Perspective Vanier February edition
Over the last four years,we have had the opportunity to work with many hardworking residents that are proud of their community. We have heard many innovative ideas by knocking on doors and meeting with residents on a daily basis. By working together, we have been able to positively contribute to our community.
We have always emphasized the importance of resident engagement in our community, through initiatives including the 2014 OC Transpo forum with the Vanier Community Association and the Budget Speak consultation. Budget Speak allowed residents to better understand the City’s budget process, while the OC Transpo Forum gave staff the opportunity to speak directly with residents about issues and concerns. Stay tuned for the 2015 OC Transpo Forum this spring, where we will plan for the opening of the Confederation Line in 2018. It is important to also mention the great work of the Vanier Community Association (VCA) in resident engagement initiatives, including the coffeehouse on planning and development held on February 2nd. The coffeehouse gave residents the opportunity to learn about the municipal and provincial planning process and better understand how residents can engage in development applications.The coffeehouse was a great opportunity for residents to come together to express their points of view and gave me the opportunity to better understand community development issues and perspectives.
As always, our office is here to help! Please contact our team at anytime by email (mathieu.fleury@ottawa.ca) or phone (613-580-2482). We look forward to hearing your innovative ideas to positively shape our community and city.
If you would like more information on our platform for your neighbourhood check out your community pamphlet.
Mathieu Fleury was born and raised in Ottawa. He attended Francojeunesse Elementary Public School and Franco-Cité Catholic High School before graduating at the University of Ottawa where he earned both his Master’s (Sports Management) and Bachelor’s (Human Kinetics) degrees.
Mathieu has a diverse background in sports, project management, and health promotion. Prior to becoming City Councillor for Rideau-Vanier in 2010, he worked at Lowertown Pool and Plant Recreation Centre serving the public as a lifeguard supervisor, advanced swimming instructor, as well as a camp and aquatic program coordinator. In addition to his 10 years of front-line experience at the local level, Mathieu was also an intern for the Minister of State for Sport where he was involved in sports policy at the federal level.
Mathieu has seen first-hand the benefits of community engagement. Having been involved with various community organizations such as the Sandy Hill Minor Hockey Association, le Patro d’Ottawa, the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and volunteering for various national and local sports organizations, he understands that in order to achieve meaningful results and solutions, we need to listen, engage in dialogue, and collaborate with others.
Over the past three years, Mathieu and his team have built strong relationships with the community by working directly with residents to effectively address issues and concerns. As a result of these combined efforts, some major initiatives were implemented (see Accomplishments), in addition to tighter regulations on noise, property standards and the removal of residential conversions. The Sandy Hill Town and Gown was also formed as a result of stakeholder discussions to find a working solution to create a better community dynamic between university students and residents. Furthermore, Mathieu has supported the Confederation Line-Light Rail Transit Project, Complete Streets Policy, and the Laurier Segregated Cycling Lanes.
Mathieu also understands that policy decisions must take into account the perspectives of all people and ages. For example, he worked on the Older Adult Plan, a forward thinking and coordinated approach to get more benches and shelters at bus stops and in parks and making city infrastructure more accessible. He has also supported different senior resources including the Pauline Charron Centre. As the representative for one of the most diverse wards in the city, Mathieu has also worked on the Immigration Portal, supported the expansion of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and Jer’s Vision to name a few.
Besides his role as City Councillor, Mathieu also has a passion for working with youth and children. He currently sits as a Board Member for the Ottawa Children’s Wish Foundation, was co-chair for the 2012 United Way Ottawa Campaign, and also the Chair to the Mayor’s First Youth Summit. With his background in sports and through community partnerships, Mathieu helped launched the Ottawa Sports Council in 2013 where he currently sits as a Director on the Board.
It is through these initiatives, community efforts and involvement that Mathieu will continue to actively work hard to improve and beautify the heart of our nation’s capital: the Rideau-Vanier ward. He will continue to build on the very strong foundations of our urban communities (Lowertown, Sandy Hill, and Vanier) while responding to concerns in a balance and effective approach.
Since arriving at City Hall, Mathieu and his team have maintained an office that is accessible, open, and transparent. He understands his role as City Councillor and will continue to be a community leader and builder by listening and engaging in dialogue with residents of Rideau-Vanier that lead to good decision-making with meaningful results.
