Newsletter - 29 May 2025

Written By David Brown

From the desk of Councillor David Brown

🌾 A Win for Rural Fairness and Transparency: Ditch Maintenance Levy Oversight Secured
Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to ensure rural Ottawa has a stronger voice in decisions about stormwater and ditch maintenance services. Thanks to the invaluable feedback from the 2024 Rural Summit and from residents across the ward, we’ve secured a significant policy improvement: control over the new Rural Roadside Ditch Maintenance Levy will rest with the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC).
This is an important shift—rural Councillors now have direct oversight, ensuring local accountability and decision-making by those who understand rural needs best.

At Committee, I said:

“This was one of the most common-sense policies that we have seen come forward during this term of council. Each area of the city will pay for the infrastructure they have, not the infrastructure they don’t.”
 
A Fairer Financial Model for Rural Residents

  • Stormwater billing will now better reflect actual infrastructure usage

  • Rural properties will pay a transparent and lower levy, replacing the outdated stormwater charge

  • Culvert maintenance will return to the general tax levy, ensuring citywide cost-sharing

  • Most rural residents will see a decrease on their property tax bills


Correcting the Course
This reset returns us to a more balanced, pre-amalgamation approach, correcting policy missteps from 2001 and 2016. It’s a win for:

✅ Fairness
✅ Fiscal transparency
✅ Rural autonomy

This isn’t just a financial or infrastructure update—it’s about ensuring that rural services reflect rural realities. One size does not fit all. This is the kind of practical, community-rooted policy I fight for every day at City Hall.

Ward Updates

Join the Ward 21 Office Team This Summer!

Are you a student looking for a meaningful summer job that blends community involvement, creativity, and a front-row seat to local government? We’re hiring full-time and part-time summer students to join the Ward 21 office—and we’d love to hear from you!

Whether you thrive outdoors or prefer behind-the-scenes work, this role offers a flexible mix of in-field and in-office opportunities. You'll help with everything from event support and outreach to communications and digital content creation.
 
✨ What We Offer:

  • Flexible hours to accommodate your schedule

  • Competitive pay

  • Valuable experience in municipal government

  • A chance to build skills in communications, public service, and community engagement

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how the City operates, connect with residents, and help shape the work we do in rural Ottawa. It's also a great stepping stone if you're considering a future in the public sector or political fieldwork.
 
📩 Interested?
If you—or someone you know—might be a good fit, send us an email at ward21@ottawa.ca to learn more or apply.

Planned Power Outage in North Gower – Sunday, June 8

Hydro One has scheduled a planned power outage in North Gower on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. This outage is necessary for the replacement of hydro poles. 

Safety Reminder: Stay clear of downed power lines or equipment. Always assume they are live and dangerous.

For updates on this outage, visit Hydro One’s Power Outage Viewer or download the Hydro One Mobile App.

For customer service, call 1-888-664-9376.

Agriculture Exemption Program: The City Wants Your Input

The City of Ottawa is committed to supporting the unique waste management needs of rural communities. Through the Agriculture Exemption Program, eligible residential agricultural properties can place unlimited amounts of unavoidable farm waste—such as bale wrap, twine, and plastic drainage tiles—at the curb for collection.
 
What Qualifies as Unavoidable Farm Waste?
“Unavoidable farm waste” refers to by-products that result directly from farming operations, including but not limited to:

  • Plastic haylage wrappings

  • Bale twine and rope

  • Plastic drainage tiles

To qualify for this exemption, properties must:

  • Be zoned as residential agricultural under Ottawa’s Zoning By-law

  • Participate in the City’s waste diversion programs (e.g., recycling and green bin) during regular curbside garbage collection

 
Exemption Extended Through December 2025
This exemption typically runs from April 1 to May 31, but thanks to a motion I helped pass at City Council, it has been extended through December 2025. That means eligible residents can continue setting out unlimited unavoidable farm waste in addition to the regular three-item garbage limit.
 
Help Shape the Program
The City wants to hear from you! Your feedback will help improve and tailor future rural waste services.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • 📅 Complete the survey on Engage Ottawa between May 20 and June 30, 2025

  • 🚪 City staff will also be conducting door-to-door outreach in rural areas during this time

Need Help with the Survey?
📞 Call 613-580-2400, ext. 25550 or
📧 Email wasteplan@ottawa.ca

Help Shape Ottawa’s Landscaping Rules

The City of Ottawa is reviewing its landscaping by-laws to make them clearer, safer, and more effective. Whether you're planning to hire a contractor or tackle a project yourself, your input can make a difference in how regulations for driveways, fences, decks, pools, tree care, and more are shaped.

Have your say:
Complete the online survey on Engage Ottawa by Friday, June 20, 2025.

Your feedback will help the City identify areas where improved rules or stronger public education could better support safe and responsible landscaping practices.

To learn more, visit ottawa.ca/BylawReviews.

Nominate a Name, Honour a Legacy

The City of Ottawa is now accepting spring nominations for commemorative naming of municipal assets—such as streets, parks, facilities, and other public spaces. This is an opportunity to recognize individuals, histories, or legacies that have shaped our community.

Nomination period: May 21 – July 2, 2025

All proposals will be reviewed based on City policy, with public consultation for approved nominations. Final decisions depend on the type of asset, minor asset decisions involve Ward Councillors, while major ones go to Council.

The next nomination window opens October 21, 2025.

Learn more: ottawa.ca/commemorativenaming
Questions? Email the team at naming@ottawa.ca

New Parking and Traffic Ticket System Launching in June

Beginning June 2025, the City of Ottawa will introduce a new Administrative Penalty System (APS) for handling parking, red light camera, and automated speed enforcement tickets. This system replaces the traditional Provincial Offences Act (POA) court process for these types of infractions.
 
The goal? A faster, more efficient process that reduces court backlogs and simplifies ticket resolution.
 
What This Means for You
If you receive a ticket, you can:

  • Pay it online, by mail, or in person

  • Request a review by a City Screening Officer within 15 days of receiving the ticket

  • If you're not satisfied with the decision, request a final review by an independent Hearing Officer within 15 days of the screening result

 
Benefits of the New System

  • Quicker, more flexible ticket resolution

  • Reviews handled by City-trained Screening Officers using consistent criteria

  • Final appeals heard by independent Hearing Officers with legal expertise

  • Hearings held at the Mary Pitt Centre (100 Constellation Drive)

To learn more about the new process, visit ottawa.ca/APS.

Have Your Say on Ottawa’s Draft Budget 2026!

The City of Ottawa is developing Draft Budget 2026, and your input is essential. The budget shapes everything from public transit and parks to infrastructure and waste collection—your voice can help guide these priorities.
 
How to Get Involved

  • Starting May 26: Share your priorities by completing the questionnaire on Engage Ottawa

  • May to November: Attend Councillor-led public consultations in your community

  • November 12: Draft Budget 2026 is formally tabled at City Council

  • Nov 12 – Dec 8: Submit questions or register to speak at Committee meetings

  • December 10: Final budget adoption by City Council

Your feedback plays a critical role in shaping services, programs, and investments across the city.

Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more and have your say.

Out & About

I had the pleasure of visiting the seniors quilting group at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre. These wonderful ladies had kindly invited me to stop by. They meet every Wednesday in the Seniors Room, where they work together on quilts and share stories, laughter, and friendship.

I recently had the opportunity to join MPP George Darouze and Councillor Tim Tierney for an exciting tour of the future home of Hard Rock Ottawa at the Rideau Carleton Casino.


Led by Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Ottawa, we got a firsthand look at the remarkable progress being made on this major development. The tour showcased the transformation underway and highlighted the project's potential to boost local entertainment, tourism, and economic activity in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting destination continues to take shape.

📸 Left to right: Councillor Brown, Elizabeth Douville, and Avery Clarke

I had the pleasure of attending the South Carleton High School Art Show to congratulate Grade 11 student Avery Clarke, who earned First Place at both the Zone and District levels in the Senior Black & White Poster category of the National Youth Remembrance Contest.
This national contest, organized annually by the Legion National Foundation in collaboration with The Royal Canadian Legion and schools across Canada, encourages youth to honour our Veterans through visual art, writing, and video.

National winners receive a cash prize, and First Place Senior winners are given the honour of representing Canadian youth at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

Congratulations to Avery on this outstanding achievement and heartfelt thanks for using your creative talents to help preserve the memory of those who served.

I was honoured to speak at the Relay for Life opening ceremony at Sacred Heart High School, where students came together with incredible spirit and determination in support of cancer research.

Their hard work and enthusiasm paid off—they raised an astounding $63,828.34, surpassing their original goal of $55,000! These funds will help support cancer research and critical programs for patients and families across Canada.

Congratulations to the students, staff, and supporters who made this event such an inspiring success.

I stopped by A&W on May 28 to support the Richmond Cooperative Nursery School (RCNS) fundraiser—and I wasn’t alone! The restaurant was buzzing with community spirit, which was great to see.

A big thank you to A&W for donating proceeds from every Teen Burger and Teen Burger Combo sold to support RCNS. It’s always inspiring to see local businesses and residents come together for a great cause.

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 June – Early July

  • Moodie Drive
    From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north
    Start: Early July

  • Twin Elm Road
    From Brophy Road to 3890m north
    Start: Early June

  • Brophy Road
    From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass
    Start: Late July

  • Dwyer Hill Road
    From 20m north of Purdy Road to Franktown Road
    Status: Work ongoing until end of summer

  • Eagleson Road
    From Old Richmond Road to Fallowfield Road
    Status: Work ongoing until end of summer

  • Third Line Road
    From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive
    Start: Early September

  • Third Line Road
    From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive
    Start: Late 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
    Start: Mid-June

🛡 Pavement Preservation

  • Conley Road
    From Franktown Road to Mansfield Road
    Start: Mid-July

🌉 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

  • Twin Elm Road
    0.15 km north of Brophy Drive
    📅 June 2–6

  • Bankfield Road
    0.64 km west of Prince of Wales Drive
    📅 June 23–27

  • William McEwen Drive
    0.01 km north of Brophy Drive
    📅 July 14–18

  • Brophy Drive
    0.43 km east of Eagleson Road
    📅 July 21–25

  • Brophy Drive
    0.58 km west of Fourth Line Road
    📅 July 21–25

  • Third Line Road
    0.01 km south of Brophy Drive
    📅 July 28 – August 1

  • 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

  • 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:

Community Garage Sales Coming Up!

Metcalfe Community Garage Sale
Join the Metcalfe Community Association for their annual garage sale on Saturday, May 31 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm across the village.
Questions? Contact: contact@mcainfo.ca

3rd Annual Greely Garage Sale
Happening Saturday, June 7 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, including a Community Hub at Parkway Church (7275 Parkway Rd) with BBQ and items priced to sell!
Sign up to participate via this form, send $10 to treasurer@greelycommunity.ca, and get on the map!
Proceeds from hub sales go toward the Canada Day Fireworks Fund.
View the sale map: Greely Garage Sale Map

Ward 20 Updates

Road Resurfacing:

  • Forest Rd - Stagecoach Rd to Dalmac Rd – Beginning mid-August

  • Dalmac Rd - Forest Rd to Dalmeny Rd – Beginning late-July

  • Metcalfe Farm Dr - 8th Line Rd to Dow St – Beginning mid-July

  • Glen St, Johannes St, and Laurie Lane – Beginning mid-July

  • Victoria St - Bank St to Glen St – Ongoing – Lane Reductions

  • Devine Rd - Sand Rd to Rockdale Rd – Ongoing – Lane Reductions

    • Added paved shoulder – Frank Kenny Rd to Buckland Rd - Ongoing

  • Burton Rd - Frontier to 125m W Rockdale Rd – Ongoing – Full Road Closure

  • Frontier Rd – Devine Rd to Burton Rd – Ongoing – Lane Reductions

  • Dozois Rd - Mitch Owens Rd to Rideau Bend Cres - Upcoming

  • Spratt Rd - Mitch Owens to Rideau Rd - Upcoming

  • Thunder Rd - Ramsayville Rd to Boundary Rd – Beginning mid-June – Full Road Closure

  • Russell Rd - Ramsayville Rd to Farmers Way – Ongoing – Lane Reductions

Culverts Replacements:

  • Mitch Owens Rd – William Lindsay Grove to Dawn Tara Dr – Ongoing – Full Road Closure

  • River Rd – Rideau Rd to Solarium Ave – Ongoing – Full Road Closure

Gravel Road Upgrades:

  • McVagh Rd - Devine Rd to Burton Rd – Beginning late-June

  • Stone School Rd - Bank St to John Quinn Rd – Beginning mid-July

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!

David Brown
Next

🚧Construction Updates🚧