Orléans South-Navan Community Update | September 5th, 2025

Councillor's Message

Happy September!

I hope everyone had a great first or for some, second week back to school! I'm wishing students, parents, bus drivers, and educators a successful and rewarding year ahead.

As we settle into this new season, I want to highlight an essential part of my role as your Councillor—ensuring that our community's priorities are reflected in the City's budget annually. This week, I sat down with the Mayor and City Manager to reiterate financial commitments I'd like to see in our ward this year, with a particular emphasis on progress for our transportation infrastructure projects.

You may have read that at this week’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, budget directions for 2026 were tabled outlining a variety of suboptimal scenarios in a challenging budget. Policing and transit remain critical factors that will determine the final balance as the months-long municipal budget process gets underway. You can hear more from the Mayor on the 2026 budget here. 

As these discussions progress, know that as always, affordability remains top of mind for me. Public consultations are set to take place before the budget is ultimately approved in December, and your continued feedback will be crucial. Stay tuned for information on where and when these east-end and rural specific consultations take place.

As well, feel free to provide any thoughts, feelings, or concerns you may have. I always say that for me, budget discussions are a year-long process for me, and I always look forward to hearing your feedback.

Like many of you, I was surprised by last week’s announcement that all City employees will be required to return to the office five days a week starting January 1, 2026.

This decision was made solely by the City Manager, as permitted under the Municipal Act (provincial law). City Council was not consulted, and I, like you, learned of the change when it was made public. 

I am concerned what widespread return to office full-time will mean for commute times for Orléans South-Navan residents. Our roads are already congested, and reliable transit options remain limited. A full-time return to commuting risks putting even more pressure on an already over-capacity system, making the daily trip downtown more challenging for east-end families.

This decision underscores the urgent need for investment in east-end transportation—both improved transit and expanded road capacity. While I am proud of the progress we’ve made through the newly approved Transportation Master Plan, solutions will take time. With rapid growth in Ward 19, I was already concerned about commute times before this announcement.

At Council last Wednesday, my colleague Councillor Bradley submitted an inquiry seeking clarity on the rationale and alignment with Council priorities, and I am looking forward to the response.

Finally, I wanted to acknowledge recent hate-motivated incidents that have happened in our City specifically targeting our Muslim and Jewish communities.

These acts have no place in Ottawa, or anywhere for that matter. They have understandably caused significant distress, and we must stand together against hate in all its forms and continue working to ensure Ottawa remains a safe and inclusive city for everyone.

Stressful events, whether experienced firsthand or witnessed, can take a toll on mental health. It’s normal to have a variety of emotional and physical responses, but sometimes those feelings can begin to interfere with daily life. If that happens, reaching out for support is important. Ottawa Public Health offers helpful guidance for both adults and children on discussing difficult experiences, along with information about programs and resources.

Wishing you well and a happy, healthy and safe start to autumn.

REMINDER - Third phase of Navan Road closure underway until September 29

The third and final phase of the Navan Road closure is now underway and will continue until September 29. As outlined in my special newsletter sent last Friday and on social media, two-way traffic will be maintained during the day throughout this phase.

This is the final phase of Groupe Heafey's critical underground infrastructure work, and I have been assured that after this stage, the developer’s work on Navan Road will be complete.

It's important to note that the third and final phase of this construction will have two different traffic management set-ups. One “day operation” and one “night operation.” The “night operation” set up also serves as the set up on weekends.

Day Operation Set-Up (two-way traffic maintained with flagging):

• Weekdays from 6 am to 6:30 pm

• Flagging in both directions will take place on Navan Road between Falsetto and Pagé.

• Eastbound travel down Navan Road will be unimpeded from the Brian Coburn roundabout until you reach the flagging set-up at Falsetto.

• Access to the entrance at Falsetto/Navan will be closed.

• You will be able to use the right-turn lane on Pagé at the turning triangle.

Night/Weekend Operation Set-Up (partial closure):

• Weeknights from 6:30 pm to 6 am & on weekends

• Eastbound Navan Road will be fully closed from the Brian Coburn roundabout to Pagé. Detours will be in place.

• Westbound Navan Road will remain fully open from Pagé to the Brian Coburn roundabout and travel through that section will remain unimpeded.

• Access to the entrance at Falsetto/Navan will be closed.

• Flagging operations are during the day operation set-up only, not during the night operation set up.

There have been recent reports of confusion about the transition from the day-time set up to the night-time set up, and traffic management is working with the contractor to review the set up to ensure safety. 

I want to be clear that this compromise was hard-fought. While I fully appreciate that any disruption is not ideal at this time of year, this arrangement ensures traffic will continue flowing through this important corridor during the day when traffic is heaviest. I know families count on this route, and it was unfair to force an unplanned full-closure on our community due to a last-minute request.

That said, I strongly encourage everyone to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while this necessary work is completed.

Given the high volume of traffic, please be aware that there may still be moderate delays to affected bus routes. Detour info is available on OC Transpo's alerts page and both English and French school board bus authorities are aware.

Thank you for your continued understanding as we push through this final stage. I know how difficult this has been, and I appreciate your patience.

Ongoing closures due to critical infrastructure work across Orléans South-Navan

Here’s a round-up of construction impacts around Ward 19:

🚧Innes & Lamarche

Construction continues on important infrastructure servicing in the Orléans Village area to support the Caivan and Lépine subdivisions, as well as the future traffic signal at Innes and Lamarche.

Lépine is following Hydro Ottawa and Caivan crews with infrastructure work for the signalization of Innes and Lamarche. Full signalization completion is targeted for mid-November 2025.

On Lamarche Avenue, residents can expect the west sidewalk to be closed and one lane of traffic to be reduced with flaggers in place to help manage traffic flow. On Innes Road, there will be no sidewalk or lane closures, as work will take place within the boulevard and won’t impact traffic.

Work may occur in tandem on both Lamarche and Innes, but no weekend work is planned for this specific phase of construction.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as both servicing takes place for new homes, and critical work for the much-needed signalization happens.

🚧Sarsfield Road Bridge Replacement

The bridge on Sarsfield Road, about 1.1 km east of Dunning Road, is now closed for a full replacement.

It’s served us well but has reached the end of its service life. The new bridge will be wider and continue to accommodate two lanes of traffic. Local access is being maintained for the four farms in the area, but through traffic is detoured. The work is expected to continue until mid-November 2025.

Connecting with Ward 19’s community association presidents

Last week, I was pleased to host a meeting 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.

We talked about several important themes, including the need for more volunteers, succession planning for boards, storage and resource sharing between associations, and ways to improve communication between Community Associations and City staff. There was also strong interest in continuing to collaborate on issues like grants and policy updates, as well as making sure residents know their community associations exist and how to get involved.

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.

Wrapping up the Freezie Pop-Ups events

Thank you to everyone who came out to my Freezie Pop-Up events this summer!

It was such a joy to visit parks across our community every Tuesday throughout July and August and connect with so many of you. Your kind feedback and words of appreciation mean a lot.

I value these opportunities to chat informally and hear what’s on your mind. I’m glad we could share some treats, great conversations, and plenty of sunshine together.

Co-hosting a 5 à 7 Networking Event with Heart of Orléans BIA

I'm co-hosting a special 5 à 7 Networking Event with the Heart of Orléans BIA this upcoming Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5-7 pm at the Shenkman Arts Centre (245 Centrum Boulevard).

This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs and community members to come together for conversation, collaboration, and connection.

Whether you’re a long-time business owner or just starting out, this event is designed to spark meaningful connections and highlight the opportunities we have right here in Orléans. Light refreshments will be provided.

Guest speakers from OC Transpo will share insights on how bus schedules will be altered in our community once the Stage 2 East extension comes online.

This builds on the work I’ve been doing the last three years to ensure small businesses in Orléans South are front and centre in our conversations about growth. From hosting a town hall to advocating for stronger promotion of businesses south of Innes, I remain committed to making sure our local entrepreneurs are supported as our community evolves.

Spots are limited—so be sure to register early and join us for what promises to be an engaging evening in the Heart of Orléans BIA. You can do so by clicking here.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Let’s talk about safe access

The City of Ottawa is considering rules to provide for safe access to places of worship and religious centres, schools, daycares, health care facilities, and care homes when demonstrations are occurring nearby. In other cities, these types of rules are often called “bubble zones.”

Also known as “vulnerable social infrastructure,” these spaces serve communities, at-risk populations, and other people who may be vulnerable. When demonstrations are occurring nearby, visitors to these facilities may feel intimidated, believing they are unable to safely access the building or use its services.

We need your feedback on how demonstrations may be impacting access to these facilities. Share your thoughts and experiences with us through the Engage Ottawa questionnaire until Monday, September 29.

Your responses will help determine how a Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law could work in Ottawa while also respecting the protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

Get back on board with OC Transpo this fall

We all wish that summer could last forever. We also know that we all must prepare for the changes that come with the fall season. Changes in colour. Changes in temperature. Changes in schedule. Changes in ridership. 

OC Transpo is increasing bus service on busy routes across the city so you can work, study, and ride into the fall with ease.

Whether you're returning to the office, starting a new school year, or adjusting to a new fall routine, get back on board with OC Transpo.

For more details about OC Transpo service, please click here.

Are vaccinations on your back-to-school checklist?

As children head back to the classroom, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding families to take precautions to help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring their children and youth are up to date with their routine vaccines.

Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect them from serious illnesses like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles which have been re-appearing in our community. Staying up to date also helps children and youth remain in school and reduces their risk of getting sick during an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease.

OPH’s top priority is keeping schools and students healthy and safe.

For more information, please click here.

Steps to Wellness Program for Perinatal Depression

Ottawa Public Health is pleased to share this opportunity with you to invite women who are expecting or have a child (birth or adoption) and who have been feeling depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed to a FREE 9-week group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program.

During a nine-week series, participants meet in a virtual group setting with a public health nurse and learn skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Next sessions:

• English Group starting September 18th, 2025 from 10 am to noon

• English Group starting September 24th, 2025 from 10 am to noon

• English Group starting September 25th, 2025 from 10 am to noon

• French Group starting February 2026

If you or someone you know is interested, please visit ParentingInOttawa.ca/CBT for more information, and to register.

Beaver Management Forum hosted by the City of Ottawa

Event attendees will have the opportunity to hear from subject matter experts as they discuss the industry standards for beaver management, specifically related to the City of Ottawa. Following the presentations, attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in discussion with City staff as well as our invited speakers.

This in-person event will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Main Hall at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre.

While this is a free event, guests are asked to register in advance using the Eventbrite link here.

Free Drop & Swap: Fall Pop-Up

The City of Ottawa and Ottawa South Eco-Action Network (OSEAN) have joined forces to organize a Free Drop & Swap: Fall Pop-Up on Saturday, September 13 at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, Ellwood Hall, 1265 Walkley Road. Residents are welcome to drop off items starting at 9 am, with the event running from 10 am to 2 pm. 

This is a great opportunity to turn “too much stuff” into “just what someone needed.” Bring your gently used fall and winter items, such as sports gear, Halloween costumes, or holiday decorations, and swap them for something new-to-you. It’s a fun, landfill-friendly way to declutter, connect with neighbours, and give pre-loved items a second life. 

Residents are encouraged to visit ottawa.ca/WasteReduction for more information and additional waste reduction tips.