Keeping our City Clean & Green
March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024
Spring and summer maintenance activities commence in early spring with lawn reinstatement, repairing areas confirmed as damaged by winter operations equipment. Lawns are repaired using topsoil and seed – not sod.
Residents aware of locations requiring repair should report them online (link: Report property damage by city vehicle | City of Ottawa ) as soon as possible to be added to the Spring Maintenance List. When a property is repaired, staff will leave maintenance instructions in the form of a door knocker.
Residents aware of locations requiring repair should report them online (link: Report property damage by city vehicle | City of Ottawa ) as soon as possible to be added to the Spring Maintenance List. When a property is repaired, staff will leave maintenance instructions in the form of a door knocker.
City grants available to non-profit groups for environmental projects
February 16th, 2024
February 16th, 2024
Feature story
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2024 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP).
CEPGP provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa.
Past funds have been awarded to a wide range of projects including:
The application deadline is Friday, April 5 at 4 pm.
Successful CEPGP grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2025. For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to complete an application form, please visit ottawa.ca/cepgp.
For more information on CEPGP, please contact Tara Redpath, CEPGP Coordinator, at 613-580-2424 x 16822 or at cepgp@ottawa.ca.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2024 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP).
CEPGP provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa.
Past funds have been awarded to a wide range of projects including:
- Community workshops
- Education campaigns
- Environmental rehabilitation
- Greening initiatives, such as planting native species
- School projects, such as pollinator gardens
The application deadline is Friday, April 5 at 4 pm.
Successful CEPGP grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2025. For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to complete an application form, please visit ottawa.ca/cepgp.
For more information on CEPGP, please contact Tara Redpath, CEPGP Coordinator, at 613-580-2424 x 16822 or at cepgp@ottawa.ca.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Have your say in the City’s water rate structure review
February 15th, 2024
February 15th, 2024
The City is reviewing how we recover costs to deliver water services that you rely on every day, and we want to hear from you.
To ensure fairness and balance costs for water usage with the actual costs needed to maintain our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, we need to periodically look at how rates are being charged. The rate structure will apply six guiding principles to identify opportunities for improvement:
How to participate
Visit engage.ottawa.ca/rates for more information and to complete the Water Rate Review survey before the end of July 2024.
Public consultations will take place until fall 2024. More information on these consultations will be shared in advance and listed on Engage Ottawa.
Feedback received will be reviewed and consolidated to inform the review. Final recommendations will be presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee and then Council for their consideration in 2025.
Background
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
To ensure fairness and balance costs for water usage with the actual costs needed to maintain our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, we need to periodically look at how rates are being charged. The rate structure will apply six guiding principles to identify opportunities for improvement:
- Fairness and equity
- Affordability
- Transparency
- Financial sustainability
- Supports economic development
- Promote conservation
How to participate
Visit engage.ottawa.ca/rates for more information and to complete the Water Rate Review survey before the end of July 2024.
Public consultations will take place until fall 2024. More information on these consultations will be shared in advance and listed on Engage Ottawa.
Feedback received will be reviewed and consolidated to inform the review. Final recommendations will be presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee and then Council for their consideration in 2025.
Background
- The City is currently reviewing its water, wastewater and stormwater billing practices to ensure equity for all residents and businesses.
- In the current structure, approximately 20 per cent of the costs to deliver water and wastewater services are recovered from residents through fixed charges and 80 per cent water usage through the water bill.
- One of the challenges the City is facing is that continued conservation and reliance on variable cost recovery affects our ability to meet the annual revenue requirements; however, the costs required to deliver these services do not decrease. To balance conservation of water with the cost to deliver services, we are exploring adjustments in how fees are charged.
- For stormwater billing, one of the options that staff have been exploring is the idea of using the amount of impervious surfaces on a property as the basis for charges. Impervious surfaces are areas on a property that are considered highly resistant to water absorption, such as pavement, asphalt, concrete, brick, building material and/or structure rooftops.
- In rural areas, drainage is comprised of municipal drains paid for by each property owner and stormwater services funded by the City’s stormwater charges.
- The City of Ottawa operates and maintains more than 2,700 kilometres of storm sewers and 1,200 kilometres of municipal drains in Ottawa’s rural areas.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Family Day schedule changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes and City service impacts for the Family Day holiday on Monday, February 19.
Client Service Centres
Green bin, recycling and garbage collection
Parking
Transit Services
Recreation and cultural services
Ottawa Public Health
Employment and Social Services
Municipal child care services
Ottawa Public Library
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes and City service impacts for the Family Day holiday on Monday, February 19.
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.
- All services at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West), Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Drive), Kanata (580 Terry Fox Drive), Orléans (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 curbside green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection on Monday, February 19. Pick up will take place on Tuesday, February 20. In addition, the collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
- Residents can sign up to receive collection reminders and service alerts by email or phone call at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar.
- Multi-residential garbage containers will be collected on the regular scheduled day. Collections of multi-residential recycling containers, bulky items and green bins will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
- The Trail Waste Facility will be open on Monday, February 19 from 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking
- All City parking regulations apply.
Transit Services
- OC Transpo buses and O-Train Line 1 will run on a normal weekday schedule.
- Rural Shopper Route 301 will not be running.
- On Family Day and on every Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday, take advantage of the 2-for-1 DayPass, where two customers, 13 years of age or older, can ride all day for $11.75. Kids 12 and under can ride for free every day on OC Transpo buses, the O-Train and Para Transpo.
- Going to Winterlude on Family Day? Ride the Sno-Bus for free to several official Winterlude sites across Ottawa and Gatineau. Visit octranspo.com for more information
- The Rideau Centre OC Transpo Customer Service Centre will be open.
- The OC Transpo Lost and Found will be closed.
- Para Transpo:
- Regular bookings or recurring trips are automatically cancelled on Monday, February 19. Customers can book trips for Family Day by calling 613-560-5000 or using My Para Transpo up to seven days in advance.
- Para Transpo customers can also text 57272 to connect with customer service representatives from 6 am to 12:30 am for cancellations or information.
- The reservations line will be open from 7 am to 5 pm.
- The trip cancellation line will be open from 6 am to 12:30 am.
- The Taxi Coupon line will remain open.
- For more information on Family Day service, visit octranspo.com or call (613) 560-5000. You can also connect with OC Transpo through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Recreation and cultural services
- Most indoor pools, arenas, and recreation and fitness centres will be open or operating on a modified schedule. Please check ottawa.ca for details. 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 City-operated museums, Shenkman Arts Centre and Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe will be closed on Monday, February 19.
- Arts Court, Nepean Creative Arts Centre and Nepean Visual Arts Centre will be open regular hours.
Ottawa Public Health
- The Site program office and supervised consumption services at 179 Clarence Street will be closed. The Site mobile van will operate from 5 am to 11:30 pm.
- Visit the ParentingInOttawa web page for vaccination clinic hours and availability.
- The Sexual Health Clinic and satellite clinics will be closed.
- Dental clinics will be closed.
- The Parenting-In-Ottawa drop-ins will be closed on Monday, February 19.
- Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page for vaccination clinic hours and availability.
- Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages.
- Our immunization program telephone line will be closed. You can update your child's immunization record using either the CANImmunize App or the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool. For more information visit our Updating and Retrieving Immunizations web page.
Employment and Social Services
- All four Employment and Social Services offices will be closed on Monday, February 19:
- 370 Catherine Street
- 2339 Ogilvie Road
- 100 Constellation Drive
- 2020 Walkley Road
Municipal child care services
- All municipal child care centres will be closed on Monday, February 19.
Ottawa Public Library
- All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, February 19. Digital content, services, and program listings are available through the Ottawa Public Library website. Virtual programs are available on OPL’s YouTube channel. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, February 20.
- A reminder that 10 OPL branches and InfoService are open Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. The branches, Beaverbrook, Cumberland, Greenboro, Hazeldean, Main, Nepean Centrepointe, North Gloucester, Orléans, Ruth E. Dickinson, and Stittsville and Library InfoService are open on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm across Ottawa.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Growing concerns around the toxicity of the unregulated drug supply
February 9th, 2024
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Paramedic Service and the Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce are issuing an alert to warn residents about the risk of overdose related to the toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. There continues to be an increased detection of xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply, a trend we are seeing here in Ottawa as well.
These substances are often present together with opioids, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and other harms. Benzodiazepines and xylazine can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation and slow a person’s breathing and heart rate. Symptoms of xylazine and benzodiazepine toxicity can be similar to those associated with opioids, but neither will respond to naloxone. In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help and give naloxone if you have it. While naloxone will not have an effect on benzodiazepines or xylazine, it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be safely given to people who have taken non-opioid drugs.
Benzodiazepines or "benzos" can be obtained through a prescription or through the unregulated drug market, including Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines and benzo-related drugs from the unregulated drug supply are often being mixed with opioids like Fentanyl.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine toxicity and overdose can include:
· Extreme sleepiness or passing out
· Dizziness, poor balance, and poor movement control
· Slurred speech
· Memory loss
· Loss of consciousness or "blackouts"
· Death
These symptoms can last for hours.
Xylazine is not approved for human use. It is a drug typically used by veterinarians for sedation, muscle relaxation, and pain relief for animals. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer".
Significant harmful effects from xylazine can include:
· Severe skin lesions, such as ulcers or abscesses by people who inject drugs
· Blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty moving, slurred speech and fatigue
· Very slow, or irregular breathing (or not be breathing at all)
· Low blood pressure, slower heart rate
· Death
How to respond to an overdose:
In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help.
· Give naloxone if you have it. While naloxone will not have an effect on benzodiazepines or xylazine, it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be safely given to people who have taken non-opioid drugs (like benzodiazepines or xylazine).
· Perform chest compressions and/or rescue breathing, or CPR as needed.
· Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people seeking emergency support during an overdose.
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 StopOverdoseOttawa.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) or connect with an anonymous virtual harm reduction supporter via the Brave App.
· If you choose to use – Consider visiting one of the four Supervised Consumption and Treatment Services locations in Ottawa.
· Get your drugs checked before using- walk-in drug checking services are available at 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. l.
· Seek medical care for unusual skin lesions.
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
Opioids (Fentanyl and Carfentanil) and Benzodiazepines Information StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources
Visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca to learn more about overdose prevention and harm reduction services in Ottawa. You can also connect with Ottawa Public Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
These substances are often present together with opioids, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and other harms. Benzodiazepines and xylazine can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation and slow a person’s breathing and heart rate. Symptoms of xylazine and benzodiazepine toxicity can be similar to those associated with opioids, but neither will respond to naloxone. In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help and give naloxone if you have it. While naloxone will not have an effect on benzodiazepines or xylazine, it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be safely given to people who have taken non-opioid drugs.
Benzodiazepines or "benzos" can be obtained through a prescription or through the unregulated drug market, including Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines and benzo-related drugs from the unregulated drug supply are often being mixed with opioids like Fentanyl.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine toxicity and overdose can include:
· Extreme sleepiness or passing out
· Dizziness, poor balance, and poor movement control
· Slurred speech
· Memory loss
· Loss of consciousness or "blackouts"
· Death
These symptoms can last for hours.
Xylazine is not approved for human use. It is a drug typically used by veterinarians for sedation, muscle relaxation, and pain relief for animals. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer".
Significant harmful effects from xylazine can include:
· Severe skin lesions, such as ulcers or abscesses by people who inject drugs
· Blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty moving, slurred speech and fatigue
· Very slow, or irregular breathing (or not be breathing at all)
· Low blood pressure, slower heart rate
· Death
How to respond to an overdose:
In all cases of suspected overdose, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency help.
· Give naloxone if you have it. While naloxone will not have an effect on benzodiazepines or xylazine, it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be safely given to people who have taken non-opioid drugs (like benzodiazepines or xylazine).
· Perform chest compressions and/or rescue breathing, or CPR as needed.
· Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people seeking emergency support during an overdose.
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 StopOverdoseOttawa.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) or connect with an anonymous virtual harm reduction supporter via the Brave App.
· If you choose to use – Consider visiting one of the four Supervised Consumption and Treatment Services locations in Ottawa.
· Get your drugs checked before using- walk-in drug checking services are available at 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. l.
· Seek medical care for unusual skin lesions.
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
Opioids (Fentanyl and Carfentanil) and Benzodiazepines Information StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources
Visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca to learn more about overdose prevention and harm reduction services in Ottawa. You can also connect with Ottawa Public Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Frozen Water Pipes during cold temperatures
January 19th, 2024
January 19th, 2024
During the cold months, the frost deepens in the ground which may lead to frozen water service pipes. The City’s Infrastructure and Water Services Department is taking proactive steps to prevent frozen water service pipes.
Did you know?
The City of Ottawa provides clean and safe drinking water to more than 950,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The water is delivered through more than 3,200 kilometers of underground pipelines.
Depending on location and installation year of a water service pipe, some are not buried as deeply or properly insulated as others, meaning they are at risk of freezing at this time of year. Approximately 2,000 Ottawa homes and businesses may be impacted by frozen water service pipes.
Resident notification process
During typical winters in Ottawa, some homes and businesses experience a frozen water service pipe that prevents water from reaching their internal plumbing. To minimize the risk of water service interruption, as many as 2,000 customers may proactively receive Frozen Water Service Warning – Run Water Notification letters.
The City will issue notices to customers who have previously experienced a frozen water service pipe and have not had the service replaced at a lower level, using a phased notification process.
The first notice was mailed on January 9.
The first notice was sent to homes and businesses where records indicate the water service pipe froze on private property and subsequent notices are sent to homes and businesses where the water service pipe froze on the public side.
The notice provides customers with advance notification about the frozen water service pipe risks, and tips and tricks on how to protect water service pipes on their property and what to do if the water service pipe freezes.
How does the City determine if a property will receive a frozen water service notice?
The City relies on a model that uses the average daily mean temperature, as observed by Environment Canada, at the Ottawa International Airport to predict frost depths and mitigate the potential risk of a frozen water service pipe. Frost monitoring begins once daily temperatures are consistently below zero degrees Celsius.
Cost of running water during an advisory for residents and businesses
If records show the service froze on the customer’s private property, it is the customer’s responsibility to cover the cost of running the water. The notice received from the City will inform them of this situation.
If records show the service froze on the City's property, and the customer has received a written notification from the City to run their water, they will not be charged extra for the cost of running their water. The water bill will be calculated based on previous consumption patterns.
How to prevent frozen water service pipes?
While the City maintains the water infrastructure up to the water shut-off valve, it is the homeowner’s and businesses’ responsibility to maintain their plumbing and water service pipes. Residents and businesses can protect the water service pipes on their private property, between the water shut-off valve and the home or business, in a variety of ways:
- Proactively insulate pipes near exterior walls
- Ensure the indoor air temperature is kept above eight degrees Celsius in areas that contain water service pipes, especially near the water meter
- Additional information is available on ottawa.ca and on social media Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram
Ottawa’s water is world-class; preventative steps taken now will ensure it continues to arrive at your tap.
If you require immediate assistance or need to report a frozen water service on behalf of a resident or a business, please contact the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1.
Slide through winter with these sledding and skating safety tips
January 18th, 2024
January 18th, 2024
Winter is really here now! Before grabbing your sled or ice skates, here are some tips to have a fun and safe outing.
Sledding
The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health remind residents of the importance of wearing a hockey, ski or snowboard helmet while sledding. Proper head protection is critical when you’re sliding down a hill.
All children should be accompanied by an adult when sledding.
Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe while having fun:
Ice skating
Proper head protection is equally critical when you’re gliding across the ice. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health remind residents of all ages to wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet when ice skating.
Children 10 years old and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person 14 years or older at all indoor and outdoor rinks.
Skate safely with your friends and family with these tips:
Now that you’ve reviewed these tips, it’s time to grab your helmet and have fun sledding and skating this season!
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Sledding
The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health remind residents of the importance of wearing a hockey, ski or snowboard helmet while sledding. Proper head protection is critical when you’re sliding down a hill.
All children should be accompanied by an adult when sledding.
Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe while having fun:
- Protect your head: wearing a helmet will help protect your brain. Look for a hockey, ski or snowboard helmet for full head protection. To learn more about helmet safety, including tips for choosing the right helmet for an activity, visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
- Face forward: don’t go down the hill headfirst or on your back. Sit or kneel on your sled so you have control and can see where you’re sliding.
- Make sure the route is clear: before going down the hill, check for hazards including other sledders, icy areas, trees, fences, roads and always avoid sledding near ponds, lakes or rivers.
- Be in control: sled during daylight and be mindful of things like your sled type, weather conditions and the steepness of the hill. Avoid sledding when it’s icy and make sure the hill is well lit if you’re sledding at night. Choose a sled that is easy to control and avoid crazy carpets, saucers and inflatables.
- Sled only at approved hills: before you go, find an approved sledding hill at ottawa.ca/sledding. There are more than 30 approved locations across the city.
Ice skating
Proper head protection is equally critical when you’re gliding across the ice. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health remind residents of all ages to wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet when ice skating.
Children 10 years old and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person 14 years or older at all indoor and outdoor rinks.
Skate safely with your friends and family with these tips:
- Protect your head: children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas. At outdoor rinks, it is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA-certified helmet while on the ice. To learn more about helmet safety, visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
- Be in control: be mindful of things like ice conditions, other skaters and your skating skills. Skate in the same direction as other skaters around the edge of the rink and leave the middle of the ice surface for children and less confident skaters. Avoid distractions and stay off your phone while skating.
- Respect the rink rules: follow directions from rink attendants to ensure a safe and pleasant skating experience. Rough play is not permitted. Multiplayer games, and speed and figure skating are only permitted at certain locations or at specific times. Review the full list of permitted activities on our skating safety and regulations page.
- Skate only at approved locations: before you go, check the status of the ice on our Outdoor rinks page. Outdoor rinks operated by the City may be closed because of extreme weather conditions or if the weather is mild. Try skating indoors at one of over 30 arenas across the city offering drop-in skating sessions – be sure to check the arena’s website for specific opening hours.
Now that you’ve reviewed these tips, it’s time to grab your helmet and have fun sledding and skating this season!
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
March Break and Summer Camp Registration Opens Tonight
January 16th, 2024
January 16th, 2024
Start planning your recreation and culture activities for 2024! The City of Ottawa’s March break and summer camps are online now for browsing at register.ottawa.ca. Registration opens Tuesday, January 16 at 9 pm.
Camps are affordable and flexible and children are supervised by qualified staff in a safe and enriching environment. They are offered in English and French for children aged four to 14, both in-person and virtual.
Participants will make new friends, be creative and get active with arts, crafts, music, games and sports - the options are endless. They will enjoy all the amenities that the City has to offer, from art studios to parks and play structures, rinks, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, pools, splash pads and gymnasiums.
In 2024, Ottawa residents will receive a 10 percent discount on some of the City’s most popular summer camps. These summer camps include Ottawa Adventure, Energy, Fun and Friends, and Bout d’choux. Convenient payment plans are also available.
There are camps for children of all ages and interests. If science and technology is your child’s thing, register for a junior computer programming, prototyping or robotics activity. Children who love the arts will adore the drama, dance, improvisation, sculpture, drawing and painting camps. For specialized arts programs delivered by professional instructors, sign up for an arts camp at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre or Shenkman Arts Centre.
Let’s not forget the teens! Consider leadership camps or swim certification programs to build teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills that are foundational to a career in many fields.
Campers can learn new skills, drills and strategies in tennis, badminton, touch football, ball hockey, basketball, hockey, martial arts, skating, soccer, volleyball, swimming and more.
Looking for a specialized service or camp for family members with exceptionalities? Be sure to browse the Inclusive Recreation activities and learn about specialized programs and integration support such as Shared Care.
Prepare for registration night!
For a positive registration experience, residents are encouraged to visit register.ottawa.ca in advance and review the tutorial video and frequently asked questions.
Other important dates
Mark your calendars with these dates for the City’s spring and summer programs:
To avoid missing registration dates and to get the most up-to-date information on City recreation and culture programs, subscribe to DiscoverRec.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Campers can learn new skills, drills and strategies in tennis, badminton, touch football, ball hockey, basketball, hockey, martial arts, skating, soccer, volleyball, swimming and more.
Looking for a specialized service or camp for family members with exceptionalities? Be sure to browse the Inclusive Recreation activities and learn about specialized programs and integration support such as Shared Care.
Prepare for registration night!
For a positive registration experience, residents are encouraged to visit register.ottawa.ca in advance and review the tutorial video and frequently asked questions.
Other important dates
Mark your calendars with these dates for the City’s spring and summer programs:
- Spring activities and before and after school programs for the 2024/25 academic school year are online Tuesday, January 30
- Registration for spring aquatics opens Tuesday, February 13
- Registration for all other recreation, culture and before/after school activities opens Thursday, February 15
- Summer programs are online Tuesday, April 30
- Registration for summer aquatics opens Tuesday, May 14
- Registration for all other summer recreation and culture activities open Thursday, May 16
To avoid missing registration dates and to get the most up-to-date information on City recreation and culture programs, subscribe to DiscoverRec.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.