs will be replanted in this location. The work is expected to be completed by mid-September, weather dependent. Impacted residents have been contacted directly.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Marc Tremblay, City Project Manager at marc.tremblay2@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2424, ext. 14391.
Sarsfield Road Bridge update
Recently, the City conducted a thorough inspection of the Sarsfield Road Bridge. This inspection, considering the bridge's age (100 years old!) and current load requirements, has resulted in recommendations to temporarily limit loading to vehicles weighing less than 10 tons.
To communicate this temporary change effective immediately, on-site signage has been installed, and an enhanced bridge monitoring plan is now in place.
The load restriction will remain in effect until the bridge undergoes replacement. This year, staff will develop a new bridge design, with construction set to follow pending necessary approvals, budget considerations, and overall construction coordination.
More details about timing and community impacts will be shared in advance of the construction phase. If you have any questions regarding the project, please do not hesitate to reach out.
TOMORROW - Vista Rink Shack Official Grand Opening
Please join me tomorrow (Saturday, January 20) from 2-4 pm as we celebrate the official opening of the Vista Park Rink Shack!
The Greater Avalon Community Association had previously identified this need in our community, and I was happy to wok with them on making it a reality. Join us for some pizza (courtesy of Papa John's Orleans!), hot chocolate, treats, and of course, skating!
Improved transit service on Sweetvalley
Good news for residents in Summerside West. Staring this spring, Route 35 will be extended past Esprit and will now serve Sweetvalley Drive. While I was disappointed that the OC Transpo Route Review failed to bring substantial change to Ward 19, this is an area I’ve been pushing to see serviced for a while.
Residents in this area will now have an easily accessible route to Blair Station. The 35 will also serve as an efficient way to connect residents to LRT at Place D’Orléans when Stage 2 LRT launches.
If you’re interested in reading more about the route review, please visit https://ow.ly/rhtm50QquXN
Tackling transportation concerns: new CECCE school on Sweetvalley
Last week, I met with City transportation staff on-site at Sweetvalley Drive ahead of Planning and Housing Committee to gain a deeper understanding of the traffic implications associated with the new Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) elementary school.
At Planning and Housing Committee this week (https://ow.ly/WRAz50QsiuV), I held the item for comment to speak on continuing to work with the applicant and staff through the concerns I share with the community – traffic volume on this local road, and the efficient and safe flow of school buses and student transportation in the vicinity of the new school. I believe it’s essential to thoroughly assess and plan for the lived experience to ensure the well-being and safety of children and near-by residents.
I will continue to work with the applicant through these concerns and will be meeting with their transportation planning consultants on site again in the coming month.
Site visit to Canadian Blood Services’ Orléans plasma donor centre
I recently visited the Canadian Blood Services Orléans plasma donor centre at Place d'Orléans shopping centre, and was very impressed by this state of the art centre, right here in our community. Witnessing firsthand the impact of plasma donations on saving lives was a touching experience.
I strongly encourage anyone who can donate plasma or blood to consider doing so, as it is a simple yet powerful tool for helping those in our community who need it. The most common uses of plasma donations include individuals who have experienced a severe trauma, burn or shock, adults or children with cancer, and people with liver or clotting factor disorders.
There is a looming threat to the supply of plasma needed to produce plasma protein products for Canadian patients today and in the future. Demand for plasma is rapidly growing in Canada. Securing a Canadian supply of source plasma is necessary to address potential disruptions or threats, such as when the borders closed during the pandemic and supply was virtually shut off from the United States.
I’m looking forward to returning to the donor centre in February to make my own contribution, and welcome anyone in the community who would like to join me to reach out. We can do it together! To learn more or to set up your own appointment, please visit https://ow.ly/ZWQx50Qqocy
Ward 19 Coyote Community Information Night
I invite you to join City staff and I on Wednesday, January 31 from 6-8 pm at Aquaview Community Hall (318 Aquaview Drive) for a community information session focused on coyotes.
We'll discuss the city's protocol when a coyote is spotted, hear from Coyote Watch Canada, and share best practices if you encounter one in your neighbourhood. Please spread the word as I know there has been recent coyote sightings across the ward that have generated interest.
Please RSVP by January 30, 2024 at https://ow.ly/eLHB50Qr4Mu.
RAFO: connecting seniors in our community
It was a huge pleasure to attend the Christmas Luncheon hosted by the Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d'Ottawa (RAFO) in December. I had the opportunity to chat with members and sit down with some of their board members to hear about the amazing work they do to support Francophone Seniors in ward 19.
I’m looking forward to continuing to support the RAFO in 2024. Their winter programming has started, and I encourage you to become a member or a volunteer by visiting their website: https://www.rafo.ca/
Complete your Vacant Unit Tax declaration before March 21
It’s time to complete your online Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) forms at ottawa.ca/vut for each residential property you own before the March 21 deadline. A $250 late fee will be applied to all declarations filed after the deadline.
To complete the declaration, visit ottawa.ca/vut, click Submit declaration, and log on with the roll number and access code found on last year’s property tax bill or information notices that will be sent by email or Canada Post. Email notices will be sent to those who provided their email addresses on last year’s declaration. Please also check your junk folder. If you’re registered with MySeviceOttawa, you can go directly to the declaration on your property tax account.
I recognize that many residents are frustrated by the requirement to make this yearly declaration, and I share your concern. Last year, council directed staff to look at other, less intrusive, options, and I'm hopeful that a solution will be found.
Share your thoughts on upcoming changes to recreation passes
The City wants to hear your thoughts about a proposed new model for City of Ottawa recreation admissions and membership. The new model groups activities into three cost categories and would apply to drop-in admissions, multi-visit passes and membership passes. Watch the My Rec Pass video and visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about the new model. Have your say by completing the online survey until Wednesday, January 31.
You can also participate in a virtual public consultation session to share your feedback on Monday, January 22 from 6:30 – 8 pm or Monday, January 29 from 1:30 - 3 pm. Please register your attendance in advance. Participants attending the virtual consultation session will receive a meeting link by email.
I’ve received feedback around concerns related to Aquafit classes being bundled with the highest cost membership option. I’ve heard you and I’ve brought this to the attention of senior leadership who are looking into it.
Tell the City what you think about commemorative naming
Every story counts. Over 350 streets, parks and facilities across Ottawa bear the names of individuals who made extraordinary contributions to the city and its residents. The current Commemorative Naming Program has been in place for the past 20 years. The City is seeking your input to modernize a policy that aligns with Ottawa’s values.
To get involved, complete an online survey on Engage Ottawa to share your feedback on the Commemorative Naming Program. The survey will be open for responses until Friday, February 16, 2024.
Community Economic Development grant period now open
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the annual Community Economic Development Funding Program.
Grants are available for non-profit organizations that are starting projects focused on:
creating jobs
creating businesses
developing entrepreneurship and employability skills
Applications are open until Friday, February 9 at 4 pm. For more information, please visit https://ow.ly/uWjB50Qq9Qj.
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