Orléans South-Navan Community Update | May 22nd, 2026

Councillor's Message

I hope you had a fantastic long weekend and had the chance to relax and unwind with family and friends.

As we move further into spring, things remain very busy here in Ward 19. This is always a peak period for both activity in the community and at City Hall, with a full legislative agenda and a steady stream of local issues coming forward.

As expected this time of year, casework has ramped up across a wide range of areas: from road safety and traffic operations, to drainage and ditching, development files, construction coordination, parks maintenance, and general community inquiries. My team and I continue to stay active on the ground and responsive to residents across Orléans South–Navan.

As always, thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your feedback. It plays an important role in shaping the work we do on your behalf.

You’ll see below there are a lot of exciting events coming up in our community! I look forward to seeing you there and connecting in person.

2026 road rehabilitation program has started

You may have already noticed that traffic control devices, including barrels and signage, have been delivered to site across Ward 19.

Concrete repairs are underway, and milling and paving work will follow. This is currently anticipated to begin towards the end of May, with the following tentative schedule:

• Trim Road (Colonial to Delson) – May 27

• Trim Road (Brian Coburn to Navan Road) – May 29

• Trim Road (Innes to Salzburg) – June 5

• Navan Road (90m east of Renaud to Diamond Way) – June 9

As always, all timelines are subject to change due to weather and site conditions. My office will continue to share updates as they become available. Thank you in advance for your patience as this important maintenance work is completed.

I know a few residents have asked why certain sections of Trim Road are being addressed when other roads in seemingly worse condition are still waiting. I had the same questions myself.

It’s important to note that what’s happening there is a different type of treatment, it’s pavement preservation rather than a full road reinstatement. These kinds of works are typically used on higher-volume roads to extend the life of the pavement and prevent it from deteriorating to the point where a full rebuild is required. That said, know there are still many roads on my hit list, particularly in our rural and village areas.

At budget time, I was very vocal about the need to continue to invest in the east end. We’ve made progress on key arterials like Navan, Frank Kenny, Colonial, Innes, and Milton, but we also need to ensure we are allocating funding to residential and local roads that have been waiting far too long.

During budget deliberations, I also moved a motion asking staff to take into account how much is being spent on ongoing “patchwork” repairs as part of the overall assessment framework. I’ve specifically asked that Smith and surrounding roads be reviewed this spring, and I’ll be following up on those assessments closely.

Also note that culvert work is being done this year on Innes from Frank Kenny to Dunning so that resurfacing can follow.

Temporary one day full closure planned at Brian Coburn Boulevard and Trim Road roundabout

As part of the road rehabilitation work mentioned in the previous article, Cavanagh Construction will require a temporary full closure of the Brian Coburn Boulevard and Trim Road roundabout to complete milling and paving operations.

The first closure is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, from 7 am - 3 pm, and is expected to last for one day only. During this time, Brian Coburn Boulevard will be closed at Provence Avenue to allow crews to safely complete milling operations.

For local traffic will be detoured via Provence Avenue. Truck traffic will be required to use Tenth Line Road or Portobello Boulevard as alternate routes. Motorists travelling northbound on Trim Road from Navan will be detoured via Wall Road to Frank Kenny Road to Innes Road.

If work proceeds as planned, all closures will be removed following the milling operation and crews will return approximately one week later, on Friday, June 5, to complete paving work. At this time, I have not yet approved the proposed traffic management plan for the June 5 closure, as I want to review how the first closure operates and whether adjustments are required to minimize impacts on residents and road users.

I also explored whether this work could be completed overnight to reduce daytime disruptions. However, due to contractor staffing availability and scheduling conflicts during the peak construction season, overnight operations were not feasible.

I recognize that temporary closures can be frustrating and appreciate residents’ patience as this important rehabilitation work is completed. My office will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as additional details become available regarding the paving phase.

Expect traffic disruptions during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is running through downtown this weekend, from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24.

The running event starts and ends at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and involves intermittent lane reductions and closures on Saturday, from as early as 11 am until 9 pm, and on Sunday, from as early as 5 am until 2 pm.

A full list of the lane reductions, road closures and times are located on the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend website here.

Update on Alto, the white “X” markings, and recent community engagement

I continue to fiercely advocate on behalf of residents regarding the proposed Alto high-speed rail project and the many unanswered questions surrounding its potential impacts on our community.

Following concerns raised by residents about the temporary white “X” markings that appeared throughout parts of Ward 19 earlier this spring, I formally sought clarification from Alto on the purpose of the markings and the data being collected. After initially providing incorrect information, Alto has since confirmed the markings were part of a completed pilot project by a specialized firm called Trans Plan Global using microdrone technology to test whether it could help create future visualizations or a “digital twin” for communications purposes. Alto maintains that the exercise was not tied to a finalized corridor and that no route decision has been made.

Given the unacceptable level of communication to date, I formally wrote to Alto CEO Martin Imbleau and federal Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon outlining my serious concerns with the project’s engagement and communications approach. I also reiterated my broader concerns with the project itself and the significant anxiety and uncertainty it continues to create for residents and rural communities. People deserve clear answers, transparency, and respectful engagement throughout a process of this magnitude. Mr. Imbleau responded acknowledging the communication missteps to date and committing to improved dialogue moving forward — a commitment I fully expect Alto to honour. 

I also raised several questions directly to the Alto team that residents have consistently asked my office. On the issue of future overpasses and crossings, Alto advised that it is still too early to determine what crossings may be required because a final alignment has not yet been selected. They indicated they would work with municipalities and affected property owners once routing decisions become clearer, but could not yet provide details on who would ultimately fund those infrastructure investments.

With respect to property values, Alto stated that it is too early in the process to assess potential impacts. The organization says it intends to design the corridor to minimize noise, visual impacts, and disruption where possible, while also working with municipalities and communities on mitigation measures as studies progress. However, no specific commitments regarding compensation for potential property value impacts were provided.

I also pressed Alto regarding concerns about vibration, noise, drainage, visual impacts, and environmental issues that could affect residents living near a future rail corridor. Alto advised that it is currently studying how other high-speed rail systems manage these challenges, including the use of sound barriers, track design, landscaping, screening, setback distances, drainage controls, and other mitigation measures. Alto noted that potential impacts and mitigation approaches may vary depending on whether an area is urban, suburban, rural, residential, agricultural, or commercial.

Earlier this week, I attended the Navan Community Association meeting to listen directly to residents, answer questions where possible, and ensure community concerns continue to be heard. I also met with local MP Giovanna Mingarelli to share the feedback my office has been receiving, reinforce the need for meaningful consultation, transparent communication, and timely information sharing as the project advances, and advocate for an alignment that would ultimately have less impact on affected rural communities and residents.

While the City of Ottawa is not the project proponent and does not control the final route selection, I remain committed to ensuring the concerns of Orléans South–Navan residents are communicated clearly and forcefully to federal decision-makers. As new information becomes available, I will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement every step of the way. See below for an additional update. 

Alto to begin drone surveys and geotechnical investigations

Alto informed my office yesterday that additional field studies will soon be taking place throughout the broader study area as part of the ongoing planning and pre-construction work for the proposed high-speed rail project.

I want to begin by acknowledging how distressing and disruptive this type of activity can be for residents. I am simply passing along the information I have received from Alto, as I have no authority to approve, prevent, or direct this work in any way.

Beginning as early as Monday, May 25 and continuing periodically through the end of 2026, we have been informed that Alto and its project partner Cadence will be conducting drone surveys to collect information about local terrain, watercourses, drainage patterns, erosion, wildlife habitats, and other environmental conditions. According to Alto, this information will help support environmental assessments, hydrological modelling, and future project planning. Alto has indicated that using drones reduces the need for more intrusive ground-based work and can help minimize disruption to surrounding communities.

Alto has also said that measures to protect privacy include flying at an appropriate altitude, activating image recording only once the drone has reached the intended survey zone, and applying blurring or pixelation where necessary. I have been told that survey data will be stored in a secure and controlled environment with strict access restrictions.

That said, I have reached out to Alto to confirm that drones will not be operating over private property without appropriate authorization.

Alto has advised that it will soon begin contacting municipalities and private property owners to request access for geotechnical investigations expected to begin as early as July 2026. These studies involve examining soil, bedrock, groundwater, and drainage conditions to better understand the characteristics of the land. In some cases, this may include drilling activities and specialized underground testing.

For private property owners who may be contacted, Alto has advised that participation in these studies is strictly voluntary. Property owners will receive information packages outlining the proposed work, have access to a dedicated personal project representative, and will be offered financial compensation for granting access. 

I fully appreciate that many residents continue to have questions and concerns about the project and what these activities may mean for their properties and communities. 

As I have committed to residents throughout this process, I will continue passing along information I receive from Alto, advocating for clear communication and transparency, and ensuring community concerns are raised directly with project representatives and federal decision-makers as this project moves forward.

I cannot reiterate enough that Alto is ultimately the project proponent and the best source for answers to technical questions regarding field studies, property access requests, route selection, and project-specific details.

If you have questions about any of the activities described above, I strongly encourage you to contact Alto directly at questions@altotrain.ca to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Update on coyote activity in Lalande Conservation Park

While the situation at Lalande Conservation Park remains dynamic, staff from the City’s Wildlife Resource team and By-law and Regulatory Services continue to assess conditions on the ground and respond as required.

I recognize that residents remain concerned, particularly following several reported encounters in the area. It is important to remember that an encounter with a coyote does not constitute an attack. 

While many residents have understandably asked about relocation, staff have advised that relocating coyotes is illegal in Ontario. Wildlife experts are expecting that the coyotes will move on from this site in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we kindly request vigilance and responsible behaviour.

In response to ongoing concerns, the City is ramping up its response efforts. This will include enhanced signage, increased monitoring, additional site visits, and ongoing public education. The City continues to work with Coyote Watch Canada to support the situation, helping staff better assess conditions and identify appropriate mitigation measures on the ground in real time.

The most important message remains unchanged: please respect all posted signage and avoid the identified area. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Enhanced signage is being installed for the safety of both the public and wildlife, and to reduce interactions between people, pets and the coyotes while monitoring continues.

Unfortunately, the City has received reports of individuals approaching sensitive areas of the park and attempting to interact with wildlife. Reports have included children using hockey sticks to approach and poke at the den area. Residents are reminded that interfering with wildlife is both dangerous and inappropriate. Under the City’s Parks and Facilities By-law, residents are prohibited from disturbing, feeding, harassing, or otherwise interfering with wildlife. Likewise, constructing structures or modifying natural areas within City parks is prohibited under the by-law. These are all chargeable offences with associated fines.

Wildlife management is about balancing public safety with responsible stewardship of our natural spaces, and public cooperation plays a critical role in that effort. We must all do our part.

My office, City staff, and Coyote Watch Canada will continue to closely monitor the situation as we have since the beginning. We have also been in regular contact with the schools in the area. As conditions evolve and additional information becomes available, I will continue to keep residents informed and work with all partners to ensure appropriate measures are taken to support both public safety and responsible wildlife management.

Your cooperation and vigilance are much appreciated.

Improving road safety at Tenth Line Road and Wall Road

Over the past several months, I’ve been working closely with staff to advance safety improvements at the intersection of Tenth Line Road and Wall Road following a concerning increase in collisions at this intersection.

Last Wednesday, Council approved my motion directing staff to install flashing warning beacons at the intersection as an interim road safety measure while we await funding for longer-term solutions through the annual budget process.

This follows several immediate improvements that have already been completed at the intersection, including new pavement markings, upgraded “intersection ahead” signage, and the installation of larger rural stop signs to improve driver awareness and visibility.

While the intersection currently does not meet the City’s standard technical thresholds or provincial recommendations for flashing mounted beacons, I believed it was important to take additional action given the recent collision trend and the growing traffic volumes we are seeing in the area.

The newly approved flashing beacons are intended to provide another layer of warning and awareness for motorists approaching the intersection, particularly given the higher-speed rural road environment. Staff are now finalizing technical details and are ordering the required equipment and parts.

At the same time, this conversation is not over. The intersection now meets the City’s warrant criteria for a permanent traffic control solution. I am expecting funding to explore a permanent traffic signal or roundabout through the 2027 budget process. 

Crime rate declines in Orléans South–Navan

There was encouraging news recently with the release of the Ottawa Police Service’s 2025 ward-level crime statistics.

According to the data, Orléans South–Navan experienced an 11.3% decrease in its crime rate in 2025 compared to 2024, making it one of the largest reductions recorded anywhere in Ottawa.

While any decrease in crime is welcome news, public safety remains one of my top priorities. Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods, parks, on roads, and community spaces. I continue to work closely with OPS’ East District leadership team, Chief Stubbs, community policing officers, City staff, and residents to address local concerns, support targeted enforcement efforts, improve road safety, and identify opportunities to strengthen crime prevention initiatives across our community.

Over the past year, we have seen continued collaboration on issues ranging from traffic enforcement and school zone safety to neighbourhood concerns and proactive community engagement. These partnerships are critical to ensuring we maintain safe and welcoming communities as our area continues to grow.

While the overall citywide crime rate increased slightly in 2025, the decline in Orléans South–Navan demonstrates that progress is possible. I want to thank the members of the Ottawa Police Service and our community partners for their ongoing work, and I remain committed to advocating for the resources and initiatives needed to keep our community safe for everyone.

Public information session for Bear Brook Watershed Study

South Nation Conservation will be hosting a public information session to present preliminary flood mitigation options for the Bear Brook Watershed.

The session will start with a presentation followed by an open house format where participants can review project material and discuss issues with the study team.

The session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Navan Memorial Centre (1295 Colonial Road).

For further information regarding this project, visit the project website here.

Recapping the 2026 Bradley Estates Community Association Annual General Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the Bradley Estates Community Association AGM on Thursday night at Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa!

I appreciated the opportunity to provide updates on several local development applications, highlight my ongoing work to improve transit and infrastructure in the ward, and discuss the potential impacts of the proposed Alto high-speed rail project.

A big thank you and congratulations to Yasmine Fathers on her re-election as President, and to all the board members who have stepped forward to volunteer their time and energy for the year ahead. Your dedication to the community is deeply valued, and I look forward to continuing our work together!

Celebrating the end of another school year at Summerside Public

It was great to hang out and provide some treats at Summerside Public School's annual year end BBQ again on Thursday!

Thank you once again for this invitation, and I hope all students have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.

Queenswood Heights Community Centre renamed in honour of Bob Monette

Last week, the Queenswood Heights Community Centre was officially renamed in honour of former Cumberland Township and City of Ottawa Councillor Bob Monette, recognizing a lifetime of service to our Orléans community.

Over decades of public service, Bob played an important role in helping build and strengthen our community. He was and still is a dedicated advocate for local families, neighbourhoods, and the community spaces that bring people together.

The Queenswood Heights Community Centre has long served as a hub for residents of all ages, making it a fitting tribute to someone who has spent so many years working to improve the quality of life in Orléans.

Congratulations to Bob on this well-deserved honour. It is a meaningful recognition of his contributions and a lasting tribute to a true champion of Orléans.

TOMORROW – Team Morgan Car Wash

Join Fire Station 53 from 9 am – 2 pm at 500 Charlamagne Boulevard to support Team Morgan with their annual car wash.

There’s fun for the whole family, including a bake sale, BBQ, face painting, and more! Please bring cash if you can.

Greater Orléans Garage Sale next Saturday, May 30

Several community associations in Orléans including a few in Ward 19 are participating in a community-wide garage sale across the Greater Orléans area.

This fantastic event is taking place on Saturday, May 30 starting at 8 am.

Orléans South-Navan community associations participating include:

• Avalon Encore

• Bradley Estates

• Chapel Hill South

• Greater Avalon

Explore participating neighbourhoods, follow the map, and plan your day by checking out the Facebook event here.

Navan Touch-A-Truck event next Saturday, May 30

The Navan Community Association, in partnership with Ottawa 200, is excited to host their first ever Touch-A-Truck event!

Come get up close and personal with the incredible vehicles and equipment that help keep our community moving every single day — including snow plows, farm equipment, emergency service vehicles, and so much more!

The event is taking place at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1220 Colonial Dr., on Saturday May 30 from 9 am to 3 pm. Please note: The first hour of the event (9–10 a.m.) will be a silent hour to support those with sensory challenges. Admission is FREE.

Bring the whole family, climb aboard some amazing machines, meet the people behind them, and enjoy a fantastic day in the community. I can’t wait to see everyone there!

Giveaway Weekend returns to Ottawa, May 30-31

The City is bringing back Giveaway Weekend on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 2026. On these days, residents can place unwanted but usable household goods at the curb for others to take for free.

Declutter your home while giving items that are in good condition a second life and helping neighbours find hidden treasures they may love.

For more information including items to include, exclude, set-out etiquette, and pick-up etiquette, please click here.

Walk for Dog Guides in Cumberland

The Cumberland, Orléans and Navan Lions Clubs are hosting the 2026 Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides on Sunday, May 31.

The walk will start from Maple Hall in Cumberland and will support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, whose work helps provide life-changing Dog Guides to people across Canada.

Participants of all ages are welcome. Whether you walk, make a donation, or simply come out to show your support, your involvement can help transform someone’s life and give them greater independence.

To register, click here.

Meet the fleet at the Public Works Big Wheels Expo

Public Works Big Wheels Expo is pumping the tires and getting ready to roll into The Ottawa Stadium, home of the Ottawa Titans, on Sunday, June 7, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm!

This inclusive, family-friendly event welcomes all ages and features a dedicated sensory-friendly period from 9 to 9:30 am for those who benefit from lighter crowds.

We encourage other visitors to arrive after this time to help ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone.

Splash pads are now open!

From now until until September 20, weather permitting, you can enjoy a day of free fun in the sun at one of Ottawa’s splash pads!

Our city is home to over two hundred locations, each with fun features to help you stay cool.

Find one near you by clicking here.

Ottawa Police highlight e-scooter safety

The number of E-scooters is expected to increase on city streets by the end of May, and the Ottawa Police Service is reminding e-scooter riders and the public about rules and tips for operating them safely. 

Whether you rent or own an e-scooter, remember these rules when you operate them:  

• Ride in bike lanes or on the shoulder of a roadway and not on sidewalks.  

• Riders who are found using their e-scooters on sidewalks are subject to a $150 fine. 

• You must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter 

• If you are under 18 years old, you must wear a helmet.

• Your e-scooters must have a bell or a horn, as well as a white light on the front of the e-scooter and a red light on the back of the vehicle (to be turned on at dusk). 

• Do not drive distracted and do not drive impaired. 

• E-scooters are designed for one user at a time. You cannot ride an e-scooter with a passenger.  

• E-scooters are not permitted on NCC cycling paths or in the ByWard Market.