Councillor's Message
Over the past two weeks, council's focus has been on the proposed 2025 budget directions. The last edition of my councillor's message gave a lengthy update on why this year's budget is challenging. If you missed it, you can read it here: catherinekitts.com/community-update-september-15th-2024
Despite calls from colleagues for a higher tax increase, I voted in favour of the proposed 2.9% tax increase as we await more information on how we will address our transit deficit.
I deeply appreciate everyone's frustration regarding the transit crisis our city is facing. Wards like ours are underserviced. Routes are infrequent and unreliable. Trust in the spine of our system has deservedly been eroded. Congestion is increasing and commute times are getting longer. In a city of over one million people, a functioning transit system is a necessity, yet Ottawa's expansive geography, caused by amalgamation, makes delivering this service wildly expensive. The City invested in a new system on the eve of a pandemic that changed how we work and move around our community forever. We know we won't attract more people to taking transit by cutting service or increasing fares, yet our current ridership cannot fund the system. Residents in areas like ours can't be faulted for driving when no other options are available.
During these budget deliberations, I have cautioned colleagues not to look at raising taxes as "the easy answer". I've heard from many of you, especially seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, and renters who are already feeling the pressure of rising cost of living.
This is why the Mayor's Fairness for Ottawa campaign is so important. We can’t let provincial and federal governments continue to shortchange us on funding for transit and other critical services when other cities get more funding and better solutions. It’s not sustainable for Ottawa property taxpayers to cover the gaps. In addition to continuing to find our own savings and efficiencies, we must keep pushing for our fair share of funding, and I remain optimistic that the Mayor's negotiations will be fruitful.
I look forward to continuing this discussion at our upcoming budget consultations. I’ll be joint-hosting two public sessions:
Rural consultation on Wednesday, October 23, from 6:30-8:30 pm at 3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick
East-end consultation on Saturday, October 26, from 12:30–2 pm in Ray Friel Recreation Complex’s Rendez-vous Room
I hope to see you there!
As a lifelong Sens fan, I want to congratulate the Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission on reaching a big step forward on a new downtown arena. I'm excited about the potential this holds for Ottawa's economy and the revitalization of the downtown core.
I know I'm not the only one that thinks the idea of no longer having to drive over an hour in traffic to catch a game in Kanata is welcome for all of us in Orléans South-Navan! We are early days, but I'm looking forward to what’s to come as this project continues to take shape.
On Monday, please wear orange if you can to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the painful legacy of the residential school system and its lasting impact.
The suffering endured by Indigenous families is beyond comprehension. Although the road to reconciliation in our country is long, let's pursue the path of healing, education, and acceptance through three fundamental actions: Learn, Understand and Act.
As we spend time engaging in learning and contemplation, I'm dedicated to holding space for our Indigenous neighbours on this challenging yet crucially important day.
A reminder that city services are impacted as we pause and stop for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. https://ow.ly/zJz350Tuxx6
Until next time,
Traffic impacts on Navan Road: October 7th to 18th
From Monday, October 7 to Friday October 18, Navan Road (0.01km east of Mer-Bleue Road) will be reduced to one lane, controlled by flaggers, during off-peak hours due to culvert work. Traffic impacts will be localized to the culvert area.
The eastbound bus stop at the Navan and Mer-Bleue intersection will be temporarily relocated about 40 meters west to accommodate traffic control, in coordination with OC Transpo.
This almost marks the end of the annual major culvert program, during which eight culverts were replaced across the ward. I want to thank you for your patience while crews worked.
174 eastbound Champlain Street to Trim Road closed this weekend
Stage 2 is performing a closure of eastbound Highway 174 from Place d’Orleans Drive to Trim Road this weekend to finish final paving operations and line painting work. This is expected to be the final full closure of this section of the Highway for paving operations.
The closure will be implemented at 7:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, September 27 and will be lifted by 5:30 a.m. at the latest on Monday, September 30. Motorists will exit at Place d’Orleans Drive and take St. Joseph Boulevard to Trim Road, where they can rejoin Highway 174 in the eastbound direction.
174 Eastbound closure between Tenth Line Road and Cameron Street and 174 Westbound closure between Cameron Street and Trim Road
Stage 2 will be performing a full closure of Highway 174 eastbound between Tenth Line Road and Cameron Street and westbound between Cameron Street and Trim Road over the weekend of October 4-7 while crews perform final paving work, electrical work, and earthwork.
The closures will be put in place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4 and will be lifted by 5:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7. Motorists will be detoured down Old Montreal Road, as is the norm for closures between Trim and Cameron.
Please note: it's not uncommon for Stage 2 to change their plans at the last minute. You can get up to date information about major traffic impacts here: ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/
Traffic enforcement blitz in Orléans
After seeing increased complaints about excessive speeding on our arterial roads last week, I want to thank the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) for responding to these concerns with a major enforcement push last Thursday. As a result, 21 charges were laid for stunt driving, speeding, noise-making, and disobeying signs on Tenth Line, Innes/Lamarche, and Trim.
A reminder to residents that OPS directs traffic enforcement resources based on a priority matrix driven by an intelligence-led approach. This means that they analyze data from submitted reports to determine where our resources should be allocated based on the identified needs.
While I cannot direct police enforcement, I do bring forward problem areas to the attention of the East District Inspector and our community police officers. However, the best way to see increased police presence is to continue to report incidences of speeding directly to OPS. You can do so here: Report Filing - OnOttawaPs (coplogic.ca)
Three item limit comes into effect on Monday
As of Monday, the City will implement a three-item garbage limit for curbside collection. This means households can set out up to three items per collection day. Each "item" could be a garbage bag (up to 33 pounds), a garbage container (up to 140 litres), or a bulky item like broken furniture. Residents can combine several smaller bags into a single container, and it will still count as one item.
Importantly, there is no limit to how much you can set out through curbside recycling, green bins, and yard waste bags. This new policy applies only to those who receive curbside garbage.
There are also exemptions as well, from special considerations to agricultural properties. You can find out more about this exemption here: Three-item limit coming for curbside waste collection | City of Ottawa
The three-item garbage limit is designed to help the City extend the life of the Trail Waste Facility Landfill. It also aligns us with what neighbouring municipalities are doing. More than half of what ends up in the garbage could be recycled or composted, and about 85% of households already put out three or fewer items on collection day.
I appreciate that this new policy may take some adjustment. However, with no limits on recycling and composting, there are still plenty of ways to manage your household waste effectively.
I know many are worried about increased dumping in parks and in the rural area, and I am too. With this decision, we also approved full-time solid waste inspectors that will be tasked with cracking down on illegal dumping. At the outset of the change, additional resources will also be added to assist with enforcement through By-law and Roads services.
I’ll be keeping a close watch on any concerns that arise. I’m committed to working closely with waste inspectors, City staff, and by-law officers to ensure our community doesn’t become a target.
For more waste reduction tips and resources visit ottawa.ca/wastereduction
2024 Rural Summit date announced
After months of planning, meetings, a survey, and ward-specific workshops, I’m excited to invite you to the 2024 Rural Summit on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Sir Robert Borden High School!
This is your opportunity to work directly with me, my other rural council colleagues, city staff, and Mayor Sutcliffe to turn the feedback you’ve shared into real solutions for rural Ottawa.
I'm looking forward to turning discussions into action to improve rural life. Your ideas will directly help shape the future of our community.
To register, please visit: https://ow.ly/mmuT50TquVo. The agenda and specific times are yet to be determined.
East-end in-person New Zoning By-law workshop
This fall, join staff for a series of in-person workshops to discuss Ottawa’s New Zoning By-law.
These sessions are designed to engage the community, gather your feedback, and ensure that the new By-law reflects both the Official Plan and the diverse needs of our residents.
You’ll have five opportunities to participate, with all workshops starting at 6:30 pm. The first session will take place on October 1, 2024, at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex.
Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our community! For more information, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/zoning.
Requesting feedback on the proposed Navan and Milton roundabout
I'm pleased to share that the City is moving forward with plans to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Navan and Milton! The project consultant has completed the preliminary layout which you can see above, and they’re currently coordinating with stakeholders involved to provide their perspectives.
As they finalize the design, I’ve requested they start seeking feedback from the local farming community regarding the types of farming equipment used when passing through the area.
If you frequently travel through the intersection, please let me know what equipment you use to ensure the roundabout can accommodate your needs. You can do so by sending me an email at catherine.kitts@ottawa.ca
A broader public session to discuss the project is tentatively scheduled for the end of November. Once details are confirmed, I’ll update you on my channels and in my newsletter.
Audit on road renewal program value for money
Last week at Audit Committee, members received the much-anticipated value-for-money audit on the City’s road renewal program. Since joining Council, I’ve consistently called for an audit like this, and I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition. It’s critical that we evaluate how we maintain our transportation infrastructure to ensure we’re delivering top-quality roads at the best value for residents.
During the meeting, I asked several key questions, focusing on areas where I believe there’s room for improvement. I inquired about the quality of road cut reinstatements given the persistent issues on roads like Navan and Tenth Line. I also brought up concerns about the quality of the asphalt and gravel we use, and how we can make sure it’s up to standard for long-term durability. Ensuring we’re getting the best value for money is always top of mind for me.
As always, I’m committed to finding continuous improvements in our processes. During committee, I made it a priority to discuss innovative ways other cities around the world on leveraging recyclables in their asphalt, which has proven as a viable alternative to mixes. I believe there are always opportunities to refine our methods and embrace new solutions that will serve our community better.
If you’d like to watch my full comments at Audit, they’re available on YouTube here.
Update on geese management at Goose Lake stormwater pond
Earlier this year, my office worked with the stormwater management team on a pilot project to address geese entering the nearby community by limiting their nesting in the pond area. Black geotextile was installed along the fence line of the pond to deter geese from staying in the area, with particular attention to what is believed to be a preferred nesting area on the center peninsulas.
After reviewing the results of the project, staff determined that the fabric had some impact in reducing the number of geese re-nesting in the area compared to 2023. However, it was most successful along the fence gate and proved to be effective in limiting the number of birds entering the community in search of food.
After feedback from the community and considering the results of the pilot, staff and I believe the next course of action is implementing a scaled back version of the project in 2025, which will see fabric reinstalled along the fence gate but not on the center peninsulas. I appreciate the visual appeal of the fabric has been a point of contention for residents, and I have asked staff to continue looking at some more aesthetically pleasing permanent solutions.
More details including the project start date will be shared closer to the spring when crews begin to switch from winter to spring operations.
Collège catholique Mer Bleue expansion opens!
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) to cut the ribbon on the new $12 million expansion to Collège catholique Mer Bleue. This project will welcome grade 7 and 8 students into modern and inspiring facilities.
I was happy to work with the CECCE to help on keeping this file moving through the Planning Department at the City and want to extend my thanks to students and families for their patience during construction. Yet another example of how quickly our community is growing! Congratulations to all who were involved in making this expansion a reality.
Celebrating Franco-Ontarien Day
I'd like to wish all Franco-Ontarians a very happy Franco-Ontarian Day!
I personally participated in a flag raising ceremony at City Hall to mark the occasion this past Wednesday, and at MIFO in Orléans the day before.
I am so proud of my own Franco-Ontarian roots and to represent one of the most francophone wards in the City. Bonne journée des Franco-Ontariens et Franco-Ontariennes!
October is Canadian Library Month!
October is Canadian Library Month where libraries across Canada raise awareness of the valuable role libraries play in Canadians’ lives.
This year, Ottawa Public Library is embracing the theme of Joy of Reading/Joie de lire, with two free, in-person events; one from celebrated author and illustrator Marie-Louise Gay and another from comedian and author, Steve Patterson.
As an organization who engages with community, promotes cultural awareness, provides educational programs, and supports intellectual freedom, we think that our collective interest in the Joy of Reading and lifelong learning could make these events a great gathering point for conversation on important topics and an opportunity to celebrate the love of reading and the libraries that make it possible.
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