Newsletter - 10 July 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Expanded Provincial Funding Brings Big Opportunities for Rural Ottawa
Rural Ottawa is now eligible for expanded provincial funding through the new Rural Ontario Development program, a change I proudly advocated for during my campaign. This is a big win for Ward 21 and will bring real benefits to our communities.
👉 Read more
Ward Updates
City Reviewing Driveway Rules - Have Your Say
The City of Ottawa is reviewing its Private Approach By-law, which governs how driveways and walkways connect to City streets and cross City-owned land. This is the first comprehensive update since 2003 and is part of a broader effort to align with updated zoning regulations and new provincial housing policies.
The review will explore design standards, permit requirements, and the impacts of private approaches on issues like stormwater management, street trees, parking availability, and pedestrian safety. It also aims to provide clearer, more consistent rules for residents and contractors while supporting long-term City goals such as tree planting, water conservation, and safe neighbourhood design.
Have thoughts to share? Visit ottawa.ca to learn more and provide your input.
Planning for the Future of Ottawa’s Waste
Ottawa City Council has approved the next steps in developing a long-term plan for managing the city’s waste once the Trail Waste Facility Landfill reaches capacity. This is an important move to ensure we have sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions in place for the future.
After studying five potential approaches, Council has directed staff to explore three proven options in more detail:
Continue using the Trail Waste Facility, then switch to private landfills
While this option is the least expensive in the short term, it leaves the City vulnerable to rising private-sector costs and limited landfill space in the future.Build a waste-to-energy facility
This option would incinerate waste to produce energy, potentially reducing landfill use by up to 77 per cent. Although it offers environmental benefits and energy revenue, it comes with high construction and operating costs.Construct a new landfill
A new landfill may produce fewer greenhouse gases than incineration and is cheaper to operate, but it would still be costly to build and could face public opposition and regulatory hurdles.
Final recommendations are expected in early 2027. In the meantime, the City is working to extend the life of the current landfill by up to 15 years through increased waste diversion and exploring expansion within existing boundaries.
Improved Access to Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Council also approved a plan to make it easier for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste like paint, batteries, and cleaning chemicals. In addition to continuing the popular one-day collection events (with at least nine events planned for both 2026 and 2027), the City will launch smaller micro-collection events in local neighbourhoods starting in 2026.
Planning is also underway for permanent drop-off depots that could offer expanded recycling and diversion services. Staff will bring forward long-term recommendations on this program in 2027.
City Reviewing Yellow Bag Program for Small Businesses
The City of Ottawa is reviewing its Yellow Bag Program for small businesses, a service that offers convenient and affordable waste collection for businesses generating lower volumes of garbage.
Note: This review does not affect the residential Yellow Bag Program for households exceeding the three-item garbage limit. It applies only to commercial waste and recycling services for small businesses.
The review comes in response to two major changes:
A new funding model for commercial waste, where small businesses will now pay directly for waste services instead of through property taxes.
Provincial changes to recycling rules starting January 1, 2026, which will end the City’s ability to collect recycling from small businesses along residential routes.
These changes may impact how the program operates and how services are funded going forward. The City wants to hear directly from businesses that use the Yellow Bag Program to better understand their needs.
If your business participates in the program, please complete the City’s survey by July 25, 2025.
Click here to take the survey
For questions or accessibility requests, contact:
📧 wasteplan@ottawa.ca
📞 613-580-2400 ext. 25550
Future Park and Ride Coming to South Ottawa
The City of Ottawa is moving forward with a new Park and Ride facility that will improve transit access in the growing south end.
Land Purchased for Future Park and Ride Near Barrhaven South
City Council has approved the $6.9 million purchase of land at 3882 Barnsdale Road, located at the future intersection of Kilbirnie Drive and the realigned Greenbank Road. This site will be home to a new Park and Ride facility that supports the planned extension of the Southwest Transitway along Chapman Mills Drive.
Although located just outside Ward 21, the future Park and Ride is expected to be a convenient and accessible transit hub for residents in our area. It’s a key investment in improving daily commutes and offering alternatives to driving downtown.
To learn more about the Greenbank Road realignment and Southwest Transitway extension, visit ottawa.ca.
Stay tuned for more updates as planning and design work continues.
Transportation Master Plan Approved
In late June, the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee approved Ottawa’s updated Transportation Master Plan (TMP), a roadmap for how we’ll move around the city over the next two decades.
With Ottawa expecting over 400,000 new residents by 2046, the TMP outlines key priorities for investing in transit, roads, and sidewalks to support that growth. The plan takes a “transit first” approach, with $3.9 billion in City-led infrastructure projects, including $2.3 billion for public transit and $1.6 billion for road infrastructure.
The TMP also highlights early improvements in sidewalk infrastructure, with an emphasis on equity, connectivity, and ease of delivery, ensuring that communities of all sizes benefit from better pedestrian access.
Learn more and read the full report here.
Out & About
I had a great afternoon at the Marlborough Community Recreation Association’s Spring Jam & BBQ at Pierce's Corners Hall in North Gower on Saturday, June 28.
I had a fantastic evening at the Richmond Village Association’s Canada Day Kickoff Fireworks at the Richmond Lions Community Park on June 30. I enjoyed handing out Canada Day flags and staying to take in the fireworks display. Thank you to the RVA for organizing such a wonderful community event!
MPP Darouze and I at the North Gower Recreation Association’s Canada Day celebration, where families enjoyed a festive bike parade, fun games, and plenty of community spirit. A big thank you to the NGRA volunteers for organizing such a fantastic day!
Happy Canada Day from Munster!
I had a great time joining the community for an afternoon of games, music, and celebrations at the Munster Community Centre. A big thank you to everyone who pitched in to make the event such a success. Special thanks to the volunteers who helped with setup and cleanup. It was a fantastic way to celebrate together!
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
Start: Late July (work to tentatively start week of July 21) – Early SeptemberMoodie Drive
From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north
Start: Work ongoingTwin Elm Road
From Brophy Road to 3890m north
Start: Late July (work to tentatively start week of July 28) - Late SeptemberBrophy Road
From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass
Start: Late July (work to tentatively start week of July 21) - Late SeptemberEagleson Road
From Old Richmond Road to Fallowfield Road
Status: Work ongoing until end of summerThird Line Road
From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive
Start: Early September (tentative start date of September 8)Third Line Road
From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive
Start: Late August (tentative start date of August 27)
🔧 Crack Sealing
Flewellyn Road
From Ashton Station Road to Munster Road
Start: Mid-July (tentative start date of July 22)Ashton Station Road
From Ormrod Road to Flewellyn Road
Start: Mid-July (tentative start date of July 22)Ormrod Road
From Ashton Station Road to Flewellyn Road
Start: Mid-July (tentative start date of July 22)
🛡 Pavement Preservation
Conley Road
From Franktown Road to Mansfield Road
Start: Mid-July (tentative start date of July 15)
🌉 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
William McEwen Drive
0.01 km north of Brophy Drive
📅 July 14–18
➔ William McEwen Dr (Brophy Dr to Barnsdale Rd) will be closed from Monday, July 14 at 6:00 am until Friday, July 18 at 7:00 pm. Please plan your route accordingly.Brophy Drive
0.43 km east of Eagleson Road
📅 July 21–25Brophy Drive
0.58 km west of Fourth Line Road
📅 July 21–25Third Line Road
0.01 km south of Brophy Drive
📅 July 28 – August 1
➔ Third Line Road (Brophy Dr to Century Rd) may be closed from Monday, July 28 at 6:00 am until Friday, August 1 at 7:00 pm.Second Line Road
0.10 km north of Roger Stevens Drive
📅 Planned for Fall 2025
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
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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 begins 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!