June 27, 2025 Newsletter

O-Train Line 1 service affected by planned maintenance until June 29

On specific days until Sunday, June 29, O-Train Line 1 will be partially or fully closed. This is for annual maintenance and work on the O-Train Line 1 east extension. These closures will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to complete required work across the entire line and advance multiple priorities. This work has also been coordinated with Stage 2 project and other city departments to minimize the number of disruptions to O-Train service for customers. OC Transpo staff will be at key stations to support customers during their trips. Customers can use the Travel Planner and Transit app to plan their trips. R1 replacement bus service will run during impacts to O-Train Line 1 to allow customers to continue their trips. For details, please visit octranspo.com.

Transit summer service change begins June 29

Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and details are provided in advance of each new schedule period. These summer service changes, beginning June 29, reflect seasonal changes in ridership. Use the Travel Planner or Transit app to check if your regular trips are affected. For details, please visit octranspo.com.

Highlights

• Routes 8, 25, 33, 63, 70, 74, and 110 may have trips added or adjusted.
• School service removed.
• Weekend service to summer destinations on Routes 8, 125, and 139 return.

From Silence to Science: Reproductive Health Promotion for Black Women and Femmes - June 30

Too often, Black women and femmes’ pain and reproductive health concerns are dismissed or misunderstood. Join Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network and their partners South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre and Ottawa Public Health for an engaging and empowering virtual Lunch & Learn webinar on June 30th, 2025 from 12 to 1 pm as they shed light on three of the most common yet often overlooked reproductive health conditions affecting Black women and femmes: PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis. Dr. Chantal Phillips, a family physician and public health resident passionate about advancing health equity in Black communities, will be the guest speaker. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms, understand the impact on your physical and emotional well-being, and explore pathways to care and support. This is a space for knowledge, validation, and community connection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Auditor General 2026-2027 Workplan - Public Input Survey until June 30

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for the City of Ottawa undertakes an annual risk-based assessment to identify audit priorities. The audits selected for inclusion arise through a systematic identification of all areas of significance from an audit perspective and the determination of audit project priorities by assessing criteria relating to risk, important organizational changes, new initiatives, emerging priorities, and other relevant factors. Furthermore, requests from external boards may also be taken into consideration. One of the steps of the OAG’s risk-based assessment process includes consultation with stakeholders. The Auditor General is seeking public input into the areas that Ottawa residents and business owners believe could benefit from an independent audit. The survey will remain active until June 30, 2025. For more information, please contact the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) at [email protected].  You can view the OAG’s current workplan here. To learn more about the OAG please visit the Office’s website at www.oagottawa.ca.  

Draft Climate Resiliency Strategy – 2025 Engagement - Provide feedback by June 30

Extreme Heat Resources

Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. There are many public places residents and visitors can cool off in Ottawa and also ways to cool off at home even if you do not have air conditioning.  

• The Salvation Army Outreach Van is operational 24/7, and staff are equipped to direct or transport individuals experiencing homelessness to places to cool off.
• Residents can access cooling locations across the city — including libraries, community centres, beaches, swimming pools and splash pads — which are listed on OPH’s interactive Places to Cool Off map. When a heat event is declared by Environment Canada, the City’s Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services will remove some lanes to accommodate public swimmers during scheduled lane swims.
• For information on available services, concerned or impacted residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1. For medical emergency assistance such as heat stroke, call 9-1-1. Residents can call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
• Call 2-1-1 for locations of overnight shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.  
• Call 3-1-1 to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to a shelter to get out of the heat. 

For a full range of Extreme Heat resources, please visit the Ottawa Public Health website. 

Canada Day schedule changes

The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Canada Day holiday on Tuesday, July 1. For details, visit ottawa.ca.

Celebrating Canada Day across Ottawa - July 1

Canada Day is just around the corner and Ottawa has plenty of opportunities for you to proudly celebrate our nation’s birthday – from the main national event downtown to local community celebrations across the city.

• National event - the main celebration

Canadian Heritage is hosting a nationwide celebration for Canada Day, with special events in downtown Ottawa. This year, the main event sites are at Parliament Hill, LeBreton Flats Park and in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. For full details and times of the events, visit Canadian Heritage’s Canada Day website. Downtown Ottawa will be very busy on Canada Day, with significant parking and traffic impacts. For the most up-to-date information, visit our interactive traffic map for road and parking impacts or OC Transpo’s Alerts page for transit impacts.

•  Community events

In addition to the national Canada Day event downtown, many communities in Ottawa have a long-standing tradition bringing residents together to celebrate our nation’s birthday. For a list of community events across Ottawa, please visit ottawa.ca. For Ward 13 Canada Day events, please see the Ward 13 section of my newsletter.

 

Plan your travels ahead on Canada Day

The Government of Canada is hosting Canada Day celebrations throughout the downtown core and in Gatineau, with the main event taking place at LeBreton Flats Park. During the festivities, some road closures and delays are expected in the downtown core. No problem! There are three Park & Ride lots (Bowesville, Greenboro, and Leitrim stations) that connect to O-Train Line Line 12Line 2. So ditch the car, avoid traffic and parking challenges, and take public transit! More information about road closures can be found at Canada.ca. If you’re heading downtown, plan ahead to arrive early. The majority of Canada Day festivities happen at LeBreton Flats, with the main attractions being the nighttime live music and spectacular fireworks. Access to the LeBreton Flats event site will be closed at 9:30 pm, or earlier if capacity is reached, to prepare for attendees leaving the event. Details: ottawa.ca

 

Ride Free on Canada Day

Tuesday, July 1 at 3 am until Wednesday, July 2 at 3 am

Transit is the best way to travel to festivities across the city. Service is free on OC Transpo buses, trains, and Para Transpo all day. Fare gates at stations will be open. Please do not buy a fare at a ticket machine. Details: www.octranspo.com/en/news/article/canada-day-service-2025 

 

Knights of Columbus Canada Day Barbecue

The Knights of Columbus, Council 13781, Notre-Dame Cathedral is once again hosting a Canada Day BBQ. Per tradition, the event will take place on the steps of the Cathedral, 385 Sussex Drive in front of the main entrance, on July 1 from 11 am to 3 pm. All are welcome.

 

 

The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass - valid July 2 to August 31

This summer, Ottawa's youth have an exciting opportunity to stay active and healthy, thanks to the Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass. Now in its third year, this initiative is part of a ten-year partnership between Tony Graham Automotive Group and the City of Ottawa, aimed at investing in recreation programming for youth across our city. The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass offers a free weight and cardio-room membership to Ottawa youth aged 13 to 17. This pass is valid from July 2 to August 31, providing a fantastic chance for young residents to engage in physical activity during the summer months. Participating facilities include the St. Laurent Complex in Ward 13. For details, please visit ottawa.ca. 

 

 

City now accepting spring nominations for commemorative naming - until July 2

The City of Ottawa is accepting spring nominations for the commemorative naming of municipal assets, including new streets, minor indoor and outdoor assets, major facilities, and parks. This is your chance to honour the people, histories, and legacies that have shaped Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs until July 2, 2025. For more information, visit the commemorative naming page or contact the commemorative naming team by email at namingottawa.ca. 

 

Have your say: Community Waste Reduction and Reuse Initiatives - Survey open until July 7

We know that many household goods don’t have to end up in the garbage. They can be reused, repurposed, repaired, resold or donated to charities. Items such as clothing, shoes, furniture and bicycles can be used again and again. Today marks World Environment Day, a perfect occasion to reflect on how we can make a more positive impact on reducing our waste and increasing our diversion habits. Staff want your ideas on how the City can support residents to reuse, repair or share these items and keep them out of the landfill. Residents are invited to complete the survey before July 7. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

Annual Community Engagement Session on the City’s Ongoing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Initiatives - July 10 and 16

The Community and Social Services’ Equity Team is hosting the annual Community Engagement Sessions for the City’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Framework, and everyone is welcome to attend! These sessions will provide an update and an opportunity for feedback on the EDIB Framework, with a focus on the community-facing priorities on the Anti-Racism Strategy and Women and Gender Equity Strategy. The sessions will be taking place in an accessible environment with panellists from various City departments to highlight their work of advancing racial and gender equity and create an open dialogue on how the City moves forward on developing the EDIB Framework.

You can register for the sessions here. The sessions are scheduled for:

Session 1 Focus: Anti-Racism Strategy
Date: July 10
Time: 10 am to noon
Location: Ben Franklin Place Chambers, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean

Session 2 Focus: Women and Gender Equity Strategy
Date: July 16
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Location: Ben Franklin Place Chambers, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Nepean

 

Celebrating Gloucester's 175th Anniversary - July 13

The Gloucester Historical Society is celebrating the 175th anniversary of Gloucester’s incorporation as a township in 1850 – and you’re invited! This free event will be held at the Billings Estate National Historic Site (2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa) on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm. There will be displays and entertainment, a trivia contest with prizes and, of course, cake. Entry to the Billings Museum is included. Everyone is welcome!

 

 

ByWard Market redesign consultation - feedback welcome until July 16

 

Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square until July 16. As the City continues to invest in the ByWard Market we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the area and ensure its long-term success. ByWard Market’s public spaces are being redesigned to create high-quality public space that invites everyone to experience the magic of the ByWard Market. The new design will feature:

• Attractive amenities like interactive illumination, a lush tree canopy, and captivating art installations.
• More seasonal events, outdoor markets, and patios.
• A focus on safety, comfort, and walkability to prioritize the visitor experience.

Complete the online survey by July 16. Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about the project and have your say. 

 

 

Teen Staycation –  free literacy and learning activities for teens – until August 30

From June 26 to August 30, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is excited to offer a wide range of free literacy and learning activities for teens—both online and in branches. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new interests, gain valuable skills, and connect with new friends during the summer break! This year, OPL is expanding its teen programming with a greater focus on life skills development, helping teens build confidence and practical knowledge through fun, hands-on experiences. Registration is now open! Teens can now browse through the Teen Staycation programs and sign up for the ones that spark their interest.  For details, please visit collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca.

 

 

Support The Ottawa Cancer Foundation Through Lemonade Standemonium - until August 31

This summer, kids, families, businesses, and communities across Ottawa are coming together for a fun and meaningful way to support families affected by cancer—by running lemonade stands! Whether you're hosting your own stand or supporting one in your neighbourhood, you’re helping raise critical funds for the programs and services offered by The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Individuals, schools, families and community groups are invited to set up lemonade stands to raise funds for The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards free services for those affected by cancer. This initiative is a great way to bring people together, build youth leadership, and inspire compassion through a simple act. Lemonade Standemonium runs until August 31. For details, please visit support.ottawacancer.ca

 

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Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police Service 2024 Annual Report

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant operational activity, strategic growth, and continued work to strengthen community trust and safety.

The report outlines key achievements in service delivery, member support, and public safety, as OPS managed hundreds of demonstrations, responded to major incidents, and advanced several organizational priorities.

Progress in 2024 included:

• The hiring of 134 new sworn officers—the largest intake in OPS history—with further recruitment planned for 2025.
• Continued rollout of the District Policing model
• Ongoing construction of the South Facility, which will improve service capabilities across the city.
• The introduction of new specialized units, including a Parliamentary District, Mounted Unit, and Helicopter Program.
• Expansion of the Special Constable pilot program to provide added support to frontline operations.
• Targeted enforcement and safety efforts guided by the CORE Strategy, delivering strong results in areas like the ByWard Market.
• Major investigative successes, including Project Champion and other high-impact joint operations with our law enforcement partners targeting organized crime and gang activity.

Key Statistics from 2024:

• Over 378,200 demands for service were received through both calls for service and online reporting—12% lower than in 2023 (427,500) and 1% higher than the five-year average (373,300).
• 50,600 Criminal Code offences reported (excluding traffic), a 5% increase year-over-year.
• 26% clearance rate for reported offences, down slightly from 28% in 2023.
• Crime Severity Index (CSI) rose 2% to 55; Non-Violent CSI increased 3%, while Violent CSI remained stable.
• Violent crime increased by 1%, led by more assaults, sexual offences, and deaths.
• Property-related offences rose by 6%, primarily theft and fraud; motor vehicle thefts declined by 21%.
• 21 homicide incidents, with 26 victims; 16 cases have been solved.
• Shootings dropped by 27%, from 73 to 53; 104 crime guns were seized.
• 19,800 roadway collisions, up 1%, while traffic fatalities decreased to 18, from 27 in 2023.

 The full 2024 Annual Report is available at ottawapolice.ca/2024AR.

 

 

Make the Right Call 

www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx

When to Call 911:

• For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
• You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
• There is a vehicle collision with injuries
• Fire or medical emergency

When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.

• Residential or commercial break and enter
• Missing person
• Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
• Stolen vehicle
• Assault where no medical attention is required
• Animal abuse
• Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported

When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.

• Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
• Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
• Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
• Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence

When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.

When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:

• Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
• Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
• This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
• Mischief/Damage to Property 
• Theft from Vehicle
• Traffic Complaints 
• Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
• Fraud Complaints
• Hate-Motivated Incidents
• Add information to an existing report

Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.