Orléans South-Navan Community Update | March 13th, 2026

Councillor's Message

Happy March Break! Whether you’re traveling abroad, exploring our city, or taking part in the City's spring programming, I hope you find time to relax and unwind with family and friends.

Last Sunday, we marked International Women’s Day. I had the honour of attending both a breakfast at City Hall hosted by Mayor Sutcliffe, and another in the ward at Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d'Ottawa hosted by our local MP Marie-France Lalonde. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, is a reminder of the ongoing work needed to break down barriers and emphasize the power of reciprocity and support. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication.

Shifting gears, this past Tuesday I decided it was time to move the conversation about the lack of transportation infrastructure investment in Orléans South beyond reports, meetings, and spreadsheets.

Following my public call for greater attention to the pressures facing our community at budget time last November, I invited Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, the City Manager and the General Managers responsible for Planning, Transit, Infrastructure & Water, and Public Works to join me for what I called a “Seeing is Believing” tour of the ward during the morning commute. 

Rather than meeting downtown, I rented a school bus to take the group from City Hall to Ward 19. Armed with maps and data, the goal was simple: provide a ground-level view of the congestion residents deal with every day.

Our first stop was the Mer Bleue and Brian Coburn roundabout, one of the more visible examples of how our transportation network is struggling to keep up with rapid growth  in the area.

Next, we visited Noella Leclair Way near Roger Pharand Street, where hundreds of apartments are being built. Standing there makes it clear how much growth is underway and why transportation planning must stay ahead of it.

Our third stop was the Brian Coburn and Tenth Line intersection, one of the most problematic intersections in the ward. Here, I also highlighted a long-standing safety concern with the eastbound bus stops. These stops currently function as “floating bus pads,” with no connecting sidewalk or safe pedestrian route. Seniors heading to the pharmacy and students commuting to school must navigate the roadside to reach them, and winter snowbanks only make matters worse. It’s an issue my office has pressed for action on, and I’m pleased that after continued advocacy, we’ve secured a fix: a connecting sidewalk will be added later this year. Intersection modifications are also being constructed this year to make traffic flow more smoothly at all times of day. 

We then moved to the Chapel Hill South Park & Ride, an important transit node that illustrates both opportunity and frustration. With the right service, facilities like this could help reduce pressure on our roads. Instead, this $8-million project currently sits largely unused.

Our final stop was Navan Road at Pagé Road, where rapid growth is impossible to ignore. Navan Road still functions like a rural road despite the level of development around it. Without proper urbanization, students often have to dart across traffic to reach their bus stops. As we stood there discussing the issue, a construction crane moved materials overhead, a clear reminder of how quickly this area is growing alongside roads that were not designed for this level of activity.

On the return trip we travelled through the Renaud Road S-curve, Anderson Road, Innes Road, and the Blackburn Bypass to give City leadership a real-world view of the traffic patterns residents experience daily.

This tour wasn’t about being performative. It was about ensuring the people responsible for planning and delivering infrastructure at City Hall could see firsthand what residents experience every day, and so that we can move forward on solutions. Ward 19 is one of the fastest-growing parts of Ottawa, and the pressure on our transportation network is already here.

While relief is on the way through critical Transportation Master Plan updates that I pushed hard to secure with the support of the Mayor—including widening of Brian Coburn, HOV priority measures on Innes Road through the Blackburn Bypass, the Renaud Road realignment, and the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transitway—these projects are still in the design phase and remain years away from delivering the capacity our community needs.

My hope is that senior leadership remember what they saw on this tour when transportation infrastructure investments are being discussed, whether that’s during budget deliberations, Transportation Master Plan updates, or when priorities are being set across departments. When I raise concerns about congestion and the need for stronger infrastructure investment in Orléans South–Navan, it is grounded in the realities residents face daily.

March is Francophonie Month💚🤍

Forever and always, our Francophone community in Orléans and across this city are an integral part of who we are. Culturally, historically, and linguistically significant, our French heritage is what makes Ottawa so unique.

This year, Francophonie Month also takes on special significance as Ottawa celebrates the 200th anniversary of Bytown. This reminds us that Francophones have long helped shape the city we know today, including Joseph-Balsora Turgeon, who was Bytown's first Francophone mayor in 1853 and played a significant role in Bytown receiving city status and being renamed Ottawa.

It was great to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade after a six-year hiatus!

Thank you to the Irish Society of the National Capital Region and the many volunteers who worked to bring this cherished tradition back to our streets.

Days like these also make me especially proud of my own Irish roots. My great-great-great grandparents on both sides of my Father’s family — the Kitts/Kennedys and the Culletons/Rodens — arrived here on the famine boats in the 1840s. Growing up, we were always reminded that we came from the Emerald Isle and never missed an opportunity to celebrate our Irish heritage.

Once again, have a safe, happy and healthy March Break!

Construction activity in Trailsedge Phase 5 delayed

In my last newsletter I shared an update that clear-cutting work in the future Trailsedge Phase 5 lands was expected to begin March 1. That work, apart from preparatory removal, has now been postponed. As a result, the start of operations will likely be delayed by approximately three weeks.

I want to reassure the community that environmental requirements remain in place. The work cannot proceed until the appropriate wildlife protections are installed and verified. The timing of work must still respect the rules and safeguards that were put in place, and my office has been in constant communication with staff and will continue to ensure those regulations are followed.

LRT east extension reaches substantial completion, despite OC Transpo challenges

The Stage 2 LRT east extension has reached an important milestone. An independent reviewer has confirmed that the line is substantially complete.

This means Rideau Transit Maintenance has officially taken possession of the line from the construction contractor, and preparations can now begin for the next phase: trial running with OC Transpo.

Trial running is essentially a dress rehearsal for service. For several weeks, trains will operate on the full line according to the planned schedule, just as they would with passengers on board. Operators, control centre staff, and maintenance teams will all be involved as the system is tested under real operating conditions. This phase helps confirm that trains, signals, stations, and operations all work together reliably before the line opens to the public. During trial-running, revenue service will continue from Blair - Tunny's Pasture, with passengers disembarking at Blair station before trains continue their trips on the east segments alone for testing. 

However, before we can move on to trial running, OC Transpo needs to ensure there are enough trains available to run the extended service. Some trains in the Line 1 fleet have recently been out of service, and OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group are continuing work to safely return more trains to service. 

Interim general manager Troy Charter told Transit Committee yesterday that OC Transpo still believes they are on track for Q2 public service launch of the east extension. While we aren’t just all the way there yet, this milestone is an encouraging sign that the extension is moving closer to opening.

That said, it has been yet another frustrating week for transit riders in our city. Work is continuing to restore full O-Train Line 1 service east of uOttawa Station following  multiple service disruptions due to the severe freezing rain event earlier this week. On Thursday, staff observed arcing on trains between Hurdman and Lees stations, and damage was reported to the Overhead Catenary System (OCS). RTM technicians inspected and began repairs, but replacement bus service remained necessary.

Today, additional OCS damage was discovered near Tremblay and Blair stations, leading to further power issues. Line 1 is currently operating west of uOttawa Station, with R1 buses running between Lyon and Blair. RTM is continuing repairs, including restoring the OCS at affected stations, inspecting the system, returning trains to the yard, and running test trains to ensure safe operations.

This work is expected to continue into Saturday. Service may be adjusted as repairs progress, and OC Transpo will provide updates through all regular channels, including octranspo.com, text alerts, and social media.

Your waste collection day may change starting March 30

Starting Monday, March 30, your waste collection day may change due to the City’s new curbside collection contract. All your waste including garbage, organics, leaf and yard waste, and recycling will still be picked up on the same day but about half of Ottawa households will have a new collection day. 

To see if this impacts you, view your collection calendar online or in the Ottawa Waste Collection Calendar app. If you are affected by this change, you will see your updated collection day on the week of Monday, March 30 and beyond. 

Please note: There will be no curbside collection on Good Friday, April 3, or Easter Monday, April 6; pick-up will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. As a result, your collection day for the week following Easter Monday may not be your new collection day going forward. If you are signed up for weekly collection reminders, you can continue to rely on them.

The frequency of garbage, green bin, leaf and yard waste, and recycling collection is not changing. A letter will be sent to all residents who receive curbside collection to let them know about the change.

What else is changing with the new curbside collection contract:

• Leaf and yard waste will continue to be collected weekly, but it must be set out separately from your green bin in a reusable container labelled “Leaf and Yard Waste” or in brown paper bags.

• As part of the transition to the new collection schedule, some households may experience two weeks of the same waste stream being collected. To accommodate this disruption, all residents may place up to six garbage items at the curb on your scheduled garbage collection day between March 30 and April 24.

South Nation Conservation issues Flood Watch for watershed

South Nation Conservation has issued a Flood Watch for the region following recent rainfall and snowmelt that have caused water levels in local rivers and streams to rise.

Additional precipitation this week could worsen conditions downstream over the next few days.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions closely, ensure sump pumps are working, keep culverts and downspouts clear, and avoid rivers and waterways where fast-moving water and unstable banks pose risks.

My office has also been responding to local ditch flooding concerns as they arise. We are working with the City’s new Rural Ditch Coordinator, a position secured through last year’s budget following recommendations from the Rural Summit, to help address drainage issues and ensure problem areas are being reviewed and actioned as conditions evolve.

The Flood Watch is in effect until Monday, March 16, or until conditions change.

Please also visit the City’s website for information on for the latest sandbag filling locations, current road and pathway closures, and other support information. 

Available sandbag filling locations:

• 2145 Roger Stevens Drive

• 4127 John Shaw Road

• 29 Hurdman Road

• 911 Industrial Avenue

City expands cricket facilities with two pitches planned in Ward 19

Last week, I was pleased to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to announce the City’s plan to expand cricket facilities across the capital, with up to six new cricket pitches being planned to meet the growing demand for the sport.

I’m particularly pleased to see progress right here in Ward 19. One of my very first platform commitments was finding a permanent home for the Cumberland Cricket Club. We’re making good on that promise, with a cricket pitch already in design for Millennium Park. Construction is expected to begin late this year or early next, with the pitch anticipated to open in Summer 2028.

A second cricket pitch will be accommodated through the development of the François Dupuis District Park, which will be an incredible park that will truly have something for everyone. Construction there should begin as early as this fall. I want to thank everyone who has participated in the multiple rounds of public engagement as part of this park planning processes, ensuring residents had opportunities to review and provide input on the designs.

I’m glad to see the City looking for opportunities to accommodate this growing sport throughout Ottawa and to ensure our recreational spaces reflect the diversity of our communities.

The reality of accessibility in park designs and pushing for change

Parks are among the most important shared spaces in our communities. They are where families gather, children explore, neighbours meet, and memories are made. Every child deserves the chance to play, and improving accessibility in our parks is something I am actively working to advance.

We’ve made meaningful progress locally in improving park accessibility. Last summer, an accessible sway slide was installed at Tulip Tree Park in Bradley Estates, allowing children of all abilities to play together. Work is also underway to add a new revolution spinner at Silverbirch Park. I’m continuing to advocate for stronger accessibility features in new parks, including Paleo Heights Park, where design improvements are already in progress. Looking ahead, the future François Dupuis District Park is designed to offer something for everyone, with inclusive playground platforms and accessible splash pads built in from the start.

Last year, my motion to formally include the creation of a public-facing tool for accessible park information in the City’s 2025–2029 Municipal Accessibility Plan was approved and work is now underway. As an initial step and interim solution, City staff have launched a new webpage on ottawa.ca that brings together existing accessibility information related to parks and recreation spaces. The page provides easier access to details on park accessibility, highlights feature parks that offer unique accessible amenities, and includes information on accessible pools and beaches, helping residents better plan visits that meet their needs. This work will continue to evolve, with the longer-term goal of mapping accessibility features across Ottawa’s parks and identifying gaps so the City can better plan future improvements.

Despite these advancements, improving playground accessibility can be challenging. Residents often ask why new parks still include equipment that isn’t fully accessible to all young people. The answer lies in how accessibility standards are drafted and how new parks are designed. 

In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets the provincial minimum standards for playground accessibility. These standards focus on basic requirements such as stable pathways and clearances for mobility devices but provide little guidance on what fully inclusive play equipment should look like. As a result, playgrounds can technically meet the standard while still falling short of true inclusivity. 

In growing areas like Orléans South, most new parks are developer-led, meaning the developer designs and funds the park as part of the subdivision process. They submit a fully costed plan that meets the provincial minimum requirements, which effectively sets the budget and equipment choices early and leaves little flexibility later to add more inclusive features, which are often more costly. By the time park planners review the concept, the budget and equipment choices are largely set, leaving limited flexibility to add additional features later. This is where the disconnect between meeting the standard and creating truly inclusive play spaces occurs. Fully inclusive playground equipment such as wide transfer platforms, ramps, inclusive swings, ground-level play components, and wheelchair-accessible spinners is often more expensive, requiring extra room, safety surfacing, and specialized engineering. Adding these features is often not possible without extra funding. Updating the provincial standards would make a meaningful difference, helping ensure playgrounds move beyond minimum requirements toward truly inclusive play for all children.

Regardless, the goal remains the same: moving beyond minimum standards toward parks that are welcoming to everyone. I will continue to direct resources toward accessibility improvements, advocate for stronger design features in new parks, and work with City staff to map and enhance accessibility across Ottawa’s park network. Parks should be places where everyone can play, explore, and feel welcome. Meeting the minimum standard is not the same as building truly inclusive spaces. As our communities continue to grow, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to design parks that reflect the needs of all residents

Give your feedback on the ALTO High-Speed Rail Project

Over the past several weeks, my office has been hearing from more residents with questions about the proposed ALTO high-speed rail project and what it could mean for our community.

In January 2026, ALTO released what is called a “preferred corridor study area.” This is not a finalized route. Rather, it is a broad 1–2 kilometre swath of land that identifies where a potential rail corridor could be located as the project enters Ottawa. A portion of Ward 19 falls within this study area, which is why some residents may have noticed their neighbourhood appearing on the map.

At this stage, the federal government and the project proponents are identifying potential corridors and gathering input from communities. No final alignment or routing decisions have been made. The map that has been circulating reflects a broad study area for analysis, not a confirmed rail line or expropriation boundary.

It is also important to note that the City of Ottawa is only a stakeholder in this process. The project is being led federally through ALTO, a public-private partnership that now operates as an agent of the Crown. This means the City does not control the final alignment or project decisions. While City staff are engaged and providing input where appropriate, your Member of Parliament is often best positioned to provide the most up-to-date information as the project evolves and federal legislation and approvals move forward.

I have met with both ALTO staff directly and attended the Ottawa session in January, and I will continue to monitor this file closely and advocate for our community as more details emerge.

ALTO is currently conducting a public consultation process to gather feedback on the corridor under study. Residents can review the maps, provide comments, and submit feedback online. Public input is being accepted through an extended consultation period until Friday, April 24, 2026. You can learn more and share your feedback here.

Have your say on the new Lamarche Park in Orléans Village

Staff are seeking your input regarding the design of Lamarche Park. This is a new community park located at 145 Lamarche Avenue, in the new upcoming Caivan subdivision.

This park is located on the east side of Lamarche Avenue, between Innes Road and Crevier Walk.

Please complete the survey questionnaire by March 16, 2026.

I have raised mobility and physical accessibility concerns on both proposed park designs and have discussed these directly with staff to ensure inclusive access is meaningfully incorporated where possible.

The Bradley Cup is back March 20-21 at Navan Arena

Get ready for the return of the Bradley Cup Charity Hockey Tournament!

Join us at the Navan Memorial Centre on March 20-21 to cheer on Navan, Cumberland, Vars, Sarsfield, Orléans, and Hammond as they compete for the ultimate title.

The tournament promises to be a great weekend of fun for the whole family, with live entertainment, food & beverage, and of course, competitive hockey—all in support of Super Beckett and the CHEO Oncology Unit.

Survey open for the Rural Economic Development Action Plan

While many economic conditions are similar across the city, businesses in rural Ottawa face unique challenges and opportunities. Addressing these requires solutions that reflect rural realities and are developed in partnership with rural communities.

That’s why the City has created a draft Economic Development Rural Plan. The plan outlines practical actions to support rural businesses, strengthen local assets, reduce barriers, and respond to new opportunities so rural Ottawa can continue to thrive.

City staff have met with more than 40 rural business owners, community organizations, and Business Improvement Areas to help shape the plan. Now, they want to hear from you.

Please review the draft Economic Development Rural Plan and complete the survey to share your thoughts.

The survey is open until April 4, 2026.

Innovation and agriculture on display at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show

It was great to spend time yesterday at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show with my rural colleagues Councillor Isabelle Skalski and Councillor David Brown.

The Ottawa Valley Farm Show is one of the largest agricultural trade shows in Eastern Canada, bringing together more than 360 exhibitors and over 13,000 farmers and industry professionals over three busy days. It’s an incredible showcase of innovation in agriculture and an important gathering place for producers, businesses, and organizations that keep our rural economy strong.

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces as we made our way through the show floor. A big thank you as well to the many volunteers who help make this show happen every year! Your hard work keeps this long-running event thriving and continues to support the agricultural sector that is so vital to our region.

Breaking the fast during Ramadan

I am always deeply humbled when I’m invited to join community members in breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Thank you to the organizers of the 18th Annual Harmony Iftar Dinner on March 1 and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Night of Unity on March 9—both held on Parliament Hill—for two meaningful and inspiring evenings.

It was a pleasure to attend alongside my council colleagues and to gather with so many community leaders in a spirit of reflection, generosity and unity.

Celebrating our rink operators

Let’s hear it for our incredible outdoor rink operators!

These dedicated volunteers are out on the coldest nights, carefully tending to our neighbourhood rinks so the entire community can enjoy them. And what a season they had this year! The long, cold winter made for fantastic ice and even longer hours of labour and love.

It was a pleasure to join my Council colleagues in serving them breakfast as a small token of our gratitude for everything they do.

I’m looking forward to hosting Ward 19’s amazing volunteers a little closer to home next month with a pair of pizza parties.

Exploring innovative tiny homes for veterans in Hammond Hill

Last Friday, I joined municipal, community, and veteran leaders for a tour of the Small Living Tiny Home units in Hammond Hill, just outside Ward 19.

The project showcases innovative housing solutions, including off-grid power, advanced water filtration, and systems that allow the homes to operate with a very small footprint.

The initiative places particular focus on supporting veterans, helping young people enter the housing market, and offering downsizing options that keep residents connected to their community.

It was an encouraging example of the creative thinking needed to address today’s housing challenges. Thank you to Aaron Markel and Jay Sanko for the invitation.

La fête FrancoFUN de Béatrice-Desloges

It was a great Saturday last week at the 3rd edition of École secondaire catholique Béatrice-Desloges' FrancoFUN party!

Thank you to the organizers and the entire school community for creating such a lively and fun space to celebrate francophone culture.

Get notified quickly about potential plumbing leaks

With a My ServiceOttawa account, you will now receive instant email alerts when our system detects continuous, uninterrupted water consumption over a seven-day period.

Unlike regular mail, these faster notifications mean you can investigate the issue sooner, get any repairs done if needed and potentially avoid an unexpectedly high-water bill.

I’m proud to note that this improvement resulted from the Agile Government Working Group, where I serve as a member.

Find out more by clicking here.

Online reporting for non-emergency incidents now easier and more accessible

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is upgrading its online incident reporting system to make it easier and faster for residents to report non-emergency incidents in multiple languages from their computer or mobile device.  

This modernized tool allows community members to report incidents like property theft, vandalism, driving-related complaints and the newly added report option for cryptocurrency fraud, a growing concern in the Ottawa area.  

For more information, please click here.

Report a pothole

Spring is here, which means… it’s also pothole season!

With freeze-thaw cycles in full effect, Roads and Parking Services crews have already started repairs across the city.

If you come across a pothole in need of attention, you can report it through the City’s online service request system here.

Reminder to complete your Vacant Unit Tax declaration

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 19, 2026 deadline.

A $250 late fee will be applied to all declarations filed after the deadline until April 30, 2026.

There are several ways for residents to submit their declaration including online, by phone, or at a Client Service Centre.

Seasonal load restrictions are now in place

Commercial vehicles or trailers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of five tonnes or 11,000 pounds per axle are currently prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted, and on all truck routes identified as restricted on the Urban Truck Routes and Rural Truck Routes lists. These restrictions also apply to all non-truck routes.

During the spring thaw period, some roads cannot withstand heavy vehicle loads. Every year, the City monitors thaw progression by using the forecast temperature data to calculate the Thaw Index. When the Thaw Index reaches its threshold value, load restrictions are imposed. Heavy vehicles that exceed weight limits on restricted roadways during the spring thaw period will be subject to fines.

For more details, please click here.

Funding is now available for green ideas

Small ideas can make a big difference in building a more environmentally-sustainable Ottawa.

Historically, the Community Environmental Projects Grant Program has had a budget of $102,000 available annually for community groups. Starting this year, an additional $102,000 has been added that will be distributed specifically to projects that support the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan and promote the themes of waste avoidance, reduction and reuse.

All eligible projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Interested organizations have until Friday, April 10, 2026 to apply.

Visit the CEPGP webpage on ottawa.ca to learn more about eligibility and to view the application form.