Official Plan Update
The province recently approved the city’s new Official Plan, but with troubling changes—choosing to expand the urban boundary beyond what council requested.
This will be the largest and most expensive sprawl expansion in Ottawa history. It will add 549 hectares to the additional 1281 hectares approved by council. It will not help affordability, instead resulting in significant tax pressure for all residents.
We will work to prevent those expensive expansion lands from being developed, which would harm farmland, increase car dependence and pollution, and add substantial costs to service land, while benefitting developer speculators.
BILL 23
The province has proposed a new “housing” bill that would create significant financial pressures for Ottawa, while not allowing us to properly address affordable housing. You can send feedback to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clarke ([email protected]), and our MPPs Joel Harden ([email protected]) and John Fraser ([email protected]).
Springhurst Dock Update
We have a new design and location proposed for a new dock at Springhurst Park.
The dock will be similar to those found in Bordeleau Park, Brantwood Park, Brewer Park and Windsor Park, allowing canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboards to be launched. A new accessible path will link the dock to the existing park facilities and pathway system.
You can provide feedback on the plan at the Engage Ottawa site.
New Bicycle Racks at Windsor Park
Concrete slabs have been implemented at Windsor Park in order to install two new “coil” bicycle racks and a new “horseshoe” bicycle rack. The racks are being installed in visible locations to park users to prevent damage or theft.
Community Skating Rinks
Boarded rinks will return to Heron Park and Mutchmor this year. Staff want to get boards for the Kaladar rink, but if they can’t, it will operate as a puddle rink this year.
Firehall Park Open
The new park at Fifth and O’Connor is open. We would like to thank the Glebe Community Association’s Parks Committee and city staff for all their hard work on this. Firehall Park has been planned for many years, and we were more than happy to provide some Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland funding to the project.
The park sign and the pergola will be installed in the new year.
Fourth Avenue School Zone Work
A new school safety zone is being implemented between Mutchmor and Corpus Christi. The project includes a raised crosswalk between Mutchmor and the schoolyard, as well as two speed humps further down the block. Work will be completed this month.
More Speed Humps
The city is currently installing two new speed humps on Broadway Avenue between Findlay and Torrington, and an additional speed hump on Sunnyside between Bellwood and Riverdale.
Grand Allée Update
Designs are being finalized for construction of the Grande Allée Park. We expect construction will start in the spring, with the aim of completing it by the end of 2023. The project was delayed due to cost increases and labour shortages.
Streetlights on Colonel By Drive and Queen Elizabeth Drive
Many lights along Colonel By Drive and Queen Elizabeth Drive have been burnt out for quite a while, due to an antiquated wiring system. The city is working with the NCC to upgrade the lighting systems. Various options are being evaluated. In the meantime, we have asked staff to work with the NCC to install temporary lighting.
Bank Street Canal Bridge Update
Work on the Bank Street Bridge continues. The sidewalks and bicycling lanes on the bridge have been completed. Paving of the vehicle lanes will occur next year, as will the implementation of safe active transportation transitions at the ends of the bridge.
New Community Benefits Agreement
The Ottawa Community Housing Corporation has signed a CBA with the Ottawa Community Benefits Network—the first formal CBA in our history. The CBA provides a mechanism for ongoing collaboration between the two organizations to support a sustainable and economically equitable future for residents.
Greenfield-Main-Hawthorne Update
The city has issued a work order for the renewal of Greenfield, Main and Hawthorne. Major construction is likely to begin in spring 2023, though some preparatory, low-impact activities may start sooner.
There will be a public information session later this year to provide an anticipated schedule, and expected changes to traffic, drinking water, hydro and more.
e-Scooter Survey
The 2022 e-scooter season ends November 15. You can fill out the end-of-season survey on the city’s website. This survey, which ends November 20, is open to everyone, whether you have used the scooters or not.
May Court Christmas Market
The May Court Club, located at 114 Cameron Avenue in Old Ottawa South, is hosting their Christmas Market this Saturday, November 12, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You will be able to stock up on baked goods and peruse a lot of original gift items.
John Howard Society Update
The John Howard Society is moving into the podium of their new building at 289 Carling, and have begun moving in. If all goes well, they will begin serving clients this week. They expect the residential portion of the building to be completed by the end of November.
Glebe Parking Garage Maintenance
Workers will be doing repairs of the Glebe Parking Garage over the coming months. There will be some minor inconveniences with partial reductions in parking capacity.
Rideau Winter Trail Public Information Session
There will be a public meeting hosted by the volunteers behind the Rideau Winter Trail on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 pm, at the Rideau Sports Centre at 1 Donald Street. Attendees can learn about the plans for next season and learn how to get involved.
Please RSVP to [email protected] by November 23.
Ecology Ottawa Board of Directors—Call for Applications
Ecology Ottawa is inviting interested people to join their volunteer Board of Directors. They are looking for people with a strong interest in environmental issues and those who can provide skills or expertise that will help support our organization in financial, legal and governance matters, and in advancing equity.
Ecology Ottawa is a not-for-profit, grassroots organization seeking to impact existing and emerging environmental issues that affect the urban, suburban and rural areas of our city. Ecology Ottawa is a recognized leader in advocacy and community engagement.
Read more on their website and apply by November 30!
Your Capital Ward
If you have a photo you’d like to share in an upcoming bulletin, please send it to [email protected], with the subject line Your Capital Ward. Please give us your name for attribution…or tell us if you’d rather not have your name shared.
Remembrance Day Schedule Changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes and impacts to city services for the Remembrance Day holiday on Friday, November 11.
Please visit Your guide to recognizing Remembrance Day in Ottawa for more information on ceremonies and activities taking place on Friday, November 11.
Client Service Centres
- The City’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters only. Please visit ottawa.ca/311 for more information.
- The Client Services Centres at Ottawa City Hall, Ben Franklin Place, 580 Terry Fox Drive, 255 Centrum Boulevard and the city’s Provincial Offences Court at 100 Constellation Drive will be closed.
- The Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Avenue will be closed.
Green Bin, Recycling and Garbage Collection
- Curbside green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection will take place as usual on Friday, November 11.
- Multi-residential garbage and recycling containers, green bin and bulky item collection will take place as usual on Friday, November 11.
- The Trail Waste Facility will be open on Friday, November 11.
Parking
- All City parking regulations and restrictions apply.
- Veterans who wear their medals or uniforms or who have a veteran’s license plate on their vehicle can park for free at City Hall on Friday, November 11 between 7:30 am and 1:00 pm.
Transit Service
- Veterans who wear their medals or uniforms during National Veterans’ Week, from Saturday, November 5, to Friday, November 11, can ride OC Transpo, Para Transpo and Société de transport de l'Outaouais buses and paratransit service for no charge. Companions accompanying veterans also ride at no charge.
- At O-Train Line 1 stations, veterans and their companions can use the video-chat function at ticket machines to get through the fare gates at no charge.
- Service will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Friday, November 11.
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Some OC Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais routes will be detoured due to the street closures downtown. To plan your transit trip, visit com or sto.ca. OC Transpo will pause all service to observe two minutes of silence at 11 am on Remembrance Day, if it is safe to do so. OC Transpo and Para Transpo buses will pull over to the side of the road and all trains will be held at station platforms. OC Transpo’s Contact Centre, (613) 580-5000, and the Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre will also pause service and calls to observe two minutes of silence.
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The OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre will be open from 12:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Plan ahead: call (613) 560-5000 to book an appointment.
- All other OC Transpo Customer Service Centres currently remain closed.
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Para Transpo operations:
- Para Transpo will operate on a regular service. Regularly scheduled trips are not cancelled. Customers who do not need their scheduled trip on Friday, November 11 should cancel it by using My Para Transpo or calling (613) 560-5000.
- Customers may start booking trips for Friday, November 11 on Friday, November 4 by using My Para Transpo or calling (613) 560-5000.
- The trip reservation line will be open from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm.
- The trip cancellation line will be open from 6:00 am until 12:30 am.
- The Taxi Coupons line for Para Transpo customers will be closed.
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Société de transport de l'Outaouais will operate a reduced weekday service on Friday, November 11. You can plan Société de transport de l'Outaouais trips using Plani-Bus.
- For more information on Remembrance Day service, visit com or call (613) 560-5000. You can also connect with OC Transpo through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Recreation and Cultural Services
- Indoor pools, arenas as well as recreation and fitness centres will operate on regular schedules, including drop-in and registered programs. There are no cancellations resulting from Remembrance Day.
- Please note that some regular public swims may be cancelled on short notice due to a shortage of lifeguards. It is recommended you confirm by checking with the facility before leaving home.
- Most art centres and museums will be closed on Friday, November 11. Please check with the centre or museum directly for details.
- City Hall Art Gallery and Karsh-Masson Gallery will be closed on Friday, November 11.
- Shenkman Arts Centre and Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe will be closed on Friday, November 11.
- The City of Ottawa Archives, Barbara Ann Scott Gallery, and Gallery 112 will be closed on Friday, November 11.
Ottawa Public Health
Community and Social Services
The Bernard Grandmaître respite centre at 309 McArthur Avenue will be closed on Friday, November 11.
Municipal Childcare services
Library Services
- All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Friday, November 11. Virtual services, loans and programs can be accessed on the Ottawa Public Library website.
Retail Businesses
In recognition of Remembrance Day and in accordance with the City’s Remembrance Day By-law most retail businesses cannot open until 12:30 pm.
Weekly Snapshot of the COVID-19 Situation in Ottawa
In addition to updating our COVID-19 Dashboard twice weekly (Tuesday and Friday), Ottawa Public Health continues to release weekly animated presentations of key COVID-19 data and messages providing guidance to the public. These weekly snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook and Twitter channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus.
Monitoring Indicators
- Wastewater virus detection levels are high
- Per cent positivity is very high
- New COVID-19 hospitalizations are moderate
- New confirmed outbreaks are moderate
Key Takeaways
- The levels of COVID-19 circulating in our community remain high.
- The fall respiratory illness season is underway, and it will likely be a challenging one. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and those around you at OttawaPublicHealth.ca
- Remember, not everyone shows symptoms, when infectious. When going to indoor and/or crowded public settings be aware of added risk and act accordingly (wear a well-fitted mask, keep your distance if you can, etc.).
- Staying up to date on your recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses is essential towards staying protected. Please note: the locations listed on the Provincial booking site aren’t your only options. You can go to your local pharmacy or check with your primary care provider, and we currently have 14 Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs throughout the community where you can drop-in to get a COVID-19 vaccine. OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHubs
Ottawa Public Health launches annual influenza vaccine campaign
Ottawa Public Health is planning for a fall and winter season with higher than usual levels of influenza (flu) in the community and an increase of COVID-19 transmission. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is encouraging residents to book their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Flu vaccines are currently available for older adults and those at higher risk of complications from the flu virus from participating health care providers and pharmacies.
Starting November 1, the general public will be eligible to receive their flu vaccine through their health care provider or local participating pharmacy. Vaccine availability may vary by provider.
Ottawa Public Health will be offering flu vaccine clinics for children aged six months to two years old and their household members. Newcomers and individuals without OHIP who are unable to access a flu vaccine through a primary care provider or pharmacy can also book an appointment in OPH clinics. Starting October 31 at 10:00 am, individuals in these groups are encouraged to book an appointment at OPH flu vaccine clinics, with appointments available starting November 1. OPH clinics will be operating from Tuesday to Saturday at various locations across the city on a rotating basis. As a precaution, masks are required to be worn in OPH clinical settings at all times.
It is safe for individuals aged five and older to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. However, individuals aged six months to under five years who received the Moderna Spikevax or the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should not receive another vaccine including the influenza vaccine on the same day or 14 days before or after. This is a precaution to help to determine if a potential side effect is due to the COVID-19 vaccine or another vaccine. If an individual becomes ill with any respiratory illness, they can receive the influenza vaccine as soon as they recover from infection.
The flu, or seasonal influenza, is a common contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is spread through droplets that have been coughed or sneezed by someone who has the flu. You can get the flu by shaking hands with someone who has the flu or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with flu droplets, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Flu symptoms include a sudden fever as well as a cough and/or a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headache or body aches, and chills. You may feel more tired than usual and have a lower appetite. Most people will recover within a week to 10 days, but some people (e.g. children under five years, older adults, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant people) are at greater risk of severe complications such as pneumonia or death. Influenza infection can also worsen certain chronic conditions such as heart disease.
We can all continue efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the flu. The best way to protect yourself, those you love and the health care system is through vaccination, wearing a mask, regular hand washing and staying home if you are sick.
For more information, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu or call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
New Vacant Property By-law Comes into Effect this Month
The new Vacant Property By-law comes into effect Tuesday, November 1. Vacant lots and buildings that have been unoccupied for 120 consecutive days are required to have a vacant property permit, with limited exemptions. On Wednesday, June 8, City Council approved this new by-law and permit system to hold property owners accountable for managing their vacant properties.
In addition to obtaining a permit, the Vacant Property By-law requires owners to comply with regulations for identifying, managing and visiting their sites. The vacant property permit system is intended to increase accountability for the owners of vacant buildings and lands, prevent neglect and harmful community impacts that vacancies can cause, and encourage the redevelopment or repurposing of existing vacant properties.
Annual permits cost $1,507 ($1,450 for the permit plus a $57 administrative fee). The fee revenue covers the cost of two new full-time city positions to enforce and administer the by-law. Permit exemptions can be made for snowbirds, travelling workers and vacation properties. Some vacant properties are also exempt from a permit for a maximum of two years on certain compassionate grounds, such as an owner who was in care or a property vacant due to a catastrophic event.
For more information on vacant properties and units, visit the Vacant Properties page on ottawa.ca. For more information specific to the permit application, requirements and costs, visit the Vacant Property and/or Vacant Land Permit webpage.
