Hi neighbour,
With slightly cooler temperatures and a return of committees this week, it’s starting to feel a bit like “back to school” at City Hall. I’m looking forward to soaking up the final weeks of summer as we head into a busy fall here in Bay Ward!
2025 AMO Conference
Earlier this week, I attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference, right here in Ottawa. This conference is always a valuable opportunity to make connections with other municipalities in Ontario dealing with similar issues, and to discuss our city’s priorities with the provincial government. To that end, I was happy to take part in a delegation with colleagues from City Council and Ottawa Community Housing to meet with the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, as well as MPP for Carleton George Darouze. We reiterated the urgent need for operational funding for supportive housing in our city, to address both the health and housing needs of people in Ottawa. Supportive housing provides more than just a roof over someone’s head- it also includes wraparound supports to ensure people with complex needs have the health and social supports they require to live safely. I will continue to advocate for the province to provide funding for supportive housing models in our city, as they are cost effective- reducing homelessness, hospital visits, and emergency service use, and are proven solutions for protecting and housing our city’s most vulnerable.
Supervised beaches to close starting August 25
As of Monday, August 25th, lifeguards will no longer be on duty at the City’s beaches (including Britannia). The city had hoped to be able to extend the season to September 1, but were unable to retain a sufficient number of certified waterfront lifeguards this year. As of next week, new prominent signage will be in place to let people know that the beach is unsupervised. Washrooms at Britannia Beach will remain open until September 1. Some outdoor pools, including Entrance and Crestview in the West End will remain open until later in September, and all city splash pads will be open until September 14. For more information on pool hours, you can visit the City’s website.
Finally, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Pride Week! I was happy to attend the flag raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday, and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy some of the many events taking place in our city this weekend.
