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.

Entrepreneurial spirit and economic opportunity alive and well in Orléans

The Autumn weather is here and as an avid lover of the outdoors, there is just something about the crisp air, crunchy leaves and gorgeous colours everywhere.

I am also partial to the season as it includes one of my favourite holidays – Halloween.

Taking my kids out in costumes, going door-to-door, seeing carved pumpkins, decorations, I sometimes forget that this is really only a Canadian/American tradition.

Every year though, community Facebook pages are filled with questions or comments about only having a handful of kids come to the door, leaving bowls of leftover candy to have to be eaten by adults (the horror). As busy families, it is easy to take a pass on the whole thing. Turn off the lights, watch a movie, or leave kids to their tablets.

I may be biased, but I cannot help feeling like something is being lost. I am sure many of us have fond memories of our own childhood Halloweens, likely wearing homemade costumes that were scary for the wrong reasons.

You saw dozens of families out, and the whole neighbourhood engaged in way we just don’t see the rest of the year.

We are fortunate here in Orléans to have access to locally grown pumpkins, at the Orléans Fruit Farm, Proulx Farm, Cléroux Farm, to name a few, or at locally owned grocers/markets.

There are folks that go all out on carving or decorations; some even taking the opportunity to raise funds for great causes like CHEO. However, even if your artistic skills are as bad as mine, carving a jack-o-lantern is fun way to spend a fall evening as a family.

Halloween is a wonderful season for memories, meeting neighbours, and taking everything a little less seriously for a night.

On Nov. 1, I will also be co-hosting an annual Pumpkin Parade with Étoile de l’Est School. The parades offer a great way to dispose of jack-o-lanterns and see some amazing creations.

 

Let’s work together to help make our roads safer for everyone

Ottawa drivers, it’s time to commit to safety, especially when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists.

In recent weeks, our city has faced multiple serious collisions involving the more vulner-
able road users. It’s heart-breaking to learn that some individuals have not only sustained severe injuries, some have lost their lives. Fatal and major injury causing collisions occur at a higher rate in the fall then any other time of the year. As we navigate our city’s streets, let’s remember the importance of patience and awareness, particularly at intersections.

Always make eye contact with pedestrians, whether they’re crossing at a marked cross-walk or not. We all share the responsibility for keeping each other safe. A split-second decision can make the difference between a safe arrival and a tragic outcome.

Drivers, when approaching intersections, always check your side mirrors and blind spots for cyclists. These riders can be hard to spot, especially when you’re driving a larger vehicle, and it’s easy to overlook their presence if you’re not fully attentive.

Speaking of cyclists, if you find yourself on two wheels, remember that vigilance is your best ally. Never assume that drivers can see you, particularly when they are turning or changing lanes. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during evening hours, to make it easier for drivers to see you. Safer Roads Ottawa distributes FREE reflective bands and zipper lights at in-person events throughout the year. You can find their upcoming events at Ottawa.ca.

With Halloween just around the corner, let’s be especially cautious in residential neighborhoods and around popular trick-or-treating spots.

By looking out for one another and being more mindful of our surroundings, we can foster a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Every small effort counts. Let’s commit to safer streets this season and beyond.

Take care everyone and be safe.