Orléans South-Navan Community Update | May 9th, 2026

Councillor's Message

Good morning! It was a mammoth week, following a busy period with the opportunity to attend several events across the city. These included the Ottawa Fire Chief’s Awards at Hard Rock Casino, where we recognized the incredible bravery and service of those in our community. I had the opportunity to the opening ceremony for the “Together Towards a Green Future” environmental conference organized by the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est at the Centre agro-éducatif, where Marie-France Lalonde and I delivered opening remarks to students, educators, and community leaders focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability. I also joined Mark Sutcliffe at the Ottawa Art Gallery for the announcement of the Ottawa 200 grant recipients, which will support a wide range of free, community-based cultural and neighbourhood events helping to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary in every corner of our city. I was thrilled that among the funded events are the Navan Community Association Touch-a-Truck event taking place on Saturday, May 30, offering kids hands-on access to municipal and emergency vehicles, and the Greater Avalon Community Association Summer Fun Fest on August 15, featuring local entertainment and activities.

I was proud to attend the Ottawa Charge flag raising at City Hall last week, and the energy around this team right now is incredible. After stealing a game in Boston against the Fleet, the Charge were back home at the Canadian Tire Centre last night for Game 3, scoring a big win and taking the series lead! Game 4, held Sunday at 3 pm, is sure to be electric. 

It’s fantastic to see them playing on this stage, and our community is behind them every step of the way.

Go Charge Go!

As we transition into spring, City crews are hard at work across Ward 19 tackling seasonal cleanup. This includes removing outdoor rink boards, gates, and safety netting. With last fall’s early snowfall, we’re also seeing more leaves than usual, so cleanup efforts are well underway to get our parks and public spaces back in shape.

We’re also gearing up for a busy recreation season. Registration numbers for local baseball leagues are up this year, something many are attributing to the excitement generated by the Toronto Blue Jays playoff run last season. Crews prepare ball diamonds with inspections, fencing repairs, irrigation system checks, and infield grooming where conditions allow. While the cooler, wetter weather has slowed things slightly compared to last year, staff are optimistic that diamonds will be ready for play soon.

Preparation is also underway on our sports fields, with mowing, litter cleanup, waste receptacle installation, and ongoing turf maintenance like aeration and overseeding. Pathways and parking areas connected to these fields are also being cleaned to ensure safe and accessible use for everyone.

For tennis and pickleball players, you may have already noticed nets starting to go up. Installation timing is critical, as putting nets up too early on soft ground can cause damage to posts and delay the season further. Crews carefully assess conditions and will continue installations alongside court sweeping and any necessary repairs.

On our roads, line painting officially began this past Monday. Crews are prioritizing arterial roads with centre and edge line painting, along with refreshing key markings like crosswalks and stop bars in high-traffic areas. Work on segregated bike lanes is also underway and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

As I shared in previous newsletters, temporary traffic calming reinstatements were expected to begin a few weeks ago. However, due to inclement weather and the need to coordinate with road line painting, some reinstatements in Ward 19 have been delayed. Please rest assured that I am actively following up on this and will continue to push to see these measures implemented as soon as possible.

As always, thank you for your patience as crews work through these seasonal priorities. There’s a lot happening across our community, and it’s all part of getting ready for a safe, active, and enjoyable spring and summer season ahead.

I also wanted to thank everyone taking part in this year’s Cleaning the Capital! From community groups and families to local businesses and volunteers, your efforts are making a real difference in keeping our neighbourhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together with pride for their community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for helping make our city shine!

To all the moms and mother figures – I hope you have an incredible Mother's Day on Sunday filled with lots of love! Thank you for all that you do, 24/7, 365.

2026 road rehabilitation program begins on Monday

You may begin to notice traffic control devices, including barrels and signage, being delivered to site this week as crews get set up to start work across the ward.

We’ve received a preliminary schedule for this work, which will begin with concrete removals at the following locations:

• Trim Road (Colonial to Delson) – Week of May 11

• Trim Road (Brian Coburn to Navan Road) – Week of May 11

• Trim Road (Innes to Salzburg) – Week of May 11

• Navan Road (90m east of Renaud to Diamond Way) – Week of June 3

During this phase, you can expect daytime lane reductions in active work zones. Flagging operations will be in place at most locations to help direct traffic safely through the area.

Once concrete repairs are complete, 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.

Construction set to resume on Innes and Lamarche signal Monday

Construction activity is scheduled to resume on Monday, May 11 at Innes and Lamarche as crews move into the final phase of the signalization project. While the intersection has been operating in its temporary winter configuration since January, there is still important work remaining to fully complete the permanent infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

This next phase of work will include final underground and infrastructure tie-ins, road painting, concrete work, and asphalt paving.

In order to complete the project as efficiently and safely as possible while minimizing daytime traffic impacts, a noise exemption has been approved to allow work to take place on weekdays between 6 pm - 6 am from Monday, May 11 through to Friday, June 26.

Residents and road users should expect temporary lane reductions and intermittent disruptions during portions of the work, including the presence of paid duty officers during some phases of construction. However, there are currently no planned full road closures or major disruptions requiring detours.

I want to thank residents for their continued patience as this important project moves toward completion. 

Full closure of Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks

To support underground infrastructure work at three separate infill projects that are being built in a row, crews are required to close the southern Pagé Road and Nature Trail Crescent intersection for two weeks.

Work will begin on Monday, May 11 and continue until Wednesday, May 20. During this time, the intersection will be closed, however, the crosswalk and sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.

The closure is located at the southern Pagé/Nature Trail intersection and not the northern one, allowing for full local access to remain for homes on Nature Trail and Noblewood.

Thank you for your understanding.

Working hard to improve Ottawa’s approach to procurement and infrastructure delivery

This past Tuesday, I brought forward a motion at a special Joint Committee meeting focused on the City’s Housing Accelerator Plan. Over the past several years, I’ve raised constantly the need to get transportation infrastructure right in our growing community. That work has taken many forms.

I exposed the funding gap that showed the east end was not receiving its fair share of investment in new roads and infrastructure. I fought hard during the Transportation Master Plan updates to move critical projects forward and prioritize our community. Those were important wins, but I continue to be relentless in closing this systemic gap.

What I continue to see, both here in Orléans South–Navan and across the city, is that even when projects are approved and funding is identified, the timelines to actually deliver infrastructure are still far too long.

At the same time, the City has been making real progress on accelerating housing. Through the Housing Accelerator Plan, we’ve streamlined approvals, reduced red tape, and made it easier to build new homes while every level of government is focused on responding to the housing crisis.

But here’s the challenge: housing is moving faster and faster, and infrastructure is falling further behind.

That gap has real impacts. It affects traffic congestion, road safety, transit reliability, and ultimately, your quality of life. It’s the difference between a community that feels complete and one that always feels like it’s catching up.

That’s why I brought forward a motion on Tuesday to take a hard look at how the City plans, designs, and delivers infrastructure, especially the roads, intersections, and services that support new housing.

My motion directs staff to review how projects move from planning to construction and identify ways to speed things up from a procurement perspective. That includes looking at:

• Reducing unnecessary red tape and duplication in the process

• Running project steps in parallel instead of one after another

• Using more modern procurement methods to get projects built faster

• Setting clearer timelines and accountability for delivery

• Prioritizing infrastructure that directly enables housing

This is about more than process, it’s about outcomes.

Every year of delay means higher construction costs and more congestion. We can’t afford to keep doing things the same way if we want to build complete communities.

This motion represents the next step in the work I’ve been focused on since being elected: not just planning for growth but making sure we can actually deliver the infrastructure needed to support it.

I will continue pushing for practical solutions that improve how we build Orléans South and ensure that as we grow, we do so in a way that supports the people who call our community home.

Discussing Orléans South-Navan transit issues with General Manager of OC Transpo Rick O’Leary

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet OC Transpo’s new General Manager, Rick Leary, at City Hall. It was great to connect with Rick for the first time since his appointment at the end of March and to have a focused conversation about the very real transit challenges facing our community.

We covered a lot of ground, including the LRT east extension, ongoing issues with Route 30, the empty Chapel Hill Park and Ride, and the broader gaps in transit service across Orléans South–Navan.

We also discussed overcrowding, particularly on school routes. OC Transpo has already taken steps to address this, including adding additional morning trips on Route 34 to relieve pressure on Route 637, and deploying higher-capacity buses, such as articulated and double-decker vehicles where possible. Improved reliability should also help ease crowding over time.

I also shared directly with Rick what I’ve been hearing from residents: that we are still a long way from delivering the level of transit service our growing community needs. Ward 19 has unique challenges that must be acknowledged, and that includes advancing key infrastructure investments like the widening of Brian Coburn Boulevard and the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transit system. I will continue pushing for both the service improvements and infrastructure needed to get us there.

Thank you to everyone who continues to share your experience. Your feedback has been critical in driving these conversations forward. While there is still significant work ahead, please know I remain fully committed to working collaboratively with OC Transpo to build a more reliable and efficient transit system for our community.

New details about long-awaited grocery store and retail hub in Trailsedge

After years of pushing to bring more complete communities to Orléans South, I’m excited to share some news that will help transform the character of Ward 19.

A Site Plan Control application has officially been submitted for 226 Mer Bleue Road (at the corner of Brian Coburn Boulevard and Mer Bleue) to develop a brand-new multi-unit commercial plaza that will bring long-awaited retail and services closer to home for residents across Ward 19, including a grocery store.

The proposed development includes a mix of retail opportunities, including anchor retail, a grocery store, and smaller retail units, totaling approximately 8,757 square metres across two phases of construction. Phase 1 will include the grocery store and anchor retail uses totaling approximately 5,256 square metres, while Phase 2 would introduce additional retail and commercial spaces totaling another 3,501 square metres.

Beyond the buildings themselves, this project represents an important shift. For years, Ward 19 residents have rightfully been asking for more nearby amenities, services, shopping, and destinations that reduce the need to drive up to Innes Road or across Brian Coburn for everyday errands, often waiting in traffic to get there. As Trailsedge continues to grow, this phase of development includes a significant residential component, and ensuring those growing neighbourhoods are supported by more walkable commercial amenities is something I have strongly advocated for as we work toward building more complete, connected communities.

I also know that many residents are understandably concerned about traffic and the pace of growth. Connections associated with this development will be carefully reviewed through the planning process, and I will continue pushing for phasing that allows transportation infrastructure to better catch up with growth. The widening of the adjacent section of Brian Coburn Boulevard remains my top transportation priority for Orléans South and is already in the design phase, alongside improvements that will support transit reliability and new walking and cycling infrastructure. I'm hopeful that the motion described above, aimed at accelerating infrastructure delivery timelines, will help move critical infrastructure projects like this forward more quickly.

There is still a planning process ahead, but this is a milestone that I know many residents have been eagerly waiting for.

At this point, the specific grocer has not been confirmed, and construction timelines are still to be sorted out. As you can already see today, Richcraft is preparing to move the fill out of Phase 4, which will start the process to develop the lands.

ALTO responsible for white "X" road markings around rural Ward 19

I have been investigating concerns regarding white road markings and recent drone activity that many residents noticed throughout our community. After consistent follow-up, I learned that the activity was, in fact, connected to the federal ALTO high-speed rail project.

Both my office and City staff had initially been informed in writing by ALTO representatives that the activity was not related to their project. However, we later learned that Trans-Plan, a third party contractor, had been conducting the work on behalf of ALTO as part of what was described as a “pilot project” using micro-drones to collect survey data.

I have since sought additional clarification regarding the scope of the work and what exactly the data collection involved. I was also advised that the activity has been completed and that no immediate additional work was planned, although I requested formal confirmation given the conflicting information that had been provided throughout the process.

Following these developments, City staff made it clear to ALTO that any future work occurring on municipal property must involve proper engagement with the City in advance, including determining what approvals may be required and ensuring that both the City and affected ward councillors are notified before work begins.

I want to be candid: I was deeply frustrated to learn that municipal roads had been marked without advance notice or discussion. Equally concerning was the repeated inaccurate information provided by individuals speaking on behalf of ALTO. The inconsistencies in communication raised serious concerns about how information is being shared internally as this project continues to evolve.

I know this project is already generating significant anxiety and uncertainty in our community, particularly for residents living within or near the study corridor. Keeping residents in the dark about activities taking place in their neighbourhoods is unacceptable, and I made those concerns known directly to senior officials. 

It is important to recognize that decision-making authority for this project rests with the federal government, not the City of Ottawa. With that authority comes a responsibility to ensure transparent communication, meaningful public engagement, and accountability to the communities most directly affected by this proposal.

As always, I remain committed to providing residents with accurate and transparent information. I also want to acknowledge my role in sharing updates that ultimately proved to be incorrect based on the information available at the time. Even after receiving assurances earlier in the week, I continued pushing for clarification because I believed there was still a connection to ALTO. I’m glad we kept asking questions and pressing for answers.

Continuing to monitor coyote activity in Lalande Conservation Area

Over the past two weeks, I have continued to stay closely engaged with the City’s Wildlife Resource Coordinator, By-law Services, and Coyote Watch Canada. Each reported interaction, including photos, videos, and documented encounters, is being reviewed and assessed to better understand patterns of behaviour and ensure our response remains grounded in best wildlife practices. This is an active and evolving situation, and it continues to be monitored daily. I personally pass on each instance so it can be looked at.

I know it can be unsettling to see photos and videos of coyotes circulating on community Facebook groups. These situations understandably raise concern, especially for families with young children and pet owners. Please know that I am taking this seriously.

At this stage, the presence of a den and pups continues to be the primary factor influencing behaviour. What residents are observing is consistent with normal, protective wildlife behaviour rather than aggression. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, avoid interactions, and keep dogs on leash when in the area.

I want to thank residents again for continuing to report sightings and for following the recommended precautions. Your cooperation is critical in helping us manage this situation safely and responsibly.

A few important reminders:

• Avoid the area around the den

• Keep dogs leashed at all times

• Do not feed wildlife

• Respect all posted signage

• Report sightings through 3-1-1 or the City’s online reporting tool

I will continue to keep you informed as things evolve.

Second open house for E-2 South Innes expansion lands

I want to thank everyone who came out last Wednesday night to ask questions and provide feedback on the second City-led open house to discuss the future plan for the E-2 South Innes expansion lands. The residential development that is slated for these expansion lands is in the north-east portion of the identified parcel. Millennium Park will not be impacted and will be integrated within the future plan of subdivision.

In 2020, before I was elected, City Council made the decision to expand our urban boundary in line with provincial requirements to accommodate for the rapid growth of our city. 60% of the growth was also directed at intensifying the already built-up area. Last week's session was the second step in the planning process as it integrates with the existing neighbourhood. I encourage residents to stay engaged in the process.

For those that have concerns about our infrastructure supporting this growth - I share them and speak about this constantly at committee, at council and with various stakeholders every single day (& above in this newsletter!). I’m hoping that my motion to accelerate infrastructure timelines, described above, works to close this gap.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to be added to the email mailing list, please contact: suburb@ottawa.ca

Ward 19 youth resident recognized for life-saving 9-1-1 call

I want to take a moment to recognize three remarkable young people who were recently honoured through the City of Ottawa’s 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards. These awards highlight the bravery, quick thinking, and composure shown by youth in emergency situations, and this year, one of those recipients is from right here in Ward 19.

Christly Dana Julsaint, who was just 12 years old at the time, demonstrated incredible courage during a medical emergency involving her younger sister. In mid-September, Christly Dana called 9-1-1 when her 11-year-old sister was experiencing a seizure, was unconscious, and not breathing normally. In what must have been a terrifying moment, she remained calm and clearly communicated critical information to the dispatcher, ensuring that help was on the way as quickly as possible.

Christly Dana didn’t stop there. She also went to a neighbour’s home to get additional help while continuing to manage the situation. Her ability to stay composed and take decisive action made a real difference during a very serious emergency.

Christly Dana’s actions are nothing short of extraordinary. She is a true example of bravery and responsibility well beyond her years, and our entire community should be incredibly proud.

Congratulations and bravo, Christly Dana. Your quick thinking and courage are an inspiration to us all.

Attending the Navan Lions Club volunteer reception

On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Navan Lions Club Volunteer Reception at the Navan Curling Club. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many dedicated members of our community and to celebrate the spirit of service that makes Navan such a special place. It was also incredibly special to be there to witness David Grattan receive the Melvin Jones Award. A truly well-deserved honour recognizing his longstanding dedication, generosity, and service to the community.

A big thank you to Tony Fiorentino, President of the Navan Lions Club, for the kind invitation and warm hospitality. I was grateful for the opportunity to say a few words about the importance of volunteerism and the profound impact volunteers have in strengthening our community. Quite simply, communities like ours don’t function, let alone thrive, without people willing to step up, give their time, and look out for one another.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Navan Lions for everything they do, both seen and unseen. Through countless small acts of service, their contributions make a real difference in people’s lives.

Navan is stronger because of volunteers like you. Thank you for all that you do.

Community tree planting event at l’école secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde

I had the pleasure Thursday morning of joining students & faculty from l'école secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde as they planted trees at Millennium Park.

I look forward to watching this forest grow over the years, helping to create a healthier, greener community by providing shade, improving air quality, supporting local wildlife, and giving residents a natural space to gather and enjoy.

Thank you to organizers for including me in this wonderful event. I am always proud to see the pride that students take in enriching and preserving our natural environment.

2026 Wild Parsnip Program is anticipated to start on May 19

The goal is to reduce the growth of wild parsnip in highly infested areas while ensuring that environmentally sensitive areas and public safety are not adversely impacted.

The 2026 Wild Parsnip Strategy will allow staff to:

• Continue and expand the application of Clearview and Navius FLEX herbicides to highly infested areas;

• Continue mowing operations, adjusting frequency and timing to best coincide with herbicide applications

• Re-map infestation areas and levels

Staff anticipate wild parsnip spraying in City parklands in early June, weather permitting. Approximately 1400 lane kilometres of roadsides/pathways and several parklands will be treated this year.

To notify the public of the herbicide application, a Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) approved “Notice of Herbicide Use” advertisement will appear in local newspapers one week prior to the start of spraying. However, given the large number of public access points for parks, signs will continue to be posted every 100 metres.

Greater Orléans Garage Sale on 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.

Tartan and Red Serge at Shenkman Arts Centre

The RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers are taking the stage at the Shenkman Arts Centre with performances at 3 pm and 7 pm on May 16. A full live show that brings together music, movement and tradition, all in one place.

Get your tickets here.

Registration opens next week for swimming and summer activities

Summer is almost here and that means that registration for City of Ottawa summer activities and Before and after School Programs is opening soon. There are a variety of activities for all interests and skillsets, from children to older adults.

Residents can view activities online starting Tuesday, May 5.

Register for swimming on Tuesday, May 12 at 9 pm.

• Register for all other activities on Thursday, May 14 at 9 pm.

• Summer camp registration opened on February 26.

In‑person registration begins the day after online registration, during regular business hours at recreation and cultural facilities across the city.

Giveaway Weekend returns to Ottawa

The City is bring 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.

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.

Seasonal load restrictions lifted for heavy vehicles

Beginning Monday, May 11, seasonal load restrictions will no longer be in effect.

Commercial vehicles or trailers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of five (5) tonnes or 11,000 pounds per axle will no longer be prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted.

New grants available through the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORCWP) provides funding for projects that protect surface water and groundwater quality.

Landowners completing projects in 2026 may be eligible for grants of up to $15,000 depending on the project they are undertaking. The next application deadline has been extended to May 15, 2026.

New grants are available for living snow fences! Grants are also available for 18 kinds of projects related to nutrient management, soil protection, water management, land stewardship, and education and innovation. Farmers from rural and urban Ottawa, along with landowners within rural Ottawa, are eligible to apply. Non-profit organizations can apply for education and innovation projects.

Applications will be accepted through the Rural Clean Water Program, which works in partnership with the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities and the City of Ottawa.

Contact the Rural Clean Water Program at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136, toll free at 1-800-267-3504. Visit ottawa.ca/cleanwater to see a full list of eligible projects and to apply online.