The Briarvine 2026 Fall Edition Is Out Now!

    Check for a copy in your mailbox or download the PDF version 👉 Here! 👈

 

Feature: President Rob: Celebrating Rob Welch’s 15-Year Tenure

 

“I love the neighbourhood,” Rob says. And for him, that feeling is inseparable from the single word he uses to describe Briargreen: community. That may sound simple or obvious even, but Rob’s decade and a half of volunteering have given him plenty of opportunity to think about what “community” means.

When Rob Welch first came to Briargreen in August 2008, he wasn’t looking for a title or to be a leader of a community association. He and his wife, Alana, were simply looking for a home in Ottawa’s west end. They had often walked through Briargreen, coming from Centrepointe, and liked the feel and charm of the neighbourhood.

Their eventual house came through word of mouth, having known the previous owners of their home on Crofton (no need for a“For Sale” sign.) Eighteen years later, Rob has a much deeper relationship with the neighbourhood. After nearly 15 years as President of the Briargreen Community Association (BCA), he is handing the role over to Josh Rottman – but rest assured, he isn’t going anywhere.

Rob’s involvement with the BCA began casually. At a social event, Fiona Johnson invited him to a meeting. Before long, he was helping with the Briarvine, Christmas parties, the skating rink, and other activities. When then-president Dan Howe stepped aside, Rob found himself at a table where everyone seemed to be looking at him when the question was asked: “who will step up?”

Briargreen Babysitting Directory

 Parents, need a little help? Babysitters in Briargreen have got you covered!

Looking for a trusted babysitter in the Briargreen community for an evening out, after-school care, or a weekend adventure? The Briargreen Babysitting Directory makes it easier to connect with local babysitters right in our neighbourhood.

📩 Parents: Email briargreenbabysitters@gmail.com to request access to the directory and find a babysitter who may be the perfect fit for your family. The directory will NOT be posted online.

🌟 Babysitters: Want to get your name out there and offer your babysitting services to families in the community? We’d love to have you join the directory! Email briargreenbabysitters@gmail.com to register. Your parent / guardian will also need to sign a waiver to grant permission for your name to be added to the directory.

Please note: parents are responsible for interviewing, selecting, and making arrangements directly with their chosen babysitter.

Event Announcement: Halloween Costume Party 2026

The Briargreen Community Association is excited to invite you to our 'Briargreen Halloween Costume Party' (19+ event) on Friday October 30th at Fitz's Grill (located at 250 Greenbank Rd) from 7:00 pm to midnight. You are welcome to bring friends to join in the fun.

👻Step 1: To place your order for tickets (early birds get a discount!), complete this form:  https://forms.gle/x7wUDa8CtsXeuS728

🎃Step 2: E-transfers can be sent to: briarvine@gmail.com or you can pay by cash when you come to pick up your tickets.

👻Step 3: Pick up your tickets to the party before October 30th at 45 Ashgrove Cres. (Monday-Friday 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm or Sundays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm) 

🎃Step 4: Get your Halloween Costume Ready!

There will be a costume contest with great prizes to be won. While not required, a costume is definitely encouraged! DJ Amadeus will keep the beats going, you can bring the moves all night. Appetizers and light refreshments are included. Cash Bar for beverages.

Tickets are limited, so book early. Looking forward to seeing you there! 

The Briarvine 2026 Spring Edition Is Out Now!

   Check for a copy in your mailbox or download the PDF version 👉 Here! 👈

 

Message From the President

Speeding on Ottawa’s Streets is Back!

Following the (politically charged) decision to remove Ontario’s speed cameras in school safety zones, speeding frequency was immediately noted. Any casual observer will have noticed an uptick in aggressive driving along our own stretch of Greenbank Rd.

From Ottawa’s Traffic Services: 

Based on data from the original pilot cameras, driver compliance with posted speed limits showed sustained and continuous improvement year over year. From 16 per cent before the cameras were installed to 87 per cent after four years. High-end speeding was also greatly reduced, dropping from 14 per cent before installation to only 0.3 per cent after four years. 

Laine's Corner: Message From Our Councillor

Hi Briargreen Neighbours! I’m so glad to again have the opportunity to contribute to the Spring Briarvine publication. A big thank you to the amazing volunteers who bring this publication together; it is such a valuable resource and is a great way to keep everyone in the loop and connected on things happening in the neighbourhood. Here are some recent updates on City projects and programs that might be interesting for you and the Briargreen community: 

Baseline / Greenbank Intersection Construction

One of the major reasons why OC Transpo buses can’t keep to their scheduled routes is that they get caught in traffic congestion. And the intersection of Baseline and Greenbank has been identified as a major choke-point for buses.

I hear every week from residents who can’t count on our bus system to get them to their destination on time. They’re late for work, missing important school classes and exams, or late for medical appointments. It isn’t how our transit system is supposed to work.

From the 19th Nepean – Briargreen Scout Group

For those that don’t know me, my name is Scouter Grant and I am the Group Commissioner for the 19th Nepean Scout Group. Unfortunately for me, I do not live in the Briargreen Neighbourhood. I say that this is unfortunate because every year since joining the group as a volunteer, I have been humbled by the support in this small community.

This spring, like many springs before it, our Scout Group did our annual bottle drive. Our youth (accompanied by adult volunteers) go door-to-door and ask for donations of returnable bottles and cans and every year we receive more than that! We receive warm welcomes and kind words. We see smiles and happy members of the community always willing to give. The support from the Briargreen community helps to ensure our Scout Group can continue to help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world.

Briargreen Dinos T-Ball Starts Tonight! Soccer Starts Tomorrow!

We’re excited to announce that Soccer & T‑Ball season is here for our Briargreen Dinos (ages 3–7). Join us at Briargreen Park for another year of fun, friends, and fresh air. As always, this is a free, drop‑in activity thanks to our dedicated community volunteers — no registration needed. If you’re able to take a turn bringing popsicles or freezies, please sign up here!

Schedule, 5:45 - 6:15 pm :

• T‑Ball: Tuesdays, May 5 – June 23

• Soccer: Wednesdays, May 6 – June 24