Newsletter - 8 May 2026
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Asphalt Plants Open, Road Repairs Begin
With Ottawa’s asphalt plants opening for the season this week, the City can now begin using hot asphalt for more durable pothole repairs and start scheduling larger road rehabilitation projects across Ottawa.
Read more
Ward Updates
Road Safety Update
At the recent Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting, the City received an update on the Strategic Road Safety Action Plan and the impacts of the Province’s Bill 56.
The 2020 to 2024 plan helped reduce fatal and major injury collisions in Ottawa by 20% compared to the baseline rate. This is encouraging progress, but I believe we need to keep working to make sure these improvements are sustained.
Bill 56 banned automated speed enforcement, which had been one of the City’s most effective tools for reducing dangerous speeding, especially near schools. Early findings show that compliance has dropped at former camera locations and high-speed driving has increased. The City is now installing new required signs at former automated speed enforcement sites, with completion expected in spring and summer 2026.
Since automated speed enforcement revenues are declining, the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan capital budget will be reduced to $7.5 million. The City will seek eligible cost recovery from the province, including through the Road Safety Initiatives Fund.
Road safety work in 2025 included intersection improvements, motorcycle safety courses, rural road safety measures, traffic calming, rail crossing reviews, new traffic control devices and continued work on the City’s speed zone policy.
Spring Street Sweeping and Summer Road Work
Citywide street sweeping is continuing across Ottawa and is expected to be complete by the end of May. Crews are working on about 2,500 kilometres of sidewalks and 6,000 kilometres of roads.
Once sweeping is complete, Roads and Parking Services will shift to summer operations. This includes maintaining gravel roads, cutting roadside grass in rural areas, cleaning rural ditches, repairing sidewalks and asphalt, filling potholes, maintaining City-owned culverts, repairing ironworks and continuing regular sweeping on arterial and collector roads.
I know these services matter to residents, especially in rural and suburban communities. Please continue to report road/sidewalk concerns through Ottawa.ca/311 so they can be directed to the right team.
Pavement Marking Season Has Started
Pavement marking season began on May 4. Crews are starting with centre line and edge line painting on arterial roads, as well as crosswalks, stop bars and other key markings in areas with higher volumes of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.
Residents are asked to give crews space when work is underway. If you see flashing lights and a wet paint sign, please follow at a safe distance and do not pass the work vehicle. Fresh paint can splatter, and passing can put workers at risk.
Weather and road conditions can affect the schedule. Paint and durable markings require dry conditions and suitable temperatures. In some cases, work will happen overnight to reduce traffic impacts.
Urgent pavement marking concerns, such as missing stop bars, faded crosswalks, conflicting markings or areas with known compliance issues, should be reported to 311.
School Bus Safety Reminder
Several residents have recently raised concerns about unsafe driving around school buses on village streets during morning pickup times.
I want to remind all drivers to slow down in residential areas, respect posted speed limits and use extra caution around school buses and children walking to bus stops. Even when bus lights are no longer flashing, children may still be close to the road or near the bus.
Passing a stopped school bus on a narrow residential street can create a serious risk. Saving a few seconds is never worth putting a child in danger.
Please drive carefully, especially during school pickup and drop-off times.
Parks and Sports Field Spring Update
Parks Maintenance teams are busy preparing outdoor facilities for the spring and summer season.
Crews have been removing rink boards, gates, safety netting and sledding hill safety materials. They are also preparing ball diamonds, sports fields, tennis courts and pickleball courts.
Work includes inspections, fencing repairs, bleacher installation, irrigation checks, grooming, turf repairs, grass cutting, litter removal, court sweeping and net installation where conditions allow.
I know residents are eager to get back onto sports fields, but please stay off closed fields until they are ready. Wet fields can be damaged easily, and closed fields may not yet have been inspected for hazards.
To report a park concern, please submit an online service request or contact 311. The Parks Maintenance webpage will help direct your request to the right team.
Summer Recreation Registration
Summer is almost here, and registration for City of Ottawa recreation activities and Before and After School Programs is opening soon.
Residents can view summer activities online starting Tuesday, May 5.
Swimming registration opens Tuesday, May 12, at 9 pm. Registration for all other activities opens Thursday, May 14, at 9 pm. Summer camp registration opened on February 26.
In-person registration begins the day after online registration at recreation and cultural facilities during regular business hours.
Financial assistance is available through the Ottawa Hand in Hand program. The City also offers inclusive programs and accessible facilities so residents of all abilities can take part.
To prepare, new users should create an account on Register Ottawa. Returning users should confirm that account information, family members and payment details are up to date. Residents can also create a Wish List and add backup choices in case preferred programs fill quickly.
Upcoming registration dates include fall activities beginning online viewing July 28, with swimming registration August 11 and all other activity registration August 13. Winter activities can be viewed starting November 3, with swimming registration on November 17 and all other activity registration on November 19.
Ottawa Children Recognized for 9-1-1 Calls
Dana, Kailey and Reem were recently recognized through the 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards for their bravery and quick actions during emergencies. The awards recognize children aged twelve and under who used 9-1-1 effectively in a crisis and helped others.
Dana called 9-1-1 when her sister was having seizures and struggling to breathe. She stayed calm, followed instructions from emergency dispatchers, helped her mother and went to a neighbour for additional help.
Kailey and Reem were also recognized for acting quickly in serious emergencies. According to local reporting, one called 9 1 1 when her five-year-old sister was not breathing, while the other called for help after someone suffered a head injury.
Their actions are an important reminder for families to speak with children about when to call 9-1-1, how to share their address and how to stay calm while help is on the way.
Check out the City's Are You Ready? workbook and learn how you can be prepared for an emergency.
Celebrating Roy Allen
Ottawa resident Roy Allen is 100 years old, and on May 23, he plans to do something no Canadian his age has ever done before: walk a five-kilometre official race at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
Roy’s walk is a powerful example of healthy aging, resilience and staying active in the community. He is also raising funds for four Ottawa organizations that support seniors: the Council on Aging, the Dementia Society, Perley Health and the Gloucester 50+ Seniors Centre.
I am pleased to share Roy’s story because it reminds us that community leadership can happen at any age.
Learn more or support Roy here:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/roy-100-for-seniors
Out & About
It was a great day in the field for the OFA Rural Farm Tour on Friday, April 24!
Thank you to the Ottawa Federation of Agriculture and Councillor Skalski for coordinating this look at life and work in rural Ottawa. It was a fantastic opportunity to show senior staff and urban colleagues the operations at Raats Goat Dairy, Vernon Valley Farms, and SunTech Greenhouses. These communities make up 80% of our land area and remain the backbone of Ottawa’s economy and food security.
It was a pleasure to join Mayor Sutcliffe, MPP Darouze, MP Fanjoy, and Kelly from the Manotick BIA for the official ribbon cutting at TrueCrust on Saturday, April 25!
It was a highlight to see Darren and Razan Haddad welcome so many neighbours to try their wood-fired Mediterranean pies. Small businesses are the heart of our villages, and I’m thrilled to welcome TrueCrust to the community. Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic grand opening!
It was a fantastic day in Manotick this past Saturday, April 25, as I hosted Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to celebrate Spring Fling and share some major news for our community.
The Mayor announced a one-time $250,000 capital partnership with Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc. (WMMI). This funding is a critical step in supporting the transition of Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed, ensuring these historic landmarks continue to serve our village for years to come.
The Mayor also announced confirmation that the City will retain Miller’s Oven as part of our public facilities in the village. This ensures that this beloved community hub remains a fixture of Manotick life for all our neighbours.
I was pleased to attend the 11th Anniversary Wonderland Tea Party for Mental Health last Sunday, April 26.
This magical event supports CHEO’s pediatric mental health programs, providing critical care for kids in crisis and students in school-based programs. Thank you to Wendy Hubley and the committee for hosting. You can still support these vital services by donating at cheofoundation.com.
It was an honour to join Fire Chief Paul Hutt and the Ottawa Fire Services team on April 30 for the Fire Chief’s Commendation Awards.
Congratulations to all the recipients recognized for their outstanding service and bravery. It was a privilege to celebrate the commitment of our local first responders. Thank you for everything you do to keep Ottawa safe!
Happy 25th Anniversary to the Manotick Natural Market!
It was an honour to participate in the ribbon cutting and present a certificate to Darpan Ahluwalia during the inaugural Tighe Street Block Party and Sidewalk Sale. It was wonderful to see so many neighbours out supporting our small businesses. Congratulations to the Manotick Natural Market on a quarter century of success!
It was a pleasure to join the Richmond Fair Homecraft team on May 2 for their May Tea!
The Richmond Dining Hall was packed, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout from the community. I had a great time helping out as a server, pouring tea and sparkling cider for guests. A huge thank you to the organizers for putting together such a beautiful afternoon.
It was a fantastic Saturday, May 2, to co-emcee "The Musicale: Welcome to the 60’s" with Councillor Skalski!
The event featured incredible performances by the Village Singers, Manotick Brass, and the Macdonald Highland Dancers, all in support of Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS). The funds raised help ROSSS provide vital programs like meal delivery and transportation, ensuring our seniors and adults with disabilities stay independent. Thank you to the performers, the generous sponsors, and everyone who came out to support this meaningful cause.
Spent the morning of May 6 at South Carleton High School for a career fair organized by my office. It was a great opportunity for students to connect directly with representatives from the Millwright Regional Council, Carpenters Local 93, Sheet Metal Workers Local 47, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
In addition to the trades, students explored various public service paths with teams from the Ottawa Public Library, Paramedic and Fire Services, Bylaw, Emergency Preparedness, and Ottawa Police Services. Thank you to all the professionals who shared their expertise and to the students for their insightful questions!
Always great to catch up with residents at the Kars RA! I dropped by the ROSSS Great Social Luncheon on May 6.
It was great to see such a lively turnout and feel the community spirit in the room. Thank you to the ROSSS volunteers and the team for putting together such a fun afternoon.
I learned something new at the St. Philip Invention Convention & Science Fair on May 6!
It was a pleasure to stop by and see the creativity of local students. I had a great time learning about some fascinating experiments, including what happens when you soak an egg in vinegar and the process of making your own crystals. Congratulations to all the young inventors and scientists on their hard work and ingenuity!
A first for me, being interviewed by sock puppets!
It was a memorable evening on May 6 at North Gower Marlborough Public School for their Duck Bites Live Podcast. I had a fantastic time being interviewed in front of an audience of parents, students, and neighbours, sharing a few stories about my role as your Councillor. Thank you to Christopher Rowsome and his Grade 4/5 students for the invitation and for such a creative and fun conversation!
I had the pleasure of attending the VIP launch of Tulipfest at Saunders Farm yesterday, May 7, to help kick off this incredible new spring tradition. It was an honour to join Andrea and Mark and say a few words to celebrate 50 years of Saunders Farm and their continued contribution to our local tourism and agriculture.
Tulipfest officially opens to the public tomorrow and will run daily from May 9th to 24th (closed May 11th), from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. With nearly half a million tulips and over 40 varieties spread across a six-acre orchard, it is officially the largest tulip display in a single location in Ottawa.
You can find full event details and book your tickets at the link below: Saunders Farm Tulipfest
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 Kilreen Lane to 370 metres west of Prince of Wales Drive
Black’s Side Road, from Fernbank Road to Ridingview Crescent
Brophy Drive, from Eagleson Road to Fourth Line Road
Community Way, from Fourth Line Road to Relin Way
Doctor Leach Drive, residential, from Beaverwood Road to Potter Drive
Fallowfield Road, from Munster Road to Dwyer Hill Road
Farmstead Ridge, crack sealing, from Church Street to Church Street
Fernbank Road, from Jinkinson Road to Munster Road
Fernbank Road, from 138 metres east of Shea Road to 385 metres east of Shea Road
Fourth Line Road, from Lockhead Road West to Shellstar Drive
Harbison Road, gravel road upgrade to hard asphalt surface, from Proven Line Road to McCordick Road
Jinkinson Road, from Fernbank Road to 2.7 kilometres north of Fernbank Road
Manotick Main Street, from Bridgeport Avenue to Eastman Avenue
McBean Street, from Perth Street to Strachan Street
Phelan Road West, slurry seal, from Prince of Wales Drive to Ormond Road
Shea Road, crack sealing, from Hemphill Street to Fernbank Road
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 been completed
➔ Pole Installation on Franktown Road
Hydro Ottawa is installing new hydro poles and equipment along Franktown Road. This work will be carried out by Bradley Kelly Construction Ltd. and is ongoing.
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!