Below are frequently asked municipal related questions:
Ticks & Lyme Disease
There are many health benefits from being active and enjoying the outdoors; however, if you are in outdoor areas suitable for ticks, for example, wooded areas or areas with tall grasses, you need to be aware of the risk of Lyme disease. To help prevent Lyme disease, Ottawa Public Health monitors ticks and human illness trends and increases awareness of Ottawa residents of the risks posed by ticks and educates on how to prevent Lyme disease. Preventing tick bites is key to the prevention of Lyme disease, you can do this by:
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an important health concern in many parts of Canada and is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Most people are infected with Lyme disease through the bite of an immature tick called a nymph.
Nymphs are tiny (less than 2 mm, about the size of a poppy seed) and difficult to see. Nymphs feed during the spring and summer months. Adult ticks are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria. Adult blacklegged ticks are most active during spring and again in late summer and fall.
The blacklegged tick that carries the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease is present in the Ottawa area, across Eastern Ontario, and the Outaouais region of Quebec.
Ottawa Public Health has seen an increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease reported in the Ottawa area over time, as well as an increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease likely acquired in the Ottawa area. This is most likely a result of growing Lyme disease awareness and increase in tick populations in Eastern Ontario.
Ottawa Public Health is committed to reducing the health risks to residents posed by Lyme disease through prevention, education and awareness, as well as surveillance. Preventing tick bites is key to the prevention of Lyme disease.
Prevention
Populations of blacklegged ticks are growing and expanding into new areas. This means that the risk of contracting Lyme disease is on the rise across Canada. Though ticks can be found almost anywhere outdoors, they are often found in tall grasses, bushes wooded and forested areas.
Ottawa Public Health recommends practicing these simple steps to help minimize exposure to ticks, and help you enjoy the outdoors safely:
Blacklegged ticks are very small and not easy to see, nymphs are the size of poppy seeds and adults are the size of sesame seeds, which is why you should perform a full body check on yourself, your children and your pets after being outdoors. The sooner ticks are removed from the body the less likely they are to spread Lyme disease.
How Can I Reduce the Number of Blacklegged Ticks Around My Home?
You can't get rid of ticks completely, but you can reduce the number of ticks present in your yard. Here are some tips to help make your environment less favourable to ticks by:
What if I Find a Tick?
If you find a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. The risk of getting Lyme disease increases with the length of time the tick remains attached.Since Ottawa is considered an at-risk area for Lyme disease, it is important to contact your doctor if you believe a tick has been attached to you for 24 or more hours, or if you are unsure how long the tick has been attached to you, so that your doctor can determine if you need treatment with antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics would be considered when:
Your doctor will advise you about what should be done straight away. Immediate actions include watching for symptoms of Lyme disease for the next 30 days and, if appropriate, taking a single dose of antibiotics prophylactically.
If the tick was attached for less than 24 hours and its body does not appear swollen from feeding or if you removed a tick and more than 72 hours have passed, you should still be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease for the next 30 days. If you do develop symptoms, consult your health care provider.
Removing Ticks
Signs & Symptoms
Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease is key to avoid more serious illness and the potential for long-term complications. Long-term complications can involve muscle and joint pain, irregular heartbeat, and nervous system disorders (involving the brain, nerves and spinal cord).
Symptoms usually begin within three days to one month after being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms can include:
If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, consult your health care provider.
Steps to Reduce Your Pet's Exposure to Ticks
If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, a tick check should be part of your daily routine. While dogs and cats cannot directly transmit Lyme disease to people, a tick may enter your home on your pet's back and move on to bite a human.To help reduce the chances of your pet carrying a tick that may transmit Lyme disease:
Monitoring Lyme Disease in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health staff regularly conducts tick dragging to monitor tick populations and to test for Lyme disease. Cases of Lyme disease in humans are reported to OPH and monitored. The number of cases of Lyme disease in humans reported in Ottawa has increased over time.
Is There a Lyme Disease Vaccine
Unfortunately, a Lyme disease vaccine is not available in Canada.
For more information:
- Applying an approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
- Doing a tick check on yourself, your children, and pets
- Checking your pet daily for ticks, especially if it spends time in wooded or overgrown areas
- Removing ticks as soon as possible. If you find a tick on your body, using fine-pointed tweezers, grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly until the tick is removed. Do not twist or rotate the tick. Do not use a match, lotion or anything else on the tick.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an important health concern in many parts of Canada and is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Most people are infected with Lyme disease through the bite of an immature tick called a nymph.
Nymphs are tiny (less than 2 mm, about the size of a poppy seed) and difficult to see. Nymphs feed during the spring and summer months. Adult ticks are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria. Adult blacklegged ticks are most active during spring and again in late summer and fall.
The blacklegged tick that carries the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease is present in the Ottawa area, across Eastern Ontario, and the Outaouais region of Quebec.
Ottawa Public Health has seen an increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease reported in the Ottawa area over time, as well as an increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease likely acquired in the Ottawa area. This is most likely a result of growing Lyme disease awareness and increase in tick populations in Eastern Ontario.
Ottawa Public Health is committed to reducing the health risks to residents posed by Lyme disease through prevention, education and awareness, as well as surveillance. Preventing tick bites is key to the prevention of Lyme disease.
Prevention
Populations of blacklegged ticks are growing and expanding into new areas. This means that the risk of contracting Lyme disease is on the rise across Canada. Though ticks can be found almost anywhere outdoors, they are often found in tall grasses, bushes wooded and forested areas.
Ottawa Public Health recommends practicing these simple steps to help minimize exposure to ticks, and help you enjoy the outdoors safely:
- Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing
- Wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to cover exposed skin
- Tuck your pants into your socks
- Wear light coloured clothing to spot ticks easier
- If possible, stay on the trails when hiking in the woods or walking in long grass
- Do a "full body" check on yourself, your children, and pets for ticks. Pay careful attention around your toes, knees, groin, armpits and scalp.
Blacklegged ticks are very small and not easy to see, nymphs are the size of poppy seeds and adults are the size of sesame seeds, which is why you should perform a full body check on yourself, your children and your pets after being outdoors. The sooner ticks are removed from the body the less likely they are to spread Lyme disease.
How Can I Reduce the Number of Blacklegged Ticks Around My Home?
You can't get rid of ticks completely, but you can reduce the number of ticks present in your yard. Here are some tips to help make your environment less favourable to ticks by:
- Keeping the grass in your yard mowed
- Removing brush and fallen leaves from the edges of your property, especially if your yard is bordered by woods or fields of tall grass
- Cleaning up areas under and around bird feeders to reduce the attraction of small critters such as mice and voles that carry ticks
- Discouraging deer from entering your yard, as ticks also feed on these animals
- Keeping your woodpile neat, dry, off the ground, and away from your house
What if I Find a Tick?
If you find a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. The risk of getting Lyme disease increases with the length of time the tick remains attached.Since Ottawa is considered an at-risk area for Lyme disease, it is important to contact your doctor if you believe a tick has been attached to you for 24 or more hours, or if you are unsure how long the tick has been attached to you, so that your doctor can determine if you need treatment with antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics would be considered when:
- the tick has been attached for 24 or more hours or is fully or partially engorged and
- it has been less than or equal to 72 hours since the tick has been removed.
Your doctor will advise you about what should be done straight away. Immediate actions include watching for symptoms of Lyme disease for the next 30 days and, if appropriate, taking a single dose of antibiotics prophylactically.
If the tick was attached for less than 24 hours and its body does not appear swollen from feeding or if you removed a tick and more than 72 hours have passed, you should still be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease for the next 30 days. If you do develop symptoms, consult your health care provider.
Removing Ticks
- Use fine-pointed tweezers.
- Grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly until the tick is removed.
- Do not twist or rotate the tick. Do not use a match, lotion or anything else on the tick.
- Wash the bite site with soap and water.
- If you are going to see your physician and want to bring the tick with you, place the tick in an empty pill vial or zip-lock bag with a moistened paper towel.
- You can dispose of a live tick by flushing it down the toilet, or placing it in a sealed bag/container and disposing it with your household garbage.
Signs & Symptoms
Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease is key to avoid more serious illness and the potential for long-term complications. Long-term complications can involve muscle and joint pain, irregular heartbeat, and nervous system disorders (involving the brain, nerves and spinal cord).
Symptoms usually begin within three days to one month after being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms can include:
- Circular, red rash (may look like a 'bull's-eye', but the appearance of the rash may vary), which slowly expands around the tick bite area. In 2 or 3 out of 10 people no rash is found.
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Numbness or tingling
- Spasms or weakness
If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, consult your health care provider.
Steps to Reduce Your Pet's Exposure to Ticks
If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, a tick check should be part of your daily routine. While dogs and cats cannot directly transmit Lyme disease to people, a tick may enter your home on your pet's back and move on to bite a human.To help reduce the chances of your pet carrying a tick that may transmit Lyme disease:
- Talk to your veterinarian about ways to protect your pet from ticks. There are many topical products that can help repel or kill ticks, and for dogs there is a vaccine.
- Check your pet daily for ticks, especially if it spends time in wooded or overgrown areas
- Remove any ticks right away and dispose
- Use fine-pointed tweezers.
- Grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly until the tick is removed. Do not twist or rotate the tick. Do not use a match, lotion or anything else on the tick.
- Wash the bite site with soap and water.
- Dispose of a live tick by flushing it down the toilet, or placing it in a sealed bag/container and disposing it with your household garbage.
- When your pet is examined by a veterinarian, ask for a thorough tick check.
Monitoring Lyme Disease in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health staff regularly conducts tick dragging to monitor tick populations and to test for Lyme disease. Cases of Lyme disease in humans are reported to OPH and monitored. The number of cases of Lyme disease in humans reported in Ottawa has increased over time.
Is There a Lyme Disease Vaccine
Unfortunately, a Lyme disease vaccine is not available in Canada.
For more information:
What Do I Need to Widen My Driveway?
A Private Approach Permit is required for new driveways, for the closure of a driveway (with the exception of those approved through Site Plan or Subdivision Plan process), and for a driveway widening. Private Approach Permit applications are available at Client Service Centres.
A building permit is not required; however, zoning regulations and/or site plan control may impose restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You can obtain this information from a Development Information Officer (DIO) for your area. You may also wish to review the deed of transfer of your property (title documents provided by your solicitor following the purchase of your home) as the deed may include restrictions that will also apply, particularly if your home is part of a cooperative development, a condominium development or a multi-residential project.
If you plan to establish a new driveway, widen or close your driveway, you need to apply for a Private Approach PermitPDF opens in a new tab or window. Private Approach Permit applications are available at Client Service Centres and online.
You do not require a building permit to establish a new driveway or widen your driveway; however, zoning regulations and/or site plan control may impose restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You can obtain this information from a Development Information Officer for your area. You may also wish to review the deed of transfer of your property (title documents provided by your solicitor following the purchase of your home) as the deed may include restrictions that will also apply, particularly if your home is part of a cooperative development, a condominium development or a multi-residential project.
A building permit is not required; however, zoning regulations and/or site plan control may impose restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You can obtain this information from a Development Information Officer (DIO) for your area. You may also wish to review the deed of transfer of your property (title documents provided by your solicitor following the purchase of your home) as the deed may include restrictions that will also apply, particularly if your home is part of a cooperative development, a condominium development or a multi-residential project.
If you plan to establish a new driveway, widen or close your driveway, you need to apply for a Private Approach PermitPDF opens in a new tab or window. Private Approach Permit applications are available at Client Service Centres and online.
You do not require a building permit to establish a new driveway or widen your driveway; however, zoning regulations and/or site plan control may impose restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You can obtain this information from a Development Information Officer for your area. You may also wish to review the deed of transfer of your property (title documents provided by your solicitor following the purchase of your home) as the deed may include restrictions that will also apply, particularly if your home is part of a cooperative development, a condominium development or a multi-residential project.
Wild Parsnip
What is it?
Wild Parsnip is an invasive plant that is increasingly common within the City of Ottawa in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, as well as on and surrounding rural and residential properties.
Risks:
Wild Parsnip may pose a health risk to humans. The plant sap contains chemicals that may cause skin and eye irritation and make the skin prone to burning and blistering when exposed to the sun. The blisters typically occur one to two days after contact with the plant. This can result in long-term scarring of the skin.
Identification:
Early Growth:
In the first year of growth, low-growing non-flowering rosettes of leaves form with a cluster of spindly, compound leaves that resemble celery leaves.
Wild Parsnip is an invasive plant that is increasingly common within the City of Ottawa in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, as well as on and surrounding rural and residential properties.
Risks:
Wild Parsnip may pose a health risk to humans. The plant sap contains chemicals that may cause skin and eye irritation and make the skin prone to burning and blistering when exposed to the sun. The blisters typically occur one to two days after contact with the plant. This can result in long-term scarring of the skin.
Identification:
Early Growth:
In the first year of growth, low-growing non-flowering rosettes of leaves form with a cluster of spindly, compound leaves that resemble celery leaves.
In Bloom:
When Wild Parsnip is in bloom usually in the second and third year plants have tall, branched yellow flowering stalks that usually bloom in early June to late July.
When Wild Parsnip is in bloom usually in the second and third year plants have tall, branched yellow flowering stalks that usually bloom in early June to late July.
Mature Plant:
Starting in August the blooming plant will begin to turn brown and the leaves and stems will begin to dry up. This means that the toxic sap from the plant will also begin to dry up, and contact with the plant is less likely to cause a reaction. Once the plant is completely dry the seeds will fall to the ground.
Seeds are flat and round. It is a biennial plant, reproducing only by seed. The seeds can lie dormant for years making it even more challenging to control.
Starting in August the blooming plant will begin to turn brown and the leaves and stems will begin to dry up. This means that the toxic sap from the plant will also begin to dry up, and contact with the plant is less likely to cause a reaction. Once the plant is completely dry the seeds will fall to the ground.
Seeds are flat and round. It is a biennial plant, reproducing only by seed. The seeds can lie dormant for years making it even more challenging to control.
How to Avoid
If Exposed to Plant:
If you are exposed to the plant sap, wash the contaminated area(s) thoroughly as soon as possible, and seek medical attention if skin irritation occurs.
- It is recommended that the public stay on the groomed areas of parks, roadsides and pathways where there are less instances of wild parsnip.
- When working around Wild Parsnip or when walking through dense vegetation, wear goggles, gloves, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Thoroughly wash boots and gloves with soap and water before taking off your protective clothing.
- Children should be reminded not to pick wild flowers. Ensure children are able to identify Wild Parsnip in order to avoid exposure.
If Exposed to Plant:
If you are exposed to the plant sap, wash the contaminated area(s) thoroughly as soon as possible, and seek medical attention if skin irritation occurs.
On-Street Parking Restrictions
EXTRACT FROM GENERAL REGULATIONS OF BY-LAW 2017-301
Parking Prohibited - Whether Signs Have Been Erected or Not
We have had questions from residents regarding on street parking restrictions and options available to address the issue in certain areas of Kanata South. I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with information regarding on street parking.
On street parking becomes an issue for residents when homeowners do not have enough parking on their property to accommodate their personal needs. Sometimes it is a temporary issue for a special occasion for example and sometimes it is because they may have just more cars than space in their garage and/or driveway.
Why this becomes a community issue and a trigger for visits from Parking Control Officers is the vehicles on the public roadway can restrict cars moving on the road, prevent garbage trucks, school buses, delivery trucks or even emergency vehicles from getting to homes on the street.
An option that has been used successfully in our community and across the city to help remedy the congestion that can be found on residential roadways, is the petition process. Changes to any parking regulations must be circulated through a formal petition process so that every resident on the street knows about the proposed change. The Traffic Department can review the roadway and work with the resident who is inquiring to draft proposed changes that are desired, however, this will require a resident with an address on the street to circulate the petition with neighbours and obtain 66% concurrence through the form of signatures. This rule stops someone who uses your street from making changes to it without your knowledge. The 66% rule recognizes not everyone will agree but it is the desire of the clear majority. The Traffic Department will identify and include any addresses that need to be included on the petition. Upon successful completion, they will review and request consent from the Ward Councillor. As such, this ensures that any residents who would be impacted by changes to on-street parking are able to participate in the decision process to ensure their support or disagreement is considered.
If you or any of your neighbours would like to learn additional information about changing the on-street parking regulations for your street, please do not hesitate to advise and my office would be pleased to connect you with the Traffic Assessment Specialist to discuss in further detail.
Should you see any of these violations and wish to report it, please call by-law at 311.
Parking Prohibited - Whether Signs Have Been Erected or Not
- In excess of three (3) hours, Monday to Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.;
- In excess of six (6) hours on weekends and statutory holidays, between 7:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- within 300 metres of previous parking space within one (1) hour;
- within 9 metres of an intersection;
- within 3 metres of a fire hydrant;
- within 1.5 metres of a driveway;
- on a roadway which is 6 metres or less in width;
- on any portion of a highway not intended for vehicle parking;
- during snow removal and street sweeping operations;
- angle parking is permitted on a highway where the angle has been designated by signs or markings on the roadway;
- no person shall remain parked on any highway where there are parking meters unless such vehicle is parked entirely within the area designated as a parking meter space.
We have had questions from residents regarding on street parking restrictions and options available to address the issue in certain areas of Kanata South. I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with information regarding on street parking.
On street parking becomes an issue for residents when homeowners do not have enough parking on their property to accommodate their personal needs. Sometimes it is a temporary issue for a special occasion for example and sometimes it is because they may have just more cars than space in their garage and/or driveway.
Why this becomes a community issue and a trigger for visits from Parking Control Officers is the vehicles on the public roadway can restrict cars moving on the road, prevent garbage trucks, school buses, delivery trucks or even emergency vehicles from getting to homes on the street.
An option that has been used successfully in our community and across the city to help remedy the congestion that can be found on residential roadways, is the petition process. Changes to any parking regulations must be circulated through a formal petition process so that every resident on the street knows about the proposed change. The Traffic Department can review the roadway and work with the resident who is inquiring to draft proposed changes that are desired, however, this will require a resident with an address on the street to circulate the petition with neighbours and obtain 66% concurrence through the form of signatures. This rule stops someone who uses your street from making changes to it without your knowledge. The 66% rule recognizes not everyone will agree but it is the desire of the clear majority. The Traffic Department will identify and include any addresses that need to be included on the petition. Upon successful completion, they will review and request consent from the Ward Councillor. As such, this ensures that any residents who would be impacted by changes to on-street parking are able to participate in the decision process to ensure their support or disagreement is considered.
If you or any of your neighbours would like to learn additional information about changing the on-street parking regulations for your street, please do not hesitate to advise and my office would be pleased to connect you with the Traffic Assessment Specialist to discuss in further detail.
Should you see any of these violations and wish to report it, please call by-law at 311.