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| Check out my November Community Update Video! |
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2026 Draft Budget
Earlier this month, City Council tabled the 2026 Draft Budget. My team and I are digging into the details to understand what it means for families and residents here in Orléans East-Cumberland. There’s some encouraging news, but I still have questions, and I’ll be working through those in the weeks ahead.
City committees and boards have now started reviewing their portions of the budget, and I’ll be participating to advocate for our community.
One area I’m watching closely is transit. With the LRT extension launching, it’s essential that people across Orléans—not just those along the main corridor—have reliable, timely bus connections to the train. I’m not looking to increase the transit levy, but I am pushing for real service improvements so OC Transpo is a convenient, dependable option for everyone.
This budget also proposes investments across several priorities—from safer streets and emergency services to infrastructure repairs—while still being mindful of affordability. I’m encouraged by the proposed funding for critical repairs and upgrades, including more than $10 million in projects right here in Ward 1, like road resurfacing, sidewalk and pathway renewals, recreation facility repairs, and culvert replacements. I’ll be working with City staff to secure additional projects as more funding becomes available.
Affordability remains top of mind, and as I continue to review the budget, I’m focused on protecting the core services residents rely on without adding unnecessary pressure to households.
Above all, I want to hear your comments. Your feedback helps guide my decisions at City Hall. If you have any questions or comments about the Draft Budget, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I will continue to share updates as the budget progresses through committee and Council, and I will continue my work to maximise investment in Orléans East–Cumberland.
To learn more about the how the 2026 Draft Budget affects Ward 1, please see my special budget newsletter that I sent out earlier this month. |
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EarlyON – Charlemagne
Like many in our community, I was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn of the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s decision to close the Charlemagne EarlyON Centre. This centre has been a pillar in our community, providing a safe, welcoming, and highly valued space for young families. The staff at the centre have been dedicated, compassionate, and unwavering in their support for families. The centre represents a vital hub for early learning, social connection, and community support. Especially as we approach winter, when outdoor activities become limited, having accessible, local indoor spaces like Charlemagne is not just beneficial—it is essential for the health, development, and well-being of our children and families.
With two young daughters, my wife and I have personally experienced how important spaces like Charlemagne are—not just for our children’s early learning, but also for fostering community connections and support networks that families rely on every day.
Supporting access to EarlyON services in Orléans is an absolute priority for me. While I have communicated directly with many parents through my office, I want to share publicly an update on the work I have been doing over the past two weeks.
I have been in direct contact with Children’s Services staff, Parks and Recreation staff, the Mayor’s Office, and the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC) to explore long-term solutions. I am actively working to identify a suitable space within the same neighbourhood to replace the Charlemagne programming. It is vital that families who were walking, biking, or taking the bus to Charlemagne do not have to travel across Orléans to access these services. The new location must be prioritized close by, so families can maintain easy, safe, and convenient access without added travel burdens.
In the short term, OCCRC will receive reallocated EarlyON core funding to expand programming and immediately increase service capacity. This will help ensure the needs of families previously served by Charlemagne in the East Service Area are met.
In the long term, my priority is to secure a permanent space in the community that ensures Orléans families continue to have safe, accessible, and local early-years programming. While the City of Ottawa does not operate EarlyON centres directly—we provide funding only—I am committed to working closely with OCCRC, City staff, the Mayor’s office, and my east-end colleagues to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Regarding staffing, it’s important to note that OCCRC operates separately from the Ottawa Catholic School Board, so staff cannot be transferred automatically. However, those staff are encouraged to apply to OCCRC, and I am happy to advocate and support them through this process wherever possible.
I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that Orléans families have the spaces they need for their children to learn, play, and grow. Your feedback is important—please continue to share your thoughts and experiences as we work together on this.
A special thank you to Laura Dudas and Catherine Kitts for your collaboration and support throughout this process. |
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Getting Ready for Winter
It’s that time of year again. The trees have shed their leaves, pumpkin spice season has come and gone, and there is a chill in the air – winter is here. As the coldest season of the year begins, the City is already working to keep our roads and sidewalks clear and our communities safe throughout the winter months.
Winter Weather Parking Bans
Between November 15 and April 1, winter weather parking bans may be called to support winter operations when Environment Canada forecasts a snowfall of seven centimetres or more, or a range that includes seven centimetres or more of snow, for the Ottawa area. When vehicles are removed from our streets, the Roads and Parking Services team can create a wide open roadway more efficiently.
There is no parking allowed on City streets when a winter weather parking ban is in effect. Residential parking permit holders are exempt unless temporary ‘no parking’ signs are in place for snow removal. Certain business areas are also exempt from parking bans to ensure that residents can continue to visit their favourite local business during the snowy season.
To help residents prepare, the City aims to call winter parking bans by specific times. Overnight winter parking bans, which are in effect from 7 pm to 7 am, will be announced to residents by 9 am. Daytime parking bans, which are in effect from 10 am to 7 pm, will be announced to residents by 3:30 pm the day prior – except in extreme weather conditions.
Wondering where to park during a parking ban? There are several locations city-wide where residents can park during a winter weather parking ban.
To be notified any time a parking ban is called, sign up for winter parking e-alerts, follow the City on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, download the City of Ottawa app or visit our winter parking webpage.
Significant Weather Events
A Significant Weather Event is declared when hazardous weather, as forecasted by Environment Canada, has the potential to impact City services. This declaration suspends the Maintenance Quality Standards (MQS) timelines the City is normally required to meet for our winter maintenance objectives.
During a Significant Weather Event, all resources are deployed, and crews work hard to keep sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network clear of snow and ice. However, due to weather conditions, our crews may require more time than usual. During these events, we encourage residents to limit travel whenever possible and adapt to the conditions of the road.
What to Know About Clearing Snow From Your Property
- Do not push snow and ice onto the street, sidewalk, path, park or right of way.
- Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
- Use wood, plastic, fibreglass or metal driveway markers, which should be no larger than a hockey stick and set back from the street or sidewalk.
- Clear catch basins or drains in front of your property when the weather becomes mild. Find your nearest catch basin using our catch basin locator map.
Shoveling Smarts and Neighbourly SupportWhen our crews clear snow from streets and sidewalks, it often leaves windrows — those piles of snow that build up at the ends of driveways and along the streets. While they can be a challenge, property owners are responsible for clearing windrows from their laneway.
As you are clearing windrows, snow and ice from your property, be sure to take your time and use caution to avoid overexerting or injuring yourself.
If you need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway this winter, check out the City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs.
If you are looking to give back this winter, consider becoming a Snow Angel! Support your community by helping someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, by clearing snow or ice from their driveway, steps or walkway. |
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 Free native seed giveaway in Orléans
The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) will be in Orléans on December 6, hosting a free native seed giveaway! Join the OWSL to learn about the benefits of native plant gardening, take in a winter sowing demonstration, and pick up free native seeds.
- Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:30-3:30 pm: Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Rd. (Facebook event)
Visit the OWSL website for more information about weekly seed giveaways this fall, to see the seed catalogue featuring over 300 native species, and to shop for garden signs and magnets.
Can’t make it to the in-person seed giveaways? Online seed orders will open on December 26, 2025, on the OWSL website and the OWSL will mail you seeds for free. |
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The Vintage Village of Lights – Cumberland Heritage Museum
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Vintage Village of Lights is officially open! Starting this weekend through to December 21st you can make unforgettable memories at the Vintage Village of Lights.
Enjoy a postcard-perfect 1920s and 30s heritage village charmingly decorated for the holidays. There will be festive vignettes and light displays, visits with Santa, gingerbread decorating, crafts, bonfires, and much more!
The Vintage Village of Lights is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4pm-9pm. Registration is required.
More details can be found here. |
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Santa’s Parade of Lights
Santa’s Parade of Lights is this Saturday at 6pm! Join in on the fun along St Joseph Blvd. Don’t miss the festive floats, sparkling lights, and holiday cheer lighting up Orleans!
The parade is featuring a new route this year, so be sure to take note of the map above. |
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Cumberland Christmas Market
The Cumberland Christmas Market is back on December 6th from 9am-3pm all throughout the Village!
Be sure to pay them a visit to find some amazing holiday goods from a ton of amazing local vendors. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit! |
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OC Transpo’s 41st Annual Food Drive
Currently, over one in four households in Ottawa struggles to afford enough to eat and can be challenged even more at this time of year. OC Transpo’s food drive is a cherished tradition that brings our community together in support of Ottawa’s food banks.
Over the years, this event has become one of the most important single-day food drives in our community, contributing more than three million pounds of food and tens of thousands of dollars. Last year alone, they collected over 81,000 pounds of non-perishable food items and raised $25,500 in donations!
Here is how you can support the food drive this year:
- Volunteer for a shift with your colleagues, friends and families on Saturday, December 13 from 10 am to 5 pm at participating stores. Visit the Ottawa Food Bank’s website for more information and to sign up. Parents, please note that this opportunity qualifies as community service hours for high school students aged 14 and older.
- Make a monetary donation to support the food drive through the Ottawa Food Bank’s website. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps support the most vulnerable people in our community.
- Drop off non-perishable food items at the following OC Transpo and City of Ottawa facilities:
- OC Transpo Facilities
- 1500 St-Laurent Boulevard – OC Transpo Administrative Building
- 875 Belfast Road – TOCC and SCU
- 899 Belfast Road – FM and Stores
- 925 Belfast Road – Customer Service and CCR Unit
- All garages – St. Laurent, Indy, Pinecrest, Merivale and Colonnade
- City of Ottawa Facilities
- 101 Centrepointe Drive – Ben Franklin Place
- 100 Constellation Crescent – Mary Pitt Centre
- 110 Laurier Avenue West – City Hall
- 2799 Swansea Crescent – City of Ottawa Public Works Garage
- 1490 Youville Drive – Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Centre
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Santa Sightings
The magic of the season began earlier this month when Santa was first spotted at Place D’Orléans Shopping Center! Step into his Magical Village, twinkling with glittery lights, giant gift boxes, and a few silly reindeer who can’t wait to join the fun.
Capture the joy of the holidays with a keepsake photo and make memories that will sparkle all season long.
Walk-ups are always welcome, though it is recommended to make a reservation to secure your preferred time. Rumor has it he’s a pretty busy guy!
Make your reservation here. |
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