Kelly: Rural roads long range outlook, Recycling containers, Extreme weather preparedness grant

At the June 11, city council meeting, I had questions for staff about the city’s Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) and what it will mean for the funding and long-term condition of our roads in rural Ottawa. 

Council is being asked to approve a funding strategy without being clearly told what it means for the long-term condition of roads, particularly in rural Ottawa. As I reviewed the report, my primary concern was not whether we need a funding strategy – we clearly do. My concern is whether the strategy before us meaningfully changes the trajectory of our road network.

In Ward 5, our roads are not one transportation option among others. They are the transportation network. Residents depend on them every day to get to work, school, medical appointments and local businesses.

We know that deferred road maintenance eventually costs more, and I want to better understand whether the investments proposed today are sufficient to improve the long-term condition of our roads or simply slow the rate of decline.

Council needs to remain focused on outcomes. The question isn’t just how much money we’re moving between reserves, debt and taxation. The primary question for me is whether residents will see a road network that is in better condition 10 years from now than it is today.

For rural communities, roads are essential infrastructure. If this plan still leaves us with a significant road renewal gap, then we need to be honest about that and continue working toward a long-term solution. The cost of delay does not disappear. It is passed on to future taxpayers at a higher price. That’s the piece I remain most concerned about.

You can listen to my comments to Council on this matter at this link.

Recent recycling container notices

Over the past couple of weeks. I have heard from many residents who received stickers on their collection day for their recycling bins. Most of these concerns came from residents who used larger, 240-litre bins with wheels for their recycling. 

Before addressing this matter, I’d like to remind residents that responsibility for this collection was transferred to the province. It is no longer a service administered by the City of Ottawa. 

I went on CFRA with Kristy Cameron to discuss this issue. We’ve set up a page at my website where you can hear that full conversation and also read my statement and update.

Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program

On June 15, at a Joint Meeting of the Environment and Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services committees, I spoke in support of a new three-year pilot Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program to help communities prepare for extreme weather events.

Ottawa is seeing more frequent and intense extreme weather, including heat waves, flooding and ice storms. The city is investing in community organizations to help neighbourhoods prepare, respond and recover more effectively.

Drawing on West Carleton-March’s experiences with floods, tornadoes, the derecho and prolonged power outages, I highlighted the important role that local volunteers and community organizations like West Carleton Disaster Relief play during emergencies.

I also asked staff how existing programs could help organizations (video link) meet insurance requirements and how the city will recognize groups with proven emergency response experience.

As extreme weather events become more common, investing in community preparedness and resilience is a practical step that will help communities support residents when they need it most.

Summer in West Carleton-March

Summer is almost officially here in West Carleton-March. From community events and farmers’ markets to time spent on the water or around the backyard barbecue, there’s no better place to enjoy the season. I hope you’re able to make the most of the warmer days ahead and all that our community has to offer.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance on a municipal issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me.