This week Council declared an affordable housing and homelessness crisis and emergency in Ottawa. I fully supported this important motion. We, the City, need to call on provincial and federal governments to respond to this emergency and to deliver housing units and housing supports. The City will include in the update of the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan more aggressive affordable housing targets, to develop a framework for action to preserve and increase the affordable housing supply, and to work to eliminate chronic homelessness by 2024.
Bienvenue to the Maison de la Francophonie in Bay Ward
On Thursday, January 30th I was honoured to participate in the official opening of the Maison de la Francophonie.
This special day marked the end of a long journey and a celebration to mark the availability of a French-language hub for francophone and francophile communities in Ottawa’s west end.
With enrollment in francophone schools flourishing across west Ottawa, Stittsville, Barrhaven and Kanata, it is clear that the French-speaking population in the west Ottawa area has grown significantly. As well, English school boards have seen a steady growth in their French Immersion programs, giving all students a chance to become bilingual. There is also the growth in francophone immigration that will benefit from this opportunity to connect with other French-speaking members in their community at this centre. As city councillor, I want to thank and congratulate all those who made this project a reality.
I hope you can all visit this new facility in our community.
