Orléans South-Navan Community Update | June 20th, 2026

Catherine Kitts
Jun 20
19 min read

Councillor's Message

Good morning! It’s a rainy one, but I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend.

Last week, Committee approved Ottawa's Long-Range Financial Plan, a report that is one of the most consequential policy documents of this Term of Council. It’s the financial spine of how we run the city.

The significance of this report for you is that the challenges I have been raising are now being recognized within the financial framework that guides how the City plans, prioritizes, and funds infrastructure over the coming decade.

To fully appreciate why that matters, I want to explain how policy change actually happens at City Hall.

It’s a longer read, but stay with me.

You know I have been relentless in untangling the systemic challenges that brought us here: rapid growth paired with infrastructure that has not kept pace. These are the issues you experience every day—congestion, unreliable transit, gaps in active transportation, overburdened intersections, road safety concerns, and a growing strain on quality of life.

I’ve had to push, press, and battle for every incremental step forward, but I want to walk you through how I’ve been steadily advancing infrastructure investment in Ward 19, brick by brick.

The challenges facing growing communities like Orléans South–Navan are rarely caused by a single decision. They are usually the result of several different systems, policies, funding formulas, approval processes, and institutional practices that have been developed over many years. Because of that, meaningful change rarely comes from one motion, one report, or one budget cycle. It requires sustained effort across multiple files, multiple committees, and years of advocacy.

For years, I’ve been raising repeated concerns that rapidly growing communities are too often expected to absorb new homes long before the roads, transit, and community infrastructure needed to support that growth is delivered. I have worked to highlight funding gaps, challenge long-standing assumptions, influence major planning documents, and advance practical solutions that improve how infrastructure is funded, prioritized, and built.

Some of that work occurred through the Transportation Master Plan. Some through my bombshell inquiry, some through development charge policy debates. More recently, it has included work on the Long-Range Financial Plan, Transportation Impact Assessments, and how the City procures and delivers infrastructure projects through the Housing Accelerator Plan.

Viewed individually, these may appear to be separate discussions. In reality, they’re all connected.

The past several months have been particularly significant because, for the first time, many of these individual pieces are beginning to come together.

Major Infrastructure Procurement Reform

Last month, I unanimously passed a motion through the Housing Accelerator Plan update aimed at improving how the City delivers infrastructure projects.

For years, much of the conversation around housing has focused on reducing approval timelines and cutting red tape. However, while housing approvals have accelerated, infrastructure delivery has not.

You see the consequences every day. Congestion worsens. transportation projects take years to move from approval to construction. New communities wait longer than expected for the infrastructure they were promised.

My motion directed staff to examine how infrastructure projects move from planning to construction and identify ways to accelerate delivery. This includes reviewing procurement practices, reducing duplication, running project phases concurrently where possible, improving accountability, and prioritizing infrastructure that directly enables housing.

This may sound technical, but the goal is straightforward: once Council approves a project and funding is secured, it should not take years longer than necessary to get shovels in the ground.

I’ve been able to advance several major priorities: the widening of Brian Coburn, the Renaud Road realignment, and new HOV and transit priority measures for Innes Road. All of these projects are now in design.

But they were needed yesterday.

When it comes to the pressure our network is under from ongoing housing construction, the first step was to get the projects in the pipeline, but the only way to stay above water now is to speed up delivery.

Long-Range Financial Plan Confirms What I’ve Been Saying For Years

Just a few weeks later, Council considered the City’s Long-Range Financial Plan.

While financial plans are not always exciting reading, this report may be one of the most significant pieces of work Council has considered in recent years. And, it formally acknowledged a concern I have been raising for a long time: we have consistently underdelivered on the infrastructure required to match growth.

While renewal, service enhancement, and regulatory projects have largely moved forward as planned, growth-related investments have lagged behind in a meaningful way.

What can be frustrating is these major plans are not updated on an annual basis. The last full refresh occured in 2017, three years before I was elected. As councillors, we need to lay the groundwork as we wait impatiently for the opportunity to influence the overarching master plans. I did that with the Transportation Master Plan (last refreshed in 2013 before last year's update), and I have done it again here.

Several motions I have brought forward over the past several years are specifically referenced in the report, including work related to transportation infrastructure funding, development charge financing, project phasing, infrastructure debt strategies, and mechanisms to advance projects when delays occur elsewhere in the system.

Most notably, the report not only finally acknowledged our reality, but it also began identifying solutions. One proposed approach, the Agile Capital Budgeting Pilot, provides greater flexibility to move road projects that are tied to growth specifically (like the widening of Brian Coburn) forward when opportunities arise rather than allowing funds to sit unused while communities continue waiting in traffic.

Building on Earlier Work

None of these initiatives exist in isolation.

They build on years of work through the Transportation Master Plan, where I fought to prioritize transportation projects in the east end. They build on efforts to improve funding policies, to meaningfully unlock funds. They build on my work during the New Zoning By-law review, to ensure transportation infrastructure remains part of the conversation as we discuss intensification and future growth in suburban communities like ours.

Taken individually, each initiative may seem technical. Together, they represent a broader strategy I’ve been rolling out over time. Think of it like building a home. The Transportation Master Plan is the foundation. The development charge inquiry is the framing. Years of advocacy built the structure. The Long-Range Financial Plan is the roof that brings it all together.

For the first time in several years, I believe we are beginning to see meaningful movement. The City now appreciates the problem and is implementing solutions.

The challenges facing growing communities like Orléans South–Navan are complex and systemic. There is no single motion, budget amendment, or planning application that will solve them. Real progress comes from working across multiple files, committees, budgets, and policy discussions while keeping a consistent focus on the outcome.

When I raised concerns about transportation funding disparities through my inquiry, it led to conversations during the Transportation Master Plan. Those discussions led to work on development charges and growth funding. Those conversations influenced the Long-Range Financial Plan. The Long-Range Financial Plan is now informing discussions about project delivery, procurement reform, and Transportation Impact Assessments. Each piece builds upon the last.

The work is never over, but I am encouraged that many of the concerns I have been raising for years are now being reflected in the City's official plans, policies, and financial framework.

Because, as I keep reminding council, communities are more than just a unit count.

With the FIFA World Cup now well underway, it has been incredible to see Canada welcome the world and celebrate the beautiful game alongside millions of fans across the globe. It was especially thrilling to see the east end’s very own, Jonathan David, deliver a hat-trick to help secure Canada Soccer’s first-ever World Cup victory on Thursday evening. What a moment for our country and for our community! As the tournament continues, I encourage everyone to support our local restaurants, pubs, and businesses hosting watch parties throughout the month. Here's to more unforgettable moments, community spirit, diversity, and cheering on Team Canada every step of the way. Go Canada Go!

I hope all fathers and father figures have a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday! Thank you for all you do.

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.

Update on 2026 road rehabilitation program in Ward 19

Road rehabilitation work continues to make excellent progress across our community, with several major projects now reaching substantial completion and crews shifting their attention to the next phase of construction.

The next significant milestone will be on Navan Road between approximately 90 metres east of Renaud Road and Diamond Way, where milling operations are expected to wrap up this week and paving is scheduled to begin next week. At Notre-Dame-des-Champs, concrete repairs have been completed, while parking lot resurfacing is currently underway.

As part of this work, the contractor, Cavanagh, has advised that they require a temporary Noise By-law Exemption to allow paving operations to begin at 5 am instead of the usual 7 am between June 22 and June 26. The extended working window will allow crews to reduce the number of paving days from eight to just four, with the goal of completing the final surface before Canada Day and minimizing the overall disruption to residents on Navan Road.

Elsewhere, rehabilitation work along the full stretch of Trim Road is now complete.

Thank you for your continued patience as these important repaving projects move toward completion. While construction is inconvenient for everyone, these investments will help improve the safety and condition of our road network for years to come.

Brief full closure of Brian Coburn Boulevard for kids’ triathlon event

On Saturday, June 27, from 7:30 – 11:30 am, Brian Coburn Boulevard will be fully closed between Portobello Boulevard and Trim Road to accommodate portions of the SuperKids Tri hosted by Somersault at the François Dupuis Recreation Centre. There are also full closures at the intersections of Brian Coburn and Nantes/Provence/Montmere.

The SuperKids Tri will use the François Dupuis Recreation Centre pool for the swim portion and Brian Coburn Boulevard for the bike and run courses. Ottawa Police will be on site assisting with the road closure.

Residents travelling through the area during the morning should plan ahead and expect delays. Access to the recreation centre will remain available, although a portion of the parking lot will be reserved for the event and pool programming will operate on a modified schedule until 11:30 am.

Thank you for your patience as this four-hour road closure takes place, and best of luck to all the competitors!

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.

Thank you for your understanding.

Upcoming drone activity at Summerside West Pond

Please be aware that starting Monday, June 22, an organization named "Conserving Canada's Wetlands.org" will be conducting drone activity in support of City staff to identify potential invasive species in the Summerside stormwater management facility.

No images will be captured of any residential property, and cameras will be pointed to the pond assessment area only. This drone activity is not related to the Alto High-Speed Rail project.

Thank you for your understanding while this work takes place.

Update: Lalande Conservation Park closure

I continue to be in regular contact with City staff, the Mayor's Office, provincial officials, wildlife specialists, and Coyote Watch Canada as we work through what has become a highly complex and evolving situation at Lalande Conservation Park.

Wildlife experts have advised that this is among the more challenging urban coyote situations they have encountered in Ottawa. Unlike many wildlife incidents that can be addressed through more conventional approaches, the presence of an established coyote family in a densely populated suburban neighbourhood surrounded by homes, parks, schools, and recreational pathways presents a unique set of circumstances that requires careful assessment and coordination among multiple agencies and experts.

The reality is that every potential option carries significant implications, whether for public safety, the welfare of the animals, or the likelihood of successfully resolving the situation without creating unintended consequences elsewhere in the community. There are no easy answers.As of this morning, the City continues to work closely with wildlife experts, including Coyote Watch Canada, to determine whether conditions are appropriate for aversion conditioning. This specialized wildlife management technique seeks to safely reinforce a coyote's natural wariness of humans and direct the family to relocate away from the area, but only if experts determine that the approach can be implemented safely and has a reasonable chance of success in the current circumstances.

Any actions undertaken will continue to be guided by expert advice, observed animal behaviour, and evidence-based wildlife management practices, with public safety remaining the overriding priority.The encouraging news is that since the reported incident earlier this month, there have been no additional reported human-coyote interactions in the area. By-law and Regulatory Services staff continue to maintain a visible physical presence around the park, educating residents, monitoring conditions, and ensuring the temporary closure of Lalande Conservation Park remains respected while this work continues.

I know this situation has been frustrating for many residents who are eager for a resolution, and I share that sentiment. Trust me. At the same time, I appreciate the careful, measured approach that staff and wildlife experts are taking to ensure that any action taken is both effective and responsible. The situation remains fluid and can change quickly as animal behaviour and site conditions evolve.

I want to thank residents for their continued patience, cooperation, and understanding. Please continue to respect the park closure, avoid the surrounding greenspace, keep pets leashed, and report any concerning wildlife behaviour to the City. I will continue working closely with all involved and will provide further updates as additional information becomes available.

Continuing to advocate for rural communities on the Alto High-Speed Rail project

While the proposed Alto high-speed rail project is a federal initiative and ultimately outside the City's jurisdiction, that does not mean Ottawa should remain silent when residents, farmers, and landowners have legitimate concerns about how the project is unfolding.

Since the first route concepts began generating questions in our rural communities, I have been working to ensure residents receive the information they deserve. That advocacy has included pressing for greater transparency around drone activity and field studies taking place on private lands, seeking clearer communication from Alto regarding its engagement process, and formally writing to Alto CEO Martin Imbleau and Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon to express my concerns with the lack of meaningful communication and consultation to date.

Last week, I took another step by tabling a Notice of Motion at Ottawa City Council, seconded by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, with the support of Osgoode Councillor Isabelle Skalski, whose ward is also directly impacted by the proposed project.

It is important to note that this was a “Notice of Motion” only. It has not yet been debated or approved by Council and will come forward for discussion at the Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Council meeting.

While Ottawa City Council does not decide whether or where the rail line is built, Council can stand up for our residents and advocate for our communities when major external projects have the potential to impact them. I chose to bring this motion directly to Council because of the urgency surrounding ongoing route evaluations. Most importantly, I believe all of council should stand behind our residents, our rural communities and our agricultural sector.

The motion calls on Alto and the Government of Canada to improve transparency, communication, and public engagement throughout the route selection process. It requests greater clarity around how route alternatives are being evaluated, how community feedback is being incorporated into decision-making, and how impacts to agricultural land, private property, municipal infrastructure, and established rural communities will be minimized. It also emphasizes that expropriation should be treated only as an exceptional measure of last resort after meaningful engagement with affected landowners.

Ottawa's communities, villages and agricultural lands are not simply empty spaces on a map. They are people’s homes, generational family farms, businesses, and an important part of our local economy and food security. Residents deserve certainty, transparency, and a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions that may affect their properties and livelihoods.

Regardless of the outcome of this motion, I will continue advocating for our rural residents and pushing for better communication and engagement throughout this process. While the City may not control the project, we can and should ensure that the voices of Ottawa's communities are heard.

Latest update on LRT East Extension

Many residents, including myself, continue to ask when the O-Train East Extension will finally open, and while important progress continues behind the scenes, City staff advised Transit Committee last week that they are still not prepared to provide a timeline for the start of trial running or the opening of the extension.

Construction of the East Extension officially reached substantial completion in March, a major milestone that signified the project was largely built and ready to move into its final testing phase.

That testing has been delayed due to work underway on the existing train fleet. Earlier this year, OC Transpo reduced Line 1 to single-car trains after identifying premature wear, known as "spalling," within the cartridge bearing assemblies on several vehicles.

Transit General Manager Rick Leary told Committee that fleet readiness will ultimately determine when trial running can begin. While staff had hoped to provide a clearer update last week, additional time is needed to ensure enough trains are fully equipped with the new monitoring technology before the next phase can proceed. OC Transpo also indicated there may be a brief "pre-trial" period before the formal 21-day testing begins.

The good news is that the technology is performing well so far. Three trains have already been outfitted with the monitoring system, and staff reported that testing has successfully detected issues when expected while avoiding false alarms. The challenge now is expanding that installation across enough vehicles to support both regular Line 1 service and East Extension testing simultaneously.

Before trial running can begin, several remaining prerequisites must still be completed, including confirming sufficient trains are available, mobilizing oversight resources, completing a technical briefing, and successfully concluding pre-trial operations.

While I know many east-end residents are eager to finally see trains running to Orléans, I also appreciate that these final steps are focused on ensuring the system is reliable and safe before opening day. I will continue to monitor progress closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Turning frustration into better planning with a review of drive-thrus

If you followed the discussion surrounding the Halo Car Wash in Orléans Village earlier this year, you'll remember just how many concerns were raised about traffic circulation, vehicle queueing on arterial roads, pedestrian safety, and the overall compatibility of drive-through facilities within growing communities.

While that issue generated significant public discussion during a winter road closure, it also highlighted a broader issue: our current planning framework for drive-through developments is overdue for a closer look.

I'm pleased to share that City staff are now moving forward with a comprehensive review of drive-thru facilities, examining everything from where they should be permitted to how they are designed and how they interact with surrounding roads, sidewalks, cyclists, pedestrians, and neighbouring properties.

This review comes after Council direction to undertake a comprehensive examination of drive-through policies and follows additional requests from my office to strengthen the City's Urban Design Guidelines after several local applications demonstrated that improvements were needed.

Residents have seen these challenges firsthand. Concerns have been raised about vehicle stacking, circulation patterns, neighbourhood impacts, and how these facilities integrate into existing communities. More recently, as Chick-fil-A prepares to open on Innes Road, I worked extensively with the applicant and City staff to secure several design improvements that better manage traffic flow and reduce potential conflicts before the restaurant even opens. Thanks to the intervention from my office, the approved design now includes what will be the largest Chick-fil-A drive-through configuration in Ontario, with the aim to avoid the kind of queue spillover onto Innes Road that would create serious traffic concerns.

Those project-specific improvements are important, but they also reinforced for me that we should not have to reinvent the wheel every time a new drive-through application comes forward. The rules themselves should do a better job of protecting communities from the outset.

The upcoming review will examine where drive-throughs are appropriate, how sites should be designed, how access points and circulation can be improved, and how to better protect pedestrians and cyclists while reducing traffic conflicts and ensuring compatibility with surrounding land uses. Staff will also study best practices from other municipalities and review recently constructed drive-through facilities across Ottawa before bringing forward recommendations for potential zoning and design guideline changes.

Planning policy often moves slowly, and much of the work happens behind the scenes, but this is exactly how local concerns can lead to city-wide improvements.

Second open house held for the Navan Landfill expansion

Thank you to the those who came out Thursday night at Le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa for the second open house regarding the proposed Navan Landfill expansion. The session was organized and scheduled by the private proponent Waste Connections Canada. I attended to listen, speak with residents, and ensure community concerns were clearly heard as part of the development of the Terms of Reference which will guide the Environmental Assessment process moving forward.

It was encouraging to see those who came ask detailed questions, and share thoughtful feedback about potential impacts on the surrounding community. Public engagement matters so much in a multi-year review like this, and strong turnout helps ensure local perspectives are part of the record.

I want to reiterate that I do not support the proposed Navan landfill expansion, given it would reverse the 2007 commitment that there would be no future expansions at this site. That said, the decision lies with the Province, not the City.

I will continue to closely monitor the progress and advocate for residents throughout the process.

Kidical Mass takes over Avalon

The sun was shining down on Orléans South Saturday morning as cyclists hit the road for Greater Avalon Community Association’s annual Kidical Mass event!

I had the pleasure of seeing riders off from François Dupuis Recreation Centre as families and volunteers made their way around a three-kilometre loop through the Avalon community.

This event not only encourages residents to enjoy active transportation more but also shows the importance of respecting the rules of the road. It was great to see so many youth sporting colourful bike helmets and testing out their bells and bike lights before hitting the road.

Congratulations to GACA for coordinating our community’s participation in this Orléans wide initiative and for putting on another successful community event.

2026 Canada Day round-up

Canada Day Celebration - Baitun Naseer Mosque (2620 Market Street, Cumberland)
- 10:45 am: Guest Arrival
- 11:00 am: Ceremony/Cake Cutting/Flag Hoisting
- 11:45 am: BBQ
Legion Branch 632 (Orléans) – 800 Taylor Creek Drive
- BBQ from 11 am – 3 pm, live music, games, and contests
East-End Canada Day Fireworks (813 Shefford Road - Richcraft Sensplex)
- 9:15 pm
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket

École élémentaire catholique Notre-Place celebrates 10 years

Congratulations to the entire École élémentaire catholique Notre-Place community on celebrating its 10th anniversary!

For the past decade, Notre-Place has played an important role in the lives of many families by providing a welcoming environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive in French.

This celebration was an opportunity to recognize the contributions of students, staff, families, and volunteers who have helped build a vibrant school community and a strong pillar of Orléans’ francophone community.

I wish the entire school community many more years of success!

New business opening on Noella Leclair Way

I was happy to celebrate the grand opening of The Ten Spot on Noella Leclair Way over the weekend.

A big congratulations to Talia, Sarah, and the entire team on this exciting milestone and the beautiful new addition to our community.

The Ten Spot is a Canadian “beauty bar” offering nails, waxing, brows, lashes, facials, and advanced skin services. It’s great to see vibrant businesses move into new mixed-use spaces.

Honouring outstanding youth in our community

It was a pleasure to join my east-end colleagues Matt Luloff and Marie-France Lalonde in sponsoring last Sunday’s Rotary Club of Orléans Young People of Character Awards at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

It was truly inspiring to honour so many exceptional young people from high schools across Orléans, each recognized for their character, initiative, and positive influence within their community.

Congratulations to all the recipients and to the proud families who came out to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. It was also amazing to see Orléans South’s Sing House Studios provide wonderful entertainment, helping make the afternoon even more memorable.

Rain or shine, Sarsfield shows up

A little rain wasn't enough to dampen spirits at last Wednesday's annual Sarsfield Housing Corporation BBQ!

Despite the weather, it was wonderful to spend the afternoon catching up with tenants, volunteers, and longtime community champions, including Dave Lewis, whose continued support and involvement are always appreciated. Events like these are a great reminder that it's the people who make our rural villages such special places to call home.

Two amazing events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Orléans Pride

Orléans Pride is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer with two special community events that highlight a decade of advocacy, inclusion, and community-building.

The celebrations begin on Tuesday, June 30, from 6 – 10 pm at the Royal Oak Orléans (1981 St. Joseph Boulevard). You’re invited to enjoy an evening featuring live music, a silent auction, and an opportunity to come together in recognition of 10 years of Orléans Pride and the many people who have helped make it a success.

The celebrations continue Sunday, July 5, at 1 pm with the annual Pride Flag Raising at 255 Centrum Boulevard in the heart of Orléans Town Centre. This long-standing tradition brings together residents, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate diversity and reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming community for everyone.

Businesses and community members interested in supporting the anniversary celebrations through a silent auction donation are encouraged to contact Orleanspride613@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose dedication and hard work have helped make Orléans Pride such an important and valued part of our community over the past decade.

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.

Canada Day fireworks safety and rules reminder

The City reminds residents about the by-law regulations around Canada Day fireworks – including no discharging on public properties, age requirements and maintaining safe operating distances.

So, before the fuse is lit, here are some things to know in advance:

Location and age requirement for discharging fireworks

Fireworks displays must be directly supervised by an adult, 18 years and older, and must take place on private property – with permission from the property owner. Even on private properties, fireworks cannot be discharged if it poses danger to other individuals and properties. This will include any property nearby other homes, apartments, roadways, sidewalks and public spaces.

No discharging fireworks on City parks and sports fields

Discharging fireworks is not allowed on City property – which includes all parks, sports fields and beaches.
The four local school boards – Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Le Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est and Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario – do not allow discharging fireworks on all school premises, including all track and sports field areas.

School properties and sports fields are out of bounds too

The four local school boards do not allow discharging fireworks on all school premises, including all track and sports field areas.

Stay safe around water this summer

As warmer weather is here and more residents head to beaches, pools, rivers, and waterways, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding everyone to make water safety a priority this spring and summer.

The OPS encourages residents and visitors to take simple precautions to help prevent drownings, injuries and water-related emergencies. Stay safe around water by following these important safety tips:

Keep children within arm’s reach near water;
Never swim alone and choose lifeguarded areas whenever possible;
Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD);
Ensure your vessel has the required safety equipment onboard;
Never operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs;
Be aware of currents, changing weather, and water conditions;
Obey posted signs, speed limits, and “no wake” zones;
Avoid swimming near bridges, quarries, or unauthorized areas;
Carry a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card and required documentation;
Keep a phone and emergency equipment nearby;
Learn CPR and know when to call 9-1-1.

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. The Ottawa Police Service encourages residents to make safe choices, wear a life jacket, and look out for one another while enjoying Ottawa’s waterways this season.