The New(s) Orleans – May 2026 Newsletter

In lieu of a regular post today/this week, I am opting to share what I’ve been working on that isn’t writing. We’re doing a basement remodel, and so time has been a rare resource the last few weeks.

However, that doesn’t mean that things haven’t continued to shift and move, so here’s a summary of the last few weeks in my urbanism life:

Community Action & Civic Advocacy

Eastern Ottawa Urbanism Club

The next monthly meeting of the Urbanism Club is over lunch on May 27 (on the 4th Wednesday of each month), and we’ll be meeting at the Bad Alibi for an in-person meetup on June 10. Subscribe and join the urbanism club today!

Ottawa City Council Nominations are Officially Open!

If you’ve ever thought about running for office or want to closely watch who is stepping up to shape our streets, the window is officially open.

• The Details: Nominations for the 2026 Ottawa Municipal Election opened on May 1 and will run until August 21. Election day is Monday, October 26, 2026.
• Why It Matters: Local government makes the final call on our bike lanes, transit funding, and neighbourhood safety.
• Link: Learn more about the process or track the candidates on the City of Ottawa Elections Page.

NCC Greenbelt Master Plan Consultations

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is actively refreshing its Greenbelt Master Plan (the first major overhaul since 2013). They are aiming to shift the 20,000-hectare horseshoe from a “passive land bank” into a more vibrant, ecologically sound, and food-producing landscape.

• Action Needed: The final public open house is happening this week on Tuesday, May 26, and the online feedback survey is accepting public input until June 8, 2026.
• Link: Make your voice heard regarding local agriculture, trails, and conservation by visiting the Community Open House: National Capital Greenbelt Master Plan Review.

Connecting the Suburbs: The Orléans Community Network

Building a resilient community means breaking down silos. The recently launched Orléans Community Network is doing exactly that—bringing together local neighborhood associations (including Convent Glen – Orléans Wood, Greater Avalon, Chateauneuf, and Chatelaine Village) to share resources, plan family-friendly events, and unite in civic advocacy.

• Link: If you represent a local group or just want to find active community groups in our backyard, check out the Orléans Community Network.

Bike Stuff

Milestone Alert: 2,000 km on the Cargo Bike!

“Every trip I take on a cargo bike is a vote for the kind of infrastructure and clean air we want in our neighbourhoods.”

I officially hit the 2,000-kilometer mark on my cargo bike (my odometer did reset in 2024 at about 200km, but a milestone is a milestone)! Looking back on the grocery runs, hardware store hauls, and commutes to work has completely changed how I interact with my community and the city.

Let’s Bike Month Kicks Off This June!

Organized annually by EnviroCentre, Let’s Bike Month 2026 is right around the corner. It’s a free campaign that encourages everyone to log their rides, watch their collective greenhouse gas emissions drop, and win amazing prizes from local businesses.

Keep an eye out for events all month long, register at LetsBike.ca, and join our Orleans team (Orléans Pedal Power) to track distance and progress.

Kidical Mass is Coming to Orléans (June 13)

Get ready to roll! Bike Ottawa and local partners are organizing a massive, slow-paced, family-friendly Kidical Mass Ride on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This event is perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents to celebrate safe, joyful cycling.

Register Now: Orléans Kidical Mass

• The Routes: Rides will simultaneously depart at 10:15 AM from four locations: Greater Avalon (François Dupuis Rec Centre), Fallingbrook (Ray Friel), Chatelaine Village (Marsha Park), and Convent Glen North (Father Richard Ward Park).
• Volunteers Wanted: They are actively looking for route marshals and first-aid volunteers to keep the kids safe. If you can help, shoot an email to [email protected] or send me a message.

Demystifying Ontario’s E-Bike Regulations

With e-bikes exploding in popularity, it’s vital to know what keeps a power-assisted bicycle legal on Ontario roads. Under the Highway Traffic Act, a legal e-bike must have:

• A maximum electric motor output of 500 Watts.
• A power-assisted top speed capped at 32 km/h.
• Total weight limits for 2 different classes (weight includes the battery).
• Working pedals (removing them reclassifies it as a motor vehicle requiring insurance/licence!).

Submit your feedback to the Ontario government if you have any by June 8: Modernizing Ontario’s Framework for Power-Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes) | Environmental Registry of Ontario.

Media & Creative Projects

New YouTube Video + What’s in the Pipeline

My latest video (and first in a while) is officially live! In this episode, I dive into the design and feel of the Jeanne d’Arc Blvd overpass over the 174 highway: That’s not a raised crossing! – Jeanne d’Arc Blvd/174 Overpass – Urbanism Ridealong

I have several other videos fully recorded and currently sitting in the editing pipeline, mostly around local active transportation infrastructure and more general urbanism. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss them!

My Latest Piece in the Citizen/Sun

I recently had the opportunity to share some thoughts in the Ottawa Citizen/Sun regarding the NCC decision to keep last year’s reduced hours/schedule for NCC Bikedays. You can read the full article here: Shorter hours for NCC Weekend Bikedays are here to stay. It was an interesting day getting to be on the cover of the local newspaper, which I didn’t honestly expect (slow news week, I suppose).

Outlining A Book!

I am incredibly excited to share that I have started fleshing out the structural outline for a book project. It’s going to weave together my experiences in the suburbs with community, active transportation, and the lessons learned from moving away from car-centric life.