COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE
Show the plan, then ask for the investment
Last week, I was at the Annual General Meeting of one of the Ward 9 community associations where one of the questions on the agenda was whether to raise annual membership dues from $10 to $20. The president of the association started the discussion by asking who would be comfortable supporting an increase. A majority of hands went up. The president then asked whether some residents would be less supportive of an increase. A smaller set of hands went up.
What followed was a rather unproductive discussion on whether to raise the fees only to $15, or whether those who could pay more than $20 could subsidize those who couldn’t afford the increase, and other variables in between. It was an attempt to solve a problem that hadn’t yet been defined.
And then a lone hand went up to ask a question that settled the room: “What would the increase be for?” That’s when my ears perked up. The lone voice continued. “You should have a justification for raising fees. Otherwise, how do we know if it’s a productive use of our money?”
In the last issue of this newsletter, I raised a point that I’ve addressed repeatedly, and which I also repeated publicly during my remarks at Council on June 10. When it comes to property taxes paid on the average-priced home, Ottawa ranks as the lowest among Ontario’s major municipalities. Don’t take my word for it, ask the City of Ottawa itself. On the city's website, it’s made quite clear: Ottawa residents paid the lowest average property taxes among Ontario cities in 2025.
When you consider this fact, and when you consider the massive $142 million annual financial gap that Ottawa is currently facing when it comes to maintaining our city’s priority infrastructure in a state of good repair, it makes you wonder where we’d be if we’d been more transparent with residents, if we’d been bolder.
Over the last 4 years, Ottawa’s cumulative property tax increase was the lowest across Canada, something that Mayor Sutcliffe has boasted repeatedly. While concern for affordability is a worthwhile pursuit, so is fiscal responsibility, especially when making tough decisions to protect our fiscal solvency has political risks. But I’ll state here once more what I said in the last issue: if City Council had passed annual property tax increases of just 1% more than the below-inflation increases that we did approve, then we would currently have at least $100 million dollars more in annual baseline revenue. That figure alone, if we were to allocate those funds to our priority infrastructure needs, would cover at least 2/3 of the annual gap we’re now facing, a gap that currently has no plan for how to fill it.
In the November 18, 2025 issue of our newsletter, we published results from a survey we had conducted to get a sense of resident priorities when it came to the City’s budget. What was clear was that, when averaging the scores across all demographics, the maintenance of City infrastructure was the top priority. Our survey also demonstrated that “overall, willingness to accept slightly higher taxes is moderate, and conditional on those funds supporting key priorities.”
Which brings us to the topic of an infrastructure levy, an idea that’s been floating in the media for the last few weeks, like a test balloon that’s been released to see if it will float, or falter. But what is an infrastructure levy? How much would it be? And would residents be willing to pay for it? I fully expect this to be one of the key issues during the upcoming municipal elections.
But there’s only one way to generate a good response to those questions. And that’s to address the question in the same way that the lone voice did at the community association meeting last week, when they debated the increase to their membership dues.
“What would an infrastructure levy be for? Show me what you’d do with it. Without a justification, how do we know if it would be a productive use of our money?”
That’s a conversation that I think is worth having. Thankfully, we have time.
And there’s another conversation I’m eager to have with you.
Often, what follows any discussion about raising taxes to address a budgetary gap, there’s a counter-argument to cut unnecessary expenses instead. It’s as if the two ideas can’t exist at the same time.
Not only do I believe that both values can exist in relation to each other, but it’s also my position that both strategies are necessary to Ottawa’s financial viability.
In the next issue of this newsletter, I’m going to be telling you about my recent trip to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference, which took place in Edmonton June 4 – 7. As with every opportunity I have to visit other cities, I take it as a learning opportunity to bring back ideas and innovations to Ottawa. As I’ve long known, Edmonton has a lot to teach.
One thing I’m most excited to share is about how Edmonton maintains their roads. Here’s a sneak peek: they do it more efficiently, they do it more effectively, and they do it a lot more affordably.
Can’t wait to tell you how.
When collaboration sparks a national opportunity on quantum
Over the past few months, I've been quietly involved with an initiative that became public news last week - an exciting development for Ward 9, Ottawa, and possibly the nation - the launch of Canada's first national quantum research hub.
This initiative brings together the City alongside organizations like Invest Ottawa, and multiple Ottawa-based quantum and tech industry partners to explore and advance real-world applications of quantum technologies — particularly in secure communications, defence, and critical infrastructure.
I wanted to share a bit more about how this developed, and why it matters. It’s something I’m proud to have played a small role in, alongside many others across government, industry, and research who have been advancing this work.
Earlier this winter, a federal quantum scientist started inquiring about how the City of Ottawa could support the arrival of a quantum-related company that was relocating to Ottawa, and specifically to Ward 9. Ultimately, this is what first brought me into a conversation that has broadened my understanding of the scope and scale of my role as a municipal councillor. And through those first conversations, it became clear that in addition to asking about zoning and permits, this federal quantum scientist had something larger in mind.
Early conversations with the federal scientist soon involved the Director of Business Development from Invest Ottawa, which led to a working lunch in my office at City Hall. Over deli sandwiches, we learned that various local industry stakeholders like Calian, ThinkOn and Numana were already having early-day discussions on developing a network where quantum technologies could move beyond research and into real-world application. These discussions were already underway across several organizations, reflecting a growing recognition of Ottawa’s potential in this space. We discussed how Ottawa’s unique strengths — our existing telecommunications infrastructure, engineering expertise, and proximity to academic institutions and federal research — put our city in a rare and highly-advantaged position.
This created an opportunity for Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa to help support, platform, and facilitate this initiative, as well as to open doors to its broad potential.
And that’s where we landed on June 9th. As part of Ottawa Innovation Week, Calian Group announced the launch of Canada’s first national quantum research hub.
For anyone not familiar with the territory – as was I a few months ago - quantum technologies will transform how we protect data, secure communications, and manage critical systems. It is as important to our city’s economic development interests as it is to our national defence interests. By staking out a leadership position, Ottawa has the potential to attract investment and cutting-edge companies, create high-quality jobs, and position our city as a strategic centre.
And one of the most surprising developments has been how quickly Ottawa’s initiative has attracted international attention. This is one of the areas where I’ve had the opportunity to contribute. Interestingly, it started with a dinner party.
Earlier this spring, at a diplomatic gathering, I was introduced to Denmark’s Ambassador to Canada. This initiated a series of conversations on shared interests. What started as an idea for an Ottawa–Copenhagen exchange focused on urban planning, stormwater resilience, public realm and traffic safety, has since evolved to recognize the opportunities for further alignment tied to quantum, linked to Canada’s and Denmark’s Joint Statement on Quantum Cooperation.
During last month’s CANSEC conference I attended a reception at the Danish Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the Canadian-Danish quantum partnership and met with Denmark’s Quantum Diplomat (they actually have such a position) to discuss the broader initiative taking shape in Ottawa. Following Calian’s announcement last week, Denmark has re-affirmed their interest. Over the next month, I am looking forward to hosting Denmark’s Tech Ambassador (they have that position, too) for a broad stakeholder meeting to discuss what the future might hold.
From early discussions about a local company, to working sessions across industry and government, to opening diplomatic channels for growing international engagement. From multiple companies and institutions coordinating their efforts, elevating local opportunities to global relevance. This doesn’t happen often — and it speaks as to both the opportunity before us and the importance of collaboration.
Stay tuned!
From lines on a map to a shared vision: a big night for Baseline–Merivale
On June 15th we co-hosted a Public Open House for the Baseline-Merivale Secondary Plan and Algonquin Secondary Plan, and it was a resounding success. Along with my Council colleagues Laine Johnson and Riley Brockington - the secondary planning area touches all three of our wards - I was thrilled to see such a huge turnout of community members who were eager to learn about the plans and participate in a discussion about the future vision for their neighborhoods.
This is one of the accomplishments I'm most proud of in my first term as Councillor for Ward 9. At the start of my term, there was no "Merivale" in the planning process. There was the Algonquin Secondary Plan and the Baseline Secondary Plan. That was it. The vast potential for the future re-development of Merivale was shockingly not even on the city's radar. But as early as during my election campaign I could tell that residents wanted something different than the status quo. And so, early in my first year as Councillor, I started hosting meetings with interested stakeholders, brought city planners out to Merivale Road, and showed them concept plans for what Merivale could be. Getting "Merivale" added to the secondary plan process wasn't easy, but we got it done. Last night's enthusiastic response to the early stages of planning was a great reward for the effort.
There's still lots more work to be done, including more consultation, as the plan advances from "new lines on a map" to specific guidelines and parameters. But that will take some time. First order of business: our city planners are going to consolidate all the notes they collected last night - so many sticky notes and comments - and present a report. Then, we get back to work on the next steps.
We have an opportunity here to do something truly meaningful: to dramatically re-shape the physical nature of a large urban space; to re-shape the purpose of that space; to figure out who and what it's meant to serve, and what's the best way to do that. I hope that you stay with me as we complete this journey together.
CITY WORKS
Transit update
Performance on Route 82
Transit Committee learned this week that Route 82 remains among the system’s most challenged routes, but recent adjustments are beginning to show modest signs of improvement, with reliability increasing from 45% in Fall 2025 to 76% in Spring 2026. Of course, increased reliability doesn’t necessarily mean faster run times. However, it does mean that the runs are closer to their posted schedule times.
While reliability has improved following schedule and operational changes, overall performance continues to fall below standards.
Although the early impacts of these service refinements are encouraging, further targeted interventions remain – including adjustments to the actual routes, along with a series of transit priority measures at strategic points along the route – all of which will be required to bring Route 82 in line with system expectations. Our office will continue to push for these timely improvements and investments.
Youth ages 11-18 ride free
This July and August pre-teens and youth ages 11-18 ride for free every day on OC Transpo buses, trains and Para Transpo.
When summer’s over, keep riding free on weekdays after 5 pm, weekends, and holidays starting September 1.
It’s easy to travel for free. Here’s how:
- Purchase a Presto card if you don’t already have one.
- Set a Pre-Teen or Youth pass on your card at a participating Shoppers, Loblaws or Real Canadian Superstore location.
- Tap your card on the fare gate or fare reader to board for free!
For more information visit octranspo.com
Hydro Ottawa Rates: What’s Changing and Why
Hydro Ottawa has finalized its 2026 rates following approval from the Ontario Energy Board, marking the first year of a new five-year (2026–2030) rate plan. These changes, effective June 1, 2026, support a historic $1 billion capital program—the largest in the utility’s history—aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and meeting rapidly growing electricity demand across Ottawa.
This investment will almost double grid spending compared to the previous five-year period and deliver a 25% increase in system capacity. Key projects include building a new substation each year (up from one every five years), supporting a surge in large customer connections, and deploying over 20 MW of battery storage to strengthen reliability and enable cleaner energy integration.
For residents, the impact on monthly bills is relatively modest. A typical household using 750 kWh will see an increase of about $5.87 per month (3.81%), with $5.30 of that tied to distribution charges. Small businesses will see an increase of about $3.86 per month (0.96%). Hydro Ottawa notes that it retains only 22% of total electricity charges; the majority reflects provincial costs beyond local control.
Due to a delayed approval process, a temporary adjustment of about $1.80/month for residential customers will appear until May 31, 2027, to recover earlier foregone revenue.
Hydro Ottawa emphasizes that these investments are essential to ensure a reliable, resilient grid, while also offering financial assistance programs for customers who need support managing costs.
Bateman Drive Parking Pressures
Our office continues to hear from residents on Bateman Drive about ongoing parking congestion linked to activities at the adjacent Woodvale Pentecostal Church, including the permanent loss of onsite parking due to the current expansion of this recently expanded mega-church, and particularly during larger events like a recent nighttime music concert, where conditions appear to be escalating. I fully understand the frustration this is causing, especially when blocked driveways, safety concerns, and limited access affect daily life.
I am taking this seriously and will be arranging meetings both with church leadership and with City staff to identify practical next steps. This includes reviewing enforcement levels, exploring targeted parking restrictions, and assessing how effectively the church’s on-site parking is being utilized and managed during peak periods.
As with responsible stormwater management, it is essential that a property owner’s changes to their property—especially after a major expansion—do not offload impacts onto surrounding neighbours. The current situation is not sustainable, and I am committed to working toward solutions that restore safety, fairness, and livability on Bateman Drive.
Let’s Bike Month: Putting It to the Test
As part of EnviroCentre’s June is “Let’s Bike Month” campaign Councillor Devine is trading in car trips for an e-bike to see firsthand how cycling can work as a practical, everyday transportation option. His goal is simple: replace as many car trips as possible and be part of the solution to congestion, not part of the problem.
The early results are eye-opening. On his first ride home from City Hall, GPS estimated a 39-minute drive—nearly double what used to be a typical commute. By comparison, his e-bike trip took just 45 minutes—only six minutes longer—while offering clear benefits: improved health, zero fuel costs, and a reduced impact on both emissions and traffic.
This shift also highlights a larger opportunity. Earlier this year EnviroCentre released their report on the feasibility of a bike share system in Ottawa-Gatineau. More than 250 cities across North America already offer bike share systems—but Ottawa-Gatineau remains in the minority without one. Earlier this year, Councillor Devine successfully passed a motion directing staff to bring forward final recommendations for a feasible bike share program, helping move Ottawa closer to joining that growing list.
Let’s Bike Month, led by EnviroCentre, encourages residents to try cycling, track their impact, and access resources and prizes. It’s a practical, people-focused reminder that small shifts in how we move can make a meaningful difference.
Dogs in Country Place Park
As a reminder to residents, Country Place Park was re-designated last year as a “Dogs on Leash” park.
This designation means that while dogs are welcome, they must be kept on leash at all times and under the control of their handler. Additionally, dogs must remain at least five (5) metres away from children’s play areas and pools.
While our office was happy to support the process to enable the community’s dog owners to use the park in this manner, it is up to the community to follow the rules and to respect all park users. If the rules are not consistently or sufficiently followed, the designation can be rescinded.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Public Review Period: Greenbank Power Station
Hydro Ottawa’s Greenbank municipal transformer station project has officially entered a 30-day public review and comment period on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.
The registry is Canada’s official information hub for development projects subject to the Impact Assessment Act. This interactive website helps you search and participate in federal assessments across Canada and on federal lands. For this project, you can search “Greenbank municipal transformer station project.”
This is an opportunity to review the project details and share feedback. The 30-day window for public comments is now open until July 10, 2026. To participate and share your feedback, or to learn more about the project goals and timelines, please visit the Hydro Ottawa Greenbank project page.
Ottawa Youth Service Year Pilot Project
Discover the Ottawa Youth Service Year pilot for an exciting new opportunity for local youth aged 17–19. This paid, 8 months full-time program connects recent graduates with non-profit placements, offering hands-on experience, skill-building, and a post-secondary award while making a meaningful impact on the community. The application for the Ottawa Youth Service Year is now live, and we will be accepting applications until June 19th.
2026 VOscars Nominations
Nominate volunteers and organizations who have made a significant impact in your community for Volunteer Ottawa's 2026 VOscars Volunteer Awards.
The 2026 VOscars Volunteer Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions of volunteers across Ottawa, and we encourage you to recognize the individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of service and compassion. This year's ceremony will be taking place on October 22nd at Ben Franklin Place. Nominations are open for all award categories including Outstanding Youth, Outstanding Older Adult, Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit, Leadership in Skilled Volunteering, Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism, Pathways to Possibilities and Outstanding Volunteer Program. The deadline to submit nominations is July 15th. Volunteerism plays a vital role in fostering community engagement, and we hope you’ll take this opportunity to highlight the volunteers who make a difference every day.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Volunteer Ottawa.
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY
Beat the Heat
The warm weather is here! Every Ottawa resident knows that summer weather can bring some seriously hot and humid weather with it. It’s a great break from the cold and snow of winter, but those hot and steamy days can increase the risk of preventable heat-related illnesses. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health (OPH), along with community partners, are encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay safe and enjoy the weather.
Extreme heat can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature, raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While everyone is affected, young children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those with certain health conditions are more vulnerable. Keeping indoor temperatures at or below 26°C can help reduce risks.
If you’re feeling the heat, OPH has created a convenient interactive map highlighting places to cool off, including parks, pools, splash pads, libraries, and other air-conditioned City facilities.
During heat waves, check in on neighbours and loved ones who may need support. Stay informed through weather alerts and explore OPH resources, including multilingual heat safety tips and guidance for staying cool and safe all summer long.
Cooling off… and staying safe
Summer is here, one of the favourite ways to beat the heat is heading to the local pool, beach, or water parks. Ottawa Public Health is asking residents to have fun, but also turn their attention to the importance of water safety. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, with most incidents occurring between May and September, making prevention essential.
Local partners, including emergency services and the Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition, recently gathered to share practical safety advice. The tips they shared include: supervising children at all times, keeping them within arm’s reach, ensuring weak swimmers wear properly fitted lifejackets, and never swimming alone. Avoid alcohol or drugs when swimming or supervising, and keep safety equipment and a phone nearby. Backyard pools should be secured with fences and self-closing gates.
Whenever possible, choose lifeguarded areas and learn basic swimming skills. Open water brings added risks, including changing weather, currents and hidden hazards. Stay within designated swimming zones and be aware of your surroundings. Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. So, when you hit the beach or pool, make it a priority.
Respiratory Disease Update
As we'd expect, levels of respiratory disease are declining in the city as the weather warms up and we all head outside more often. But the risk remains, so always make sure you are taking precautions when it makes sense for you. Here are the current levels:
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
40 Beechcliffe Street Update
Here is what has been going at the Habitat for Humanity development:
- Temporary water servicing has been installed and commissioned by the City of Ottawa.
- Works have commenced at the Habitat for Humanity lands.
- Excavation activities for underground infrastructure.
- Materials and heavy equipment have continued to arrive on site as construction progresses.
- Road Closure in Effect
Here is what to expect this week (June 15-19):
- Road Closure (In Effect)
- Excavation of the road and installation of pipes to fully commence this week.
- Access to homes will remain available for affected residents.
- Any temporary access disturbances will be communicated directly with the affected resident.
- Works to continue at the Habitat for Humanity lands.
- Excavation activities for underground infrastructure.
2028 Merivale Road
An infill project at 2028 Merivale Road (Merivale and Cassone) has submitted plans and is looking for a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for the construction of several townhomes along the south side of Cassone. If you are interested in having a look at the proposal or providing comments to city staff about the plan, you can do that through the application pages on the City's Development Apps web page.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Parkwood Hills Summer Fun Day
- Location: Inverness Park – 76 Inverness Avenue
- Date & Time: Saturday, June 20th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Knox Neighbourhood Adult Drop-In
Drop in for fun and connection at the Knox Neighbourhood Adult Drop-In! Enjoy cards, games, conversation, and free refreshments every 2nd Monday, 2–4 p.m., at Knox United Church (25 Gibbard Ave). Bring a favourite game and meet new friends—everyone welcome, no fee!
The Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors
Celebrate Canada Day at The Mayor’s Annual Celebration for Seniors! This year’s event takes place July 1st from 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre (200 Coventry Rd). Our office has 20 free tickets available, which we’ll be issuing to Ward 9 seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. To claim tickets, please send an email with the subject line Canada Day Tickets to [email protected], and be sure to include your first and last name, your address, and the number of tickets you would like (maximum 2). Our office manager Tina will confirm if you’ll be receiving tickets and how to collect them, which will be available either at our City Hall office, or our ward office at Ben Franklin Place.
Canada Day Celebration at Nepean Seniors Centre
The Nepean Seniors Centre is pleased to invite you to our Canada Day Celebration.
- Location: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue (Entrance 3 – behind Nepean Sportsplex)
- Date & Time: Friday, July 3rd, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Halls A & B.
The registration fee is $20.00, which includes your choice of a hot dog or hamburger, pasta salad and green salad, a cold beverage, plus coffee or tea, and dessert. Following the meal, enjoy comedy and magical entertainment by Chris Pilsworth. To register, please visit the front desk at the Nepean Seniors Centre, located at 1701 Woodroffe Avenue (Entrance 3, behind the Nepean Sportsplex). For more information, please email the Nepean Seniors Centre or contact us at 613-580-2828 ext. 46652
Registration is required by June 26, and food order is required upon registration. Please refer to the event poster for full details.
Foodwise Program 2026
Here is your chance to reduce food waste and save some money!
