Orléans South-Navan Community Update | April 25th 2025

Councillor's Message

I hope you had a restful and joyful Easter or Passover long weekend with family and friends. With spring finally (hopefully!) making its arrival, our Public Works teams are out in full force as we transition into warmer months. That means street sweeping, river monitoring, temporary traffic calming reinstatements, and parks, fields and sports diamond maintenance now underway—always a welcome sign that better weather is here.

The release of Draft 2 of the new Zoning By-law and updates to the Provincial Policy Statement have both been front and center these past few weeks at city hall. This zoning overhaul is the most significant change to Ottawa’s housing framework since amalgamation in 2001. It’s driven by the City’s Official Plan and our need to support sustainable growth.

This past week at City Council, I collaborated closely with my colleague Councillor David Hill to bring forward key motions. Among them: ensuring we’re aligning building height permissions with our broader goals. For example, the current draft allows for greater heights in parts of suburban Orléans South-Navan than in downtown areas—a mismatch that needs fixing. The motion will help ensure we’re building density where it’s needed most, particularly near built rapid transit.

On the Provincial Planning Statement, I passed a motion that ensures any major Official Plan amendments that require greater public consultation will be dealt with separately from the omnibus amendment coming to Council in June. I appreciate that this probably sounds like a lot of bureaucratic jargon but know that this helped strike a balance—allowing us to align with provincial direction, while protecting the community’s ability to weigh in on significant changes.

I also continue to push hard on the Transportation Master Plan with meetings with senior staff and the mayor—something I’ve written about extensively in past newsletters (with a helpful summary included below). I remain committed to securing long-overdue investments for Orléans South’s transportation infrastructure.

And speaking of transportation, don’t forget: New Ways to Bus launches this Sunday. It’s a major service shift and below you’ll find a breakdown of local impacts. I’ve been relaying community feedback and my own concerns directly to staff and will continue doing so to ensure your voices are heard. Please read closely the update below about the shuttle we piloted at the Chapel Hill Park & Ride

Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the sad news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. He was a beloved global leader who dedicated his life to faith, compassion, and unity. His messages of peace and kindness resonated across all faiths and communities. I offer my sincere condolences to Catholics in our community and around the world. My thoughts are with all those mourning.

Take care,

Two-day closure of the Westbound Highway 174 off-ramp to Tenth Line

KEV will be placing riprap for erosion control and slope finishing at the Highway 174 and Tenth Line Road interchange.

To complete the work, the westbound Highway 174 off-ramp to Tenth Line Road needs to be closed on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm each day.

This work is scheduled over the weekend to limit impacts to traffic.

Critical lifecycle renewal work at Navan Arena begins in May

Starting on May 5, a major renewal project will begin at the Navan Memorial Arena.

This work includes replacing the arena slab, refrigeration equipment, rink boards, and making accessibility upgrades, such as an updated elevator and viewing platform.

While the facility will be closed throughout the summer, I have worked closely with staff and impacted community groups (including the Navan Fair Board, Navan Fifty Fifty, Navan Grads and Gloucester Lacrosse Association) to minimize disruption as much as possible.  

I appreciate that these works will be impactful; however, they are essential to maintain long-term operations of the arena and improve accessibility for all.

In the coming weeks, you will begin to see fencing erected and crews onsite. The arena will reopen in the fall. We are also working with the Navan Fair Board to grant limited access during the fair.

Thank you for your understanding as staff complete this important work.

REMINDER – It’s your last chance to tell the city you’re frustrated by South Orléans' congestion issues

I cannot be overstated how important it is for you to participate in Phase 5 of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) consultations.

This is your opportunity to inform staff about the transportation issues you experience. There are two surveys, one is a mapping exercise where you can pinpoint your thoughts on the proposed infrastructure investments, and the second, what infrastructure improvements should be prioritized financially. Both can be found here. Please take the time to share your feedback.

Orléans South has seen rapid growth that has no signs of slowing down, and it's crucial to invest in infrastructure to support our community. I've been advocating for better connectivity in our ward, addressing traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and limited active transportation infrastructure. Now, I need your help.

The city is also hosting two east-end specific information sessions. One in person, and one virtual. They are:

In-person:

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Ray Friel Recreation Centre

1585 Tenth Line Road

Virtual:

Monday, May 5, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Please register by clicking here.

This is our chance to make the case for investment in Ward 19, and we can't let the opportunity pass us by!

While I always love hearing from you directly, do note that the best way to have your feedback on this issue captured at this time is to fill out the surveys above.

An update on the Chapel Hill Park & Ride Shuttle and New Ways to Bus starts Monday

As many of you know, OC Transpo's New Ways to Bus will come into effect on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and it will bring some notable changes to transit service in Ward 19:

• Route 24 - Chapel Hill: St. Laurent

  • Service will be extended to start/end at Chapel Hill Park & Ride & Service will not operate through Chapel Hill South on Weekends

• Route 25 - Wateridge: Millennium

  • Service will be extended to service Millennium Station on weekdays

• Route 30 - Blair: Millennium

  • Route modified to service Montmère Avenue all day. Previously only serviced Montmère during peak periods.

• Route 32 - Blair: Chapel Hill

  • Westbound service adds an additional bus stop at Brian Coburn/Chaperal Private for better service to Aline-Chrétien Health Hub, and will operate through Place d'Orléans Station

• Route 34 - Blair: Renaud

  • Changes to route frequency and operational times

• Route 35 - Avalon: Blair

  • Service expanded to serve Sweetvalley, Aquaview, Harvest Valley, and Tenth Line

• Route 226 - Chapel Hill: Blair *(more detail below)         

  • Service expanded to serve Chapel Hill South, Blackburn Hamlet, & Ogilvie 

• Route 234 - Blair: Tenth Line

  • Service will added on Jerome Jodoin Drive, and removed from Brian Coburn Boulevard

• Route 236 - Esprit: Blair

  • Route will be retired

In addition to the above changes, route frequency and operating times has been altered on many routes - I encourage everyone to visit the New Ways to Bus travel planner to see how your route has changed.

OC Transpo spearheaded these changes with the aim to provide more reliable service city-wide, with a focus on local-to-train service. I appreciate that for our ward, many of these changes will not improve service until Stage 2 LRT to Trim Rd becomes operational later this year.

I also want to provide a more comprehensive update regarding the changes to route 226 – and the culmination of the shuttle pilot that operated directly from Chapel Hill Station to Blair Station. The pilot will be coming to an end with the launch of New Ways to Bus on April 27. Route 226 will be altered to provide service Chapel Hill South, Blackburn Hamlet, and Ogilvie.

I was hopeful the pilot would be so successful that I could advocate to OC Transpo that the shuttle needs to be made permanent, and while we did see an increased use of the Chapel Hill Park & Ride, the pilot did not draw enough ridership to justify its permanency.

I want to be clear; the timing of the pilot was not ideal - OC Transpo was leveraging a window of time between the end of parallel bus service for Line 2/4 in the South, and the launch of New Ways to Bus. While my team and OC Transpo collectively understood impact factors such as March Break, university classes ending, etc.  this could have been more easily overlooked if the ridership was close to meeting minimum standards or if we saw an increase in ridership week-over-week; however, ridership was far below the minimum standards required for route operation to be considered permanent and plateaued very quickly. The numbers don't lie, the ridership simply wasn't there.

While I am extremely disappointed, the pilot was not a failure by any means. The data collected was helpful to identify gaps in existing service and where some improvements can be made, which possibly includes adding some additional runs of Route 228 down the road. This will now become the focus of my advocacy and for the potential to bring on-demand service to our community.

I want to thank everyone who did make use of the shuttle; I was grateful for your positive feedback. I hope you'll consider continuing to take transit past the conclusion of the pilot, and I would encourage you to take Route 228 which is another efficient option to reach Blair Station.

Finally, I fully understand this message will be very disappointing to receive, and I want to reassure you my support for better transit will continue as the road network in Ward 19 becomes more complete and the launch of LRT Stage 2 East continues to inch closer.

Meeting with provincial Minister of Sport Hon. Neil Lumsden

It was great meeting with Minister Lumsden to discuss how Ottawa Public Health is advancing head-injury prevention and promoting physical activity through collaboration with local partners.

We agreed that together we can make a big difference in injury prevention through education and policy.

Thank you, Minister, for your visit. I hope to see you again soon.

Raising the Ottawa Senators flag at City Hall

Sens fans!

It’s been eight long years since our Ottawa Senators last clinched a playoff spot and the Sens flag flew proudly on Elgin Street. But last week, it was back—and I was beyond excited to see it!

Let’s continue to rally together despite being down 3-0: wear your Sens shirts, hats, and jerseys, fly those car flags, support your local pubs and restaurants, and let’s cheer on the team as one city as they continue in the Battle of Ontario!

Recapping the 2025 Navan Community Association AGM

I would like to take a moment to congratulate Luc Picknell of the Navan Community Association for being elected to a second term as president during their 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Luc has been a cornerstone of the Navan community for several years and this most recent year he's help spearhead the construction and fundraising of the Navan Pavilion project. I am pleased our office was able to assist with the project by working with staff on Rural and Community Improvement grants. Congratulations, and thank you again, Luc!

The NCA also celebrated another successful year overall with several community events in collaboration with several community partners, with highlights including an amazing line-up of musicians during Music in the Park & Dueling Pianos, an amazing Barn Dance, Fall Fest, and of course supporting the beloved Navan Fair.

I look forward to continuing to work with the NCA this year!

Lane Reductions on Bank Street within Findlay Creek community has started

Until early May, there will be lane reductions and turn restrictions at the Bank Street and Findlay Creek Drive intersection, within the Findlay Creek community.  

The lane reductions and turn restrictions are required to facilitate the construction work for the Bank Street Widening and Reconstruction project.  

Signage will be in place. Please plan ahead.  

Traffic impacts 

Traffic on Bank Street will be maintained with one lane in each direction. There will be left turn restrictions into and out of Findlay Creek Drive. Access to the plaza will be maintained at all times. Pedestrians and cyclists will also be accommodated. 

Access to Findlay Creek businesses

Findlay Creek businesses remain open and accessible during the lane restrictions on Bank Street.

Residents are encouraged to shop locally and support the Findlay Creek Bank Street and area businesses during this construction period.

Project information

This phase of the Bank Street Widening and Reconstruction project includes the rehabilitation of underground infrastructure, including installation of approximately 120 metres of the new watermain and storm sewer through the Bank Street and Findlay Creek Drive intersection.

Spring library programming

The Ottawa Public Library has released their spring programming, and it includes all kinds of fun family activities! If you don’t see your local branch listed below, more details can be found at biblioottawalibrary.ca/programming

Vernon

• Family Story and Play, Tuesdays from 10:30AM to 11:30AM

  • March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13

  • Activities include scavenger hunts, spring crafts, spring writing, spring tangrams, and Easter geoboards

Greely

• Family Story & Play, Mondays from 10:30AM to 11:30AM

  • April 28, May 5, May 12

• Babytime & Play, Mondays from 2:00PM to 3:00PM

  • April 28, May 5, May 12

• Family Events

  • Saturday, April 26th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM – Lego Block Party

  • Wednesday, April 30th from 10:30AM to 11:30AM – Sensory Storytime

  • Saturday, May 10th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM – STEM: Grass Heads

  • Saturday, May 24th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM – Nintendo Switch Gaming

Metcalfe

• Storytime, Thursdays from 10:30AM to 11:30AM

  • May 1, May 8, May 15

• Book Club, Drop-in every last Thursday of the month from 6:30PM to 7:30PM

  • All books are available to borrow from the Metcalfe Branch

  • May 29th: The Measure by Nikki Erlick

  • June 26th: The Five Wishes of Mr. Murrary McBride by Joe Siple

No-charge transit service on May 3 and 4

OC Transpo is offering a free service weekend on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 aboard all buses, trains and Para Transpo!

OC Transpo has seen many changes this year, including New Ways to Bus and the launch of O-Train Lines 2 & 4. This is a chance for you to experience the system at no charge!

Plan your trip and see what’s happening around the city here.

Residents are asked to stay off sports fields and baseball diamonds

While we have seen the snow melting recently and have enjoyed some above-normal temperatures, residents are reminded that sports fields and ball diamonds still remain closed. 

Ball diamonds and sports fields need maintenance and drying time before they open and could be damaged if used while in their current condition. 

We will be monitoring the field and weather conditions throughout the remainder of April. Once it has been we have determined that ball diamonds and sports fields are ready for play not at risk, we will advise the public and confirm the opening dates. 

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