East end infrastructure isn’t ready for a five-day commute

You may have seen the recent news about the Return-to-Office vote at Council. I could not support a motion that endorsed the City Manager’s position on a five-day return-to-office standard. While I appreciated that the policy has since been adjusted to allow for hybrid flexibility, thanks in large part to public feedback and councillor advocacy, I believe the decision was poorly communicated from the outset and in need of a strategic rethink.

My concern goes beyond this single policy. If the federal government and other major employers follow suit with full-time in-office standards, I believe our already strained transportation system, especially in Orléans South, will be pushed beyond its limits. For years, I’ve been sounding the alarm that the pace of suburban development is far outstripping investment in transportation infrastructure. Without a stronger plan, we risk walking straight into a commuting disaster we should have seen coming.

To be clear, this isn’t about opposing productivity or accountability. I value the importance of in-person collaboration when required, and I know not every role can or should be done remotely. But what we need is policies that reflect the realities of a growing city and the capacity of our infrastructure to support them.

I have great respect for our City Manager and staff who are navigating complex workforce challenges. But it is our job as policymakers to ensure the City’s decisions are practical, sustainable and realistic. Until we’ve made real progress on fixing transit and catching up on transportation infrastructure that growing communities like Orléans South depend on, I could not support a move that adds new pressure to a system already stretched beyond its breaking point.

 

New urgent care clinic will help make health care more accessible in Orléans

At this week’s City Council meeting, I was pleased to share an important update on health care access in our community: plans are advancing for a brand-new, state-of-the-art Orléans Urgent Care Clinic, to be located near Innes Road and Tenth Line, that will provide residents with the timely, local medical attention they deserve.

This new clinic will help address one of the most pressing issues we face – access to family doctors and urgent medical care. Orléans – East Cumberland is one of the fastest-growing parts of Ottawa, and with that growth comes a greater demand for medical services.

Many residents currently travel long distances or wait too long for care. This project will help close that gap.

The new facility will bring together doctors, nurses, and specialists under one roof to provide a wide range of services, including urgent care, diagnostics, and family practice. It represents the kind of community-focused investment that improves both quality of life and peace of mind for local families.

This project is supported through the City’s Community Improvement Plan, a program designed to encourage investment in projects that meet local needs. By partnering with the private sector, we can make meaningful progress without putting additional pressure on taxpayers.

This is not the first time I’ve worked with local physicians and clinics to expand and modernize care in our community. We’ve already helped several practices find larger spaces so they can serve more patients—and the results of that work are beginning to show.

Health care remains a top concern for families in Orléans – East Cumberland, and I’ll continue using every tool and partnership available to help bring more doctors and better access to care for everyone who calls our community home.

 

Opening of east end LRT extension is just around the proverbial bend

It’s been thrilling to watch the progress of Ottawa’s east extension of the LRT system, especially now that testing has trains running at full speeds along the entire track, from Tunney’s Pasture all the way to Trim Road.

As a regular rider, I’ve found it exciting to see trains gliding through new stations, testing systems, and building momentum toward launch. And I wasn’t alone. Just a few weeks ago, dozens of residents joined me to witness the first major full-line testing, lining overpasses and pathways to catch a glimpse of what’s coming. After so long, it was amazing to see it firsthand.

Of course, this excitement follows years of construction impacts that have been incredibly disruptive. Road closures, detours, noise, and delays have affected many of us in our daily routines. Businesses have felt it, neighbourhoods have endured it, and commuters have had to adapt. It’s been brutal at times, and part of me still can’t believe we’re actually this close. We are finally just weeks away from seeing the payoff.

Naturally, the most common question I hear, and ask myself, is: “When will the line open?” While I wish I could offer a definitive answer, OC Transpo has wisely made it clear that the timeline is being driven entirely by testing, not political deadlines or public pressure. Each phase must be fully completed and passed before moving on to the next.

This careful, methodical approach ensures that safety, reliability, and performance standards are met across the board.

So far, the results have been incredibly encouraging. While OC Transpo continues to analyze the data from recent tests, early signs suggest the system is performing well and as expected. We are almost there, and as someone whose family relies on transit daily, I could not be more ready.

 

Wishing all the trick-or-treaters a safe and fun Hallowe’en this year

The season has shifted. October has arrived, bringing with it crisp evenings, colourful leaves, and that unmistakable feeling of fall in Ottawa. It’s the time of year when families pull out warmer coats, neighbours decorate with pumpkins and the rhythm of autumn takes hold. Along with these traditions comes the excitement of Halloween.

For kids, Halloween is pure magic. Costumes stitched together with imagination, bags ready to be filled, and the thrill of venturing door to door after dark – it’s a night that never loses its charm. For parents and neighbours, though, it’s also a reminder that safety helps keep the magic intact.

We’ve all watched little ghosts and superheroes get carried away with the excitement, running ahead to the next house, tripping over long capes or tugging at masks that slip down over their eyes. That’s part of the joy of Halloween, but it’s also a reminder to take precautions. A flashlight, a glow stick, or even a strip of reflective tape can go a long way in helping kids stay visible on dark streets. Sticking to sidewalks, crossing only at intersections, and walking in groups keeps the adventure not only fun, but safe.

Drivers have their role, too. On Halloween night, the roads are busier with excited trick-or-treaters who may not be paying attention. Slowing down, staying alert, and putting phones away can prevent close calls. And for those heading to a party, planning ahead with a designated driver, taxi, or public transit ensures the evening ends safely.

Halloween is one of those nights that brings neighbourhoods to life. By keeping an eye out for one another and taking a few simple steps, we can make sure the memories are filled with laughter, costumes, and community spirit. Here’s to a safe, fun, and spooky Halloween in our city.