Ottawa Shows its (Capital) Pride

It’s August and that means it’s Pride Month in the capital!

The Capital Pride Festival will run from August 16 to 24, and features the theme We are the Village, aiming to bring together advocates and allies from across our great city in solidarity. The theme celebrates the spaces, relationships and histories that shape 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to create a city where everyone feels seen, safe and supported.

There will be events all week long. You can join us at City Hall on Monday for the official flag-raising and proclamation ceremony at 1:00 am in Marion Dewar Plaza. Throughout the week there are workshops, a Human Rights Panel, the Capital Pride Pageant and more.

And, of course, there’s the Capital Pride Parade! It starts at the corner of Elgin and Laurier at 1:00 pm.

You can check out all their events on their website. We hope to see you there!

Sylvia Holden Boarded Rink Survey

As mentioned in a previous bulletin, the city is looking for a new home for a boarded rink in the Glebe, and they have identified Sylvia Holden as an appropriate location. A pilot rink operation is proposed this winter as a test of the rink’s usage and popularity. The following infrastructure would be required:

• permanent rink water service (subsurface chamber & standpipe)
• repurposed rink boards and change trailer relocated from Mutchmor (temporary)
• Six temporary rink lights (three per side)

The rink boards, lights and change trailer would be installed in late fall and removed in spring.

But before this becomes a permanent feature of Sylvia Holden Park, the city wants to hear from you. In the coming days, the city will be launching a survey on the Engage Ottawa website. This will be your chance to provide feedback directly to the city.

We’ve also set up an FAQ page, which you can find here.

During the pilot this year, we will be monitoring the popularity of the rink, as well as tracking any issues that may arise to determine how best to proceed in subsequent years.

Confederation Heights Master Plan Update

If you didn't get a chance to join Canada Lands Corporation in person for their public engagement meeting and draft master plan workshop, or you would like to provide additional feedback to what you may have already contributed, the project team is pleased to offer you an additional opportunity to provide feedback. This interactive activity can be completed at your leisure and at your own pace until August 31, at which time an As We Heard It report will be compiled highlighting the engagement findings and published thereafter.

This workshop specifically focused on the Confederation Heights Draft Master Plan for redevelopment of the approximately 188 hectares (465 acres) of federal lands.

What to expect about this interactive activity?

After viewing the presentation on this page and the images of the Draft Master Plan, the project team is seeking your perspective through a questionnaire on the Confederation Heights Draft Master Plan with respect to four (4) themes:

• Master Plan
• Parks and Open Space
• Active Transportation
• Heritage

They are seeking your input which will be added to the voices of those who already took part during our public and stakeholder engagement exercises.

Glebe Avenue Construction Update

Work continues this year on the re-construction of Glebe Avenue between Bank and O’Connor. This year, crews are installing speed humps, finishing some landscaping and correcting any deficiencies in the work completed last year.

As part of last year’s work, a new raised cycletrack was implemented. Unfortunately, after completion, it was deemed not to have been constructed to city standards. As a result, you may have noticed the lane being re-done within the past few weeks. This should work should result in a smoother lane, in accordance with city standards.

This work and all other corrective work is being carried out within the warranty period and is not costing the city any additional money.

Centennial Boulevard Update

We are happy to report that a final replanting plan for Centennial Boulevard has been put forward by Hydro One and has been approved by city forestry staff.

In late August, after the worst of the heat of summer, 25 new crabapples will be planted along Centennial Boulevard and integrated with existing trees at five-metre spacing.

Thanks to the 125+ community members who provided input to the Hydro One survey, and to the countless neighbours who shared their feedback over the past year along the boulevard, in the Hydro One online consultation, and via email.

As this process draws to a close, we will continue to work closely with Hydro One and city forestry staff to ensure the trees successful establishment. As more information becomes available regarding the planting date, we will continue to keep you updated.

More information is included in the Hydro One update.

Central Park Stone Wall Repair

You may have noticed some work crews in Central Park West last month. They were there to fix the stone wall on the south side of the park after a resident saw it was in need of maintenance.

We’d like to thank city crews for their work, and the resident for letting us know.

Wine & Dine The Glebe

This summer, explore The Glebe one bite at a time with our Wine & Dine passport challenge. This is your ultimate guide to flavour, patios and foodie adventure in The Glebe. With ten local restaurants showcasing the best in local cuisine, you’re invited to sip, savour and stamp your way to the grand prize.

Already underway, the event will run until September 14 with a winner announced on September 19.

For more details on how to participate, visit intheglebe.ca/wine-dine-the-glebe/.

Carleton University Fall Orientation Week

From Sunday, August 31 to Sunday, September 7th, 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, highlighted with a concert taking place in the Ravens Nest on Friday, September 5th. 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]

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan—Four Year Review

The City of Ottawa is reviewing its Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan and is seeking your input. 

What safety and well-being issues matter most to you or your community?

You’re invited to share your thoughts through our online survey, available until August 19, 2025. 

To learn more about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan priorities and stay informed, visit and subscribe to the Engage Ottawa page. 

For questions or feedback, please contact CSWB/[email protected]. 

Centretown Community Food Centre

The Centretown Community Food Centre provides a 4- to 5-day supply of groceries, with a special emphasis on fresh produce, dairy and protein products, to people living in a large catchment area of Central Ottawa, including Old Ottawa South, Old Ottawa East and the Glebe. Currently serving an average of 1,500 people a month, the Food Centre is open four days a week: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Residents are served according to their family size.

The Centre is run with the help of many dedicated volunteers, and it relies entirely on donations for its funding. You can contribute to the wellbeing of your neighbours in need by donating right now online. If you want to save the centre financial processing fees, please consider sending a cheque to the CCFC at 370 Catherine Street, Ottawa, K1R 5T5, or an e-transfer to [email protected]. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. For more information, visit www.ccfcottawa.ca.

Your Capital Ward

Photo by Jack Gilmer

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.

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan—Four Year Review

The City of Ottawa is reviewing its Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan and is seeking your input. 

What safety and well-being issues matter most to you or your community?

You’re invited to share your thoughts through our online survey, available until August 19, 2025. 

To learn more about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan priorities and stay informed, visit and subscribe to the Engage Ottawa page. 

For questions or feedback, please contact: CSWB/[email protected].

Help Shape the Efforts of Housing and Homelessness Over the Next Five Years

Ottawa is a vibrant and growing city, with many people choosing to live, work and play here. However, access to affordable housing remains a critical and complex issue. Many residents who live on low and moderate incomes face challenges finding suitable housing.

The City of Ottawa, with the support of community partners, is committed to offering a diverse range of housing options and support services for those who need them.

The city is currently reviewing its 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (2020–2030)Opens in a new tab or window, and your input is essential so that it reflects the changing needs of our community.

10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 

Every municipality in Ontario is required to have a 10-Year Plan and to review and update it every five years.

The city’s current 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (2020–2030), which guides the city's efforts to address local housing and homelessness needs, was approved by Council in June 2020.

The mid-point review is underway, and includes:

• Assessing the current and future housing needs
• Creating objectives and targets to meet the housing needs
• Reviewing how we’ll achieve the plan’s goals
• Determining how we’ll measure progress

Share your thoughts

This 10-Year Plan refresh provides a valuable opportunity to assess and update the plan, making sure it continues to adapt to changing priorities in housing, and meet the evolving needs of residents.

Visit Engage Ottawa to find out more and complete the online survey. The survey will be open until Friday, August 8.

The work is ongoing, and the 10-Year plan refresh will help us better understand comes next.

There will be a virtual webinar and a series of open house events in the fall to provide further engagement opportunities. Visit Engage Ottawa and subscribe to project updates to stay informed.

Overdose Awareness

We have seen a significant increase in the harms of fatal and non-fatal overdoses since the start of the pandemic and unfortunately rates have remained elevated. A broad multi-faceted response is needed to help address the overdose crisis. This is a complex issue compounded by interrelated challenges of increased mental health concerns and an increase in the number of residents needing homelessness services in the community. 

Individuals who use drugs are reminded:

• Carry naloxone – Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone kits are available at no cost in Ontario. Please visit ca to find out how to get a naloxone kit.
• Don’t use alone – A buddy system is safer than using alone. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the exact same time.
• If you do use alone – Tell someone before you use. Have a safety plan which includes having someone come check on you. You can also call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
• If you choose to use – Consider visiting one of the three Supervised Consumption and Treatment Services locations in Ottawa.
• Get your drugs checked before using – Walk-in drug checking services are available at Ottawa Public Health, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and for registered clients of Ottawa Inner City Health’s Consumption and Treatment Service.
• Don’t mix drugs – Using more than one drug at a time puts you at a higher risk of overdose.
• Know your tolerance – Your risk of overdose increases if you are a new user or haven't used in more than three days.
• Go slow – The toxicity of unregulated drugs is unpredictable.

If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, you are encouraged to:

• Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 immediately if you witness an overdose.
• Carry naloxone– a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

Resources

• OPH’s Online Overdose Prevention and Response Training
• ca
• Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources

Now Recruiting: Power Wheelchair Hockey Players in Ottawa!

Do you know someone who uses a power wheelchair and is looking to get active, have fun, and be part of a team? The Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League (OPWHL) is currently recruiting new players for its 2025–2026 season!

Games are held Sunday afternoons at Greenboro Community Centre, and all hockey equipment is provided. No experience necessary—just bring your energy and interest.

To learn more or register, visit www.opwhl.com or email [email protected].

Nominations Open for Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching

The city is now accepting nominations for the 2025 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 Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 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.

The awards ceremony is planned to take place at City Hall the evening of Thursday, November 27.

Cleaning the Capital

The Cleaning the Capital campaign is a citywide cleanup that occurs in the spring and fall of every year. Residents come together as a community and combine efforts to make our city clean and green. Litter pickup projects must be registered, and participating teams, upon request, receive a cleanup starter kit to assist them with their projects. 

2025 marks the 32nd year of the Cleaning the Capital Program! The annual cleanup campaign first began in 1994 as a springtime cleanup. In 2006, due to the spring campaign's overwhelming success an annual fall campaign was added. Since 1994, over 1.5 million volunteers have participated in nearly 30,000 cleanup projects throughout the city. As a result, over 1.2 million kilograms of waste has been removed from our public spaces. 

Important Dates

• August 15, 2025:  Registration opens
• September 2 - October 12, 2025:  Cleanup kits available for pickup at participating City facilities
• September 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025:  Fall Cleaning the Capital campaign
• September 30, 2025:  Registration closes
• October 31, 2025:  Deadline to submit your online cleanup report

For more information or to register, visit ottawa.ca/clean.