Newsletter - 7 August 2025

Written By David Brown

From the desk of Councillor David Brown

Shaping the Budget with your Feedback
Over the past several weeks, my team and I have been out in full force, visiting neighbourhoods and villages throughout Ward 21 as part of our ongoing community engagement efforts. Whether we are walking through subdivisions or knocking on doors in rural hamlets, these face-to-face conversations have been incredibly valuable.

The feedback we receive directly from residents plays a critical role in shaping the work we do at City Hall. Whether it is identifying infrastructure concerns, addressing safety on busy roads, discussing traffic issues, or planning for rural growth and development, the insights you share help ensure our office and City of Ottawa staff remain focused on what matters most to you.

We have already had great conversations with residents about everything from road maintenance and snow clearing to speeding concerns and development pressures. Every voice adds to the bigger picture of how we can improve services and plan smarter for the future.

If we have not reached your area yet do not worry, we are continuing to work our way across the ward one community at a time. With Ward 21 being the second largest ward in the city by geographic size and larger than all of urban Ottawa, it takes time, but we are committed to connecting with as many residents as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to speak with us on your doorstep, driveway, or front porch. Your input is appreciated and continues to guide the work we do. We look forward to many more conversations in the weeks ahead.

Ward Updates

Fall Recreation & Culture Programming

The City of Ottawa offers a wide range of recreation and culture programs for residents of all ages and abilities. These activities support physical health, skill development, and social connection through structured classes led by trained instructors.

Program offerings include:

  • A variety of yoga classes (in-person and virtual)

  • Visual arts and music lessons

  • Language and cooking classes

  • Dance programs

  • Sports and swimming lessons for all age groups

  • New this season: French improv classes for youth

Fall 2025 Registration Dates:

  • Swimming lessons: Online registration opens Tuesday, August 12

  • All other programs (recreation, culture, and virtual): Online registration opens Thursday, August 14

  • In-person registration: Begins Wednesday, August 13 for swimming and Friday, August 15 for all other programs

Residents are encouraged to check the business hours of their preferred facility before visiting for in-person registration.

For full program details and to register, visit: ottawa.ca/recreation.

Waste & Recycling Updates to Council

As we move into the second half of 2025, several important updates and reports are scheduled to come before City Council. These updates support the City’s ongoing work to improve waste diversion, strengthen recycling systems, and plan for future service delivery.

Upcoming Reports to Council:

  • Parks Waste Collection and Diversion Strategy
    Coming September 2025
    This report will outline a plan to standardize waste collection and diversion in parks across the city to improve consistency and environmental outcomes.

  • Plans for Post-2026 Provincial Blue Box Program
    Coming September 2025
    With the full transition of recycling responsibilities to the Province in 2026, this update will explain the City's role going forward. It will include collection plans for non-eligible sources, an update to the Yellow Bag Program for small businesses, and communications plans to inform residents of any changes.

  • Annual Solid Waste Master Plan Update
    Coming October 2025
    This first annual update will report on progress made in 2025 toward the City’s waste reduction goals. It will include the results of the 2024 Four-Season Waste Audit and outline the next steps and ongoing engagement plans through 2026.

  • Financial Statements for In-House Solid Waste Services
    Coming November 2025
    The audit and performance report for the City’s in-house waste collection services will be presented, covering operations from June 2024 to May 2025.

 
How Residents Can Help
Residents play an important role in helping Ottawa reach its waste diversion goals. Here are a few ways to make a difference:

  1. Use Available Tools and Resources

  2. Keep Materials Out of the Landfill

    • Many items do not belong in the garbage. Use the Waste Explorer to find proper disposal or reuse options for common household items.

  3. Dispose of Waste Safely

    • In 2025, there has been an increase in fires at the landfill caused by improperly disposed batteries. Always remove batteries before throwing items in the garbage.

    • Use the Waste Explorer to find drop-off locations for safe battery disposal.

Paid On-Street Parking Changes Coming to High-Demand Areas

The City of Ottawa is updating paid on-street parking in several neighbourhoods to support local businesses and improve access in high-demand areas. These data-driven changes aim to increase parking turnover, reduce congestion, and create a more consistent experience for drivers.

Kitchissippi Ward: Westboro and Wellington West
Following the Kitchissippi Parking Study Update (approved July 2024), paid on-street parking is being introduced in Westboro and Wellington West.

  • Pay & Display machine installation: August 2025

  • Activation date: Early September 2025

  • New signage will clarify time limits and paid parking hours

These changes reflect parking demand data collected in 2023. Hours and time limits are tailored to local business activity and accessibility needs. Rates will follow the City's demand-based pricing model under the Municipal Parking Management Strategy.

Other Neighbourhoods
To ensure consistency citywide, the City is also adjusting evening and weekend paid parking in other high-demand commercial areas:

  • Standard start times: 8:30 am weekdays, 10:00 am Saturdays

  • Extended evening hours: Up to 7:30 pm where demand is high

  • Saturday paid parking: Added in areas with high occupancy

  • Paid parking may be removed where occupancy drops below 50%

Area-specific changes include:

  • Little Italy South: Weekday evenings to 7:30 pm, Saturdays 10 am–7:30 pm

  • ByWard Market & area: Evening and Saturday hours added

  • Glebe South: Evening extensions where demand is high

  • Downtown (north of Nepean): Saturday parking added

  • Vanier/Rideau: Saturday paid parking removed

What’s Next
Parking revenues will be reinvested into the Municipal Parking Management Program, supporting operations, sustainable transportation initiatives, and infrastructure maintenance. The City will continue to monitor parking needs and adjust as required.

A progress report will be presented to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in Q2 2027.

For more information, visit: ottawa.ca/parking.

Fall 2025 Cleaning the Capital

Get ready to roll up your sleeves! The City of Ottawa’s Cleaning the Capital program returns this fall, running from September 15 to October 15. This city-wide cleanup campaign is a great opportunity for residents, schools, community groups, and businesses to work together to keep our public spaces clean and welcoming.

Thanks to your support, the Spring 2025 campaign was a great success with over 1,025 registered cleanup projects, more than 47,000 participants, and over 590 student community service hours logged by high school volunteers.

How to Get Involved:

  • Registration opens August 15 at ottawa.ca/clean.

  • Use the interactive map to see and select cleanup locations in your neighbourhood.

  • Clean parks, roadsides, greenspaces, shorelines, bus stops, or any public space that needs a refresh.

  • Registration closes September 30.

Cleanup Kits:

  • Available for pickup between September 2 and October 12 at 14 City facilities

  • Kits include nitrile gloves, garbage bags, and yellow bags for curbside disposal

  • City-branded yellow bags can be placed with residential waste on regular collection days (no special pickups provided)

Key Dates:

  • August 15 – Registration opens

  • September 2 – October 12 – Cleanup kits available for pickup

  • September 15 – October 15 – Fall campaign period

  • September 30 – Registration closes

  • October 31 – Deadline to submit cleanup reports online

Construction Updates

Road Resurfacing & Construction Impacts
The following roads in Ward 21 are scheduled for resurfacing or maintenance, with some work involving nighttime construction between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Residents may experience construction noise during this period.

We will continue to share updates as these projects progress.

🛣 Resurfacing Projects

  • Bankfield Road
    From 320m east of Hwy 416 overpass to Kilreen Lane
    Status: Work ongoing until late September

  • Moodie Drive
    From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north
    Start: Work ongoing - shouldering and driveway tie-ins

  • Twin Elm Road
    From Brophy Road to 3890m north
    Status: Work ongoing until late September

  • Brophy Road
    From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass
    Status: Work ongoing until late September

  • Third Line Road
    From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive 
    Start: Late August (work to tentatively start week of August 18)

  • Third Line Road
    From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive
    Start: Late August (work to tentatively start week of August 18)

🔧 Crack Sealing

  • Flewellyn Road
    From Ashton Station Road to Munster Road 
    Status: Work ongoing until mid-August

  • Ashton Station Road
    From Ormrod Road to Flewellyn Road 
    Status: Work ongoing until mid-August

🌉 Culvert Renewals

As part of a major infrastructure renewal project, the City of Ottawa will be replacing seven culverts across Ward 21 over the coming months. These upgrades are critical for maintaining safe and reliable roadways, particularly in areas prone to flooding or seasonal runoff.

Construction will take place at the following locations:

🛠 Scheduled Culvert Replacements

  • Harnett Road
    Between Mulholland Road and Paden Road
    📅 August 11–15
    ➔ Harnett Road will be closed from Monday, August 11 at 6:00 am until Friday, August 15 at 7:00 pm for a full culvert replacement.
    Detour: via Paden Road, Malakoff Road, and Gallagher Road.

  • Second Line Road
    0.10 km north of Roger Stevens Drive
    📅 Planned for Fall 2025
    ➔ Details to follow closer to construction date.

Traffic impacts and detours may be in place during these dates. Please follow posted signage and allow extra travel time when passing through these areas.

🚧 Other Construction Projects

➔ Bridge Renewal Projects – Copeland and Garvin Roads
Two important bridge renewal projects are underway this summer in Ward 21 as part of the City’s Bundled Bridges Program. These upgrades will enhance the long-term safety and reliability of local road infrastructure and are scheduled to continue through to October 31, 2025, including final site restoration.

Project Details:

  • Copeland Road Bridge over the Jock River
    🚧 Full road closure in effect now until September 10, 2025 (approximately 10 weeks)

  • Garvin Road Bridge culvert over the Van Gaal West Main Municipal Drain
    🚧 Full road closure from August 5 to September 10, 2025 (approximately 6 weeks)

What to Expect:
Detour plans have been developed to ensure safety and minimize disruption. Public notices are being delivered to residents and stakeholders in advance to support travel planning during the closures.

➔ Hydro Work Supporting Dwyer Hill Training Facility Expansion
Starting this summer, Hydro Ottawa will begin major electrical upgrades in Ward 21 to support the long-term expansion of the Department of National Defence’s Dwyer Hill Training Centre, a project scheduled to continue through 2034.

Phase 1: Hydro Pole and Equipment Installation on Dwyer Hill Road
--
Hydro Ottawa are installing new hydro poles and equipment along Dwyer Hill Road between Franktown Road and Jock Trail Road. This work will be carried out by Bradley Kelly Construction Ltd. and is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025.

Affected roads include Ashton Station Road, Dwyer Hill Road, and Purdy Road, with service impacts to approximately 49 customers. Written notices will be delivered to affected households. If planned power outages are required for safety, additional notices will be issued in advance.

Phase 2: Transformer Installation and Infrastructure Upgrade on Garvin Road
--
The next phase began on July 14, 2025, with the installation of a new 30 MVA transformer and the construction of a new building to house supporting electrical infrastructure at the Richmond South municipal transformer station on Garvin Road, just west of Huntley Road. This phase is expected to be completed by December 19, 2025.

Pile driving will occur for approximately three weeks during this period to install concrete foundations. Residents nearby may experience temporary noise and vibration disruptions, and Hydro Ottawa appreciates your patience and understanding as crews work to complete this work safely and efficiently.

Both projects will take place within Hydro Ottawa property and the City’s Road Right-of-Way, and all scheduling has been planned with customer convenience and safety in mind. Affected customers will receive door-to-door notices, including advance warnings for any planned outages.

You may notice increased construction activity in the area during the day. These infrastructure upgrades are essential to supporting the growing energy demands tied to national defence operations and the surrounding community.

➔ Road Closure: Franktown Road
Location: Franktown Road from Matilda Gate to Dwyer Hill Road
Dates: Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15, 2025
Contractor: R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.
Road Closure Impact: Medium
Detour: No signed detour route (local traffic to follow posted signage)
Pre-Notification: Notice letters and portable variable message signs (PVMS) in place

As part of infrastructure work for the Eastern Ontario Campus project, R.W. Tomlinson Ltd. will be installing:

  • A new 300mm PVC watermain

  • A 250mm PVC sanitary sewer

  • A second 250mm PVC watermain

  • A communications ductbank crossing

Please plan alternate routes during the closure period and allow extra time for travel in the area.

🗺 To explore citywide construction projects, use the City of Ottawa Interactive Construction Map.

Community Events

You can check out the Ward 21 website at any time to see an up-to-date list of upcoming events.

In case you missed this week’s event newsletter, click here: Upcoming Community Events in Ward 21!

Stay in touch!

I want to hear from you! Stay connected and keep informed by:
📱 Following us on social media – Click the icons below to stay updated.
🌐 Visiting our website: www.ward21.ca
📧 Emailing your concerns: ward21@ottawa.ca
📞 Calling our office: 613-580-2491
📅 Want to meet with Councillor Brown at his North Gower office? Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.

Looking forward to connecting with you!

David Brown
Next

🚧Construction Updates🚧