I have heard from Findlay Creek residents that there is a need for more recreation and more public services in the community. While Fred Barrett Arena and Leitrim Fields are great City assets, they lack spaces for some city programming such as a gym and community space. I am glad that the city has been running some programs at Vimy Ridge and Mino Mikan schools which has brought city programming closer to residents.

As some residents may know, lands in the northern part of the community such as the Old Gloucester City Hall, Leitrim Police Station and the public works yards are expected to be surplused by the City in the coming years. These lands along Bank Street will benefit from the $50 million widening project. Following its completion, the City plans to upgrade the Bank Street and Leitrim Road intersection to better support all modes of transportation in the area.

I have always advocated for the best usage of these surplus City lands, and I believe the City has a great opportunity to explore the potential for added recreation and public services that will benefit the entire community.

I am pleased to invite residents to a community discussion on the future of these City lands. I am interested in hearing resident feedback on potential public use of the lands. This vision I will be presenting includes space for a community centre and library, as well as space for a health hub that could provide specialized services for residents.

This part of Findlay Creek could become a gateway to the community, and with a clear vision, this project can be successful.

I will be sharing more details at a virtual public meeting on Monday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in this discussion, please register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/YeKFy3PMjG

If residents cannot make this meeting, information will be posted on my website, stevedesroches.com, following the meeting.

I look forward to discussing the future of Findlay Creek with you.

For questions, please email my office at steve.desroches@ottawa.ca