Breaking News!
OC Transpo Line 2 and 4 Phased Opening
The Trillium Line will launch for weekday service (Monday to Friday) starting January 6th! OC Transpo will take a phased approach to opening, with the following timeline:
- Phase One (starting January 6): 5-day service for at least two weeks.
- Phase Two: 6-day service for a minimum of two weeks.
- Phase Three: Full 7-day service.
Parallel bus service will continue alongside Lines 2 and 4 during the phased rollout and ramp-up period.
This is exciting news!
It’s a strong step forward for the entire system, particularly benefiting Carleton University students, staff, and faculty. It will also greatly improve access to the Ottawa Airport.
I am looking forward to opening of Lines 2 and 4, this will give us an excellent preview of what’s to come in Bay Ward!
Read more on OC Transpo’s website: O-Train Lines 2 & 4 begin a phased opening on January 6, 2025 | OC Transpo
Planning and Housing Committee Update
This week, the Planning and Housing Committee approved the Pinecrest and Queensview Stations Secondary Plan, which paves the way for a high-density, mixed-use hub with new housing, jobs, improved connectivity, and expanded park spaces near the two LRT stations.
Thank you to the engaged community members and City staff who contributed to this plan. During the meeting, the Belltown Community Association expressed support for the proposed Queensview Recreation Complex, valued at $112 million and included in Development Charges (DCs). DC collection will begin in 2026 and extend to 2033.
At the Community Services Committee last week, I introduced motions advocating for:
- An accessible ice pad for Bay Ward residents.
- That staff submit a report to the Community Services Committee by Q4 2025 outlining a timeline for the funding strategy and construction at the Belltown Dome site, ensuring the timely development of a facility that addresses the community’s long-term needs.
These motions will be tabled at the next Community Services Committee meeting on Tuesday February 25th. The inclusion of the Queensview Recreation Complex in the Secondary Plan underscores the importance of transit-accessible amenities. Other highlights of the plan include:
- New Park: A 6,000-square-metre park on Queensview Drive.
- Complete Street: Redesign of Queensview Drive.
- Improved Connectivity: New pathways, a pedestrian bridge over Highway 417, and an east-west crossing of Pinecrest at Harwood Avenue.
- Permitted Heights: establishes maximum heights and transitions into existing neighbourhoods.
Additionally, the Committee approved zoning for a 40-storey building at Dumaurier Avenue and Ramsey Crescent, featuring 407 residential units and commercial space on the ground floor. The zoning amendment removes parking minimums and aligns with the new policy for transit-oriented development.
Demovictions Motion
The Committee reviewed an application from Smart Living Properties to replace 25 affordable units with 263 market-rate units. Councillor Troster introduced a motion to defer the matter to City Council on Wednesday December 11, urging the developer to reconsider its offer to the 11 remaining tenants. I strongly support this direction, these residents will be facing much higher rents given current market conditions, which are almost twice as high as what they are currently paying.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a rental replacement bylaw to protect affordable housing. I previously inquired why staff have delayed work on such a bylaw despite Council direction in 2022 and action by other municipalities.
Recognizing the challenges of successfully opposing Smart Living’s application in a likely Ontario Land Tribunal case, I introduced a motion directing staff to resume work on the rental replacement bylaw, complementing ongoing efforts on a renoviction bylaw. The motion received support from staff and committee colleagues and will be voted on by Council on December 11th. Protecting existing affordable units is crucial, as we are losing them faster than we can replace them.
Audit Committee Update
I am deeply concerned by the Auditor General’s findings regarding the fraud investigation involving two City employees. The employees accepted $22,000 in kickbacks from landlords in exchange for approving inflated rents under a housing program for families in need. They also violated the City’s Code of Conduct by failing to disclose relationships with the landlords and profiting through a moving company linked to the scheme.
One employee was terminated, and the other resigned. The city is now enhancing oversight and Code of Conduct training. Ottawa police have launched a criminal investigation, which is ongoing.
I commend City management for its swift action and remain committed to ensuring robust accountability measures are in place.
Finance and Corporate Services Committee:
The Finance and Corporate Services Committee approved its portion of the 2025 Draft Budget, outlining significant investments in City governance, the Office of the City Clerk, City Manager’s Office, Rail Construction, Information Technology Services, Housing Solutions and Investment Services, Economic Development, and Finance and Corporate Services, along with non-departmental expenditures. The operating budget for 2025 totaled $874 million, with increased resources aimed at maintaining existing services.
The capital budget was set at $33.5 million, funded by $29.6 million in tax- and rate-supported funds, $3.2 million in revenues, and $700,000 through debt. These investments focused on renewing City assets, including building repairs, technology upgrades, and security enhancements.
I remain concerned about the City’s $3.8 billion deficit in the asset management budget. As I previously noted, “There is a bigger question about what our city plans to do to ensure communities have access to important amenities such as ice pads, gyms, and meeting rooms. This deficit is impacting key areas like community field houses.” Addressing this shortfall is crucial to maintaining equitable access to recreational infrastructure across the city, particularly within the Greenbelt.
For more details on committee meetings and OC Transpo’s announcement, visit the City of Ottawa’s Newsroom website:
Newsroom | City of Ottawa. Newsroom | City of Ottawa
