Councillor’s Message
What a scorcher it’s been with record-breaking heat! I hope you managed to cool off at one of our community’s splash pads, in the shade, or inside where you can. As we head into the summer months, remember that Ottawa Public Health has excellent resources to help you beat the heat and stay safe during these sweltering days. You can check out their tips and tricks here: https://ow.ly/Kf9R50SjCIW
My office and I have hit a peak with our legislative agenda and case work. The warmer weather inevitably brings an increase in case work, and I want to extend my thanks once again for your patience as we navigate this busy period. This week, we tackled marathon joint committee meetings on the city's Wildlife Strategy, ensuring our co-existence model works effectively, and the Infrastructure Master Plan, which lays out the blueprint for water, wastewater, and storm water projects needed for growth and intensification through to 2046. In Orléans South—Navan, almost $8M will be spent to 2046 to upgrade both the Tenth Line and Forest Valley Pump Stations to ensure adequate capacity for new homes being built.
The big news at the end of last week was the release of Phase 4 engagement of the Transportation Master Plan. I was thrilled to see Ward 19 show up in full force to have your voices heard after my special newsletter came out, whether it be online with the surveys, or the more than 75 people who came out on Tuesday morning at the pop-up event at François Dupuis. There's a more detailed update below, but please continue to encourage your neighbours and friends in South Orléans to fill out both surveys. It's crucial that city staff hear about the congestion and traffic issues you face daily so we can work towards effective solutions.
What better way to kick-off the start of summer than with an Original Navan Market day! I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday from 10 am-3 pm. I’ll be handing out tote bags to the first few visitors that come and see me.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, let's recognize and celebrate the history, heritage & diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ottawa and across the country.
I encourage you to take part in a range of cultural events/activities organized to mark this important day.
Road rehabilitation work on Frank Kenny starts week of June 24
Starting the week of June 24th, crews will begin work on Frank Kenny Road from Russell to Colonial. This project includes milling/pulverizing the existing asphalt, adding new material to the road, and repaving. The road width will remain unchanged.
Notices have been sent to nearby residents, and you’ll start seeing signs and traffic controls in place soon.
As always, I want to thank you for your patience as we move forward on important road infrastructure projects across the ward.
Road renewal has always been a top priority of mine and the community is set to see major work with more than $17 million earmarked for road rehabilitation projects this year alone.
Round two of culvert replacement work happening on Navan & Renaud roads
Crews are setting up to start round two of culvert replacement work on Navan Road & 0.95km East of Renaud Road.
Work will begin on Monday, June 24 and end on Friday, June 28. The contractor has already installed signage to let residents know of the upcoming lane impacts along Navan.
You can expect off-peak lane-reductions of a localized section of Navan Road with flaggers on site to control traffic as they excavate and install the new culvert.
That section of Navan Road is up for resurfacing, however it will not begin until construction activity related to development in the area is complete.
Portion of Gerry Lalonde Drive closed from Bluestone Private to Lerta Way starting July 2
Due to emergency manhole replacements by Minto, Gerry Lalonde Drive will be closed from Bluestone Private to Lerta Way from Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 12.
Existing homeowners on Gerry Lalonde will continue to have access to their homes. The work was postponed until after the school season to minimize disruption.
Residents are asked to use the posted detours, which are in blue in the above graphic.
McNeely Road closed from Whispering Willow Drive to Magladary Road for culvert replacement
Due to annual culvert replacement work, McNeely Road will be closed from Whispering Willow Drive to Magladary Road from Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 12.
Local access will be provided to residents who live within the closure.
Highway 174 eastbound full closure from Place d’Orléans Drive to Trim Road
Stage 2 will be performing a full closure of Highway 174 eastbound from Place d’Orléans Drive to Trim Road over the weekend of June 21-24.
The closure will be put in place at 7pm on Friday, June 21 and will be lifted at 5:30 am on Monday, June 24.
Crews will be performing ditch excavation, drainage work, electrical manhole work, slope finishing, and asphalt reinstatement.
Motorists will exit eastbound Highway 174 at the Place d’ Orléans exit and travel east on St. Joseph Boulevard to Trim Road, where they can re-join eastbound Highway 174.
REMINDER: If you're frustrated by South Orléans' congestion issues, you'll want to read this
Last Friday, I sent out a special newsletter about this, but it cannot be overstated how important it is for you to participate in these surveys.
The City has launched Phase 4 of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) consultations. This is your opportunity to inform staff about the transportation issues you experience with two surveys. This review will influence funding and prioritization of projects like the widening 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
The City is also hosting an online virtual engagement on Wednesday, June 26 from 6pm to 8pm. Please register for the event here: https://ow.ly/tpm550SkoVU
This is our chance to make the case for investment in Ward 19, and we can't let the opportunity pass us by!
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.
New public elementary school to be built in Orléans South
Last week, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board announced it has secured funding from the Province of Ontario for three new schools, including one in Orléans South.
The new East Urban Centre Elementary school will be built at 700 Spring Valley Drive and will host 674 students from kindergarten to Grade 8, as well as 39 licensed childcare spaces.
Details are very preliminary at this time, but I will keep you posted on timelines as they are confirmed. This comes a week after funding for a new OCSB school was announced in the Mer Bleue community, which is great news.
New temporary traffic calming measures coming soon
As mentioned in previous newsletters, new temporary traffic calming measures are starting to be installed and will continue throughout the summer. Works include installation of traffic flex stakes, speed boards and other speed reduction measures.
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 welcome your feedback on how new measures are impacting speeding and traffic flow in your neighborhood!
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 measures that have been in place this spring will now be changing to the measures we discussed when we visited.
Update on the Aquaview park fountain
I’ve been receiving outreach from a few residents inquiring why the Fountain at Aquaview Pond was not in use at the start of the season. I am pleased to share after pushing staff for a solution, the fountain is now operational.
Our area stormwater supervisor has explained the fountainhead required additional maintenance to be pre-formed before staff could reinstall the fountainhead this season; however, given the record rainfall at the start of June, staff had to delay the installation as the water level in the pond would need to be lowered.
Forest bathing at École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde
Many thanks to the leadership of Hibo, and Ms. Bengle from the Club Environnement École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde for their presentation on the benefits of forest bathing.
Hibo led the walk and then gave a very informative presentation on the benefits of forest bathing, particularly for combating stress.
Thank you to Ottawa Public Health and Dr. Etches for sharing your perspective on the role of environment, climate change, public health and city planning.
It's inspiring to hear about the passion our youth have for improving both the health of the population and the environment.
Ward 19 in-person public consultation on rural water rate review
The City is reviewing how it recovers costs to deliver water services, and they want to hear from you. Staff are consulting on the development of a rate structure that considers impervious space as the basis for calculating stormwater fees.
Along with the survey which you can take here, staff will be hosting public consultation events in rural wards to provide more information on the review and gather your input. Our in-person public consultation for Orléans South-Navan is on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 7-8:30 pm at Navan Arena (1295 Colonial Rd). I hope to see you there.
A reminder that no decision has been made on any potential change of fees. As your councillor, I continue to gather information myself and am in discussion with my fellow rural councillors about mutual concerns we have with what’s been put forward by staff.
CANADA DAY ROUND-UP
Canada Day Celebration - Baitun Naseer Mosque (2620 Market Street, Cumberland)
10:45am: Guest Arrival
11:00am: Ceremony/Cake Cutting/Flag Hoisting
11:45am: BBQ
O Canada Orleans 2024 at Millennium Park
Legion Branch 632 (Orleans)
Lunch BBQ (11-3), music and then a special Pig Roast dinner (5-7)
Fireworks safety and rules reminder
The City reminds residents about the by-law regulations around Canada Day fireworks – including no discharging on public properties, age requirements and maintaining safe operating distances.
So, before the fuse is lit, here are some things to know in advance:
Purchasing fireworks
The sale of consumer fireworks is prohibited in Ottawa, except on Canada Day and the seven business days leading up to it.
Firecrackers prohibited in Ottawa and Ontario
Under the provincial law and the City’s fireworks by-law, the sale and use of firecrackers are strictly prohibited.
Location and age requirement for discharging fireworks
Fireworks displays must be directly supervised by an adult, 18 years and older, and must take place on private property – with permission from the property owner. Even on private properties, fireworks cannot be discharged if it poses danger to other individuals and properties. This will include any property nearby other homes, apartments, roadways, sidewalks and public spaces.
No discharging fireworks on City parks and sports fields
Discharging fireworks is not allowed on City property – which includes all parks, sports fields and beaches.
The four local school boards – Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Le Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est and Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario – do not allow discharging fireworks on all school premises, including all track and sports field areas.
School properties and sports fields are out of bounds too
The four local school boards do not allow discharging fireworks on all school premises, including all track and sports field areas.
OC Transpo Canada Day service
There will be no-charge service on OC Transpo buses and O-Train Line 1 all day (until 4 am).
Para Transpo service will run until 3 am, with last trips booked for 2 am.
Orléans Client Service Centre will close for one week
Renovation work will temporarily close the Orléans Client Service Centre, 255 Centrum Boulevard, for one week starting Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28.
Some renovation work will continue when the centre reopens on Tuesday, July 2, resulting in a reduced number of client representatives available at the counters for that week.
Have your say on the Community Garden Action Plan
The City is in the process of reviewing the Community Garden Action Plan and community-led green initiatives in order to improve related services, programs, and resources for Ottawans.
Visit https://engage.ottawa.ca/community-gardens-and-community... for more information on how to get involved including the opportunity to take an online survey and share your ideas, input and feedback on community gardens and community-led green initiatives.
There’s also a virtual open house on Tuesday, June 25th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Hear from other community members involved in green initiatives, learn about the review process and provide ideas, input and feedback.
This session will focus primarily on green initiatives.
There will an opportunity for interested individuals and/or community groups to register for a chance to present their ideas, experiences, or stories during these events.
TOMORROW: Repair Café at Ray Friel Recreation Complex
The City of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Ottawa Tool Library is sponsoring another Repair Café! On Saturday, June 22 from 10 am to 2 pm, visit Ray Friel Recreation Complex, in the Fallingbrook Room at 1585 Tenth Line Road for free repairs of electronics, clothing, small appliances, jewelry, and more.
Visit Ottawa.ca/WasteReduction for event details and to see all City Sponsored upcoming Repair Café.
Choosing to repair rather than replace is cost effective and helps reduce waste.
Councillor-led new Zoning By-law consultation at Ben Franklin Place
I’ll be joining Councillors Laine Johnson from College Ward and Jeff Leiper from Kitchissippi for an armchair panel discussion about the draft new Zoning By-law.
The meeting is hybrid, and you can either join in person at Ben Franklin Place on Monday, July 8 at 6:30 pm, or via Microsoft Teams at the same time.
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.college-ward.ca/events. Councillor Johnson is hosting this event, and I look forward to working with my east end colleagues on a more specific engagement event locally over the next 18 months before the draft is finalized.
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