It's been a pleasure to serve on the board of the Bells Corners BIA over the last several years, moving from stabilization to strategic planning and growth. Suburban BIAs are growing across the city, which is exciting as we want to nurture multiple city centres and shopping districts.

Last year, the Feds announced they're moving forward with building high speed rail from Toronto to Québec City. And the first section to be built is Ottawa to Montreal! Next week, the contractor, Alto, will begin a series of consultations. Visithttps://www.altotrain.ca/en/public-consultation

Conditions are poor. Parking ban begins at 7pm. Stay off the roads if you can.

City teams are out in full force to clear roads and sidewalks as fast as they can today. But the heavy snow will affect the afternoon commute and OC Transpo is reducing the number of stops available. Please keep an eye on the Alerts before heading home. www.octranspo.com/en/alerts/#a...

Volunteer and help your neighbours learn simple ways to reduce waste by becoming a Waste Reduction Champion for your apartment or condo! The City will provide full training, tools and ongoing support to those interested in becoming a Waste Reduction Champion. Sign up now: ottawa.ca/en/garbage-a...

Update The watermain on Baseline (just east of Fisher) was fixed, was in the process of being flushed out and the watermain broke again. The City will backfill the site and reopen the lanes later this afternoon and then return tomorrow morning (7am) to repair the watermain.

Last year, I introduced a motion for the City to re-examine its public engagement policies and methods. I felt that we are missing opportunities and that the public does not always believe that their input in decision-making impacts the final results.

This is a serious situation. It appears Baseline, Eastbound, will remain closed for several hours. The road has been compromised. The City is aiming to have the repair completed to reopen the road by PM peak.

There will likely be many of us sharing similar photos, but very different stories, of Paul Dewar today, as we gathered to celebrate the naming of the Paul Dewar Field House. Thank you to @jleiper.bsky.app for bringing us together to remember what Paul stood for.

The City has received a site plan application to redevelop the gas station at 1660 Merivale Rd (south of Viewmount) into a drive-through fast food restaurant. Site plan applications do not get voted on by City Council and this application meets the zoning for the property.

A daytime Winter Weather Parking Ban is being called for tomorrow Sunday, January 11 from 10 am to 7 pm. During this time, all vehicles must be removed from the roadway.

Thank you, Ottawa Citizen, for publishing my op-ed today on the financial crisis that municipalities across the country are facing due to aging infrastructure. To read the story, please visit the Ottawa Citizen web site and look for the Opinion section. @OttawaCitizen.com

Over the past several months, we've tried to engage the public on the new zoning bylaw but it's a tough subject for anyone to get their heads around. I appreciate the Chair of Planning's approach here - make it relatable and understandable!

Environment Canada is advising that we may have 60-90 km/h winds tonight. What a great opportunity to review your home emergency preparedness kit and plans! The City offers a checklist and tips: ottawa.ca/en/health-an...

Hydro Ottawa will begin vegetation trimming and removal in Lynwood Park on Monday. If you have questions or comments regarding this work, please contact Hydro Community Relations at 1-877-345-6799 or [email protected].

Tune in to Your Health with Dr. Trevor today: • 580 CFRA Ottawa Now around 3:35 p.m. • CTV News at Six tonight This week, Dr. Trevor is talking about winter mental health, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and practical strategies to help you cope during the colder months.

The weather has been up and down a lot this week! Tomorrow is forecasted to rise to 2 degrees. There is a 60 percent chance of rain overnight Thursday and then the temperature is expected to rise to 5 degrees on Friday with rain.

Lots of #collegeward groups waiting for this, and the in-person session isn't too far at the Nepean Sportsplex on Wednesday, January 14 from 6:30 to 8 pm in Hall A. The session will provide details on program updates, eligibility, timelines and the application process.

As with any transition, there are going to be some bumps in the road. As of now, the collection calendar on the City's webiste, ottawa.ca/en/garbage-a..., is correct. Residents' collection day has not changed. The app isn't yet in line. Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or [email protected]

The Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration portal opened on Jan 1st for residents who want to declare early prior to the formal declaration period. Email notices, using previous year declaration contact information, and paper notices are scheduled to be distributed to property owners in the new year.

Happy New Year, #CollegeWard! As we enter 2026, I wish you all an upcoming year filled with good health, peace, and joy. From my family to yours, I wish you all the best!

Roger Neilson Children's Hospice is hosting a free Young Grievers Camp for children and youth aged 7 - 17 who have experienced the loss of someone significant in their lives. The camp will take place June 26 - 28, 2026 at Christie Lake Kids.

Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate! This week, I hope you have the opportunity to remember the values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Canadians, here in #CollegeWard and across our city. Heri za Kwanzaa!

Merry Christmas to my College Ward neighbours who celebrate! It's a time to celebrate, to reflect, and to enjoy our family and friends and food. But we'll also take a moment to think about those who need extra support today, whether it's to address poverty or loneliness.

Starting on January 1, 2026, the City of Ottawa will no longer be responsible for collecting your blue and black bin. Under regulations from the Government of Ontario, the producers of paper and packaging will be responsible for collecting and processing blue and black bin materials.

Notice of Potential / Actual Water Service Interruptions Due to Water Infrastructure repairs near 81 Norice St (between Malcolm Pl & Viewmount Dr.) clients may experience interruptions in water service. Water service is expected to be restored within 12 hours

Winter is here and the snow has to be piled somewhere! Please avoid piling snow against trees. Avoid using snowblowers too close to trees so we can protect our #OttCity tree canopy together.

Notice of Potential / Actual Water Service Interruptions Due to Water Infrastructure repairs near 25 Cowichan Way (between Okanagan Dr. and Dead end) clients may experience interruptions in water service. Water service is expected to be restored within 12 hours

World Toilet Day was November 19, and Ottawa's own Gotta Go Campaign put together a video showing the public toilets are downtown #ottcity and point out that we need better signage!

I was honoured to work with community members to bring a few motions to the Zoning Committee meeting on Wednesday December 17th. youtu.be/j5JKMtFsEDM Thank you to everyone who engaged and provided input along the way!

Please be advised that our offices will be closed between December 22nd and January 2nd, reopening on Jan 5. We'll also reduce the amount of social media posts in that period. For urgent assistance, please call 311. Have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Thank you @jleiper.bsky.social for putting this together for us, turned out great!

With the temperature expected to rise well above zero today, and the significant amount of rain on the way, we are asking for anyone who can to make sure their local catch basin is clear for water to drain. The City has over 100,000 catch basins, so any support you can offer would be appreciated!

I had never done this before, glad to have had the privilege of being Santa with Ginette and delivering holiday meals from the Caldwell Food Centre. It was great to get to know a new friend in City View #collegeward as well as more residents through the Carlington catchment area, full of good cheer.

I am grateful to the Mayor and my Council colleagues for supporting my motion to engage the City in our exciting Reimagining Robertson Road project. You can see my speech on the issue, at last week's Budget meeting, and the motion itself in the video below. youtu.be/EtD7ngLMajY

Planned Power Outage @hydroottawa.bsky.social Impacted streets: Harris Place, Indian Road and Meadowlands Drive W Date: December 18, 2025 Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Total customers impacted: 56 All impacted customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on noted communication preferences.

Last week, City Council debated and voted to support the 2026 Budget. I had some things to say. youtu.be/XddEE9vy1X0

FREE Community Holiday Meal! Dec 21st, 4 – 7pm All are invited to a Bells Corners community gathering to get to know each other. Christ Church Bells Corners, 3861 Old Richmond Rd Halal, Vegetarian, Gluten Free Options, while supplies last Volunteers needed, [email protected] or 613-829-1826

Did you know bringing in firewood from other municipalities can move pests and tree diseases into #OttCity? Please buy your firewood locally. Burn it where you buy it!

Thank you to Frances on Parent Council at St. John the Apostle School, it was great to brave the storm and check out the Christmas Market this weekend! Many folks braved the wild weather to get last minute goodies (it’s not last minute yet is it?) #collegeward

Yesterday was the first day of Hannukah, a day where I wanted to wish well. But I want to acknowledge the pain and fear our Jewish neighbours, many of whom call #CollegeWard home, have been feeling through the year. And now a terrorist attack in Australia sends these families into further despair.

Chanukah begins this evening and continues through the next week. To our many Jewish neighbours, I wish you a very happy Festival of Lights, filled with friendship, family, and of course lots and lots of good food! Hanukkah sameach!

An update from Winter West Operations: Ottawa saw up to 10cm of snow today and focus is on cleaning up priority roads and sidewalks.

I had a great afternoon at Centennial Library getting to listen, chat, and ideate with residents about Robertson Road as part of our Reimagining Robertson Road Community Pop up. Thank you to everyone that came out and shared ideas on how Robertson Road could better serve the Bells Corners Community!

Our Community Pop-Up about the Reimagining Robertson Road project is TODAY at the Centennial Library Branch (3870 Old Richmond Road) from 2 – 4 PM. Come share your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences travelling on Robertson Road to be included as part of this project!

Great resources and info about the complete streets policy and more in @lainejohnson.bsky.social excellent FAQ: www.college-ward.ca/wcs_qa

On my way to our City Council meeting to finalize the 2026 City Budget. It's typically a long day with many competing priorities and lots of good ideas to discuss and vote on. You can follow the budget discussion and debate on YouTube or Rogers TV.

Ottawa issues overnight parking ban from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.