Newsletter Sept. 28
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Transit issues
With OC Transpo conducting a route review, City Council is debating public transit. Even setting aside the issues of our unreliable LRT, the situation over at OC Transpo looks quite bad. Some residents have reached out to express their frustration with the system, and I wanted to take a moment to share what the issues at hand are, and why I believe more substantive, structural changes are needed.
Read more
Update on School Buses
Many residents continue to reach out expressing their frustration with the lack of student transportation as a result of OSTA's failure to negotiate a new contract. Although student transportation is outside municipal jurisdiction, I continue to be engaged on this issue and am working to pressure those responsible for this shortfall to act.
Read more
If you or someone you know might be interested in driving a school bus, please click or tap on the image below for information on the opportunities available for drivers:
Ward Updates
Echo Park - New Tennis Court
Staff are looking for feedback on a proposal project to add a single tennis court to Echo Park in the Carleton Golf and Yacht Community. A Concept Plan has been drawn showing how it might be accommodated in the space. Details are available on the Engage Ottawa Website where you can submit your feedback on the project: Echo Park - New tennis court | Engage Ottawa
Have your say! Engage Ottawa projects
Speaking of Engage Ottawa, did you know that there are projects throughout the City that could benefit from your feedback? Check out the City's Engage Ottawa to weigh in on a wide range of projects that matter to our communities: Engage Ottawa
Changes to office schedule - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As a result, please note that there will be schedule changes and impacts to City services on October 2nd, including a closure of our office. You can learn more about these changes here; additional information about the City's activities honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are available here: Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | City of Ottawa
Volunteers Wanted
Do you believe in the power of community? The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is searching for you. Whether you have a few hours or a lifetime to give, your presence can bring support to those who need it most. Join the WOCRC volunteer team today and let your heart guide you towards a world where compassion knows no bounds. Visit wocrc.ca or contact Carol Diguer at 613-591-3686, ext 280.
Anxiety & Stress Program for Teens
The Y Mind program is a free 7-week program that offers support for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. More information can be found at: Mental Wellness Programs | YMCA of the National Capital Region
Construction Updates
Sidewalk Repairs
Construction is ongoing or will soon be starting on sidewalk repairs in multiple locations throughout the Ward. Residents should expect minor disruptions and noise near the following locations:
2311 - 2321 Roger Stevens Dr.
6576 - 6656 4th Line Rd.
4418 Burritts Ave., and 7761 Burritts Ave.
5551 Manotick Main St.
Meynell/Perth Roundabout
The City of Ottawa has issued the Commence Work Order for the roundabout at Perth Street & Meynell. Construction of the roundabout is slated to begin next week with work progressing into November..
Meadowbrook Park Construction
Construction is ongoing at Meadowbrook Park. This project will see the play structure and swings replaced, along with the addition of a new pathway to meet the City’s accessibility standards. Site works are anticipated to be completed this fall. Residents will continue to be able to access the surrounding areas of the park. Learn more
Road Closures
Fourth Line and McCordick Roads will have portions of the road closed south of Century Road due to excavation and culvert work. Fourth Line and McCordick Roads will be closed from Pollock and Harbison to Century Road West, respectively. Unfortunately, the closures were not well-considered, and the closure periods of both projects will overlap. Though my preference was to have the McCordick closure occur after the Fourth Line closure, staff were concerned that weather might push the McCordick project into 2024, which would impact other projects in the community.
My office engaged with City staff and Emergency Services to express concerns and ensure that the overlap of the concurrent closures were minimized. As a result, the timeline for the project on McCordick was reduced from October 2nd-23rd to October 2nd-6th. Emergency Services has indicated that this duration of concurrent closures is acceptable and crews will be made aware of the detours.
Fourth Line from Pollock to Century Road West will be closed until November 12th due to more complicated excavation and box culvert replacement activities.
McCordick from Harbison Road to Century Road will be closed between October 2nd and 6th.
During the closure of McCordick, the detour path is Century Road West, Malakoff Road, and Harbison Road. My office has also asked staff to ensure that, during the period of the overlap, the detour signs for Fourth Line do not incorrectly direct drivers to McCordick.
Eagleson Rd from Old Richmond Rd to Barnsdale Rd will be closed until October 6 to connect the newly installed force main up to the crossing.
Donnelly Drive from Gilroy Road and Dwyer Hill Road will be closed to facilitate a culvert replacement until October 6.
Rideau Valley Drive from Phelan Road to Roger Stevens Drive will be closed for culvert replacement between October 11th to October 25th.
Phelan Road West from Third Line Road South to Prince of Wales Drive will be closed for culvert replacement from October 23rd to October 30th.
Upcoming Events
Farmers' Markets:
North Gower: every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more
Manotick: every Saturday, from 9 am until 2 pm, until October 14, at the Carriage Shed. Learn more
Richmond: October 14 (indoor only) at St John the Baptist church. Learn more
Hazardous Waste Drop Off
The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Sunday, October 1 at Westbrook Snow Dump, 200 Westbrook Road. Residents are welcome to bring their hazardous materials to the event between 8 am and 4 pm. Learn more
ROSSS Drop-In
Rural Ottawa South Support Services' (ROSSS) is hosting a new Richmond Drop-In program on Wednesday afternoons, starting October 4th. Learn More
Book Launch
Shawna’s Outreach: When we all give a little, a lot gets done tells the story of a grassroots initiative to raise awareness of Ottawa's homeless crisis. Celebrate this launch at the Morning Owl (229 Armstrong St., Ottawa), on October 17, from 12:30 - 2 pm. Learn more
Kars 3rd Annual Christmas Markets
Looking for that perfect gift for someone special? Mark your calendar! The Kars Annual Christmas Markets are coming back at the Kars RA between 10am to 3pm on the following days:
November 26,
December 3
December 10
For more information, including to register as a vendor, please email karscra@gmail.com or call 613-489-2524 and leave a message.
Library Programs: Check out what programs are happening this month at your local Ottawa Public Library branch. Learn more
City Updates
Committee approves plan to invest $41.3 million in community housing repairs, retrofits
Council approves changes to its 2026 garbage collection contract
Stay in touch
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Following us on social media by clicking the icons below
Visiting our website at www.ward21.ca
Emailing your concerns to ward21@ottawa.ca
Calling the office at 613-580-2491
Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.