Councillor's Message
As we enter the final few weeks of summer, I hope you’re taking the time to enjoy the season and recharge your batteries. My team and I remain hard at work, and we’re always here to assist with any of your needs. In fact, we’ve seen a record number of cases and inquiries come in, and we’re committed to working on your behalf to push things along as we always do.
It’s great to be out and about in the community, and we kicked off a busy August last weekend by attending two major events in our ward. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Mayor’s First Annual Community BBQ at Millennium Park. It was fantastic to connect with so many of you. A special shoutout to Monkey Rock for joining us once again—a highlight for all the kids in attendance!
I also want to express my immense gratitude to the dedicated volunteers of the Navan Fair Board, who just wrapped up the 77th Navan Fair! This event is a community favourite, and it runs so smoothly every year thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers who plan year-round. Despite another challenging year for weather, it was a blast seeing so many of you over the course of the 4 days, and a special thank you to those who stopped by my booth. I’m already looking forward to the 78th edition!
Before the summer wraps up, I hope to connect with you at one of the many upcoming community events, including the Chapel Hill South Community Association's Summer Sizzler, and the Bradley Estates and Greater Avalon Community Associations’ annual summer BBQs. I’ll see you there!
Before you read the rest of the newsletter, I wanted to take a moment to address the mayor’s strong statement last week about the City’s finances and the support we require from other levels of government given our unique position as the nation’s capital and the second largest city in Ontario. I support not only the mayor’s frankness with the public, but this urgent call to action.
Like most matters we deal with at the City, this one is complex. It will not be a surprise to you that Ottawa is facing a transit crisis. In part due to decisions of previous councils, and the pandemic’s devastating impact to transit systems across the world, but also due to chronic underfunding of our system by other levels of government and the emergence of working from home.
Let me be clear, the mayor is not advocating for the federal government to compel its employees to work downtown full-time, we respect that the world has changed, and we must adapt. Rather, we are asking the federal government to acknowledge the disproportionate impact this decision has had on Ottawa given it is the biggest employer in the city. The mayor has likened this to instances in the past where a big employer (like an auto-manufacturer) shutters its business, having a devastating impact on a city’s economy. In these instances, it’s not uncommon for the federal government to step in and provide support. In the case of post-pandemic Ottawa, it’s the federal government itself that is reducing its footprint in downtown Ottawa by 50 per cent and needs to acknowledge the effect of the decision. Even if they only reduce their footprint by five buildings a year, that will cost us about $70 to $90 million in commercial tax revenue over the next 10 years.
The mayor also shared how the government has been underpaying its taxes on federally owned buildings to the tune of $95 million for this year alone. A trend that began eight years ago. And who do you think is making up the shortfall? You: the Ottawa property taxpayer.
What I have heard from you consistently at doors over the last three elections, is that families in our community, especially young families and seniors are stretched thin. I don’t believe it’s the sentiment in Ward 19 that property taxes should be raised to the degree we have seen in other municipalities across the nation (2024: Toronto +9.5%, Calgary +7.8%, Hamilton +7.9%, Vancouver +7.5%).
At the same time, congestion is one of the largest issues facing our community due to an inadequate and unreliable transit system. Initiatives like dedicated bus lanes on Brian Coburn Blvd., a bus rapid transit system for Orléans South or a shuttle from the Chapel Hill Park and Ride directly to the LRT could really improve the quality of life for all of us in Ward 19. These initiatives can’t be realized without funding, and why should your share of provincial and federal taxes fund transit systems in Toronto and the GTA? The Eglinton Crosstown light rail project in Toronto is costing about $14.5 billion. How much are Toronto residents contributing to that through their municipal taxes? Zero.
This term, our city council has found more than $153 million in savings and efficiencies. We’ve successfully negotiated funding from other levels of government in areas such as housing and homelessness, transportation, and public safety.
We are grateful for the investments the provincial government has made through the Ottawa deal announced in March, and other important funding they’ve provided, and we’re grateful to the federal government for the Housing Accelerator Fund and other investments they’ve made.
But we still need the federal government to pay its fair share of taxes to the City of Ottawa, and an equitable funding model for transit.
You can read more about this situation and how you can lend your support on Mayor Sutcliffe’s website here.
Next week, I will have the opportunity to meet with Provincial Ministers when they arrive in Ottawa for the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. Trust that I will continue to advocate for our City and for our community, as always.
Sarsfield Road bridge closure rescheduled to August 19
Due to significant rainfall and the risk of lightning from last week’s major storm, the Sarsfield Road bridge closure for geo-technical work is now scheduled for Monday, August 19 from 7 am to 5 pm.
As a result, Sarsfield Road from Dunning to Magladry will be closed for one day only during work hours.
Local access to residents will be maintained. Thank you for your understanding.
TOMORROW – Bradley Estates Family Fun Day
I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow from 2-7 pm for a fantastic, family-friendly event at Bradley Ridge Park, rain or shine!
A big thanks to Bradley Estates Community Association for hosting a free BBQ and tons of activities, including: facepainting, balloon creations, an inflatable obstacle course, and a special visit from Ottawa Fire Services.
BECA is also supporting Lifecentre Food Bank at this event and are asking those who attend to please bring a cash or cheque donation if you can.
Washrooms are available on-site. A reminder that there is no parking at the park. Please consider walking or biking to the event.
Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association Plowing Match on August 23 & 24 in Sarsfield
I’m thrilled to announce that the Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association (OCPA) Plowing Match is just around the corner and it’s taking place right here in Ward 19!
This annual showcase will take place on August 23 and 24 at the beautiful Ferme Chrétien, located at 2808 Dunning Road in Sarsfield.
As a proud sponsor of this event, I invite everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities including the VIP Plowing Competition with yours truly, the Main Match, and an Antique Tractor Display.
Admission and parking are free, and all are welcome!
Competitors in the Plowing Match must qualify at local matches like this one to be eligible for the prestigious International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo, which will be held in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay, Ontario.
Ferme Chrétien, owned by the Chrétien and Baumgartner families, is a thriving operation with a milking herd of 150 Holstein and Brown Swiss cows on 700 acres. They also raise 100 laying hens for farm gate egg sales, grow sweet corn and other vegetables, and are developing an on-farm cheese-making plant.
This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our local agricultural heritage, support our farming community, and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun. I hope to see you there!
East-end focused virtual engagement session on New Zoning By-law
Join us for a ward-specific virtual information session on Tuesday, August 27 from 6:30 to 8 pm on Zoom to discuss Ottawa’s new Zoning By-law.
The session will begin with a citywide presentation that will provide an overview of the new Zoning By-law. At 7 PM, following the citywide presentation, ward-specific breakout rooms will take place to cover key topics relevant to Ward 1 - Suburban (Fallingbrook, Queenswood Heights, Cardinal Creek, Cardinal Creek Village, The Villages), Ward 2, Ward 11, Ward 19 Suburban (Greater Avalon, Avalon Encore, Summerside, Notting Hill, Chapel Hill South, Bradley Estates) and host a Q&A session.
It’s your chance to learn about the basics of zoning, key concepts of the proposed by-law, and engage in further discussions where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts!
To attend, please register here.
ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT - please fill out the Transportation Master Plan surveys
A reminder that this is your last opportunity to inform staff about the transportation issues you experience in our community with two surveys. This review will influence funding and prioritization of projects like the expansion of Brian Coburn and the Cumberland bus-rapid transitway, guiding infrastructure investment for the next 20 years.
Orléans South has seen rapid growth, 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.
There are two surveys, one is a mapping exercise where you can pinpoint your daily issues, and the second, what infrastructure improvements should be prioritized financially. Both can be found here: https://ow.ly/g92450SlvCY
This is our chance to make the case for investment in Ward 19, and we can't let the opportunity pass us by! The last day to fill them out is August 31.
Also, if you haven’t read my Ottawa Citizen op-ed from TMP Part 1, please take a moment and check it out here: Kitts: Ottawa’s new transportation plan must not overlook South Orléans
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.
Have your say on Draft Budget 2025
Budget 2025 is right around the corner, and we want to hear from you! Tell us what budget priorities matter to you by visiting the Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2025 page https://engage.ottawa.ca/city-budget-2025 to complete a short poll. The poll is open until Friday, September 13 and the results will be posted on Engage Ottawa.
IMPORTANT DATES AND INFO:
Ongoing: Residents provide feedback and questions related to Draft Budget 2025 through social media (using #OttBudget), 3-1-1, local Councillors and feedback tools on Engage Ottawa
Tuesday, August 6 to Friday, September 13: Residents share their budget priorities by completing the Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2025 poll
September to November: Councillor-led budget consultations take place to receive input from residents. Exact dates for consultations will be communicated by Councillors, posted on ottawa.ca, Engage Ottawa and social media
Wednesday, November 13: Draft Budget 2025 is tabled at Ottawa City Council
Wednesday, November 13 to Monday, December 9: Residents can submit questions to City staff through Engage Ottawa and register to make public delegations to the various Standing Committees
Wednesday, December 11: Draft Budget 2025 is considered for adoption at Ottawa City Council
Registration is now open for fall Cleaning the Capital
Nothing is more spectacular than the fall colours in and around Ottawa. This September, help make those views in your community even more enjoyable by registering for Cleaning the Capital.
Thanks to nearly 42,000 participants, the spring campaign was a big success with over 1,000 projects registered.
Registration is now open until Tuesday, October 1 for the fall edition and can be easily done online. You can choose from a variety of public spaces to help clean up, such as community parks, roadsides, and shorelines
Staying up to date on childhood vaccines ahead of the school season
Ottawa parents & caregivers: don’t forget to report your child’s vaccinations to OPH after they receive a vaccine through their health care provider.
Learn how to here.
Let the Ottawa Police Service know how they’re performing
OPS is actively seeking community input about how they’re doing as a police force, what strategic goals they should focus on, and what policing priorities should be in Ottawa.
Share your views by taking the Community Engagement Survey by September 7, 2024.
You can do so here by clicking here. Your input matters!
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