Councillor's Message
I recently returned from the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto, where I was proud to help represent Ottawa’s rural communities. The conference was an invaluable opportunity to meet with provincial ministers and advance key rural priorities for our city. From infrastructure investments to discussions on supporting our agricultural sector, the insights gained will help us move rural Ottawa forward.
Closer to home, I had the pleasure of attending the Navan Fair Annual General Meeting hosted by the Cumberland Township Agricultural Society last Friday. It was wonderful to connect with the dedicated members who make the fair possible and hear about the exciting plans for this year’s event. The Navan Fair is truly a highlight of the year for me, and I remain committed to supporting it in every way I can.
Back at City Hall, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, as she embarks on a new journey at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Etches in my role as Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health, and her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over her 15 years at OPH, she advanced vital services, built trust within our community, and ensured that public health remained a top priority. While I will miss her tremendously, I look forward to her continued public service at CHEO and the partnership that will no doubt continue between CHEO and OPH. On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Trevor Arnason as he steps into this critical role.
I’m sure many of you have heard the fantastic news regarding Ottawa’s recent joint funding announcement for transit with the federal government earlier this week. Mayor Sutcliffe has done incredible work advocating for Ottawa to receive its fair share, and I trust the provincial government to make good on its promise to contribute. This support is critical to ensuring our city’s growth and success across all communities.
Finally, a reminder that February marks Black History Month. I encourage you to learn more and honour the contributions and legacy of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians and their communities and acknowledge the role they played in shaping our heritage and cultural identity. Black History Month is an opportunity for reflection on our respective roles and to challenge ourselves to go beyond learning about notable Black individuals.
Throughout the month, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library are offering events both in-person and virtually that are open to anyone who is interested in attending.
Wishing a very happy Lunar New Year & Year of the Snake to all those who celebrate!
Stay warm out there!
Fighting for Orléans South infrastructure
I want to thank all those who reached out with support for the work I have been doing to ensure that this year’s Transportation Master Plan update includes adequate funding and prioritization of infrastructure projects for our growing community. I won’t let up, and your words of encouragement add appreciated energy to our cause.
I’d also like to thank my hardworking team. I get to bring these issues to the council and committee table, but I have an incredible staff who, in addition to assisting with your everyday queries, also conduct research, probe City staff, and help me brainstorm how to turn our ideas into action.
If you missed the coverage on the inquiry and my commentary, you can view them here:
Ottawa Citizen: https://ow.ly/tbtY50UPliH
CBC Ottawa: https://ow.ly/MObl50UPliG
CityNews Ottawa: https://ow.ly/ILvm50UPliF
Radio-Canada: https://ow.ly/1StP50UPliI
Update on Ashcroft Homes’ Eastboro subdivision receivership case
You may have seen the recent news in the Ottawa Citizen about the recent developments in Ashcroft’s Eastboro receivership case, which is now officially being sold under court order. Essentially, what this means is 90 homebuyers’ contracts have been terminated, while another 24 homebuyers with partially constructed homes in the subdivision face a difficult situation concerning their contracts and the possibility of the contracts being terminated and pursuing insurance claims.
This is an incredibly difficult situation for the families affected, and my heart goes out to them. I have shared before that the experience working with Ashcroft was exceptional, and disappointing.
You may have read in the media that the receiver proposed a temporary solution until the subdivision was sold and the permanent stormwater solution was constructed. The City’s position remains that no new occupancy will be allowed in the subdivision until the stormwater management system is complete and meets all safety and environmental standards. The temporary solution proposed posed significant risk to homeowners, as relying on a single submersible pump increases the risk of basement flooding. With no permanent solution on the horizon, it was not an acceptable resolution.
I know many residents in the area have an interest in the future of this parcel, which remains uncertain. It will take months, perhaps years, before the sales process is complete and a new developer is in place and ready to proceed with the development. However, I remain very engaged on this file and will keep you informed on any new developments, as always.
New Automated Speed Camera on Colonial Road now operational
Be advised that the new Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera on Colonial Road in front of Heritage Public School is now operational.
Crews have completed the necessary electrical infrastructure on the south side of Colonial Road, and the camera has successfully undergone the legislated testing phase and passed.
Enforcement is now in effect to enhance safety in the area. Reminder to all to slow down, especially near school zones!
University of Ottawa Heart Institute Mobile Screening Program coming to Orléans
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is hosting the mobile screening clinic once a month at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex.
This clinic is free and for anyone who is 65 years and older with no known heart disease or stroke.
Those who participate will receive a mini ultrasound of the heart to check the valves, and a cardiovascular risk assessment including a finger poke to check for cholesterol and diabetes. Results and recommendations will be shared at the end of the visit.
To participate in this clinic, please complete this form here and their staff will contact you to confirm the appointment.
For any questions about the clinic or completing the form, please call 613 696-7412 or email cvhd-msp@ottawaheart.ca.
Nominations open for 2025 Orléans Leading Women and Girls Recognition Awards
Celebrate the amazing women and girls in our community by nominating them for the 2025 Orléans Leading Women and Girls Recognition Awards!
To nominate someone please email Marie-France.Lalonde@parl.gc.ca or call 613-834-1800. The deadline is February 14, 2025.
Winter Helmet Safety and Concussion Awareness
Winter Helmet Safety
If you enjoy winter activities like skating, skiing, and sledding, please keep safety in mind as you and your loved ones head out to play. A properly fitted helmet, used for the sport or activity it is designed for, can help protect your head and reduce the risk of a serious brain injury.
Did you know? A hockey helmet is best for both hockey and skating as it is made for the kind of falls that happen on ice. A ski helmet is designed for impacts most common in downhill skiing, and for use in cold weather.
For information on choosing the right helmet, how to wear a helmet, when it’s time for a replacement and more, please visit:
Concussion Awareness
A concussion is a brain injury. It results from a blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars the head, causing the brain to move rapidly inside of the skull. A concussion can cause a variety of symptoms such as confusion, headache, fatigue, vision or balance problems, irritability, nausea, vomiting and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to stop activity immediately and seek medical attention right away.
Early recognition of concussion, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management make a difference in recovery.
To learn more about concussions, visit Concussion – Parachute
Launch of the City's Tree Dedication Program
The Tree Dedication Program, formerly known as the Commemorative Tree Program, is now accepting requests through an online application form.
The expanded program now features two streams: Personal Dedications and Community Dedications. With two streams of dedications, the program provides the opportunity to recognize a wider range of events, milestones and accomplishments. Costs include the supply and installation of the tree, watering for three years, a tree tag, and a plaque for Community Dedications.
Visit ottawa.ca/treededication for details.
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