I had the chance to visit students at Our Lady of Peace earlier this year as part of the Reimagining Robertson Road project. They designed their own “dream roads” with ideas like more trees, safe bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and places to gather. Inspiring to see their vision for Robertson Road!
It was a pleasure joining Jodi Green, Kim Moir, Patricia Pepper, Joan Wright, and Simmi Mangat at this morning’s International Women’s Day breakfast. Keynote speaker former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Hon. Rosalie Silberman Abella, CC, FRSC was forthright and downright funny!
We're supposed to have warm weather (yay!) and heavy rain (boo!) tomorrow. That may increase the chances of flooding. If you're able, please clean out your block's catch basins to help drainage.
And this CAA article on home flooding prevention has many useful tips: caaneo.ca/magazine/pro...
We expect this file to come to the Planning and Housing Committee in early summer 2026. Please visit the project page on DevApps to review the studies and to provide your feedback devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applicati...
The proposal, expected to create approximately 1400 dwelling units of a mix of housing types, is designed to feature mid- to high-rise mixed-use buildings framing a pedestrian-oriented urban plaza, which will function as a shared street to prioritize walkability and foster community interaction.
I have met with the proponent and will continue to discuss this proposal with them through this process. I have also met with staff to discuss the layout to ensure that the layout of the site supports community uses and thriving pedestrian spaces.
The City of Ottawa has received a development application for 1101 Baxter Road.
The 3.13-hectare site, adjacent to the 417, has direct access to the pedestrian overpass connecting the site to the Queensview O-Train Station located 300m from this site.
Poster providing same information that's in post.
There's an exciting new initiative at Pinecrest Recreation Complex:
Woman’s Only Swim
Friday March 20th, 2027
5:15-6:15pm
This is an unstructured swim designed for females only and their children.
The programs that are being cut were practical, effective, and had creativity and humanities in common. Shame on the provincial government for this weakening of Ottawa's knowledge base and workforce.
I'm disappointed and saddened tonight by the Algonquin College Board of Governors' decision to cut 30 critically important programs. Programs that led to employment, that built our community, that made our economy stronger. This goes way beyond Mr. Ford's "basket weaving" quip.
"It is beyond contestation that we are prioritizing investments for an aging population at a scale of urgency that makes what we're doing for younger people seem absolutely miniscule," -Dr. Paul Kershaw www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Algonquin College students are fighting hard for their programs. It's time for the Government of Ontario to step in and save these programs, which contribute so much to our workforce and our economy.
Musical entertainment for guests at the tea
John and Patsy enjoying a cup of tea
Laine, Kathleen the Executive Director, and John
What better way to beat the winter blues than to join L’Arche Ottawa #collegeward for an afternoon tea. I’m so glad that you can stay on to offer services in your headquarters. Ottawa can’t afford another destabilized resource that supports persons with disabilities, we already have too few.
Laine with Cassie and big smiles!
Laine with a very stylish Fletcher
Ringette skills competition for kiddos
Gorgeous spread of treats for Mamawi bake sale
Of course the sun starts shining down as Leslie Park Community Association hosts its winter Olympics. This community has the power of love! Great idea to ask a local school to do your baking and use it as a fundraiser. Always good to support Mamawi! #collegeward
MTO said a plan for both Pinecrest and Richmond are coming soon. I believe they'll also be wider for active transportation purposes.
Rendering of the proposed Maitland Ave cross-section showing the width of each lane and active transportation facility.
Rendering of the proposed Woodroffe Ave cross-section showing the width of each lane and active transportation facility.
Thanks to work that Councillor Theresa Kavanagh @tkavanaghbayward.bsky.social and I did with City staff and MTO, these new bridges will be built wider to accommodate active transportation. A lot of kids cross the 417 to get to school and back every day and improving safety has to be a priority here.
Project timelines
The replacements are expected to take place in 2028, though MTO is hoping to accelerate that schedule. Generally, staging (i.e. building the new bridge) is done offsite – within the cloverleaf at each intersection, with these.
Photos of the Hwy 417 bridges at Maitland and Woodroffe
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has been replacing Hwy 417 bridges as they age out. Today, MTO announced that the next bridges to be replaced will be at Maitland Ave and Woodroffe Ave.
Photo of the 130 participants at round tables working away.
Laine with David
Laying with Andrew from the Hyatt and Jeremy formally w Beet Box farm
Photo of the tabletop work that groups were undertaking.
Fabulous turnout for the NCR Greenbelt Forum last weekend. I was glad to see Andrew from the Hyatt and reconnect with Jeremy from Beet Box Farm. Thanks David for organizing. I look forward to the recommendations. We aren’t getting any new greenspaces in #collegeward and we need to plan wisely.
Laine and Nona’s Deli owner
My delicious panini pressed wrap sandwich
I stopped by Nona’s Deli to pick up some sandwiches for a family member recovering from an injury. These were so fresh, made to order, so tasty, and extremely affordable in this economy. check it out on Robertson Road! #collegeward
Thank you for coming by, Anita!!
WHOOPS - The meeting is actually at 6pm!
Tonight, the City is hosting a virtual meeting so you can tell City staff how they can improve the City’s public engagement strategy. It’s at 7 pm until 8:30, via Zoom.
There’s also a survey, open until Feb 28.
You can get details of the meeting & the survey at engage.ottawa.ca/improving-ci...
That the City only asks for opinions because they have to, but that the decisions are already made anyway.
So I moved a motion earlier this year, successfully, to review how the City goes about getting residents thoughts on projects and programs and what we do with that information.
There’s an important City meeting tonight. Here’s why you should consider participating:
One of the complaints I hear about the most is that the City doesn’t really care about people’s opinions. That City surveys don’t ask the right questions, or that the answers will be ignored.
I’m down to see what @brenttoderian.bsky.social @tomflood.bsky.social and @grantennis.bsky.social are gonna do, we need all hands on deck. But if I don’t see some women or persons of colour on a leadership team, I’m sorry but you won’t be revolution-ing. There’s a lot of of bros in the show already.
We are also excited to have a choir performance from the Canadian Showtime Chorus and a kids' magic show by Luc Leduc, The Duke of Magic, in the Councillors' Chambers Room - the schedule is linked below!
We are excited to see you all this Sunday!!
www.facebook.com/share/1E7BhB...
Winter-themed poster for Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival with blue snowflakes on a light grey background. Text highlights free food and hot chocolate from Scotty’s Corner Diner, East Side Mario’s Bells Corners, and The Prep Kitchen. Performances by Canadian Showtime Chorus and magician Luc Leduc (The Duke of Magic) are also featured, alongside their logos.
Promotional poster for Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival. The graphic shows winter-themed images including ice skates on an outdoor rink, a snowman, and two children drinking hot beverages in winter clothing. Text on the poster reads: “Free fun for the whole family! Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival. Sunday, February 22nd, 11 AM – 2 PM. Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive.”
Poster showing the schedule for Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival in the Councillors’ Chambers Room. The poster lists: 11:45 AM to 12 PM – Opening remarks from Councillor Laine Johnson; 12 PM to 12:45 PM – Kids’ Magic Show by The Duke of Magic, Luc Leduc; 1 PM to 1:45 PM – Performance by the Canadian Showtime Chorus. The graphic includes winter snowflake decorations, a magician’s hat with rabbit ears and wand illustration, and the Canadian Showtime Chorus logo.
There will be free food and beverages provided by Scotty's Corner Diner, The Prep Kitchen, and East Side Mario's Bells Coners at our Winter Festival this Sunday! We'll have chili (vegetarian and non-vegetarian option), grilled cheese sandwiches, smoked meat sliders, hot chocolate and apple cider!!
Laine with troop leaders in front of a bustling kitchen and a busy meeting hall.
A stuffed beaver selling baked goods with a supervisor
Even without my kids, it’s important to get my annual pancakes from Trinity United Church from the Scouts! A kind and generous group that always makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Big shout out to Luca for his excellent hosting skills. #collegeward
Promotional poster for Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival. The graphic shows winter-themed images including ice skates on an outdoor rink, a snowman, and two children drinking hot beverages in winter clothing. Text on the poster reads: “Free fun for the whole family! Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival. Sunday, February 22nd, 11 AM – 2 PM. Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive.”
Poster showing the schedule for Councillor Laine Johnson’s Winter Festival in the Councillors’ Chambers Room. The poster lists: 11:45 AM to 12 PM – Opening remarks from Councillor Laine Johnson; 12 PM to 12:45 PM – Kids’ Magic Show by The Duke of Magic, Luc Leduc; 1 PM to 1:45 PM – Performance by the Canadian Showtime Chorus. The graphic includes winter snowflake decorations, a magician’s hat with rabbit ears and wand illustration, and the Canadian Showtime Chorus logo.
Our College Ward Winter Festival is TOMORROW at Ben Franklin Place from 11 AM to 2 PM!
Free hot chocolate and food, skating, indoor activities, a magic show, choir performance, face painting - there's something for everyone!!
I'm excited to see you there! www.facebook.com/share/1H13t9...
