Hi neighbour,
Hope everyone had a safe and happy return to school this week! With more students walking and cycling to school, I want to remind all drivers to take it slow approaching intersections in neighbourhoods, to always make full stops at stops signs, and check for cyclists, e-scooters, and pedestrians. Remember to make eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians before turning. Schools in the ward would also like to remind parents that it is important to respect the no-parking and no-stopping zones during pick-up and drop-off times. Together, we can keep each other safe.
Helping our neighbours at Cornerstone Women’s Shelter
Homelessness remains an issue across Ottawa, and we are grateful that Cornerstone Women’s Shelter is providing a place to stay for many women with no place to go. Last week, I checked in with Cornerstone, and they let me know they are in need of new toothbrushes, toothpaste, as well as shampoo and conditioner for their residents. I’d like to thank Kate and her team at the Shopper’s Drug Mart at 3080 Carling Ave for their generous donation of these items. The need continues so, to help out,my office will be setting up a community donation bin at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Ave) for people to drop off donations of these specific items only, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The donation bin will be there from September 8th to the end of December, and we’ll be updating the sign if different donation items are needed.
You can also make a tax deductible donation through Cornerstone’s website. I am proud of the work Cornerstone is doing in finding permanent homes for women. Thanks in advance for your support!
This week at City Hall: Budget Directions and the final draft of the New Zoning By-Law
This past Tuesday, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee voted 9-3 to approve the Mayor’s budget directions for 2026. I shared my views on budget planning in last week’s newsletter, and participated in the comittee discussion with interest. As the budget is developed, I will continue to advocate for funding for services that meet the needs of all Bay Ward residents, and to ensure public transit remains an affordable option for people across the city. As I have stated before, we need to ensure that our city assets such as our recreational facilities are well maintained or replaced as needed. I remain concerned about the growing deficit as we try to maintain our aging infrastructure. At Planning and Housing Committee this week, we received a status update on the City’s new Zoning By-Law. The final draft will be released this coming Monday, September 8th, and we’ll be sharing more information on public consultations and details specific to Bay Ward in next week’s newsletter. I encourage everyone to check out how the new zoning bylaw will apply to your community.
Coffee Chat: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre: Monday, September 15th (4:30-6:30 pm)
Mark your calendars! After a summer break, I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at my next coffee chat on Monday, September 15th. Stop by, meet your neighbours, and share your views on how we can continue to make Bay Ward a thriving community for all residents. Coffee and tea will be supplied!
Read the full newsletter for updates from Stage 2, Ottawa Public Health, and upcoming events in the community!
