Newsletter - 30 October 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
2025: Investing $138M in Ward 21
Ward 21 saw real progress in 2025 with more than $138 million invested and over $26 million directed to local priorities, improving roads, safety, core water and sewer infrastructure, and community amenities. I am pushing for the next round of funding to accelerate resurfacing, pedestrian safety, and traffic relief in key corridors while keeping projects shovel-ready and residents engaged.
Read more here
Ward Updates
Poppy Campaign & Local Ceremonies
The 2025 Poppy Campaign runs from the last Friday of October (October 31) through November 11. Poppies are available to everyone as a visible pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans; donations to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund directly support Veterans and their families.
Local Remembrance Day Ceremonies
All residents are invited to attend services in our community to pay tribute.
National Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony
Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 am
Manotick Cenotaph (1125 Clapp Ln)
A reception will follow at the Manotick Legion (5550 Ann St)
Kars Ceremony
Sunday, November 9 at 11:30 am
Kars Cenotaph (6692 Rideau Valley Dr S, in front of the school)
A reception at St. John’s will follow the service
North Gower Ceremony
Sunday, November 9 at 1:00 pm
North Gower Cenotaph (2351 Perkins Dr, North Gower)
Manotick Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11 at 10:30 am
The parade will begin at the Royal Canadian Legion (5550 Ann St, Manotick) and proceed to the Manotick Cenotaph (1125 Clapp Ln), where the ceremony will be held
Richmond Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11 at 11:00 am
Richmond Memorial Park Cenotaph (McBean and Perth Streets, Richmond)
We encourage everyone to take a moment to remember. Lest we forget.
City's Fall Commemorative Naming Campaign is Open
The City of Ottawa is inviting residents to help honour the people, histories, and legacies that have shaped our community. You can nominate names for municipal assets including new streets, parks, indoor and outdoor amenities, and major facilities. The fall nomination period is open until December 2, 2025.
How it works
All submissions are reviewed by City staff and a special working group to ensure they meet established criteria. Approved nominations move to a 30 day public consultation. If you miss this window, the next application period runs March 20 to May 1, 2026.
Submit a nomination
Learn more about the criteria and process, and submit your idea on the City’s commemorative naming page.
Public Health Notice: New Measles Exposure Locations in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reported on October 29 that two additional confirmed measles infections are linked to previously reported cases, bringing the 2025 total to 12. OPH indicates the overall risk to the general population remains low but is notifying residents of new potential exposure locations and times.
Possible Exposure Locations
If you were at any of the locations below during the listed times, you may have been exposed. Follow the “What to do” guidance.
IKEA, 2685 Iris St
Sat, Oct 18, 11:30 am–1:45 pm
Monitor for symptoms until Sat, Nov 8
Real Canadian Superstore, 190 Richmond Rd
Sat, Oct 18, 10:00 am–1:30 pm (monitor until Sat, Nov 8)
Wed, Oct 22, 4:00–7:30 pm (monitor until Wed, Nov 12)
Thu, Oct 23, 4:55–7:30 pm (monitor until Thu, Nov 13)
Food Basics, 667 Kirkwood Ave
Sat, Oct 18, 12:00–2:15 pm
Monitor until Sat, Nov 8
Shoppers Drug Mart, 1309 Carling Ave
Wed, Oct 22, 5:45–8:00 pm
Monitor until Wed, Nov 12
What to do if you were exposed
1) Monitor for symptoms for 21 days from your exposure date, even if vaccinated.
Common symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth; a red rash usually appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading downward.
2) If symptoms develop, call before you go. Do not walk into a clinic or ER without calling first. Phone your health care provider/clinic/hospital to advise of possible measles exposure so they can prepare. If you can, wear a medical-grade mask to your appointment. If you do not have a provider, call Health811 (8-1-1) for advice.
3) Check your vaccination record.
Look for a measles-containing vaccine: MMR, MMRV, or M.
Born before 1970: generally considered immune.
Born 1970 or later: fully protected with two doses. If unsure, contact your health care provider.
Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. For updates and the most current list of exposure locations, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles.
New Sponsorship Takes Root to Grow Ottawa's Tree Canopy
Ottawa’s tree canopy got a major boost with a new sponsorship between the City and Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC), an Ottawa-based social enterprise. To mark the partnership, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed October 24 as “Tree Canopy Day” during a community tree planting ceremony.
Together with CFTC, the City is launching the Let’s get growing! campaign to rally businesses, community leaders, and residents to expand our urban forest. A healthier canopy means cleaner air and water, better flood management, carbon storage, natural cooling, and more habitat for local wildlife.
Get involved: Learn more about the sponsorship and ways to participate at canadasforesttrust.ca/ottawa.
Good News for Our Agricultural Community
I am very pleased to share that the City’s Agriculture Exemption Program has been extended until 2027, which is something I have strongly advocated for on behalf of our rural residents.
This exemption recognizes that farm properties often generate unavoidable waste such as bale wrap and feed bags that cannot be diverted through regular recycling or composting. The program allows eligible farm properties to set out this additional unavoidable farm waste beyond the standard three item garbage limit.
The Environment and Climate Change Committee approved the extension on October 21. This is a practical, common-sense decision that reflects the realities of farm life while the City continues to roll out its Solid Waste Master Plan.
Thank you to everyone in our agricultural sector for your stewardship and for the feedback that helped inform this outcome. Your voices made a difference, and I will continue to advocate for policies that respect and support rural living.
Winter Program Registration Dates
Mark your calendars! City of Ottawa winter programs will be visible online starting November 4.
Swimming: Opens Tuesday, November 18 at 9:00 pm
All other activities: Open Thursday, November 20 at 9:00 pm
Get ready: Create or update your account, add family members, and browse programs in advance at https://register.ottawa.ca/.
Pro tip: save favourites to your wishlist, add a backup option, and keep your payment method handy for a faster checkout.
Out & About
Huge thanks to the Richmond Village Association volunteers for organizing and rolling up their sleeves for the Perth Street cleanup on Saturday, October 18. Your time and effort keep our community welcoming and looking its best.
It was an honour to attend the 1st Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Brunch, hosted by MPP George Darouze, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 618 in Stittsville. A heartfelt thank you to our local Veterans for their service and sacrifice, and to the organizers and volunteers who made this meaningful tribute possible.
A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Stittsville for their generous donation to Rural Woodlands Ottawa in support of a Tiny Forest project planned for next year, right behind my office in North Gower. This initiative will transform an underused space with native trees and plants, boost local biodiversity, and create a new outdoor learning spot for residents.
A pleasure to meet with Inspector Isabelle Lemieux and her partner Cindy. We discussed Ward 21 safety priorities, and I learned more about Cindy’s vital role as an operational stress intervention dog supporting OPS officers and staff. Grateful for their service and commitment to our community.
A big thank you to all the community association members who joined my Ward Council meeting last night. We had a productive discussion about the progress made this year and the key investments advancing Ward 21’s roads, safety, and community spaces. I appreciate your insights and partnership as we keep pushing for results.
So much fun emceeing the ROSSS Halloween Trivia Night in North Gower! Huge thanks to all the teams and our generous local donors for making this spooktacular community event a success. Your support helps strengthen our community. Can’t wait for next year!
Thank you to everyone who joined the 2026 Rural Budget Consultation in Osgoode. I appreciated the thoughtful questions and feedback from residents, and the constructive discussion alongside Councillor Kitts, Councillor Skalski, and our City finance staff. Your input helps shape a budget that reflects rural priorities.
Construction Updates
Road Resurfacing & Construction Impacts
A number of resurfacing, maintenance, and preservation projects are scheduled across Ward 21 in the coming months. Some work will include nighttime construction between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., which may result in temporary noise impacts for nearby residents.
We will continue to share updates as these projects progress and appreciate your patience during this work to improve our roads.
Resurfacing Projects
All projects completed. A list of future planned projects will be available in spring 2026.
Construction Impacts
Cantle Crescent
From Meynell Road to Meynell Road
Impact: Full road closure
Dates: Monday, 3 November to Friday, 14 November
Reason: Replacing water service for a City of Ottawa water testing station. Local traffic will continue to have access. However, street parking will be limited where signs specify.
Future Projects
Beginning next summer, the City will begin rehabilitation of the Rideau Valley Drive Bridge over Stevens Creek in Kars. Anticipated construction dates are early July 2026 to late September 2026. More information will be provided in advance of construction.
Other Construction Projects
➔ Hydro Work Supporting Dwyer Hill Training Facility Expansion
Hydro Ottawa is working on 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 is 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. 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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Phase 2 has begun 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.
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.
➔ Pole Installation on Franktown Road
Hydro Ottawa is installing new hydro poles and equipment along Franktown Road between Conley Road and Munster Road. This work will be carried out by Bradley Kelly Construction Ltd. and is expected to be completed by February 2026.
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!