This will be our office's last regular newsletter for a while. The City’s Election-Related Resources Policy (ERRP) and its procedures prohibit Members of Council who are seeking re-election from using their office budgets to sponsor newsletters during the 60-day period leading up to and including Voting Day, with very few exceptions. To comply with the ERRP, my office will not be issuing this newsletter between the election blackout date of August 27 and until after the election on October 26. We will issue one final Councillor’s Message next week, prior to the election blackout. My office, however, will remain open throughout that period, as usual, to deal with day-to-day constituency matters.
COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE
Ottawa Must Not Look Away
Over the past six weeks, I've spoken with many residents who have been flooded not just once, but in many cases three times since Canada Day, with flooding caused by rainfall on August 10, and then on August 12. That last event saw many households also succumb to a lengthy power outage as well as a microburst windstorm that caused severe damage to trees and property. That night, as I drove through the ward at 2:00 a.m. to get a sense of the damage, it was heartbreaking knowing that so many households were now experiencing their third flood, and worse.
Now people are afraid of weather alerts. They don't know whether to repair their basement, or if it’s safe to leave town when rain is in the forecast. They can't get their insurance company on the phone. They're worried about their finances, and they don't know if the next storm will be tomorrow. For many households, it’s felt like an ongoing disaster with no clear end.
We often talk about flood recovery in terms of debris collection, insurance claims, infrastructure, and emergency response. All those things matter. But increasingly, residents are telling me about anxiety, stress, trauma, fear, and a sense of helplessness. And so, this week I reached out to Ottawa Public Health, as well as to Ottawa Paramedic Services, to secure confirmation that wellness checks and other outreach services will continue to be made available to some of these residents who are struggling. More info on that below.
In 2018, my own neighborhood of Arlington Woods was devastated by a tornado. One bitter memory from that time is from several days after the storm. I remember getting on the 282 at McClellan and Riverbrook, my first day back at work. Within 2 – 3 stops, the passengers who got on the bus looked as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Because the tornado hadn’t hit them. It was isolating.
I worry that something similar is happening now. Most of Ottawa wasn’t affected by the Canada Day flooding, let alone the events from last week. If people don’t know, how will they care? If they don’t care, how will they respond when the call comes for the necessary investments?
Sadly, this isn’t over for Ward 9, or Wards 7 and 8. Our older wards’ infrastructure is not sufficient for the task. Severe weather patterns regularly cross over our part of the city. And major watersheds run through our low-lying areas. This is where the water and wind come.
A great deal of compassion is going to be required from across Ottawa. When the call comes, I hope that my fellow Ottawans – and my colleagues on Council – answer that call.
A Rainy Day Fund. For the Extremely Rainy Days.
One of the lessons I've taken from this summer's flooding is that the cost of underinvestment isn't always visible until it shows up in someone's basement.
At Council on June 10, during our debate on Ottawa's Long Range Financial Plan, I asked our Chief Financial Officer what would happen if property tax increases over the last four years had been just 1% higher than the low property tax increases that Council approved.
The answer was striking.
As you’ll see in video from that meeting, our CFO confirmed that the compounding effect of those modest increases would have resulted in roughly $100 million more in annual revenue by 2026, revenue that would continue to be available year after year. They also confirmed that, even with this hypothetical increase, Ottawa would still rank among Ontario's lowest-taxed major municipalities when comparing taxes paid on a typical single-family home. If you find that hard to believe, watch the video.
For the average homeowner, that additional increase would have amounted to roughly $50 per year, or just over $4 per month.
The question, of course, is what we would do with that money. That’s a reasonable question.
Ottawa currently faces a significant infrastructure funding gap. In fact, our annual funding gap for the most critical infrastructure is roughly $125 million. In other words, that lost $100 million could be paying for upgrades to our sewers, culverts, and ditches; our roads, pathways, parks, and facilities. Without that revenue, how do we address this? Anyone who thinks that “savings and efficiencies” alone will solve this problem is not grasping the scale of the problem.
That's why I believe Ottawa needs to have a serious conversation about how we fund infrastructure in mature communities.
Growth areas benefit from development charges that help fund new infrastructure. But many older neighbourhoods are dealing with a different challenge: aging infrastructure that was designed for a different era, a different climate, and a much smaller city. Our more mature wards don’t benefit from development charge investment like Barrhaven does, or Stittsville, or Orleans.
What if Ottawa created a dedicated funding stream for investing in neighbourhood renewal and resilience? A long-term commitment that would help finance projects such as stormwater upgrades, flood mitigation, road rehabilitation, park improvements, and the replacement of aging public facilities in established communities.
Not because taxes are an end to themselves but because resilient infrastructure is.
The cost of investing in infrastructure may show up on your property tax bill, sure. But the cost of not doing it? It’s the insurance deductible. It’s the cost of replacing a furnace or furniture, or family possessions. It's the stress that comes every time a major storm appears in the forecast.
The cheapest infrastructure project is often the one that prevents damage from happening in the first place.
A rainy-day fund, perhaps.
For the extremely rainy days.
Permeable Pavement Pilot Gains Attention
Could permeable pavement help solve Ottawa's flooding problem?
That's the question CTV News explored today in a story about an innovative Ottawa-made technology that allows rainwater to pass through pavement and into the ground, rather than overwhelming storm sewers during heavy rainfall. As flooding becomes more frequent, innovative solutions that store rainfall to "buy time" for our sewers to manage excessive rainfall are quickly becoming an important part of how cities adapt.
Over the past two years, since first meeting with the Ottawa-based entrepreneur behind this product, I've worked to help get a pilot project off the ground, resulting in what will be the first of its kind in Canada - the incorporation of permeable pavement on a public roadway, effectively turning the road into a part of the stormwater management system. The project will bring together the City of Ottawa, the National Research Council, local universities, and Ottawa-based company PurePave Technologies to test how this approach performs in a real-world municipal setting.
This fall, we'll begin collecting data that will help determine whether permeable pavement can play a larger role locally in reducing flooding, improving stormwater management, and building more climate-resilient communities.
This is work that I'm proud of.
CITY WORKS
Investigation into Canada Day storm
The City of Ottawa is undertaking a comprehensive review of the impacts of the significant rainfall events that occurred this summer, including an assessment of stormwater management systems and infrastructure across the city. The shape and direction of this investigation will be influenced by Councillor Devine’s motion. Work is already underway and staff are finalizing the statement of work, in alignment with Council's direction, and will engage a third-party consultant to support the review. Over the coming months, the city-wide assessment will examine flooding impacts in affected communities across the three rainfall events that have occurred to date and identify opportunities to strengthen resilience to future extreme weather events. The findings and recommendations will be reported to Council and will help inform potential improvements to stormwater infrastructure and operations. A more detailed update on the progress of this work will be provided to Council in the coming weeks.
DRAO update
Councillor Devine and his colleagues from Ward 7 and Ward 8 have been participating in regular meetings with the City Manager and the Director of Public Safety Services on all matters related to ongoing storm recovery, including getting updates on the Province of Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) funding program. Several weeks ago, the province issued a map of the proposed activation area – the area that could be eligible for DRAO funding – which the City rejected as being far too small and not reflective of the broader impact of the Canada Day flooding.
Our office has been made of a tentative proposal for a much broader activation area, following multiple discussions between City staff and DRAO program staff. The most recent update is that the City of Ottawa had productive discussions with DRAO late last week, and that DRAO has requested some additional information to help inform their review process, which the City is putting together. No final decisions have been made yet.
Tree debris
For minor tree debris related to the August 12 windstorm, residents are encouraged to bundle and separate their leaf and yard waste for standard curbside collection.
For tree debris too large for standard curbside collection, residents who require additional support will be able to submit a unique service request to 3-1-1 (either by phone or by email at [email protected]) that will be prioritized for City collection, starting Monday, August 17.
Street sweeping to clean up debris on roads will begin in the most affected areas, Wards 7, 8 and 9 this weekend and will continue throughout the week.
Support for residents impacted by extreme weather
The City is moving to a more personalized recovery approach to support residents affected by the July 1 storm and the recent extreme weather events on August 10 and 12.
Ben Franklin Place
If you have questions about backwater valve permits or related permit requirements, City staff are available to help. Residents can call 613-580-2424 ext. 29312 or email for information and support.
You can also visit Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Drive) between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Go to the service desk on the second floor. Walk-ins are welcome. Information about available supports and resources is regularly updated on the City's Extreme Weather Event webpage.
Canadian Red Cross support
The Canadian Red Cross continues to offer both virtual and in-person assistance to households affected by the storms. Representatives are available on the second floor of Ben Franklin Place Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Red Cross can help residents:
- Connect with community resources
- Access information and referrals
- Navigate clean-up, repair, and rebuilding efforts
- Better understand insurance and construction processes (virtual appointments only)
Residents are encouraged to book an appointment by calling 1-800-863-6582 or emailing them, although walk-in visits are also welcome.
Help available at 951 Clyde Avenue North
Residents can also visit the permit desk at 951 Clyde Avenue North between 8:30 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday, for questions and application support related to:
Appointments are preferred and can be booked by email or by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 22300.
Before you visit
If you're seeking assistance with a Compassionate Grant Program or Residential Protective Plumbing Program application, be sure to review the eligibility requirements and bring any required documentation with you. This will help staff provide support as quickly as possible.
Road Safety Action Plan: Distracted and Aggressive Driving
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and this month the City is highlighting the dangers of aggressive and distracted driving.
Aggressive driving includes behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and failing to yield. Distracted driving extends beyond texting and can include eating, adjusting the radio, using a smartwatch, or interacting with passengers.
Between 2020 and 2024, 56% of fatal or major injury collisions in Ottawa involved high-risk driving behaviour. A little extra patience behind the wheel can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Whether you're driving, cycling, walking, or taking transit, staying alert, slowing down, and giving others space helps make our roads safer for everyone.
Vehicle crash at Knoxdale Public School
Following the August 6 incident where a vehicle crashed through the fence and into the front yard of Knoxdale Public School, Councillor Devine wrote to OCDSB officials and the local MPP to request a discussion on potential safety improvements.
Thankfully, no children were in the yard at the time, but the incident has raised understandable concerns among parents and staff. A community petition is calling for additional protections, including safety bollards – possibly funded by the province’s Liam Riazati Memorial Fund. Our office will also be exploring traffic-control options within our municipal jurisdiction, such as restricting left turns out of the Shoppers Drug Mark parking lot, or extending the median to reduce risky turning lane-crossing.
We believe there may be an opportunity for a relatively simple, low-cost solution that would improve safety and provide greater peace of mind for students, families, and school staff. Councillor Devine looks forward to working with all partners on next steps.
Infrastructure projects update
Road resurfacing on Tennyson Street and Cordell Court
Construction is planned to begin in September, with completion expected by November.
The City will resurface Tennyson Street from Fifeshire Crescent to Cordell Court and Cordell Court from the cul-de-sac to Tennyson Street. The work will also include sidewalk and curb repairs where needed, along with adjustments to catch basins and manholes.
Pathway improvements in Ward 9 parks
Following advocacy from our office, Councillor Devine met with City staff in late June to discuss plans for pathway improvements in Ward 9 parks. We can now confirm that there will be complete asphalt pathway replacements at Medhurst Park and Raoul Wallenberg Park, with work expected to commence in Fall 2026. The pathways will be resurfaced and rebuilt to the City’s current standard of 2 metres in width, improving the overall condition and usability of the pathway. Existing interlock brick sections in some locations will remain in place and will not be replaced as part of the work.
Project Update: Habitat for Humanity at 40 Beechcliffe
Exciting progress continues on the Habitat for Humanity attainable homeownership project at 40 Beechcliffe, being built in partnership with CAIVAN. While our office remains very proud of this important project, as well as Councillor Devine’s role in the project’s origins, we realize that this major construction work is having an impact on the immediately-adjacent residents on Beechcliffe, who have been very patient and accommodating.
Home construction is scheduled to begin on August 24, starting with foundations on the south end of the site. The major road and underground infrastructure work is expected to be completed before housing construction begins, with new curbs, paving, and driveway reinstatements planned for early September.
While construction activity will continue and residents can expect some ongoing noise and traffic, the most disruptive infrastructure work is nearing completion. Major home construction is expected to wrap up by February 2027, with interior finishing work continuing into the spring.
We’re also pleased to report that there have been no major project issues to date, and concerns raised by nearby residents regarding contractor parking and excavation safety are being addressed with the builder and contractor. This important project will create more attainable homeownership opportunities for local families while helping to strengthen our community.
Transit Update - Fall service improvements start August 30
As part of the Customer-First Action Plan, OC Transpo is introducing new travel options and service improvements across the network to provide a more reliable transit experience.
O-Train service
Line 1:
- Double-car train service will continue Monday to Friday.
- More than 90 new weekday departures.
- Service every 4 minutes during peak periods (previously 5).
- Service every 6 minutes midday (previously 10).
- Service every 7 minutes in the early evening (previously 10).
Line 2:
- Earlier weekday service from the south end.
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First trains depart:
- Limebank Station: 6:00 a.m.
- Carleton Station: 6:05 a.m.
Bus service improvements
- New Express bus service from Kanata Park & Ride lots to DND Carling Campus and Tunney’s Pasture Station.
- New Express bus service from Tunney’s Pasture Station to DND Carling Campus and Kanata North.
- New direct Gatineau trips on Routes 74, 75, 561, 562 and 563, offering one-bus service without transfers.
- More reliable schedules on Routes 11, 51, 53, 61, 63, 73, 75, 81, 82, 85, 88, 117, 163, 168 and 173.
You can learn more online or by calling 613-560-5000.
2026 Air Conditioner Pilot
The City of Ottawa is offering a limited Air Conditioner (AC) Pilot to help eligible low-income residents stay safe during periods of extreme heat. The pilot provides a portable air conditioner to residents who do not have a working air conditioner, have a health-related need for cooling, and cannot afford to purchase an air conditioner on their own.
Could you qualify for the air conditioner pilot?
You may be eligible if you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions:
- You cannot afford to buy an air conditioner right now.
- You do not already have a working air conditioner.
- You have a health or medical condition that would be helped by air conditioning. Medical documentation is not required—self-declared need is okay.
- Your household income meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). Use the QR code below to find the LICO “Eligibility Estimator” or visit the program web page.
Residents who think they may qualify are encouraged to contact Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) program through 3-1-1 for an eligibility assessment.
Call 3-1-1 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm
- Select English (1) or French (2)
- Select Community and Social Services (4), then select (6)
Cleaning the Capital
Cleaning the Capital returns this fall! Register starting August 25 and join a community cleanup between September 15 and October 15. This year, we are hoping that residents see this as an opportunity to not only clear garbage from their parks and public spaces, but also to proactively encourage residents to clear debris from their catch basins and sewer inlets.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Medhurst Park Splash Pad Groundbreaking
Join Councillor Sean Devine and special guests – including Mayor Sutcliffe - this Thursday August 20th at 11:30 a.m. for the official groundbreaking of the Medhurst Park Splash Pad, an exciting project coming to Tanglewood in Spring 2027, courtesy of a partnership with Hydro One. Celebrate this exciting community milestone and enjoy family fun with Ottawa magician Chris Pilsworth. All are welcome!
Info Session: Viewmount Drive Traffic Calming Project
Join us on Monday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m., for a Public Information Session on the Viewmount Drive Traffic Calming Project. This meeting will be held online on Zoom. The meeting link is available at our website by clicking the link above.
City of Ottawa staff will present the recommended traffic calming options for Viewmount Drive (between Merivale Road and Fisher Avenue), discuss feedback received through the public consultation process, and answer questions from residents. The study aims to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists while addressing speeding concerns along the corridor. Learn more about the Viewmount Drive Traffic Calming Study at the City’s website. We hope you'll join us and help shape the future of this important neighbourhood road.
Councillor out and about
This past weekend, Councillor Devine was pleased to join residents at three wonderful community events: ABLE2’s Annual Picnic supporting people with disabilities, MPP Chandra Pasma’s General Burns Community BBQ, and AFIFO’s Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, helping local families start the school year with confidence and the supplies they need.
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY
Craig Henry / Manordale Community Safety Committee
Following the high-profile stabbing incident in Craig Henry Park on July 23, our office began discussions with local residents and community leaders about taking a community-focused approach to addressing broad concerns related to youth violence in the communities of Craig Henry and Manordale.
The newly launched Craig Henry / Manordale Community Safety Committee first met on July 30, consisting of representatives from the Craig Henry Community Association, the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association, the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC), and Minto Properties, hosted and facilitated by Councillor Devine. This Committee will be meeting again in early September, as we bring together residents, community organizations, service providers, and public agencies to address local safety concerns through prevention, engagement, and partnership.
Since our initial meeting, Councillor Devine has held follow-up discussions with Ottawa Police Service and their Community Youth Unit. As a result, youth officers have increased their presence in the Craig Henry neighbourhood, regularly spending time in parks and public spaces, connecting with young people, and building positive relationships through outreach and engagement activities.
Looking ahead, Ottawa Police have indicated they will be engaging with Sir Robert Borden and other local schools this fall to explore opportunities for safety presentations and youth-focused programming. We have also invited representatives from the Community Youth Unit to participate in our working group as we continue to strengthen collaboration between residents, community organizations, and frontline services.
The committee is also expanding its network of partners. We have connected with MP Carney’s office, who have expressed interest in the initiative and may help identify potential federal funding opportunities related to crime prevention and community safety programs.
As this work continues, we are actively seeking participation from youth, youth-serving organizations, and members of both the Muslim and Jewish communities. Building stronger, safer neighbourhoods requires broad community involvement, and we are encouraged by the growing commitment from partners across all levels of the community.
While meaningful change takes time, these early steps represent important progress toward a coordinated, long-term approach to community safety in Craig Henry and Manordale.
New Merivale Immunization Clinic
Councillor Devine joined community members, staff, and other local officials August 11 to celebrate the official opening of the new Merivale immunization clinic.
The event featured brief remarks highlighting the importance of immunization services in the community, followed by an opportunity for attendees to meet clinic staff and clients and learn more about the services offered at the new location.
Located across from the Emerald Plaza at 1580 Merivale Road, Suite 208, the clinic provides a dedicated, permanent space where children, youth, families, and individuals can access routine and publicly funded vaccines. The clinic is designed to support residents who may face barriers to care or who do not have easy access to a primary care provider.
By improving access to immunization services, the new clinic will help protect the health of Ottawa residents and strengthen efforts to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the community.
Respiratory Illness Data
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Development on Baseline and the Merivale Triangle
In recent months we have seen increasing development activity in the Merivale triangle and along the Baseline corridor: 780 Baseline, 1200 Baseline, 1345 Baseline, and 1500 Merivale (pending), to name a few. Some of these files are new, but many of them are reviving after years of lying dormant. Many of these files include dense high-rise development that would bring a significant number of new residents to the area. While none of this will happen quickly—many of these projects will unfold over the next decade or even two—it is good for residents to stay informed of developers’ plans and remain engaged. To explore these projects and others, you can visit the city’s Development Applications website and learn more about these and other projects.
Infrastructure Servicing Capacity
All the development outlined above and recent challenges with the city’s stormwater system capacity raise important questions about the ability of local infrastructure to handle a significant increase in residential development. Councillor Devine has engaged with city staff on the issue and will continue to ask questions as files come forward. The key question will always be whether or not systems (such as sanitary and stormwater sewer capacities) will need to be upgraded to manage the increase in demand. Our office will continue to monitor those developments and to ensure that these issues are properly addressed through the planning process.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
30th Anniversary Walk for Dementia!
Join the Dementia Society’s 30th Anniversary Walk for Dementia on Sunday, September 20th at the DSORC Centre - 2327 St. Laurent Boulevard, in Ottawa from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help raise awareness and support local families affected by dementia while enjoying live music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Every step makes a difference. Learn more or register.
Knox Neighbourhood Adult Drop-In
The Neighbourhood Adult Drop-In events happen every second Monday from 2 to 4pm at Knox United Church, 25 Gibbard Ave.
Upcoming Corn Roasts:
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Date & Location: September 9th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Tanglewood Park, 30 Woodfield Drive
- Date & Location: September 12th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Manordale Park, 68 Knoxdale Road
Early-On Program
Early-On Program will resume at Manordale Woodvale Park at the Margaret Rywak Building at 68 Knoxdale Road on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. See September calendar for more details.
Family Movie Night in Craig Henry
Ottawa 200 – Celebrating our Screen Legacy
Join Councillor Devine and Mayor Sutcliffe on August 22nd for Ottawa 200 – Celebrating our Screen Legacy - a fun and memorable event spotlighting Ottawa's rich film history through film content, photos, across all genres and format. Dive into the stories, talents, and magic that have shaped our screen legacy over the last two centuries. Whether you're a movie buff or just curious, this celebration is all about community, culture, and creativity.
Knox United Church - Grief Support Program
