Newsletter - 13 November 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
A first look at Budget 2026
Council has tabled the budget for 2026. Council passed a motion I put forward which has implemented a hiring freeze to hold the line on costs, and the budget prioritizes rural basics, including $135M for roads and $25.4M for sidewalks. Over the next few weeks, my office will share more budget details once we’ve reviewed all materials.
Read more here
Ward Updates
Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras to End November 14
The Province of Ontario has repealed the use of automated speed enforcement cameras. The change takes effect Friday, November 14th.
The repeal does not affect red light cameras. Community safety zones, which are in place to protect vulnerable road users such as children and cyclists, will also remain. Within these zones, fines for offences such as speeding or careless driving issued by Ottawa Police Services will continue to be doubled.
As a result of Bill 56, automated speed enforcement cameras will be replaced with new school zone signs that meet the design and dimension standards set out in the legislation. While many schools in Ottawa already have school zone signs, the existing ones do not meet the new provincial standards. Once the Province provides the updated sign designs, the City’s Traffic Services team will begin installing them at all seventy two schools currently using automated speed enforcement cameras as soon as possible.
Aggressive driving, including speeding, continues to be a major factor in serious and fatal collisions in Ottawa.
The City’s Road Safety Action Plan continues to focus on reducing collisions that cause major injury or death. The plan brings together education, enforcement and engineering partners to deliver a coordinated, proactive approach to road safety. This work supports the City’s long-term goal of achieving zero fatal and major injury collisions on Ottawa’s roads.
Older Adult Plan 2025 to 2030
The City of Ottawa has released the Older Adult Plan 2025 to 2030, the fourth plan since 2012. It builds on past work and focuses on making Ottawa a supportive community where everyone can age with choice and dignity. The plan was shaped by public input, created with community agencies, and approved by City Council in November 2025. This version places a stronger focus on partnering with community groups for a bigger and lasting impact.
Read the Older Adult Plan 2025 to 2030.
Join the Older Adult Plan Roundtable
The City is creating a Roundtable to help guide the plan’s progress. We are seeking five volunteer older adults.
Selection criteria:
Lived experience as an older adult in Ottawa
Reflect the diversity of Ottawa’s older adult population
Able to attend a half day in person launch meeting in January 2026
Able to contribute at least two hours every three months
Interest in sharing ideas and helping guide the plan
To apply, complete the application form on Engage Ottawa. If you need help with the form, email olderadults@ottawa.ca and a staff member will assist you.
Deadline: Applications are open until December 3, 2025. Successful candidates will be contacted before December 17, 2025.
Join the Virtual Budget 2026 Consultation
Residents of Rideau-Jock (Ward 21), Barrhaven West (Ward 3), Riverside South-Findlay Creek (Ward 22), and Barrhaven East (Ward 24) are invited to take part in a Virtual Budget 2026 Public Consultation on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Hosted by Councillors David Brown, David Hill, Steve Desroches, and Wilson Lo, the session will include a presentation from City staff and an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share feedback about the upcoming City budget.
Join the meeting (via Microsoft Teams):
Click here to join the Virtual Budget 2026 Consultation
This virtual consultation is an opportunity to learn more about the City’s financial priorities and share your thoughts on community investments and services that matter most to you.
Any residents of Wards 3, 21, 22, and 24 are encouraged to participate.
Out & About
What a great way to celebrate Women's Day in Manotick! I had a blast connecting with everyone at the Manotick Legion's Ladies Lounge. Thanks to this wonderful group for pulling me into the photo booth for this great shot!
Over the weekend and on Remembrance Day, I attended ceremonies across Ward 21 to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our country. These included the Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony in Manotick, as well as ceremonies in Kars, North Gower, and Richmond.
Thank you to the local legions, community groups, and residents who came together to honour our veterans and ensure their courage and service are never forgotten.
Lest we forget
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.
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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Phase 1 has been completed.
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!