Hosting the General Manager of Public Works in Barrhaven

Newsletter: July 26, 2024

I was fortunate to host the General Manager of Public Works here in Barrhaven last week.  We talked about:

• Grass maintenance issues: They are worse this year than in the past due to the heat and the significant rainfall this year.  Also, with a significant rain event every 2-3 days, it not only causes faster growth, but reduces staff productivity because they can't mow in the rain and need to let it dry.

• Chapman Mills weed maintenance: He is tracking the complication both of the technical ability to clear this area out, and also that the transition of maintenance responsibility has not gone well.  He will get back to us with a strategy.

• Jockvale Pedestrian Crossing: We are pleased that the new 99 OC Transpo bus route will enable safer bus usage for the residents of Steepleview housing, however, he has committed to working with us to address the issue of a proper pedestrian crossing site in the area of the Multi-use paths just South of the tracks.

• Landfill Odor: Too many of us know the nasty smell that sometimes comes from the City Landfill. I have asked staff to hold a public meeting regarding this topic. Save the date for Wednesday, August 21st at 6pm for a public open house type meeting. It will be held at Trail Landfill, 4475 Trail Road.

• Wild Parsnip: The City has expanded this year's wild parsnip application areas, targeting highly infested areas. Barrhaven roadside areas that were treated included Fallowfield, Borrisokane, Jockvale, Greenbank, Longfields Prince of Wales, and Bankfield along with numerous parks. The map and list for the specific areas of planned treatment, along with more information on the City's wild parsnip plan can be found here. We know that the wild parnsip goes well beyond the areas listed above, so if you see any especially bad areas that pose direct risk to safety (in parks, encroaching on walking/cycling pathways) please send us an email (david.hill@ottawa.ca) and we'll do our best, in collaboration to public works, to get it dealt with.

• A list of all public works updates on their spring and summer operations can be found here.