East-end residents closer than ever to riding the O-Train

For years, our community has persevered through the challenges and disruptions that
come with a large-scale infrastructure pro-ject like the O-Train East Extension. The impacts have been felt in our daily com-mutes, access to neighbour-hoods and businesses, and general quality of life.

Despite the frustrations, our community has remain-ed patient, keeping our eyes on the long-term benefits of expanded light rail service to the east end.

Recently, in response to ongoing questions and concerns from residents, I requested that the Stage 2 LRT team and the construction contractor join us for a public community meeting. I am pleased to report that the meet-ing was both informative and constructive.

The team provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s current status, discussed the outstanding work to be completed, and outlined the anticipated timelines. Most importantly, they took the time to respond to residents’ questions, many of which echoed the concerns I hear regularly from constituents.

The meeting served as a valuable reminder that, while construction is still ongoing, we are approaching the finish line. Key elements such as the full repaving of Hwy. 174 and final land-scaping remain on the schedule. Of course, the most anticipated milestone is the testing and official launch of the train service. Although exact dates are not yet confirmed, we are significantly closer to seeing trains running through our communities.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended the meeting and contributed to the discussion. Your engagement ensures that your concerns are heard and helps inform the ongoing dialogue between the City and the construction teams.

If you were unable to attend, the full pre-sentation will be posted to my website in the coming days. In the meantime, for up-to-date information on the east extension of the LRT, I highly encourage residents to sign up for regular alerts through OC Transpo’s website: octranspo.com/en/news/category/o-train-east.

We are almost there. Thank you for your continued patience and commitment to building a better-connected community.

 

Summer is coming soon – here’s what to keep in mind

May is here, and with it comes warmer weather and longer days. Summer is just around the corner, and many of us are starting to spend more time outdoors – whether it’s biking along Ottawa’s scenic paths, working in the garden, or getting ready for those weekend hikes and picnics. Before we fully dive into the sunny season, it’s a great time to get familiar with some things to watch out for to keep your outdoor adventures safe and enjoyable.

One plant to be especially aware of is wild parsnip. This invasive plant has tall stems and bright yellow flowers that might look harmless, but its sap can cause painful skin burns when it reacts with sunlight. Starting the week of May 26 (weather permitting), the City of Ottawa will begin its annual Wild Parsnip Strategy. Crews will treat more than 1,200 kilometres of roadsides and parks with targeted mowing and herbicide applications to reduce its spread. If you see signs posted, that’s where treatment is happening.

May also marks the start of tick season. These tiny critters thrive in grassy and wooded areas, so when you’re out walking or biking, wear light-coloured clothes, tuck pants into socks, and use insect repellent. Always check yourself and your pets for ticks afterward. Don’t forget about poison ivy either – the old saying “leaves of three, let it be” is a handy reminder.

As temperatures climb, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect your head with a hat. If you’re cycling, always wear a helmet. Never leave children or pets alone in parked vehicles, even for a short time.

With a little preparation and awareness, you can safely enjoy all the great outdoor activities Ottawa has to offer this spring and summer.

 

Delivering on priorities, not political games = real change

As we approach the mid-year mark, I wanted to share some progress updates. As a full participant at eight Committees and Council, I continue to be an active and engaged voice, while staying grounded in my core values of being accessible, available and transparent to residents.

Continuing to push access-ibility forward in our parks, my motion to embed the creation of a public-facing tool for park accessibility into the City’s four-year accessibility plan was recently approved. This long-term commitment will help families and caregivers find inclusive amenities across Ottawa – and ensure that accessibility in our outdoor spaces becomes a City-wide priority.

Speaking of outdoor spaces, the Navan Pavilion has officially hit 100% of its fundraising goal, thanks to the extraordinary work of the Navan Community Association, the Pavilion Project Team, and the Bradley Cup. What started as an idea a year ago is now a fully funded community hub – built through multiple city grants, fundraisers, and local pride.

Also in Navan, the Cumberland Township Agricultural Society just received over $19,000 through the Rural Community Building Grant Program to modernize operations at the Navan Fair.

On the transportation front, you know I’ve continued pushing for east-end priorities through my extensive work on the Transportation Master Plan. I advocate daily for our fair share of infrastructure dollars, the Cumberland BRT, and long-overdue capacity-building on Brian Coburn Blvd.

I’ve been reviewing, questioning, commenting on, and improving development proposals to ensure we protect quality of life. Recently, I negotiated changes to underground infrastructure for a major development at Brian Coburn and Navan, avoiding weeks of full closures on both roads.

From hundreds of temporary traffic calming community requests and installments, to unlocking historic road resurfacing funds annually, advancing multiple intersection upgrades, to pushing forward long-stalled projects like the François Dupuis District Park expansion and finding a permanent home for the Cumberland Cricket Club – I remain focused on delivering daily for Orléans South-Navan.

This work isn’t always flashy – but it’s focused and it’s steady. It’s how you make real change.

 

Setting the record straight on what’s happening with Hwy. 174

As your city councillor, I believe in transparency and ensuring our community is well-informed. Recent discussions around the province’s decision to upload Hwy. 174 have sparked confusion. Let’s be clear about what’s happening – and what’s not.

Hwy. 174 was once a provincial responsibility. In the late 1990s, it was downloaded to the municipality, shifting the cost of maintenance and upgrades to Ottawa taxpayers. For decades, this has placed an unfair burden on our city – especially for residents of Orléans who rely on this critical route every day.

On March 28, 2024, the Ontario govern-ment announced a $543 million deal with the City of Ottawa that includes taking back responsibility for Hwy 174. This is a major win for our community.

Some critics claim the upload isn’t hap-pening, or isn’t happening fast enough. That’s disingenuous. Previous municipal leaders had plenty of time to advance this work—but it was all talk. Transportation Chair Tim Tierney, Catherine Kitts, Laura Dudas, Mayor Sutcliffe and I rolled up our sleeves, did the work, and brought the province to the table. This Council is getting it done.

There’s a difference between quiet leadership and political bluster. Real leadership isn’t about making the most noise – it’s about doing the hard, often unseen work of building relationships and moving projects forward. That’s what we’ve done here. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar and you can’t make a partner out of someone you constantly undermine and beat upon.

With the province assuming control of the highway, Ottawa can redirect resources to local roads, transit, and community services. For Orléans, this means real improvements in road quality, safety, and reliability.

This isn’t just a promise – it’s a signed agreement. It’s real progress for the east end.

And while others may shout from the sidelines, I’ll keep doing what I was elected to do: deliver results for our community.