Hi neighbours,
Hope you all had a great week and are starting to enjoy some of the beautiful fall colours here in Bay Ward! Here’s a quick look at what our office has been up to this week.
Council Vote on City Manager’s 5 Day In-Office Standard for all City Employees
At City Council this week, I was prepared to vote in support of Councillor Leiper’s motion to rescind the five day a week office standard that the City Manager has stated would take effect on January 1, 2026. A last-minute replacement motion was introduced, reaffirming the City Manager’s authority to make HR decisions, and encouraging flexibility and hybrid arrangements where possible. After a lengthy debate, Council voted 15-10 in support of the replacement motion. I couldn’t support this motion, as it still maintains the 5-day in office standard. By making hybrid work arrangements the exception rather than the rule for employees in roles where it makes sense, I believe the city is taking a step backward. Hybrid work can improve productivity, reduce congestion on our roads, benefit local neighbourhood businesses, and provide much needed flexibility for caregivers, many of whom are women and other members of equity-seeking groups. I will continue to advocate for the City’s senior leadership to make hybrid work a permanent part of workplace culture moving forward.
Franco-Ontario Day- September 25/ Journée des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes- le 25 septembre
I was happy to attend the flag raising ceremony for Franco-Ontario day yesterday at City Hall. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag. I’m proud of Ottawa’s bilingual identity and respect the significant cultural contributions Franco-Ontarians have made to this city. Our office will be working to provide more bilingual services (including this newsletter!) in the weeks ahead. Should you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out to: bayward@ottawa.ca.
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J’ai été heureuse d’assister hier à la cérémonie de levée du drapeau pour la Journée des Franco-Ontariens à l’Hôtel de ville. L’année 2025 marque le 50e anniversaire du drapeau franco-ontarien. Je suis fière de l’identité bilingue d’Ottawa et je respecte les importantes contributions culturelles qu’ont apportées les Franco-Ontariens à notre ville. Notre bureau travaillera à offrir plus de services bilingues (y compris ce bulletin!) dans les prochaines semaines. Si vous avez des questions ou des suggestions, n’hésitez pas à nous écrire à : bayward@ottawa.ca.
Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30
Next Tuesday, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour the survivors of the residential school system, the Indigenous children who never returned home, and their families and communities. I encourage Bay Ward residents to honour the victims of the residential school system by participating in community events, and exploring resources to educate and inform themselves on this painful part of Canada’s history. Seven branches of the Ottawa Public Library will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, September 30th to provide a “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Learning and Action Space.” To learn more, please visit the OPL website. Other resources and event listings are also available online.
Mark your calendars: Upcoming Budget Information Session and Bay Ward Open House
I’m looking forward to meeting with neighbours and community groups to talk about how we can build a resilient city with services that meet the needs of all residents. Please join me and my team at the following events in October:
- Budget 2026 with Wards 7,8, and 9 (Wednesday, October 15, 6:30-8:30 pm)
Join senior City staff and Councillors Kavanagh, Johnson and Devine for a virtual presentation and Q&A session on this year’s budget directions and process. The session will take place virtually on Microsoft Teams. Register online. - Bay Ward Fall Open House (Tuesday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 pm)
Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Ave)
Join Councillor Kavanagh and community groups from across Bay Ward to learn about volunteering opportunities in your community. City Staff will also be present to answer questions about planning and development, and the Stage 2 West Extension. More details to come!
Read the newsletter for more news and events across Bay Ward!
