Initiating and securing a mural for the Strandherd underpass near Clarke Fields

Newsletter: May 30, 2025

Council this week was quite impactful.  I submitted a motion for investment in a local mural to be installed under the Strandherd overpass, and this was passed unanimously.  From this, I will work with staff, our West Barrhaven Community Association the Artists of Stonebridge and other stakeholders in order for us to make something that brings beauty to a place that was subjected to some extremely hateful graffiti (see my original report and statement here).  Council this week also approved an option to conduct a pilot programme for alcohol in parks.  I see this as principally impacting on downtown parks and my immediate assessment is that our Barrhaven parks are not a good natural fit to this, however, I will be opening up conversation with our local community associations to see if there is a park that we would like to consider.  If you have an opinion on this, let me know, but at this time, I am inclined to not participate.  Another significant legislative development was that the Vulnerable Infrastructure Bubble Zone bylaw motion passed 20-3 and will now be drafted by staff over the coming months.  I will remain very closely engaged on this file to ensure that we keep our residents safe, while allowing voices to be heard.  Charter rights apply to EVERYONE, not just those who wish to protest.