Orléans South-Navan Community Update | March 27th, 2026

Councillor's Message

Another incredible Bradley Cup weekend is in the books! Congratulations to Team Orléans for taking home the trophy after a fierce final against Team Navan!

None of this would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who made it happen. From the organizing committee to the servers, ticket sellers, and local businesses who provide financial support, thank you!

While the competition on the ice is fierce, the Bradley Cup is about more than hockey. It’s about community. Seeing generations of families, neighbours, and friends, both young and old, come together is what makes this event so special. This year was especially close to the heart, as the tournament supported “Super Beckett.” Beckett is bravely fighting T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and proceeds from this year’s event will go toward supporting children’s oncology at CHEO.

I’m always proud to sponsor it annually, and it was great that Mayor Mark Sutcliffe stopped by, as well. I can’t wait to hear how much was raised!

This past Wednesday morning, I joined reporter Leah Larocque from CTV Ottawa as part of their Ottawa’s Worst Commute series to experience Route 30 during peak morning travel.

It didn’t take long to see the challenges firsthand. As we made our way from the start of the route at François Dupuis Recreation Centre along Brian Coburn Boulevard, we found ourselves stuck in slow-moving traffic for extended stretches, something riders know all too well. With only one lane in each direction, there’s very little room for buses to move around congestion, meaning they are forced to sit in the same traffic as everyone else. What should be a reliable connection quickly becomes unpredictable, with delays compounding at each intersection and roundabout.

This is exactly why I’ve been spending the past couple of years pushing for both immediate improvements and long-term solutions for transit in Orléans South. In the lead-up to the most recent budget, I held several meetings with OC Transpo to dig into the reliability issues on Route 30 and identify practical steps forward.

In the short term, adjustments are coming alongside the launch of LRT. These include updates to scheduling and stop spacing to better reflect real traffic conditions, particularly along Brian Coburn, so buses are more likely to arrive on time. While this won’t dramatically speed up trips, improving reliability is a critical first step.

Longer term, meaningful improvements to Route 30 will depend on infrastructure. The planned widening of Brian Coburn is critical, as it would allow for measures like dedicated transit movements and priority signals at intersections to help buses move ahead of traffic.

Experiences like Wednesday’s commute reinforce what I continue to voice at the council table: reliability matters, and our transportation network needs to keep pace with growth. I will continue advocating for the investments needed to make transit in Orléans South faster, more reliable, and better connected.

In case you missed it, I recently brought the Mayor and senior leadership team to the ward for a “seeing is believing” transportation infrastructure tour during the morning commute. If you didn’t catch it in my last newsletter, you can read about it here.

Also, today at City Hall, I had the opportunity to meet Rick Leary as it was announced he is Ottawa’s new General Manager of Transit Services. With extensive experience leading major transit systems, including as CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission, he brings a strong track record in improving service reliability and managing complex networks. I’m looking forward to working with him as we continue advancing reliable, high-quality transit service for residents in both Ward 19 and across the city.

The loss of Barrhaven crossing guard Peter Clark this week is being felt deeply across our city. This is an absolute tragedy and something that should never have happened.

Peter was doing the important work of helping children get to and from school safely, work that every crossing guard shows up to do each day with care and commitment. 

Our crossing guards play a vital role in our communities. They stand in our intersections in all conditions to protect our children, and they deserve to be safe while doing that work. Every child deserves to travel to and from school safely, and every person responsible for their safety deserves the same in return. 

For those who have reached out asking how to support Peter Clark’s family during this incredibly difficult time, a GoFundMe has been created in his honour. It is one way we can come together to support his loved ones and recognize the impact he had on so many.

Construction to start in mid-April on Brian Coburn and Tenth Line intersection upgrades

I’m pleased to share that construction will begin this spring on improvements to the intersection of Brian Coburn Boulevard and Tenth Line Road, which is an upgrade I have been actively advocating for to address ongoing congestion and improve traffic flow in the area this term.

Starting in mid-to-late April and continuing through July, the City will be completing roadway modifications at the intersection. This includes extending the eastbound left-turn lane at Brian Coburn and Tenth Line, giving drivers turning into the shopping plaza dedicated space to do so without holding up through traffic. By allowing turning vehicles to move out of the main lane, this change will help reduce queuing and ease congestion, improving overall traffic flow along this busy corridor near the Shops at Tenth Line.

This work builds on incremental progress made at this intersection through the addition of advanced left-turn signals. As growth continues in our community, these types of improvements are essential to keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently.

During construction, two-way traffic on Brian Coburn will be maintained, and access for pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses will remain in place. As with any construction project, there may be some temporary impacts such as noise, dust, and vibration, but this work is necessary to deliver much-needed relief to one of our busiest intersections.

I will continue to keep residents updated when work starts and as always, I appreciate your patience as we get this important project completed.

Further update on construction activity in Trailsedge Phase 5 lands

In my last update, I shared that clear-cutting activity in the future Trailsedge Phase 5 lands had been delayed. I can now provide further information on timing.

The developer has advised that the bulk of the work has started as of yesterday afternoon and will continue through to Friday, April 3, with grubbing continuing until end of April.

As a reminder, all environmental requirements remain firmly in place. City staff were on site yesterday to assess the wildlife and tree protections in place, and have given the developer the green-light. All activity must continue to respect the setbacks and safeguards identified through the Environmental Impact Statement and corresponding Tree Permit. Victor Cyr Woods remains fully protected and will not be impacted.

I understand that this type of work is concerning for many residents. My office remains in regular communication with City staff and the developer to ensure all approved permits and environmental conditions are being followed closely. I will continue to monitor progress and provide updates as work advances.

Addressing road safety issues at Tenth Line Road and Wall Road

Work is underway at the Tenth Line and Wall Road intersection to improve safety conditions at the intersection as volume increases. 

This spring, several immediate safety upgrades are being implemented. Enhanced “Intersection Ahead” signage with distance markers is being installed in both directions on Tenth Line, along with larger rural XL stop signs to improve visibility. New pavement markings, including stop bar “lead lines,” are also being added to better define the stop approaches. Staff are reviewing lighting levels at the intersection, and we are repositioning the streetlight to ensure the area is properly illuminated. I am also working to advance the installation of flashing warning signals to further increase driver awareness.

These are interim solutions, as I will be seeking funding through the 2027 budget to support a permanent control upgrade, such as a traffic signal or roundabout.

Bringing transparency to as-of-right development

One of the many planning-related issues I’ve been working on this term is something residents have experienced firsthand: development happening “as-of-right” with little to no visibility until shovels are already in the ground.

This came into sharp focus for me last summer in Bradley Estates, where an infill development began unexpectedly in an established neighbourhood without notification or warning. While these projects fully comply with zoning, they do not require an application or public consultation under the Planning Act, meaning they can move forward with only a building permit. For residents, this can come as a surprise, even when the development is technically permitted.

Knowing there was a gap, I raised this directly with the General Manager of Planning, Development and Building Services and brought forward a direction during the adoption of the new Zoning By-law in January. The intent was to ensure that as-of-right development does not slip through the cracks and that councillors have better visibility into what is being built in their communities.

I’m pleased to share that this work is now delivering results. The City has introduced a new Monthly Building Permit Ward Report, which provides councillors and their offices with a clear, ward-specific snapshot of all building permits being issued, including as-of-right infill, demolitions, accessory dwelling units, and more.

This new reporting tool improves transparency, allows for earlier awareness of development activity, and helps ensure we can better respond to resident questions and concerns. It also builds on the City’s existing open data, meaning the same information is publicly available for those who wish to explore it.

As our city continues to grow and more development moves forward as-of-right, this is an important step toward ensuring that neither residents nor councillors are left in the dark.

Ride along with the Ottawa Police Service in Ward 19

On Thursday I was invited by the Ottawa Police Service to shadow their crews out in our community. It was a great opportunity to both discuss and experience first-hand how the new Police District Revitalization Model is bringing more resources back to the local level, prioritizing community-based policing.

I started the day with a tour of our community police station here in the east end. I spent some time with our Community Resource Team discussing our continued priorities and issues that persist in our community. Then I was out with the Neighborhood Resource Team learning about the work their branch does to ensure our community is safe, even accompanying the officer on a Compliance Check-In.

After that, Constable Alex Lewis and I hit the road as he enforced one of the biggest issues in our community: speeding. It was great to spend some time in some of the most challenging areas in our community, including Tenth Line, Wall, Frank Kenney, and Innes. It was also great to hear about the advancements and new technology being deployed to help catch & address speeding.

A sincere thank you to the entire police team here in the east end for all the work being done on a daily basis to help keep our community safe!

Ottawa Police crack down on speeding on Renaud Road

Yesterday afternoon, Ottawa Police Service East District Traffic officers conducted targeted enforcement in a community safety zone during school dismissal in the Renaud Road area. Between 2:45 - 3:15 pm, two drivers were stopped and charged - one for travelling 74 km/h in a posted 40 km/h school zone, and another for travelling 62 km/h in a 40 km/h zone while also failing to wear a seatbelt.

This is a strong reminder that speeding in school zones puts children and families at risk. Drivers must slow down, stay alert, and be mindful of vulnerable road users, especially during peak school hours.

Kudos to the OPS team for their continued enforcement efforts. I will continue working closely with them and sharing feedback on problem areas across the ward to help improve safety in our communities.

Alto prepares for field study testing

Alto is preparing to begin field investigations as part of its ongoing data collection program for the proposed high-speed rail corridor between Québec City and Toronto. These studies are expected to begin this spring and continue throughout the year in order to capture seasonal conditions.

As part of this work, Alto will require access to both public and private lands. Property owners identified within the broader study area may be contacted directly and asked to provide “permission to enter” (PTE) their lands to support survey work. It is important to note that the City has not been provided with a list of affected landowners or specific locations for these investigations, though the City itself, as a landowner, may also be approached for access.

Residents who have questions about the field studies or the permission to enter process are encouraged to contact the Alto Liaison Office directly at 1-855-888-4421 or by email at permissions@altotrain.ca. Preliminary information about the types of field work being undertaken is also available on Alto’s website.

More broadly, Alto continues to assess the corridor that was presented during the initial round of public consultation in January. That consultation period is expected to run until mid-April, with a summary of feedback anticipated this summer. Alto has indicated that a preliminary preferred rail alignment and potential station location in Ottawa could be identified by the end of the year, followed by further consultation and refinement.

City staff continue to await additional details, particularly regarding the proposed route between Montréal and Ottawa and the factors that will inform final decisions. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor this file closely and share updates as more information becomes available.

If you missed my recent update on Alto, you can read more in my previous newsletter.

Advocacy pays off for local rural wineries and the agri-tourism business

Back in 2023, I was proud to support local artisan wineries who were raising concerns about an unfair provincial fee structure that put 100% Ontario non-VQA wines at a significant disadvantage when selling to restaurants. At the time, these small producers were being charged substantially more than their VQA counterparts, creating a real barrier to getting local products onto restaurant menus and limiting opportunities within our growing agri-tourism sector.

To help move this issue forward, I brought a motion at City Council, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, calling on the Province to eliminate these additional fees and create a more level playing field. I also had the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from the Ontario Artisan Wineries Association to better understand the impacts on small producers and support their advocacy efforts.

I’m pleased to share that, after years of sustained advocacy, the Province has now taken an important step forward. The Ministry of Finance and LCBO have harmonized the treatment of VQA and 100% Ontario non-VQA wines for sales to licensees. This means local wineries can now sell directly to restaurants without being subject to the additional charges that previously made those sales unviable.

This is a meaningful win for small producers, local agriculture, and our rural economy. It’s also a great example of how municipal advocacy can help drive change at other levels of government.

I encourage you to support local. We’re fortunate to have two fantastic wineries right here in Ward 19; Domaine Perrault and Vignoble Clos du Vully. Whether it’s a tasting, a bottle for dinner, or a visit with friends and family, supporting these local businesses makes a real difference.

That said, there is still more work to do. As part of this update, the Province introduced a new rebate for VQA wines that does not currently apply to 100% Ontario non-VQA producers, meaning some inequities remain. I will continue to support our local wineries as they push for a fully level playing field across the sector.

Your waste collection day may change starting March 30

Starting this upcoming 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.

Touring Ottawa Community Housing's newest affordable housing project

I had the opportunity this afternoon to tour Ottawa Community Housing Gladstone Village (Phase 1), which is an active construction site where 336 new affordable homes are currently taking shape.

Construction began in October 2024, and it’s incredible to now see real progress happening on the ground. This is part of a much larger vision: an 8-acre, multi-phase development that will deliver more than 1,100 new affordable homes in our city.

Affordable housing continues to be one of the most important issues facing Ottawa. In my role as Chair of Ottawa Public Health, I see firsthand how closely housing and health are connected, and how critical it is that we keep building projects like this.

I’m grateful for the chance to see this progress up close and looking forward to seeing Gladstone Village continue to come to life.

Temporary traffic calming reinstatements start next week

As warmer weather begins to arrive, the City has started its transition back to seasonal operations. This includes traffic calming reinstatements on roads identified by my office. Works include installation of traffic flex stakes, speed boards and other speed reduction measures.

Reinstatement of flex stakes and refreshing pavement markings start next week (weather dependent) and will continue into July. New measures will be installed between mid-June to mid-September.

My team diligently tracks all speeding-related complaints and works closely with traffic assessment professionals to introduce new and reoccurring traffic calming measures where they will have the most impact.

I also regularly meet with residents to discuss speeding issues in all corners of Ward 19. Please look out while crews continue their reinstatements and please slow down!

Connecting with Ward 19’s community association presidents 

On Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of gathering with all the presidents of Ward 19’s community associations. It was a fantastic discussion about the opportunities and challenges that our volunteer-led associations are facing, and how we can work together to better support their communities.

Thank you to the Navan Curling Club and Navan Lions Club for hosting us. 

I’m very grateful to Yasmine, Rylee, Caroline, Luc, and Michelle who contributed their insights and experience. It was clear that while each of our communities is unique—rural and suburban alike—we share a common goal of creating vibrant, connected neighbourhoods.

To keep the conversation going, we’ll be holding these meetings quarterly, hosted in different parts of the ward.  Most importantly, our community associations are powered by volunteers on their own time.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, meet your neighbours, and make a difference, I encourage you to get involved depending on where you live in Orléans South-Navan. Each association is always looking for new volunteers:

• Bradley Estates – beca.orleans@gmail.com

• Chapel Hill South – chapelhillsouth@gmail.com

• Greater Avalon – info@gaca-acga.com

• Navan – nca@navan.on.ca

• Sarsfield – info@sarsfield.org

If you’re unsure which association you belong to but want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to help connect you with the right one.

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.

The Original Navan Market announces 2026 dates

Mark your calendars! The Original Navan Market has announced their 2026 dates. Check out the poster above and spread the word.  

Nestled in the heart of Navan, this market has long been a place for artisans, farmers, and vendors alike, showcasing the very best of what our community has to offer. Whether you're on the hunt for farm-fresh produce, unique handcrafted goods, or simply craving something good to eat, this market has something for everyone.

I can’t wait to see you there!

TOMORROW - Ottawa Food Bank’s annual “Fill the Plates” Spring Food Drive

The Ottawa Food Bank’s spring food drive is taking place tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, from 10 am – 3 pm at local grocery stores, including Real Canadian Superstore (4270 Innes Road) and Metro Cumberland (4510 Innes Road)

Volunteers will be on site collecting non-perishable food items and financial donations to support families and individuals across our city. This spring, the Ottawa Food Bank has identified cereal, oats, and canned tomatoes as some of the most needed items.

If you are able, please consider picking up a few extra items during your grocery trip and donating at the store. Every contribution helps ensure that members of our community have access to good food this spring.

Coro Vivo Ottawa presents: Let’s Get Groovy

The music from the 60s and 70s was epic and transformative, both in its creation but also in the reaction from fans.

Music that asks you to be in touch with your inner self and to just feel; being Groovy or feeling that Disco Beat, CVO wants you to get your GROOVE on and join us on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd at 7:30pm.

Come dressed in your favourite outfit from these fantastic eras of music! Peace Out!

Tickets: https://ow.ly/qKfT50YvcyY

Registration is now open for Spring 2026’s Cleaning the Capital campaign

Spring is almost here, and so is the Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign!

Plan a litter cleanup project with your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues and help keep our city beautiful.

Register your project by May 4: ottawa.ca/clean

Proposed grant program for community organizations to support preparedness for extreme weather

The City of Ottawa is seeking input from local community-based groups on a proposed pilot grant program to support community emergency preparedness for extreme weather.

Climate Ready Ottawa, the City’s climate resiliency strategy, is establishing a pilot grant program to strengthen community organizations’ ability to prepare for and recover from extreme weather events.

Tell staff what you think about the proposed pilot program, how it can best support your organization and your community’s community emergency plans.

Your responses will be considered in the design of the pilot grant program that will be presented to Council in 2026. To learn more visit, Engage Ottawa.

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.

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.