Councillor's Message
Did the summer absolutely fly by for anyone else!?
I hope all of the students, teachers, staff and bus drivers heading back to school (this past week and the next) have an excellent transition into the new scholastic year. A special shout out to all those who are having their first first day of school, and to all the parents seeing them off! A reminder to all that with more little ones on the road, please be mindful of your speeds and obey all traffic regulations, especially in school zones!
In my role as your Councillor, I am your local municipal representative, but I also serve in various capacities, including Chairing the Ottawa Board of Health. Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, which was conveniently held right here in Ottawa. During the four-day conference, I engaged in meaningful discussions with provincial ministers and opposition members about the current state of public health in both our city and the province.
A major announcement from the conference was the provincial government’s decision to alter the funding and operations of supervised consumption and treatment sites. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is dedicated to ensuring that individuals who depend on these vital services continue to receive necessary support, while also being mindful of the needs of those living near these facilities. It’s essential that the approach to service delivery not only supports those in need but also mitigates any negative impacts on nearby communities, residents, and businesses. OPH’s top priority continues to be the overall health and well-being of all Ottawa residents.
OPH is currently awaiting further directives from the province to better understand what specific measures will be required to protect those dealing with substance use challenges and to improve access to housing and treatment services. However, we remain committed to collaborating with our partners through the Ottawa Overdose Prevention and Response Strategy, as well as with residents and businesses in the most impacted communities, to develop effective solutions.
Bradley Estates' Family Fun Day
Chapel Hill South’s Summer Sizzler
Greater Avalon’s Community BBQ
Beyond AMO, the past few weeks have been packed with case work and with events across the ward, which are a great opportunity to connect with you directly. From Bradley Estates' Family Fun Day to Chapel Hill South’s Summer Sizzler and Greater Avalon’s Community BBQ, it was wonderful to chat with so many of you! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the community associations and volunteers who made these events possible. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and don’t go unnoticed. I’m excited to take your feedback with me as we head into what promises to be another productive fall season.
Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to tackling challenging files ahead, including continuing our momentum with the Rural Summit, drafting the 2025 Budget, Transportation Master Plan Part 2, and several others.
There’s also a major change coming into effect later this month that has been on everyone’s radar. I want to remind residents that the City’s new curbside waste policy takes effect on September 30. Starting then, residents will be limited to three items of garbage (i.e three 140L containers / 33 pounds) for curbside pickup on collection day. Over 85% of Ottawa households that receive curbside waste collection already set out only three items or fewer. However, I’m keeping a close eye on issues of concern like illegal dumping, especially in the rural parts of our ward. I will continue to work closely with waste inspectors, staff, and by-law to ensure our community does not become a dumping ground.
Finally, with school back in session, please remember to slow down for our kiddos, especially in school zones and be kind to our Crossing Guards who dedicate their time at our busy intersections!
Constructed slated to start on new Colonial Road Automated Speed Camera
Residents will start to see crews mobilizing on Colonial Road in front of Heritage Public School as they prepare to install a new Automated Speed Enforcement Camera.
Work will include excavation and reinstatement to install electrical infrastructure on the south side of Colonial Road on the school frontage. As various activities are in progress, on-street parking may be restricted- at times. Access to the school will be maintained.
Please note, the camera then goes under a legislated testing phase before enforcement begins.
Road closure on Esprit Drive for critical sewer work by Minto & partial Lakeridge pond closure
In-order to service their new subdivision currently under construction, Minto Homes is required to remove the existing sanitary sewer to install a deeper and bigger sewer to service their new Avalon Vista community.
To do this important work, a road closure is required on Esprit Drive at Mirabeau Terrace/Winterspring Ridge’s dead end.
The road closure will take place from Tuesday, September 3, 2024, until Friday, September 20, 2024. Local access will be maintained for residents surrounding the closure. Minto is also working directly with the few homes who services are impacted by the closure. Construction will be restricted to working hours.
At the same time, crews will be working on the pond to install a new headwall, which will temporarily impact the pathways on the northeast corner of the Lakeridge stormwater pond. They will reopen once the work is complete within the same timeframe of the critical sewer work on Esprit.
In March, I held a joint construction information session with Minto on these impacts. To watch the recorded meeting, please visit my website here.
Thank you for your understanding.
Highway 174 Eastbound full closure from Place d’Orléans Drive and Trim Road
Stage 2 will be performing a full closure of eastbound Highway 174 from Place d’Orleans Drive to Trim Road over the weekend of September 6-9 while crews perform a stage of paving activities.
The on-ramps to eastbound Highway 174 between Place d’Orleans and Trim will also be closed during the work.
The closure will be put in place at 9 pm on Friday, September 6 and will be lifted by 5:30 am on Monday, September 9.
Disclaimer: work is subject to change and may be delayed or extended by Stage 2 and its contractors due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Temporary traffic calming pilot project in Chapel Hill South
I wanted to address the new traffic calming measures that were installed last week at Orleans Blvd. and Silverbirch/Longleaf.
First, I must admit I was taken by surprise by the installation. It was my understanding the posts were going to be erected later in the fall, and I had every intention of communicating about it in this newsletter before they showed up and surprised everyone.
Second, this is a pilot to address safety concerns that have been persistently brought forward about this intersection. The posts will be removed before the winter, and if the community doesn't like it, or feels it is not helping, the posts will not be reinstated next year. If they are well received, we will look for a more permanent solution.
Based on several concerns I’ve received from residents and the local community association relating to pedestrian safety and traffic flow, my office has been working with traffic staff on solutions that could be acted on expeditiously.
The implication of this change is that the approach for motorists driving on Orleans Blvd will go from a 6 lane approach to a 4 lane approach. Vehicles in the leftmost lanes can still make left turns; however, this will decrease the workload for pedestrians and motorists navigating the intersection as well as provide less exposure for pedestrians as there would be less lanes for them to cross. The potential negative impact of the change is that we would see slightly more queuing, but traffic staff have modeled the change, and they don’t expect the queuing to be severe.
I fully appreciate that stop compliance is also an issue at this intersection, and that the changes will take some getting used to. I did anticipate mixed reviews which I heard loud and clear at the Summer Sizzler, but I am keen to get your feedback and observations on how these measures are impacting the intersection. You can email me any time at catherine.kitts@ottawa.ca
I will continue to work with traffic staff based on feedback to improve the intersection for both pedestrians and drivers.
Upcoming engagement opportunity for Hydro One’s Orléans area reinforcement project
To support growing electricity demand in Orléans, Hydro One is initiating a project to build a new 12-kilometer 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Orleans Transformer Station (TS) and Hawthrone TS, seen in the picture above.
The proposed new transmission line would be in the middle of the existing hydro corridor. Most of the new line would consist of single poles similar to roadside distribution lines.
Over the coming weeks, Hydro One will be sending out a Notice of Commencement via mail and newspaper ads within the project study area, which is most of South Orléans. Later this year, they’ll also host a community open house to present and answer any questions related to the project.
I look forward to sharing those details when they’re available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please directly email Community.relations@HydroOne.com or MPP Stephen Blais at sblais.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
You’re Invited to Make a Splash at the End-of-Season Dog Swim!
I hope you're all pawsitively excited for the upcoming end-of-season dog swims happening across our city! As the summer wraps up, we have a fur-tastic opportunity to let our four-legged friends dive into the deep end and make a splash at some of our deep-outdoor pools before they close for the season.
Earlier this summer, I brought a motion forward to ensure that as many outdoor pools as possible were leveraging this opportunity. For a full list of participating pools, please visit: Outdoor swim and splash | City of Ottawa
I’m doggone thrilled to let you know that I’ll be joining Coun. Dudas and her adorable pup, Moose, at the Bearbrook Pool on Sunday, September 1, from 5-6 pm. It’s going to be a great time as we watch our pups paddle around while the pools drain.
I’d love for you and your furry friends to join in on the fun! Whether your dog loves to fetch, swim, or just enjoy the water, this event is the pawfect way to end the summer.
Ruby approves this message.🐾
Ward 19 dominates Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association plowing match held in Sarsfield
One of my favourite events of the year! This year’s Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association plowing match was extra special, because not only did Ward 19 host, but our very own Caroline Etter & Brian Coburn claimed first and second prize!
This was the 48th edition, bringing together Ottawa's rural communities for a friendly competition.
It was great to compete against my rural council colleagues David Brown, George Darouze, Clarke Kelly, and Wilson Lo.
A big thanks to all the organizers who worked so hard to put on this great event, and to the Chrétien family who hosted us on their land.
Rural focused virtual engagement session on New Zoning By-law
Join us for a rural-specific virtual information session on Thursday, September 5, 2024, 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-(Cumberland Village), Ward 5, Ward 19 - Rural (Navan, Notre Dame Des Champs, Sarsfield, Bearbrook, French Hill), Ward 20, and Ward 21.
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.
Assault in Orléans: stay vigilant and report incidents
Many of you may be aware of a disturbing incident that took place yesterday in the area of Princess Louise Drive and Thurlow Street, where a young female victim was assaulted in broad daylight. Luckily, the victim was able to get away and did not sustain physical injuries. Ottawa Police has since identified, arrested and charged the suspect. Juste Jimbere, 19, has also been charged in relation with a similar incident from April 2024, also in the Orleans area. More info here: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/.../suspect-to-identify...
Unfortunately, investigators believe there may be other incidents and are seeking further victims.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other incidents involving JIMBERE is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
Councillor Luloff & I spoke with the Inspector for our area this morning and will continue to work closely with Ottawa Police. We know that these incidents are deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with all who have been affected.
The Ottawa Police is also reminding parents to frequently review tips for children with respect to safety rules, including what to do when approached by a stranger. Where possible, avoid walking alone.
However, the following tips are offered to children walking alone:
• Ensure a family member or caregiver knows your route and arrival time;
• Do not talk to strangers;
• Do not accept rides from strangers;
• If an unknown adult is seeking your attention, do not approach them or the vehicle;
• If being followed, go to a public place, a known residence or shout for help.
Help Orléans students start the day right
Every school day, the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) provides over 17,000 meals and snacks to children and youth in over 200 Ottawa schools across all four public school boards.
To help support the increased need for the School Breakfast Program, ONFE has launched the #BreakfastMatters fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $30,000 before October 1st.
From September 1st to 15th, Place d’Orléans is matching gift card purchases to a maximum of $5,000.
Learn more and donate now at: https://onfe-rope.ca/breakfast-matters/.
OC Transpo fall service are underway
OC Transpo Fall service changes are here!
Various routes are adjusted to reflect changes to ridership and service improvements.
For a full breakdown and schedule, please visit https://www.octranspo.com/en/plan-your-trip/service-changes/
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.
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