As August nears an end, one of the highlights of summer is upon us, Capital Pride!
On Saturday, August 19, Ottawa will kick off the 2023 Capital Pride Festival, an annual event to celebrate Ottawa’s Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual + (2SLGBTQQIA+) community. During this national and global climate of rising anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ hate, it is a critical time for us all to recognize our roles in creating spaces where everyone feels they can be their true selves and foster a sense of belonging. The flag raisings happening across the city symbolize our collective celebration of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and a unified stance against hate.
This year’s theme, Get Proud, encourages us to mobilize against hate and continue to strive for progress—something the festival has allowed us to do as a community since the first celebration in June 1986 in Strathcona Park. The 2023 festival will run from Saturday, August 19 until Sunday, August 27.
I hope everyone is able to enjoy Pride week as we continue to make Ottawa a more welcoming, inclusive and safer city for all our residents.
Grand Allee Park update
We are excited to announce that work will be starting tomorrow on the Grande Alle Park between Main Street and Deschatelets Avenue, and should continue through December. Site preparation will include the installation of construction fencing and tree pruning from the storm damage.
LRT update
This summer, we have suffered through significant disruptions to our light rail system. Shortly after it had been closed for routine maintenance, it experienced a catastrophic failure that has kept the system down for most of the summer.
Even now, after the problem with the bearings has been identified, we are only running single trains and are forced to run some replacement shuttle express buses in order to keep the system operating and prevent even more residents for losing total faith in our system.
The Shuttle Express will operate in the morning peak period from Blair Station to downtown and from Tunney’s Pasture to downtown. In the afternoon peak period, the shuttle will run from downtown to Blair and Tunney’s Pasture. This service will be in addition to Line 1 service and will offer our customers an additional travel option during the busiest commuting times.
Shuttle Express will run every 10 minutes and will operate on:
- Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 9am:
- Blair Station to downtown with service on Mackenzie King Bridge and on Albert Street
- Tunney’s Pasture to downtown with service on Slater Street and Mackenzie King Bridge
- Monday to Friday from 3 to 6pm:
- Downtown to Blair Station with service on Slater Street and Mackenzie King Bridge
- Downtown to Tunney’s Pasture Station with service on Mackenzie King Bridge and on Albert Street
In addition, when OC Transpo’s Fall Service Change goes into effect on August 27, it is expected that 13 single-car trains will operate every four minutes during peak periods. The remainder of the day and on weekends, 11 single-car trains will run every five minutes. This frequency of rail service, supplemented by Shuttle Express, will accommodate anticipated customer volumes.
The Transit Commission is the channel for OC Transpo to provide operational and technical updates. OC Transpo will be bringing a full report on the axle bearing root cause analysis to the Transit Commission meeting on October 12. This report will be published in early October and will include technical reports including research results from the National Research Council and Transportation Safety Board. At this meeting, we will also provide an update on issues related to freezing rain and lightning strikes.
Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including a public service announcement, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance, call 613- 560-5000, or use the Transit App. Schedules are available by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus the bus stop number.
A functioning and reliable transit system is imperative for a healthy, prosperous and equitable city. I will be using my role as Transit Commissioner to continue fighting for better train and bus service in our ward and for our entire city.
Percy Avenue Rapid Bridge Replacement
The Ministry’s of Ontario’s planned replacement of the Queensway’s Percy overpass had been scheduled for last weekend, but it has been delayed. At this time, we don’t have new date for the work.
Because of this project, Chamberlain Avenue needs to be closed. We have been working with city staff to get proper detour and “local traffic only” signage on residential streets at Bronson Avenue, to reduce potential cut-through traffic.
During the closure of Chamberlain, route 55 will routed along Glebe Avenue to Bank, before travelling north to connect with Isabella. This is only a temporary change during construction.
Lansdowne Park Public Consultation
The City of Ottawa is getting ready to host a Lansdowne 2.0 virtual public engagement session on September 6th at 6:00 pm (register here).
The session will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the City of Ottawa City initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment. These are required to clarify policies within the Official Plan (OP) pertaining to the Lansdowne Special District and ensure OP compatibility and compliance.
Staff will provide a presentation which will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
Please send any questions in advance of the public information session to [email protected].
We remain concerned with the proposal as it currently stands. You can read our concerns at our website.
Route 7 Update
As road re-construction begins on Grove and Grosvenor, the route 7 bus leaving Carleton will be temporarily re-routed down Sunnyside Avenue. This will continue throughout the fall. Once the construction has ended, route 7 will return to its normal route along Seneca and Grove for the winter. When construction resumes in the spring, the Sunnyside detour will again be used.
Recently, OC Transpo conducted a review of route 7 to determine if it should be permanently re-routed down Sunnyside. After much consideration and discussion with staff, residents and the community association, it has been decided that route 7 will remain on its current route down Seneca and Grove, the route it has used for a century.
Our office has serious concerns about running the bus along Sunnyside. We worry it will further clog the Bank and Sunnyside intersection as numerous buses an hour try to make a left turn there.
During the construction, we will monitor how the Sunnyside detour works. We can then re-visit the decision to keep the 7 on its current route.
Innovations for Seniors
Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS) is inviting residents from Old Ottawa South, Old Ottawa East, the Glebe, Heron Park, Alta Vista and beyond to hear about plans for the Senior's Health Innovations Hub (SHIH) for central Ottawa. The SHIH will work with our partners towards innovations that include a Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic, housing, technology, home care and caregiver support. Representatives from the communities and local support agencies have developed a "Guide to Healthy Aging in the Community".
The event will be held on Wednesday August 23 at 6:30 pm in Windsor Park, under the open tent.
Have your say on Queen Elizabeth Drive
For the second summer in a row, the NCC has opened QED for pedestrians and bicyclists between Fifth Avenue and Somerset Street West—this year from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Right now, the NCC is conducting a survey to get public feedback on the program. You can visit the NCC’s website to complete the survey and to get more information about the program.
Kids ride for free!
Did you know? Starting this summer, kids 12 and under now ride OC Transpo for free!
If you’re taking a bus or Para Transpo, simply board without paying a fare.
If you’re taking O-Train Line 1, you can:
- Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult like a parent or guardian.
- Tap through the fare gate with your Child card or school board issued Presto card, if you have one.
For assistance, please call the video chat agent at the ticket machine or pick up an information phone near the fare gates.
Carleton University Fall Orientation Week
From Sunday, September 3 to Friday, September 8th, Carleton University’s Fall Orientation program will be running. The program welcomes over 2,500 new students to Carleton University. Throughout the week there will be activities at Carleton, with the closing concert on Friday, September 8th. We have worked with Councillor Menard to ensure a smooth event for new students and surrounding community members. If you have any questions or concerns about the week, please email the Fall Orientation Team at [email protected].
City Sounds Live in Old Ottawa South
The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is thrilled to announce the return of City Sounds Live 2023—a series of 20 FREE musical performances animating multiple outdoor locations across Ottawa. We’re happy to say that one the shows will be in Old Ottawa South:
Thursday August 24
Chef’s Paradise, 1314 Bank Street, Old Ottawa South
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Artists: Raphael Weinroth-Browne, Kathryn Patricia Cobbler, Dimitri & Kosta Georgaras
For more information and a list of all shows, please visit www.ottawamic.com/citysoundslive.
Traffic delays expected this weekend due to Bronson closure
Bronson Avenue, between Slater and Albert streets, will close from 7 am on Friday, August 18 until 10 pm on Sunday, August 20 which will cause traffic delays in the area.
This upcoming temporary closure is to facilitate sewer and watermain construction work as part of the Albert/Queen/Slater/Bronson reconstruction project.
Traffic detours will be in place for the duration of the closures. There are no impacts to OCTranspo transit routes.
Parking and local access
On-street parking will not be possible during the closures, and signage will be in place. Local access will be maintained for residents, business owners and emergency vehicles only.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrian and cyclist access through the work area will be maintained where possible. Detours and signage will be in place.
Stay informed
- Visit ottawa.ca/albertreconstruction for additional details and specific traffic impacts.
- Sign up for the project newsletters to receive regular project updates.
- Contact the project team at [email protected].
Billings Bridge Bike Lanes and Bank Street Bus Lane
Next week, the Transportation Committee will consider a proposal from city staff to put bicycle lanes on the Billings Bridge and to create a bus priority lane on Bank Street (northbound) during the afternoon rush hour.
These proposals stem from the current project to revitalize Bank Street south of the river. We’ve been hearing from many residents about the need for increased safety on the Billings Bridge. After much consultation and discussions with staff, we’re happy to see the proposal for bicycle lanes on the bridge.
OC Transpo is also proposing to implement a bus-only lane going northbound on Bank Street between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm. During this time, parking will be prohibited on the east side of Bank Street. This change will increase service and reliability for route 6.
We have heard concerns from businesses along Bank Street pertaining to the loss of parking, and we are currently working on ways to mitigate the disruption to businesses.
You can find more information about this project at Engage Ottawa.
Sidewalk repairs
You may have noticed orange, white or yellow spray paint appearing along cracked and crumbled sidewalks. That’s the first step in the city’s sidewalk repair project. Throughout late spring and into summer, the city began identifying problem sidewalks and has now begun sending crews out to fix these broken sidewalks. This work began July 31 and will be continuing until November 30.
If you have a sidewalk that needs repair, please contact the city by phoning 311 or emailing [email protected].
Caldwell Family Centre needs support
Facing unprecedented demand for food bank and social support services, the Caldwell Family Centre has issued an urgent appeal to help raise $75,000 to help keep the centre’s programs going until the end of September.
The Caldwell Family Centre, a registered charity, has been working to alleviate the effects of poverty since 1984. Programs include: a food bank, free breakfast and lunch, a computer café, a gently used item store, free clothing program, employment readiness programs, family support services, and social activities.
You can help by donating directly to the centre at www.caldwellfamilycentre.ca.
Your Capital Ward
Photo by Steve West
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.
Update: Riverside Drive southbound lane reductions
This month, a series of weekend closures will impact one of two southbound lanes on Riverside Drive at Terminal Avenue. Traffic from Highway 417 heading south on Riverside towards Hurdman Station will experience delays.
The proposed work will occur on the west lane of Riverside Drive just south of the Terminal Avenue intersection, for approximately 150 metres. There will also be work conducted on Terminal Avenue eastbound, in the south turning lane from the Transitway to Riverside Drive.
The lane closure is necessary to facilitate the decommissioning of the current operating sewers and relocate the City storm and sanitary sewers on 1460 Riverside Drive into the City’s right of way.
The 24-hour construction work to the 150-metre length of Riverside Drive will be conducted in stages over several weekends to minimize traffic impacts during regular peak periods. The lane reduction is expected over the following three weekends:
- Friday, August 18 at 9:00 am until Monday, August 21 at 3:00 pm (tentative)
- Friday, August 25 at 9:00 am until Monday, August 28 at 3:00 pm (tentative)
Road signage will be in place to notify residents of the impacted zone and closures, but it is recommended to consider alternate routes.
Construction progress
The City of Ottawa recognizes the impacts of construction on day-to-day activities, and strives to complete projects in an efficient, coordinated and timely manner to minimize disruption as much as possible.
Construction timelines related to the Riverside Drive lane closure may be adjusted depending on the progress of each phase. Should additional weekend work be required, residents will be notified as soon as possible.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrian and cyclist access through the work zone will be maintained at all times during construction.
Stay informed!
- Visit ottawa.ca/1460riversidedrive for additional details and specific traffic impacts
- Sign up for the project newsletters to receive regular project updates.
Registration is now open for the fall Cleaning the Capital campaign
Nothing is more spectacular than the fall colours in and around Ottawa. This September, help make those views in your community even more enjoyable by registering for Cleaning the Capital.
Thanks to nearly 37,000 participants, the spring campaign was a big success with over 970 projects registered and approximately 30,000 kilograms of waste collected. Since Cleaning the Capital began in 1994, over 1.4 million volunteers have participated, and it is estimated that over 1,000,000 kilograms of waste has been removed from our public spaces.
Registration is now open until Sunday, October 1 and can be easily done online. You can choose from a variety of public spaces to help clean up, such as community parks, roadsides, and shorelines.
Here are some important dates for the fall campaign:
- Friday, September 15 to Sunday, October 15: Fall Cleaning the Capital campaign
- Sunday, October 1: Registration closes
- Tuesday, October 31: Deadline to submit your online cleanup report
Starter cleanup kits are available upon request. To learn more about the campaign or register your project, visit ottawa.ca/clean.
How can the City of Ottawa support the uptake of electric vehicles?
Moving away from gas and diesel vehicles is one of the most important actions that we can take to achieve Ottawa’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. Electric vehicles are one key way to do this.
To support the uptake of electric vehicles, the City of Ottawa is developing a personal electric vehicle strategy which aims to set direction for:
- Increasing the number of charging stations and making it easier to charge at home
- Increasing access to electric vehicles for everyone
- Continuing to work with partners to deliver educational events that promote electric vehicles
- Advocating to other levels of government for supportive policies and incentives for electric vehicle adoption
Have your say by completing the survey. Your input will help the City prioritize the actions required to support the transition to electric vehicles and inform the personal electric vehicle strategy.
Reducing the reliance on personal vehicles and increasing the number of cycling, walking and transit trips is also important for reducing emissions in Ottawa. This is being addressed in the Transportation Master Plan.
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.
