Construction Season Kicks Off
This week, we officially kicked-off the construction season in Ottawa. We have a lot of projects either underway or coming soon to the ward. You can check out the construction forecast on our website.
Billings Bridge Public Consultation
In conjunction with Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr, we will be hosting a public consultation on the roadway layout of the Billings Bridge. City staff will be presenting plans to implement a three-lane model with bicycle lanes on the side.
The consultation will be held online over Zoom on Wednesday June 21 at 7:00 pm. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.shawnmenard.ca/BillingsBridgeDesign.
1166 Bank Street Public Consultation
On Wednesday June 14, we will be hosting an online public consultation for the proposed development of 1166 Bank Street (Application Summary [PDF]), the northwest corner of Bank and Grove. The consultation will run from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
You can register for the consultation on our website.
Improving Walking and Bicycling in the Glebe
The Glebe Community Association has launched a study to improve walking and bicycling in the community. You can attend their open house on Wednesday, June 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at St. Giles Church, 181 First Avenue. Please also share your thoughts through their survey here: https://arcg.is/1KujKG1.
Lansdowne Media Briefing and Site Tour
On Monday June 12 at 10:00 am, we will be hosting a media briefing and site at Lansdowne Park to discuss Lansdowne 2.0 and the future of the park. Meeting at the corner of Bank and Holmwood, we’ll walk the park, discussing the site’s landmarks, the city proposal and what we’d like to see this wonderful city asset become.
Both media and residents are welcome. Feel free to register at our website so we know you’re coming.
Lansdowne 2.0—Coffee Chats
The city consultation process for Lansdowne 2.0 continues. Having neglected to get residents’ feedback last term of council before coming up with a proposal to re-build Lansdowne Park, it’s all the more important that the city hear from you now.
This month, the city is launching the Lansdowne 2.0 Coffee Chat series over Zoom—an opportunity to speak directly to the Director of the Lansdowne Park Project. They’re also running a survey on public park space at Lansdowne. Both of these engagement opportunities can be found at Engage Ottawa.
And don’t forget to visit our website, A Better Lansdowne, at www.betterlansdowne.ca, to learn more about the proposal. You can read more about the plan, our vision for Lansdowne and an alternate design proposal from one of our Glebe residents at the website...and don’t forget to sign our petition!
Tree Planting in Capital Ward
Forestry Services’ spring caliper tree planting program is underway and will run until the end of June. Through Forestry Services’ lifecycle tree planting programs as well as the projects for the 2023 Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program, Tree plantings will occur in parks, at city facilities and along streets.
Where a tree planting is scheduled on city property adjacent to a residence, as part of our Trees in Trust Program, individual notifications will be provided to the resident in advance of planting. Residents should also expect to see utility locate flags and paint on the ground prior to planting.
You can find a list of the 2023 plan for Capital Ward on our website. Please note that the list of locations does not include trees planted by other city services, through developments projects or by applicants as a condition of tree removal permits. Changes may be made to the plan, including some cancellations or delays.
Correcting the Record on Climate Change
The Climate Change and Resiliency team has noted some occurrences of incorrect information in the media and from various residents and organizations relating to the city’s Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution. They have identified two main misconceptions that arise frequently at public meetings and on social media. It’s important that we set things on these matters:
Council has agreed to spend $57 billion to implement Energy Evolution
Council did not approve $57 billion to implement the plan. Financial analysis completed through Energy Evolution estimated that to achieve Council’s community GHG reduction targets, cumulative community-wide investment from 2020 to 2050 would total $57.4 billion. This amount represents a long-term estimate of how much might have to be spent by all levels of government, private and public organizations, and private individuals combined in order to achieve the Energy Evolution targets.
Council has passed a plan to install 700 wind turbines, 36 km2 of solar panels and 122 shipping-container-sized lithium batteries in the countryside
The city has no plan or budget for these actions, nor does any request to do so exist. The Energy Evolution model indicates that to meet the 100% emission scenario by 2050, 1060 megawatts of solar photovoltaics and 3,218 megawatts of wind generation would be required along with 612 megawatts of energy storage. This equates to approximately 36 km2 of solar (mostly on rooftops), 710 large scale turbines, and 122 large shipping containers of lithium batteries would be required.
Climate change is a complex issue and addressing the climate emergency will require all levels of government, and all sectors of the community to take action. The Climate Change and Resiliency team values public engagement and diverse viewpoints, knowing that consideration of different opinions generate better solutions, broader benefits, and expanded public support. By partnering with diverse stakeholders, decision-makers and community leaders, the city will be better prepared for deployment of climate actions at scale.
Mental Health and Well-Being Research and Training Hub
Carleton University’s Mental Health and Well-being Research and Training Hub (MeWeRTH) is composed of researchers, students, and community partners with a shared interest in mental health, well-being, and resilience. MeWeRTH is a virtual space housed within the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Carleton.
You can learn more at their website and download their recent newsletter. It includes a video that tells you what MeWeRTH is about, information on research their members are conducting and some evidence-based strategies for improved well-being.
OCDSB Summer School Programs
Interested in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s 2023 Summer School Programs? There’s still time to enroll for such programs as eLearning, Reach Ahead, Co-operative Education, Elementary Literacy & Numeracy programs, and more! Open to students from all school boards. Learn more: www.ocdsb.ca/continuing_education/summer_school_programs.
Your Capital Ward
Photo by Jamie Broughman
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.
City Seeking Public Input on Commemorative Naming Proposals
In recognition of extensive community service, the city has been asked to name a preschool park, located at 175 Third Avenue, Glebe Community Centre, “Mary Tsai Park”. Mary Tsai has been providing programs, services, and events for the greater Ottawa area. She was the recipient of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award and has served as Executive Director of the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group.
If you would like to submit written comments, please complete the following survey to provide your input. Comments must be received no later than Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Let’s Bike Month Ottawa
The City of Ottawa has been partnering with EnviroCentre to celebrate cycling since 2010. As one of the largest biking campaigns in the country, Let’s Bike Month Ottawa (formerly Bike to Work Month) is expected to have nearly 4,000 participants throughout the month of June.
Thanks to some amazing community sponsors, Let’s Bike Month will be giving away thousands of dollars worth of prizes to participants throughout the month of June! You can see a list of prizes and sponsors here!
How to get involved:
- Sign up as an individual and start a team to encourage your community to join in!
- Log your bike rides and see the impact YOU make by choosing to bike!
- Like or follow Let’s Bike Ottawa on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
- Share your rides on social media and tag @LetsBikeOttawa
Mark your community calendars: Let’s Bike Month is kicking off the month with a Bike-In Breakfast June 1st from 7-9am at Bank and Laurier (in front of Eggspectations), with coffee, refreshments, and mini tune-ups from VeloFix. Other upcoming events and workshops can be found here.
For more information about the campaign, please contact [email protected] .
City of Ottawa’s Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program Helps Homeowners make Energy Efficiency Home Upgrades
The City of Ottawa is committed to supporting homeowners to make energy efficient home improvements that address rising energy costs and more extreme weather.
Through the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program, Ottawa residents can get a low-interest, 20-year loan of up to 10 per cent of their home’s current value to cover the cost of home energy upgrades that lower energy costs while increasing your homes comfort and resiliency.
Measures eligible for financing through the program include:
- Basement, attic and exterior wall insulation
- Window and door replacements
- Air sealing (such as weather stripping or caulking)
- Air and ground source heat pumps
- Solar panel systems
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Necessary upgrades to electrical systems to accommodate measures listed above
- Climate adaptation measures such as basement waterproofing, back-flow prevention, and permeable pavement
- Additional dwellings such as granny suites or basement apartments (*up to 30 per cent of the total loan amount)
You can combine the Better Homes Ottawa—Loan Program with any other available energy grants, rebates, and incentives such as the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program and Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program.
You can learn more about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program and apply at betterhomesottawa.ca.
New Urban Design Guidelines for Low-Rise Infill Housing
The City of Ottawa is developing new comprehensive Urban Design Guidelines for Low-rise Infill Housing for approval by Council in 2023. The Guidelines will reflect the policies and directions in the new Official Plan adopted by Council in October 2021.
The city will be consulting with residents, community organizations, the development industry, non-profits and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone gets a chance to have their say in the new Urban Design Guidelines for Low-rise Infill Housing.
This Engage Ottawa page will be your one-stop shop for project updates and information on future public engagement opportunities. You will also find FAQ’s, blogs and future drafts of the Guidelines as they become available.
The City of Ottawa will be hosting a virtual public information session on Tuesday, June 6 at 6:30 pm on the newly released draft Low-rise Design Guidelines. Residents are invited to attend the session to hear from city staff and take part in a Q&A about the guidelines.
Residents are asked to register in advance by using the link below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuygqjMvH9NfPJg3J0g-XvMKdvJ3mH7_(External link)
For more information please email [email protected].
City Announces Public Consultation on New Infrastructure Master Plan
The City of Ottawa invites residents to participate in an upcoming virtual public consultation on the new Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP). Input from the consultation will help ensure the responsible management of our city’s growth-related infrastructure.
When: Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: Zoom (log-in details can be found at Engage Ottawa)
What is the IMP?
The IMP is a strategic document that sets growth-related policies, objectives and priorities for municipal water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to support the city's New Official Plan. The IMP ensures that we meet the needs of the Official Plan while being socially, environmentally and economically conscious of our water resources while assisting in implementing the Climate Change Master Plan. The IMP update includes specific projects to upgrade the backbone of the city's water and wastewater systems to meet development needs to 2046 and beyond.
What can residents expect from the consultation?
The consultation will begin with a presentation of the draft IMP. There will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments and ask questions to the study team.
Why your feedback is so important!
Your participation in this consultation is vital in shaping a future plan that supports the diverse needs of our communities, while also considering the city's growth and sustainable and responsible practices that benefit our environment and communities.
For more information on the IMP, including details about this upcoming public consultation, visit the Engage Ottawa webpage. Hope you will join us!
Open Air Fire Permits
A permit is required in order to light a fire on private property; this includes having a backyard fire or using a large fire pit. Population density and average lot size criteria were considered in the determination of the areas in which open air fires are permitted.
Click here to see whether your address is eligible for a permit
Open air fires are prohibited in some areas. Ottawa Fire Services does not approve of open air burning in urban areas or near buildings. The use of an outdoor fireplace (either masonry or metal) is considered open air burning. Although these fireplaces are designed to be used outdoors and may limit the heat and sparks through their design, these reduced levels are still cause for concern. Outdoor fireplaces are not permitted in urban areas.
Devices that do not require a permit:
- Outdoor natural gas, propane or ethanol fireplaces.
- Approved cooking appliances include gas, charcoal or propane BBQ/hibachis or gas or propane outdoor fireplace [must be ULC approved]. Note: the device must be designed and intended solely for the cooking of food in the open air. It must not be used to burn wood, tree limbs, branches and/or non-compostable material.
Pool and Hot Tub Discharge Guidelines
To practice responsible maintenance for swimming pools and hot tubs, it is important to discharge pool and hot tub water appropriately. Storm sewers divert rainwater and snowmelt into the nearest stream, creek, pond or river without treatment at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Chlorinated water and saltwater from pools and hot tubs contain chemicals that are harmful to the aquatic life living in Ottawa’s waterways, and should never be discharged to a storm sewer.
Pool and hot tub openings
Standing water on pool covers such as rainwater or snow melt may be discharged to the homeowner’s property provided that it is properly absorbed into the ground and does not impact neighbouring properties; or
Standing water on pool covers such as rainwater or snow melt may be discharged to the storm sewer, provided that debris and leaves are removed from the water prior to discharge.
Pool and hot tub maintenance (backwash)
Backwash from pool and hot tub maintenance may be discharged to the homeowner's property, provided that it is properly absorbed into the ground and does not impact surrounding properties; or
Backwash from pool and hot tub maintenance may be discharged through a connection to the sanitary sewer. Contact a licensed plumber for more information.
Pool and hot tub closure
Water may be discharged through a connection to the sanitary sewer. Contact a licensed plumber for more information.
Water may be discharged onto the homeowner's property provided that it is absorbed into the ground without:
- flowing onto adjoining properties,
- flowing over a valley or into a ravine, or
- causing erosion;
Water may be transported by an appropriately licensed wastewater hauler.
Pool Enclosures (pool, hot tub, pond)
The Pool Enclosure By-law No. 2013-39 requires every owner of a privately owned outdoor pool to erect and maintain an enclosure around their pool to make the pool inaccessible to small children. If you wish to install a pool and already have an existing fence around your yard, you still have to apply for a permit to ensure that the enclosure meets the requirements.
Summer Garbage Cleanup
- During the summer, litter receptacles are emptied regularly by summer students known as the “Bucket Brigade,” who also collect litter in the downtown core.
- Litter is cleared from city sports fields every week.
- Litter receptacles and streets receive particular attention during special events, such as parades and statutory celebrations.
- The city has various programs to encourage residents to maintain Ottawa’s beauty including the spring and fall Cleaning the Capital campaign and our Adopt-a Park/Adopt-a-Road program.
You can help the City of Ottawa meet its goal to divert 75% of household waste from the landfill.
Residents are encouraged to report litter hot spots for action by Public Works staff by calling 3-1-1 or reporting online at ServiceOttawa. Put your garbage and recycling out on collection day. Check the garbage and recycling collection calendar for your collection day and be sure to properly package your materials for collection
Cigarette butt litter
Please put your cigarette butts in an ashtray or a butt stop. Cigarettes are litter and do not belong on the ground. Depending on environmental conditions, it can take 18months to 12 years for a cigarette filter to break down. Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, such as arsenic and formaldehyde. Littered cigarette butts can leach toxic chemicals into the environment and can contaminate water, poisoning fish and animals.
Green Bins and the Summer Heat: Fight the Smell
Keep it clean
- Line your green bin with flyers, newspaper or yard waste paper bags to help keep it clean.
- Reuse a plastic bag such as: bread bags, milk bags, grocery and retail bags etc., for bagging organic waste
- Rinse your green bin with a garden hose from time to time, especially if you don’t line your bin with paper.
- Rinse your green bin with lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda to reduce odours and keep bugs out.
- Spray your green bin with cooking oil in the winter to minimize risk of items freezing to the bin and ensure easy removal of waste.
- Keeping your meat or fish scraps in the freezer until collection day helps reduce odours.
Keep animals and bugs away
- Keep your green bin away from fences and deck railings so that animals can't get into it.
- If you do place your bin near a fence or deck railing, secure it with a bungee cord so it doesn’t get knocked over.
- Sprinkling a strong smelling biodegradable repellent such as vinegar or detergent on your green bin helps keep pests away.
- Remember to lock the lid to keep animals out of your green bin.
- Capture fruit flies with a bowl of vinegar covered with plastic wrap with several small holes in it. Empty as required.
- Put salt or vinegar on maggots to kill them. If maggots appear in the green bin, a fly has laid eggs on some exposed food waste.
Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, chili pepper or hot sauce can act as anti-gnawing repellents and help deter animals from taking an interest in your green bin.
Tree Pruning
The city owns over 330,000 street and park trees and works hard to keep them healthy. The city will only prune trees on city property, such as the city-owned portion of the roadway, in front and at the side of residential lots and city parks.
How you can help:
- Water the tree during dry spells (see Watering Your Tree)
- Monitor the tree's condition and reporting to the city any disease, damage or infestations
- Limit construction near the roots of the tree – at least 10 centimetres away from the trunk for every centimetre of trunk diameter. (see the City of Ottawa's Tree Protection Guidelines)
- Many herbicides or weed killers that are used on grass can cause severe damage to trees when misapplied. This can occur on windy days, causing the drift to fall on non-target plants, or on hot days when the herbicide may vaporize and diffuse into the air. While most herbicides do not kill tree roots, some chemicals, such as soil sterilants, will have a detrimental effect on growth. Herbicides that can cause tree damage should have statements on their labels warning against using the product near trees.
- Keep in mind, the property values of landscaped homes are 5 to 20 per cent higher than those without plants.
Should you require additional information on tree pruning, please call 3-1-1. To request city tree maintenance, report a city tree in poor health, or to determine ownership of a tree, click on the button below.
