We have several new parks being built and older parks getting upgrades in Stittsville. Here’s the latest information on each project as of September 2026.

New parks

Fernbank District Park (Abbott/Lift/Clintonia/Rouncey)
Draft plans are now available and City staff continue to collect feedback. Our office will be hosting a pop-up consultation for the new Fernbank District Park on Saturday, October 3,

Brummell-Curry Park (Cope at Dagenham in Westwood)
Previously referred to as Cope Park. Construction has started and will be completed in 2027.

Dagenham Park (Dagenham at David Wiens in Westwood)
Previously referred to as David Wiens Park. Construction is expected to begin soon with completion in 2027.

Granary Grove Park (Granary and Craig Duncan in Shea Village)
Cavanagh is targeting Fall 2026 to start construction of the park, and completion in summer 2027.

Idylea Linear Park (west side of the Idylea neighbourhood)
This is a north-south pathway link that connects Fernbank Road to Kemp Woodlands, with homes on Caribou and Liard backing onto it as well. Construction is underway and will be completed along with future phases of the Idylea neighbourhood.

Shea Woods – future off-leash dog park
In 2022, City Council approved an agreement to acquire and protect approximately five hectares of Shea Woods, and protect the forest as a part of a public park. That acquisition is now complete, and the land is owned by the City of Ottawa. In the next year or so, the City will be undertaking engagement to finalize the park plans. 

Park upgrades

Bradley-Craig Park – Cricket pitch (Cranesbill)
Final design is underway, and installation is expected in 2026.

Stitt Street Park – Play structure replacement (Stitt Street)
Public consultation for this project took place in January 2026. Construction is underway to replace the older play structure and should be substantially competed by the end of fall 2026.

Rouncey Park – Rink boards
New rinkboards are being added for the outdoor skating rink. Construction to be completed before Winter 2026.

The post Progress update on park projects in Stittsville (September 2026) appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

This week’s updates:

• Stittsville Neighbour Days
• Cleaning the Capital
• Crossway Park – playground opening on September 25
• What would you like to see at Amberway Park?
• Trans-Canada Trail re-gravelling
• Stitt Street Park renewal
• Granite Ridge (Iber Road) stormwater pond maintenance
• Maple Grove speed cushions
• Immigrant Entrepreneur Award nominations
• Today: Applefest at Village Square Park
• This weekend: Quiltwalk at Mad About Patchwork
• This weekend: Richmond Fair
• More upcoming events: glengower.ca/events/
• New business – Gracie Barra (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
• Yom Kippur (September 20-21)
• Jour des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes (25 septembre)

Have an excellent week!

–Councillor Glen

Also available as a podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and more. Search for “Councillor Glen” on your favourite app & subscribe.
Aussi disponibles en balado sur Spotify, iTunes et plus encore. Recherchez « Councillor Glen » sur votre application préférée et abonnez-vous.

The post Councillor Glen’s Weekly Video / September 19, 2026 appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

We’re launching a new Stittsville event called “Stittsville Neighbour Days” to encourage residents to organize small get-togethers in their neighbourhood. 

Get to know the people on your street with a potluck, a movie night, a park clean-up, or anything else that brings your street together.

The goal: Encourage new connections between neighbours, and build community spirit in Stittsville. Because strong neighbourhoods – and strong connections – are incredibly important for our overall health and well-being.

Getting started

1. Talk to a few of your neighbours on the street, and pick a date and time for your event. It can be any day between September 18-27, 2026
2. Need some inspiration? See our list below of activity ideas.
3. Pick a location. (If it’s a small event in your driveway or yard, no permit is required. If you want to close a street, you will need a residential block party permit. If you’re holding an event at a local park, it’s a good idea to obtain a rental permit to reserve your spot and avoid double-booking.)
4. Click here to register your event. We’ll provide you with a lawn sign, plus design templates so you can create a flyer or poster.

Planning your event

Sharing responsibilities can increase participation and creates more possibilities for the event. Invite neighbours to gather around a dinner table, fire pit, porch, or deck, or start a group chat. Discuss activities, responsibilities, and contributions.

Getting the word out

• Hand-delivered flyers are the most effective. Flyers should include the date, time, location, description of activities, and contact information.
• A neighbourhood Facebook group or WhatsApp group can be a good tool for communicating about the event, but remember that not everyone has access to social media platforms.
• Attendance may be lower than expected, especially for a first event. But don’t get discouraged – the goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome, no matter how many people take part.

Safety considerations

• Recruit responsible neighbours to help monitor activities, especially with kids.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on roads or in parks, and must remain on private property.
• Ensure water is available if your event is held on a hot day. Monitor weather forecasts for special advisories.
• Have a basic first aid kit handy.

After the event

• Remember to take a photo of your group and send it to us for our photo collage!
• Clean up the event area and pick up any garbage.
• Talk to your neighbours about what went well and what could be improved for next time.
• Start planning for Stittsville Neighbour Days in 2027!

Additional resources

• Link: City of Ottawa residential block party permit (required if you plan to close your street)
• Link: City of Ottawa park rentals (always a good idea to reserve ahead if you’re planning your event at a local park)

Activity ideas for inspiration

• Bike parade
• Sidewalk chalk drawing
• Park clean-up
• Potluck or BBQ
• Coffee & donuts
• Scavenger hunt
• Help a neighbour with a chore
• Pick-up basketball game
• Water fight
• Photo contest
• Adults vs kids soccer game
• Outdoor movie night
• A small concert
• Face painting
• Outdoor board games
• Yoga or tai chi
• Line dancing
• Paint night
• Neighbourhood stories (walk or collecting and sharing)
• Games like tug-o-war (street against street, kids versus adults) or musical chairs
• Bottle collection to fundraise for a local charity
• Non-perishable food drive for the Food Bank
• Ice cream truck visit
• Request a fire truck to visit
• Ask a bird watching expert to do a talk about frequent flyers
• Ask an expert gardener to do a walk / talk in the neighbourhood
• Book exchange or plant swap

The post SEPTEMBER 18-27: Stittsville Neighbour Days appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

You can find us at the southeast corner of the Robert Grant Avenue Roundabout at Abbott Street along the Trans Canada Trail (opposite of Paul-Demarais)—not far from where Stittsville’s largest park will be located. I’ll be there along with the City’s parks planning staff to listen to your feedback about the draft park design concept. This in-person consultation event follows an online survey that was available earlier this month.

Fernbank District Park is a central part of the Fernbank Community Design Plan. It’s a large, triangular site — over 8 hectares in area — located between Abbott Street, the Trans Canada Trail, the Hydro corridor/Clintonia Street, and Rouncey Road. The park design concept includes:

• Combined junior and senior play areas, including sand play.
• Splash pad
• Football field, with lighting
• Cricket pitch (tapeball)
• Tennis and pickleball Courts, with lighting
• Soccer field
• Fitness area
• Outdoor rink (permanent boards), with lighting and puddle (skating) area + basketball court
• Off-leash dog area
• Parking lot
• Designated (future) all-wheels area
• Designated (future) fieldhouse
• Shade structure(s) and gathering areas
• Park pathway and community pedestrian connection network.

Follow this link to view the full plan. 

Hope to see you on October 3rd!

The post Fernbank District Park pop-up consultation Oct 3 appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

La version française suit

UPDATE – September 17, 2026: The pond was dewatered by the contractor, Strathmar Landscape Construction, over the weekend to provide access for the equipment needed to remove the sediment. Per the contract specifications, the contractor hired a biologist to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources for the collection of fish during the pond clean-out project. The contractor’s biologist was on site following the dewatering work and collected most of the fish in the pond, however several fish remained in the deepest section of the pond. The contractor is aware of the issue and is proceeding to collect the remaining fish in the pond as per their permit.

The City of Ottawa will be undertaking maintenance work on the Granite Ridge stormwater management (SWM) pond and drainage ditch located at 164 Iber Road and 185 Iber Road, respectively. This work is scheduled to begin this summer.

WHY: Stormwater management ponds are an important part of the City’s drainage system. They help collect and treat runoff from nearby streets and properties before it enters local creeks and rivers. Over time, these ponds accumulate sediment which reduces their capacity and effectiveness. To ensure the pond continues to function as designed, the accumulated sediment needs to be removed periodically.

HOW: The clean-out process will involve temporarily draining the SWM pond to allow for the removal of built-up sediment. Once the pond is dewatered, the material will be excavated and hauled off-site for disposal. The downstream drainage ditch will also be rehabilitated as part of this project to improve the performance of the ditch. The pond and surrounding areas will then be restored to their original condition.

WHEN: Construction is expected to take place in summer 2026 and is expected to last several weeks.

Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to nearby properties throughout the work. Some construction noise, truck activity, and temporary fencing around the work areas can be expected for a limited period. The City and its contractor will complete all work safely and in full compliance with environmental protection measures.

Pedestrian traffic control measures will be in place for the duration of the construction activities. Temporary closure of the pedestrian pathway on the south side of the facility will be necessary for a portion of the work. Impacts to pathway users will be minimized to the fullest extent possible, within the constraints of the project requirements.

For further information about this Notice and the pond clean-out project, please contact:

Eric Harrold
Project Specialist, Stormwater City of Ottawa
613-580-2424, ext. 21447
eric.harrold@ottawa.ca

Wildlife protection

• The timing of this work has been carefully planned to balance operational needs and environmental considerations. The schedule avoids sensitive periods such as turtle hibernation and fish spawning, and mid-summer timing allows for the proper drying and removal of sediment, helping to minimize longer-term impacts within the park.
• To reduce environmental impacts, the contractor is required to retain a certified biologist who will oversee fish and turtle relocation prior to any in-water work. In addition, the project must follow established wildlife protection protocols and comply with all applicable legislation, including protections for migratory birds and their nests.
• With respect to birds such as ducks, active relocation is not typically undertaken, as these species are generally able to relocate naturally in response to changes in their environment. Construction activity and changes in water levels are expected to encourage movement to nearby suitable habitats.
• While this may result in temporary displacement, the project team will monitor wildlife presence and take appropriate precautions to avoid impacts to active nests and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including the
• You can learn more about these practices here: Protocol for Wildlife Protection during Construction – Wildlife, plants and garden care | City of Ottawa

Entretien prévu du bassin de rétention des eaux pluviales de Granite Ridge

La Ville d’Ottawa procédera à des travaux d’entretien dans le bassin de rétention des eaux pluviales et le fossé de drainage situés aux 164 et 185, chemin Iber, respectivement. Ces travaux devraient commencer cet été.

POURQUOI : Les bassins de rétention des eaux pluviales constituent un aspect essentiel du réseau de drainage de la Ville. Ils permettent de recueillir et de traiter les eaux de ruissellement des rues et des propriétés des environs avant qu’elles se déversent dans les cours d’eau de la localité. Des sédiments finissent par s’accumuler dans ces bassins, ce qui en réduit la capacité et l’efficacité. Pour veiller à ce que ce bassin continue de fonctionner comme prévu, il faut enlever périodiquement les sédiments qui s’y déposent.

COMMENT : Les travaux de vidange consisteront à drainer temporairement le bassin de REP afin d’enlever les sédiments accumulés. Une fois le bassin asséché, ces sédiments seront extraits et transportés en vue de leur élimination. Le fossé de drainage en aval sera également remis en état dans le cadre de ce projet afin d’en améliorer l’efficacité. Le bassin et les environs seront ensuite remis dans leur état d’origine.

QUAND : Les travaux devraient commencer à l’été 2026 et durer quelques semaines.

Nous mettrons tout en œuvre pour minimiser les perturbations sur les propriétés du secteur avoisinant lors des travaux. Il faut cependant s’attendre, pour une durée limitée, à ce que ces travaux soient bruyants, à ce que des camions se déplacent dans le secteur et à ce que la zone des travaux soit clôturée temporairement. La Ville et l’entrepreneur veilleront sur la sécurité des travaux, en respectant parfaitement les mesures de protection de l’environnement.

Des mesures de régulation de la circulation des piétons seront en vigueur pendant les activités qui se dérouleront sur le chantier. Il faudra fermer temporairement le sentier piétonnier du côté sud de l’installation. Nous réduirons autant que possible les répercussions des travaux sur les utilisateurs du sentier, en tenant compte des exigences du projet.

Pour en savoir plus sur cet avis et sur ce projet de vidange des sédiments du bassin, veuillez communiquer avec :

Eric Harrold
Spécialiste responsable du projet, Eaux pluviales, Ville d’Ottawa
613-580-2424, poste 21447
eric.harrold@ottawa.ca

The post Granite Ridge stormwater pond maintenance appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

Now that the ownership of Amberway Park is sorted out,  we can begin a long-planned park renewal project. The west side of the park, along Denham Way, got a new play structure in 2019. The east side, facing Savage Drive—now officially owned by the city after 68-year-old clerical error—has been waiting for its turn. It currently consists of a small asphalt pad with a single basketball hoop in front of a grass field. The renewed park has the potential to be much more. 

This is where we need your help. We’ve launched a survey to understand what residents might want to see at the east side of Amberway Park. Some ideas we’ve heard so far are landscaping improvements (gardens, trees, pathways), adult fitness equipment, and a play structure for older children. We’re open to hearing more suggestions. 

Take the survey

Of course, there is limited space and budget for this project. The park itself is just about a third of an acre. Our office has about $100,000 in cash-in-lieu funds earmarked that we can use on park upgrades (this is money funded from nearby developments). That’s enough money to make a real difference in a park, but not enough for some larger features—a splashpad, for example, can cost around $500,000. 

Your feedback will help shape the decision on what a future Amberway Park will look like. We’ll share your ideas with City staff and the future councillor.

The post What would you like to see at Amberway Park? appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

Construction activities are anticipated to start in early October and finish by early November. It was previously scheduled to take place over the summer, but was postponed until this autumn to avoid impacts on turtles during their hatching and nesting season.

The activity will proceed in phases to minimize disruption. The first section, between West Ridge Drive and Jinkinson Road, will be completed prior to October 17 in order to avoid conflict with the 9runrun fundraising event. Section 2 (between Jinkinson and Dwyer Hill Drive) and Section 3 (Dwyer Hill to Ashton Station Road) will follow.

Trail users should be aware that some parts of the trailway will need to be closed while heavy equipment is being operated in the area. All construction activity is occurring within the City’s right of way, but it may result in some impacts adjacent to the work.

Additional information, including contact information to the project team, has been distributed to adjacent residents, landowners, and community groups. You can view that notice here.

The post CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Trans Canada Trail re-gravelling in October appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

The City has retained the contractor, Laurent Leblanc Ltd., to complete the work. To accommodate the proposed construction, temporary lane reductions may be required along with on-street parking restrictions. Access to private properties including pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period unless otherwise communicated.

As part of this contract, the contractor is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until it is entirely complete as well as any damages to private property resulting from these construction activities. In the event of such occurrences, all claims for damages should be immediately reported both verbally and in writing to the contractor and to the City on-site Representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.

For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).  Under the by-law, construction is permitted Monday to Saturday, 7am to 10pm and Sundays/holidays from 9am to 10pm. Any required night work will need a Noise by-law exemption and will be communicated in advance to the community.

Contact information

• For any emergency outside normal working hours, please call the City at 3-1-1.
• For general project information, please contact the City’s Project Manager, Chad Martin, at 613-808-8945 or chad.martin@ottawa.ca.
• For construction related questions or concerns, please contact the Contractor Representative, Dan Bergeron (Laurent Leblanc Ltd.), at 613-830-0066 or dan.bergeron@laurentleblanc.com

Location map

Speed humps vs. speed cushions

• Speed humps are a continuous raised section that extends across the full width of the travel lane, typically used on residential streets with less traffic.
• Speed cushions include separate raised sections with gaps (wheel cut-outs) between them, so that larger vehicles (fire trucks, ambulances, buses) can straddle the cushion and pass with less slowing.

Both types are designed so that all vehicle types can cross over safely at lower speeds, and they do not interfere with snow plows or other service vehicles like garbage trucks, buses, etc. All locations are reviewed and approved by emergency services staff prior to installation.

The post CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Maple Grove speed cushions appeared first on Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville.

Nominations are now open for Ottawa’s 2026 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, which celebrate entrepreneurs who were born outside Canada and have built businesses in Ottawa. Through their leadership and innovation, they help make Ottawa a vibrant and prosperous place to live.

TiE Ottawa, a local network supporting entrepreneurs, will present the awards, in partnership with the City, at a special awards ceremony on Friday, October 30.

Nominations are now open in two categories:

Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

Recognizes established immigrant entrepreneurs whose business achievements have helped strengthen Ottawa’s economy and entrepreneurial community.

Youth Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

Recognizes promising immigrant entrepreneurs aged 29 and under who are building successful businesses and demonstrating strong potential as future business leaders.

Nominate an entrepreneur by October 8

Do you know an immigrant entrepreneur who is helping shape Ottawa’s future? Nominate someone whose business is making a positive difference in our community.

Whether they are growing an established company or launching a new venture, immigrant entrepreneurs help strengthen Ottawa’s economy and create opportunities across our city. The awards recognize their achievements and the impact they have on Ottawa. Submit your nomination by Thursday, October 8.

Visit TiE Ottawa for nomination details, eligibility requirements and information on how to submit a nomination. If you have questions about the awards program, email IEA@tieottawa.org.

Ouverture de la période de présentation des candidatures pour les Prix aux entrepreneurs immigrants d’Ottawa 2026

Il est désormais possible de présenter des candidatures pour les Prix aux entrepreneurs immigrants d’Ottawa 2026, qui mettent à l’honneur les entrepreneurs nés à l’extérieur du Canada et ayant bâti une entreprise à Ottawa. Grâce à leur leadership et à leur innovation, ces personnes contribuent à faire d’Ottawa un endroit dynamique et prospère où il fait bon vivre.

TiE Ottawa, un réseau local qui soutient les entrepreneurs, en partenariat avec la Ville, remettra ces prix lors d’une cérémonie spéciale qui aura lieu le vendredi 30 octobre.

Il est désormais possible de présenter une candidature dans l’une des deux catégories suivantes :

Prix aux entrepreneurs immigrants

Ce prix met à l’honneur les entrepreneurs immigrants établis dont l’excellence en affaires a contribué à renforcer l’économie et le milieu entrepreneurial d’Ottawa.

Prix aux jeunes entrepreneurs immigrants

Ce prix met à l’honneur les entrepreneurs immigrants prometteurs âgés de 29 ans ou moins, qui développent des entreprises prospères et font preuve d’un fort potentiel en tant que futurs dirigeants d’entreprise.

Présenter la candidature d’un entrepreneur d’ici le 8 octobre 

Connaissez-vous des entrepreneurs immigrants qui contribuent à façonner l’avenir d’Ottawa? Proposez le nom d’une personne dont l’entreprise fait évoluer la communauté de manière positive.

Qu’ils aient développé une compagnie prospère ou qu’ils aient lancé une nouvelle entreprise, les entrepreneurs immigrants contribuent à renforcer l’économie d’Ottawa et à créer des possibilités partout dans notre ville. Ces prix récompensent leurs réalisations et leur influence sur la ville d’Ottawa. Veuillez présenter une candidature d’ici le jeudi 8 octobre.

Veuillez consulter le site de TiE Ottawa pour obtenir des détails sur les mises en candidature, les critères d’admissibilité et le processus. Pour toute question au sujet de ces prix, veuillez envoyer un courriel à IEA@tieottawa.org.

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