Ward 11 - Beacon Hill-Cyrville

Want to know how Ward 11 City Council candidates compare in terms of taking environmental and climate action? Then read on! 

  • Candidates were asked to answer 10 questions to answer in their own words.

  • The devil is in the details. We HIGHLY recommend reading each candidate's full answers below, organized by question, to get a real understanding of how committed candidates are to a range of environmental issues.

Responded (1/3): Cathryne Milburn

*** Candidates Tim Tierney and Coreen Corcoran did not participate in this survey.

 

Cathryne Milburn

"Bus routes and schedules should reflect actual travel times, traffic patterns, and rider experiences. Service levels should also reflect realistic maintenance schedules and staffing capacity so riders can depend on the system. We should also aim to update the service standards from 2005 to reflect the actual travel experience on transit.

I would support same-day Para Transpo booking and keep transit affordable by freezing the EquiPass cost and pursuing free fares for children under 18 to help build a culture of taking transit.

I would also push for greater transparency around the challenges facing Light Rail Transit and its P3 partnership, including clear reporting on performance and accountability. Moving forward, I would oppose future public-private partnerships for any major project to ensure we can be accountable for the project’s progress to the community."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"I support increasing access to active transportation while recognizing that people have different transportation needs. As roads are renewed, we should ensure active transportation options are built into the design where applicable, including safe and connected walking, cycling, and rolling routes.

We also need to maintain bike lanes year-round and use traffic-calming measures to lower speed limits where appropriate and protect pedestrian crossings. Relying on road paint and signs alone is not enough to create safe transportation infrastructure.

I would also prioritize reliable transit, a comprehensive transportation plan that safely accommodates walking, cycling, transit, and practical pilot projects that encourage active transportation."

 

Cathryne Milburn

“I believe we need to protect Ottawa’s green spaces while supporting responsible growth. Expanding the urban boundary should not be the default solution to meeting our housing needs. We should make better use of existing infrastructure and prioritize appropriate growth within the existing urban area, including more diverse housing options around major transit stations.”

 

Cathryne Milburn

"Climate change is already affecting our community through flooding, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and more frequent severe weather. We need to reduce emissions while preparing for the impacts we are already experiencing.

I would support proactive investments in roads, drainage, parks, and other critical infrastructure so we are better prepared before emergencies happen. This includes ensuring and advocating for schools and long-term care facilities to have adequate cooling during extreme heat and maintaining timely, clear communication with people during weather events.

We also need to ensure emergency services, including ambulances, emergency response teams, and relief support, have the resources to respond quickly. People should not have to rely solely on charities during an emergency. The City has a responsibility to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and ensure vulnerable people have the support they need."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"I would work toward a goal of 40% tree canopy coverage across our communities and continue the trees in trust program. This means protecting existing mature trees wherever possible while requiring new trees and appropriate replacement planting as neighbourhoods grow and develop. We should also prioritize trees in areas with limited canopy and ensure they are properly maintained so they can thrive long-term."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"The City should continue promoting recycling and green bin programs through clear public education and information campaigns, while ensuring these programs are supported and expanded to apartment buildings, condominiums, and offices.

I would also support better access and accessibility to e-waste and textile disposal to keep reusable and recyclable materials out of landfill and encourage a more circular economy. This includes making it easier for people to repair, reuse, recycle, and properly dispose of items."

Cathryne Milburn

"I would focus on practical municipal actions that reduce emissions across City operations and make it easier for people to choose lower-carbon options. This includes continuing to electrify and green the municipal fleet, including expanding the Zero-Emission Bus program where appropriate, and improving access to reliable and accessible charging stations throughout Ottawa.

I would also continue supporting the green bin program and advocate for expanded e-waste and textile disposal programs to reduce waste and support a circular economy.

When appropriate, City buildings and renovations should use environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, while considering energy efficiency and long-term operating costs. Meeting the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 will require consistent investment, clear targets, and accountability for progress."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"I would support advancing the three pillars of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: non-proliferation, a fair phase-out of fossil fuels, and a just transition that supports workers and communities through the change.

At the municipal level, I would advocate for practical green initiatives that reduce fossil fuel use across Ottawa, including electrifying the municipal fleet, expanding zero-emission transit, improving access to charging infrastructure, and using sustainable materials in City projects where appropriate.

I would also work with other levels of government to encourage policies and investments that reduce fossil fuel dependence while ensuring the transition is fair and practical for Ottawa’s communities."

Cathryne Milburn

"I would prioritize protecting Ottawa’s natural spaces, including preserving the Greenbelt and protecting important terrestrial and aquatic habitats. As Ottawa grows, we need to focus on responsible development that makes better use of existing urban areas while preserving the character and natural spaces that make our communities unique.

Meeting our biodiversity commitments also means reducing threats to ecosystems, protecting habitat, and supporting healthy forests, wetlands, waterways, and other natural areas. We should balance the needs of a growing population with sustainable land use that protects biodiversity for future generations."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"I would ensure people have meaningful opportunities to participate in the City’s environmental decisions, particularly when projects may affect their neighbourhoods or natural spaces. The City should provide clear information about proposed projects, explain their potential environmental impacts, and create accessible opportunities for public input before decisions are made.

I would also require projects to meet clear environmental standards, including reducing emissions, minimizing or diverting waste, and prioritizing sustainable materials and practices. Community feedback should be considered alongside these standards to ensure environmental decisions reflect both the health of our ecosystems and the needs of the people who live in Ottawa."

 

Cathryne Milburn

"I support the City of Ottawa’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and believe we need practical, sustainable steps to get there. This includes expanding the Zero-Emission Bus Program at a sustainable rate and accelerating the transition to a greener municipal fleet by increasing the use of electric and low-emission vehicles.
We should also improve access to hazardous waste depots so people have convenient options for properly disposing of materials. Within our transit system, we should use road salt responsibly and consider its environmental impacts while maintaining public safety."

Take action

Council Watch
Make a Donation
Sign Up To Volunteer
Add Your Name

Connect with us