Newsletter - 15 May 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Wishing You a Wonderful Victoria Day Weekend!
As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, I want to take a moment to wish all Ward 21 residents a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Whether you're spending time with family and friends, heading out for a walk in one of our beautiful rural parks, or simply taking the opportunity to unwind, I hope you’re able to make the most of the great weather and everything our community has to offer this time of year.
Please note that the Ward 21 office will be closed on Monday, May 19 for the holiday. We’ll be back to serve you as usual on Tuesday. If you have any urgent concerns over the weekend, please contact 3-1-1 for City services.
Wishing you all a great long weekend!
Ward Updates
Parks Maintenance Spring Update
Spring is here, and our Parks Maintenance teams have been hard at work getting outdoor spaces ready for the season. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening:
❄️ Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!
Crews have:
Removed boards and safety netting from rinks and sledding hills
Cleared litter from parks and roadside areas
Assisted with sandbagging in Constance Bay to support flood mitigation
⚾ Ball Diamonds & Sports Fields
Fields are being inspected, repaired, and groomed
Turf maintenance like overseeding, aerating, and fertilizing is underway
Most ball fields are now open, with sports fields soon to follow!
🏀 Courts & Skate Parks
Tennis, pickleball, BMX, and skate parks are open for the season
All spaces have been swept, inspected, and repaired for safe use
💡 How You Can Help
Please stay off closed fields to avoid damage and help us keep them safe
Need to book a field or diamond? Click here to rent a space
➤ To view a map of fields and diamonds, click here
See something that needs attention?
➤ Submit a service request online or call 3-1-1
🌊 Coming Soon!
Stay tuned for updates on:
Splash pads
Wading pools
Seasonal docks
Public beaches
Richmond Forcemain Leak - Community Update
On Sunday, May 11th, residents living in close proximity to the Richmond Pumping Station noticed what appeared to be a leak in the sanitary forcemain on Royal York Street. I escalated the concern with City staff and by Sunday afternoon, the flow to the affected forcemain pipe was redirected to the alternate pipe. A precautionary boil water advisory issued by Ottawa Public Health (OPH) on May 12, 2025, remains in effect for 19 homes close to the site of the Richmond Sanitary forcemain leak. The advisory is strictly precautionary.
Actions Taken:
The City has delivered bottled water to all impacted homes and will continue deliveries as needed.
City staff began collecting water samples from private wells on May 14, with results expected by Friday, May 16.
Taggart/Doran Construction, the City’s repair contractor, has mobilized onsite, beginning excavation work at the leak site. Protective measures, including silt fencing, have been established.
An experienced Project Manager familiar with Richmond’s infrastructure, is overseeing repair operations.
An Incident Command Team has been formed to ensure a swift and coordinated response.
Next Steps:
Regular water testing will continue to ensure the quality and safety of private wells, with ongoing communication of results directly to affected residents.
Excavation and assessment will provide clarity on repair timelines. Impacted residents will receive daily updates outlining progress and anticipated next steps and I will continue to provide updates to the broader community as required.
The City remains committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring resident safety throughout the repair process.
Victoria Day Waste Collection Schedule
♻️Please note: There will be no curbside collection of green bins, recycling, garbage, or bulky items on Monday, May 19 due to the Victoria Day holiday.
🗓️ Collection will take place on Tuesday, May 20, and will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
For more schedule changes visit ottawa.ca
CAMSafe: Partner with Police to Keep Ottawa Safe
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is proud to support CAMSafe, a new community safety initiative that helps prevent crime and support investigations by partnering with residents and their home security systems.
CAMSafe is a voluntary registry where homeowners and businesses with surveillance cameras can provide contact information and indicate their willingness to share recorded footage with police if requested during an investigation.
This program represents a modern approach to community policing—like a digital evolution of Neighbourhood Watch—by creating a secure and efficient way to build a network of community partners in public safety across Ontario.
Learn more: ottawapolice.ca/camsafe
Questions? Email: camsafe@ottawapolice.ca
Ready to register? Visit: camsafe.ca/register
Highway 417 Ramp Closures at Pinecrest and Richmond – Now Until August
As part of the ongoing Stage 2 LRT construction, two Highway 417 ramps will be closed starting Monday, May 5 and will remain closed until mid-August:
The westbound on-ramp from southbound Pinecrest Road
The westbound off-ramp to Richmond Road
Detours in Place
Drivers heading westbound onto Hwy 417 from Pinecrest will be detoured via Baseline Road → Richmond Road → Holly Acres Road.
Drivers exiting Hwy 417 westbound for Richmond Road or Bayshore Drive should use the Greenbank Road/Pinecrest Road exit instead.
Plan Ahead
Signage will be posted throughout the detour routes, but traffic delays are possible. For the latest updates on detours and transit changes, visit octranspo.com/alerts.
For more information, see the full Notice of Long-term Ramp Closures at ottawa.ca.
Seasonal Load Restrictions Lifted
As of Monday, May 5, seasonal load restrictions for heavy vehicles in Ottawa have been lifted. Commercial vehicles and trailers over 5 tonnes (11,000 lbs per axle) are now permitted on previously restricted roads.
For more information, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.
Protecting Drinking Water Near Septic Systems
The City is taking steps to better protect municipal drinking water by updating the septic system inspection program for areas near municipal wells.
What’s Changing?
The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC) has approved a revised program that will now apply citywide to septic systems located in vulnerable groundwater areas—specifically those near municipal wells, where the risk of contamination is highest.
Inspection Details
Inspections will take place every five years
The program has a $40,000 annual budget
It will be delivered by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Ottawa Septic System Office
Who’s Affected?
The program currently includes 128 properties in Greely, but will expand as new systems are installed in other at-risk areas. Property owners will be responsible for any required repairs following an inspection.
This initiative supports the City's commitment to protecting rural drinking water sources while ensuring septic systems function safely and effectively.
Stay Informed with Ottawa Alert
The City of Ottawa has launched Ottawa Alert, a new emergency notification system powered by the Alertable app, designed to keep residents informed and safe during local emergencies and urgent public safety events.
What You’ll Receive:
Real-time alerts sent to your phone, email, tablet, or home phone
Notifications about emergencies, police activity, and essential public safety information
Optional updates from Alert Ready (Canada’s national alerting system) and Environment Canada for weather and life-threatening situations
Key Points to Know:
The City will not send weather or traffic updates—only critical safety alerts
Signing up is free and voluntary
Your personal information remains private and is managed by PEASI, not the City of Ottawa
How to Sign Up:
Visit Alertable.ca
Choose your preferred method of receiving alerts
Enter and verify your information
Select “City of Ottawa” or your local ward
Choose the types of alerts you wish to receive
For questions or help signing up, email AreYouReady@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.
Out & About
Honouring Dr. O.B. Wilson
On May 2, the Manotick community came together to celebrate the naming of Dr. O.B. Wilson Park—a tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and community leadership.
A veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII, Dr. Orville Badham Wilson returned home to dedicate his life to medicine. In 1972, he founded the Manotick Medical Centre, where he cared for residents for decades. Beyond his work as a physician, Dr. Wilson was deeply involved in community life as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Probus Club, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
This park naming serves as a meaningful way to recognize his contributions to healing and community building in Manotick.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Dennis Osmond, Chair of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314 Commemoration Committee, for nominating Dr. Wilson for this well-deserved honour. We’re also grateful to the Minto Group for their generous support in making this project a reality.
We were honoured to be joined by members of Dr. Wilson’s family, including his daughters Karen, Bev, and Lynn. Karen shared touching remarks on behalf of the family during the ceremony, reflecting on her father’s unwavering commitment to his community.
Thank you to everyone who attended the dedication and helped celebrate Dr. Wilson’s enduring legacy in Manotick.
Honouring LCol Roland Ashman
On May 13, the Manotick community gathered to celebrate the commemorative naming of LCol Roland Ashman Park, paying tribute to a remarkable veteran and dedicated community leader.
Lieutenant-Colonel Roland Ashman was a highly decorated Second World War veteran who continued a life of service long after his military career. In Manotick, he left an indelible mark through his involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion, the Manotick Police Village Board, the Library Board, and the Centennial Committee. His leadership and commitment helped shape the community we know today.
The ceremony featured heartfelt reflections from several members of LCol Ashman’s family. His daughter, Earla Croll, travelled from British Columbia to share moving remarks, while his eldest son, Roland “Rolly” Ashman, also spoke with pride and emotion. We were honoured to be joined by Dr. Dennis Osmond, Chair of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314 Commemoration Committee, who nominated LCol Ashman for this well-deserved recognition. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also attended and offered kind words in tribute.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Ashman family, friends, and everyone who joined us to commemorate the extraordinary legacy of LCol Ashman—a true local hero whose contributions to both country and community will not be forgotten.
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 (Starting July)
Moodie Drive – From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north (Starting June)
Twin Elm Road – From Brophy Road to 3890m north (Starting July)
Brophy Road – From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass (Starting July)
Dwyer Hill Road – From 20m north of Purdy Road to Franktown Road (Starting week of May 5)
Eagleson Road – From Old Richmond Road to Fallowfield Road (Starting week of May 20)
Third Line Road – From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive (Starting September)
Third Line Road – From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive (Starting August)
🔧 Crack Sealing (Starting September)
Flewellyn Road – From Ashton Station Road to Munster Road
Ashton Station Road – From Ormrod Road to Flewellyn Road
Ormrod Road – From Ashton Station Road to Flewellyn Road
🚜 Gravel Road Upgrades
Phelan Road West – From Prince of Wales Drive to Ormond Road (Starting June)
🛡 Pavement Preservation
Conley Road – From Franktown Road to Mansfield Road (Starting July).
🌉 Culvert Renewals – Preliminary Design Underway
The City is preparing to replace seven culverts across Ward 21 as part of a major infrastructure renewal project. Locations include:
Fallowfield Road – 0.02 km east of Munster Road
Roger Stevens Drive – 0.14 km west of McKenna Road
Second Line Road – 0.10 km north of Roger Stevens Drive (Early replacement: Fall 2025)
Fourth Line Road – 0.06 km south of Callendor Road
Coldstream Drive – 0.01 km east of Munster Road
Fourth Line Road – 0.15 km north of Dilworth Road
Stratton Drive – 0.01 km west of Third Line Road
Geotechnical investigations are underway (March–April) to study soil conditions. Drill rigs will be on-site for approximately one day per location, with temporary lane reductions and traffic control in place during testing.
Full construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the exception of Second Line Road South, which is scheduled for early completion in Fall 2025 due to its condition.
For further details and updates on this project, visit ottawa.ca.
🚧 Other Construction Projects
No new updates to report at this time.
🗺 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!
Ward 20 Bi-Weekly Updates
Welcome to this week’s Ward 20 update! As we navigate this transitional period, our team remains committed to assisting you with municipal concerns, connecting you with resources, and keeping you informed about local happenings. Whether you have questions about city services, road maintenance, or community initiatives, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help!
Upcoming Events
Ward 20 is home to many great events, and you can find details on your local Community Association’s websites and social media pages. Below are a few highlights happening soon:
South Gloucester United Church Spring Yard Sale
Friday, May 23 to Saturday, May 24
2536 Rideau Road
Get great deals and support a good cause!
🧥 Clothing Drop-off:
• Friday, May 23 | 🕘 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Saturday, May 24 | 🕗 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
🛒 Items for Sale:
• Friday, May 23 | 🕚 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Saturday, May 24 | 🕗 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Carlsbad Springs Recycling Drive
Saturday, May 24 | 🕖 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, 6020 Piperville Rd
Clear out your garage, fridges, freezers, and air conditioners welcome! Hosted by the Carlsbad Springs Optimists Club.
Ward 20 Updates
Temporary Road Closures – Please note the following temporary road closures happening in our area:
River Road (Rideau Rd to Solarium Ave): Full closure for approximately 12 weeks began this month. A one-lane option was explored but deemed unfeasible due to the scope of work.
Burton Road (Corduroy Rd to Rockdale Rd): Closed as of Monday, May 12, as part of a major resurfacing project. A signed detour will be in place.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during these closures as we work to improve infrastructure, safety, and support local community events.
Share your Voice with OurCare – The OurCare national survey is gathering input from people across Canada about what matters most to them in primary health care. Your feedback will help shape future healthcare policies and services to better reflect the needs of your community. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is open to everyone. Make your voice heard and help build a stronger, more responsive healthcare system.
HydroOne Scheduled Outage Reminder – There will be a scheduled HydroOne outage on Sunday, May 25 from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm affecting parts of Manotick, Osgoode, Greely, and Metcalfe. While we all know these outages are not ideal, they are necessary to keep up with maintenance on the grid and we all appreciate your patience throughout the outage.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event Reminder – The City of Ottawa will be hosting another round of nine hazardous waste drop-off events throughout 2025. On Saturday, May 24, one will be held in Ward 20 at the Rideau Carleton Casino from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more details on what items are accepted and other event locations please visit Ottawa.ca/HHW.
Parkway Road and Sale Barn Road Intersection – On January 29, Ottawa City Council unanimously passed a motion to introduce an all-way stop at the intersection of Parkway Road and Sale Barn Road. This traffic modification is scheduled to be implemented on Wednesday, May 21, with a rain date of May 22. We are looking forward to improved safety for all road users in the area. We encourage all drivers to approach the intersection with caution as the community adjusts to the new traffic pattern.
Stay Connected
Our team is here to serve you! If you have any concerns, ideas, or need assistance, please reach out:
📧 Ward20@Ottawa.ca
📞 613-580-2490
Looking forward to another great week in Ward 20! 🚀
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!