Where did August escape to? This week, Councillor Gower is inviting residents to register for the Fall Campaign for Cleaning the Capital. He provides an update on the Carp Road Widening project and its delay. City staff are recommending approval of a zoning by-law amendment to permit an indoor water park, family entertainment centre, 236-room hotel, and restaurant along Palladium Drive and Councillor Gower has asked the city staff to look at some issues with this project. Did you know that as of September 1, youth aged 11 to 18 ride free on OC Transpo buses, trains, and Para Transpo at various times and days? Be forewarned that researchers will be found in Ladybirds Park to conduct a research project on moths. The researchers are from the Biodiversity Conservation Solutions lab at Carleton University. As always, should you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Councillor’s office at the contact information provided below.
Registration opens for Cleaning the Capital
It’s time for a fall clean-up! Pick your favourite park and register for the Cleaning the Capital Fall 2026 Campaign. Residents, schools, businesses, and community groups are invited to take part in this city-wide initiative.
In 2026, the program celebrates its 33rd anniversary and has involved more than 1.5 million volunteers since its launch in 1994. Let’s work together to keep Stittsville clean, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone. Registration and more information is available at ottawa.ca/clean/
UPDATE: Carp Road Widening project
The Carp Road Widening project includes two additional lanes from Hazeldean to the 417 (4 lanes total, 2 in each direction), along with sidewalks and pathways, plus the installation of new sanitary and storm sewers plus watermain. It also includes intersection upgrades at several locations, including a major upgrade at Carp and Hazeldean.
As I shared in my weekly video on Saturday, the construction start is now being pushed to Spring 2027. Funding has been secured, tendering has started, and work was set to start in September. But there’s a delay in finalizing property acquisition and easement agreements at the intersection. It’s incredibly frustrating given the importance of this project to Stittsville residents.
For more information about the project and timelines, click here…
UPDATE: Zoning amendment for hotel and water park
City staff are recommending approval of a zoning by-law amendment to permit an indoor water park, family entertainment centre, 236-room hotel, and restaurant along Palladium Drive. The file is at Planning & Housing Committee Wednesday, with a final decision coming next week at City Council.
I’ve heard a lot of excitement about this project from residents. This facility would generate jobs, along with tourism and economic benefits for the west end. At the same time, there will be impacts to the nearby Connections neighbourhood, particularly from the additional traffic generated by visitors to the hotel and water park.
I’ve asked staff to review a number of issues as part of the site plan process, including capacity and design of the Derreen-Culdaff intersection, an entrance on Palladium Drive, a safe pedestrian crossing over the Queensway to Tanger Outlets, and future transit access.
Youth ride free on OC Transpo evenings, weekends, and holidays
As of September 1, youth aged 11 to 18 ride free on OC Transpo buses, trains, and Para Transpo on weekdays after 5 pm, weekends and holidays.
Here’s how to travel for free:
- Purchase a $4 PRESTO card if you don’t already have one.
- Set a Pre-Teen (ages 11 to 12) or Youth (13 to 18) pass on your card at participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations.
- Tap your card on the fare gate or fare reader to board for free.
If you have a Student transit pass through your school, you’re already good to go. Use your Student transit pass to ride for free. And children age 10 and under continue to ride for free every day. More information…
NOTEBOOK: Why researchers are setting moth traps at Ladybirds Park
Here’s more information about a research project from the Biodiversity Conservation Solutions lab at Carleton University. Researchers are setting traps for moths at parks across Ottawa, including at Ladybirds Park in Stittsville. Read more…
Get in touch!
If we can help in any way, please email me at glen.gower@ottawa.ca or leave a voicemail at 613-580-2476. Please call 3-1-1 if you require immediate assistance, or submit a request online at ottawa.ca/en/311. – Councillor Glen Gower