Keeping our roads safe requires our full attention

It is an exciting time for community growth! We are seeing multiple major investments across our neighbourhood, with numerous road and pathway resurfacing projects underway right across Orléans. These upgrades mean smoother drives, safer pathways, and better-connected routes that will serve us for years to come.

However, as these enhancements continue, our streets and pathways are about to get much busier. With students heading back to class and more residents returning to the office this fall, we will see a vibrant surge in daily activity. Whether it is children walking to school, cyclists on the pathways, or commuters on the road, community safety must be our top priority.

Because many of these resurfacing projects will still be active as fall traffic ramps up, extra caution is essential. This reminder follows a recent incident in our community where a construction worker was struck in a hit-and-run on site. No one should ever be put at risk simply for doing their job.

Whether you are dropping off your kids, cycling to school, or commuting to the office, please slow down, stay alert, and use extra care in work zones. Follow flaggers, obey posted signage, and respect reduced speed limits. These measures keep everyone safe.

As summer begins to give way to fall, I want to wish everyone heading back to the classroom a wonderful start to the school year.

 

New school year calls for a commitment to road safety

It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about back to school. Summer always seems to fly by, and before we know it, backpacks are packed, lunches are being made and our streets are once again filled with students heading to class.

Back to school is an exciting time for families, but it also means all of us need to adjust our routines and pay a little extra attention on the road.

Over the coming weeks, school zones will become much busier. Students will be walking, biking and taking the bus, often during the same morning rush when many of us are heading to work. Please slow down, follow posted speed limits and give yourself a few extra minutes. A small change behind the wheel can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.

It’s also a good time to remind students and families to use designated crossings whenever possible and to make sure drivers can see you before stepping onto the road. We all have a role to play in making the trip to and from school a safe one.

Back to school also brings a renewed energy to our community. Our schools are an important part of the community and throughout the year I have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet students and see the incredible work being done by teachers, staff and volunteers. Their dedication helps create welcoming places where young people can learn, grow and build connections.

To all the students heading back to class, whether you’re starting kindergarten, entering your final year of high school or somewhere in between, I hope you have a fantastic year ahead. Work hard, ask questions, try something new and most importantly, enjoy it.

To our teachers, school staff, crossing guards, bus drivers, volunteers and parents, thank you for everything you do to help our students succeed.

 

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.