Weekly newsletter: August 19, 2025
Hi everyone!
From celebrating India and Pakistan’s independence days to the Mayor’s barbecue and my farmers market booth, the past weekend was one of the busiest weekends I’ve ever had, but I was grateful to have met so many Barrhaven East residents throughout!
A much shorter newsletter this week, as I’m at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference downtown the first half of the week.
AMO works on behalf of Ontario’s municipalities to share knowledge, discuss challenges and opportunities, and achieve common goals. They also advocate to the provincial and federal governments on issues common municipalities across the province.
Their annual conference is an excellent opportunity to meet councillors and mayors from across Ontario, as well as different product vendors and organisations involved in service delivery at the municipal level, including many who offer improvements in process, data, and efficiency.
Bite-sized updates
Sorted alphabetically.
Barrhaven Harvest Fest – The Ottawa Farmers’ Market, Barrhaven BIA, and Locally Crafted Markets are hosting their third annual autumn market↗ on September 7, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Nepean Woods Park and Ride. Alongside the usual farmers market vendors, the event will feature several Barrhaven businesses and local artisans. The free event will also feature at least one bouncy castle, music and entertainment, hot food, and other family-friendly activities!
Cleaning the Capital – Registration is open for the Cleaning the Capital autumn 2025 campaign! The programme involves the community to help keep parks and public spaces clean and looking good, and is also an opportunity for volunteer hours. Participants are provided with clean-up kits that includes garbage bags and gloves. To learn more and/or register, please visit Ottawa.ca/clean↗.
Greenbank Road pathway – Staff expect to reopen the pathway at the end of this week. The pathway is accessible, but is still officially closed until the completion of some landscaping, sloping, and other finishing works. Thank you for your patience during the project.
Leikin Drive closure – The closure of Leikin Drive between Merivale and Beckstead has been extended to September 2, 2025. Last week, I noted the closure was extended to August 26. A one-week buffer was requested in case of further delays in the final stages of the infrastructure works, so new date reflects that extra buffer. The contractor has provided the following schedule for the remainder of the closure:
August 14 – backfilling the excavation
August 20 – concrete curb installation on Leikin
August 25 – asphalt paving begins
August 26 – road reopening, signage removal
September 2 – contingency/buffer date
Longfields/Bill Leathem road cut – Hydro Ottawa have smoothened the road cut on Longfields west of the roundabout. That, of course, is not the expected final state of the road cut (the repaired cut south of Bill Leathem is the proper repair), so I’ve asked when the proper repair will be complete.
Low water conditions – Households on well water in Hearts Desire are asked to voluntarily reduce their water usage by about 10 per cent, due to low water levels in the Jock River subwatershed. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority states streams that feed the river are flowing at 10 to 25 per cent of normal rates due to the hot weather and low rainfall. Changes in the status will be shared once available.
Pop-up office hours – Over the summer, I will be at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market (Barrhaven)↗ regularly for pop-up office hours. I’ll be there next on Sunday, September 7 from 10 am to 2 pm as part of the autumn market with the Barrhaven BIA and Locally Crafted Markets.
Walter Baker Sports Centre – The hot tub/steam room is closed indefinitely due to foundation issues identified during summer maintenance.
Thanks for your continued readership. I’ll be back next week with a meatier newsletter!
-Wilson