Cumberland City Councillor Stephen Blais is proud to announce that Brian Coburn Blvd has officially opened to Mer Bleue – creating a continuous alternative to Innes from Trim Road to Mer Bleue.
“The opening of Brian Coburn Blvd will help to reduce commute times for Orléans and Cumberland residents,” says Blais. “This will provide a real alternative and allow residents to avoid the heavy congestion along Innes Road.
Originally called the Blackburn Bypass Extension the roadway was renamed Brian Coburn Blvd in 2011 to commemorate the former Mayor of Cumberland and lifelong community volunteer.
“Renaming this main arterial road through the heart of Avalon is the perfect way to show the City’s appreciation of Judge Coburn’s longstanding dedication to our community and our region’s rural roots,” says Blais. “It is an honour to nominate such an honourable community leader for this very special recognition.”
Orléans and Cumberland is seeing unprecedented investments in the infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life for residents. From new and expanded roads, to new parks, investments in public transit and the construction of the first indoor pool since amalgamation more than $100 million is being invested in Orléans in Cumberland over the next few years.
The City has approved an additional $17 million for the continuation of Brian Coburn westward to connect with Navan Road, further reducing commute times for residents.
Additionally, the newly created express route #30 will use Brian Coburn to reach Mer Bleue and Jeanne d’Arc Blvds to access HWY 174 reducing the time it takes to travel from Avalon to downtown by bus.
About Brian Coburn
Brian Coburn is a fifth generation resident of Cumberland, Ontario; born and raised on a dairy farm. He started his own heating and transport companies during the 1970’s. It was during this time that he became extensively involved in his community as a volunteer.
His active participation in the community and reputation for championing fiscal prudence resulted in his election as a Councillor for the Township of Cumberland from 1981 to 1989. Brian later became Mayor of Cumberland from 1989 to 1999 when Cumberland was the fastest growing municipality in Canada. During his time as Mayor, Cumberland transitioned from a township to city status where Brian was a member of the Ottawa Carleton Regional Council and served on the Executive Committee.
Brian later served his community in a higher capacity as Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ottawa-Orléans. While fulfilling the commitments as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Minister of Tourism and Recreation; and Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Brian proved to be a dedicated worker and a respected colleague by all members of the Legislature. After leaving Queen’s Park Brian was appointed to the Assessment Review Board of Ontario from 2004 to 2006. In 2006 he received a Governor in Council appointment as a Citizenship Judge.
Brian has been a member of the Board of Governors of Algonquin College, Vice Chair of the Ottawa River Committee, a Director with the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of the Navan Lions Club.
Brian is a vocal advocate of volunteering and giving back to your community. As an avid wood hobbyist it is not unusual to see Brian’s handiwork in the form of solid oak doors leading into a church, trophy cabinets lining the walls of a city curling facility, crayon trucks lined up for CHEO in his work shop or a pendulum clock on an auction table at a community event, all in the name of charitable organization in the City.
As a Citizenship Judge, Brian continues to encourage volunteerism by sharing his vision with new Canadians; a vision of working together for the purpose of improving communities. He speaks about the rights and the responsibilities of citizenship and most importantly, passes on his pride, enthusiasm and respect for the institution of Canadian Citizenship and his community.