Happy Canada Day! I hope everyone will be able to get out, relax and enjoy yourselves this long weekend…and throughout the summer. There are a lot of great outdoor spaces in Ottawa and throughout Capital Ward. We’re lucky to have the canal, the river, parks and pathways, and lively streets. We should all take advantage as we can!
Our office at City Hall will remain open throughout the summer, though at a reduced capacity, as our team takes some time off to re-charge before things pick up in the fall. Feel free to contact us with any issues that may arise, but if something needs urgent attention, you can call 311.
Lansdowne 2.0 Survey Results and Site Tour
On Monday this week, our office led a walking tour of Lansdowne Park to talk about the Lansdowne 2.0, identifying key locations in the park that will be altered proposal and highlighting potential improvements. We had a great turnout and great discussions, and I want to thank everyone for coming out and participating.
And I’d like to thank Carolyn MacKenzie of the Glebe Community Association for coming out to speak to the crowd and present the scale model of the Lansdowne 2.0 proposal developed by residents.
You can watch the CBC news report here.
Survey Results
We have also released the results of our office’s public survey on the Lansdowne 2.0 proposal. Residents have strong and considered opinions about the future of Lansdowne, and their feedback can help shape a vision for the park that will help us design something that let will help this important city asset reach its potential.
Since this proposal was drafted before any public consultations were held, we believe it is important that before it goes back before city council, it needs to incorporate feedback from residents.
Here are a few key highlights from the survey, but you can read more at our website, www.betterlansdowne.ca/lansdowne_survey:
- 65% of respondents oppose the current Lansdowne 2.0 proposal in its entirety, with most key aspects of the proposal receiving greater opposition.
- 79% of respondents oppose a net-loss of accessible greenspace at Lansdowne Park, including a majority of respondents from each region of the city.
- 86% of respondents support making Lansdowne Park more welcoming for pedestrians, bicyclists and other active transportation users, even if it makes the surface of the site less accessible to cars. Respondents from every region of Ottawa were in favour of this.
- 85% of respondents support a residential built form that is not as tall as what is currently proposed, with the most popular response in each region of Ottawa being for a mid-rise option
- 67% of respondents felt there should either be less residential units proposed here or none at all.
- 58% of respondents felt there should either be less parking or no parking proposed as part of Lansdowne 2.0. The number one response from respondents in each region of the city was for there to be no additional parking at Lansdowne (with the exception of Rural respondents).
- 62% of respondents support a requirement for non-market affordable housing as part Lansdowne 2.0.
We thank everyone who has completed the survey, participated in consultations, and sent in comments to city staff and our office. We know you only have so much time to dedicate to city consultations, so we appreciate all your efforts.
If you want to learn more about the proposal, as well as our 5 Ways to Improve Lansdowne 2.0, you can visit our website A Better Lansdowne. While you’re there, please consider signing our petition.
Lansdowne 2.0 Financial Transparency Open Letter
Last weekend, a group of prominent residents released an open letter to “highlight issues around the transparency of Lansdowne 2.0 financial and risk analysis.” The letter calls on the mayor to commit to “provide full financial transparency” on this matter.
The letter is signed by:
- Kevin Page, President and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa, and former Parliamentary Budget Officer
- Joanne Chianello, Manager, Strategy Corp, and former CBC and Ottawa Citizen reporter
- Michael Wernick, former Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada, and current Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management
- Penney Collenette, Board Director and Lawyer
- Paul Champ, Lawyer, Champ & Associates
The letter includes a list of 18 questions relating to the Lansdowne 2.0 proposal, and the signatories request that the city’s Auditor General be able to respond to these questions before a final decision is made about the future of the park.
You can read the full letter here [PDF].
We’ll continue providing updates about Lansdowne 2.0 in future bulletins, on our website and through our social media channels.
Bicycling Lanes on Lees Avenue Consultation (Lees Avenue Bridge to Chestnut Street) Consultation
The city is undertaking the resurfacing of a segment of Lees Avenue from west of the Lees Avenue Bridge at the O-Train Line to Chestnut Street. The resurfacing project provides the opportunity for the city to build separated cycling lanes on the north side of the roadway and make improvements to the existing cycling lanes on the south side of the roadway. The project will allow for greater mobility in the neighbourhood to Lees Avenue transit, including the Lees Avenue LRT station. The project will include:
- Widening of existing east bound cycling lanes to two meters
- A new two-meter westbound cycling lane installed from Chestnut Avenue to the west side of the Lees Avenue Bridge
- The ultimate plan for the cycling lanes will include pinned curbs, flex posts, traffic signage and pavement markings
The ultimate plan will see the removal of approximately 28 parking spots along Lees Avenue.
This is an important project for our community. Residents have been asking for safe, protected bicycling facilities along this well-used route, and we believe the city has developed a plan that will make the neighbourhood safer and more accessible for residents.
You can have your say at the Engage Ottawa website.
Or contact:
Elizabeth Murphy, P.Eng.
Program Manager of Transportation Engineering Services
Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department
City of Ottawa
613-355-8465 / E-mail: [email protected]
Changes to the Right-of-Way Rules
On Wednesday, council debated changes to what’s allowed on the Right of Way (ROW). The ROW is the utility corridor that belongs to the city, but it often falls within people’s front yards. Currently, residents are required to maintain turf grass on the ROW, and growing food and landscaping are not technically permitted, because of concerns about site lines, accessing utility infrastructure, snow storage and parking. However, in practice, this rule is only enforced when someone complains or if the action creates a problem. It’s possible to get permission on a one-off basis to do things like putting in a pollinator garden where the ROW abuts public land.
The revision of the bylaw came to Transportation Committee on June 22 and to City Council on June 28. This was the city’s attempt to liberalize and standardize their approach. However, it came with certain prohibitions that we believe were too restrictive, and countered the city’s broader goals for climate change, equity and community building.
In response to numerous community delegations at Transportation Committee and advocacy from the group Just Food, councillors brought a number of revisions to the bylaw that passed council.
Our office passed a motion to increase the height of plantings on the ROW from 0.75 metres to 1 metre, in order to allow for a greater diversity of plants which support local pollinators, help sequester carbon and filter stormwater. Other changes included updating the list of invasive species prohibited in the ROW, and loosening the rules on little free libraries.
There were two particularly contentious items that came up. The bylaw revision would prohibit growing food in the ROW (due to soil contamination concerns) and prohibit the installation of planter boxes. Staff were directed to review these rules and report back to council next spring.
In the interest of food security and community-building, our office passed a direction for staff to consider expanding the inventory of trees allowed in the right of way to include fruit- and nut-producing species. All in all, the changes initiated by the city and instigated by residents, community groups and councillors should make for a more interesting, resilient and beautiful city.
Main Street Three-Stream Waste Bins
We are happy to report that the city has installed four three-stream waste bins along Main Street. Three-stream bins offer waste disposal, recycling and composting options in line with the city’s waste reduction goals.
The bins are located at:
- Lees Avenue (southeast corner)
- Des Oblats (southeast corner)
- Des Oblats (east side, mid-block)
- Hazel (northwest corner)
We have been working with the community and with city staff to get these waste bins in at appropriate locations in the neighbourhood. Thanks to everyone who spoke to us about this. We’re glad to see this work pay off.
Bronson 417 Bridge Replacement
The Bronson Avenue bridge is scheduled to be replaced July 14 to 16, with Highway 417 being closed at 8:00 pm Thursday July 13, and is expected to reopen by Monday July 17. Bronson Avenue between Chamberlain and Catherine Streets is scheduled to be fully closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, starting July 6 for three weeks to allow for the Bronson bridge replacement work.
You can visit the Ministry of Transportation’s website for more information.
A Company of Fools presents Hamlet
This summer, the local theatre troupe A Company of Fools will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet, performing in parks across Eastern Ontario, and we get a couple of performances right here in Capital Ward!
They’ll be in Windsor Park on July 8 and August 26, and Patterson Creek on August 4. Performances begin at 7:00 pm.
Learn more here.
House of PainT—Call for Volunteers
Support Ottawa’s largest celebration of Hip Hop and urban arts! In 2023, House of PainT is celebrating 20 years of uplifting local artists and creating a space for the community to come together and celebrate Hip Hop arts and culture. They need individuals who are passionate about highlighting breakdance, graffiti, spoken word and Hip Hop music in the city.
They need enthusiastic individuals to join our growing community. Volunteers receive a free House of PainT 2023 t-shirt, food and beverage while on shift, and entry to all events.
If interested, please register here: forms.gle/a6RH3xDtM9hRuGu86, or contact [email protected] for more information.
Drowning Prevention/Water Safety
Summer is upon us and pools, beaches and water parks are now open.
Did you know that drowning can occur in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water?
There are many things you can do to keep you and your family safe around water. Here are some important water safety tips:
- Stay within arm’s reach of children at all times, when in and around water
- Ensure children and weaker swimmers are wearing a life jacket or a personal floatation device when, in and around water
- Distraction free supervision - don’t text, read or run in and out of the house when children are near or in water
- Ensure that your backyard pool is not accessible to children by using multiple layers of protection (e.g.: fences, self-closing gates)
- Don’t consume drugs or alcohol when supervising and swimming with children
- Keep safety equipment and a phone close
- Register yourself and your family in swimming lessons. Swimming is a life skill that lasts a lifetime.
For more information on water safety, please visit: Ottawa Public Health and https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety.aspx
It’s Beach Season!
Daily water sampling at the City of Ottawa’s supervised beaches began on Saturday June 17.
Water quality results are available at https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/beaches. You can also find the most recent results on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Every day our summer students take five samples from each supervised beach to a lab for testing. That will be 1440 samples, or 288 litres of water, this year!
Our students make observations around water clarity, wind speed and direction, wave action, and bird activity. They also analyze rainfall and water level data to help us make the best predictions of water quality that we can.
When the most recent results for water quality fail to meet Provincial standards we issue a swimming advisory, telling the public that swimming is not recommended at those locations.
Other seasonal inspection work includes outdoor pool, splash pad and wading pool inspections. There are over 50 wading pools and 150 splash pads inspected every summer!
Beaches, outdoor pools, wading pools, and splash pads are all great places to cool off on a hot summer day.
Household Hazardous Waste Event Happening on Sunday, July 9 at the Conroy Snow Dump
The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Sunday, July 9 at the Conroy Snow Dump, 3100 Conroy Road. Residents are welcome to bring their hazardous materials to the event between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Of course, you don’t have to wait; the city’s Waste Explorer points to retailers where residents can return many items daily!
Please note that electronic waste is not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events hosted by the city. Residents can bring electronic waste to retailers by checking Ottawa.ca/WasteExplorer. They can also attend electronic waste drop-off events hosted by Junk That Funk or bring electronic waste to the Trail Road Landfill Facility at no cost.
For information on household hazardous waste, visit Ottawa.ca/hhw.
A Notice from the Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital has sent us the following update on construction of the new Civic campus:
Noise by-law exemption application
The next phase of work requires our construction teams to access the Trillium Line LRT trench. This work is coordinated carefully with the City of Ottawa and TransitNEXT, the company charged with extending the Trillium Line.
Construction crews will endeavor to complete as much work as possible during regular daytime hours. However, some overnight work will be required over the next four months and may sometimes exceed the noise levels permitted by Ottawa’s noise by-law. Crews will make every possible effort to limit noise overnight. A noise by-law exemption application has been submitted to the City by our contractor for approval.
Blasting will continue this summer
An initial round of blasting took place this spring and a second round of blasting is planned for this summer, following work in the LRT trench.
We will advise your office once the details of the blasting plan and dates are finalized. We will also notify neighbourhood associations and the public.
Updates on public engagement
The Ottawa Hospital will participate in the upcoming Environmental Assessment for a direct link from the new hospital to the Dow’s Lake LRT station.
In addition, we continue to engage our community through a Community Advisory Council (neighbourhood associations, regional hospitals, and community health partners), an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle, (First Nation, Inuit and Métis leaders, physicians, health providers and community members from across the hospital’s service region) to guide the Hospital in building a common future for Indigenous health and healing, focused on meaningful involvement and engagement of Indigenous Peoples. A new Patient and Family Advisory Committee will focus on the new campus development.
Nominations Open for 12th Annual Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
The city is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching.
You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from the Order of Ottawa award webpage. The submission deadline is Friday, September 8 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
A list of Order of Ottawa inductees is prominently displayed on a wall on the first floor of Ottawa City Hall and posted online. Nominations from the public are reviewed and recipients of the Order of Ottawa are chosen by a Selection Committee that includes the Mayor, City Clerk, Chief of Police, City Archivist, Chief Executive Officer of Library Services and the Chief of Protocol (ex-officio member).
You can find more information about both awards on the Order of Ottawa award webpage.
Nominations by immediate family members, self-nominations, and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. Elected municipal, provincial and federal officials are not eligible while in office.
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.
How to Get the Most out of your Canada Day in the City of Ottawa
The city’s Canada Day webpage has information on community happenings, pools and splash pads to enjoy, Indigenous events and reflections, fireworks guidelines, changes to city services and how to stay safe as you enjoy your Canada Day activities.
National Canada Day Celebrations
On July 1, enjoy the shows and activities taking place at LeBreton Flats Park in the heart of Ottawa-Gatineau. The Government of Canada has a full list of programing for Canada Day celebrations between 9 am and 10:30 pm at LeBreton Flats Park and activities elsewhere in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Many roads in the downtown core will be closed to regular traffic, so getting around downtown on Canada Day will be challenging. Plan your route ahead of time and expect delays. Public transit is your best option.
For the most current road conditions, visit the City’s interactive traffic map and select both the ‘Events’ and ‘Incidents’ fields.
During Canada Day celebrations a number of fly-pasts are planned and no cause for concern. For information on these fly-pasts follow Royal Canadian Air Force’s social channels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds on Twitter.
Free Transit Service on Canada Day
OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across the city, with free service all day on O-Train Line 1, buses and Para Transpo. OC Transpo will have extra service running throughout the day and into the evening. Para Transpo service will run until 3 am, with last trips booked for 2 am.
With the main event taking place at LeBreton Flats again this year, OC Transpo wants to make sure you know how to get to and from the event site with ease. OC Transpo’s Travel Planner is the best way to plan your trip!
Transit Services
- Bus service and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a special Canada Day schedule. Line 1 will operate from 6 am to 2 am. Bus service times will vary from route to route, customers are encouraged to use the Travel Planner to plan their trip or to visit the Schedules & Maps section of our website.
- On Monday, July 3, bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with enhanced service on Routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on Routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau in peak periods. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am.
- Rural Shopper Route 301 will run on Monday, July 3.
- OC Transpo Customer Service (613-560-5000) will be open from 7 am to 9 pm.
- OC Transpo’s Customer Service Centre located at the Rideau Centre will be open:
- Friday, June 30 - 9:30 am to 9 pm
- Saturday, July 1 - 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday, July 2 - 11 am to 6 pm.
- OC Transpo Lost and Found at Heartwood House will be closed on Monday, July 3.
- Para Transpo:
- Para Transpo will operate a holiday service. Regular scheduled trips on Saturday, July 1 will be automatically cancelled. Customers can book trips for Canada Day between Saturday, June 24, and Friday, June 30, by using My Para Transpo or calling 613-560-5000.
- The reservation line will be open from 7 am to 5 pm.
- The trip information and cancellation line will be open from 6 am to 12:30 am.
- Para Transpo customers can also text 57272 (5-PARA) to live text with Customer Service Representatives for information and cancellations.
- The Taxi Coupon line will remain open.
Leave Early and Arrive on Time at LeBreton Flats
- July 1 is a busy day for transit, so allow plenty of time.
- For easy site entry and to enjoy the Government of Canada’s full festival programming, take O-Train Line 1 or a bus to Lyon Station and walk to the event site entrance via Wellington Street. Please note that some detours will be in effect downtown due to road closures. Check com for the latest detour information.
- For Para Transpo and patrons with accessibility needs:
- Customers travelling to LeBreton Flats on Canada Day will be dropped off at the designated Para Transpo drop off point, adjacent to the Group Entry for the War Museum on Vimy Place.
- Customers with accessibility needs can use Pimisi Station until 8 pm to access the LeBreton Flats event site via Booth Street. They will be directed to an accessible entry point. Visit ca/canada-day for information regarding accessibility measures at the event site.
After the LeBreton Flats Fireworks
- Customers travelling eastbound can take O-Train Line 1 train service at Pimisi Station. Convenient connections are available at Hurdman, St-Laurent, Rideau and Blair stations to many bus routes.
- To manage the large number of customers using transit, queue lines for eastbound rail service will be in place along Booth Street and marked with special signage.
- Customers travelling westbound, including those destined to Tunney’s Pasture Station, will be directed to bus service on Routes 57, 61, 62, 63, 74 or 75 on Albert Street at Booth Street. To reduce crowding at Pimisi Station, O-Train Line 1 trains will bypass Pimisi Station when travelling westbound after the fireworks.
- Westbound bus customers and pedestrians will use the west side of Booth Street to access Albert Street. OC Transpo staff will be available to help direct customers.
- Customers also have the option to walk to Lyon or Parliament stations and take the train east or west.
- At Lyon Station, entrances will be designated by direction of travel on the train. Customers should follow the signage onsite.
- At Parliament Station, passengers can access both elevator and main station entry via the south sidewalk along Queen Street. Customers should follow the signage onsite.
- For Para Transpo and patrons with accessibility needs:
- Customers travelling from Lebreton Flats will be picked up where they were dropped off at the designated Para Transpo pick up/drop off point, adjacent to the Group Entry for the War Museum on Vimy Place.
- There will be a designated accessible queue line with an entry point at Wellington and Booth Street.
Fireworks Regulations and Safety
The city reminds residents about the by-law regulations around Canada Day fireworks—including no discharging on public properties, age requirements and maintaining safe operating distances.
Over the past few years, the City has received public complaints and emergency calls about fireworks, including discharging fireworks in parks and debris left behind, firework-related grass fires and displays posing danger to residents and property.
So, before the fuse is lit, here are some things to know in advance:
- Purchasing fireworks
- The sale of consumer fireworks is prohibited in Ottawa, except on Canada Day and the seven business days leading up to it.
- Firecrackers prohibited in Ottawa and Ontario
- Under the provincial law and the City’s fireworks by-law, the sale and use of firecrackers are strictly prohibited.
- Location and age requirement for discharging fireworks
- Fireworks displays must be directly supervised by an adult, 18 years and older, and must take place on private property—with permission from the property owner. Even on private properties, fireworks cannot be discharged if it poses danger to other individuals and properties. This will include any property nearby other homes, apartments, roadways, sidewalks and public spaces.
- No discharging fireworks on City parks and sports fields
- Discharging fireworks is not allowed on City property—which includes all parks, sports fields and beaches.
- School properties and sports fields are out of bounds too
- The four local school boards—Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Le Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est and Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario—do not allow discharging fireworks on all school premises, including all track and sports field areas.
Recreation and Cultural Services
- Many indoor pools and arenas, as well as recreation and community centres will be open and operating on a modified schedule. Please check the facility’s pages on ottawa.ca for closures or schedule changes.
- 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.
- All art centres, theatres, galleries, archives and museums will be closed on Monday, July 3.
- Mooney’s Bay, Britannia and Petrie Island beaches will open on Saturday, July 1 and supervised from noon to 7 pm.
Library Services
- All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, July 3. Virtual services, loans and programs can be accessed on the Ottawa Public Library website.
Ottawa Public Health
- Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page for vaccination clinic hours and availability.
- Visit the ParentingInOttawa web page for vaccination clinic hours and availability.
- The Sexual Health Clinic and satellite clinics will be closed.
- The Site program office and supervised consumption services at 179 Clarence Street will be closed. The Site mobile van will operate from 5 to 11:30 pm.
- The Ottawa Public Health Information Centre and the COVID-19 booking line will be closed.
- Dental clinics will be closed.
- The Parenting-In-Ottawa drop-ins will be closed.
Municipal Child-Care Services
- All municipal child-care centres will be closed.
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 Service Centres at Ottawa City Hall, Ben Franklin Place, 580 Terry Fox Drive and 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.
- The City of Ottawa Spay and Neuter clinic at 26 Concourse Gate will be closed.
Green Bin, Recycling and Garbage Collection
- There will be no impacts to green bin, recycling and garbage collection.
- Residents can sign up to receive collection reminders and service alerts by email or phone call at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar.
- The Trail Waste Facility will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking
- All city parking regulations and restrictions apply.
City By-Laws for a Safe and Respectful Canada Day
The City of Ottawa is ensuring Canada Day remains safe and respectful for all residents and visitors. This will include enforcement of all by-laws regarding noise, litter, fireworks, and on-street parking and stopping.
- Ticketing and towing
- The City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) will have Officers out on the streets ensuring all parking regulations are observed by residents and visitors. All vehicles found failing to observe the no-stopping zones will be ticketed and towed. Parking time limits and no parking zones outside the centre core will also be strictly enforced.
- Ensuring all other by-laws observed
- In addition to parking violations, BLRS Officers will ensure all City of Ottawa by-laws are obeyed by residents and visitors:
- No unnecessary motor-vehicle or other noise, including speakers or shouting
- No unnecessary motor-vehicle idling
- No encumbering a sidewalk or roadway by any means, including setting up tents or other illegal structures
- No public urination and defecation
- No open air fires
- No littering
- Discharging of fireworks—contravening any regulations under Fireworks By-Law.
Tickets will be issued to any individual in violation of any City of Ottawa by-law. Fines for many of these municipal by-law violations have been recently raised to $1,000.
