Hi neighbours,
Hope you all had a great week! I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at my next pop-up coffee chat on Tuesday, July 15th at the Tim Hortons (2970 Carling Ave), from 4:30-6:30 pm. We’ll also be joined by Jake Gravelle (Associate Director, By-Law and Regulatory Services) who can answer all your by-law related questions. Pop in, grab a coffee, and let’s chat!
Here’s a brief look at some of the other things our office has been working on this week.
Supportive Housing: Meeting with Minister Flack and Ottawa Citizen Op-Ed
Earlier this week, I joined colleagues from across City Council, Ottawa Public Health, and other community organizations for a meeting with the the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, and MPP for Carleton George Darouze to discuss the urgent need for supportive housing to address both the health and housing needs of some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. I also shared an Op-Ed last weekend in the Ottawa Citizen, to bring attention to the need for provincial and federal investment in supportive housing for people with complex needs. To end chronic homelessness in our city, some residents will need more than just a roof over their head. They might require mental health, addictions and other health supports in order to live independently. Supportive housing — and community housing with embedded supports — are proven solutions. They reduce homelessness, hospital visits and emergency service use. It’s cost-effective and it works. I strongly encourage residents to contact your local MP and MPP, and ask them to improve efficiency by removing the silos between health and housing programs and fund what truly keeps people housed: affordable homes with on-site supports.
Bike tour of Bay Ward with Ottawa Police
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to bike around Bay Ward and discuss our community’s priorities with the Ottawa Chief of Police, Eric Stubbs and District Inspector Ian Hayes. We stopped by Britannia Beach to talk about residents’ concerns about reckless motorized watercraft use in the Bay (seadoos), visited the Stage 2 Construction around Richmond and Woodroffe Road to ensure that Ottawa Police are informed and ready to support with any traffic diversions, discussed car break-ins and property crimes across the ward, and stopped in to the Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre to talk about the important work they’re doing to provide healthcare and other social supports for residents of Bay Ward. I look forward to continuing to work with the Ottawa Police Service to address the needs of all residents.
Reminder: Road Closures in Bay Ward
A reminder that there are some major road closures coming up in the community:
- Closure of Woodroffe Ave North of Richmond Road (Starting later than July 14, 2025)
Please note that the Stage 2 team has been advised by the contractor that the work will now begin later than July 14th. An updated public notice will be shared early next week. More information on the closure is below in the “Stage 2 Updates” section of this newsletter. - Closure of Carling Ave between Moodie Drive and Herzberg Road (Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27)
Carling Ave will be closed for the former CN Rail bridge removal to make room for a safer, wider Carling Avenue. More details on the project can be found online on the City of Ottawa website.