Hi neighbour,
Hope you all had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this week! Here’s what my team and I have been working on at City Hall and across Bay Ward.
Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras
Some of you may have heard Premier Ford’s comments earlier this week encouraging municipalities to get rid of automated speed enforcement cameras (CBC news, Sept 9, 2025). The data is clear; speed enforcement cameras are effective, and they make our streets safer. Speed cameras in Ottawa are located in community safety zones, near schools or parks, where speeding puts our most vulnerable road users (kids) at risk. With more students and their families on the roads this month, it is more important than ever that we use the tools at our disposal to keep them safe. Data on the effectiveness of these cameras is available on the City of Ottawa website, as well as information on the road safety initiatives that are supported by the revenue generated from them.
Final Draft of the new Zoning By-Law
On September 8, the City released the final draft of the new Zoning By-Law. I invite residents to review the updated draft, as well as an overview of what has changed from previous drafts on the City’s Engage Ottawa page.
The City’s Planning team will be hosting in person and virtual open houses over the next couple weeks to get resident’s input on the final draft. Information on how you can participate is available on the City’s website.
Ottawa is a growing city, with a population expected to increase by approximately 118,000 households in the next 10 years, and it’s estimated that by 2046 Ottawa’s population will surpass 1.4 million people. This new Zoning By-law is being put in place to support the City’s Official Plan (approved in 2022), to help the city prepare for and accommodate growth by creating new opportunities for a wider range of housing choices, and make it easier to get new homes built for people who need them. There is a housing shortage across the country, and governments at all levels (federal, provincial and municipal) are working together to ensure that more housing is built to meet people’s needs.
City Council: Budget Directions and Affordable Transit
At City Council this week, the Mayor’s budget directions passed by a vote of 16-8. I was happy to second a motion by my colleague Councillor Bradley to cap transit fare increases to 2.9%, rather than the range of 2.5-7.5% as written in the original directions. As I’ve said before, affordable public transit is a cornerstone of sustainable cities, and we can’t afford to discourage ridership with more fare increases. Although Councillor Bradley’s motion didn’t pass, I will continue to advocate for affordable transit throughout these budget deliberations.
Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) Annual General Meeting
A highlight of my week was attending the PQCHC AGM on Tuesday, September 9th. It was inspiring to hear about all the amazing work their staff, board, and volunteers are doing across Bay Ward and West Ottawa. From health and mental health supports, newcomer services, education programs, parenting resources, youth and seniors programming, and community housing, I’m proud to support the work they do to make our community healthier and safety. Congratulations to the PQCHC board, employees and volunteers for another impactful year!
Reminder: Coffee Chat on September 15
A reminder that I’ll be hosting a Drop-In Coffee Chat at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Ave) on Monday, September 15th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Senior staff from the City’s Planning Department and By Law Services will be joining us to answer your questions about developments, zoning, and by laws in Bay Ward. We’ll also be collecting donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner for Cornerstone Women’s Shelter.
Drop by to meet your neighbours, and chat about how we can build a better community. Coffee and tea will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
Read the newsletter for more news and events across Bay Ward!
