COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE
A period of waiting
As we mentioned back in January, my office kicked off this year with a list of projects and priorities, and we’ve been pushing many of them forward, step by step. But over the past week or so we’ve noticed that for so many of the big issues and projects we’re focused on, it seems like we’re in a period of waiting. Here’s just a small sample of some of those many items we’re waiting on, and how it affects what we do:
- The Election(s): So much of what we do at the municipal level is dependent on the upper levels of government, and the relationships that we have with those governments. It impacts everything from funding initiatives to major shifts in policy that have impacts on everything. And then there’s the relationships that Councillors and the Mayor develop with our provincial and federal counterparts. Not only do we have a provincial election on February 27th, but now there are rumours of a federal election possibly being called for this Spring. And in case you're wondering where and when to vote in the provincial election, just enter your postal code at this handy website from Elections Ontario.
- Tariffs: With the ongoing threat of an economic trade war looming, all levels of government are enacting measures to bolster our own defenses, while anticipating the need for investments to protect against the economic impacts. The other challenge arising from these threats is how it affects the ability to do long-term financial planning, both for the private sector and also the public sector.
- Transportation Master Plan: In the next few months Council will be presented with the list of road and transit projects that are part of the Transportation Master Plan Update, which is a once-in-a-generation process that will set the stage for Ottawa’s future growth. As my office looks to ensure that the growth that’s projected for Ward 9 is well supported, we need to monitor the projects which are critical to our ward.
- The future of waste management: One of the biggest decisions that Council will make during this term is to choose what comes next after Trail Landfill. Do we invest in a new landfill somewhere else? Or do we move towards a technological solution, like incineration or mixed-waste processing? Starting this Spring, Council will begin to see the feasibility studies and assessments of these options, leading to an eventual decision, possibly this year.
- Newcomer Reception Centre: Back in January I submitted a formal Inquiry to staff, asking questions about several areas of concern about the Newcomer Reception Centre, including safety regarding contaminated soil, project procurement, and project financing. A response to that Inquiry is due in March. Meanwhile, additional questions over procurement and finance continue to pile up, while the results of the initial procurement process should be known in the next few weeks.
- Lansdowne 2.0: This October, Council will decide whether to proceed with the controversial Lansdowne 2.0 project. My immediate goal is to ensure that we get a clear picture of the costs of this project, and just how Ottawa plans to finance those costs. At a time when we are looking at critical investments required for housing, infrastructure, or transit, and while our economic horizon is so precarious, it’s harder and harder for me to see the value in Lansdowne 2.0.
So much is riding on all of that!
But then there’s the “big things” I’m waiting for which are far more fun, and far less stressful. And so, I wanted to end this segment on one of those: the Trend Arlington Park Pavillion. This is a project I’ve been involved in since the 2018 tornado. Construction is well underway, and they’re on track to have this amazing new facility ready for this Spring. Can’t wait to see it open...but I’ll just have to.
To salt, or not to salt?
With all the snow and ice that’s accumulated over the past few weeks, Ottawa’s roads, pathways, bus shelters and other infrastructure have been covered in road salt lately. Recent articles in the Ottawa Citizen and CBC Ottawa have reported on the environmental and structural risks of using too much road salt, and on the news that Ottawa is reportedly the city with the highest us of road salt in Canada.
A growing body of research shows how excessive use of road salt has significant adverse impacts on the environment (e.g. on our waterways, urban tree canopy, and stormwater management capacity), as well as on our municipal infrastructure (e.g. corrosion damage to roads, bridges, and municipal fleet). On the other side of the equation, however, road salt costs a fraction of what the alternatives cost.
And that’s the dilemma: cost versus impact.
Several municipalities across Canada have begun to use alternatives to road salt, and Ottawa has also made technological and procedural improvements to better manage our use of road salt. But clearly there are opportunities to explore better alternatives.
I was happy to see an Inquiry from Councillor Rawlson King that was brought to this week’s Environment & Climate change Committee meeting, which will now be brought back as a motion at next month’s meeting. Over the next few weeks, my office will begin working with Councillor King, other colleagues, and relevant City of Ottawa staff to address this situation.
Concern for two OPS officers
Last week I received news from Ottawa Police Services about two officers being hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl and crystal meth during separate arrests. Both officers have since been released and are expected to make a full recovery. This news was a stark reminder of the risks faced by our brave first responders, but also of the extreme dangers posed by these illicit drugs, which continue to devastate families and communities across Canada. We wish to thank these two officers for their service.
FEATURE STORY – HOUSING
For the next few issues of this newsletter, we’ll be featuring some important news and innovations on th issue of housing, both in Ward 9 and across Ottawa. In this issue, we’ll be addressing the City of Ottawa’s recent 2024 Point-in-Time Count on Homelessness.
Every three years, Ottawa participates in the national survey of people experiencing homelessness in our cities. While a simple count is carried out every year, the tri-annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count collects more comprehensive information, giving us a clearer snapshot of our fellow residents dealing with homelessness. On February 6, the community of support agencies, allies, and elected officials gathered to hear the results. The results are sobering.
It should come as no surprise that homelessness is increasing in our city. The count, carried out on the night of October 23, 2024, shows there are nearly 3,000 unhoused people in our city. And homelessness is not limited to a particular group of people. It affects people across the spectrum of ages and backgrounds. For example, the average age for first-time homelessness is 32 years old but the data shows a full range of people from 14 to 90 living without housing.
Homelessness is also dishearteningly common among newcomers to this country. Nearly one in four people captured in the count had been in Canada for less than a year. It’s clear we are going to have to take clear and decisive action to get this growing problem under control and ensure people can live in dignity and have somewhere safe, warm, and dry to call their own.
CITY WORKS
Merivale Transformer Station weekend work
Our office received notice from Hydro One that the ongoing construction work happening at the Merivale Transformer Station in Tanglewood has fallen behind schedule, which will result in some weekend work starting in February and for several weeks. Work will not take place on Sundays, and work on Saturdays involving heavy machinery will not start before 9:00am. For more information, please refer to this notice from Hydro One.
Ward 9 road resurfacing projects
We are pleased to see much-needed road improvements coming to Ward 9 as part of the City’s 2025 Road Resurfacing Program. The work to improve road conditions may include curb and sidewalk repairs where needed. Our office has been working closely with City staff to help mitigate traffic impacts during construction and we will continue to share updates as construction timelines are confirmed. Resurfacing is planned for:
Merivale Road ranks highest on list of new speed camera locations
We know that a lot of people hate automated speed enforcement cameras. We get it. No one likes to get a costly speeding ticket. But the fact is that they work. “Studies by the city, before and after the installation of ASE cameras, indicate that the cameras have been effective in speed reduction. Data shows continued improvement in people following the speed limit.” That’s why 83% of people surveyed in a 2024 study support their use.
Last year Councillor Devine was successful in lobbying to get two new ASE cameras installed in Ward 9: one on Knoxdale Road near St. John XXIII School, and one on Merivale Road near St. Monica’s School. The issue of speeding and traffic safety at St. Monica’s has been an issue that’s plagued this community for many, many years.
And so, not only were we happy to get the ASE camera installed last year, but we found it quite validating to find out last week that, of the 17 new cameras that were installed last November and December, the ASE camera on Merivale at St. Monica’s issued the highest number of speeding tickets.
Residents continue to make it clear that traffic safety is one of their primary concerns across Ward 9, and so we will continue to advocate for improvements like what we’ve accomplished on roads like Merivale and Knoxdale. The City of Ottawa has plans for installing more ASE cameras in 2025, including two possible cameras in Ward 9, with the first one on Fisher Avenue near Meadowlands Drive, and another one on Meadowlands Drive near Chesterton.
Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy: Draft
The City of Ottawa is pleased to release the Draft Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy, is now available for public review on Engage Ottawa. The strategy is the product of extensive benchmarking, consultations, and engagement with a wide range of partners, including municipalities across Canada, residents, municipal membership tennis and pickleball clubs and local sport associations. Input from partners shaped the direction of the strategy and guidelines have been designed to reflect and balance the priorities of each group. Residents are invited to share feedback by email to [email protected] until February 25th.
NROCRC Income Tax Clinic
The Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centr (NROCRC) offers a free Income Tax Clinic from March 3 – April 30, to help eligible individuals and families with modest incomes prepare and submit their 2024 personal income taxes. This is an extremely valuable service that our office is very supportive of. Find out if you qualify and book your session through their online registration service.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Pop-Up Office Hours
Our team is once again hosting Pop-Up Office Hours, an opportunity for residents to have a one-on-one chat with Councillor Devine to discuss municipal issues, or to address local concerns. We'll be hosting these events every 3 - 4 weeks at different public spaces around Ward 9.
This session will be held on Friday, February 21st from 2:30pm - 4:30pm. For this event we'll be in the Craig Henry neighbourhood at Keepin' it Vegan Bakery, located at 3 Chartwell Avenue.
Individual meetings will be kept to 15 minutes, to allow for as many residents to participate as possible. To RSVP, please complete this booking form.
Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention Seminar
Elder abuse is a growing concern among Ottawa's older adult community, and the situation has only worsened in recent years due to a loss of provincial funding for resources to address this crisis. Elder abuse can take many forms - physical, psychological, financial, neglect - and the sources and causes of elder abuse are wide and varied.
Following the success of last year's Older Adults Summit, Councillor Devine will be hosting an online Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention Seminar on Monday, March 24th, from 1:00pm - 3:30pm. This will be a free online event open to the entire community, but we are working closely with partners across Ward 9 to address the needs of older adults in Knoxdale-Merivale Ward.
We’re continuing to develop an exciting program for this event. Some of our partners and presenters will include:
- Sabby Duthie, co-author of “Elder Abuse: You Have a Role to Play”
- The Council on Aging of Otawa
- Elder Abuse Prevention of Ontario
- Ottawa Police Services
- Sabby Duthie, author of
- The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- The Ontario Caregiver Association
Knoxdale-Merivale Council
Last week Councillor Devine facilitated a meeting to help re-convene the Knoxdale-Merivale Council, which a group consisting of the presidents and other leaders of each of Ward 9’s many community associations. The KMC will help serve as an advisory board for the Councillor, while also helping to advance some common goals and objectives for our ward.
Survey on accessibility in City of Ottawa parks
City parks are important community assets that provide residents with opportunities for leisure, sports and play. Over the last several years, the City has included many enhancements to its parks to make play in our playgrounds more inclusive, and to provide park features that are more accessible for everyone to enjoy. As included in the City of Ottawa’s 2025-2029 Municipal Accessibility Plan staff have committed to improve the availability of information regarding accessibility features in our parks to residents, and we want to hear from you! The City is seeking your input through an online survey to learn what accessibility features you would like to know about when visiting City of Ottawa parks and how you would like to access that information. The information you provide will be used to develop options for providing residents information related to accessibility features in parks.
For accessible survey formats or communication supports (hardcopy, large font, audio, Braille, phone survey, etc.), please contact [email protected] or (613) 580-2424 ext. 33544
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY
Infectious Disease Update
We have been experiencing the full force of winter this week—both in the weather we’ve experienced and in the levels of respiratory illness circulating in the community. While levels of COVID19 are lower this year than in previous years at this time, flu has taken off. There have been large numbers of cases this year and hospitals are seeing a much larger influx of patients needing treatment for severe flu symptoms. So, continue to exercise caution. If you want to avoid the bug, wear a good mask in public settings, take care to wash your hands regularly, and turn on those air filters if they are available.
Physical activity, sleep & socialize
During the winter months, it can be challenging to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding everyone of the importance of regular physical activity, good sleep routines, and making social connections during these cold months so that you can stay healthy, feel better mentally, and boost your overall well-being. OPH has a page full of useful resources to help you get an idea of how much activity you should be getting and what kinds of things you can do to stay active in the winter months. So, make the most of the winter months. Stay active, sleep better, and get out and socialize!
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Reminder: 780 Baseline Public Meeting
Work is expected to get underway this June on the first phase of the Lone Star Plaza redevelopment at 780 Baseline Road. If you are wondering what to expect and how the site will be managed when this major project gets going, this is a good opportunity to hear about and provide your feedback on the developer’s plans. Councillor Devine will be hosting a public Information Session for 780 Baseline with the developer, Theberge Homes, on March 6th at 7:30pm, to be held at the Fisher Heights Community Centre. The session will focus on what work is expected this year, how the site will be managed, impacts on the neighbouring roads and infrastructure, and the expected timing for various phases of the project. We hope to see you there!
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENT
Coldest Night of the Year
On February 22nd, join organizations and individuals across Canada in the Coldest Night of the Year, a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities that work to address homelessness. There will be one fundraising walk happening in Ward 9, being led by Ottawa Innercity Ministries. You can join in on the action by donating to one of the many teams already participating, or even signing up your own team!
Spay & Neuter Palooza with The HolliBell Foundation
Our office is pleased to be sponsoring the HolliBell Foundation’s upcoming Spay & Neuter Palooza, taking place in Ward 9 on April 29th. This Spring the HolliBell Foundation is organizing a special week-long event offering free transportation to Lanark Leeds and Grenville Spay Neuter Clinic in Brockville for spay and neuter surgeries. Over five days, HolliBell will transport up to 40 cats each day. By the end of the week, 200 cats will have access to these essential services! Modern Therapeutic is also providing FREE flea and deworming treatment to protect your cat during transport, and the Lanark Leeds and Grenville Spay and Neuter Clinic have confirmed FREE rabies and flea/deworming treatments for all cats that require it.
If you would like your cat(s) to be part of this event, please complete the following form. Spots are limited, sign up must be completed prior to April 10th!
Finally, HolliBell is also looking for generous donors who may be willing to sponsor this service for low-income residents who might not be able to pay for this critical surgery. If anyone is interested in sponsorship, please review HolliBell Foundation’s Sponsorship Package.
Celebrate Winter Walk Month!
Winter Walk Month is an event that encourages students to arrive at school by walking use fun winter travel methods on their way to school in the winter. Active transportation can help students concentrate in school, build communities around your neighbourhood or school, and keep the school zone safe! Enjoy the quality time you get to spend with your family as you travel to school together! Check out this poster for activity ideas to celebrate Winter Walk Month.
Trend Arlington Blood Drive
Last weekend Councillor Devine was happy to join his friends and neighbours at the annual Trend Arlington Blood Drive for Canadian Blood Services, organized by the Trend Arlington Community Association. These amazing volunteers are now interested in seeing if they can organize something a little larger! If you’d like to join Councillor Devine in being a regular donor, please consider filling out our volunteer donor form.
Craig Henry Community Association AGM
The Craig Henry Community Association will host their Annual General Meeting on February 19th at 6:30pm. In addition to regular AGM business, Councillor Devine will be available to take questions from community members about local and city-wide issues. To participate in this online meeting, check in on the community association’s Facebook page for a link to the online meeting.
Trivia Night Fundraiser for Air Cadets Squadron
Come enjoy an evening of trivia, food, and drinks, alongside supporters of 742 Squadron! All proceeds go to support programs and activities of the 742 Air Cadet Squadron, many of whose members are Ward 9 residents! Full dinner and drinks menus will be available. This event is limited to those aged 19 and over.
- Where: Hunter’s Public House, 4750 Bank St.
- When: March 2, 2025, from 7pm to 9pm
- Registration: https://742ssc.square.site/trivia-night
Manordale-Woodvale Craft & Connect
King Charles III Coronation Medal
Councillor Devine was honoured last week as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a commemorative medal awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. The medal was awarded by Nepean MP Chandra Arya. The Councillor wishes to recognize his many fellow volunteers and community leaders that he worked alongside for several years before being elected as a councillor. It is the ongoing contributions and service of volunteers across Ward 9 – especially the volunteers who lead their community associations – that truly make our communities great. So many of the events and services that are listed in this newsletter would not be possible without the contributions of volunteers in your community.
Zonta Club of Ottawa
