COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE
For residents impacted by the July 1 extreme weather event, please refer to our July 17 Special Bulletin, which includes a lot of useful information on recovery efforts, programs and services, including important information on the provincial Discovery Relief Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.
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Grief, Recovery and Resolve
Two or three days after Canada Day, as the true scale of the disaster began to emerge, I found myself with a strange feeling of anticipation. It was a feeling I recognized from having experienced the 2018 tornado up close and personal.
I could anticipate the sequence of emotions that so many households had already experienced, and would continue experiencing, across the minutes, hours, days, and weeks during and after the storm.
First comes the shock and panic of witnessing, in real time, a force of nature completely beyond our control. Then comes the devastation of seeing what that force has done to our homes, possessions, plans, bringing with it the first seeds of anxiety that soon take root.
Then comes exhaustion from long days of clean-up, sleepless nights, or both.
And through it all comes what may be the hardest part: the despair and dread that creep into every thought, every awake moment, and sleeping moments, too. The moments when you find yourself asking, with complete honesty: “How am I going to recover from this? Will I recover from this?”
If you’re one of the households that has been experiencing something like the above, I am so sorry this happened to you. I’ve spoken with far too many of you over the last 18 days, and I’ve run out of useful things to say. What happened wasn’t fair.
It wasn’t fair that one part of the city received 167 mm of rain while another only received 5 mm. It wasn’t fair that your home happened to sit at the low end of the street, collecting runoff from everywhere else. It wasn’t fair that the creek rose higher than it ever had before, or that aging infrastructure left your neighborhood more vulnerable than the next neighborhood.
And it certainly wasn’t fair that, as a city and as a society, we failed to prepare as well as we should have for risks we have long known were possible.
If you’re one of the households that was fortunate enough to avoid this, I’m happy for you. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve seen upon anyone, and I’m grateful that you and your home were spared.
To the residents of Ward 9 who avoided this disaster, I ask that you please help those who didn’t. Please volunteer for any of the organizations that are providing relief, or make a donation. Please let my office know if you have a neighbor that you think needs help or see if you can provide that help yourself.
To the residents of Ward 9 who did not avoid this disaster, I’ll continue helping in any way that I can, whether immediately, or over the time it will take to make things better: whether through physical effort, comfort and understanding, legislation, investigation, and action.
To everyone: this is going to be a long and hard battle. Water always finds the easiest path – downhill. The path ahead for us is the opposite. It will be uphill, often slow, and rarely easy.
What I’m about to say isn’t meant as comfort. It’s simply the truth. Long before this storm, I believed that climate resilience, infrastructure renewal, and emergency preparedness would become defining challenges for our city. It’s why I sought to be on the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee, the Emergency Preparedness & Protective Services Committee, and the Environment & Climate Change Committee.
Everything we’ve experienced since Canada Day reflects the concerns that have driven much of my work as a councillor: the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the limits of our existing infrastructure, the motions I’ve brought and projects I’ve launched to make our city more resilient to stormwater, the shortcomings of our emergency response systems, and the urgency of preparing for what comes next.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a plan, and I’m determined to help move our city toward where it needs to be.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’re going to have some important conversations – about infrastructure, preparedness, resilience, and the choices we need to make as a city. I’m looking forward to having them with you. I hope that you have the same urgency as I do.
Turning Lessons into Action
While the immediate focus remains on helping residents recover, I also have a responsibility to learn from what happened and prepare for what comes next. Recovery is not simply about rebuilding what was there before. It is about building something better.
Since Canada Day, and in some cases before, I’ve already begun work on several initiatives aimed at strengthening Ottawa's resilience to future extreme weather events.
At City Council, I successfully brought forward a motion directing staff to examine how we can improve flood resilience in the areas hit hardest by recent flooding, including both the Graham Creek watershed and Carleton Heights/General Burns neighborhoods, as well as the most impacted parts of Ward 9. Those reviews will help identify vulnerabilities, evaluate potential solutions, and establish a clearer path forward for residents who deserve answers.
I also brought forward a second motion aimed at developing a stronger partnership with the insurance industry. With weather-related insurance payouts increasing dramatically across Canada, insurers have a growing interest in helping communities reduce risk before disasters occur. My goal is to explore ways municipalities and insurers can work together to support mitigation measures that protect homes, reduce damages, and lower long-term costs for everyone.
On the recovery front, I’ve helped recruit volunteers to begin aiding affected households remove damaged materials, clear debris, and take critical first steps toward recovery. Their contribution has been significant, and I am grateful to every volunteer who has stepped forward to help.
At the same time, I have begun discussions with Volunteer Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, Ontario Corps, the Canadian Red Cross, Respond Ottawa, and other community partners about creating a more coordinated and rapidly deployable volunteer response system. Ottawa is fortunate to have thousands of people willing to help when disaster strikes. We need a better way to organize that goodwill so it can be mobilized quickly and effectively when it is needed most.
Longer term, I believe we must rethink how we prioritize infrastructure investments. Recent events have reinforced the need to place greater emphasis on stormwater management and climate adaptation. That means asking difficult questions about where limited dollars are spent, including whether certain stormwater projects should be prioritized ahead of traditional infrastructure programs. It also means continuing to pursue innovative and cost-effective solutions, including permeable pavement projects, low-impact development measures, and lessons from other cities that have found better ways to maintain and renew infrastructure.
Finally, some of the best ideas may come from beyond Ottawa. Through relationships that I have been developing with the Danish Embassy, I am working toward an Ottawa-Copenhagen learning exchange focused on climate adaptation and flood resilience, including Copenhagen's internationally recognized Cloudburst system. I have also begun discussions with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities regarding potential international partnerships that would allow Ottawa to learn from South African expertise in stormwater management and disaster preparedness.
None of these initiatives will provide immediate relief to a family dealing with a flooded basement today. But they are the kinds of actions that can reduce risk tomorrow.
The reality is that extreme weather is no longer a rare event. It is becoming part of our new reality. The challenge before us is deciding whether we simply react to each disaster as it comes, or whether we commit ourselves to becoming a city that is better prepared for the next one.
I know which path I intend to pursue.
Upcoming topics
I realize that the Councillor’s Message for this issue and the previous one have not covered many topics other than flood recovery. This is due partly out of respect for impacted Ward 9 residents, but also that my own bandwith has been very narrow and focused since this disaster struck. In the next issue of our Ward 9 newsletter, here are some of the topics that I’ve either delayed or am looking forward to sharing with you:
· My trip to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference back in early June, and the important initiatives that came out of that trip.
· The City’s plans to manage the expanded transportation and transit needs expected with this Fall’s Return to Office plans for federal workers.
· The next chapter – and a very serious chapter - in an ongoing conversation about changing the way we prioritize infrastructure, and how we’re going to pay for it.
FEATURE STORY
Our ongoing support of AFIFO
Over the last several months, our office has been working closely with AFIFO (Aide aux Femmes Immigrantes de l'Ontario), an Ottawa non-profit dedicated to supporting Franco-African immigrant women in Ottawa. Although there are many local organizations that help immigrants who arrive in our city, we quickly discovered that AFIFO not only had a large client base – supporting more than 3,000 women, plus their families – but that they were operating with minimal support.
Since many of their clients are based in Ward 9, and they were also hosting many of their programs and events out of Ward 9, our office decided to do what we could to help them build capacity and obtain more support. Our immediate goals were to help them find low-cost office and storage space, build their network of potential partners, and find opportunities for more financial support.
AFIFO has found a new home
On that front, we were very grateful to help AFIFO create a partnership with NROCRC (Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre), where AFIFO now has no-cost office space at NROCRC’s office hub at 1547 Merivale.
This partnership brings together two organizations that share a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive community. By co-locating with NROCRC, AFIFO will have greater capacity to support immigrant and newcomer women and their families as they settle, connect, and build successful lives in Ottawa.
The new space will allow AFIFO to expand its programs, strengthen community connections, and reach more families in need of support. As Ottawa continues to grow and welcome newcomers from around the world, partnerships like this play an important role in ensuring residents have access to the resources, services, and networks that help them thrive.
We congratulate AFIFO and NROCRC on this collaboration and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on newcomer families and our community as a whole.
AFIFO’s Clothing Distribution Event
On May 30, our office was pleased to attend AFIFO's Clothing Distribution Event, a community initiative that welcomed more than 200 members and families from across Ottawa. The event provided free clothing and essential items to newcomer families and residents facing financial challenges, helping to ensure community members have access to the resources they need. Just as importantly, it created an opportunity for neighbours to connect, build relationships, and support one another.
Multicultural Day with AFIFO: A Celebration That Shone Through the Rain
Despite a rainy forecast, the spirit of community was on full display at AFIFO's Multicultural Day, held at the TACA Pavilion in partnership with the Nepean, Rideau & Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC).
Residents from across Ottawa came together to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and experiences that enrich our city. Through food, music, entertainment, local vendors, and family activities, the event created opportunities for neighbours to connect, share stories, and strengthen the ties that make our community so vibrant.
The rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance. Instead, it served as a reminder that community is not defined by perfect weather, but by people coming together to support and celebrate one another. The day was made even more memorable by a surprise visit from Anita VandenBeld, MP for Ottawa West-Nepean who joined attendees and helped mark the occasion.
We continue to be inspired by the dedication of AFIFO's volunteers, organizers, and supporters, whose efforts made these events possible. Their commitment reflects the best of our community and demonstrates how local partnerships can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
The strong turnout for each event highlights the ongoing need for accessible community support, as well as the generosity of those who contribute their time, resources, and donations. Events like this help foster a more welcoming and inclusive Ottawa, where newcomers and long-time residents alike can find the support and connections they need to thrive.
We extend our sincere thanks to AFIFO and everyone who helped make these events a success. We are proud to support community initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood connections and create opportunities for all residents to feel welcome and supported.
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
This August, AFIFO will host its annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway for AFIFO members, helping families prepare for the new school year with essential supplies. We are pleased to join volunteers in supporting this community initiative. More details will be shared closer to the event date.
Support AFIFO's Bottle Drive Fundraiser
AFIFO is launching a Bottle Drive Fundraiser to raise funds for a larger space to support its growing donation and community assistance programs. Community members are invited to donate refundable bottles and cans to support this important initiative. Every donation helps AFIFO continue its work assisting immigrant women and families in our community.
- Drop-off Location: 4104 Kelly Farm Drive
- Pick-up Available: Arrangements can be made for those unable to drop off their bottles
- Bottle Drive runs until August 15
To arrange a drop-off or pick-up, please contact: Carine Lembagusala, Director, AFIFO at 613-790-3092.
Thank you for helping AFIFO create more space to serve those who need it most. Every bottle makes a difference!
CITY WORKS
Storm-related debris collection update - Contact 3-1-1
Residents are, understandably, moving through the flood clean-up process at different speeds. While some are ready to dispose of flood-damaged materials, others are still working through insurance assessments, documenting damage, or making decisions about repairs.
For the last couple of weeks, the city has been providing additional waste collection to help with the storm clean-up. As of yesterday, July 20, the system for providing that service will change. Residents are now encouraged to submit a service request to 3-1-1 when they are ready for pickup. This helps crews know when assistance is needed and allows them to respond when it makes the most sense for each household. You can submit a service request for garbage collection online or call 3-1-1.
Dedicated collection vehicles will remain assigned to the impacted wards, and once a service request is submitted, crews will work to collect materials in a timely fashion.
Recovery Information Sessions
Additional Recovery Information Sessions will continue this week, Monday through Saturday, to support residents throughout the recovery process. The Canadian Red Cross will also continue providing information, referrals, and recovery-related assistance to residents. Canadian Red Cross representatives will be available at the Recovery Information Sessions throughout the week. Yesterday evening, another email blast to the residents who have logged storm-related service requests was sent with the Recovery Information Session information.
To date, a total of more than 1,400 people have attended our Information Hubs, Information Sessions, and Recovery Information Sessions combined. Please see the schedule below for session times and locations:
- Tuesday, July 21: Maki House, 2 to 6 pm
- Wednesday, July 22: Ben Franklin Place, 4 to 8 pm
- Thursday, July 23: Ben Franklin Place, 2 to 6 pm
- Friday, July 24: Ben Franklin Place, 2 to 6 pm
- Saturday, July 25: Ben Franklin Place, 10 am to 2 pm
Motorcycle Safety
Warmer weather means more motorcycles are back on Ottawa roads. Whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels, everyone has a role to play in preventing collisions.
Drivers:
- Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
- Leave plenty of following distance.
- Watch carefully for motorcycles when turning left.
Riders:
- Dress for the slide, not the ride. Wear a DOT, ECE or Snell approved helmet and full protective gear every trip, even on short rides.
- Bright or reflective clothing and additional lighting can help make you more visible.
Transportation and Mobility Strategy & Action Plan
OC Transpo has been working closely with the City on the Council-approved Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan. As part of this strategy, OC Transpo is making several system-wide improvements for customers this fall. OC Transpo is ready and has the capacity to welcome the anticipated increase in ridership this fall. The communications and marketing campaign is focused on increasing the awareness of enhancements that make transit more frequent, direct and reliable, including:
- Improved weekday frequency on O-Train Line 1 and an earlier start to weekday service on O-Train Line 2
- New express bus service and Park & Ride connections to improve transit access to major employment areas
- More reliable bus schedules on 30 bus routes serving 50 per cent of customers.
- Improvements to Para Transpo service to strengthen reliability for customers.
- Additional staff present across the network to support customers and safety.
Zena Street & Barlyn Avenue Sidewalk Project
Public consultation is underway for a new active transportation project approved through the City's 2025 Transportation Master Plan.
The project proposes new sidewalks, upgraded streetlighting, new crosswalks, and other pedestrian safety improvements along Zena Street, Barlyn Avenue, and a short section of Sunnycrest Drive. These improvements will enhance safety and accessibility for residents, students, and transit users.
The proposed sidewalks would be built along the west side of Zena Street (Baseline Road to Sunnycrest Drive), the south side of Sunnycrest Drive (Zena Street to Barlyn Avenue), and the west side of Barlyn Avenue (Sunnycrest Drive to Hilliard Avenue).
Construction is not expected to begin before late 2027. Residents can review the proposed plans on the City's project webpage and complete the survey to help shape the final design.
Viewmount Drive Traffic Calming Study — Survey Closes Tonight
The Viewmount Drive Traffic Calming Project (Merivale Road to Fisher Avenue) was approved through the City of Ottawa’s Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Program last year.
The project will be coordinated with the planned resurfacing of Viewmount Drive, with construction currently anticipated within the next two years.
Public consultation is currently underway on Engage Ottawa, but the survey closes tonight, July 21. Residents can review the proposed designs and provide feedback, including their preference between the two proposed traffic calming options. Feedback received through the survey will help inform the final design.
Residents in the immediate area should have received a mailed flyer with additional project information. Councillor Devine will also host a virtual Public Information Session between August 20 and 25, where City staff will present the project and discuss community feedback. Further details will be shared later this month.
Summer Camps Available Near You
With changing summer plans due to the recent severe weather event, families may be looking for alternative activities for their children. The City of Ottawa has compiled a list of available summer camp spaces at nearby locations, offering a variety of programs for all ages. Scan the QR code for registration details.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Medhurst Park Splash Pad Groundbreaking
We’re excited to invite Tanglewood residents to the Medhurst Park Splash Pad Groundbreaking Celebration on Thursday, August 20! This event was initially planned for July 20 but has since been pushed back.
This new $525,000 splash pad project is the result of a remarkable partnership between the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association, Hydro One, the City of Ottawa, and our office. Once complete, the splash pad will feature interactive water-play elements, accessible amenities, new shade trees, seating areas, and a whimsical community-selected design—bringing a much-needed recreational asset to a neighbourhood that currently has no public pool, wading pool, or splash pad.
The celebration will include remarks from project partners, a ceremonial groundbreaking, and family entertainment by Ottawa magician Chris Pilsworth.
Visit the Facebook Event page for full details.
Free Admission at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is once again hosting its popular Welcome Wednesdays, offering free admission and free parking from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 22 and August 26. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the museum’s exhibits and activities while exploring Ottawa’s agricultural heritage. Learn more at their website.
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY
Outdoor Air Quality
We are in the midst of one of the worst wildfire seasons in Ontario history. This is creating massive smoke plumes that are drifting across large parts of the province, including the Ottawa region. It’s important to keep an eye on air quality readings to help protect you and the ones you love.
Air quality warnings are issued jointly by ECCC and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) when the air quality health index (AQHI) reaches a high-risk range (AQHI 7-10) or the very high risk range (10+). These warnings can range from a few hours to a few days and include when wildfire smoke is expected to cause deteriorating air quality.
Outdoor air pollution can be harmful, especially over a long period of time. Those most at risk include people with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, children, and older adults (65+). When extreme heat and poor outdoor air quality occur at the same time, prioritize cooling down.
You can visit the OPH Outdoor Air Pollution webpage for information on how residents can protect themselves from outdoor air pollution, including wildfire smoke, and suggestions on how to reduce exposure.
Respiratory Disease Update
While wildfire smoke is presenting immediate respiratory health concerns, the summer weather has done its work to help bring respiratory illness well under control. Thankfully, the most commonly circulating viruses are all at low ebb right now, with flu, COVID, and RSV all experiencing a prolonged lull in transmission.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Free Music Therapy Group
Tools 4 School
Registration Open! Families with students in kindergarten to Grade 12 can register for NROCRC’s Tools 4 School Backpack Program until July 31, 2026. Space is limited. To register, call 613-596-5626 ext. 222 or email [email protected].
Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre Community Drop-In for Residents Impacted by the July 1 Flooding
This gathering will provide a welcoming and supportive space for residents to connect with neighbours, share their experiences, and receive emotional support. Martha Dougherty, RP, Manager of Counselling Services, will be available to offer support and guidance.
Craig Henry Summer Fun Day
- Location: Craig Henry Park
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 25th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Forest Teachings Workshop
- Location: Trend Arlington Community Centre, 50 Bellman Drive
- Date & Time: Sunday, July 26th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Purchase your ticket here. Space is limited to 50 participants.
Repair Café
- Location: Nepean Sportsplex
- Date & Time: August 8th – Drop-in from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
THCA Corn Roast
- Location: Tanglewood Community Centre, 30 Woodfield Drive
- Date & Time: Wednesday, September 9th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Get SET Adult Education Courses
Ottawa Humane Society Pet Food Drive
Support the Ottawa Humane Society’s Emergency Pet Food Bank and help ensure no one has to choose between feeding themselves or their pet this summer! The OHS is collecting donations for their pet food drive, and your support makes a real difference for pets in need. The OHS’s biggest need is dry dog food in 7 or 8kg bags, but any unopened pet food is greatly appreciated. Drop off your donations at the OHS Shirley Kearns Memorial Adoption Centre, 245 West Hunt Club Road. Thank you for helping Ottawa’s pets stay with their people!
