Councillor's Message
I always say that November is one of the busiest months at City Hall, and this past week alone, I had six committee meetings (!!), as well as attending a symposium on public health. My dedicated staff is also hard at work on your service requests and local queries. We’re continuously committed to addressing your concerns, and we appreciate your patience and kindness as we work through each request during a time that’s jam-packed with committee and council activities.
Over the next month, committees will be tabling their budgets and I’m grateful to all who joined us in person or online for the rural and east-end budget consultations. Hearing from you is invaluable to me, and your feedback shapes my budget conversations with the mayor’s office and senior city staff. Although those consultations are now complete, I consider listening to residents a year-round priority. Your input helps balance affordability with the essential services we all rely on. I look forward to working alongside my east-end colleagues as we deliberate on the budget over the next several weeks.
At Finance and Corporate Services Committee on Wednesday, I was pleased to see my June 2024 direction-to-staff on the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) reflected in this week's joint committee discussions. While I continue to have frustrations with the overall delivery of the program, earlier this year, I raised the issue of late appeals for residents who, for various reasons, missed the initial deadline. I’m pleased to share that staff took my direction and recommended residents be allowed to file a Late Notice of Complaint beyond the standard deadline for a cost-recovery user fee.
At Council last week, I supported Councillor Clarke Kelly’s motion for a six-month grace period on the size requirements for garbage bins. As the city transitions to the new three-item limit, I've heard from residents who find it challenging to replace oversized bins or who were unaware of prior size limitations. This temporary exemption will allow residents more time to adjust. If you are using a larger bin in the interim, you must still adhere to the volume limit of 420 litres/99 pounds across three containers. For more information on what containers are acceptable, visit the City's website here.
Keeping on the new garbage limit, in response to concerns from rural residents and farmers, I was glad to work alongside Councillor David Brown last week to bring forward a practical solution for agricultural waste in the new curbside waste collection by-law. Recognizing the year-round nature of agricultural operations, this motion extends the exemption for farm waste collection from a two-month period in April/May to year-round, helping farmers with the disposal of unavoidable waste from farming activities. Staff will now engage with the agricultural community over the coming year to ensure that their needs are fully understood and considered in the ongoing development of the by-law.
A highlight of the past few weeks was the Rural Summit, which wrapped up successfully last Saturday. It was a privilege to join my fellow rural councillors, the Mayor and our dedicated rural community members at this important event—the first of its kind in 17 years! Together, we outlined eight key outcomes for Ottawa’s rural communities. You can read more about these outcomes in detail below. To inform the rural summit, each ward had representatives that made up the Resident Working Group, and I want to thank Glen Edwards and Caroline Etter once again for their time and input!
As Remembrance Day approaches, I encourage everyone to join one of our local ceremonies, listed below, to honour the sacrifices of those who served. This is a moment for gratitude to all who have served, volunteered, been injured, lost loved ones, or made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Reflecting on these sacrifices is especially meaningful given current global events, which remind us just how precious and privileged peace truly is. Let us pause, remember, and recognize that peace is not something to take for granted.
Lastly, earlier this week, our community faced a frightening morning when a devastating fire damaged three homes on Noblewood Way in Orléans South. Thankfully, everyone impacted escaped safely. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ottawa Fire Services for their swift response and bravery. I am also moved by the messages and community-based initiatives coming forward to support those affected. Let’s continue to care for one another when our lives are turned upside down unexpectedly.
All my best,
2024 Remembrance Day ceremonies
If you are looking for a Remembrance Day ceremony in the east-end, there are a few happening including:
The Legion Orleans Branch 632 will be hosting its annual Remembrance Day Parade and ceremonies starting at 10:40 am. Any veterans who wish to be in the parade are to meet at Vimont Crescent for 10:30 am.
Navan Community Association is hosting its annual ceremony and wreath laying at the Navan Cenotaph in front of the Navan Arena on Monday, November 11 beginning at 10:45 am.
Baitun Naseer Mosque and St. Faustina's Parish are hosting their commemorative event alongside St. Andrews United Church situated at 2557 Old Montreal Road on Monday, November 11 at 10:30 am.
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the National War Memorial on Monday, November 11. The ceremony will begin at approximately 10:30 am. Residents can attend in person or watch the ceremony live on the Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook page and local and national news broadcasts.
A reminder that this year, at 11:30 am, as the solemn notes of God Save the King fill the air, a special flypast of vintage military aircraft will soar above, marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Each aircraft, painted to honour the memory of a Canadian Veteran, serves as a powerful tribute to their sacrifice and the century-long legacy of the RCAF's service and dedication to our nation.
City services will operate on different schedules on Remembrance Day. To learn more, please visit here.
2024 Rural Summit Outcomes
Last weekend marked a significant milestone for rural Ottawa with the successful conclusion of the 2024 Rural Summit. The first of its kind since 2008, this summit was an opportunity to celebrate our city’s unique rural communities and make concrete strides toward addressing the needs of rural residents. Alongside Mayor Sutcliffe and my fellow rural councillors, we heard from community members on their priorities, challenges, and vision for the future of rural Ottawa. With 80% of Ottawa’s land being rural, it’s time for City Hall to acknowledge the distinct character and needs of communities like Navan, Sarsfield, Cumberland, and beyond. Let’s be clear. There is not a one-size fits all solution when it comes to addressing complex issues in our city.
The summit outcomes represent the collective voices of rural Ottawa, backed by months of workshops, online engagement, and invaluable input from our Resident Working Group. A special thanks goes to Ward 19’s own Glen Edwards and Caroline Etter for their time and dedication in shaping the ideas presented at the summit. The announcements made were not just promises; they’re actionable solutions that lay the foundation for real, impactful change. Here’s a brief overview of the outcomes that will be guiding our work:
Water Rate Review and Ditching Improvements: Doubling the budget for ditching and drainage by 2025. This investment in infrastructure aims to improve safety and maintenance for our rural areas, where effective water management is critical. Public consultation is ongoing on the water rate review, but know that rural Ottawa’s voice was heard and will be considered in the final recommendations.
Enhancing the Rural Affairs Office and Strengthening Governance: Expanding resources for the Rural Affairs Office, along with empowering the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee. Additionally, appointing a “Rural Lead” in every city department will ensure that rural perspectives are part of all discussions and decisions.
Improving Rural Paramedic Response: Hire 23 new paramedics over the next two years, this outcome is a big step toward better response times. A new dispatch system and provincial advocacy on offload delays will support quicker and more efficient rural emergency services.
Applying a Rural Lens to Infrastructure Projects: A “rural lens” will now be part of our infrastructure planning, with input from rural councillors on road renewal and traffic projects. This outcome acknowledges that rural roads, intersections, and pathways have unique needs that differ from those of urban areas.
Streamlining Rural Planning Applications: Starting in 2025, the city will simplify the planning process for rural rezoning applications, making it easier for residents to navigate approvals and build in rural Ottawa.
Developing a Balanced Rural Growth Strategy: With an eye on preserving rural character, creating a strategy to guide growth in our villages. This will help maintain the identity of our rural communities while accommodating thoughtful development.
Advocating for Rural Priorities with the Province: Committed to working with the provincial government on critical rural priorities, from securing grants to addressing agricultural issues. Advocacy at this level will strengthen our voice and open resources to support rural needs.
A Commitment to a Next Rural Summit: To keep this momentum, we’re already planning to host another Rural Summit in 2027 or 2028. Regular engagement will ensure that rural residents’ voices continue to be heard.
Each of these outcomes is more than just a checkbox on a list; they’re commitments from the city to bring forward rural solutions for rural communities. From enhancing safety and emergency response to improving planning and infrastructure, these steps are tailored to meet the real needs of rural residents. This summit was just the beginning, but I can safely say, this sets us up on a path toward lasting change.
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and shared your ideas. We know there is a lot of work to be done, and we’re just getting started. I am excited to work on these solutions in during the upcoming budget and moving forward over the next couple of years, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our rural communities.
Open House for proposed Navan and Milton roundabout
I’m excited to provide an update on the Navan and Milton roundabout project!
The broader public open house will take place on Wednesday, November 27 from 6 to 8 pm at the Navan Arena (1295 Colonial Road).
This drop-in style event will offer a chance to review the latest design details and share your feedback with staff on-site—no formal presentation, just an opportunity to ask questions and share your input.
Back in September, I requested feedback from the farming community on the proposed roundabout and how you feel about it. I appreciate everyone who sent in comments to me, and if you haven’t already, please do! Feedback so far has been shared with staff, and now is the opportunity to have your voice heard in person.
Expanding access to playground inclusivity at city parks
I’m pleased to share that my motion to enhance public access to accessibility information and amenities in our parks was unanimously carried at Finance and Corporate Services Committee earlier this week.
This important step stems from the Provincial and Federal Multi-Year Accessibility Plans update, which focuses on improving accessibility standards across the City of Ottawa. My aim with the motion is to make information about accessible parks more readily available, helping families and caregivers make informed choices that suit their unique needs. While highlighting the amenities on offer already, mapping our inclusive play equipment will also expose gaps in access.
In September, I attended an Inclusive Play Space Session at Ben Franklin Place led by US Paralympian Jill Moore, a passionate advocate for accessibility and team member of Landscape Structures Inc. As a wheelchair user herself, Jill provided firsthand insights into what true inclusion looks like and how play spaces can go beyond basic accessibility to foster full participation for everyone, regardless of their level of accessibility. This session left a lasting impact on me, further motivating my push for our city to lead in creating a higher level of accessible play.
Our accessible playground at Notre-Dames-des-Champs Park, adjacent to the Miracle League of Ottawa field, is a wonderful example of inclusive play opportunities that bring joy to children and families with diverse needs, and there are many like it across the city that serve different purposes as well, whether that be different structures or features. By advocating for a comprehensive online tool similar to Anchorage, Alaska’s inclusive play map which I learned about at the session, my intention is to lay the groundwork to ensure that all residents have access to clear, easy-to-navigate information on accessibility features in our city’s parks, but also, to eventually see where there are gaps and potential for future investments.
I look forward to seeing this project progress and am committed to making the city we call home a more inclusive place, for everyone.
Second public information session on E-1 Wall Road Expansion Lands
Join city staff for their second public information session on the future E-1 Wall Road Expansion Lands, happening on Thursday, November 28 from 6 to 8 pm at the Aquaview Community Centre (318 Aquaview Drive).
This drop-in open house-style event will feature informational display boards and staff/consultants available to answer questions about proposed plans for this new community.
Drop by anytime between 6 and 8 pm to learn more and share your thoughts!
Brian Coburn turns 80!
Last weekend, I had the honour of joining Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to celebrate an incredible milestone for a local legend - Brian Coburn, as he celebrates his 80th birthday!
Brian is not only a fifth-generation resident of Cumberland but also a dedicated public servant who has given so much to our community. Over the years, he’s worn many hats—as a business owner, volunteer, councillor, mayor, MPP, and even cabinet minister.
I can say Brian has been a friend and mentor to so many of us in the community including myself, embodying the true spirit of public service. His contributions have left a legacy, and it was wonderful to see so many community members come together to celebrate such a remarkable man.
Mourning the loss of Navan Grads owner and community leader Steve Barban
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and local hockey community members of Steve Barban, cherished owner of the Navan Grads Junior A Hockey Club, who recently passed.
Steve's unwavering dedication to the Grads and Navan touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy in local hockey.
To learn more about Steve and his incredible impact, click here.
Yellow bags for extra curbside waste are now available
Starting this week, any garbage set out above the new three-item limit must be placed in a City of Ottawa yellow bag. This is part of the recently approved curbside waste policy to help reduce waste.
Yellow bags, sold in packages of four for $17.60, can be used for any additional garbage on collection day. Remember, bulky items and furniture can’t be bagged!
In Orléans, yellow bags are available at:
François Dupuis Recreation Centre (2263 Portobello Blvd)
Orléans Home Hardware (470 Charlemagne Blvd)
Orléans Client Service Centre (255 Centrum Blvd)
Please continue to use blue, black, and green bins, and remember there's no limit to bin usage or leaf and yard waste collection.
Santa’s Parade of Lights 2024
Santa is ready to light up Orléans with Rudolph and his reindeer on the final Saturday in November!
The Santa's Parade of Lights is set for November 30 starting at 6 pm.
The parade will begin at St. Joseph Boulevard and Youville Drive, and travel along St. Joseph Boulevard to Prestone Drive. See you there!
Visit paradeoflights.org for more information.
THIS SUNDAY – Original Navan Market’s holiday market
Don’t miss the final Original Navan Market of the 2024 season—"All Things Holiday”—this Sunday, November 10 from 10 am to 3 pm!
This holiday-themed market brings together hundreds of local vendors and festive finds to help you kick off the holidays.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Amanda Watson, the market team, and volunteers for making 2024 another unforgettable year and to everyone who came out to support our community’s local businesses.
I can’t wait to see you there!
2nd Annual Robert Plante holiday market
Get ready for the 2nd Annual Holiday Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses on November 16 and 17 from 9 am to 4 pm!
With over 200 local vendors, festive treats, cozy coffee stations, and pet-friendly fun, it’s a great chance to start your holiday shopping in a warm, indoor setting of their greenhouses. Plus, you can even get your tools sharpened on-site.
For more information, please click here.
Mental health awareness workshop for the agriculture community
On behalf of Agriculture Wellness Ontario, Ottawa Public Health is inviting farmers and the agriculture community to participate in a free 4-hour mental health awareness workshop where participants can learn:
More on topics of stress, depression, anxiety, and substance use;
How to start a conversation around mental health and well-being; and
Where to get additional information, including resources and tools, for mental health and well-being.
The workshops are facilitated by mental health professionals from the Canadian Mental Health Association using ‘real-life’ examples from agriculture.
The English workshop is scheduled on November 21, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm in Alexandria, ON. Residents can register by completing the online form.
Public works switching to fall and winter operations
Seasonal waste receptacles are removed from park locations that are not maintained during the winter and are reinstalled in the spring each year by the Solid Waste Services team. Permanent receptacles may be capped where they are unable to be removed or serviced during the winter. Staff will continue to service a reduced number of park waste receptacles in areas with winter activities. Requests for graffiti removal within park areas will continue to be addressed.
Between November 15 and April 1, when Environment Canada forecasts significant freezing rain or seven centimeters of snow or more, the Director, Roads and Parking Services may call a Winter Weather Parking Ban. Such a ban does not apply to residential parking permit holders. Vehicles without valid residential parking permits that remain parked on the road during a ban can be ticketed.
To help residents prepare, winter weather parking bans are called by set times:
Daytime bans are called by 3:30 pm on the day before the ban is scheduled to go into effect. Street parking is prohibited between 10 am and 7 pm the following day.
Nighttime bans are called by 9 am on the day that the ban is scheduled to go into effect. Street parking is prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am.
Parking bans are called to support winter operations. When there are no vehicles on the road, operators can more effectively clear the roads and catch basins of ice and snow.
Many of the Public Works Department’s services are delivered through a geographic “district” model, using several yards that are located across the city.
For information, services, or to report an emergency related to operational maintenance, the community and your offices are encouraged to call the Contact Centre at 3-1-1 or submit a Service Request online at Service Ottawa.
Let recreation and cultural activities warm up your winter
Winter is coming. So, get out and add a little sunshine and warmth by staying in shape, hitting the pool, or taking up a new craft or art project at your local City of Ottawa recreation, visual arts, or community centre. Check out register.ottawa.ca to find programs or activities for you and your family.
Mark your calendars with these important registration dates:
Swimming lessons: Tuesday, November 12 at 9 pm
All other recreation, culture, and virtual activities: Thursday, November 14 at 9 pm
In-person registration begins Wednesday, November 13, for swimming lessons and Friday, November 15, for all other activities. Be sure to check the facility’s business hours before visiting.
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