Re-elected in Riverside South-Findlay Creek, Steve Desroches wants to build ward’s first library

Steve Desroches poses with his mother at Broadways Bar and Grill, waiting for election results to drop.  Photo by Jessica Jagodics/Special to the Citizen Photo by Jessica Jagodics /Special to the Citizen

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Steve Desroches celebrated a sweeping victory in Riverside South’s Broadway Bar and Grill, backed by twinkling lights and surrounded by family and friends.

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Desroches was re-elected in Riverside South-Findlay Creek, winning 83 per cent of votes in this year’s municipal election.

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“This is a tremendous honour to return to city hall. I’ve worked hard over the last four years to build a complete community here and put together some big projects that are going to make a real difference going forward,” Desroches said.

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Desroches was previously elected the ward’s councillor in 2022 with 67.8 per cent of votes after an eight year absence from city council. He was elected to city council in 2006, representing the Gloucester-South Nepean ward and re-elected in 2010.

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While city councillor for the Riverside South-Findlay Creek ward, public safety has been one of Desroches top priorities. He has supported the hiring of over 200 police officers, enhancing police enforcement and community safety. He has also advocated for the South District Police station that will be opening in 2027.

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Under his leadership, Diamond Jubilee Park (Findlay Creek’s largest central park) was opened, and the ward has seen the implementation of transit park and rides.

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Next steps for Desroches will be focusing on the completion and construction of a new recreation complex, advocating and delivering the ward’s first healthcare hub, the development and construction of the ward’s first library branch and finalizing the design for the Bank and Leitrim intersection.

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“I’ve heard from residents that they want City Hall to keep up with the growth in the area so that includes opening the doors of the new recreational complex, moving forward with the ward’s first public library, and improving the intersection of Bank and Leitrim,” Desroches said.

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Desroches has already helped advance plans and designs for the first library branch within the ward which will be built near Limebank station in the town centre, a development which will foster community learning and recreation.

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Desroches has also advanced plans to develop the South East Ottawa recreational centre which will feature hockey rinks, the ward’s first swimming pool and other recreational amenities.

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“We are in the process of designing both the new recreational complex and the library. I want to see both those projects through completion because I know they’re very important for residents and families of our community,” Desroches said.

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Another major focus for Desroches will be advocating to secure construction funding in the 2027 budget to upgrade the Bank and Leitrim intersection.

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“I’ve pushed hard to complete the design work. The city is in the process of acquiring the land we need to upgrade and improve that intersection,” Desroches said.

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“I’m just very grateful and thankful, and it is an honour to serve the community. This is my fourth term and I still very much feel the same excitement when I was first elected in 2006.”

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See more Ottawa municipal election results

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(Please check back for updates)

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Riverside South-Findlay Creek
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