We are now more than a month into 2021, and while we continue to face challenges related to the pandemic, there is much to celebrate. In this newsletter, I wanted to share exciting news and updates about several park infrastructure upgrades in Innes Ward, which is timely as we all seek ways to stay safe, active, and healthy during the pandemic. With Family Day coming up this Monday, February 15, I have teamed up with my East End Council Colleagues to host a variety show that will feature some of the amazing professional talent we have here in the East End. Make sure to check out the details below and don’t miss out on this great event!
Community Events
You are invited to the Ottawa East Family Day Variety Show!
Attendees will enjoy performances from our very own East End talent:
- Monkey Rock Music
- Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre
- Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo
- Marvin the Magician
When: February 15, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m
Where: Online, via Zoom.
To participate, please register at: www.tinyurl.com/266dgb6o
Don’t miss out! Register now!
Park Infrastructure Upgrades
Bradley Ridge Rink Shack
This month, Bradley Ridge Park saw the installation of a new City rink shack. Residents will be able to use this rink shack, which has both heat and lighting, all-year-round once health restrictions permit. Thank you to the Bradley Estates Community Association for their ongoing partnership in maintaining this local rink and managing access to the facility.
Blackburn Arena Expansion
The Blackburn Arena expansion is still on track to be completed for spring of this year. The final form of this $5-million project, which includes $1 million in Federal funding, is truly taking shape. Much of the external infrastructure is now in place, including windows, siding, bike racks, and updates to the parking lot. I am looking forward to having my office there again soon and meeting with residents as soon as it safe to do so.
Blackburn Splashpad
After receiving significant feedback from the community, the final design of the Blackburn Splashpad has been confirmed and has been awarded to a contractor. Thanks to suggestions from the community, the splashpad will include additional seating and a covered seating area, in addition to the water components and pad that was part of the initial design. The splashpad construction will start late spring/early summer and is anticipated to be completed by fall.
Trailsedge East Park
The Trailsedge East Park will be a welcome addition to one of our newest neighbourhoods in Innes Ward. According to the developer’s current design for the park, it will include a splashpad, basketball nets, tennis courts, and an outdoor fitness station. The contract had been awarded and construction is scheduled for this year based on the developer’s timelines.
Chapel Hill Park Picnic Area
Chapel Hill Park has been selected as one of eight City parks to receive a 30 x 50-foot covered picnic area as part of a City application for funding under the Federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. This funding will allow the City to build a sheltered picnic area, complete with picnic tables. City staff have identified a potential location in the park that they believe would have the least impact to existing trees or facilities and would complement current uses. Due to a fast-tracked timeline required under the Federal ICIP grant, a community consultation opportunity will be coming quickly, where residents will have their say on the project design. Stay tuned for further updates!
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
In late January, City Council received an update on the plans to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine in our city. This presentation included some very helpful information, such as what residents can expect in the coming months, as well as how the overall vaccine rollout works through the co-ordination of all three levels of government and local health organizations. As many are aware, the City’s vaccine distribution is fully dependent on receipt of the vaccine from the other levels of government. However, as you will note from the presentation, the City and its partners are prepared for a largescale, community-wide distribution as soon as doses become available. For the full presentation, visit: LauraDudas.ca/covid-19-vaccination-plan/.
Residents can also find out more about the vaccine through Ottawa Public Health at:
This year will see many exciting projects in Innes Ward and, with the promise of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution for the larger community on the horizon, many opportunities to look forward to in the coming months. As we wait for the opportunity to meet again in person, I will continue to post important community and city information on my website at LauraDudas.ca and on my social media channels. You can also reach me by email at Laura.Dudas@ottawa.ca, by signing up for virtual office hours, or by calling 613-580-2472.
Stay well and take care.
