Preparing for the next time In the aftermath of the largest and longest power outage experienced by the City of…

What started out as quiet anticipation for a long weekend turned into a frightening Saturday afternoon storm on May 21 that…

Bay Ward Tea Party Even Alice herself would have envied the Bay Ward Tea Party my team put together for…

The pandemic has taught us lessons that will forever change the way we think of health care and live in…

Motorcycle Convoy Event Starting today Ottawa will see the arrival of hundreds of motorcycles to the downtown core. The group…

Earth Day Weekend Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 each year, is a time for communities around the world to…

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Long Weekend This weekend is the first holiday weekend without any restrictions on social…

Road & Pathway Safety in Bay Ward Over the past couple of weeks, with the warmer temperatures and snow melting,…

Working towards Reconciliation I am pleased to share that a new protocol to frame the City’s relationship on cultural matters…

Back to the Council Table Wednesday March 23rd marked the first in person City Council meeting since February 12, 2020.…

Spring is in the air! After what feels like a long winter dealing with some challenging weather, we are finally…

March 11 – An Anniversary for Reflection It was two years ago today that the World Health Organization officially declared a…

Recorded in January 2022, Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh provides insights and updates on projects and priorities in the City…

Breaking the Bias on International Women’s Day Tuesday March 8th is International Women’s Day. An annual date where we encourage people to…

After a very long and frustrating three weeks, Ottawa’s downtown is finally getting back to a state of normalcy following…

For the past three weeks we have watched helplessly as a protest in our City’s downtown core turned into an…

We are now heading into the third week of the Truck Convoy Occupation and although some progress has been made…

Not Acceptable! Earlier this week I shared my thoughts on social media about the futility of the truck convoy protest.…

Deserving Recognition At City Council this past Wednesday the Mayor announced that Dr. Vera Etches and the staff at Ottawa…

Thank you to our City’s Roads and Parking Services Team If you love winter as much as I do you…

The Great Outdoors! Living in Ottawa means winter will happen so we might as well find ways to enjoy it.…

If we were given a crystal ball a year ago on New Year’s Ev,e I don’t think anyone would be…

Many residents are now having to rethink their holiday plans considering the recent announcement made by the Province and supported…

There were many positives in this year’s budget, you can read the highlights in this week’s issue. However, I decided…

Calling all people age 12 and under to grab their colouring pencils and crayons! On December 17th , I will be…

16 Days of Activism Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December…

Thank you for joining me to Remember On Thursday November 11th at 11am I joined with community members at the Blood…

Round Table Discussion: Alleviating the Impacts of COVID-19 on Women I had the privilege of co-hosting a round table discussion…

Halloween – Kids can go Door to Door this year! The days are getting shorter and Halloween is a couple…

How to save tax dollars by spending more on preventative measures on community well-being Along with the City of Ottawa’s…

This Plan is your Plan. This Plan is our Plan. There was impressive participation in the City’s New Draft Official…

Giving Thanks Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the many positive aspects of our lives.  Including the beautiful…

What does City of Ottawa parks and recreation mean to you?  Are you a senior who uses city recreation centre…

Recovery Day Ottawa I had the privilege of attending Recovery Day Ottawa at City Hall today, an annual community event…

Today advanced polls opened for the upcoming federal election on September 20th. With COVID protocol in place, the waiting time…

Labour Day weekend traditionally marks the end of summer holidays and the beginning of the school year. We were hoping…

This coming Monday many students will be heading back to school in the Francophone school board system while the English…

Capital PRIDE is a time to celebrate equality! Sunday August 22 kicks off this year’s capital Pride week in Ottawa!…

On Thursday, August 12th, I received notice that the City had postponed the tabling of the draft New Official Plan…

Congratulations to our Canadian Women’s Soccer team winning the gold medal! Over the past week the stands may have been…

Bringing art to Bay Ward I recently saw the Vincent Van Gogh exhibit and saw how visitors reacted to the…

At Ottawa City Council this past Wednesday, the Mayor announced that at 12:01 am on Thursday July 22, the State…

Is the above listed residential waste flow good enough? We can do better. How do we get there? Recycling (Waste…

On July 8th, 2021, we reached 50% of residents 18+ with a 2nd dose. This is another HUGE and EXCITING…

Canada Day Traditionally Canadians have celebrated nationwide on July 1 – a date that has evolved to mean many things…

It is part of the role of a municipal council to ensure the accountability and transparency of municipal operations. A…

On Wednesday, June 16th, the Transit Commission approved a report, Zero-Emission Buses for OC Transpo, which provides a framework to…

Tragedy in London, Ontario As a city councillor my heart is heavy and frankly, horrified regarding the news of a…

Indigenous Month: Time for a Closer Look at Truth and Reconciliation In 1996, Canada celebrated the first annual Indigenous Day…

Women and Gender Equity Strategy Event The May 28th, Women and Gender Equity Strategy event was a big success and…

In my role as City Council Liaison on Women and Gender Equity it was my honour and privilege to host…

What does the City’s Official Plan mean to Bay Ward?  The Official Plan is back in the news as city staff sort through…

Happy Mother’s Day! Each year my office has the pleasure of putting together The Bay Ward Mother’s Day Tea. A…

Looking for young women, gender-diverse and gender non-binary youth to take part in a simulated Council Meeting Inviting all young…

What a week! It has been over a year since The World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak…

Two Good News Stories from City Council this Week First, the Women and Gender Equity Strategy As the City Council’s Liaison…

I have the privilege of viewing the Ottawa River from my neighbourhood and I continue to be awed by its…

Stay-At-Home Order As of Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., under the direction of the Ontario Government, we are…

Notice of Motion Passes with Unanimous Consent  As a City Councillor for Bay Ward I am very proud of our…

Women and Gender Equity Strategy In late 2018, City Council voted in favour of creating the City’s first Women and…

Covid Vaccination Update This morning at 12:01 Ottawa moved into the Red-Control Level Framework as a result of worsening trends…

This past Thursday marked the one-year anniversary since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. So much has…

International Women’s Day March 8, 2021 #ChoosetoChallenge On Monday, March 8, we will celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s a time…

Motion for Chalk River referred to Standing Committee on Environmental Protection and Waste Water Management One of the most important…

Community and Protective Services Committee Update This past Thursday I attended, the first Community and Protective Services Committee (CPSC) meeting…

This week City Council voted to add 1,281 hectares of land to our city urban boundary and designated where those lands would be located.…

In May 2020, after much debate, Ottawa City Council adopted a framework on how to deal with the City’s future growth to the year 2046.  …

At City Council’s first meeting of 2021, this past Wednesday, I put forward a motion seconded by Mayor Jim Watson…

Blue Monday and the mental health and well-being of Ottawa parents This past Monday, or what has come to be…

I have received many questions from residents who are confused about the new measures imposed to control COVID-19 in our…

Come outside! There has been a lot of discouraging news with the latest pandemic lock-down here in Ottawa and it…

For this holiday season and the coming year, we wish you health and happiness, moments of peace amid the difficulties,…

Hindsight 2020 If I was to describe 2020 it would be the year that we would most like to forget but should not.…

This past week City Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee voted to accept a consultant-recommended ward boundary change and voted…

Beginning November 25th , the City of Ottawa’s Heritage Building will be illuminated in orange until Dec. 10 to mark…

Public transit is essential in Ottawa and it needs permanent federal funding Published in the Ottawa Citizen on November 17th,…

Decision on 100 Bayshore From time to time a development application comes to City Council that meets City planning policies…

Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion when we give thanks and remember those who served their country.  My own father…

Halloween has always been one of my favourite holidays. I love seeing the costumes of the children at my door.…

Many people start to retreat indoors and subconsciously begin the act of hibernating this time of year as the temperature…

Announcing the Bay Ward Community Youth Task Force This past Thursday evening, I had the privilege of launching a Community…

This afternoon the provincial announcement that we are reverting to a modified Stage 2 response to COVID-19 for the next 28 days. This includes prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants and…

As a City Councillor I spend a major part of my time working with residents on local issues as well…

This Sunday my office team and I will be joining participants from 18 Cities across the country in the Walk/Run…

Decision made:  Bus Route on Richmond Road Will Remain Status Quo The LRT Stage 2 construction on Richmond Rd between…

Over six months ago Covid-19 forced us to significantly alter the way we engaged with each other. We had to…

Labour Day weekend traditionally marks the end of summer holidays and the beginning of the school year, although because of…

This week at City Council we considered a number of amendments to the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law that included: extending…

The new school year is fast approaching and parents are faced with challenging decisions. Be assured that Ottawa Public Health…

Over the past five months we have had to come to terms with adapting to significant changes in our in…

Over the past few weeks Bay Ward has experienced shooting incidents that have shaken the Britannia Woods community and beyond. …

As the community continues its gradual staged approach to reopening, (Stage 3), Ottawa Public Health (OPH) encourages you to go…

Heading into stage 3 of re-opening and economic recovery As we gradually head into Stage 3 today, with public health…

It’s been a hot week and it’s important to stay cool. The City’s pools, both outdoor and many indoor, are…

Phewf it’s been a hot one! Over the past couple of weeks, we have been experiencing both high temperatures and…

Happy Canada Day! This year Canada Day will be celebrated very differently from years gone by.   Although we will not…

Covid-19 has shone a bright light on our greatest strengths and our worst vulnerabilities as a city. Our leadership, our…

Have Your Say on Ottawa Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan  What Does Community Safety and Well-Being Mean to You?…

The ugly face of racism has dominated our media this week. And although the murder of George Floyd happened in…

Problems at Carlingview Manor This week’s report by members of the Canadian military about their experience working in 5 Toronto…

This past long weekend we had lovely weather and it was a great opportunity to be outside while still maintaining…

Last weekend we received the welcome news from the City that residents could have restricted access to the open green…

As we look ahead to Mother’s Day this Sunday, it’s a perfect time to stop and remember the women in…

No to Expanding Urban Boundaries On Monday, May 11th, there will be a special joint meeting of the Planning Committee…

I have just learned about an exciting community initiative happening in Brampton and are thinking about trying it out here…

The Ottawa Citizen April 20, 2020 by Councillor Theresa Kavanagh It’s been a little over a month since everything about…

Despite already weathering a few weeks of staying at home, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be…

This week the rules for physical distancing have been tightened up so that people are not allowed to hang out…

While we are all physical distancing, we can still stay in touch virtually. I would like to invite you to…

My message to you this week from my home. Wash your hands – Don’t touch your face – Stay well

In response to Health Officials strongly recommending Social Distancing, I will be changing the format of future Bay Ward meetings…

This year’s International Women’s Day theme “Each for Equal” calls for everyone to carry a responsibility and grasp opportunities to…

The return of winter weather this week was a test to our LRT system that did not go well.  We…

This past week was the Transit Challenge and for commuting purposes to city hall it was mostly uneventful.  I managed…

Happy Valentine’s Day  I hope everyone has someone to love in their life regardless of who they are. Love is…

Winter is not coming.  It’s here! As we deal with this latest snowfall we can at least appreciate that there…

This week Council declared an affordable housing and homelessness crisis and emergency in Ottawa.  I fully supported this important motion. We, the…

Frustration with LRT system Yesterday I attended a special Transit Commission meeting to give an update on OC Transpo, LRT,…

Last week Ottawa Police Services announced that they would expand the number of Neighbourhood Resource Teams (NRT) in Ottawa and…

In the past week, we have seen 3 tragic events that have touched our community. The shootings on Gilmour Street…

It’s 2020 and the beginning of a new decade.  I hope you had a great holiday season.  I look forward…

With the year coming to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bay Ward residents for…

December 6th is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the…

On Wednesday November 27th, I voted along with  my Council colleagues to regulate short-term rentals, also  known as Air BnB,…

Trees are an important part of the Ottawa’s infrastructure.  They are essential as they absorb stormwater, filter for urban pollutants…

Today I received information regarding where the 40 extra buses will be placed across our OC Transpo routes.  Unfortunately, Bay…

Thank you to the residents who have reported their concerns with OC Transpo; I share your frustrations and concerns. Last…

City of Ottawa does not currently have the statutory authority under the Municipal Act to use parking revenues for general…

Monday October 21st is Election Day.  If you haven’t already voted, please take the time on Monday to cast your…

Monday October 6 was the day the that the full impact of the LRT changes were felt.  The parallel bus…

I have outlined a few Bay Ward issues for you and have also attached two documents regarding federal issues produced…

Why is there a global climate strike? Today I attended the Ottawa Global Climate Strike that draws attention to the…

As a member of the Ottawa Board of Health I was happy to receive and approve the recommendations submitted to…

The waste collection from last week was finally been completed by Thursday when regular collection resumed. This is good news.…

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is awarded to individuals who have made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community…

It’s back to school time, which means it’s time to start packing lunches again. If you were lucky enough to…

I am very excited to announce that the first day of the Confederation Line 1 service of our Light Rail…

Public engagement is an important part of making our community a better place to live. Currently I am working with…

On Thursday August 8th, I had the pleasure to honour the community service and lasting impact of Marlene Catterall and…

This week I attended a meeting organized by community members in the Britannia Woods neighbourhood located on Ritchie Street.  The…

Summer is a wonderful time of year.  It’s warm, sunny, the pools and beaches are full of people and many…

In a world of negative news regarding social housing I was delighted that the Ottawa Citizen took the time to…

As a City Councillor I have the privilege of sitting on the City Council Audit Committee where we can examine…

On Wednesday, June 26th, I will be asking my colleagues at Council to support my motion regarding the negative downstream…

Councillor Kavanagh is very happy to report that her motion regarding the cuts to Legal Aid Ontario passed City Council…

Today we celebrated passing the one million mark in the number of residents living with the boundaries of the city…

Come out and cheer us on! Tomorrow will be the first Britannia Park Triathlon in support of the Britannia Woods…

National AccessAbility Week On May 30, 2019, Deputy Mayor George Darouze and myself presented Bay Ward resident Don Patterson with…

Staying active and healthy in Ottawa This weekend our City will be turned into race courses and participants from far…

SHARING THE ROAD As a regular bike commuter, the death of a fellow cyclist on May 16th at the corner…

A big thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped make Bay Ward Mothers Day Tea a big…

Since Easter weekend Bay Ward communities along the river have been on flood alert and just yesterday we finally saw…

Yesterday at 4pm the Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, proclaimed a state of emergency based on the flood water predictions.  …

Affordable Housing Plans Move Forward! During the municipal election campaign, I heard from many residents who expressed their concern about…

Yesterday the Ontario government presented their budget for the upcoming year.  Municipalities across the province paid close attention to this…

Even though winter is behind us, I put forward a motion at the City Council’s Transportation Committee that Winter Maintenance…

Kudos to all the outdoor rink operators who volunteered their time so that our communities could have an outdoor rink…

Here comes the sun! We have all had our fill of winter this year and spring is now upon us,…

Happy spring! March 20 was the first official day of spring but residents in Ottawa know that this is far…

On Saturday, March 16, the following roads will be closed during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Laurier Avenue, between Nicholas…

It was an honour to co-host with Mayor Watson the City of Ottawa breakfast for International Women’s Day. I suggested…

Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project On Friday afternoon, February 22nd, City Councillors were asked to attend a meeting announcing…

During the campaign, I was approached by many residents regarding upcoming cuts to their route 11 bus to Bayshore. I…

This week at City Council’s Planning Committee we had the release of the Official Plan, Ottawa Next: Beyond 2036 for…

Dear Bay Ward residents, The City Budget was tabled at Council this week and soon Committees will meet to debate…

Hello Bay Ward residents: We had a record breaking accumulative snowfall for the month of January. As a result, it…