This week, Councillor Gower explains the provincial surprise that may affect development on Stittsville Main Street due to changes to the provincial planning statement. Don’t forget that OC Transpo transportation changes come into effect on April 27th. Take advantage of the free OC Transpo service coming up on May 3 and 4 aboard all buses, trains and Para Transpo. Submit your nominations to Councillor Gower’s office by April 26th for the Stittsville Volunteer Awards. Ottawa Police Service are warning residents of distraction thefts – one recently took place in Stittsville. A drop-in introductory open house is being held on Monday, May 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Stittsville Library for “W2 North Stittsville”, a future neighbourhood. Registration will be opening in May for City of Ottawa summer activities and day camps. Read about an update on public safety and fire services in the city. EnviroCentre has some great tip for kids and their travel to school – biking, walking, scooting. And should you require help with an issue or have concerns, reach out to Councillor Gower’s office for assistance.
How provincial policy changes may affect development on Stittsville Main
There could be big changes coming to future development on Stittsville Main Street, due to modifications the Province of Ontario has made to its Provincial Planning Statement.
Back in 2015, the City of Ottawa approved the Stittsville Main Street Community Design Plan (CDP), designed to guide development on the street over the next few decades. I was just starting to get involved in community issues back then, and I remember a ton of community engagement on this file. The final plan had strong community support. One of the key features was a 4-storey height limit.
Changes the Province made to their master planning policy may mean that the 4-storey limit may be erased, disregarding the significant community work that went into establishing the original Stittsville Main Street CDP and the Official Plan.
The Province has imposed these new rules without engagement with residents, councillors, or City planners – it has taken us all by surprise. But there may be an opportunity to change it. Read more for an explanation of what’s happening, and what’s next…
OC Transpo service changes start April 27
On Sunday, April 27 OC Transpo’s New Ways to Bus service changes launch City-wide and your routes will change. For Stittsville there are different service hours, new schedules, and new routes. I’ve outlined the major changes here. You can find full information, including schedules and route maps at octranspo.com.
OC Transpo free service weekend
OC Transpo is offering a free service weekend on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 aboard all buses, trains and Para Transpo! OC Transpo has seen many exciting changes this year, including New Ways to Bus and the launch of O-Train Lines 2 & 4. This is a chance for you to experience the system at no charge! Plan your trip and see what’s happening around the city: https://www.octranspo.com/en/news/article/free-service-weekend
Stittsville Volunteer Awards
Do you know a person, business or community group going above and beyond to make a difference in Stittsville? We want to hear about them! The Stittsville Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedication of volunteers in our community. We’re accepting nominations until April 26. More info here…
Ottawa police warn of “distraction thefts”
Ottawa Police are warning residents to be on the alert for distraction thefts targeting jewellery, wallets, phones and purse contents. We are aware of at least one incident reported recently in Stittsville.
- If you believe you’ve been a victim or witness to a distraction theft and the suspect is still nearby, do not attempt to follow them. Instead, call 911 immediately and try to remember as many details as possible, including their physical description, clothing, and any vehicle involved (make, model, license plate, etc.).
- If have information about these incidents, please contact the West Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222, extension 2666 or by email at westcriminalinvestigations@ottawapolice.ca.
- Stay anonymous and call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a time online at crimestoppers.ca.
North Stittsville – notice of future neighbourhood study and open house
The City is undertaking a planning and engineering study to provide for the development of a new neighbourhood known as “W2 North Stittsville”. It’s located west of Timbermere, between Hazeldean and Rothbourne. The land was designated as urban expansion area as part of the Official Plan in 2022. To kick off this process, a drop-in introductory open house is being held on Monday, May 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Stittsville Library (1637 Stittsville Main Street). More info…
Spring has sprung: Upcoming activities and registration dates for recreation programs
- Tuesday, May 6 – Summer activities, 2025/2026 Before and After School Programs, and PA Days are visible online
- Tuesday, May 13 at 9 pm – Registration for summer swimming activities
- Thursday, May 15 at 9 pm – Registration for all summer activities, Before and After School Programs, and PA Days
Committee receives update on public safety, fire services
The Office of Emergency Management continued to coordinate the City’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities for major planned and unplanned events. In 2024, this included the solar eclipse in April, extreme heat in June, Canada Day in July and heavy rainfall in August. Ottawa Fire Services continued to successfully meet Council-approved response times in 2024, despite an eight-per-cent increase in the number of calls and vehicle responses. Calls for medical emergency response increased by 18 per cent. Read more…
Walking, rolling, scooting or cycling to school!
It’s getting warmer and the sun is starting to shine! Celebrate Spring into Spring by walking, rolling, scooting or cycling to school as many days as you can this April and May! If you can’t walk all the way, you can participate by parking away from the school and walking a block. EnviroCentre has some great tips and info to help students and families…
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. – Councillor Glen Gower