Newsletter July 6: After the storm, A better Hampton Dog Park

Hi Neighbour,

This past week we started Canada Day in celebration, but for many in our community and across the city, it ended with devastation.

The severe storms across Ottawa resulted in floods and power outages that impacted homes and businesses. I’ve been hearing from residents still dealing with cleanup and recovery and my thoughts are with everyone in our city who has been impacted.

What has stood out in the days since is how quickly neighbours have stepped up to support one another in the aftermath.

Community response and support

I want to thank the City crews, hydro workers, and first responders who moved quickly to respond to the storm and continue working through cleanup and restoration across the city.

Leadership matters

I also want to recognize Councillor Laine Johnson, College Ward for her tireless efforts throughout this response in keeping residents informed, coordinating support, and ensuring people could access the help they needed. If you don’t already follow her updates, I encourage you to follow her on Facebook for the latest on local supports after the storm - this is helpful for Kitchissippi, as well. I have family in her Ward who have been greatly impacted by flooding.

Michelle

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Advocacy in Kitchissippi, by Kitchissippi and for Kitchissippi

This will be a regular newsletter segment featuring issues our community.

A better Hampton Park

The flooding and pooling of water we saw after last week's storm also reminds us that thoughtful investments in our public spaces can make a difference, such as storm water runoff and direction management.

I met with a neighbour, Karen, to discuss her ideas for Hampton Park that were published in the Carlington Hampton News (PDF Google share)

we talked about practical improvements that would help the park function better throughout the year. Better drainage would reduce standing water after heavy rainfall and snow melts, while additional trees and shaded areas would make the dog park more comfortable for both pets and their owners during Ottawa's hot summer months.

As our neighbourhood continues to welcome more families and residents living in apartments and condominiums, accessible green spaces become even more important. A well-designed dog park provides a safe place for dogs to run, gives neighbours an opportunity to connect, and helps ensure everyone can enjoy quality outdoor space.

In addition to the dog park, maintenance of the Hampton Park pathways needs attention, as cyclists and pedestrians have also brought up that the path is not usable on many occasions. In particular, they are not accessible for people in wheelchairs or using walkers in the winter months.

These are practical, community-driven ideas that would make Hampton Park more resilient, more welcoming, and better able to serve residents year-round.

I have also had discussions about a second dog park with neighbours at another location. This makes sense as our population is increasing and the need for more public greenspace for people and their pets is desired.

This will be discussed in a future newsletter. Stay tuned!

What I’m hearing from you

As I continue to knock on doors and meet with neighbours across Kitchissippi, I’m hearing consistent themes:

• We need more public spaces indoors and outdoors  for activities for all ages; notably young families and seniors.

• We need more safety and security presence. The hot weather brings lots of cars into the Westboro Beach area and police / by-law seem to be nowhere to manage this for residents, pedestrians and cyclists.

• We need more consultation on how funds are being used in our Ward

These conversations continue to shape my priorities and focus.  

Read my 6 priorities.