Newsletter - 24 July 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
From your Doorstep to City Hall
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
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off – July 26
The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Saturday, July 26 at the Canadian Tire Centre (200 Cyclone Taylor Blvd). Residents can bring hazardous materials to the event between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
To find nearby retailers that accept many hazardous items year-round, use the City’s Waste Explorer.
Please note: Electronic waste is not accepted at City hazardous waste events. Residents can:
Bring e-waste to participating retailers (check ottawa.ca/WasteExplorer)
Attend e-waste drop-off events hosted by Junk That Funk
Drop off e-waste at the Trail Road Landfill Facility at no cost
For full details on household hazardous waste, visit ottawa.ca/HHW.
Proposed Solar Projects in Richmond
Portage Power, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa, has submitted proposals for three new solar energy projects (Richmond Solar I, II, and III) in response to Ontario’s effort to expand renewable electricity generation. These proposed projects would contribute up to 80 megawatts of clean energy to the provincial grid while supporting environmental sustainability and long-term community benefits here in Ottawa.
The proposed solar installations would span four parcels of land in the Richmond area:
8500 Purdy Road (Richmond I)
8504 Purdy Road (Richmond I)
8290 Copeland Road (Richmond II)
7615 Franktown Road (Richmond III)
As Ontario prepares for major growth in electricity demand, these projects would help deliver clean, reliable power while generating local value. I encourage residents to learn more and take part in the public consultation process.
📅 Virtual Community Info Session
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m.
To register or ask questions: Email development@portagepower.com
🔗 Learn more: portagepower.com/projects/#Richmond
Have Your Say on the 2026 Ottawa Police Budget
The Ottawa Police Service Board and the Ottawa Police Service want to hear from residents about their priorities for the 2026 Police Budget. A short community survey is now open until Tuesday, August 5.
Your feedback will help guide how police resources are allocated in next year’s budget. All Ottawa residents aged 18 and older are encouraged to participate.
To take the survey, visit the Ottawa Police Service website and select your preferred language.
Survey results will be shared with the Police Service Board and senior leadership to help shape the 2026 Draft Budget.
For questions, contact:
📧 info@ottawapolice.ca or ottawapoliceboard@ottawa.ca
Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards
The City of Ottawa is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in heritage conservation.
Projects completed between 2022 and 2025 are eligible for nomination. Awards will be presented in three categories:
Project-based(e.g. restoration, adaptive reuse, infill, additions, etc.)
Student-led Community member or group
Community member or group
The awards will be presented at a ceremony on November 6, 2025, at Ottawa City Hall. The nomination deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025.
Local Highlight:
In 2023, Dickinson House (1127 Mill Street in Manotick) received the Award of Excellence for Preservation. Built in 1867, this Georgian-style clapboard house was originally used as mill offices and a general store before becoming the Dickinson family home. The award-winning restoration included 3D site scans, careful repair and repainting of windows and shutters, replacement of damaged wood, and repainting the exterior using heritage colours based on historic photos.
To learn more or submit a nomination, visit ottawa.ca.
Forestry Services Summer Update
Forestry Services has had a busy summer across Ottawa. While the spring tree planting season has come to a close, planning is already underway for fall. So far this year, Forestry Inspectors have responded to more than 4,500 service requests from residents.
Plant Your Place!
The first phase of the 2025 Plant Your Place! program was a great success, with 1,200 homes receiving free trees. If you missed it, the program will return in 2026. This fall, an additional 50 trees will be planted at Ottawa Community Housing sites as part of the next phase.
Residents are encouraged to support Ottawa’s tree canopy by planting trees on their own property. Remember to contact Ontario One Call before digging to avoid hitting underground utilities. You can also request a tree for City property by visiting ottawa.ca. So far in 2025, the City has planted over 1,700 trees across urban and rural areas.
Tree Inventory Project
The City is continuing to collect data on tree species and locations to help improve how we manage Ottawa’s growing urban and rural forests.
August is Tree Check Month
Help protect our trees from invasive pests! Join Forestry Services and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a community event on Tuesday, August 13 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Britannia Park (next to the Ron Kolbus Centre).
Reminder: Don’t Move Firewood
If you're heading out camping or to the cottage, burn firewood where you buy it. Moving firewood can spread destructive pests and diseases that harm our forests.
MPP George Darouze’s Office Has Moved
MPP George Darouze’s Carleton Constituency Office has relocated to a new, more central location in Manotick.
New Office Address (effective July 28):
1128 Mill Street (Manotick)
New Mailing Address:
PO Box 51
Manotick Stn Main
Manotick, ON K4M 1A2
Please note: The office will be closed for in-person visits during the transition and will reopen on Tuesday, August 5.
Phone and email remain the same:
📞 613-838-4425
✉️ george.darouze@pc.ola.org
If you require assistance with provincial services, such as health cards, driver and vehicle renewals, or support programs, contact the office to book an appointment.
Out & About
Celebrating the High Festival at the Ottawa Sivan Temple in North Gower on July 12th.
Stopped by George's Bar & Grill in Munster on July 12th to support the CHEO fundraiser. Big thank you to Paul and Rita for hosting a great community event!
At Morning Owl Manotick catching up with Osgoode Councillor Isabelle Skalski and Leeanne from the Manotick Village & Community Association (MVCA).
I stopped by the Richmond Tim Hortons on July 16th for a coffee and a great chat with some of the regulars in support of Camp Day. This annual event raises funds to help send youth to Tims Camps, providing them with life-changing experiences and opportunities to grow. A big thank you to the staff and community for supporting such a meaningful cause.
It has been great to be out in the community over the past few weeks, knocking on doors and speaking with residents from Burritt’s Rapids to Fallowfield. These conversations are always valuable and help ensure your voices are heard on the issues that matter most. Thank you to everyone who took the time to chat.
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 September
Work Hours: Night work only (7:00 pm to 6:00 am)
Traffic: Road remains open; expect lane closuresMoodie 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 September
Work Hours: Daytime work (7:00 am to 10:00 pm)
Traffic: Road remains open; expect lane closuresBrophy 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 September
Work Hours: Night (6:00 pm to 7:00 am) and as needed during the day (7:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Traffic: Road remains open; expect lane closuresEagleson 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
Brophy Drive
0.43 km east of Eagleson Road
📅 July 21–25Brophy Drive
0.58 km west of Fourth Line Road
📅 July 21–25Beaverwood Road
From Doctor Leach Drive to Scharfield Road
📅 July 21–31
➔ Full road closure for installation of site services (sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and watermain) for new building construction.Third 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.Harnett Road
Approximately 0.29 km south of Mulholland Road
📅 August 11–15
➔ Full road closure between Mulholland Road and Paden Road for 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 19, 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!