City needs to to do a better job allocating funds to residential roads

As many followers of these articles know, I recently took our Mayor on a tour of the ward. I wanted to show him the condition of Orléans’ local roads, to understand why myself, and the other east end councillors are always advocating for road re-surfacing during budget discussions.

Much of Orléans was built at the same time, and it is showing its age. Unlike new developments, where everything is fresh and new, our aging neighbourhoods need to see greater and consistent investment to ensure our infrastructure is maintained and improved.

When first elected, I read an infrastructure report that came as no surprise. It found that the overall condition of Ottawa’s 1,500 km of arterial roads was in “Fair” condition and the 1,500 km collector roads were generally in “Poor” condition. In 2012, the city council of the day directed staff to prioritize repairs on these arterial and collector roads, but looking at our local residential streets today, the impact of that decision is glaring.

In 2022’s update, those arterial and collector class roads are largely in “Fair-Good” condition, but of the 2,500 km of residential roads, over 300 km are in “Poor” or ‘Very Poor” condition.

Beyond simply fight-ing for more invest-ment, there needs to be a rebalancing in approach. Last year, I moved a motion for staff to determine how to reallocate funds, and I am pleased to see we are starting to see that reflected in the 2025 budget. The budget sees greater renewal projects, with multiple local roads now making it on the list. This is good, but it is only a start.

I have been working with my Council colleagues to adjust the process, with a greater emphasis on reallocating the road renewal budget across all road classes, particularly neighbourhood roads. I see this as the next step in ensuring our community sees tangible improvements in our aging infrastructure – proactive investments that will only save money in the long run.

 

'Montfort’s strategic plan is a game- changer for east end residents

Attending the launch of Hôpital Montfort’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan was an incredibly moving experience for me. It’s not every day you witness the beginning of something that has the potential to change the healthcare landscape in such a meaningful way, and that’s exactly what this plan is set to do.

As someone who deep-ly cares about the well-being of our com-munity, I couldn’t be more excited about the direction Montfort is taking.

One of the most exciting aspects of the plan is the new clinic at Carrefour santé Aline-Chrétien. This will be a game-changer for residents who are struggling to find a family doctor. I’ve seen the frustration in people’s faces when they can’t get timely appointments or find the right care. This clinic will make sure that no one falls through the cracks, providing much-needed primary care for those who need it most.

What resonates most with me, though, is Montfort’s commitment to personalized care. Too often, healthcare can feel impersonal or rushed. But Montfort’s plan is about building meaningful relationships between patients and healthcare providers. It’s about understanding the individual – what they need, what they’re going through – and treating them with the care and respect they deserve. I’ve always believed that when people feel truly heard, they not only feel better but often experience better outcomes. This approach will transform the way people experience care at Montfort.

Another part of the plan I find exciting is the hospital expansion. With our community growing, Montfort is stepping up to meet the increasing demand for services. The new spaces, technology, and expanded care will ensure the hospital is prepared for the future.

The Strategic Plan lan reflects a deep understanding of our community’s needs – whether it’s providing specialized services for seniors or ensuring culturally competent care for newcomers. This vision is one of hope, progress, and a stronger, healthier future for all of us.

 

Real progress being made on long list of rural concerns

As I've shared before, November is one of the busiest months at City Hall, and it's been rewarding to see progress on issues you’ve brought to my attention.

I’m pleased to see that my June direction to staff on the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) has been addressed.

Earlier this year, I advocated for flexibility in late appeals for residents who missed the deadline, often due to extenuating circumstances. Staff directly incorporated my suggestion, introducing a process for late complaints. While I continue to oppose the VUT in principle, this is an important change. My team also supported a direction by Coun. David Hill to determine the feasibility of a five-year sunset clause.

On the curbside waste limit, I worked with Coun. David Brown to address concerns from rural residents and farmers. We successfully extended the exemption for agricultural waste from a two-month window to year-round, recognizing the continuous nature of farming operations. Staff will now engage further with the agricultural community to refine the by-law.

Speaking of our rural community, the City marked a milestone with the conclusion of the 2024 Rural Summit – the first in 17 years! Alongside Mayor Sutcliffe, my rural council colleagues and I engaged community members, and outlined eight key outcomes for rural Ottawa. These include doubling the ditching and drainage budget and enhancing paramedic response times.

Each outcome reflects months of input from residents, including Ward 19’s Glen Edwards and Caroline Etter, who graciously volunteered their time to the Resident Working Group.

Finally, I’m thrilled my motion to map accessibility in city parks was unanimously approved. Inspired by the advocacy of local families, this initiative will ensure that every family can enjoy our parks.

As I continue 2025 budget discussions, I’m energized by the progress we’ve made and eager to keep the momentum going for all residents – suburban and rural.

 

Hard slogging through budget process only just beginning

Many of you are asking me if I will support the 2025 Budget as presented – and for good reason. There are higher increases to taxes than we have seen in recent years, there are cuts to transit discounts, and without specificity on many projects like timelines and locations.

Those who have perused the over 400-page document were left unimpressed.

It’s important to remember that this draft budget was presented only yesterday (at the time of writing), and it is a massive document. My staff and I are going through it to better understand exactly what this would mean for the residents of Orléans East - Cumberland.

Last year, I voted against the budget because I did not see the benefits for our ward. If council is going to be asking for more, I want to see the improvements to services, infrastructure, and programs that warrant such an ask.

Sure, I was able to shoehorn in important projects throughout the year, but I could not support the blatant inequity for the east end.

Life is becoming less and less affordable for everyone. We need to make sure that we are focusing on the core services the municipality should be delivering well, while ensuring that we are not contributing to the financial pain and misery I know all of us are feeling.

It is going to take some time to go through the budget documents, to have the tough conversations with our senior leadership team and the Mayor and come to a considered decision on how I will vote when this budget is properly discussed at the table. So far, without the benefit of assurances that your priorities will see progress (which still may come), I am left unimpressed.

My vote will boil down to whether we get what we pay for in the east end. Rest assured, alongside my east end colleagues, I’ll make every effort to make that happen. But I will certainly not support a repeat of last year.

As always you can send your thoughts to matt.luloff@ottawa.ca.