Councillor’s first full term in office marked by many accomplishments

As this is my final column before the City’s election-related communication blackout, I want to thank the residents of Orléans South–Navan for the privilege of serving you this past term.

I’ve always promised to be accessible, responsive and relentless in advocating for our community.

Transportation became the defining issue of the term. I challenged long-standing assumptions about how infrastructure investments were priori-|tized and demanded a fairer share for the east end through a bombshell inquiry exposing a decades-long funding imbalance.

That work helped build momentum for the future widening of Brian Coburn Boulevard, made the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transit corridor the City’s top federal funding priority, and broke years of deadlock with the NCC to advance the Renaud Road Realignment. I also secured faster delivery of new traffic signals and key intersection improvements, alongside historic investments in road rehabilitation for our suburban and rural communities.

Growth also demanded careful planning. I consistently advocated for development that puts people first by strengthening planning policies to ensure infra-structure, transportation, parks, and community services remain in focus. Because I believe development should be measured not only by the number of homes we approve, but by the quality of the communities we create.

One of the largest park investments in our community’s history is set to begin this fall after I advanced the long-awaited expansion of a new district park next to the François Dupuis Rec Centre. I also changed how we approach park accessibility by identifying barriers across our parks so future investments can be targeted where families need them most.

There’s always more work to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Thank you for your trust, your ideas, your feedback and the opportunity to serve this remarkable community.

 

FOPI group provides invaluable stewardship of treasured natural area

Communities are built by people who quietly give their time, energy, and passion to make a difference. Across Orléans East – Cumberland, we are fortunate to have volunteers who care for parks, support neighbours, and organize events that help make our community special.

This month, I would like to recognize the Friends of Petrie Island. For many years, this dedicated group has been an invaluable steward of one of Ottawa’s most treasured natural areas. Through shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration, educational initiatives, advocacy, and countless volunteer hours, they help preserve the island’s unique ecological character while encouraging residents to enjoy it responsibly..

Petrie Island is much more than a beach. It is home to sensitive wetlands, diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and an ecosystem that attracts visitors from across the region. Protecting this special place requires collaboration, and the Friends of Petrie Island have become trusted partners in that effort.

I recently attended one of their regular working meetings alongside City staff. Discussions focused on ecological preser-vation, visitor management, park renewal, signage, by-law considerations, and long-term planning. These conversations demonstrate the value of bringing together volunteers, residents, and City staff to find thoughtful solutions that protect our natural spaces while ensuring they remain welcoming for everyone.

On behalf of our community, thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to care for Petrie Island. Your dedication makes a lasting difference, and Orléans East – Cumberland is stronger because of your commitment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Friends of Petrie Island or becoming involved, I encourage you to visit www.petrieisland.org and discover how you can help protect one of our community’s greatest natural treasures.

 

Community invited to be a part of Ottawa 200 project

As Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, communities across the city are marking this important milestone in unique and meaningful ways. The City has been working alongside community organizations, including many here in Orléans, to help support local events and activities that celebrate Ottawa’s past, present, and future.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a special time capsule project is being developed to help preserve a snapshot of Ottawa in 2026 for future generations. As part of this, the Mayor has asked each councillor to contribute something that helps represent their community.

At first, I thought that would be easy. However, I very quickly hit a wall: how do you capture a community like Orléans in a single item? Do I focus on our history? Our rich blend of cultures and languages? Our parks, trails, and gathering places? The volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others? The families and neighbours who make this such a welcoming place to call home?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that no object could truly tell the story of our community.

The best way, and perhaps the only way, to represent Orléans really is to just show it. That’s why I’m inviting residents to join me at Barrington Park, beside the Orléans Public Library, on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. for a community photo. I want to capture what makes our community the best in Ottawa: the people who live here. Bring a picnic basket, a frisbee, make a day of it.

Whether you’ve called Orléans home for decades or only recently arrived, whether you’re a student, parent, volunteer, business owner, retiree, or somewhere in between, you are part of the story of our community.

I hope you’ll join me for this special moment as we celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary together and create a lasting snap-shot of Orléans for generations to come.

 

Summer months require a greater need for road safety

Summer is one of the busiest times of year on Ottawa’s roads, sidewalks and pathways. As the weather warms up, more people choose to walk, cycle, ride motorcycles, use e-scooters or simply spend time outdoors. While that activity is one of the best parts of the season, it also means everyone shares a greater responsibility to look out for one another.

Many of the most serious collisions happen at intersections, crosswalks and school crossings, where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all come together. A few extra seconds of patience and attention can make the difference between a safe trip and a preventable tragedy.

For drivers, that means slowing down, checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes, giving cyclists enough space when passing, and never stopping in crosswalks.

Cyclists also have an important role by riding predictably, obeying traffic signals, avoiding vehicle blind spots and making themselves visible to others. Pedestrians can help protect themselves by crossing only where permitted, waiting for vehicles to stop completely and making eye contact with drivers before stepping into the roadway.

Ottawa’s growing network of multi-use pathways also requires courtesy from everyone. Cyclists should reduce their speed when pathways are busy, use their bells before passing and always yield to pedestrians. Those walking should remain aware of faster-moving users and keep to the right whenever possible.

Road safety is not the responsibility of one group alone. Every person using our transportation network has a role to play. Whether driving to work, cycling through the neighbourhood, walking the dog or riding an e-scooter, slowing down, staying alert and respecting the rules of the road can help prevent collisions and keep our community safe throughout the summer season.