When development damages roads, taxpayers shouldn’t pay the price

This term, I have been working on practical ways to better protect our roads from the impact of heavy construction traffic. Earlier this year, I submitted an inquiry to City staff asking what tools exist to manage and recover the costs of road damage caused by heavy vehicles hauling fill and materials to and from construction sites.

My concern goes beyond this single policy. If the federal government and other major employers follow suit with full-time in-office standards, I believe our already strained transportation system, especially in Orléans South, will be pushed beyond its limits. For years, I’ve been sounding the alarm that the pace of suburban development is far outstripping investment in transportation infrastructure. Without a stronger plan, we risk walking straight into a commuting disaster we should have seen coming.

The findings of the inquiry have con-firmed what many of us already know: while Ottawa has several by-laws regulating truck routes, load restrictions and oversized loads, there are major gaps when it comes to enforcement and cost recovery.

In many cases, road damage occurs before a development is formally approved, mean-ing there are no securities in place to hold anyone accountable. That leaves residents paying for premature road repairs through the already limited annual rehabilitation budget.

With about one-fifth of the city’s new homes being built in Orléans-South, these issues are becoming increasingly visible. Roads like Renaud, Navan, Frank Kenny and Milton see years of hauling traffic tied to multiple developments, well before homes go up.
At the November public works and infrastructure committee meeting, I’ll be bringing forward a motion to build on this work by asking staff to explore a proactive approach in the next term of council by-law review work plan, such as a permitting or cost-recovery system that ensures those responsible for the wear and tear of our roads contribute fairly to their upkeep.

My goal is simple: fairness. Developers and operators hauling fill constantly should contribute to maintaining the roads they use within reason. I will continue pushing for practical, enforceable solutions that safeguard our transportation infrastructure and ensure our investments in road renewal go further.

 

Budget decision-making process requires stakeholder input

Earlier this week, City Council tabled the 2026 Draft Budget. As always, it is a detailed document outlining how our city plans to invest in the year ahead. My team and I are reviewing it closely to understand what the proposals mean for our community. While some elements are encouraging, I still have questions and will keep working through the details.

In the coming weeks, council committees and boards will review their sections of the budget. I will be fully engaged in these meetings and I will continue advocating for the residents here in Orléans East - Cumberland.

I also want to be clear that I have concerns about the transit portion. As the LRT extension launches, residents living beyond the highway corridor must have convenient and reliable access to the train through timely bus connections.

Growth may be concentrated along the Orléans Economic Corridor and LRT line, but people living outside these areas also rely on dependable service. I am not calling for a transit levy increase. I am calling for meaningful improvements to service. Reliable OC Transpo routes expand transportation options and help reduce congestion on Highway 174. Orléans has the highest modal shift of any suburb in Ottawa, and we need to maximize the LRT extension by ensuring strong connecting service.

The draft budget proposes investments in priority areas while remaining mindful of affordability. My focus is on ensuring these investments improve daily life for residents whether that means safer streets, faster emergency response, or more reliable services.

I am encouraged by the proposed infrastructure investments. For Ward 1, the current proposal includes more than $10 million in projects such as pathway renewals, recreation facility repairs, culvert replacements, and major road resurfacing in Cumberland Village. I will continue working with staff to push for additional projects as funding becomes available.

Affordability remains top of mind. As I continue reviewing the budget, I want to hear from you. Your feedback guides my work and helps shape the decisions I make at City Hall.

 

Opening of east end LRT extension is just around the proverbial bend

It’s been thrilling to watch the progress of Ottawa’s east extension of the LRT system, especially now that testing has trains running at full speeds along the entire track, from Tunney’s Pasture all the way to Trim Road.

As a regular rider, I’ve found it exciting to see trains gliding through new stations, testing systems, and building momentum toward launch. And I wasn’t alone. Just a few weeks ago, dozens of residents joined me to witness the first major full-line testing, lining overpasses and pathways to catch a glimpse of what’s coming. After so long, it was amazing to see it firsthand.

Of course, this excitement follows years of construction impacts that have been incredibly disruptive. Road closures, detours, noise, and delays have affected many of us in our daily routines. Businesses have felt it, neighbourhoods have endured it, and commuters have had to adapt. It’s been brutal at times, and part of me still can’t believe we’re actually this close. We are finally just weeks away from seeing the payoff.

Naturally, the most common question I hear, and ask myself, is: “When will the line open?” While I wish I could offer a definitive answer, OC Transpo has wisely made it clear that the timeline is being driven entirely by testing, not political deadlines or public pressure. Each phase must be fully completed and passed before moving on to the next.

This careful, methodical approach ensures that safety, reliability, and performance standards are met across the board.

So far, the results have been incredibly encouraging. While OC Transpo continues to analyze the data from recent tests, early signs suggest the system is performing well and as expected. We are almost there, and as someone whose family relies on transit daily, I could not be more ready.

 

Wishing all the trick-or-treaters a safe and fun Hallowe’en this year

The season has shifted. October has arrived, bringing with it crisp evenings, colourful leaves, and that unmistakable feeling of fall in Ottawa. It’s the time of year when families pull out warmer coats, neighbours decorate with pumpkins and the rhythm of autumn takes hold. Along with these traditions comes the excitement of Halloween.

For kids, Halloween is pure magic. Costumes stitched together with imagination, bags ready to be filled, and the thrill of venturing door to door after dark – it’s a night that never loses its charm. For parents and neighbours, though, it’s also a reminder that safety helps keep the magic intact.

We’ve all watched little ghosts and superheroes get carried away with the excitement, running ahead to the next house, tripping over long capes or tugging at masks that slip down over their eyes. That’s part of the joy of Halloween, but it’s also a reminder to take precautions. A flashlight, a glow stick, or even a strip of reflective tape can go a long way in helping kids stay visible on dark streets. Sticking to sidewalks, crossing only at intersections, and walking in groups keeps the adventure not only fun, but safe.

Drivers have their role, too. On Halloween night, the roads are busier with excited trick-or-treaters who may not be paying attention. Slowing down, staying alert, and putting phones away can prevent close calls. And for those heading to a party, planning ahead with a designated driver, taxi, or public transit ensures the evening ends safely.

Halloween is one of those nights that brings neighbourhoods to life. By keeping an eye out for one another and taking a few simple steps, we can make sure the memories are filled with laughter, costumes, and community spirit. Here’s to a safe, fun, and spooky Halloween in our city.