Newsletter - 18 September 2025
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Building Safer Roads in Rural Ottawa: From Major Upgrades to Local Traffic Calming
Rural Ottawa residents have long called for safer roads, and progress is finally underway. Major intersection upgrades at Barnsdale Road and Rideau Valley Drive, Bridgeport Avenue and Manotick Main Street, and Perth Street and Shea Road in Richmond are moving forward, alongside ongoing resurfacing projects. Day-to-day concerns such as speeding and unsafe driving are also being addressed through the City’s Temporary Traffic Calming program, 3-1-1 requests, and police enforcement. Together, these efforts are ensuring rural road safety is no longer treated as an afterthought.
Read More
Ward Updates
Share Your Feedback: Public Transportation Survey
For well over a year and a half, our office has been working with community partners to explore new public transportation options for Ward 21. I’ve heard from many residents who would like to see more opportunities to access mass transit and this survey is the next step in moving the conversation forward.
The system and routes are yet to be determined, but this input will help guide planning as we look at models that could supplement OC Transpo service. Several neighbouring municipalities around Ottawa have recently established their own mass transit lines, and we’re exploring how something similar could work here in Ward 21 and rural Ottawa.
Take the Public Transportation Survey here
Your feedback will be critical in shaping what this service could look like for our community.
Council Approves 2026 Budget Directions
Last week, City Council approved the Proposed 2026 budget directions, timeline, and consultation process.
Council has directed staff to prepare a draft budget that limits the property-tax increase to no more than 3.75 per cent, including:
Up to 2.9% for Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Public Library
Between 2.9% and 6.5% for the Ottawa Police Service
Between 3% and 15% for Transit Services, with a transit fare increase of 2.5% to 7.5%
Importantly, I introduced a motion to cap the total number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions at the City for 2026, which Council approved. This is about keeping City Hall efficient and focused while working to keep tax increases as low as possible for residents.
The Draft Operating and Capital Budget will be tabled at City Council on Wednesday, November 12. Each Standing Committee will review their section of the budget in November and early December.
Residents, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to share their feedback through upcoming consultations. Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more. Council will vote on the final 2026 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
City Approves Expanded Waste Diversion in Parks
The Environment and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) has approved a new Parks Waste Collection and Diversion Strategy to make it easier for residents to dispose of waste responsibly while enjoying Ottawa’s parks.
Starting in 2026, 48 parks will receive three-stream bins for garbage, recycling, and organics, with 100 more parks added each year until 2029. Off-leash dog parks will also see the installation of organic waste bins.
This builds on a successful pilot program and marks a significant step forward in improving waste diversion city-wide, keeping our green spaces cleaner and more sustainable.
Ottawa’s New Zoning By-law
The City has released the final draft of Ottawa’s new Zoning By-law, a key step in putting the 2022 Official Plan into action and addressing the housing crisis. With Ottawa expected to grow by about 118,000 new households by 2035, the new by-law will make it easier to build homes by:
Expanding where housing can be built and allowing a wider range of housing types
Simplifying rules and language for easier understanding and use
Permitting more mid- and high-rise buildings near transit
Removing most minimum parking requirements in urban areas
Streamlining rules to encourage gentle infill in existing neighbourhoods
Supporting economic growth by easing property-use restrictions
How to get involved:
In-Person Open Houses
Tuesday, Sept. 23 – EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, 6–8:30 pm
Monday, Sept. 29 – Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road, 6–8:30 pm
(No registration necessary)
Virtual Open Houses
Wednesday, Sept. 17 – 6:30–8 pm
Thursday, Sept. 25 – 6:30–8 pm
(Registration required via Engage Ottawa)
At Engage Ottawa, you can also explore a 3D Digital Twin Map, view the updated citywide zoning map, compare existing and proposed zoning rules, and watch an instructional video on the new Neighbourhood Zones.
Feedback will help shape the final draft for Committee review in December 2025 and Council in January 2026.
Review the draft and share your feedback here
Out & About
On September 6th, I spent the morning at the Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club. It was fun to join Councillor Skalski and MPP Darouze for a friendly skeet shooting competition.
I had a wonderful time at the Fallowfield Community Association's annual BBQ & Corn Roast on September 6th! Between stirring the pot and chatting with neighbours, it was a great day connecting with the community and enjoying a fun fall tradition.
What an incredible day at the Taste of Manotick on September 13th! It was great seeing the community out supporting local businesses. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, and it was a pleasure to connect with Councillor Leiper, MPP Darouze, and Trustee Scott Phelan.
On September 13th, I stopped by the Solemn Reopening of St. Patrick Parish Fallowfield to see the unveiling of their restoration. It was wonderful to see the beautifully renewed church and the excitement of parishioners coming together to celebrate.
The Munster Community Association's Harvestfest was in full swing on September 13th. It was great to see families gathered around the food trucks and kids enjoying the inflatable courses, craft tables, and petting zoo. A big thank you to the MCA for hosting such a wonderful community event!
On September 15th, I had a great visit from my colleague, Councillor Dudas, who came all the way to Richmond for a coffee at CC’s Corner. It's always great connecting with colleagues outside of City Hall and supporting fantastic small businesses in our communities!
On the evening of September 16th, Councillor Isabelle Skalski and I attended the Ottawa Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting at SunTech Greenhouses. It was a valuable evening hearing from Agricorp about farmer support, getting updates on OFA advocacy, and discussing the agricultural waste exemption with the City’s Solid Waste Services team.
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
Bankfield Road
From 320m east of Hwy 416 overpass to Kilreen Lane
Status: Resurfacing complete, pavement markings pendingMoodie Drive
From Fallowfield Road to 1300m north
Start: Resurfacing complete, pavement markings pendingTwin Elm Road
From Brophy Road to 3890m north
Status: Resurfacing complete, pavement markings pendingBrophy Road
From 25m east of Fourth Line Road to 326m west of Hwy 416 overpass
Status: Granular shouldering and driveway reinstatements ongoingThird Line Road
From Phelan Road W to Prince of Wales Drive
Status: Line painting and site cleanup ongoingThird Line Road
From 115m south of Prince of Wales Drive to Roger Stevens Drive
Status: Line painting and site cleanup ongoing
Constructions Impacts
Beaverwood Road
From Doctor Leach Drive to Scharfield Road
Impact: Full road closure
Dates: Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3
Reason: Storm service connection for new apartment building at 1185 Beaverwood Road
Broader City Impacts
Canada Army Run – Sunday, September 21
Major road closures downtown between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Parking restrictions will be in effect along the route. Vehicles in no-stopping zones will be towed.
For full details, including course maps, visit the interactive race map.
Hunt Club Road & Airport Parkway
All on- and off-ramps closed on rotation overnight (8:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.) until Monday, September 29.
Majority of work overnight to minimize disruptions.
Detours in place; pedestrian and cyclist access maintained.
🌉 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
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
➔ Malakoff Bridge Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation work on the Malakoff Road bridge over Stevens Creek, located about 0.9 km south of Roger Stevens Drive, has begun. This project will address existing deficiencies and extend the service life of the bridge until a full replacement is completed in the future.
What to Expect:
The bridge will be fully closed during construction.
A traffic detour will be in place via McCordick Road, using Roger Stevens Drive and Pierce Road.
Local access for residents will be maintained.
Timeline:
Work is expected to be completed by early October 2025.
➔ Bridge Renewal Project – Copeland Road
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 October 2025
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. 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
--
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.
For a full list of current and upcoming road work in Ward 21, visit the Ward 21 website. Major construction notices will be shared in future newsletters and community updates.
🗺 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!