Councillor’s Message
It’s my last newsletter of 2024, and I wanted to share a few important updates with you before the holidays.
Following extensive deliberations and collaboration with my council colleagues, the City’s $4.98 billion 2025 Budget has been approved.
While the process was challenging, this year’s budget marks a shift toward addressing long-standing needs in Orléans South-Navan and the broader east end.
Key investments this year focus on transportation and mobility. I’m pleased that $4 million has been allocated for the detailed design of the Brian Coburn Extension/Renaud Road Realignment—critical steps toward improving east-end connectivity. Additionally, $8.1 million from the province will fund the design of Transit Priority and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes along Innes Road, from the Blackburn Hamlet Bypass to Blair Road. To enhance road safety, funding will go toward a roundabout at Milton and Navan, signalization of Innes and Lamarche, and advancing detailed design of a signalized intersection at Mer Bleue/Copperhead/Decoeur.
Road renewal remains a top priority of mine, and I'm pleased to see major investments in Sarsfield Road and Birchgrove, among others. My list of roads that need attention remains long, but together we have tackled sections of Navan Road, Colonial, Milton, Dunning, Trim, and the full length of Frank Kenny. Much needed catching up after years of neglect.
Our parks and recreational spaces will also see exciting upgrades as we move forward on a new district park next to the François Dupuis Recreation Centre, with additional investment toward a cricket pitch at Millennium Park. This is in addition to the $296,000 investment the City has dedicated to the Navan pavilion project, which is taking shape as we speak!
Residents may remember that last year I was very critical of the transportation budget that I felt fell short for the east end, and I demanded better. Since assuming responsibility for the entirety of South Orléans' developable area in late 2022, I have been on a mission to uncover how we have ended up in a place where growth has wildly outpaced infrastructure capacity. This year’s budget reflects a noticeable improvement, with more growth-related transportation funding this year than in the past six budgets combined. However, many of these projects will now be in the design phase, meaning extra capacity in our network is not immediate. As someone who hears daily about the frustrations of navigating our growing ward, I understand the urgency. Mobility isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for a healthy and functioning community. I used my remarks at council to remind my colleagues of that.
2025 will be a big year for setting transportation priorities with the update to our Transportation Master Plan, and I continue to take every opportunity to make the case for investment in our growing community. I greatly appreciate the support from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on this.
I will also continue to support the Mayor's push for fair funding from provincial and federal partners, especially when it comes to transit. I also recently co-authored an op-ed on the province's responsibility to enable a holistic approach to the mental health, addictions and homelessness crisis Ontario is facing. You can read it here.
It’s also important to emphasize the work that has been done in this term of council to find savings and efficiencies within the City, ensuring we’re maximizing every dollar before asking residents for more. On a city-wide level, this budget is making important investments in policing, paramedics, affordable housing, and other core services. As the mayor said, no budget is perfect, but refinements were made in a collaborative effort based on public feedback.
I want to thank all of you who participated in consultations, shared your priorities with me, and filled out my survey. Your feedback directly shaped this budget and highlighted the needs of Ward 19. While I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made, there’s more to do, and I look forward to working together as we tackle the challenges ahead.
For a full breakdown of the City’s approved budget, please visit: https://ow.ly/Ay3s50UpRWN
As the holiday season is in full swing, I hope you are all making the most of the festivities! It’s been wonderful to see so many of you at events throughout the City and ward during this special time of year.
On behalf of Team Orléans South-Navan and I, we’re wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Thank you for your support and engagement this year. Can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us!
Warmly,
Office hours reduced for the holidays
My team and I are taking some much-needed time to recharge over the holidays. We’ll still be monitoring email and voicemails for urgent requests only, but please note that response times will be longer than usual.
As well, my ward office at François Dupuis Recreation Complex will be closed. Friday office hours will start up again on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
If you’re looking to submit a service request during the holiday break, you can do so by calling 3-1-1 or online at https://ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1.
For all urgent matters, please email me directly at Catherine.Kitts@ottawa.ca.
OC Transpo announces winter service changes
OC Transpo has announced winter service changes, effective Sunday, December 22, 2024, and Monday, January 6, 2025.
Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.
For more info on what that means for your trips, please click here.
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