Beyond the Backyard Oasis: Why Community Pools Could Be Orleans’ Next Big Splash

swimming pool in a traditional resort

Photo by Clément Proust on Pexels.com Take a glance at your favourite digital map of Orleans, especially areas like Convent Glen North, and you’ll notice a distinctive backyard feature: the private swimming pool. Our community is brimming with them, each a personal aquatic fiefdom. While the allure of your own private oasis is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://theneworleans.ca/2025/07/16/beyond-the-backyard-oasis-why-community-pools-could-be-orleans-next-big-splash/#new_tab

Beyond the Pump: How a Less Car-Dependent Life Could Boost Your Happiness (and Your Wallet) in Orleans

sports car toy beside the pile of coins

Photo by Alex P on Pexels.com In Orleans, the car is king. It’s the default mode of transport for groceries, school runs, and even that quick trip for coffee. We often focus on the big-picture issues of car dependency – traffic, land use, emissions. But what if shifting away from the car, even …

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Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/07/15/beyond-the-pump-how-a-less-car-dependent-life-could-boost-your-happiness-and-your-wallet-in-orleans/#new_tab

How Orleans’ Sidewalks Shape Our Community (and Our Car Dependency)

We often talk about grand urban plans and multi-million dollar transit projects when discussing how to make Orleans a better place. But sometimes, the biggest impact comes from the most fundamental elements of our built environment – like the humble sidewalk. For many residents of Orleans, the daily reality of walking isn’t a pleasant stroll; …

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Permanent link to this article: https://theneworleans.ca/2025/07/10/how-orleans-sidewalks-shape-our-community-and-our-car-dependency/#new_tab

Our Neighbourhood’s Next Chapter: Why a Little Change is a Good Thing

The Nebula | Home-based Business Rentals | Evospace | 845 Champlain A new multi-unit apartment building is currently being built in our neighbourhood, and it’s a frequent topic of conversation among locals. It’s not the first infill development, and it won’t be the last, but this one is right at the intersection of two …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/our-neighbourhoods-next-chapter-why-a-little-change-is-a-good-thing

Orleans’ Untapped Potential – St. Joseph vs Centretown

How a city organizes its space—its land use and population density—has a profound impact on its financial health and the daily lives of its residents. Denser, more compact urban areas are better able to generate tax revenue to pay for amenities and services because they accommodate more homes and businesses on less land. A single …

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Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/28/orleans-untapped-potential-st-joseph-vs-centretown/#new_tab

My Delegation and Comments on the Transportation Master Plan – Rob Attrell – June 26, 2025

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC; formerly the Transportation Committee) about the final draft of Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan. When you do this (which I had never done before), you get 5 minutes to speak on the item, and councillors can then ask you questions …

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Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/27/my-delegation-and-comments-on-the-transportation-master-plan-june-26-2025/#new_tab

Cost-effective Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

Bettina Sales, Environment Committee While it is tempting to simply crank up the air conditioner on those hot summer days, there are several cost-effective things you can do to use less energy and save money to stay cool this summer. Reverse your ceiling fan Make sure your ceiling fan is set with the blades running …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/cost-effective-ways-to-stay-cool-this-summer

The Vacation Paradox: What Our Getaways Reveal About the Places We Build

As summer approaches, the annual ritual of vacation planning begins. For many, this means dreaming of destinations that offer a distinct break from the everyday. But as you map out your getaway to a bustling resort, a vibrant theme park, or a luxurious cruise ship, consider a curious paradox: for many who cherish the quiet, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/17/the-vacation-paradox-what-our-getaways-reveal-about-the-places-we-build/#new_tab