International Women’s Day
Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day. Since 1911, International Women’s Day has been a time to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and the advancement of women's rights. It is a time to reflect on the social, cultural and political victories that have been won, and to take action on the challenges that remain.
But it is much more than that. It is a time for us to re-commit ourselves to the elimination of gender-based discrimination, oppression and violence. It is a day we call for true gender parity—as the theme for International Women’s Day 2025 declares: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equity. Empowerment.
So join us in the recognition of International Women’s Day and in striving to make our city, country and world a more just place for women and girls.
Riverdale Avenue Functional Design: Notice of Online Public Survey and Project Webpage Launch
The City of Ottawa has initiated a functional design study for transportation improvements to Riverdale Avenue, planned as part of an upcoming integrated road, sewer and water rehabilitation. Staff are looking for the public’s input to help guide the recommended design of transportation elements, including walking, cycling, transit, intersection and traffic calming enhancements for a complete street on Riverdale Avenue.
You are invited to participate in an online public survey for the Riverdale Avenue study which will be open until March 24, 2025. This survey seeks to gather input from the community on the proposed design alternatives and key transportation barriers, concerns and priorities along the corridor.
The survey is available through the project webpage which will serve as a primary destination for residents to find information about the project. It will be updated with new information, newsletters, and opportunities for engagement as the project progresses.
299 Carling Parkette Consultation
As part of its re-development of 299 (291) Carling Avenue, Canada Lands Corporation (CLC) will be building a new parkette for the community, and they want to get your feedback.
Located within the Glebe Annex neighbourhood, fronting onto Lebreton Street South, the park block is 0.14 hectare/0.35 acre in size and once constructed, will contribute to the overall community’s recreational green spaces. The park plan is envisioned to provide a high-level vision as to how the park space will be designed and used, with an intended desire for clear views to the open space, universal accessibility, active and passive uses, spaces for seating and play, and a target percentage tree canopy.
The parkette has been proposed by the Canadian Lands Company at 299 Carling Avenue. In partnership with the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), the space is intended to celebrate and commemorate the heritage of the Algonquin people, as well as provide much-needed greenspace for surrounding communities.
For more information or to provide feedback, please visit the Engage Ottawa page. Feedback will be collected up until March 23.
Mutchmor Book Sale
The Mutchmor book sale is happening from April 10 to 13 at Mutchmor Public School at 185 Fifth Avenue. The sale hours are:
- April 10 and 11: 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- April 12: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- April 13: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Money raised supports the Mutchmor community and their partner schools. It's their biggest fundraiser of the year and with over 20,000 books to choose from!
Confederation Heights Secondary Plan
In 2021, the Canada Lands Company and Public Services and Procurement Canada began its study to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for the Confederation Heights area. In anticipation of a new secondary plan for the area, the City of Ottawa is working with the Canada Lands Company and Public Services and Procurement Canada to align our goals and establish a new planning model for the area throughout this secondary planning process.
The purpose of this study is to prepare a new secondary plan to guide future redevelopment and the planning and implementation of future public infrastructure. The focus will be on the lands primarily comprising the existing federal employment area known as “Confederation Heights”.
The study is generally bounded by: Riverside Drive to the north and west, Data Centre Road to the east, and Brookfield Road to the south.
Please visit: Confederation Heights: Realize the Potential | Canada Lands Company CLC Limited’s website. It provides an overview of their study progress to date and includes information on the Canada Lands Company’s public consultation, goals and objectives, background analysis, draft concept options, and their project timelines.
Motion Passed to Deepen City Building Retrofits
At the Council meeting of February 26, we were pleased to see a motion we tabled at Environment and Climate Change Committee carry unanimously. We know from our Climate Change Master Plan that in 2018, buildings represented 19% of all corporate-level emissions. Up to this point, city staff have done an incredible job of identifying the municipal building retrofits which fit under the existing criteria and within the 8-year aggregate payback period of the Energy and GHG Reduction Program. Now that most of the projects which provided the shortest-term return-of-value (in terms of payback) have been complete, staff have indicated the need for wider criteria for this program in order to continue to achieve—and deepen—municipal retrofits.
Under the direction of this motion, the Infrastructure and Water Services Department will continue their important work of researching new funding and implementation opportunities to retrofit City of Ottawa buildings. Importantly, the motion enables staff to consider expanded parameters for the program, including longer project payback periods and enlarged criteria, which would consider the benefits of GHG reductions in addition to cost and energy savings.
Over the last 14 years, the city has invested a total of $32M in energy and GHG reduction projects which have led to $43.5M in savings. City buildings represent a huge opportunity for us to show leadership in climate action, including steps towards meaningful emissions reductions, while also achieving long-term cost-savings and energy efficiencies.
Committee Approves Green Fleet Strategy
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee today approved the city’s Green Fleet Strategy, which outlines city efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its vehicles. The strategy adopts an agile framework for incorporating new and emerging vehicle technologies and industry trends with the Council-approved goal to reduce GHG emissions by 2040 to 100% below 2012 levels.
The strategy is based on a comprehensive assessment of low-carbon technologies and identifies battery electric vehicles as the most favorable technology. Fuel cell electric vehicles are also seen as a strong contender for heavy-duty vehicles, pending further technology and market advancements. The strategy includes short-term and long-term plans, along with regular reviews, to ensure the city remains current with improvements in zero-emission vehicle technologies.
Overall, the switch to greener vehicles is expected to save the city more than $6 million by 2040.
City Council will review this issue at its March 26 meeting.
Your Capital Ward
Photo by MJ Hawley
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.
Cleaning the Capital 2025 Spring Campaign
With Daylight Saving Time around the corner and the hope of spring’s imminent arrival, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the longer days while contributing to the clean-up of our public spaces. Registration for the Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign will begin on March 14, and cleanup projects will take place across our city between April 15 and May 31.
Residents can register their cleanup projects by using the online form available at ottawa.ca/clean. You can choose from a variety of public spaces to clean, including green spaces and community parks, roadsides, shorelines or even areas around bus stops.
Cleanup kits, which include nitrile gloves and black garbage bags, will be made available for pickup by registrants (upon request) at one of fourteen City of Ottawa facilities across the city.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Newly constructed or replacement traffic signals in the City of Ottawa are built to include Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) to comply with the Design of Public Spaces Standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
APS are devices that use audible, tactile, vibrotactile and visual signage methods to assist all pedestrians, including people who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind to safely cross city streets.
APS signals emit a steady and constant beeping sound, known as a locator tone (listen), to make the push button easier to find for people with limited sight. The locater tone is calibrated so that it is heard only within a few steps from the crosswalk.
APS are activated similarly to any signalized intersection currently equipped with a push button. To activate, simply press the “raised tactile arrow button” once and wait for the walk signal to appear.
The APS audible component is also activated similarly to any signalized intersection equipped with a push button. Holding the “raised tactile arrow button” down for at least three seconds triggers a vibration and a sound to inform pedestrians that the audible component has been triggered; the sound is heard when it is safe to cross.
The Cuckoo sound (listen) indicates the right-of-way pedestrian crossing for north-south travel, while the Canadian Melody sound (listen) for east-west.
If the audible Cuckoo or Canadian Melody is triggered, the push button with the raised tactile arrow pointing in the direction of crossing will also vibrate once the walk signal appears.
Further information on APS design and layout can be found in the City of Ottawa’s Accessible Design Standards.
“Shop Local. Buy Canadian.” Campaign
Local businesses are operating in an environment of considerable uncertainty about our trading relationship with the United States. The City of Ottawa has launched an eight-week Shop Local. Buy Canadian. campaign to mobilize residents and encourage your continued support for local businesses and Canadian products and services.
You can enhance the resiliency of Ottawa’s economy by buying Canadian products and food brands whenever possible. Labels to look for at the grocery store include “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada”. Residents can consult the Made in Canada Grocery Store Guide for a great list of domestic brands and products.
You can also continue your strong support of small and locally-owned businesses. The city’s Business Improvement Areas can provide information on options in their communities. Shop Ottawa maintains an online directory of local businesses, products and services, while Savour Ottawa provides a Buy Local Food Guide to help support local food producers in our region.
Remember to share your positive shopping and dining experiences with friends and family. Support area businesses and entrepreneurs on social media. Amplifying their messaging or providing positive reviews can have an enormous impact for them.
For more information on tariffs, please visit Economic support | City of Ottawa.
Ottawa Public Health Update—March is Nutrition Month
As we celebrate Nutrition Month this March, it's a great time to think about how food is more than just a source of nourishment. It also plays a key role in supporting mental health, building social connections and empowering communities to grow. This year’s theme for Nutrition Month is “Nourish to Flourish.”
The Cultural Significance of Traditional Foods
Traditional foods are passed down through generations. While many cultural groups have their own unique traditions and cuisines, these meals are shared symbols of family, heritage and pride.
For example:
- West African Egusi soup, Mexican tamales, and Chinese Dim sum are enjoyed during communal meals and represent strong family bonds.
- Jerk chicken, with its distinctive spice blend, is a symbol of Caribbean creativity and resilience.
- Risotto, a classic Italian dish, is often shared during celebratory meals, bringing people together to enjoy its comforting texture.
- Injera, served in Ethiopia, fosters unity and connection as everyone eats from the same platter.
- Soup joumou marks Haiti’s freedom and independence, traditionally enjoyed on New Year's Day to commemorate a pivotal historical moment.
- Hummus and falafel, staples in Middle Eastern cuisine, embody hospitality and warmth.
Food as a Social Connector
Food brings individuals, families, and communities together. Sharing meals, especially those served family-style with large platters at the centre, is a cherished tradition that fosters connection and togetherness.
Whether it's a potluck, a wedding feast, or a weekend family dinner, these gatherings encourage sharing of not just food, but stories, laughter, strong relationships, and a sense of community.
Meals That Nourish the Body
Meals from around the world are deeply rooted in rich, diverse traditions that celebrate nourishing, whole ingredients. These include:
- Leafy greens like callaloo, collard greens, kale, or spinach are high in iron, calcium, and vitamins, which help maintain bone health and energy levels.
- Root vegetables like beets, yams, cassava, and sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants, which support digestive health.
- Fish like tilapia, mackerel, salmon, or sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health.
- Beans and lentils are plant-based proteins that are higher in fiber and lower in saturated fat compared to animal protein, promoting a healthy heart.
Adapting Meals
Sometimes, making small changes to ingredients can make meals even healthier, all while preserving their delicious flavors and cultural significance.
Here are some ideas:
- Curry dishes: Use leaner cuts of meat like skinless chicken breast or lean goat meat or tofu for plant-based protein. Try to reduce the amount of oil used in the curry and choose lower sodium broth more often.
- Fried plantains or potatoes: Instead of frying, try baking them. This reduces the amount of oil used while still preserving the natural sweetness of these starchy vegetables.
- White rice: Replace with brown rice, millet, and fonio. These options add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
- Stews and sauces: Boost flavour and nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
Nourish to Flourish
As we celebrate Nutrition Month 2025 this March, let’s remember the power of nutrition. Through small changes and adaptations, we can ensure that the meals we love and that bring us together nourish our bodies, our sense of identity, and our community.
For more information and resources on healthy eating and nutrition, please visit the OPH website.
Civic Events Funding Application is Now Open
The Civic Events Funding stream of Community 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 priority populations
- Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members or priority groups
- Promote equity and inclusion
Civic Events Funding prioritizes events that are directed towards the priority populations specified in the Community Funding Framework Policy Statement, including Francophones, immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members, older adults, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, racialized people, rural residents, women, and youth.
Priority neighbourhoods, as defined by the Neighbourhood Equity Index, are also a priority.
For more information and to apply, please visit Ottawa.ca.
- Deadline for application: Wednesday April 2, 2025, at 4:00 pm
- Funding available: $50,000
- Maximum funding per agency: $3,000
- Applicants are advised of the results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025
