Hi neighbour,
Hope you all had a wonderful week. The month of May has definitely been a whirlwind of activity here in Bay Ward, and at City Hall! Thank you to everyone who came to our Annual Bay Ward Spring Tea on Monday, May 25th. It’s always one of my favourite events of the year, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the great food, wonderful entertainment from Robin Averill, and the company of friends and neighbours! A huge thank you to my team, and the amazing Bay Ward volunteers who made this event possible.
Parking problems at DND’s Carling Campus
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office with concerns around the lack of adequate parking capacity for DND employees at their Carling Campus. Earlier this month, I met with City Manager Wendy Stephanson, General Manager of Transit Services Rick Leary, and senior officials from the Department of National Defence to discuss the problem, and how the city can support. I continue to advocate for the federal government to invest in public transit for municipalities, in order to support more frequent transit service to the campus. I am also working with the City and the federal government to ensure there are adequate active transportation links to the campus, including pathways and sidewalks from transit stops to the campus cleared year round. I am very concerned that DND is considering using a nearby sports field as a temporary parking lot. Turning green space into parking is not the answer. I encourage the federal government to invest in alternative transportation options for their employees, including exploring purchasing bulk transit passes for federal public servants. Given these concerns, I hope that federal government officials reconsider their “one size fits all” approach to the return to office mandate, and look at options to prioritize flexibility, working within existing capacity constraints, and reducing congestion across the city.
Water Safety and Ottawa Fire Services
At yesterday’s Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee, Ottawa Fire Services presented their 2025 Annual Report. I took the opportunity to thank Chief Hutt for his team’s work supporting water safety at Britannia Beach, and working with the community to improve education and reduce water rescue calls in Britannia Bay (link to video). As summer approaches, I am committed to continuing to work with community members, and emergency services to educate the general public on water safety.
Save the date: Coffee Chat on Monday, June 8th (9 am- 11 am, Tim Hortons, 993 Richmond Road)
I’m looking forward to my next informal coffee chat with residents on Monday, June 8th! I’ll be joined by Jake Gravelle, the city’s new chief of By-law and Regulatory Services. Stop in anytime between 9 am and 11 am to meet some neighbours, share ideas, and get your by-law questions answered.
Update: Traffic calming on Poulin Ave
I have some news I would like to share with the Britannia, Mud Lake, and Lincoln Heights communities. I acknowledge residents’ concerns about speeding on Poulin Ave, and our office had requested traffic calming measures (flex stakes) placed down the middle of the road to reduce vehicle speeds. However, the new OC Transpo electric buses are a bit wider, and have been having difficulty navigating the flex stakes, so unfortunately they had to be removed from Poulin and from the intersection at Britannia and Howe. I am looking into other ways to reduce speeds in the neighbourhood and improve safety in the community and will share updates once we have a confirmed plan.
Could you be Bay Ward’s next caseworker?
It is with very mixed feelings that I announce that we’re looking for a new member of the Bay Ward team. Our intrepid caseworker, Neve Harries, will be leaving this summer to continue her studies. I’m thrilled for Neve and her upcoming adventure, and want to thank her for the amazing work she’s done for residents in Bay Ward this year. She leaves very big shoes to fill! Our office is now accepting resumes for a caseworker position. If you like working directly with the public, helping with issues in the community, and being part of a great team this could be the role for you. Please send your resume to: bayward@ottawa.ca with “Bay Ward Caseworker” in the subject line.
