Pop-up meet and greets will be held throughout the summer

When I was first elected as a City Councillor, I promised myself that I would regularly and proactively door knock in the community, as a way of staying in touch with the people I serve and to offer them any help I can provide.

Too many politicians only go to doors during elections, and I wanted to make sure that I was available in person to help answer questions, assist with city issues, or just to let you know I am here should you need me.

These conversations at the door quickly became one of my favourite parts of the job.

Nearly eight years and multiple pairs of worn out shoes later, I continue to visit doors around the ward. These conversations allow me to hear directly what matters most to you and your family. These conversations shape how I advocate for you at City Hall, and remind me that the best ideas raised at Council often come from right here in our neighbourhoods.

Of course, I know that not everyone is home when I drop by, and sometimes a doorstep is not the easiest place to have a conversation. That is why I will also be taking advantage of the summer weather and hosting more of my Pop-up in the Parks over the coming months.

Throughout the sea-son, I will be visiting as many parks and public spaces around the community as I can and inviting residents to stop by for a chat.

If you are out walking your dog, playing with your kids, or simply enjoying the sunshine, these pop-ups are a fun and casual way to stay connected.

Keep an eye on my social media and newsletter for dates and locations.

Local government works best when it reflects the voices of the people it serves. These conversations help ensure that your voice is part of the decisions being made.

 

A reminder for motorcycle and rural road safety this summer

Summer in Ottawa brings sunshine, open roads, and the return of motorcyclists enjoying the freedom of two wheels. Whether it’s a ride through the city or a cruise along rural roads, motorcycling is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. But it’s also a time to slow down, pay attention, and look out for one another.

AMotorcycles are smaller and harder to see, espe-cially in a driver’s blind spot or at intersections. Unlike cars, riders aren’t surrounded by metal and airbags. Even a minor collision can have serious consequences.

For drivers, the most important thing you can do is look twice. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Give motorcycles plenty of space, and don’t tailgate. Following too closely puts everyone at risk.

Motorcyclists also play a key role in stay-ing safe. Ride like you’re invisible, because sometimes, you are. Stay out of blind spots, make yourself as visible as possible, and be predictable. Avoid weaving through traffic, and assume that other drivers don’t see you until you’re sure they do.

Use your horn when needed, and wear full protective gear, even for short rides. Jeans and a T-shirt won’t protect your skin if you hit the pavement.

Rural roads might seem quieter, but they carry their own risks. Higher speeds, sharp curves, limited lighting, and unexpected wildlife crossings can turn dangerous quickly. Slow down, scan the roadside, and be especially careful when visibility is low. If you come across farm equipment, be patient. Only pass when it’s completely safe to do so.

This summer, whether you’re on two wheels or four, take a moment to look out for others. A little patience, attention, and respect can help everyone enjoy the road and get home safely.

The east end deserves the infrastructure it’s paid for

At last, the east end is being heard — and more importantly, prioritized. At the Transportation Master Plan committee meeting last week, major milestones were achieved for Orléans South-Navan.

Several motions I brought forward to address long-standing infrastruc-ture gaps passed their first hurdle. These included directing staff to review the feasibility of how and when key road and transit infrastructure could be delivered before new homes are approved and a separate motion on developing new funding strategies to speed up new road construction in fast-growing areas.

For years, growth in our community outpaced the delivery of transportation infrastructure. While families moved in and schools opened, roads remained two-lane bottlenecks and transit options were limited, with one way in and one way out.

The revised TMP includes long-overdue commitments: the realignment of Renaud Road, the widening of Brian Coburn, the Cumberland Bus Rapid Transitway (BRT), and crucial arterial upgrades — all built around “complete streets” principles that support not just cars, but cyclists, pedestrians and transit users.

At last week’s meeting, I secured priority status for the Cumberland BRT – ensuring both segments are positioned at the top of the City’s list for federal funding through the 2026 Canada Public Transit Fund. I also pushed for key critical east-end corridors to be incorporated in the next Transportation Master Plan update due in the next 2-5 years, including a review of how the urbanization of both Tenth Line and Navan Road could be phased in more quickly.

This was just the first step – the full plan still needs Council approval in late July – but it represents real momentum for our community. This progress didn’t happen by accident. It took relentless advocacy, hard data and a community that refused to accept being left behind. Finally, we are poised to get what we deserve.

 

Literacy is a right, not a privilege

As Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board, I’ve seen firsthand how access to knowledge can transform lives. That’s why I’m so proud of the steps we’ve taken to remove barriers – like eliminating late fees, which disproportionately affected families and low-income residents.

No one should be pen-alized for wanting to learn or for returning a book a few days late.

We’ve also adopted a strong and prin-cipled intellectual freedom policy. In a world full of disinformation, censorship, and division, libraries remain one of the last truly democratic spaces – open to all, free to enter, and rich with ideas. No one should get to decide what you can read or learn. Libraries defend your right to explore, question, and grow.

But that journey begins in childhood. Early literacy lays the foundation for everything that follows. When we invest in storytimes, reading readiness, and access to books at a young age, we’re not just raising readers, we’re raising thinkers, doers, and leaders for tomorrow.

As a dad, I’ve watched my daughters fall in love with reading. That moment when a book captures their imagin-ation is nothing short of magic. Every child deserves that spark, and every parent deserves the chance to share it.

With the new central library, Ādisōke, we are re-imagining what a library can be. It will be a vibrant, inspiring space for learning, creativity, and connection – with recording studios, musical instruments, a community kitchen, Indigenous knowledge, multilingual collections, and, of course, thousands of books.

Libraries aren’t just about books. They’re about belonging. They are for everyone. And in Orléans and across Ottawa, they’re helping people of all ages connect with knowledge, with each other, and with the kind of future we all deserve.