Newsletter - 21 August 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Reflections from the 2025 AMO Conference
I recently attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, where discussions ranged from cutting unnecessary red tape, like the costly Excess Soil Regulations, to embracing new technologies such as AI to improve local services.
Conversations with municipal leaders and provincial representatives highlighted shared challenges, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions for housing, infrastructure, and affordability.
Ward Updates
Level-3 Low Water Advisory for the Rideau Watershed
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has declared Level-3 low water conditions for the Rideau watershed. This follows weeks of limited rainfall, ongoing heat, and declining streamflows across the region.
It’s important to note that this is an RVCA-led response. The advisory is intended to encourage conservation and monitoring, not to declare an emergency.
What residents should know:
Households on private wells are strongly encouraged to reduce water use and to monitor their wells carefully.
If you notice unusual changes in your well (such as reduced flow, air in the water line, or water quality issues), please contact a licensed well contractor for a professional evaluation.
RVCA welcomes residents’ observations, as local reports are helpful for tracking conditions.
Residents on City drinking water are not at risk of shortages but are encouraged to conserve to help reduce overall demand on the watershed.
For guidance and resources:
We will continue to share RVCA updates as conditions evolve, but for now the most important steps are: conserve water, monitor your well, and seek professional advice if concerned.
Silverlake Development Update in Richmond
This update concerns three parcels in Richmond: the 35-unit apartment building at 55 Talos Circle, the partially built 105-unit retirement residence at 30/33/35 Talos Circle, and about 2.11 acres of development land (approved for ~104 units) on lots 38–40 Talos Circle. Since 2024, the court-appointed receiver for Silver Maple Developments has pursued sales either parcel-by-parcel or as a block, structuring the site so it could be marketed and sold in different configurations.
A court-approved sales process began in December 2024. Despite extensive marketing and deadline extensions, only one Phase-2 offer advanced. That bid was accepted conditionally, but collapsed on July 11, 2025, when the buyer could not proceed. The formal sales process has now concluded.
Two new prospective purchasers (neither part of the original process) have since signed confidentiality agreements, accessed project data, and were invited to submit offers by August 1, 2025. If no acceptable proposals materialize, the Receiver plans to launch a fresh marketing and sales process under its existing court authority.
In the meantime, the Receiver continues daily oversight of the apartment building, condo common elements, and related operations. Importantly, it is also responding to the City of Ottawa’s by-law compliance orders at the site, which require a structural engineer’s report, site clean-up of debris and overgrowth, and fencing repairs to restrict access. While the City is not directly involved in the process, its compliance requests are being addressed by the Receiver.
Unfortunately, the first sale effort failed at the closing stage, but two new bidders are now in the mix. The Receiver is maintaining oversight of the occupied building, responding to compliance issues, and preparing for a renewed marketing effort if necessary.
My office will continue to monitor developments related to these properties, particularly the future of the unfinished structure, and will share updates with the community as new information becomes available.
Rural Clean Water Grants - Up to $15,000 Available
If you’re a farmer or rural property owner in the Rideau or Mississippi watersheds, you may be eligible for generous grants to help protect local water quality. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and its partners are offering up to $15,000 per project for initiatives that reduce runoff, erosion, and pollution entering our rivers and streams.
Examples of eligible projects:
For farmers: livestock fencing, manure storage, nutrient management, fuel and chemical storage, controlled tile drainage, cover crops, wetland construction, wastewater treatment, windbreaks, and more.
For rural residents: erosion control, well and septic upgrades or decommissioning, buffer plantings, and forest or wetland management.
In 2024, RVCA supported 247 projects with more than $780,000 in funding. Technical advice is also available to help plan and carry out your project.
Important: You must apply before starting your project. Applications are open now for 2025 until funds are allocated.
Learn more and apply at www.rvca.ca/clean-water or email rcwp@rvca.ca.
West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has confirmed the first mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this season. Monitoring began in June, and while no human cases have been reported locally, one has been confirmed elsewhere in Ontario. The risk of WNV will remain until the first hard frost this fall.
What is West Nile virus?
Spread primarily by the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens).
Most people show no symptoms.
About 20% may develop flu-like illness (fever, headache, muscle aches, rash) within 2–14 days after being bitten.
Less than 1% develop severe illness affecting the brain or nervous system, with higher risk in older adults and those with weaker immune systems.
How you can protect yourself and your family:
Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin (follow label instructions).
Wear long sleeves, pants, and light-coloured clothing outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Ensure doors and windows have screens in good condition.
Remove or refresh standing water regularly in places like bird baths, toys, pool covers, buckets, tires, or wheelbarrows.
Keep rain barrels tightly screened.
OPH also continues larvicide treatment in storm sewers and City-owned properties to reduce mosquito populations.
For more information, visit Ottawa Public Health’s West Nile virus page.
Out & About
Thank you to the Richmond Lions for hosting a wonderful Community BBQ on August 9 at the Legacy Pavilion. Great food, fun, and community spirit!
On August 14, my team and I had a great day in North Gower connecting with residents. Thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with us!
Watson’s Mill hosted a recognition event on August 15 to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their $76,500 grant supporting the restoration of its 1860s milling equipment.
On August 16, I enjoyed a great afternoon at Mayor Sutcliffe’s Community BBQ in Barrhaven, hosted at the Minto Recreation Complex.
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 SeptemberMoodie Drive
From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north
Start: Work ongoing until late SeptemberTwin Elm Road
From Brophy Road to 3890m north
Status: Work ongoing until late SeptemberBrophy Road
From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass
Status: Work ongoing until late SeptemberThird Line Road
From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive
Status: Work ongoing until mid-SeptemberThird Line Road
From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive
Status: Work ongoing until mid-September
🔧 Crack Sealing
Flewellyn Road
From Ashton Station Road to Munster Road
Status: Work ongoing until late 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
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
➔ Malakoff Bridge Rehabilitation
The City of Ottawa will soon begin rehabilitation work on the Malakoff Road bridge over Stevens Creek, located about 0.9 km south of Roger Stevens Drive. This project will address existing deficiencies and extend the service life of the bridge until a full replacement is completed in the future.
What to Expect:
The bridge will be fully closed during construction.
A traffic detour will be in place via McCordick Road, using Roger Stevens Drive and Pierce Road.
Local access for residents will be maintained.
Timeline:
Work is scheduled to begin the week of September 1st and is expected to be completed by early October 2025.
➔ 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
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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
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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.
For a full list of current and upcoming road work in Ward 21, visit the Ward 21 website. Major construction notices will be shared in future newsletters and community updates.
🗺 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!