Orléans South-Navan Community Update | July 3rd, 2026

Councillor's Message

Like many of you, the past two days have been focused on responding to the impacts of Wednesday's severe storm. While most neighbourhoods escaped with only minor damage, others in the west-end of our city continue to deal with prolonged power outages, washed-out roads, flooded basements, fallen trees, and significant property damage. My thoughts remain with everyone who is still recovering.

I’ve been working to help residents navigate questions about power restoration, fallen trees, debris cleanup, road hazards, and City services. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to report concerns and, just as importantly, to check in on neighbours who may need a helping hand.

I also want to recognize our first responders, Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One crews, City staff, and public works employees who have been working tirelessly to respond to emergencies, clear hazards, and restore essential services. Their work often continues long after the storm has passed, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication.

I've also received many questions about tree and branch cleanup. The City is responsible for removing damaged or fallen trees located on City property. If a tree has fallen on private property, the property owner is responsible for its removal and proper disposal. Where a fallen tree is blocking a road or sidewalk, the City will remove the immediate hazard regardless of ownership, although any remaining debris on private property remains the owner's responsibility.

At this time, City staff have advised that a special curbside tree and branch collection, similar to what was provided following the May 2022 derecho, is not being planned. While this storm caused localized damage, it did not reach the city-wide scale required to trigger that response for a special pick-up date.

Residents can continue to place branches out with their regular weekly leaf and yard waste collection. Branches must be securely bundled with natural twine, with each bundle no longer than 120 centimetres (4 feet) and no wider than 60 centimetres (2 feet). Individual branches must be less than 7 centimetres (3 inches) in diameter. There is no limit to the amount of properly prepared yard waste that can be set out for collection.

As always, I am reminded that one of the greatest strengths of Orléans South–Navan is the people who call it home. Time and again, we see neighbours helping neighbours, whether it's clearing debris, borrowing a chainsaw, lending a generator, clearing the road, or simply checking in on someone who may need assistance. Thank you for continuing to look out for one another. It is during moments like these that the true spirit of our community shines through.

For the latest on the city’s restoration efforts and other helpful information, please visit the dedicated webpage here.

Canada Day was jam-packed with celebrations right across Orléans. I had the pleasure of starting the day in Cumberland at the opening ceremonies of the Baitun Naseer Mosque's Canada Day event.

From there, I stopped by the BBQ festivities at Masjid Bilal on Innes Road and attended the Queenswood Heights Community Association's Canada Day celebration.

Then it was off to the Orléans Legion Branch for their annual party and live music. A big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make it possible.

Unfortunately, the east-end fireworks celebration had to be rescheduled due to the weather. Please stay tuned for more information on when that will take place.

Like so many Canadians, I've been enjoying watching our country come together during the FIFA World Cup whether it's in living rooms, backyards, restaurants, or local sports bars. Seeing Orléans' own Jonathan David score a spectacular hat-trick to secure Canada's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory over Qatar on June 18 was an unforgettable moment for both our country and our community.

Team Ward 19 has also been getting into the World Cup spirit with our own office bracket. It's been a fun way to follow the tournament each round!

If you're looking for a place to cheer on Team Canada, the Government of Canada and the City of Ottawa are hosting a free FIFA World Cup Watch Party tomorrow, Saturday, July 4, at the Ottawa Bluesfest site in LeBreton Flats Park as Canada takes on Morocco in the Round of 16. Gates open at 11 am ahead of the 1 pm kickoff. Fans of all ages are welcome, with food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to venue capacity. If you're attending, please note that only clear bags or small bags no larger than a fanny pack will be permitted, and all bags will be inspected upon entry.

Whether you're watching from LeBreton Flats or cheering from home or a restaurant, let's continue getting behind Team Canada. Go Canada Go!

I'm pleased to report that the traffic management plan for Chick-fil-A's grand opening on Innes Road appears to have worked well. The updates I shared generated significant engagement online and even attracted media attention, helping residents know what to expect before opening day. While there were busy periods, the advance planning and coordinated traffic management helped minimize impacts, and I'm grateful to everyone for their patience throughout their grand opening.

Please save the date for my annual Millennium Park BBQ on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1-3 pm. This year, the Mayor is co-hosting the event with me! More details to come, but I look forward to welcoming you all back to Millennium for an afternoon of food and fun for all ages.

Stay cool and well hydrated,

Catch basin installation on Willow Aster

Please be advised that Willow Aster Circle between Helenium Lane and Mer Bleue Road will be closed from Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2026, daily from 9 am – 3:30 pm.

The road will reopen each afternoon after 3:30 pm and remain open until the following morning.

The closure is required to allow crews to safely install a new catch basin, including full-depth asphalt removal and restoration of the road.

Thank you for your understanding while this important work is completed.

Full closure of Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks

To support underground infrastructure work at three separate infill projects that are being built in a row, crews are required to close the southern Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks.

Work will begin on Tuesday, July 7 and continue until Thursday, July 16. During this time, the intersection will be closed, however, the crosswalk and sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.

The closure is located at the southern Pagé/Nature Trail intersection and not the northern one, allowing for full local access to remain for homes on Nature Trail and Noblewood.

The reason for the delay from the initial mid-May closure date originally announced was due to internal private contractor scheduling issues.

Critical culvert work in Sarsfield

To support culvert replacement work, French Hill Road will be closed from Emmett Road to Birchgrove Road from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 19, 2026.

A full road closure and detour is required to construct the culverts in an efficient manner and also due to space limitations/crew safety.

Thank you for your understanding while this important work takes place.

Lalande Conservation Park reopening in phases

Following several weeks of a closure due to an unusually complex urban coyote situation, Lalande Conservation Park has begun reopening in phases.

The paved pathway between Plainridge Crescent and Nantes Street reopened last Friday, June 26, while the remainder of the park is now open as of this afternoon.

As part of the reopening, City staff also hosted an information session on Monday evening for residents living immediately adjacent to Lalande Conservation Park. The session provided neighbours with an opportunity to speak directly with the City's wildlife experts, ask lingering questions about the response, and better understand what to expect as the park reopens.

Since the park was closed earlier this month, I have been working closely with City staff, wildlife specialists from Coyote Watch Canada, and provincial officials to determine the safest and most appropriate course of action. The City sought provincial authorization to relocate the coyote family; however, that request was ultimately denied. In response, staff proceeded with an evidence-based wildlife management approach that included ongoing monitoring and aversion conditioning techniques designed to reinforce the animals' natural wariness of humans. As the pups became more mobile, the coyotes gradually moved away from the den site, allowing Public Works staff to decommission the den last week after confirming it was no longer in use.

Throughout this entire situation, I have remained in regular contact with City staff, the Mayor's Office, provincial officials, wildlife specialists, and Coyote Watch Canada as we worked through what experts described as one of the most complex urban coyote situations they have ever encountered in Ottawa. While there were no easy solutions, I appreciate the careful, evidence-based approach taken to prioritize both public safety and responsible wildlife management.

Although the park is reopening, residents should remember that coyotes remain part of Ottawa's urban environment and will still be seen in and around the conservation area. Dogs must remain on leash while using the park, children should be reminded not to approach or interact with wildlife, and residents are encouraged to report any concerning coyote behaviour to 3-1-1. If a coyote poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1.

Thank you to residents for your patience and understanding throughout the temporary closure. I know this situation was disruptive for many who regularly use the park, and I appreciate everyone's cooperation while experts worked toward a safe and responsible approach.

Council unanimously supports motion for greater transparency on the Alto High-Speed Rail project

Council unanimously approved my motion last week calling on Alto and the Government of Canada to significantly improve transparency, public engagement, and communication with respect to the proposed high-speed rail project.

While the project is a federal initiative, it has the potential to significantly affect residents, farmers, and generational landowners across Ottawa's rural communities. Throughout this process, I have consistently heard concerns from those who are being asked to live with uncertainty while receiving too few answers about how decisions are being made and what the project could mean for their properties and communities.

The motion calls for clearer and more proactive communication, meaningful opportunities for public participation, greater transparency around how potential routes are being evaluated, stronger consideration for the protection of Ottawa's agricultural lands and established communities, and for expropriation to be treated only as a true last resort.

I am grateful to my Council colleagues for their unanimous support, to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for seconding the motion, and to Councillor Isabelle Skalski for working alongside me on this important initiative. Together, Council has sent a clear and united message that Ottawa expects a fair, transparent process that respects the people and communities who may be impacted.

I will continue advocating to ensure residents are kept informed and that local voices remain at the centre of this conversation as the project moves forward.

You can watch my wrap-up comments here.

Ensuring transportation planning reflects real world experiences

At Public Works and Infrastructure Committee last week, members received an update on the City's review of its Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) Guidelines, an important framework that helps determine what transportation infrastructure is needed to support new development when applications are received by the city.

Transportation Impact Assessments influence decisions about roads, intersections, transit, cycling facilities, sidewalks, and traffic calming measures long before construction begins. The quality of these studies has a direct impact on how well our communities function as they grow.

Over the past year, I have worked closely with staff behind the scenes to review the proposed guidelines and provide feedback based on what I hear from residents and what we experience every day in Orléans South. I'm pleased that several of the recommendations I advocated have now been incorporated into the updated guidelines.

Among the improvements are new requirements that ensure future transit projects can only be relied upon in planning if they are actually funded, reducing the risk of developments being approved based on infrastructure that may never be built. The guidelines will also require neighbourhood traffic calming to be considered earlier in the planning process, helping design safer streets from the outset instead of relying on costly retrofits years later.

The updated framework also strengthens the focus on safety by expanding the situations where additional analysis is required around schools, cycling routes, pedestrian crossings, transit stops, and other areas where vulnerable road users are most likely to be present. In addition, developers will now be expected to consider how people naturally walk and cycle through neighbourhoods, helping create more connected and accessible communities.

While there are still additional improvements I would like to see in the future, these changes represent meaningful progress. As Orléans South continues to grow, it is essential that transportation planning reflects real-world conditions, prioritizes safety, and ensures the infrastructure residents depend on keeps pace with development.

Hydro One performing emergency vegetation maintenance along Orléans hydro corridor

Hydro One will soon begin emergency vegetation management work within their transmission corridor between Tenth Line Road and Trim Road to help maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply to Orléans.

During a recent inspection, Hydro One identified a significant number of trees growing too close to the transmission lines. While pruning is considered whenever possible, the utility has determined that many of these trees would eventually grow or already have grown into the required safety clearance. In these cases, repeated pruning would remove too much of the living tree, leaving it unhealthy and unstable, making removal the safer long-term solution.

As soon as I was advised of the upcoming work, I requested a tour of the transmission corridor with Hydro One to better understand the scope of the project. Last week, I joined Hydro One representatives on-site, along with Councillor Matt Luloff, whose ward is also affected, to review the areas where tree removal is required to better understand the technical rationale behind the work and discuss opportunities to minimize impacts where possible.

One important factor that is not always obvious is that transmission lines are not fixed in place. As temperatures rise and electricity demand increases during the summer months, the lines naturally expand and sag lower than they do during cooler weather. Hydro One is required to maintain minimum safety clearances around these lines in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Those requirements, combined with the natural movement of the transmission lines, are what have led to this vegetation management work. Hydro One must account for these changing conditions when determining the safe distance between trees and the power lines to help ensure reliable supply and protect public safety.

The work is expected to take approximately eight weeks and will remain within the transmission corridor. The recreational multi-use pathway will stay open, although temporary detours around active work areas may be required to ensure public safety. Trees and stumps will be removed, wood chips will be available to residents free of charge, and grass seed will be planted in areas where trees are removed. Hydro One has also advised that replacement tree planting events are planned in appropriate locations in coordination with a couple of community associations in the near future.

Residents who would like to learn more are encouraged to attend one of Hydro One's community information sessions taking place outside along the corridor on July 7 and 8, where staff from their Community Relations and Forestry teams will be available to answer questions and discuss the project.

The drop-in sessions are outside (rain or shine) and will take place:

• Tuesday, July 7 – 10 am – 12 pm, 5 – 7 pm (in the corridor between Tenth Line Road and Esprit Drive)

• Wednesday, July 8 – 10 am – 12 pm (in the corridor between Redeemer Alliance Church and Valin Street)

• Wednesday, July 8 – 5 – 7 pm (in the corridor between Valin Street and Trim Road)

I know many residents value the mature trees along this corridor, and I appreciate Hydro One taking the time to walk the site with us and explain the reasons behind this work. My office will continue to monitor the project and advocate for minimizing impacts wherever possible while ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of our electricity system.

Any questions or concerns can also be raised by contacting  customerrelations@hydroone.com or by calling 1-888-664-9376.

National Capital Region to host 2028 Francophonie Summit

This week, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will host the 2028 Global Summit of the Francophonie in the National Capital Region, bringing leaders from across the French-speaking world to Ottawa and Gatineau.

I was proud to support Ottawa's bid to host this prestigious international event, and I am thrilled to see our region selected. This is exciting news for our city and for communities like Orléans, where French language, culture, education, and community life are such an important part of who we are. The Francophonie Summit brings together governments from around the world to discuss shared priorities such as democracy, education, the environment, and the future of the French language.

As someone with proud Francophone roots, I am especially excited by the opportunity to help showcase the strength and vitality of our local Francophone and bilingual communities. From our schools and community organizations to our families, businesses, and cultural institutions, Orléans has long played an important role in preserving and celebrating French language and culture in Ottawa.

Hosting this summit will be a chance for Canada’s capital to welcome the world, while also highlighting the unique Francophone identity that exists right here in the east end. I look forward to seeing how Ottawa prepares for this important international event and to ensuring that Orléans’ proud Francophone roots are part of that story.

Orléans-South hosts one of Ontario's largest kids’ triathlons

It was fantastic to see so many families come together for the inaugural Orléans Somersault Events Kids Triathlon last Saturday.

I had the pleasure of cheering on our youngest athletes at the finish line, including the U7 and U5 participants, whose determination, enthusiasm, and smiles made for an unforgettable morning. Congratulations to every child who took part, you should all be incredibly proud of your accomplishment!

A sincere thank you goes to the volunteers whose hard work made this event possible, and especially to local advocate and Race Director Adam Kourakis for his leadership in bringing this exciting event to our community.

I'm also incredibly proud that Orléans hosted the second-largest kids’ triathlon in Ontario in its very first year. The outstanding turnout speaks volumes about our community spirit, and I look forward to seeing this event continue to grow for years to come.

Road Safety Initiatives Fund update: Colonial Rd

In October 2025, the Province of Ontario approved Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act which put a stop to the use of Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in Ontario. As part of this change, the Province allocated $4 million as an immediate Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF) that can be used by the City of Ottawa to support road safety initiatives at the 84 former ASE locations.  

Permanent traffic calming measures were evaluated at all former ASE sites. Based on feasibility, speed humps and speed cushions are being proposed at 31 locations using the immediate fund, including on Colonial Rd. in front of Heritage Public School.

Four sets of speed cushions are being proposed for Colonial Rd. east of Delson Dr. as shown in the conceptual plan above. In addition to proposed speed cushions, other measures being considered for this section of Colonial Rd. include flashing beacons (if feasible) and speed display boards (where they do not exist). 

The next step in the process includes completing final project approvals, followed by the initiation of preliminary/detailed design, tendering and construction. In accordance with provincial requirements, the project is anticipated to be completed by March 2028.

Note: the proposed locations of speed cushions shown on the conceptual plan are approximate and may be adjusted slightly if impacts are identified during the detailed design stage. In addition, other site-specific constraints if identified during detailed design may also affect the feasibility and final configuration of the proposed measures.

Ottawa Fire reunites with St. Dominic student after life-saving rescue

Every so often, a story comes along that reminds us of the incredible people who serve our community and the difference they make when every second counts.

On January 8, 2026, emergency crews from Ottawa Fire Services responded to St. Dominic School after a young student, Ivan, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the school day and was found without vital signs. Before firefighters arrived, an education assistant immediately began CPR, providing the critical care that helped keep Ivan alive until first responders could take over.

Firefighters successfully restored Ivan's pulse before he was transported to hospital, where he would later receive a life-saving heart transplant on Valentine's Day. Just a few months later, in May, Ivan returned to school and was reunited with his classmates.

Recently, Ottawa Fire Services returned to St. Dominic School to reunite Ivan with the firefighters and school staff whose quick actions helped save his life. It is an incredibly moving reminder of the impact that trained educators, first responders, healthcare professionals, and organ donors can have on a family's life.

Stories like Ivan's remind us that emergency response is truly a team effort. From the educational assistant in the gym who immediately began CPR, to the firefighters who stabilized him, to the medical teams who cared for him and the organ donor who made his transplant possible, each person played an essential role in giving Ivan a second chance.

If you haven't already seen Ottawa Fire Services' short video of the reunion, I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch it here. It is a powerful reminder of the dedication, professionalism, and compassion demonstrated every day by the people who serve our community, and it's sure to leave you with both a smile and no dry eyes.

Major cricket tournament takes over François Dupuis park

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of trying something new thanks to the Sher-E-Punjab Cricket Club.

The club took the time to show me how tape ball cricket differs from hardball cricket and even gave me the chance to try batting. It was a great experience and a lot of fun, especially seeing the passion, skill, and energy of all the participants taking part in the World Tapeball Clash despite the heat.

I also want to thank the many City staff who worked quickly to help make it possible to host this event. As the demand for cricket facilities continues to grow across Ottawa, we are fortunate to be bringing more pitches to Orléans South–Navan for residents to enjoy.

Looking ahead, I am especially excited for the opening of a new standard cricket pitch as part of the highly anticipated François Dupuis Park. This will be another important addition for our growing community and for the many residents who love the sport.

Youth age 11-18 ride OC Transpo free all summer!

From July 1 until August 31, pre-teens and youth age 11-18 ride for free on OC Transpo buses, trains and Para Transpo.

For more information, please click here.

Ride free to and from Bluesfest!

Your event ticket includes free transit to and from LeBreton Flats. Show your wristband or pass to your driver. At a station, use the video chat function on ticket machines to get through the fare gate.

For more information, please click here.

Community action on invasive plants

The City of Ottawa is exploring a community-led approach to managing invasive plants.

This initiative aims to reduce the spread of non-noxious invasive species on City-owned lands and increase public awareness of invasive plant issues.

Residents are encouraged to complete a short survey here to share their knowledge and experiences with invasive species. Your input will help shape the strategy and guide future education and management efforts.

REMINDER - 2026 Hazardous Waste Drop Off event

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event schedule has been released with one date in Orléans.

These events help to protect the environment and decrease the risk of toxic materials ending up in our collection vehicles or landfills.

• Saturday, August 8, 2026 (8 am – 4 pm) - Innes Snow Dump (2170 Mer Bleue Road)

For the full up-to-date schedule, and to see the list of acceptable items, please click here.

Nominations open for Order of Ottawa

The City is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching.

You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from the Order of Ottawa award webpage.

The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm.