Feeling truly fortunate and blessed to be living in Canada

Next week, Canadians from coast to coast will don red and white, fire up the barbecue, and likely cap off the evening with a fireworks spectacle. However, Canada Day is not just a national holiday; it is a chance to come together as family, friends, and neighbours, to honour the shared spirit that makes our country so special.

This July 1st, whatever one’s plans, we have much to be thankful for.

As we look around the world, being here in Canada feels like finding the golden ticket. We may not be perfect, but I know that this year in particular, I am finding myself with an overwhelming sense of pride when I see the maple leaf flying outside my house.

Fortunately, living in our nation’s capital there are many ways to celebrate Canada Day, whether locally at Petrie Island’s festiv-ities, or at the giant celebrations hosted throughout the downtown core.

This day offers countless ways to express our pride, and share what it means to be Canadian.

This year, as we look at the news being reported from around the world, it is a stark reminder of just how very fortunate we are to call Canada home.

It is not hyperbole to say that we are absolutely blessed to live in an open and free democracy; something that is increas-ingly in short supply.

Representing a community as dynamic and engaged as Orléans West-Innes is a true honour. I have always considered myself to be incredibly fortunate and lucky to have the privilege.

However you choose to celebrate this Canada Day, I hope it is filled with joy, connection, and pride in the place we all call home.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Canada Day.

 

As summer heats up, it’s important to try to stay cool

Summer’s almost here – you can really feel it in the air! Kids are counting down the last days of school, splash pads are buzzing with laughter, and the beaches are slowly waking up.

Across Ottawa, crews have been busy since spring, scrubbing, re-painting, and fixing things to get everything ready for fun. Wading pools are opening through June, and the sand is getting fluffed up at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, Petrie Island – and yep, Westboro Beach is back after its little break.

As we get ready to enjoy all this, let’s remember Ottawa summers can get pretty hot. When heat and humidity team up, it’s more than just sticky – it can be risky. Our bodies try hard to stay cool, but sometimes they need a hand.

Heat warnings come out when days hit 31°C or hotter, nights don’t cool down below 20°C for a couple of days, or the humidex hits 40. That heat can sneak up on anyone, especially kids, older folks, pregnant people, anyone without AC, or those spending lots of time outside.

So, take care out there! Drink water before you even feel thirsty, wear light clothes, find shade, slap on sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat. If your place feels like an oven, find a cooler spot for a few hours – a library, mall, community centre, or just chill under a big tree in the park. Open your windows at night to catch some cool air, then close them when it heats up again.

And hey, let’s look out for each other. Check on neighbours or loved ones who might need a little extra help staying cool – a quick call or visit can really help.

One last thing, if you’re out enjoying parks, trails, or beaches, please keep them clean. Toss your trash in bins or take it home. Every little bit helps.

Whatever you’re up to this summer – working, relaxing, exploring, or just soaking up the sun – I hope it’s awesome. Stay cool, stay safe, and let’s make the most of this beautiful season!

 

Councillor continues to push for smart, sustainable growth

We all know that Orléans South is doing a heavy lift when it comes to helping our city address the housing crisis. But, in my view, it should be about more than just building houses; it’s about building complete communities.

Smart growth means building where infrastructure already exists, not pushing further into disconnected greenfield areas like ours. However, with the province currently driving the bus on urban expansion, it’s critical to understand what’s stopping developers from looking to other areas of the city for intensification.

Recently, I co-hosted a roundtable with my city council colleague David Hill from Barrhaven West, to bring together local developers, housing experts, and advocates to focus on real, workable solutions to building better.

As we are in the process of overhauling Ottawa’s Zoning Bylaw, I raised concerns with the second draft’s restrictions on build-ing density near major transit stations. That’s not how you build a smart, sustainable city.

Councillor Hill and I successfully advo-cated for revisions to allow more density near LRT stations, services, and existing infrastructure.

These changes include encouraging high-rise development near transit and supporting “missing middle” housing in low-rise areas – essential for building complete communities.

Local realities also don’t always match policies written on paper. One issue I’ve repeatedly taken on is poor road design around new schools. In response, I’ve pushed for changes in our development review process to allow for wider roads, on-street parking bays, and frontages that reflect real needs. These updates are now being adopted by staff.

Change in municipal planning isn’t fast, but it’s happening. Draft 3 of the new Zoning Bylaw is expected later this year, and we’ll soon receive updated population projections.
I’ll continue pushing for smart, sustainable growth that works for Orléans South, and for the whole city.

 

Summer has finally arrived in Orléans and Cumberland

There’s nothing like summer in Orléans and Cumberland! Whether you’re looking to cool off by the water, hit the trails, take in some culture, or just spend a sunny day connecting with your neigh-bours, our community has it all.

Petrie Island is a summe-rtime staple. The beach, the river, the trails — it’s the kind of place that reminds you why we live here. Bring a picnic, your paddleboard, or just a good book. Don’t forget to check out the incredible work the Friends of Petrie Island are doing to protect its biodiversit.

If you’re more into history, the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum brings the 1920s and 30s to life in an interactive way that’s fun for all ages. Just down the road, you can pick fresh strawberries at Proulx Farm and take in the countryside that makes Cumberland so special.

Love local food? Our farmers’ markets are in full swing – Thursday afternoons at the Ray Friel Centre in Orléans and Saturday mornings at the RJ Kennedy Arena in Cumberland. You’ll find fresh produce, local baking, and one-of-a-kind crafts.

Looking for something lively? Don’t miss the Orléans Craft Beer Festival on June 7 – great music, incredible food, and some of the best brews Ontario has to offer.

And for a little art and culture, stop by the Shenkman Arts Centre, which always has something on — from live music to theatre to gallery exhibits.

This summer, let’s get out and explore what makes Orléans and Cumberland so special. Support local. Soak up the season. And take advantage of all the great things happening right in our backyard.