Councillor’s Message
I hope you all had a fantastic March Break and took some time to relax and unwind. As the kids head back to school this week, I wanted to also extend a big congratulations to École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde on its 20th anniversary! May your legacy continue to inspire countless students, faculty, and community members for years to come.
Happy Bradley Cup weekend! It's that time of the year again, and I couldn't be more excited. Join me in cheering on Navan, Sarsfield, Cumberland, Vars, and Orléans at the Navan Arena. The games kick off at 6 pm tonight and run throughout the day tomorrow from 11 am until the championship game at 7 pm, promising a weekend filled with great hockey and community spirit. Plus, there’s plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the whole family entertained. Let's come together in support of Cerebral Palsy awareness and make this another memorable Bradley Cup!
Following the Renaud Road realignment announcement, I want to assure you that the issue of development outpacing infrastructure in our ward remains my top priority. I've been vocal about this matter, both publicly and through various channels. If you haven't had the chance yet, I encourage you to read my recent article in the Orléans Star on this topic. You can check it out here: https://ow.ly/zvUv50QYUK6
As the seasons change, I'm eager to keep you informed about the City's preparedness for spring operations ahead, covering everything from street sweeping to pothole repairs in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned to my e-newsletter and social channels!
Avalon Vista construction update
In case you missed it, my office held an information session regarding the construction schedule for Phase 2 of Avalon Vista. A recording of the meeting can be found here https://ow.ly/AKxh50QZ48T. FAQ about the project can also be found here https://ow.ly/xYXz50QYUu1.
Additional questions about this development can be directed to Jean-Michel Le Blanc (Minto) jleblanc@minto.com
Soil movement at Brian Coburn Blvd and Trim Road
My office has received a few inquiries about soil movement on the South side of Brian Coburn Blvd near Trim Road. The site is owned by Mattamy, however no development application has been submitted or approved for this site. Prior to development, builders often bring in materials and let them settle, sometimes for years. You may have seen similar activity in other parts of our ward, where no development applications are active.
Landowners have a responsibility to maintain the roads during this type of activity. While sweeper trucks have been running pretty consistently to keep the roadways clear, if there are issues/concerns you can direct them to Conor Sutherland at Conor.Sutherland@mattamycorp.com
Construction activities at Navan and Brian Coburn
Residents may be aware that construction activity has begun at 2983, 3053, and 3079 Navan Road, as part of the Plan of Subdivision brought forward by Groupe Heafey. As part of this development, Groupe Heafey has obtained all necessary permits from City staff and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to proceed with tree removal on the site.
This file has a long history. The parcel was zoned “Development Reserve” several years ago before it was rezoned “General Mixed-Use”. These classifications indicate that residential and commercial development has been planned for this site. The current applicant worked closely with the Bradley Estates Community Association and the previous Councillor for the area to increase the amount of commercial space included in the plan. Bradley Estates has long been devoid of commercial amenities within walking distance, and while this subdivision includes four low-rise apartment buildings and townhouses, it also includes commercial mixed-use space on the ground floor of two of the apartment buildings. Adjacent to Brian Coburn, there will also be a gas station, corner store and a McDonald's.
I understand tree removal is always a sensitive issue. City staff have assured that builders are required to follow all provincial laws for prevention of harm to animals and the owners have gone through a rigorous development review process. Toward the interior of the site, where the future park will be located, and along Pagé, there will be tree retention efforts to preserve greenery within the area. A planting plan for native trees has also been required for this site.
If you have questions regarding the development approved for the site, please contact Steve Belan at the City of Ottawa: steve.belan@ottawa.ca.
If you have questions regarding the tree permit, please contact Hayley Murray at the City of Ottawa: hayley.murray@ottawa.ca.
NEW DATES - Tenth Line Road northbound closure for trucks only
Due to critical work by Enbridge Gas to replace an important gas main, the northbound right turn on Tenth Line Road at Innes Road will be closed to heavy trucks (ones that cannot make the detour turn radius) only from Monday, April 8 until Friday, April 19.
There are no active transportation or pedestrians impacts due to the closure. There will be traffic impacts and delays, so please plan your route accordingly.
Ottawa Fire honours two-year-old Grayson for his bravery
Last weekend, Ottawa Fire rescued two-year-old Orléans South-Navan resident, Grayson, after his fingers became trapped in their family’s bathtub drain.
It turned out to be quite the extraction process, eventually having to use tools and saws to cut his fingers loose. The total extraction took approximately three hours.
On Tuesday, Grayson's heroes asked me to tag along to present him with a Challenge Coin in recognition of his bravery!
You’re one tough kid Grayson! As well, a big thank you to the responding firefighters who showed their kindness, dedication, and skill. Watch the full story here.
Rural issues front and center at upcoming in-person workshops
The City is reaching out to Ottawa’s rural communities throughout 2024, beginning with an online survey here: https://ow.ly/ZscR50QZ0Q6 and in-person workshops in each of Ottawa’s five rural wards.
Ward 19 will be hosting two workshops: Wednesday, April 10 at the Navan Arena and Friday, April 19 at the Sarsfield Community Hall. Both sessions will begin at 7 pm and will encourage discussion on issues that are important to our community. While all workshops will be bilingual, the April 10 session in Navan will predominantly be held in English and the April 19 session in Sarsfield will predominantly be held in French. I look forward to seeing you there!
These local workshops lead to a city-wide rural summit, taking place this fall. The objective of Rural Summit 2024 is to recommend improvements to the provision of the City of Ottawa services to residents and communities of rural Ottawa.
Please do fill out the survey, and if you have any questions about Rural Summit 2024, please visit the Engage Ottawa page or contact ruralsummit@ottawa.ca.
Thank you, rink operators!
A big thank you to all the dedicated community volunteers in Orléans South – Navan who maintain our outdoor rinks every year. I know this year was even more difficult given the challenging weather and lack of consistent cold weather we’ve had.
It was great to celebrate you and all your hard work on Thursday night with a pizza party at Navan Arena! I look forward to working with the community associations again when it’s time to prep for the 2025 season.
SNC and RRCA giving 10,000 free trees to residents
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) are looking forward to partnering once again with local municipalities to offer 10,000 free tree seedlings to residents in their watershed jurisdictions in Eastern Ontario. Species availability will vary between municipalities.
Free tree reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To sign up, please visit https://forms.gle/SFuzvn5LjSZCuUug9
Solar Eclipse Safety
As you’re likely aware, Ottawa will experience a rare partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 (2024, btw).
It’s important to keep your safety in mind during this event.
You can visit Ottawa Public Health's new webpage to learn more about staying safe during the eclipse: http://OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SolarEclipse
Registration open for spring Cleaning the Capital
Get your clean on and register for the Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign by May 3! You can choose from a variety of public spaces to clean, such as community parks, greenspaces, roadsides, or shorelines. Gather your team and help keep our community clean and green!
For more information or to register, please go to ottawa.ca/clean
Residents are asked to stay off sports fields and baseball diamonds
While we've seen the snow melt earlier and have been experiencing above-normal temperatures, residents are reminded that sports fields and ball diamonds still remain closed. Ball diamonds and sports fields require maintenance and drying time before they open and could be damaged if used while in their current condition.
The City will be monitoring field and weather conditions throughout the spring to determine if an earlier start to the field season is possible.
Civic Events Funding still open
Civic Events Funding is used to deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities and priority neighbourhoods that:
Promote neighbours meeting neighbours in their local, geographic community;
Include multiple activities and attractions designed to appeal to residents of a specific priority neighbourhood or population;
Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members or priority groups; and
Promote equity and inclusion.
Priority populations are those specified in the Community Funding Framework Policy Statement, including Francophones, immigrants, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, older adults, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, racialized people, rural residents, women and youth. Priority neighbourhoods, are those defined by the Neighbourhood Equity Index.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 5 pm. For more information and to apply, please visit Ottawa.ca.
Have your say on childcare and early years’ service
The City is seeking feedback from families with children 0-12 years or those expecting to in the next 9 months. This feedback will be used to help develop the 2024-2028 Service System Plan (SSP) which is a road map that will ensure we are responding to local needs and strengthening the local childcare and early years system to ensure children get the best start in life.
The City is asking interested families and residents to provide their feedback by completing a survey found here. The survey will remain open until April 10, 2024.
For more information on the work being done please visit the project website here or email ChildrensServices@ottawa.ca.
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