Laine Johnson

Motion on reconstruction fee relief

Today, I seconded a motion by Mayor Sutcliffe to provide residents who are rebuilding after the July 1, 2026 flooding with relief from fees associated with construction.

Read the full motion

WHEREAS the extreme weather events of July 1, August 10 and August 12, 2026, 
caused significant disruption, property damage, and financial hardship for 
residents across the city, impacting more than 6,500 properties; and

WHEREAS the City’s Revenue Services team has implemented temporary 
administrative measures to support affected residents, including the suspension 
of collection activities, a pause on interest accumulation and related late fees, 
enhanced customer service accommodations, and account-level notifications for 
impacted properties; and

Inquiry about ICDs and catch basins

Today, I tabled an Inquiry to ask for details about Inlet Control Devices, why they were installed in west end catch basins, how they're maintained, and whether they may have contributed to the July 1 flooding.

Read the full Inquiry

 

Inquiry:
Following the July 1, 2026 flooding of thousands of west end Ottawa homes, 
businesses, and public facilities, and again after the flooding on August 10, 2026, 
many residents noted that stormwater drainage through municipal catch basins 
was inhibited by Inlet Control Devices (ICDs) which had been installed by the 
City.
Several also noted that the ICDs were plugged with dirt and debris, completely 
blocking the catch basin from draining storm water.
The apparent result of the ICDs, whether blocked or not, was to cause overland 
flooding that entered homes.

Motion to examine extreme weather patterns in Nepean/West Ottawa

Today, I moved a motion, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, to consult with weather experts to determine how College Ward and environs are being impacted by extreme weather so we can plan to improve our infrastructure and maintenance routines.

See the full motion.

WHEREAS over the past several years, Nepean has suffered several extreme 
weather events including the 2018 tornados; 2022 derecho; the 2023 ice storm; 
the July 1, 2026 rainstorm and floods; and the August 12, 2026 windstorm; and

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Climate Projections for the National Capital 
Region (2020) indicate that Ottawa is projected to see rising temperatures, more 
rainfall and more extreme weather events; and

WHEREAS recent and historical weather patterns suggest that the affected areas 
of Nepean may experience localized weather and climatic conditions that differ 
from other parts of the city;

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa uses climate and weather reports when designing 
its infrastructure standards, infrastructure maintenance routines and resident 
support programs; and