September 27, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The City’s new three-item garbage limit starts on Monday, September 30. The limit applies to residents who receive curbside waste collection, including those whose waste is collected in one shared location and those living on agricultural properties.
There will continue to be no limit to the number of green, blue and black bins and leaf and yard waste.
The new limit will encourage households to rethink what truly needs to go to landfill and what could be reduced, reused, recycled or composted instead. Reducing unnecessary waste from going to landfill helps keeps disposal and collection costs lower. It also helps extend the life of our Trail Road Waste Facility Landfill as we explore new options for waste disposal.
Around 85 per cent of households already set out three garbage items or fewer on collection day. The new limit is more generous than many municipalities, including neighbouring communities around our city.
This new limit is the first change to garbage collection in many years so we want to share answers to some frequently asked questions.
What counts as a garbage item?
An item includes the following:
- A garbage bag that weighs up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms)
- A garbage container up to 140 litres. Households can put several waste bags in a bin so long as the weight is less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms) per bin.
- A furniture or bulky item that can’t be re-used or donated
Can I set out different combinations of items?
You can have any combination of the accepted garbage items as long as they stay within the limit of three. For example, you can set out:
- Two bins and one broken chair or
- Two black garbage bags and one bin or
- Three bins
Do I have to use a 140-litre container?
You can use a plastic or metal garbage container of any size up to 140 litres. If you already have a 121-litre container you can keep using it. Containers must have two handles and a detachable lid. Examples of acceptable containers. The standards for containers have been in place for over a decade to ensure the health and safety of collectors and to allow for flexibility based on the sizes of bins available.
How is the three-item garbage limit fair for large families?
Every household pays the same annual fees for waste collection. This means, for example, an individual living alone is paying the same as a family of six. The new three-item limit entitles each household to set out up to three items, which can be any combination of garbage bags, garbage containers up to 140 litres or bulky items like a broken piece of furniture. Households that wish to set out more can purchase residential yellow bags. The three-item garbage limit was put in place to help reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill and to distribute costs more fairly dependent on the amount of waste produced.
What if my household has diapers and home healthcare waste?
The Special Considerations program allows registered households to place one bag of diapers/incontinence products or home health-care waste at the curb for pick up on the alternate week from regular garbage collection. Register for the Special Considerations program.
What if I have waste over the three-item garbage limit?
If you need to go above the three-item garbage limit, City of Ottawa residential yellow bags can be purchased from participating retailers for $17.60 for a package of four. There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that you can set out for collection. Bags will be available for sale at various locations across the city beginning at the end of October. Excess waste can also be taken to the Trail Road Waste Facility Landfill. The minimum fee for disposing of garbage is $35. Remember, there is no limit to blue, black or green bins or leaf and yard waste so make sure you are recycling or composting as much as possible. Check out the Waste Explorer for more information on where to dispose of items if your not sure.
I put my waste in a shared collection area with other households. How will it work for me?
The three-item garbage limit applies to all residents with curbside waste collection, including those who use shared collection areas also known as common pads. Each unit can set out up to three garbage items on collection day.
I live in or operate a coach home or basement apartment. How will it work for me?
Single family homes with basement apartments or a coach home can set out up to three items per entire household every two weeks. This is because single family homes with a basement apartment or coach home pay one solid waste user fee. If you are unsure if your home is considered a single-family home with a basement unit or a registered duplex, you can contact the City’s Revenue Services team by calling 3-1-1.
I live in an apartment or condo. Does the limit apply to me?
If your property receives curbside waste collection, then the three-item garbage limit applies. Each individual unit can set out three items for collection on their scheduled garbage collection day. The three-item garbage limit does not apply to multi-unit properties that do not receive curbside waste collection.
How will the three-item limit be enforced?
Enforcement of the new three-item garbage limit will be phased in over the next three months as follows:
- October – all garbage items will be collected. If the three-item garbage limit is exceeded a courtesy tag will be left indicating the limit and how to participate in waste diversion programs.
- November – if the three-item garbage limit is exceeded, one item will be left behind with a courtesy tag.
- December – any garbage above the three-item limit will be left at the curb with a courtesy tag.
Your Councillor in the Community
Thank you to residents of the Lancaster community in Manor Park for inviting me to speak last night. I appreciate the opportunity.
Great to attend the ARTWALK event last weekend held by the National Gallery of Canada and the ByWard Market and hear renowned Indigenous artists Nico Williams and Jeremy Dutcher. Proceeds from the walk were donated to the Ottawa Mission.
It was an honour to attend Franco-Ontarian Day at City Hall this week to mark the 49th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. I am pleased to highlight the City's commitment to bilingualism.
Great community turnout last weekend for the New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 marks the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families and communities. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the painful legacy and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to collectively advocate for social justice and critical system changes.
Resources:
- Review the 94 TRC Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Learn how UNDRIP can be applied in a municipal setting – UNDRIP: Guide for Municipalities.
- Ottawa Public Library – Check out a prepared list of recommended books and other resources to help you and your families learn more about residential schools and possible paths to reconciliation: Adults | Children.
- For those of you who wish to develop a deeper understanding of settler-colonialism and the actions that you can take to ‘untie colonial knots in the health system’, this article is recommended.
- Aboriginal Peoples Television Network – APTN offers an interesting lineup of programs on September 30, which aim to both educate and inspire – e.g., Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024.
- National Film Board (NFB) – Explore the many short documentaries included in the NFB’s Indigenous Cinema collection.
- National Arts Centre: Days for Truth & Reconciliation – Join one of the NAC’s all-age virtual and in-person offerings, highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, their cultures, communities, and stories.
- Participate in an in-person or virtual gathering on Parliament Hill on September 30 that is hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Explore the Reconciling History Walking Tour, a free, self-guided journey through downtown Ottawa.
- Learn about Indigenous issues from an Indigenous author at the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival - e.g., an evening with Tanya Talaga where she discusses her new book, The Knowing, a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada. Click here for free tickets to this event that takes place on September 30 at 7 pm.
This is a day in which Canadians reflect upon the experiences and history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. It is a day to acknowledge, reflect and learn about the injustices they faced through the residential school system and the ways it continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. To honour this day, the flags at all City sites will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise on Monday, September 30 to sunrise on Tuesday, October 1. At City Hall, the Survivors Flag will also be flown at half-mast from sunrise on September 30 to sunrise on October 1, in front of the Heritage Building and on Marion Dewar Plaza. Illuminations in orange are also planned for the Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall and the OTTAWA sign in the ByWard Market.
On Monday, September 30, seven branches of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will be open for the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday was created to publicly commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools--a vital component of the reconciliation process. Additionally, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day started by Phyllis Webstad to encourage education and recognition of the residential school system. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. To support OPL clients in learning more about, and understanding, this aspect of Canada’s history, the following OPL branches are open from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday, September 30:
St Laurent, 515 Côté StreetCumberland, 1599 Tenth Line Road
Greenboro, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive
Main,120 Metcalfe Street
Nepean Centrepointe,101 Centrepointe Drive
Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern Drive
Manor Park Rock the Block - Sept. 27
ROCK THE BLOCK is back! Gather up your family, friends and neighbours - and head over to the Manor Park sports field at 100 Thornwood Road on Friday, September 27 at 6 pm. Come hungry and enjoy one of our local food vendors for dinner! Get ready for an evening of FUN and enjoy outdoor games, face painting, local community displays, vendors, food & drink, ice cream & popcorn, annual pie contest, music, and more! Bring your camping chairs, cozy blankets and stay for the outdoor movie @ 7:30 pm. Want to enter the pie contest? Details coming to MANORPARK.CA.
Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Updates - Beechwood lane closure Sept. 28
Project update: Crews are making excellent progress. The base asphalt has already been paved on Corona and the base asphalt on Oakhill was completed Monday, Sept. 23. The final paving on Beechwood at Corona and at Oakhill is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. The work will take approximately half a day. One lane of Beechwood will be closed at a time with flagging personnel present to direct traffic. Remediation of driveways and landscaping will be underway over the next few weeks. Oakhill and Corona are anticipated to reopen in mid-October and the landscaping is also expected to be completed by then.
Council on Aging in Ottawa Walk of Ages - Sept. 28
The Walk of Ages is an intergenerational rock-n-roll-themed fundraising walk, hosted by the Council on Aging of Ottawa, that brings together people from every generation to celebrate aging. Lots of activities for the entire family from ages 1-100. Bouncy castles, BBQ, walking activities, a stage, and more. The event is being held at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. Admission is free. Saturday, September 28, from 10 am to 2 pm. For details, please visit coaottawa.ca.
Afro-Caribbean Community Market - Sept. 28
In collaboration with the Association of Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Ottawa-Gatineau, the Vanier BIA welcomes a group of Black-owned businesses offering crafts, food and fun. The market takes place at the Vanier HUB, 271 Marier Avenue, on Sept. 28 from 12 to 5 pm.
New Edinburgh Studio Tour - Sept. 28 and 29
The New Edinburgh Artists’ Studio Tour (NEST) returns September 28 and 29, from 10 am to 4 pm. Explore twelve locations in the New Edinburgh neighborhood, with free admission and parking. Enjoy unique art, live demonstrations, and meet local artists. A brochure with tour details will be available at local businesses. For more information, please visit www.nestudiotour.ca.
National Military Cemetery Clean-Up - Sept. 29 and Oct. 20
The National Military Cemetery Clean-Up 2024 will take place on September 29, 2024, with a second date of October 20, 2024. This day of service and community is a wonderful opportunity for serving members of the military, veterans, family members, and the broader community to come together to clean and care for the headstones at the National Military Cemetery.
Details of the event are as follows:
- Where: National Military Cemetery
- When: September 29, 2024, or October 20, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Who: Open to everyone who wishes to show their support for CAF Members, Veterans, and their families
- Dress: Relaxed attire
This meaningful activity is a chance to honour those who have served and sacrificed by maintaining the dignity and honor of their final resting places. As participants clean the headstones, they’ll also have a moment to reflect on the legacy and bravery of the individuals commemorated here. To get a sense of the significance of this event and the impact of previous clean-up efforts, please watch this short video: National Military Cemetery Clean-Up Video. Those interested can register here: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/nmc-cemetery-clean-up. This event is co-hosted by the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and the National Military Cemetery, and volunteer hour credits can be provided to all those in attendance.
NCC Parkway Planning and Design Guidelines - Online public engagement until Sept. 30
The NCC is developing new planning and design guidelines to better protect and enhance the parkways in the National Capital Region. These guidelines will guide decisions and future projects, ensuring the parkways remain beautiful, functional and safe for everyone to enjoy. Unlike other regional and provincial roads, NCC parkways are designed in harmony with their surrounding corridors, incorporating viewpoints and heritage, cultural, ecological and environmental features. Many NCC parkways are also complemented by adjacent multi-use pathways for everyone to experience and enjoy. Today, the network spans over 90 km, connecting waterfronts, parks and green spaces. Your input is needed to better understand the community’s needs, challenges and vision for the parkways. We invite you to share your thoughts on the vision, guiding principles and supporting policies for the NCC parkway guidelines at our upcoming public consultation. You can participate by completing the online survey until September 30, 2024. Please visit the NCC's website for details.
Ice rink volunteers needed in Wateridge Village
The Wateridge Village Community Association is seeking volunteers for the outdoor rink that is planned for Eugene Martineau Park. Without your help there can be no ice. Email [email protected] if you can assist.
The Vanier Museopark is thrilled to return with a new edition of Soirée Quiz Night! Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate quiz champion? If so, get your friends together and join us for Soirée Quiz Night at the Vanier Sugar Shack! It is the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a friendly bilingual competition.
- What: Soirée Quiz Night
- When: Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Theme: Politics· Where: Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue) *Please use the parking at Centre Richelieu-Vanier*
- Cost: Free to play!· Registration is mandatory: places are limited (19 years and over).
THEME: The political quiz will be created and hosted in partnership with Mona Fortier and myself. We will test your knowledge by covering municipal, provincial, federal, and even international politics throughout the evening. Gather together and challenge your knowledge while exploring politics from every angle! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
St. Columba Open House - Oct. 5
St. Columba is hosting an Open House on October 5, from 11 am to 1 pm, to showcase the various activities and groups that use the facilities of the church. They will have the Girl Guides, the Irish Seniors Social Group of Ottawa, the Outouais Wood Carvers, Au Gré du Vent, ARC Studio School, the Manor Park Environmental Sustainability Committee and others. The Church of St. Columba is located in the Manor Park community at 24 Sandridge Road. For more information, please visit stcolumbaottawa.ca.
Development Application - 47 Beechwood - Comments due by Oct. 16
The City has received a zoning amendment application and a site plan control application for 47 Beechwood Avenue (including 12 Douglas Avenue and 5 Springfield Road) located on the north side of Beechwood between Douglas Avenue and Springfield Road in the Lindenlea community. The applicant is proposing to develop an eight-storey, mixed-use building with four commercial at-grade units, 123 residential units, 48 underground parking spaces, 128 bicycle parking spaces and 880 square metres of amenity space (which refers to community rooms, dog wash rooms, a communal terrace and private balconies at the property). The two applications have been posted to the City’s development applications website. The document links are below:
- Site plan control application: devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D07-12-23-0084/details
- Minor zoning bylaw amendment application: devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D02-02-23-0052/details
Community members are welcome to submit comments via the DevApps website by October 16.
Citywide Equity Budget Consultation - Oct. 21
Residents from Ottawa's Black, Indigenous and racialized communities are invited to join me, Councillor Rawlson King, Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Enthocultural Relations Initiatives, for an Equity Budget Consultation on the City's Draft 2025 Budget. The session will take place on Zoom and in person at the St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street, in the Claude B. Aubry Room on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 pm. Everyone welcome. Those interested in attending either virtually or in person are invited to fill out a survey in advance: 2025 Equity Budget Consult Registration. Please register to receive the virtual meeting link by visiting Equity Budget Consult Zoom or scan the QR code in the poster.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward Budget Consultation - Oct. 24
Residents from Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 are invited to join me, Councillor Rawlson King, for a virtual consultation session on the City's Draft 2025 Budget on Oct. 24 at 6:30 pm. Please register to receive the virtual meeting link: Ward 13 Budget Consult 2025
Community Coffee Days are back - Oct. 25 and Nov. 29
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Incubator 13 have restarted Community Coffee Days. Upcoming dates are Oct. 25 and Nov. 29. Drop by The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard from 2 to 3 pm in Room 124.
Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge - hybrid information session - Rescheduled to later this autumn
The City of Ottawa is undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the renewal of Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge carried a single railway track on the former CP Rail Montreal & Ottawa Subdivision until its abandonment in 1966 and was re-purposed by 1972 to carry only pedestrian and cycling traffic. The bridge provides an important multi-use active transportation link between the National Capital Commission’s Rideau River Eastern Pathway and the City of Ottawa’s Rideau River Western Pathway / Rideau River Nature Trail. In 2018, a detailed condition assessment was completed and concluded that the structure was in overall poor condition, with several components showing significant signs of deterioration. The purpose of the EA will be to identify and evaluate options for bridge renewal or replacement considering different alignment possibilities in accordance with the EA planning process.
UPDATE: A hybrid Public Information Session will be scheduled for later this autumn. Details will be shared once they are finalized. Information about the EA is available at ottawa.ca.
Coventry Road Widening Planning and Environmental Assessment Study - Public Open House - this fall
The City of Ottawa has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) study to assess the need to widen and/or improve Coventry Road between Belfast Road and St-Laurent Boulevard. The EA study will investigate options to improve travel environment for all modes (walking, cycling, transit, autos and trucks) as appropriate. This study will:
- Analyze the need and justification for widening Coventry Road to four (4) lanes and by identifying existing and future travel demand;
- Evaluate alternative alignments and options including lane configuration, improved active transportation (pedestrian and cyclist) facilities and access to St-Laurent Transit Station;
- Assess potential impacts to the social, cultural, and natural environment and identify ways to mitigate impacts;
- Prepare a functional design including Class ‘C’ cost estimates and details for implementation; and
- Consult with the general public and stakeholders.
Study Process: The EA study will follow the planning and design process for a Schedule C project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. An Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be prepared at the completion of the study and will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period.
Open Houses: Two Public Open Houses will be held as part of the study. The first open house will take place later this fall. My office will share the details once they are confirmed by City staff. Details will also be updated on the project webpage.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Planned O-Train Line 1 maintenance - Sept. 29 and Oct. 5
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O-Train Line 1 will be closed between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations (entire line) on:
- Sunday, September 29, from 8 am to approximately 12 pm
- Saturday, October 5, for the entire service day
During the closures, R1 replacement bus service will run every 8 minutes along the entire line (Tunney’s Pasture to Blair). In addition to R1, a shuttle bus service will run every 15 minutes between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations and every 30 minutes between Lees Station and Mackenzie King Bridge. Regular service will return at approximately 12 pm on September 29 and at the start of the service day on October 6. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
City commemorates Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day - Sept. 29
Ottawa’s New Older Adult Plan - survey open until Sept. 30
To create the new Older Adult Plan, City staff are consulting with residents, community agencies, and City staff to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan. Staff are seeking input to learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa, helping to inform the City of Ottawa's Older Adult Plan. The new strategy will be launched in 2025. Please complete the survey, which will be open until September 30, 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa.
The leaves are changing colour and there’s a slight chill in the air, which means fall is finally here! Celebrate fall by participating in #iWalk Month (International Walk to School Month) and walk as many days as you can this October. If you can’t walk all the way, you can participate by parking away from the school and walking a block or two! International Walk to School (iWalk) Month is here! This #Walktober, see how many days you can walk, bike, or wheel to school. Walking and wheeling to school are great ways to get some physical and mental exercise! www.envirocentre.ca/school-active-transportation
The City's pilot six-metre Para Transpo minibus has arrived! OC Transpo is replacing our Para Transpo fleet with new buses, and this pilot is the first step. The vendor provided the minibus as an example before they begin manufacturing the full order. The City will start receiving the rest of the buses next year. The pilot will spend time in the garage getting fitted with the last few pieces of equipment before undergoing a thorough inspection from top to bottom. Training staff will also use this bus to update the Para Transpo operator and mechanic training materials. Stay tuned for more updates on Para Transpo fleet renewal to come.
Shaping the future of Ottawa Public Library service plans
Help shape Ottawa Public Library’s future. We're collecting stories to understand how the library and its services have made a difference in your life. We want to know what you love about the library and how the library could better serve you. Your stories, collected here and in branches across the city, will guide the development and evaluation of library services. You can find additional information about the library's service plans at the following link: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/service-delivery-framework
What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?
Is it the friendly faces and support? The feeling of endless possibilities? The space to do what you need to get done? Whatever it is, the library wants to know. Share your original art, photos, stories, poems, videos, or whatever feels right. For more information, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.
New Zoning Bylaw Workshops - Oct. 1 to Nov. 5
This fall, join City staff for a series of in-person workshops to discuss Ottawa’s New Zoning By-Law. These workshops are designed to engage the community, gather valuable feedback, and ensure that our new Zoning By-law reflects the Official Plan and the needs and aspirations of all residents. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city!
Here’s what you can expect:
- Display Board Exhibition – dive into the basics of zoning and key concepts of the proposed By-law. This is your chance to ask questions and get informed.
- Roundtable Discussions – engage in intensive discussions on various topics with planners and fellow residents.
Five opportunities to participate: All in-person workshops will start at 6:30 pm.
- October 1 – Ray Friel Recreation Complex
- October 8 – John G Mlacak Community Centre
- October 15 – Fred Barrett Arena
- October 22 – City Hall
- November 5 – Confederation Education Centre
For more information about the in-person workshops, visit: engage.ottawa.ca/zoning
National Senior's Day event - Oct. 1
October 1 is National Seniors Day! The day honors the rich contributions of older adults in society. The City values their experience, wisdom, and their important roles in our community. This year, the City is hosting a virtual celebration to raise awareness about ageism. Author and activist, Ashton Applewhite will be the keynote speaker. Ashton’s experience as a public speaker includes events at community centers, universities, and a TED Talk. The event takes place Oct. 1 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. To register complete the form to receive the link for the event – everyone is welcome to attend!
NCC Board of Directors meeting - Oct. 1
Join the NCC at 40 Elgin Street for the next public meeting of the NCC Board of Directors. Space is limited. First-come, first-served. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you can watch the live webcast on YouTube. The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 from, 9 to 11 am. For details, please visit the NCC website.
Cleaning the Capital Fall Campaign - Registration open until Oct. 1
Registration is open for the Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign until Oct. 1. Cleanup projects will take place until October 15. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean. The registration form populates an interactive map with pins that display the location, date, and time of all registered cleanup projects. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags and nitrile gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of 14 City of Ottawa facilities across the city. This fall, based on participant feedback and demand, we have added four new cleanup kit pick-up sites (including two rural pick-up locations). As the new three-item limit for curbside garbage collection will come into effect during this campaign, participants are encouraged to review the instructions and options for proper disposal of collected waste/litter prior to their planned cleanup projects. This information will be communicated to participants via registration confirmation, as well as through ottawa.ca/clean.
Key Fall campaign dates:
Until October 15: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
October 1: Deadline to register
November 1: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
Share your experience participating in Ottawa’s municipal elections - Survey open until Oct. 3
The City of Ottawa’s Elections Office wants your feedback on a number of topics including your experience participating in the 2022 Municipal Elections (if applicable), election-related communications, accessibility, and voting methods for future elections. The information you provide will help City staff plan future municipal elections in our city. Survey results will be summarized in a report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and City Council in advance of the 2026 Municipal Elections, taking place on Monday, October 26, 2026. The survey will be available until 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 3 on Engage Ottawa, and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you are unable to complete this survey online or require an accommodation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, please contact the Elections Office by telephone at 613-580-2660 or by email at [email protected]. Staff are available to assist you from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Bike Day on the Hill is returning for its 9th edition on October 8 from 5 to 8:30 pm on Parliament Hill in Ottawa! Join parliamentarians, local and national leaders, and fellow cyclists in a non-partisan celebration of everyday cycling in Canada. This year we will be highlighting the power and promise of e-bikes and cargo bikes. So come out, bring your bike, bring your family and join us in sending the positive message that cycling can be for everyone! Due to Hill security protocols, all attendees must register for this event by October 6.
Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit - Oct. 9
On October 9 at Bayview Yards, the Ottawa Climate Action Fund is inviting you to be a part of something big. At the Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit, we’re going to dig into two of the most significant challenges facing Ottawa today. And discover together how our businesses and our community can gain by solving them in tandem. Climate change is the crisis and the opportunity of our lifetimes, with impacts we’re already seeing in our everyday lives. Affordable housing is the crisis of the moment, a chance to innovate, collaborate, and do what it takes to leave no one behind. The event is Oct. 9 from 8 am to 5 pm, with an evening reception from 5 pm to 7 pm - all at Bayview Yards at 7 Bayview Station Road. For tickets and details please visit this link.
Art of Support Gala - Oct. 10
Pleo’s Art of Support Gala, a special evening of art, music, food, and community in recognition of World Mental Health Day, takes place Oct. 10 from 6 to 9 pm at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge. This inaugural event will feature live painting by artist Allan André, a curated art auction, and music by Maeven Climie, hosted by Event Emcee Jock Climie. Proceeds from the event will support the work Pleo does with parents and caregivers who have children, youth and young adults who are facing mental health and substance use challenges. For details and tickets, please visit www.supportpleo.ca.
Apply to join Ottawa's new Nightlife Council - Applications due by Oct. 11
If you participate in Ottawa’s nightlife economy, there may be a seat for you on the first-ever Ottawa Nightlife Council. Applications are now being accepted for membership on the Ottawa Nightlife Council. The application form can be found on ottawa.ca until October 11. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
The Black History in the Streets Tour is still going strong. Join Black History Ottawa on Saturdays from now until October 2024 for a deep dive into the histories of Black Canadians in our great capital city. Given that the last two tours of the season take place on October 12, make sure you reserve your seat as soon as possible by registering at www.blackhistoryottawa.org. Tickets: blackhistoryottawa.org
Accessibility Advisory Committee Updates - Oct. 15
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provides advice to Council and consults on projects required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and many more, where the City benefits from an accessibility lens. The Committee meets at least eight times per year, with additional special meetings as required. In addition to their meetings, the group provides feedback by email, and many members participate in working groups or other sub-committees. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm Members of the public are encouraged to attend AAC meetings online via Zoom.
Nominations are now open to honour Ottawa’s immigrant entrepreneurs before Oct. 21
Nominations are open for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards - Until Nov. 1
Emergency Services News
Panda Game 2024: Celebrate responsibly
The Ottawa Police Service is joining our partners from Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Sandy Hill Community Association to support this year’s Panda Game event. Building on last year’s positive celebrations, the OPS’s goal is to ensure that this year’s festivities are safe, enjoyable, and respectful for everyone. Officers will focus on Criminal Code, Liquor Licence and Control Act offences, and other general conduct issues. As always, public safety will be the number one priority. Police and By-law officers will once again go door-to-door in the Sandy Hill/ByWard Market and Old Ottawa South areas to speak directly to residents and businesses. Police and By-law are aware of several addresses that have previously raised concerns and will monitor them. Property owners can grant police Agent Status in advance to enable officers to enforce the Trespass to Property Act if partygoers spill onto their private property. Visit ottawapolice.ca/AgentStatus. We remind partygoers that Police and By-law Officers will enforce the law, so we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. We ask attendees to respect the communities where the Panda Game-related events are taking place as they did during last year’s event.
Here are some tips:
- Plan your ride. Drive sober. No alcohol. No drugs. Order a rideshare, take public transit or stay overnight.
- Be a good neighbour. Loud and rowdy parties do not make good neighbour relations. Keep the noise/music to a dull roar and respect property in your neighbourhood.
- Keep alcohol where it belongs. Police will enforce the Liquor Licence and Control Act. Leave the booze at home or drink it at an authorized establishment.
- Don’t invite us to the party. Keep gatherings under control with visitors you know.
- Be a good friend. Watch out for the safety and well-being of one another. Call 911 in an emergency.
If you spot an impaired driver or for emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 988
There's no wrong reason to ask for help. Whatever you’re dealing with, big or small, please remember that you matter. Help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 any time, any day, anywhere in Canada. 9-8-8. Calling 9-8-8 isn’t the only way to ask for help. You can text as well. You’ll receive the same level of support, and responders will communicate with you entirely by text. To access help for yourself or someone else, or for resources to better understand suicide, please visit 988.ca.
Purchase your tickets for the 13th Annual OPS Gala to be held Nov. 2
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce that tickets for the 13th Annual Gala are now available to purchase online. The event, set for Saturday, November 2 at the Shaw Centre, promises an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, and community engagement. This year’s gala will benefit two important organizations that are making significant strides in our community: the Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa and the Multifaith Housing Initiative. The 2024 OPS Gala aims to raise essential funds to support these vital organizations. Tickets can be purchased online for $200 each, or $2,000 for a table that seats 10. You can purchase a corporate table for $2,000, where two seats will be donated to a uniformed OPS member.
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.