City to review policies governing drive-through operators

Earlier this year, many residents followed the discussion surrounding a popular car wash in Orléans Village. Concerns about traffic circulation, vehicle queueing, and how drive-through uses fit within growing communities sparked an important con-versation..

While that situation generated considerable public attention, it also highlighted a broader issue: the City’s planning framework for drive-through developments needs updating.

I’m pleased that City staff are now moving forward with a comprehensive review of drive-through policies, examining where these uses belong, how they’re designed, and how they interact with surrounding roads, sidewalks, cyclists, pedestrians, and neighbouring properties.

This work follows direction from Councillor Johnson, along with additional requests from my office to strengthen the City’s Urban Design Guidelines.

We’ve continued to see these challenges in Ward 19. More recently, as a highly anticipated drive-through restaurant pre-pared to open on Innes Road, I worked closely with the applicant and City staff to secure significant design improvements before construction was complete. The final configuration was specifically designed to better manage traffic and reduce the risk of vehicle queues spilling onto Innes Road.

While those project-specific improvements matter, they also reinforced an important lesson: we shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel every time a drive-through application comes forward.

The upcoming review will examine site design, access, circulation, pedestrian and cyclist safety, compatibility with surrounding neighbourhoods, and best practices from other municipalities.

Planning policy often moves quietly behind the scenes, but this is exactly how local concerns can lead to city-wide improvements that benefit every community.

 

Summer is the perfect time to read a good book with your children

One of my favourite things about summer is the chance to slow down with a good book. In my house, that often means helping my daughters pick out books, stopping at the library, or coming home with stories we are excited to dig into.

As a parent, I love seeing that spark when a child finds a book that captures their imagination. As Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board, I know how important that spark can be.

Reading over the summer is not just a nice way to pass the time. It helps children keep building their skills, confidence and curiosity while school is out. Whether they are reading picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, non-fiction or listening to audiobooks, what matters most is that they keep reading and enjoying it.

That is why the TD Summer Reading Club is such a wonderful program. This year’s theme invites children to “Dive in and Discover the Wonders of Water,” and Ottawa Public Library branches offer activities and programs to keep children engaged. It is free, fun and meets kids where they are.

Here in Orléans East - Cumberland, we are fortunate to have excellent library branches and dedicated staff who care deeply about residents of all ages. Libraries are places where children learn to love stories, families spend time together, teens study, seniors connect, and everyone has access to knowledge, creativity and community.

I also want to recognize the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library and the volunteers who support our branches, including through The Bookworm at the Cumberland branch. Their work supports programming and helps families bring more books into their homes.

This summer, I encourage families in Orléans and Cumberland to make the library part of your plans. Sign up for the Summer Reading Club, visit a local branch, check out The Bookworm, or let your kids wander the shelves until something catches their eye. You never know which book will be the one that stays with them.

 

City need’s to look inward to fund infrastructure renewal

It was a blink and you missed it moment in the news cycle, but the implications will shape Ottawa for years to come.

City Council recently received an update to the
Long-Range Financial Plan. If you have followed my updates over the past eight years, you will know I have often spoken about Ottawa’s infrastructure deficit and the need for greater investment. This latest report was sobering. It did not introduce a new problem, but it confirmed, with clear figures, what many of us have been saying for years.

The reality is straightforward: Ottawa has a significant infrastructure gap. Ottawa is facing a multi-billion-dollar shortfall over the next decade to maintain existing assets, with roughly $120 million per year unfunded after planned investments. Properly maintaining our roads, water systems, parks, and community facilities will require difficult decisions from the next term of Council.

This work cannot be delayed. At the same time, we must recognize the pressures residents are facing at home. Families are making careful financial decisions, and the City must do the same. Ottawa residents are not a bottomless resource. The City must look inward. It means separating needs from wants and being prepared to make, at times, very hard decisions about how we prioritize investments.

There are some positive steps. The long overdue return of Hwy. 174 to the province, will free up tens of millions of infrastructure dollars, and the uploading of the LRT will do likewise for transit. But those measures alone will not solve the challenge ahead.

The City must approach this challenge with honesty and discipline and ensure that investments are focused on protecting the infrastructure residents rely on every day..

 

Community invited to attend Canada Day fireworks display

What better way to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th birthday than with a spectacular fireworks show in your own backyard?

Many Ottawa residents flock downtown for Canada Day festivities, but this year, east-end residents won’t have to travel far to celebrate their Canadian pride. Instead, they can stay close to home and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun.

TOn July 1, I invite families to attend the Canada Day fireworks show in Beacon Hill–Cyrville, hosted by yours truly. This year’s event will take place behind the Richcraft Sensplex, located at 813 Shefford Rd.

The celebration officially begins at 8 p.m. with a dance party, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. by Capital Pyrotechnics.

Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take public transit. Parking will be available in the nearby business park, with limited parking on site. We’re expecting a very large crowd for Ottawa’s 200th birthday, so if you can avoid driving, I recommend leaving your vehicle at home. If driving is necessary, please consider carpooling.

And if you do decide to drive, please remember to be responsible and never drink and drive.

Be sure to wear your red-and-white attire as we celebrate Canada and Ottawa’s milestone birthday. We’ll provide the glow sticks, but don’t forget to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and anything else you need to stay comfortable while enjoying the show.
Let’s make this a memorable birthday celebration for Ottawa and Canada. I know east-end residents are proud of our city and country, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on this historic day.

This event was made possible through the support of my fellow east-end council colleagues: Matt Luloff (Orléans East-Cumberland), Catherine Kitts (Orléans South-Navan), and Laura Dudas (Orléans West-Innes).