Councillor’s Message
I hope you're all doing well and soaking up the sun as we deal with another week of topsy-turvy weather! I'd also like to thank you in advance for your patience as we enter Ottawa's unofficial fifth season: construction season.
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with many of you over the last few weeks, as my evenings and mornings have been filled with community consultations and events, public information sessions, annual general meetings and celebrations. Thank you all for your continued support, collaboration and participation in making our community the best it can be!
In the last edition of this newsletter, I spoke about the success of our first rural summit workshop in Navan. Our second in Sarsfield did not disappoint! It was fantastic to see such a great turnout and hear all the passionate discussions, this time held in French. A big thank you to the Sarsfield Community Association for hosting us and for spreading the word.
I’d again like to thank Caroline Etter and Glen Edwards for their hard work on the rural summit resident working group. It was thanks to you that we set the bar so high in Ward 19. Now, I look forward in participating in other ward workshops across the city.
Did you all celebrate Earth Day? I hope so! Whether you planted a tree, picked up some litter, or simply took a moment to appreciate nature, every little bit helps. If you haven't already, check out my latest column in the Orléans Star, where I talk about some of the amazing projects happening right here in our community: https://ow.ly/AVRq50RjUqH
Now, onto some fun news: Rockland Councillor Kyle Cyr made good on our bet by sporting a Navan Grads jersey to a Clarence-Rockland council meeting last week. The energy is electric as we gear up for Game 5 of the Bogart Cup Finals this Sunday at Navan Arena. Let's show our support and cheer on the boys! Go Grads!
Finally, please note that the first draft of the New Zoning-Bylaw is out, and it's a big deal. This document is going to shape the future of our city, from how high buildings can be, to what type of businesses can operate out of homes. So, keep your eyes peeled for ways to get involved and share your thoughts.
Until next time,
Sections of Wilhaven Drive & Etienne Road closed for infrastructure upgrades
Due to significant structural issues and poor drainage, the bridge on Wilhaven Drive over Beckett’s Creek needs to be repaired. The concrete bridge will be rehabilitated including reconstruction of the abutments, wing walls, bearings, deck, approach slabs, and barriers.
To facilitate the repairs, Wilhaven Drive will need to be closed from Beckett’s Creek Road to Royal Orchard Road. The closure is expected to last five months, from May 13 until mid-October. Local access for residents will remain open at all times.
On Etienne Road, culvert replacement will require a closure from Vinette Road to Birchgrove Road. This closure will last three months, and start at the beginning of July.
For ease of access, I’ve developed two maps that show the detours. Any homes impacted in and around the closures were notified by city staff via a mailout.
I know how difficult a multi-month closure can be, especially on two important rural roads. I am in consistent communication with city staff and will pass along any updates that I receive.
I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Full closure on Highway 174 from Trim to Cameron
Stage 2 will be performing a full closure of Highway 174 in both directions between Trim Road and Cameron Road from 7 pm tonight (Friday, April 26), until 6 am on Monday, April 29.
Crews will be working on grading, manhole adjustments, ditch excavation and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections.
The same detours will be in place as last time. Any questions, concerns, or feedback - please email Stage2@Ottawa.ca
Reminder: Innes Road major resurfacing starts Monday
A reminder that you’ll start to see traffic cones and signage on both parts of Innes Road scheduled for repaving starting Monday, April 29. This project involves sidewalk replacement, concrete repairs, milling, iron adjustments, and paving of surface asphalt.
The work will occur on:
Innes Road from Jeanne-d’Arc Boulevard to Tenth Line Road
Innes Road from Portobello Drive to 250 metres west of Frank Kenny Road
Innes will remain open at all times; however multiple lane closures will take place. The work will happen during normal work hours, however, milling and paving will take place both during the day and at night between 6 pm and 7 am. The work is expected to wrap up in the fall. Expect increased noise and vibrations during construction.
Road depression on Navan Road
After several residents alerted my office to a problematic depression on Navan Road, we mobilized the contractor that has done work in that area recently to facilitate repairs.
It’s believed that issues were caused by the recent freeze-thaw cycles. However, as asphalt plants don’t open until next week, Marathon will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary repairs as needed, until the depressions can be filled with hot asphalt at the end of the month.
I also wanted to let the community know that as developers continue to work in and around Navan Road, it is difficult to conduct resurfacing work. However, once complete, resurfacing will take place, but that is not anticipated to happen this year.
I want to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding.
Reminder: Millenium Park play castle closed for repairs
A reminder that crews from the city’s park maintenance team are mobilized to perform maintenance and replace components on the large castle play structure at Millennium Park. The work started this past Monday.
This will require a brief closure of the structure and heavy equipment on site. For safety reasons, there will be construction fencing to contain the maintenance area. The remainder of the play features outside of the work area will remain open to the public to enjoy. The closure is anticipated to last for approximately 2-3 weeks.
Staff are prioritizing the work on this beloved feature in our community ahead of the busy summer season.
Seasonal load restrictions lifted
Beginning on Monday, April 29, 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.
Temporary traffic calming reinstatements
As warmer weather arrives, the City has begun its transition back to seasonal operations. This includes traffic calming reinstatements on roads identified by my office. Works include installation of traffic flex stakes, speed boards and other speed reduction measures.
Reinstatement of flex stakes and refreshing pavement markings has already begun and will continue into July. New measures will be installed between mid-June to mid-September.
My team diligently tracks all speeding-related complaints and works closely with traffic assessment professionals to introduce new and reoccurring traffic calming measures where they will have the most impact.
I also regularly meet with residents to discuss speeding issues in all corners of Ward 19. Just yesterday, we were chatting with folks on Montmere!
Residents on Gerry Lalonde, Sweetvalley and the west side of Hepatica may remember that my team visited your streets this winter to discuss changes to your temporary traffic calming measures. Note that the changes we discussed will come in the latter part of the summer when new measures are implemented.
Chapel Hill South and Navan Community Association Annual General Meetings
A big thank you to both the Chapel Hill South Community Association and Navan Community Association for the invitation to attend your annual general meetings last week.
In Chapel Hill South, it was great to hear updates on community programming including the Blue Willow outdoor rink and everyone’s favourite event: the Summer Sizzler! I had the opportunity to answer questions from residents on development, housing, and traffic concerns.
In Navan, I’d like to congratulate Luc Picknell on being elected as the next president of the Navan CA. I'm looking forward to our continued collaboration over the next year! A round of applause is also in order for outgoing president Fred Hyde for his years of dedication to our community.
GACA Cleaning the Capital
Greater Avalon Community Association is still looking for volunteers for their Cleaning the Capital event on Saturday, May 4 from 1-3 pm.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSd0DU0CqDNqdD.../viewform
Update on the City’s free woodchip program
Recently, we have had some outreach from residents on woodchip availability at city yards.
I can share that the woodchips distributed the last few years were due to the mulched and removed trees as a result of the ice storm and derecho.
At this time, my office has been advised by staff that they do not anticipate having woodchips available for the public. Any updates on availability of woodchips will be communicated through our newsletter or via social.
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