It takes a village, Diane Holmes Park opening, Kent and Percy feedback, election blackout, and more!

That is a question that I think about a lot. And in reflecting on the last four years as your city councillor, I am amazed at what it really takes to get things done – together. Here are a few examples of how a combination of community advocacy and political leadership scored some major wins for Somerset Ward.

• Redeveloping the St. Luke’s basketball court was a team effort. It all started when some of the players from the St. Luke’s Basketball Community approached me about fixing the court at Elgin and Frank, which was in a serious state of disrepair. I soon found out that the city’s replacement budget for the court was only 20 percent of what was needed to properly rebuild the facility. After working with the basketball players on a co-design process, my office was able to accelerate and improve the court by contributing money from the Ward 14 Cash in Lieu of Parkland Fund. When the court opened last summer, it was the nicest one in the city, with lighting till 11pm and a special player-friendly surface.

• Launching the ANCHOR program was the result of years of community advocacy. It started after the death of Abdirahman Abdi in an altercation with police. Immigrant, racialized and Indigenous residents established the Guiding Council for Mental Health and Addictions, and they created the framework for a new, non-police, 24/7 crisis response service. I worked relentlessly to push for ANCHOR to launch in Centretown first. And now, the city is scaling up into more urban neighbourhoods.

• The Gladstone/Gilmour Bikeway started with an unfortunate tragedy. After a serious collision between a cyclist and a truck in 2023 at Gladstone and Rochester, residents organized an emergency rally demanding safer streets. A woman who lost her son to an identical accident at the same intersection 20 years before spoke out, both at the rally, and at Transportation Committee that same day. I was able to get a motion passed calling for a Gladstone bike lane to be added to the Transportation Master Plan, fully funded, and accelerated in the list of upcoming projects. While it still feels like it happened far too slowly, construction on the new bike lane will finally begin next summer.

• The launch of the Street Seats program began with a question: how can we get people excited about Centretown again? As Bank Street had been hollowed out by decreased foot traffic post-pandemic, empty storefronts were leading to social disorder and feelings that the neighbourhood was no longer exciting or safe. Working with city staff, consultants from Bloomberg Associates and public realm experts from Aire Commune, we built and programmed bright and inviting pop-up event spaces off of Bank Street and in Chinatown on Cambridge. Over the last two summers, hundreds of free events have drawn people back to Centretown and Chinatown, increasing the vibrancy and safety of downtown main streets. And now we are seeing new businesses open on Bank Street, along with enhanced street cleaning and more visible assistance from both outreach workers and police.

There is so much more work that we need to do together to build safe, vibrant and accessible downtown communities. But I am continually inspired by the ways that community advocacy can propel positive change, both in Somerset Ward and across our city. Keep the pressure up – we’re just getting started.

Warmly,

Ariel

Please note: This will be the last newsletter from my office until after the municipal election on October 26, as we will soon enter the official blackout period. Please feel free to email the office at [email protected], or give us a call at 613-580-2484 if there is anything we can help you with.

Councillor Troster at the Bytowne Museum during the Colonel By Day open house

Monday, August 24: Diane Holmes Park Opening

Join us on Monday, August 24 at 4pm at 400 Albert (Corner of Albert and Lyon) to celebrate the opening of the Diane Holmes Park! We will hear from former Councillor Diane Holmes, Catherine McKenney, and the park’s design team. There will be light refreshments available. Help us honour Diane for her incredible 30 years of service to Somerset Ward and to the entire Ottawa community.

Kent and Percy Street feedback

Thank you to all of the residents who attended virtual meetings this month about the redevelopment of Kent Street and resurfacing/sidewalk widening on Percy. 

The Kent Street project has unfortunately had to be altered due to provincial legislation that forbids the removal of vehicle lanes to create safe cycling facilities. The new design still widens sidewalks, removes some parking, and adds traffic-calming features to help prevent speeding. I am committed to keep fighting for bike lanes on Kent, should there be a change in provincial government or a repeal of Bill 60.

On Percy Street, we are working to add traffic-calming planters and higher speed humps. Staff are committed to minimizing disruption to gardens that border the right-of- way, and will be widening sidewalks to meet accessibility standards where needed.

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to the Ward 14 office at [email protected].

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].

Fades International Business Commemoration

After almost thirty years of operation, Fades International Barbershop is one of Ottawa's longest-running Black-owned barbershops and a hub in Ottawa's BIPOC community. My office will be presenting a business commemoration certificate at the barbershop on Monday to recognize its significance in the community.

You could qualify for a free air conditioner

The City of Ottawa is offering a limited Air Conditioner (AC) Pilot to help eligible low-income residents stay safe during periods of extreme heat. The pilot provides a portable air conditioner to residents who do not have a working air conditioner, have a health-related need for cooling, and cannot afford to purchase an air conditioner on their own.

Residents who think they may qualify are encouraged to contact Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) program through 3-1-1 for an eligibility assessment.

• Call 3-1-1 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm

• Select English (1) or French (2)

• Select Community and Social Services (4), then select (6)

Saturday, September 12: Walk of Ages

Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa on Saturday, September 12 at the Rideau Community Hub for the Walk of Ages, an intergenerational community celebration that recognizes the contributions of older adults and reminds us that aging is a journey we all share.  Whether you walk, roll, or simply come to enjoy the festivities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy live music, delicious BBQ, a classic car show, family activities including a bouncy castle, and explore more than 35 community organizations offering information, resources, and opportunities to get involved.  Bring your family, friends, and neighbours as we celebrate aging, strengthen community connections, and build a more age-friendly Ottawa. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!

Join the EcoYouth Council

Ecology Ottawa is thrilled to accept applications for the third year of its EcoYouth Council. The EcoYouth program responds to growing eco-anxiety among young people and highlights the power of local environmental action. Through the Council, school presentations, and the Youth Summit, youth participate in practical environmental solutions, deepen their knowledge, and develop leadership skills. This is a fantastic opportunity for youth aged 16–23 to make a real impact in their community. 

Ecology Ottawa invites interested youth to access their website for more information and to apply. Applications are open until September 11th, 2026