July 23rd Council Vote a Missed Opportunity
July 23, 2025
OTTAWA, ON — Today at Ottawa City Council, a motion was brought forward through the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) process to explore the feasibility of an alternative trucking route in the south end of the city. The motion, introduced by Councillor Tim Tierney and seconded by Councillor Catherine Kitts, proposed a study that could have led to the development of a southern ring road—an initiative long advocated for by local residents and community leaders.
“This is a project I have championed for years, both as a City Councillor and now as your MPP,” said MPP for Carleton, George Darouze. “A dedicated truck route would significantly reduce heavy truck traffic in our small villages, especially in Manotick and Osgoode Ward, and help preserve the safety and character of our residential neighbourhoods.”
Darouze said it was unfortunate the motion did not pass, especially considering that after committee, the motion had the numbers to support the motion. Four councillors flip-flopped on their vote.
Ottawa City Council members voted as follows:
Against of the Motion:
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
Councillor Marty Carr
Councillor Laine Johnson
Councillor Riley Brockington
Councillor Jeff Leiper
Councillor Rawlson King
Councillor Glen Gower
Councillor Shawn Menard
Councillor Cathy Curry
Councillor Theresa Kavanaugh
Councillor Jessica Bradley
Councillor Stephanie Plante
Councillor Wilson Lo (changed vote from committee)
Councillor Isabelle Skalski (changed vote from committee)
Councillor Sean Devine (changed vote from committee)
Councillor Ariel Troster (changed vote from committee)
For the Motion:
Councillor David Hill
Councillor Steve Desroches
Councillor David Brown
Councillor Allan Hubley
Councillor Tim Tierney
Councillor Matt Luloff
Councillor Clark Kelly
Councillor Catherine Kitts
MPP Darouze expressed disappointment with the outcome, calling it a missed opportunity to address a long-standing infrastructure concern in Ottawa’s rural south.
“The Transportation Master Plan was the perfect vehicle to begin this important work,” said Darouze. “Delaying it yet again is a setback for our community. However, the fight is far from over.”
MPP Darouze confirmed that he remains committed to the project and will continue to work with all levels of government to see it advanced.
“This should have been one of Council’s top infrastructure priorities, and for me, it still is,” he added. “I look forward to connecting with Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, to discuss how the province can support this work going forward.”
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Office of George Darouze – MPP Carleton
Phone: 613-838-4425
Email: george.darouze@pc.ola.org
www.georgedarouzempp.ca