Lesley McKay

In early August, 2026, local businessman Phil Sweetnam, submitted his comments and concerns to City of Ottawa Planner, Colette Gorni in two sets of comments. He is now sharing them with the community for your information.

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.

OC Transpo's fall service change takes effect on Sunday, August 30 and includes significant transit improvements and other planned service adjustments for the fall.

Ontario's Fire Code requires homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage must also have carbon monoxide alarms beside each sleeping area and on every storey.

Greg is very open about mental health and hopes his family's story will help others. Through powerful story telling, the stigma and shame attached can be diminished. He asks residents to support his mission to help those with mental health and addictions issues by donating to

Art and creativity give us a special way to show a vision of peace. A poster does not need words to cross a border. Colors, shapes, and symbols can speak directly to the heart. When young people pick up a brush or a pencil to draw peace, they are building a bridge over walls of misunderstanding. Peace posters created by youth show us a world where hands are joined and where differences are celebrated – harmony in humanity.

It's that time of year when the leaves are starting to show their fall colours as we embark on the month of September towards the first day of fall. This week, Councillor Gower is sharing news and events in our community such as the upcoming Butter Tart Festival on September 12th. Some good news for heritage fans – the Iolene and Beattie Hartin house and stone shed on Maplegrove could possibly be designated ‘heritage' under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Councillor shares a map of current and future Stittsville schools. The Crossway Park Playground is officially opening on September 25th. The monthly Multicultural & Human Rights Calendar for September is available on the Councillor's website. Verify your information on the Voters' List for the upcoming October 26th Municipal Election at the links provided below. The Ottawa Fire Services' fall Wake Up! Program has begun and you may get a knock on your door. Blasting is set to begin the week of September 14th for the Idylea Phase 2 – north of Fernbank Road and east of Caribou/Liard. Have you registered your thoughts for the plan for the Fernbank District Park? The survey closes on September 10th. As always, should you require assistance, please get in touch with the Councillor's office at the contact information below.

The community garden offers residents the opportunity to learn, make new friends and volunteer. Take a moment out of your day to visit the garden and maze and just relax.

You may have noticed, as you travel down Stittsville Main, the activity on the north side of Pretty Pots Flowers. Youth from Stittsville have been busily showcasing their talent as they create a mural thanks to the collaboration of

All nine candidates have been invited to attend the September 17th debate which will run from 7:00-9:15pm, with the doors opening at 6:30pm.