Orléans South-Navan Community Update | November 21st, 2025

Councillor's Message

November always seems to be one of the most hectic months at City Hall.  Before diving into the details of the City’s 2026 draft budget, I want to begin with another important matter that came before Finance and Corporate Services Committee this morning at a special meeting. Today, members considered the potential acquisition of the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre, better known as the Taggart-Miller landfill in Carlsbad Springs. I did not support moving forward with a bid given the lack of transparency, the limited information available to councillors and the public, and the short timeframe for committee to assess such a significant purchase. I also agreed with the ward councillor that we must first determine the direction of our Solid Waste Master Plan, including the role of waste-to-energy, before deciding what assets we need to implement it, not the other way around. I know this site has been a long-standing concern for the community as I used to represent this area before the ward boundary change in 2022, and I understand how deeply residents have fought to protect their area. Later in this newsletter, you will also see an update on landfill concerns closer to home, as the Navan landfill has just begun a process to expand. 

In other significant news, the 2026 Draft Budget was tabled at Council last week. The proposed budget includes a 3.75% total property tax increase and a 2.5% transit fare increase, along with a 5% increase to the police levy. As always, this is a significant document, and my team and I are working through every line to fully understand the impacts on our community.

While the overall increase in our budget is higher than I would like, it reflects the reality that municipalities are under intense inflationary pressures right now—rising costs for labour, materials, transportation, infrastructure renewal, and public-safety services all force our hand. In fact, other major Canadian cities have taxed their residents far more aggressively in recent years. For example, Toronto imposed a 5.5 % property tax increase in 2023 and an even larger 9.5 % hike in 2024. Vancouver, meanwhile, raised its property taxes by 10.7 % in 2023 and followed that with a 7.5 % increase in 2024. In Calgary, the average residential tax increase in 2023 was 5.7 %, and an additional 7.8 % rise is reflected in the 2024 approved budget. I share this to demonstrate that when you look at the cumulative impact over this Council term, Ottawa’s total—approximately 12.7% through the draft 2026 budget—remains well below the multi-year increases seen in those cities, where compounded hikes since 2023 have exceeded 20%. In contrast, this Council has worked hard to keep increases more modest. While “low tax increase” doesn’t mean “no pain,” I believe this demonstrates a commitment to fiscal prudence and responsible stewardship in the face of growing cost pressures.

Although several of my colleagues are pushing for a much steeper increase, affordability continues to be top of mind for me, and we must ensure that the city delivers the essential services residents rely on, we do so responsibly and with an eye on long-term sustainability.

I’m still diving into the details, but I want to share a few early highlights. Building on the major progress made this summer through the Transportation Master Plan Part 2, this budget includes over $3 million to advance the detailed design for the widening of Brian Coburn Boulevard from Mer Bleue to Tenth Line which is a critical first step in addressing east-end congestion in our ward. Several key intersection upgrades are also funded, including improvements at Mer Bleue and Décoeur, and Renaud and Fern Casey. More than $10 million is assigned for construction of the François Dupuis District Park expansion (building off the $12.6 million from last year’s budget), expected to break ground in mid-2026. We’re seeing continued investment in our rural roads, with millions dedicated to rehabilitation work on Trim Road and Watson Road. Last but not least, through the Major Capital Grant Program, Orléans Little League will benefit from upgrades to the baseball diamond at Don Boudria Park.

City-wide, this year’s budget makes targeted investments in core city services, including adding 23 new paramedics, 25 new police officers, dedicating roughly $23 million to build 350 new affordable homes, and allocating $400,000 toward the Mayor’s pledge to end youth homelessness. It also directs $135 million to road resurfacing, $25.4 million to sidewalk rehabilitation, and $75 million to maintain community centres, sports facilities and parks. Most importantly, through the collective work of the Service Review Working Group and the Agile Working Group on which I am a member of, the City has now realized more than $252 million in cumulative savings, $45 million of which are built in this budget alone.

Notwithstanding these points, I am not yet satisfied that this budget sufficiently addresses the needs of the east end. I am continuing to engage with senior leadership on advancing our priorities before determining my vote. As always, I am fighting to ensure Orléans South receives its fair share of investment while balancing the financial realities families are facing. I look forward to hearing your feedback as the budget moves through the public consultation and committee process over the next month before its consideration at the Council meeting of December 10.

Although Remembrance Day was last week, I want to thank the Navan Community Association, St. Andrews United Church, and Legion Orléans Branch 632 for hosting local ceremonies. It was a privilege to reflect and honour those who have sacrificed so much for our country. 

Last week, I attended the Ottawa Food Bank’s launch of the 2025 Ottawa Hunger Report. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to grow in our city, with 588,866 visits to food programs across the Ottawa Food Bank network in 2024 alone.

Earlier this year, in my role as Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health, I was proud to work with Councillor Marty Carr to advance a motion committing the City to develop strategies with our provincial and federal partners to address the root causes of food insecurity. The 2026 budget also includes record investments aimed at tackling this urgent and growing issue. You can read the full report here.

As the holidays are quickly approaching, let's come together to make a positive impact in our communities. Whether it's donating to the food bank or resource centre, volunteering your time, or supporting a local charitable cause, every act of kindness counts.

All my best,

Sarsfield Road reopens following bridge replacement

Great news for residents and rural commuters! Sarsfield Road will officially reopen in both directions following the full replacement of the Sarsfield Bridge. 

Crews began work in mid-July, and I want to sincerely thank everyone for their patience over the last several months. While the original timeline anticipated reopening next week, the contractor confirmed they were able to make excellent progress and complete the work ahead of schedule. 

The bridge will open tonight with no load restrictions and two-way traffic restored. All detour signage will be removed. 

This project represents an important investment in rural infrastructure, improving safety and ensuring long-term reliability for the community.

Thank you again for your cooperation throughout construction, and for your ongoing support as we continue to upgrade critical infrastructure in Ward 19.

REMINDER - Left turn restriction and detour continues at Innes and Lamarche for signalization work

The left-hand turn restriction and subsequent detour on Innes Road and Lamarche Avenue continues until mid-December. This work is being completed to minimize traffic impacts and is part of the installation of a new traffic control signal to improve safety and accessibility at the intersection.

During construction, left turns into and out of Lamarche Avenue will be temporarily restricted. Motorists will be detoured from Lamarche Avenue via Argonaut Street, east on Jargeau Road, and north on Ventus Way to reach Innes Road. The same route applies in reverse for entering the community.

Temporary signage will be in place to direct motorists through the detour. Work is expected to occur during overnight hours as well.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Temporary sidewalk closures may occur, with signage in place to guide pedestrians safely around the work area as currently in place. Cyclists will be asked to share the single open lane with traffic or to dismount and use the signed pedestrian route.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this work is completed.

REMINDER - traffic control set-up underway on Brian Coburn Boulevard for Groupe Heafey development

Reminder that construction work in this location involves lane shifting, requiring flag personnel to be on-site from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays to assist OC Transpo buses and construction vehicles accessing the site as needed. This flagging operation is not intended to manage general traffic —two-way traffic is to be maintained throughout the project.

The sidewalk and multi-use pathway (MUP) on the south side of Brian Coburn are closed. Please follow a temporary pedestrian detour through the Chapel Hill Park & Ride MUP.

Thank you for your continued patience as this work moves forward. 

Clarification on the blue and black box collection transition

Some residents have reached out to me with questions about the upcoming transition to Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) for the blue and black box collection program.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Province of Ontario will require the companies that make and sell plastic packaging and paper products, not the City, be responsible to fully pay for and manage residential recycling. While this is a behind-the-scenes policy shift, for households, very little changes.

First, your blue and black box collection will continue exactly as it does today. It will remain bi-weekly, your pickup day does not change, and you should continue setting out materials the same way you always have. Nothing about how you participate in recycling at the curb will feel different.

Second, if your blue or black box becomes damaged or needs to be replaced, you will still be able to request a new one at no cost. Instead of contacting the City, you will call Miller Waste Systems who will be providing the new containers under the provincial program. An online form letter/website will be announced by city staff in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest questions I’ve received is whether this transition results in a property tax reduction.

The short answer is no, and here’s why:

The financial impact on the City is net-zero. In 2025, the City’s budget included $18.45 million in costs to run recycling collection on behalf of Circular Materials Ontario (CMO), and $18.45 million in revenue that CMO paid us to deliver that service. Those two amounts cancelled each other out meaning there was no impact on property taxes.

In 2026, when CMO takes over collection directly, the draft budget simply removes both the $18.45 million cost and the $18.45 million revenue. Again, this results in no bottom-line impact and no change to residents’ property taxes.

Even after recycling transitions to the province, the City still has significant local responsibilities like collecting garbage, green bin and yard waste, providing recycling collection in City parks and facilities (which are not part of the provincial system), and meeting new provincial reporting requirements for the City’s own paper and plastic use. These services continue to be funded through a combination of property taxes and the Solid Waste Curbside Service Fee, as the City moves toward a full utility-style model over time.

I hope this helps clear up the confusion. For residents, the most important takeaway is: your recycling routine stays the same, broken boxes will still be replaced, and this change does not affect your property taxes. If you call 3-1-1, you will be re-directed to Miller Waste Systems.

First public open house on proposed Navan Dump expansion

In my November 9 newsletter, I shared that Waste Connections of Canada (WCC) has begun the process to expand the Navan landfill. I was only made aware earlier that week that this was coming forward.

Since then, my office has been proactive in understanding what are the next steps and what are the implications for our community. I have met with representatives from WCC, my office has attended the landfill's Public Advisory Committee meeting, maintained contact and met with Friends of Mer Bleue and other local stakeholders including the Bradley Estates Community Association, posed questions to our legal staff, and continue to gather information from city staff on what this means for the municipality and most importantly, our community.

Central to these conversations has been clarifying the status and legal standing of the 2007 agreement between Waste Services Inc. and the Friends of Mer Bleue. That agreement stated the company would not seek any further expansion of the Navan Road landfill beyond the previous approval, and to cease all waste-handling operations — including fully decommissioning the site — once the expanded capacity had been reached.

While I do not support a further expansion, at this stage it is a provincially-led process carried out under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. The City does not control or approve this expansion application; we are a stakeholder in a process being initiated privately by WCC and directed by provincial legislation.

Here’s what we know today: the proposal seeks to add between 3 to 4 million cubic metres of additional disposal capacity, stating that it would continue to support public drop-off services and non-hazardous waste from industrial, commercial, and institutional sources. WCC is working on their Terms of Reference, which is a preliminary starter document that sets the framework for the scope of the full Environmental Assessment. This includes what alternatives will be studied, how environmental impacts will be measured, and how public consultation will occur. If approved by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, only then would a full Environmental Assessment take place, which is expected to be extensive and take multiple years. Community consultation will be mandatory at several stages.

Residents are invited to the first public open house to learn more and share feedback:

Le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa3349 Navan RoadDecember 11, 20256:30 - 8:30 pm

The session will include guided questions and space for any comments residents wish to provide. I hope to see you there.For any questions, comments, or concerns, please directly email Chris.Visser@wasteconnections.com and Yannick.Marcerou@wsp.com.

Agriculture Exemption Program extended to 2027

Council has approved the continuation of the Agriculture Exemption Program through 2027. This program acknowledges the unique realities of our farm operations, particularly when it comes to managing materials like bale wrap and feed bags that cannot be recycled or composted through standard waste programs.

By allowing agricultural properties to set out additional unavoidable waste beyond the three-item limit, the City is taking a practical approach that reflects the needs of rural residents while work continues on the broader Solid Waste Master Plan.

Thank you to the farming community for the thoughtful feedback provided throughout this process. Your input played an important role in guiding this decision and continues to shape how the City supports agriculture waste moving forward.

REMINDER - In-person public consultation for intersection improvements at Mer-Bleue Road and Décoeur Drive

The City of Ottawa invites residents to attend a Public Information Session to review and provide feedback on the proposed intersection modification project at Mer-Bleue Road and Décoeur Drive/Copperhead Street.

This project aims to improve overall safety and traffic operations by introducing a protected signalized intersection featuring designated bicycle crossings, bicycle traffic signals, corner safety islands separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles, and other geometric upgrades.

Date: Monday, November 24, 2025

Time: 6 – 8 pm (drop-in style)

Location: Aquaview Community Hall, 318 Aquaview Drive

Preliminary design drawings will be on display for public review, and City staff and consultants will be available to answer questions and gather comments. There will be no formal presentation — residents are encouraged to attend at their convenience.

Federal funding announced for the expansion of the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to funding the expansion of the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex Orléans, as announced by the Honourable Minister David McGuinty. This confirmation is an important step forward for a much-needed enhancement to recreation infrastructure in the east end.

Thank you to our federal partners for continuing to prioritize this project, especially our Orléans Member of Parliament Marie-France Lalonde for her ongoing advocacy and collaboration, and to my colleague Councillor Laura Dudas for championing this project for her ward!

There is much more work ahead, but last week’s announcement brings us one step closer to delivering an expanded and modernized recreation facility for our growing east-end community.

Celebrating the unveiling of Trèva Cousineau Park

It was great to see friends, family, colleagues, and community members come together to mark the official renaming of Trèva Cousineau Park, honouring an individual whose impact is truly exceptional.

For more than 60 years, Madame Cousineau has been a driving force in our city. Her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to strengthening Ottawa’s Francophone community have left an indelible mark, enriching the lives of countless residents.

Her legacy is one that will continue to inspire for generations to come, and it was truly special to see the community gather to honour her remarkable contributions.

Update on the commemorative naming application for the rink within Navan Memorial Centre

This naming application generated significant discussion within the Navan community, and I wanted to share an update. Under the City’s Commemorative Naming Policy, these requests do not come to committee or Council for a vote; instead, City staff review them carefully, taking into account community feedback collected through Engage Ottawa.

In this case, staff have decided not to proceed with renaming the arena at the Navan Memorial Centre. Through this process, they identified an oversight in how facilities with “Memorial” in their name are considered, given the sensitivity around inadvertently detracting from their broader purpose of honouring those who have served. As a result, the policy will be amended to exclude all memorial-designated facilities city-wide from future commemorative naming applications.

I also want to acknowledge that, while residents expressed a range of views, the feedback consistently reflected deep respect for the individual who was nominated and for his contributions to the Navan community. I understand his loved ones will continue working toward another appropriate form of recognition.

Third open house for the E-1 Wall Road expansion lands

We had an excellent turnout on Monday night at the open house on the Neighbourhood Plan for the Wall Road Expansion Lands. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend, ask thoughtful questions, and share your feedback.

As a reminder, Council made the decision in 2020, prior to my election, to expand the urban boundary in order to meet provincial growth requirements. At the same time, the City committed that 60% of new growth would be directed to intensification within the already built-up area. Monday night’s session was another step in the neighbourhood planning process, and future meetings will begin to address how this new community will integrate with the existing neighbourhood. I encourage residents to remain engaged at every stage.

For those who raised important questions about whether our infrastructure can support this growth, I hear you, and I share those concerns. I continue to speak about this regularly at committee, at Council, and directly with the Mayor and City Manager. Ensuring that transportation infrastructure keeps pace with development is critical if we are to responsibly accommodate the housing planned for our community.

With respect to the E-1 Wall Road lands specifically, I am closely reviewing the recommended plan with the planning team and continue to raise issues around required transportation infrastructure, the placement of higher-density nodes, environmental considerations, and the need for a complete community that functions well for existing and future residents alike.

Touring Ottawa Public Health’s new dental clinic in Orléans

As Chair of Ottawa Public Health, I had the pleasure of welcoming Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillor Matt Luloff on a tour of OPH’s newest Dental Clinic in Orléans last Friday.

This new clinic at the Orléans Client Service Centre on Centrum Boulevard will be instrumental in strengthening public health’s ability to provide essential dental care services to the community, including treatments, preventive care, and system navigation for those in need.

By expanding OPH’s dental care capacity, we’ve been making these critical services more accessible to residents in Ottawa’s east end, ensuring more people get the care they need, when they need it.

One day COVID-19 and Flu Immunization Clinic pop-up in Cumberland

To support rural communities with limited pharmacy access, Ottawa Public Health is offering a one-day clinic in Cumberland! Drop by to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Date: November 28, 2025

Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: R.J. Kennedy Community Centre and Arena, 1115 Dunning Road

For more information, please click here.

2025 Greater Avalon Community Association AGM highlights

It was a pleasure to attend Greater Avalon Community Association’s Annual General Meeting last week. The meeting highlighted GACA’s incredible efforts over the last year to enrich our community with group fitness activities, family-friendly events like their annual Summer Funfest, and a key focus on caring for our environment.

I also shared updates from City Hall, highlighting our success with the Transportation Master Plan bringing key investments to improve congestion and transit connectivity within Orléans South as well as other major files like the five-year update on Ottawa's Tree Canopy and the upcoming plans for expansion of François Dupuis Park.

Congratulations to all re-elected members and newcomers to the board. I look forward to working with you to continue promoting a dynamic and resilient community.

Coca-Cola Holiday Truck at Sobeys Trim and Innes

Sobeys Trim and Innes is excited to welcome the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan to town on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm.

The celebration will include prizes, free hot chocolate, a live DJ, and singing from local talent Julian Labelle.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents, support local community spirit and celebrate the holiday season together.

Santa’s Parade of Lights 2025

Santa is ready to light up Orléans with Rudolph and his reindeer on the final Saturday in November! 

The Santa's Parade of Lights is set for next Saturday, November 29 starting at 6 pm.

The parade will begin at St. Joseph Boulevard and Youville Drive, and travel along St. Joseph Boulevard to Prestone Drive. See you there!

Visit paradeoflights.org for more information.

Echoes of Noël 2025 at Orléans United Church

Join Coro Vivo Ottawa for Echoes of Noël: Dvořák, Fauré and World Traditions—a festive concert celebrating the richness of choral music across cultures and centuries.

From the serene beauty of Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine and Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter to the joyful rhythms of African Noël and the majestic power of Dvořák’s Te Deum, this program captures the true spirit of the season.

The concert takes place on Saturday, November 29 from 7:30 - 9 pm. Get tickets here.

Free native seed giveaway in Orléans

The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) will be in Orléans on December 6, hosting a free native seed giveaway! Join the OWSL to learn about the benefits of native plant gardening, take in a winter sowing demonstration, and pick up free native seeds. 

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:30-3:30 pm

Where: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road

Visit the OWSL website for more information about weekly seed giveaways this fall, to see the seed catalogue featuring over 300 native species, and to shop for garden signs and magnets.

Citywide budget information session for Black and Racialized communities

Ottawa's Black and racialized communities are invited to join Councillor Rawlson King, Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations, and City staff for a hybrid budget information session on Tuesday, November 25, from 6 to 8 pm.

Attend online via Zoom, or in person at Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue. Doors open at 5:45 pm.

The presentation and virtual component begin at 6:30 pm.

Appetizers and light refreshments will be available.

Advance registration is required for both the virtual and in-person options: bit.ly/EquityConsultation2026

Understanding how the city clears snow

Given we just received our first snowfall a couple of weeks ago and continue to deal with freezing rain to begin the season, I thought it would be good to provide a few refreshers:

• Place garbage bins on your property and not on the road/sidewalk.

• Please do not shovel snow from private property onto the roadway/sidewalk. This also prevents snowplow operators from doing their job efficiently, causing concerns for road/sidewalk users, and the snow shoveled onto the road will likely get pushed back onto the driveway anyway.

• After a significant snowfall, crews operate on a priority basis for treating our roads and sidewalks, starting with major roads and arterials.

Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration

On behalf of His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, I am pleased to extend an invitation to you and your families to attend the Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 6 from 3 - 6 pm. Come celebrate the holiday season at City Hall! 

Festive activities await you, including:

• Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Roast marshmallows over a campfire, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and taffy on snow

• Skate on the Rink of Dreams for the season

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:45 pm

• Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides and live entertainment outdoors

To help those in need and to share in the spirit of the holiday season, admission to this sponsored event is a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. Indulge in delicious BeaverTails for only $2 with all proceeds going directly to those in need.

Dress warmly as the event will be fully outdoors.