Councillors’ Corner
David Hill – Councillor and Deputy Mayor – Ward 3 Barrhaven West
David spent his professional career before being elected to Ottawa City Council as an infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces – learning and practicing the values of service before self. He studied politics and economics for his undergraduate degree and focused on defence and security studies for his masters.
Originally from Saskatchewan, David’s military career saw him move all over Canada and deploy internationally to faraway places such as Afghanistan, Haiti, and Lebanon. David got to experience Canada and travel the world but fell in love with Ottawa and the community of Barrhaven, where he currently lives with his wife Tammie, their two daughters, and their orange tabby cat Max.
Ever since David moved to Barrhaven, David has been actively involved in the community, including a number of local volunteer boards, such as the Barrhaven United Church, the West Barrhaven Community Association, the Haven community engagement team and the Ottawa Veterans Tasks Force. In the winter, David can be found helping the maintenance teams for the local outdoor rinks. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys skiing, kayaking, running and cheering for our Ottawa Titans and 67s.
Visit David Hill at the City of Ottawa website.
Visit David Hill’s website.
Steve Desroches – Councillor – Ward 22 Riverside South-Findlay Creek
Councillor Steve Desroches was first elected to City Council in 2006 for the Gloucester-South Nepean ward and was re-elected in 2010. He honoured his pledge to his community and family to not seek a third term in 2014. He was successful in returning to City Council in 2022.
During his time at City Hall, Councillor Desroches delivered a number of key infrastructure projects to serve the rapid residential growth in south Ottawa including upgraded roads and cycling lanes, new parks and transit park-and-rides. Under his leadership, Findlay Creek’s largest central park, Diamond Jubilee Park, was opened.
Councillor Desroches also championed the construction of the Vimy Memorial Bridge which has helped improve transit connections and support local business. From his first days in office, Councillor Desroches rallied for the construction of a north-south rapid transit rail network. He has helped build a clean and green city by planting over 10,000 trees in the ward and by acquiring and protecting the ward’s first large urban woodlot.
He is a career federal public servant within several departments including Agriculture and Agriculture-Food Canada, the Privy Council Office and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Councillor Desroches was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his local community service. In 2015, he was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his work to honour and support veterans. He was also the recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2018 for his extensive community and not-for-profit volunteerism.
He recently served on the Ottawa Region Métis Council and the St-John Ambulance Ontario Council. Councillor Desroches holds an MA (History) from the University of Ottawa and an MA (Public Administration) from Carleton University. In 2014, he was awarded the Bissett Alumni Award for Distinctive Contributions to the Public Sector by Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. He and his wife Michelle have lived in the ward since 2002 and are the proud parents of four children.
Visit Steve Desroches at the City of Ottawa website.
David Brown – Councillor – Ward 21 Rideau-Jock
David is a lifelong resident of Ward 21, growing up in Richmond and still living there today.
David’s love of agriculture led him to pursue a career in dairy farming and, consequently, graduated from Kemptville College.
David is very proud to have worked in the agriculture and dairy farming industry for nearly 10 years.
David’s community involvement began at a young age as a 4-H member, which enabled him to become greatly involved with the Richmond Agricultural Society (RAS). He has since served as Junior Director, Director, President, and now Past President. Volunteering with the RAS has been a rewarding experience as it has provided David with the opportunity to volunteer, lead a large organization while supporting the heritage and community traditions he is so proud of. David is still actively involved with the RAS today.
David’s involvement in politics began as a volunteer at the federal level. Realizing his dedication to serving residents, David preferred to continue to serve locally at the municipal level, in the ward where he is proud to live.
Visit Scott Moffatt at the City of Ottawa.