Spring Preparedness Operations Update
Street sweeping operations: Street sweeping typically begins as early as the weather will allow, which means temperatures must be above freezing consistently during the day and overnight before operations can fully begin. When the temperature drops below zero, the water City staff use on the road can form into ice, creating dangerous conditions. These operations are an essential part of cleaning up the transportation network and the team has started preparing and testing equipment as well as developing operational plans. As soon as the temperature consistently remains above zero, crews will be ready, and operations will begin.
How potholes are formed and filled:


Since January, pothole crews have been working on temporary repairs, over 500 crews have been assigned and filled over 28,500 potholes! This is an increase of 38 per cent compared to last year where the number of potholes filled between January 1 and February 28, 2023, was 17,503. In winter, conditions are not ideal for pothole repairs. The unstable conditions, including ice and water in the holes, as well as the cold temperatures and frequent freeze / thaw cycles, prevents the patch from adhering as well to the roadway making the repair temporary. Products that staff use to repair potholes during the winter months are Cold Patch and Warm Mix asphalt. For residents wishing to report a pothole, a service request can be created online.
To view the above images in a larger format and for the full Spring Preparedness Operations Update, please click here.
Ottawa Public Health measles update

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is monitoring the emergence of measles in different parts of the world, including in Canada, and we are making continued efforts to increase uptake and coverage of routine childhood vaccinations. In Canada, measles is less common because of high vaccination rates, but cases can occur after travel outside of Canada. OPH is strongly encouraging all parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on routine vaccinations, especially if they are planning any travel outside of Canada. For more information on measles vaccination, please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
Test your recycling knowledge for a chance to win a full festival Bluesfest pass

Who knew sorting waste could be such a party! Join the Sort and Score virtual waste sorting challenge and you can enter for a chance to win the ultimate summer prize – a full festival pass to Bluesfest! Contest details are available at this link.
Help Shape the Ottawa Film Office's Future

The Ottawa Film Office (OFO) is thrilled to invite you to participate in a series of consultations that will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction for the next three years. Your insights are invaluable, and we encourage your active engagement in this exciting process.
Language Accessibility and Support Measures: Understanding the importance of language preferences, stakeholders will have the option to engage in either of their preferred official languages, English or French, throughout the consultation process.
Digital Consultation: LIVE: We’ve launched a comprehensive digital survey to provide you with a convenient and accessible way to contribute to the development of the Ottawa Film Office's new Strategic Plan. This online opportunity allows you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. You can take part in this survey now in English or French. The survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete, and will be available for you to take until March 19, 2024. Respondents can optionally enter their email address on the survey to win a pair of tickets to the ByTowne Cinema!
Live Consultations Series: Week of March 18: In addition to the digital consultation, we are hosting a series of live sessions available to anyone who wishes to join. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with our team, fostering dynamic discussions that will shape the future of the Ottawa Film Office. The sessions will take place the week of March 18; dates, times, and links to RSVP will soon be posted on our website: ottawa.film/blog/strategic-plan.
17th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor - March 21

Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 7:30 – 9 am at Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall
The City of Ottawa invites you to the 17th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor on Thursday, March 21, 2024. On this day, Mayor Sutcliffe will welcome members of the Francophone community for a breakfast reception and networking event at Ottawa City Hall. This year’s event will focus on Ottawa’s francophone and bilingual post-secondary education institutions and their significant economic and cultural contributions to the community. If you would like to attend the event, please complete the registration form.
Interim property tax bills due March 21

Residents are reminded of the deadline for interim property tax payments on Thursday, March 21. There are many convenient options to pay your interim property tax bill:
- Financial institutions – including online or telephone banking
- City of Ottawa Client Service Centres
- Online by payment card: ottawa.ca/paytax
- By sending a cheque to the City of Ottawa
- Pre-authorized debit plan (future billings)
For more property tax information:
- Check the property tax brochure included with your bill
- Call Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Transactions will be recorded.
- Email [email protected]
- Visit the City’s website at ottawa.ca/taxes
Vacant Unit Tax declarations due by March 21

Residential property owners can complete the Vacant Unit Tax easily online at ottawa.ca/vut. All you need is your roll number and access code, which can be found on either the information email or letter sent to your home, and your property tax bill. If you are registered with My SeviceOttawa, you can go directly to the declaration from your property tax account. Declarations completed after the March 21 deadline are subject to a $250 late fee. All residential property owners must declare, even if it is your principal address.
Alternate and accessible declaration options available
- Call 613-580-2444 and select option 3 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone
- Call 613-580-2401 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service
- Visit your nearest City Client Service Centre. Priority will be given to scheduled appointments. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations, hours and to make an appointment.
Civic Events Funding Now Open Until March 28
The Community Funding Civic Events Funding is now open for applications. Civic Events Funding is used to deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities and priority neighbourhoods that:
- Promote neighbours meeting neighbours in their local, geographic community;
- Include multiple activities and attractions designed to appeal to residents of a specific priority neighbourhood or population;
- Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members or priority groups; and
- Promote equity and inclusion.
Priority populations are those specified in the Community Funding Framework Policy Statement, including Francophones, immigrants, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, older adults, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, racialized people, rural residents, women and youth. Priority neighbourhoods, are those defined by the Neighbourhood Equity Index. For more information and to apply, please visit Ottawa.ca.
- Deadline for application: Thursday, March 28 at 5 pm.
- Total funding envelope: $50,000
- Maximum funding per agency: $3,000
Snow Plow Contractor Licensing Review - Survey open until March 31

The City of Ottawa periodically reviews by-laws to address emerging issues and ensure each by-law continues to meet the needs of the community. Council has directed City staff to review regulations related to snow plow contractors, including the following issues:
- Noise and nuisance;
- Illegal snow dumping on private and public property; and,
- Follow up on permanently allowing metal driveway markers.
For more information on the By-law Review Framework and the current by-laws under review, visit the City’s By-law Review webpage. If you are a member of the public, you can complete the online survey and subscribe to Engage Ottawa for future updates. If you are a snow plow contractor, email [email protected] to receive additional information on industry-specific engagement opportunities and future updates. The survey will be available until March 31 to provide your feedback on regulations for snow plow contractors working on private property. If you are an industry member, the City will be consulting with you in April 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Review of special event by-laws - Survey open until March 31

Ottawa is a dynamic capital, with City services supporting over 500 festivals and special events year-round. We are currently reviewing and seeking your feedback on the by-laws regulating special events on City streets and private and public property. We’re also looking for opportunities to support parades, festivals and community celebrations. Participate in the online survey to have your say on special event regulations by Sunday, March 31. With your input, together we can improve special event services and key regulations that will help grow our economy, enrich our culture, and protect our community and environment. Keep an eye on Engage Ottawa this spring for more engagement opportunities focusing on the City’s special event regulations and processes.