It’s the little things that matter. I was thinking about this as I walked my dog the other day, noticing giant sidewalk gaps that had still not been fixed, despite multiple requests by my office.
It can be deeply frustrating as a Councillor, when I am told that Somerset Ward needs to wait in a giant city-wide queue to get basic things fixed. While we do eventually get action, it can take a long time, because our city’s resources are stretched so thin, and the budget doesn’t allow for timely repairs.
This is why I voted against the mayor’s 2026 budget. While no one wants to see unsustainable property tax increases, I believe that bargain-basement budgets have left our city unable to maintain our core infrastructure. Because when city services fail us, it ends up costing a lot more – including time off work to heal from an injury, or expensive taxis when the bus doesn’t show up on time.
That said, the Ward 14 has piled up an impressive list of little wins lately – all thanks to advocacy from my team and input from the community. Here are a few examples:
A family that was in the shelter system is now living in an accessible community housing apartment.
A woman who was sleeping on the streets in Centretown is now housed in a supportive home.
Bylaw is now aware of garbage “hotspots” in our ward that will be more closely monitored to ensure cleaner streets.
A new speed hump is being installed on Balsam Street, to help slow down cars.
More traffic-calming delineators were added to Lyon, Laurier, Albert and Wellington.
Centreline flex stakes were added on Booth, along with a painted edge line to narrow the road to reduce speeding.
Better sound dampening technology has been added to Metcalfe Plaza, after our office worked collaboratively with event promoters and local residents to help mitigate noise concerns.
All of these little things add up to a city that works better for people. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, my team is always happy to tackle whatever city issues are getting in your way, be they big or small.
Warmly,
Ariel
Ariel with staff from Belong Ottawa, at a BBQ in Dundonald Park earlier this month
Gladstone-Gilmour Bikeway finally coming to committee
After several delays and adjustments, the Gladstone-Gilmour Bikeway project will be on the agenda at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting of August 27th. This is a long awaited change in response to community advocacy to make improvements to the safety and capacity of active transportation along this corridor, including improvements to challenging intersections. The scope includes adding bike infrastructure on Gladstone between Corso Italia and Arthur St, and a contraflow bike lane on Gilmour east of Bronson.
If you would like to delegate to the committee about the project, please reach out to my office at [email protected].
New Who To Call resources
Support is available and knowing who to call can make all the difference. Whether you need City services, community support, or emergency assistance, this guide can help you quickly find the right resource.
You can also download the Somerset West Community Health Centre’s who to call list here.
Consider keeping these guides somewhere easy to find for future reference.
Check out the 2026 Capital Pride Guide
The 2026 Pride Guide is out, and features dozens of events taking place across the city in August.
You can read the guide online here.
Street Seats events and community survey
Street Seats is bringing free summer programming to Centretown and Chinatown, with music, performances, workshops, family activities, community meetups and more.
Upcoming events:
China Doll Drag Karaoke: Saturday, August 8 @ 5PM (Somerset & Cambridge)
China Doll Karaoke has been a fun fixture in Ottawa’s music scene and beyond hosting for over 25 years.
Live local music: Tuesday, August 11 @ 6PM (Bank and Waverly)
Stop by for live music provided by OMIC.
Pow Wow Workout: Thursday, August 13 @ 6PM (Somerset & Cambridge)
Join Amanda Fox, an Ojibwe dancer from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory with over 30 years of pow wow experience, for an empowering and educational fitness session. This high-energy, follow-along workout blends pow wow dance steps, songs, and teachings with fitness principles to promote wholistic wellness while celebrating Indigenous culture.
Salsa Classes: Friday, August 14 @ 7PM (Somerset & Cambridge)
The event begins with a welcoming beginner salsa lesson hosted by SalsaRehab, designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics, build confidence, and step onto the dance floor—no partner or experience required. After the lesson, the street transforms into an open-air Latin dance celebration with live DJs, vibrant salsa, bachata, merengue, and tropical rhythms filling the night.
Have an idea of your own? You can apply to use a space for a free public activity, or pitch us on a paid programming opportunity through the submissions page.
Street Seats community survey
The City is looking for feedback on the project. Until October 5, you can fill out a short survey online here to share your thoughts.
August 10: Virtual public consultation on the Kent Street Functional Design Study (Somerset Street to James Street)
You are invited to a virtual public information session to discuss a functional design study for Kent Street from Somerset Street to James Street. The project limits have been reduced and will only include the segment of Kent Street proposed for integrated road, sewer and watermain renewal.
During this session, the City of Ottawa will present the updated project scope, planning context and revised functional design. Staff will be present to answer any questions and receive comments.
Please register to receive the link for the online session.
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require special accommodation, please contact the Project Manager to provide
Bay Street/Gloucester Street raised crosswalk
The project includes the construction of a raised crosswalk on the west leg of the intersection (north–south across Gloucester Street), along with upgraded pedestrian landings at the northwest and southwest corners to improve accessibility and meet AODA requirements.
Learn more about the project and road impacts online here.
The City has put together a new “Who To Call” list for residents. For a printable version of this list, click here.
Roughly 30 per cent of Ottawa residents rent their homes – that’s approximately 300,000 people. This includes folks from all walks of life, including PSWs, teachers, artists, retail workers, students and seniors.
On Wednesday, Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee put bad landlords on notice by voting in favour of a renoviction bylaw that will crack down on unjust evictions.