Workplaces that are deemed essential and will stay open amongst COV 19 can be found here.
Dear College Ward Residents,
In light of the recent recommendations from City Management and Ottawa Public Health, my office will be working from home to increase social distancing and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. My team will still be answering calls and emails. You can reach us at 613-580-2478 and Rick.Chiarelli@Ottawa.ca.
During the 30 years I've been working for you as your City Councillor, we have met community challenges by taking care of our most vulnerable. For example, during the tornado of 2018, we helped stranded seniors who needed their groceries or prescriptions picked up. We must remember those people now. Ottawa Public Health has said they are not seeking volunteers right at this moment. However, if you want to help in some way, or you need help, please contact our office and my team, and I will do my best to find a solution.
There is currently a COVID-19 testing center at Brewer Arena for those experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, new or worsening cough, fever, or shortness of breath. You should speak to Ottawa Public Health first to make sure that leaving your home for testing is necessary.
For more information about COVID-19 please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
During this time, we ask that individuals take the following precautions:
We understand that there is currently a lot of information coming out, but here are some details of what is happening in the community.
Financial Support:
Community Support:
The Queensway Carleton Hospital has suspended non-urgent surgeries and programs. Still, if you have a confirmed scheduled appointment, they ask that you arrive at least 30-45 mins early to allow for screening. For more information about visiting QCH, see their website here.
Transportation
OC Transpo requires all passengers to board at the back of the bus, except for those with accessibility issues. There will be additional sanitization of handrails, and stairwells as part of a regular cleaning schedule. The tape will separate the driver from passengers. Cash payment will not be accepted.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Delivery:
Farm Boy, Food Basics, FreshCo Bells Corners, Loblaws, and McDaniel's Your Independent Grocer are open from 7-8 am for anyone over 65 to shop for supplies before the store opens to the public at 8 am.
If you would like to order your food online, the PC Express website has removed the cost for pickup and lowered the price of home-delivered groceries. Walmart also offers grocery pickup.
PC Optimum has released a statement that their suppliers are meeting the demands for their customers, and there will be no increase in price or shortages in food and essential supplies.
Both Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart have dedicated the first opening hour each day to seniors. Shoppers Drug Mart offers 20% off to seniors on regularly priced items.
Other Businesses:
IKEA closed for entry. However, IKEA.com is offering home delivery services and Click & Collect pickup.
Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus, and TekSavvy are waiving all home internet extra usage fees until April 30th to accommodate those working from home.
To help the vulnerable people in our community, I encourage residents to check up on their neighbors, and if possible to donate to the Shepherds of Good Hope and other such agencies, like the Mission, in this time of need. The latest communication from these valuable community organizations has asked for monetary donations rather than goods at this time.
In addition to donations, volunteers are also welcome to reach out. For example, Meals on Wheels is currently looking for help in delivering meals. Each act of kindness can make another person's day.
I want to thank everyone for doing their part in keeping the community safe, and please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Rick Chiarelli
The Ministry of Health has announced that COVID-19 surveillance testing would begin in Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs). Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is collaborating with the Champlain Health Region Incident Command (CHRIC), including members from the community paramedic team, to implement rapid testing of LTCH and Retirement Home (RH) staff and residents.
The purpose of this surveillance testing is to better understand the current state of COVID-19 infections in LTCHs/RHs. Infection Prevention and Control measures, including wearing a face mask at all times while at work, continue to be the most effective way to decrease COVID-19 in LTCHs/RHs. Testing provides a picture of what's happening at one moment in time and helps with early detection to track where the virus is spreading.
The first step of this testing process is a pilot surveillance exercise. The Ontario Ministry of Health will further assess the process and the data to determine next steps for surveillance testing in LTCH/RHs.
This testing will occur between May 7 and 12, 2020 in the following homes:
- Extendicare New Orchard Lodge
- Forest Hill
- Garden Terrace
- Glebe Centre
- Granite Ridge Care Community
- Longfields Manor
- The Salvation Army Ottawa Grace Manor
- Villa Marconi
- Carleton Lodge
- Centre d'Accueil Champlain
- Extendicare Medex
- Hillel Lodge
- Peter D. Clark Centre
- Royal Ottawa Place
We are anticipating individual results in subsequent days with additional time required to reconcile results for individual homes. We would, of course, follow-up immediately with homes if any positive results are received.
Various factors can make a LTCH and RN more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others, such as shared accomodations, less space in common areas for physical distancing, number of staff available, and capacity of residents to wash their hands.
For this surveillance initiative, all staff and residents of these LTCHs/RHs are recommended to be tested for COVID-19. Staff and residents who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 do not require testing. Staff who are not available while the testing team is on-site, will receive a letter recommending to go for COVID-19 testing as soon as possible.
OPH has been advised by our health system partners that sufficient supplies are available for this testing, including swabs and personal protective equipment, and that the laboratories have the ccapacity to process the volume of tests.
Due to temporary operational delay with the contracting firm, Miller Waste Ottawa, staff have updated the collection calendar at ottawa.ca/collectioncalendar so that it is posting the most up to date information so that residents will be able to confirm when their collection is to take place this week.
Ontario Cannabis Stores can Temporarily Offer Curbside Pick-Up and Delivery
Given the long-term goal of establishing a legal cannabis market in Ontario and continued operation of illegal sales, the Government of Ontario has authorized cannabis stores to offer temporary curb-side pick-up and delivery of their products. The authorization is in place immediately and will continue, possibly with extension, until provincial closure orders are lifted.
Revisions to Ontario's essential services list on April 3rd removed cannabis retail stores as essential for the purposes of the emergency response to COVID-19. Cannabis stores and others not included in the revised list were ordered to close as of 11:59 p.m. on April 4th. Prior to closing many retailers observed long line ups and strong demand. Unlike other retailers, cannabis stores were prohibited from offering their products through phone or online access - meaning these retailers were left unable to operate at all.
Sales of cannabis through curbside pick-up and delivery can be offered from 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday-Sunday, and products must be paid for prior to pick-up or delivery of the product Cannsell - third-party delivery is prohibited.
As is already the case with purchases through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), AMO understands that stores offering delivery are able to do so in any municipality, including those that have opted out of allowing cannabis retail in their communities. During the Provincial Emergency Period the AGCO has announced it will pause new retail store authorizations; however, retail store operator and manager licenses will continue to be processed.
Further Suspension of Noise By-laws
In order to facilitate essential health care and residential construction, a regulation was passed (Ontario Regulation 131/20) which limits Section 451.1 of the Municipal Act by lifting municipal noise by-laws to permit certain construction work to continue outside of the normal workday/work week. The decision to work during hours that normally would be prohibited under a noise by-law is at the discretion of the construction company. This exception applies to:
- Construction projects and services in a municipality associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space, at any time of the day or night.
- Any other construction activity in a municipality may operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
No amendments to municipal by-laws are required.
The provincial help line at 1-888-444-3659 is a resource for clarification on what municipal construction projects could be considered to be on the revised service list. That said, it may be prudent for municipal governments to consult with legal counsel for clarity on individual projects. Any of the workplaces that remain open must abide by the directives from the Chief Medical Officer or local public health units and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
AMO's COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find critical information in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemic questions to covid19@amo.on.ca.
The linked video will provide information regarding the risks of Coronavirus as well as how to protect themselves and prepare for the possibility of infection.
The video can be found here
Residents will help shape the City's Solid Waste Master Plan
Ottawa - The city is developing a new Solid Waste Master Plan that will guide how we manage waste in Ottawa over the next 30 years.
Residents will have numerous opportunities over the next 18 months to shape and influence the plan.
Here's what you can do, starting right now:
- Join the conversation and learn more about waste issues at ottawa.ca/wasteplan
- Plan to participate in public consultations starting in April
- Look out for an online survey which will be available to the public in the coming weeks
Topics for discussion in the coming months include:
- The current state of waste management in Ottawa
- The life cycle of the Trail Waste Facility landfill
- The future of recycling programs in Ottawa
- Changing regulations at all levels of government
- How industry trends will affect how the City manages its future waste
- How emerging and proven technologies will impact waste management at all levels
A report will be presented to the City's Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management on March 31 outlining the current state of waste management in Ottawa, which sets the baseline for the plan's development. City Council will consider the final plan in Fall 2021.
The City manages collection, transportation, processing and disposal of blue and black bin recyclables, green bin organics, leaf and yard waste, garbage and bulky items from approximately 291,000 single-family homes and 1,700 multi-residential properties.
More facts:
- In addition to curbside collection, the City also runs specialized programs such as household hazardous waste depots, waste collection in parks and Take it Back!
- The City collects waste from approximately 60,000 locations every day.
- Every week, the City's fleet of 126 trucks criss-cross 5,600 kilometers of roadway to collect waste for our customers.
- In 2019 alone, 61,500 tonnes of material was collected through the Blue and Black Bin programs from single-family homes and multi-residential properties.
- Recycling from single family homes and multi-residential properties in 2019 generated $6.69 million in revenue, which was used to offset program costs.
- With your efforts the City diverts 43 per cent of residential waste away from landfill through Ottawa's Blue, Black, and Green Bins and leaf and yard waste programs.
- The City's owned and operated landfill is expected to be full by 2041.
Quotes:
"A municipal Solid Waste master Plan will provide the overall framework, direction, and goals for solid waste management, diversion and reduction policy over the short, medium and long term. I encourage all residents to learn about this important City service and share their feedback during the consultation process."
- Mayor Jim Watson
"As Ottawa grows and changes, we want to ensure our waste services evolve to meet new needs and challenges. A Solid Waste Master Plan will play an important role in helping the City achieve its strategic priority of Environmental Stewardship by diverting more waste away from landfills."
- Councillor Scott Moffatt, Chair of the Standing Committee on Environmental protection, Water and Waste Management
The City of Ottawa is reviewing its ward boundaries. The last major review was completed in 2005 and established the city's 23 wards.
Ward boundaries must be reviewed periodically to balance population numbers and achieve other components of "effective representation," as established by the Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario's Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board).
Since the last major ward boundary review 15 years ago, Ottawa has seen considerable population growth, with much of this growth occurring in suburban wards outside the Greenbelt the Greenbelt. Some wards are growing approximately twice as fast as other wards, which has resulted in considerable population imbalances. For example, Barrhaven (Ward 3) is now 43 per cent above the average ward population of 44,000 people, Gloucester-South Nepean (Ward 22) is 23 per cent above average and Cumberland (Ward 19) is 17 per cent above average.
In accordance with direction from City Council, an independent, third-party Consultant Team is conducting the Ottawa Ward Boundary Review 2020 in order to ensure objectivity and impartiality during the review process. The Consultant Team will conduct public consultation, interview Members of Council and hold sessions with stakeholder groups, including school boards and other associations.
Public consultation will occur in two rounds. In each round, residents and businesses can provide their line of thought through surveys, discussion at engage.ottawa.ca and nine public meetings. The two rounds of public consultation are as follows:
- Round 1 (March 4-April 3, 2020): Soliciting input on any changes the public would like to see to the current ward boundaries and how the lines should be drawn.
- Round 2 (June 12-September 20, 2020): Collecting opinions and feedback on various options for re-aligning the wards.
Following Round 1 of public consultation, the Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCO) and City Council will consider an Information Report from the Consultant Team that sets out options for re-aligning Ottawa's wards. It is expected that FEDCO and Council will consider the Information Report in Q2 2020.
After Round 2 of public consultation regarding the various options, a Final Report with recommendations is expected to be brought forward by the Consultant Team and considered by FEDCO and Council in Q4 2020.
The city is inviting all residents to help shape our new Community Safety and Well-being Plan. The plan will outline strategies and actions aimed at fostering inclusive communities, where everyone in Ottawa feels safe, and supported by a robust social safety net.
We will seek public input on crime and safety, including on the root causes of these issues, examining factors such as education, health care, food, housing, income and social and cultural expression. City staff will present the final Community Safety and Well-Being Plan report to Community and Protective Services Committee and Council in the fall of 2020.
You can find more information on the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan online
We want to hear about the community safety and well-being issues that matter most to you. Starting on Tuesday, March 3, residents will be able to provide input through an online survey at Ottawa.ca/CSWBP. The survey will remain open until Friday, April 3.
You can also register to attend one of four in-person public-engagement sessions across the city. Space is limited so please register early. Sessions run from 6:30 to 8:30pm and doors open at 6pm.
- Tuesday, March 10 - Nepean Sportsplex (Hall A), 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
- Wednesday, March 11 - Ottawa City Hall (Jean Pigott Place), 110 Laurier Avenue West
- Tuesday, March 24 - Richelieu Vanier Community Centre (Kiwanis hall), 300 Des Peres-Blancs Avenue
- Thursday, March 26 - Kanata Recreation Complex (Hall A), 100 Charlie Rogers Place
If you can't participate in one of these sessions, you can still provide input through the online survey starting on Tuesday, March 3.
Key Messages
- Starting on Friday, February 21, OC Transpo invites all Para Transpo customers to test the new reservation and cancellation web forms on octranpo.com
- This is a temporary way to book and cancel Para Transpo trips online until the full suite of online services is made available later this year.
- The interim web forms will allow Para Transpo customers to reserve a next-day or statutory holiday trip, or to cancel a trip online.
- The web forms are accessible and mobile-friendly, and can be found in the Para Transpo section of octranspo.com
- The new web forms allow customers to avoid the phone queue when making reservations and cancellations.
- We encourage all customers to test the new web forms, but we recognize that some customers will continue to use the phone lines based on their personal needs or preferences.
- To ensure access to trips remains equitable for all customers, all requests made on the phone and using the web form will be prioritized and actioned based on the time received.
- Staff will continue to work with its software supplier and the Councillor steering committee and customer working group to develop the full suite of online services for Para Transpo customer, which will be rolled out at the end of 2020.
- For more information and to provide feedback on the web forms, please visit octranspo.com.
FAQs
1. Why is OC Transpo implementing an interim web form for Para Transpo trip reservations and cancellation?
As indicated in the Para Transpo Online Services Implementation Plan Update report received by the Transit Commision in November 2019, a web form is being provided to customers as a temporary way to book and cancel Para Transpo trips online until a full suite of online services is made available to customers starting at the end of 2020.
2. How do customers test the web forms?
Customers can test the web forms by visiting the Para Transpo section of octranspo.com
Process for reserving next-day trips:
- Customers submit their requests up until 3:30 p.m. the day before the requested trip by filling out the reservation web form at octranspo.com (Note: customers can also use the web form to reserve trips on statutory holidays up to one week in advance).
- An automated email is sent to confirm that the request is received.
- Reservations are entered into the queue with phone bookings.
- Trip reservations are manually reviewed and entered by staff.
- A second email is sent to the customer to confirm their booking.
Process for cancelling trips:
- Customers fill out the cancellation web form up to one hour before the scheduled pick-up time of the booked trip at octranspo.com.
- An automated email is sent to confirm that the cancellation is received.
3. What information is required when filling out the web form?
When using the web forms, customers will need to provide the same information as they would when booking or cancelling a trip on the phone.
Trip reservations:
- Para Transpo registration number
- Customer's full name
- Trip information (date, time and pick-up/drop-off location)
- Whether a support person or companion will be riding with the customer
Trip cancellations:
- Para Transpo registration number
- Customer's full name
- Trip information (date, time and pick-up location)
Customers will also need to provide a contact email address so that OC Transpo can send the confirmation once the trip is booked or cancelled. In addition, the web form asks for a contact phone number in the event staff need to contact a customer to clarify a request received through a web form.
4. Can a support person, family member or agency fill out the web form on a customer's behalf?
Yes, a support person, family member or agency can fill out a web form on a customer's behalf. They will require the customer's Para Transpo registration number in order to use the web forms.
5. Can a customer book more than one next-day trip with the web form?
Yes, the reservation web form allows a customer to request up to four trips for the next day.
6. Can a customer create a new subscription booking using the web form?
No, the web form can only be used to reserve a next-day trip or a booking on a statutory holiday. This feature will be available in the full suite of online services, which will be rolled out to customers at the end of 2020.
7. Will trip reservations submitted through the web form be given priority over phone bookings?
No. To ensure access to trips remains equitable for all customers, all requests made on the phone and using the web form will be prioritized and actioned based on the time received.
8. Can customers still book and cancel their trips via phone?
Yes. While we encourage all customers to try out the new web forms, we recognize that some customers will continue to use the phone lines based on their personal needs or preferences.
9. How are the web forms different than the full suite of online services that are to be made available at the end of 2020
The web forms are meant to provide a temporary way for customers to reserve a next-day trip or cancel a trip online, while staff work with the customer working group and the software supplier to develop the full system. When a customer submits a request through the web form, the request requires manual intervention by staff who will take information provided in the web form, then enter it or cancel it in the scheduling system. When the full system is available, customers will make their bookings online using a computer or on a mobile app, and the information will be entered into the scheduling system directly, similar to how reservations are made for an airline or a hotel.
10. Why is there a deadline of 3:30 p.m. to reserve a next-day trip when the phone lines close at 5:00 p.m.?
This is the same time that we provide for the Para Transpo reservations call back queue to ensure that all trip requests can be actioned on a timely basis.
11. Did Oc Transpo test the web forms with customers?
Yes, testing has been completed in phases and began in late December. Last week, we invited selected customers to test the web forms. On Friday, February 21, we will be inviting all customers to test the web forms. Customers are welcome to provide us with feedback on the interim web forms via the email address noted on our website. This feedback will help us determine if any refinements are required for the benefit of customers.
12. How will customers know that their trip reservations are confirmed?
When reserving a next-day or statutory holiday trip request using the web form, customers will receive two e-mails: 1) an automated confirmation e-mail confirming receipt of their web form; and, 2) a second e-mail will be sent as soon as the reservation has been processed by staff.
13. How will customers know that their trip cancellations have been received and processed by OC Transpo?
When cancelling a trip using the web form, customers will receive an automated confirmation e-mail that their cancellation request has been received. No further action from the customer is required.
14. How will OC Transpo promote the new web forms to customers?
OC Transpo will promote the new web forms using a variety of customer information channels, including:
- E-mail to Council and Transit Commission with key messages and FAQs
- Tweets
- News item on octranspo.com
- Recorded message on the Para Transpo phone lines
- E-mail to Para Transpo stakeholder list
- Flyer distribution on Para Transpo minibuses
15. If a customer has a question or needs help using the web form, what should they do?
Should customers have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the interim web forms, they are encouraged to send us a message via the e-mail provided on the web form.
Our office received several requests for information regarding the removal of parking spots on Highgate Rd a few weeks ago. We were informed this was a result of a safety concern brought to the attention of our Traffic department by a resident. Staff reviewed the concern and had the following notes:
"While on site I did note two issues which we will be addressing. While there is a northbound Pedestrian Ahead sign on Highgate Rd., it is too far in advance of the pathway, so a second sign will be erected closer to the pathway to warn drivers of the presence of pedestrians on or near the roadway in the area of the pathway. I also noted that the current parking regulations allow for 2-3 vehicles to park to the East of the pathway, which obstructs sightlines between drivers and pedestrians approaching the pathway. The No parking zone will be extended to just beyond the pathway, so that there is a clear line of sight between drivers and pedestrians at the path."
We understand that many residents were frustrated that they were not consulted or informed prior to the implementation of parking restrictions near the pathway. We were informed by staff that when there is a legitimate safety concern determined by staff, there is no requirement for public consultation. However please be assured that our office is dedicated to keeping the community informed of upcoming changes as they happen as soon as we are informed by staff and we will be posting regular updates to this website in the future.
Many of you have expressed concerns about traffic calming and we can confirm that Flex stakes will be redeployed on Highgate again this year starting in the Spring.
As early as February 27th, investigative geotechnical activities will occur at Lisa Avenue at Greenbank Road.
Drill rigs will be used to drill boreholes of varying depths in order to collect soil samples that will in part determine construction methodologies and materials. Given the work is occurring just on the roadway, a lane reduction is required from 9:00am-1:00pm and OPS duty will be on site.
Catchment Area
Boundaries consist of:
- Baseline Road to the North
- Clyde Avenue/Merivale Road to the East
- Hydro Corridor to the South
- Woodroffe Avenue to the West
Capital Levy - Acquisition Costs
- A total estimated cost of $4.7M
- $3.95M - Property Acquisition
- $750K - Renovations & Legal Costs
- 10 year Levy to recover this capital cost + carrying fees
- Residential Implications
- Average property will pay $128.43 annually
- $31.83 for every 100,000 of assessment
- Costs are best estimates and could change slightly
Operating Levy
- Estimated Cost to operate and maintain the facility - $150,000 annually
- Cost may be adjusted annually for inflation
- Special Levy into perpetuity
- Residential Implications
- Average property will pay $31.65 annually
- $7.85 for every 100,000 of assessment
- Costs are best estimates and could change slightly
Levy Summary (residential only)
- Average residential property in the area is assessed at 403,500
| Average Assessed Property | Year 1-10 | Year 10 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|
| $4.7M Capital Levy | $128.43 | |
| $150K Annual Operating Costs | $31.65 | $31.65 |
| Total | $160.08 | $31.65 |
| Levy per 100,000 of Assessment | Year 1-10 | Year 10 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|
| $4.7M Capital levy | $31.83 | |
| $150K Annual Operating Costs | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| Total | $39.68 | $7.85 |
Voting Method
- The vote is being administered by staff in the Office of the City Clerk, the office responsible municipal elections.
- Property owners in the catch area will receive a bilingual information package from the Office of the City Clerk via Canada Post.
- The package will include:
- Background information;
- Instructions on how to vote;
- A unique paper ballot; and
- A prepaid envelope to return the ballot in the mail.
- One paper ballot will be mailed to each address in the catchment area
- Ballots can be placed in the pre-paid return envelope and mailed back. Return envelopes will have the address of the Office of the City Clerk pre-printed for convenience.
- Ballots can also be dropped off in person at a ballot box located at the city of Ottawa Archives building at 100 Tallwood Dr, Nepean from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Security measures will be in place to ensure no duplicate votes are counted.
- Only ballots issued by the City will be accepted.
- The paper ballot will require:
- The First and last name of property owner or authorized agent;
- Civic address, including the postal code;
- The property owner's or authorized agent's signature; and
- The date.
Assistance with Voting
- Should you have any questions or require assistance with voting, the Office of the City Clerk will have dedicated points of contact to assist residents.
- Contact information will be included in the mailing package.
- By e-mail: KilmorieLevy@Ottawa.ca / CotisationKilmorie@Ottawa.ca
- By phone: 613-580-2424 ext. TBD
Check your mail starting February 21, 2020. Ballots are scheduled to arrive in time for the beginning of the voting period on February 24, 2020.
Votes received after March 13, 2020 at 4pm will not be accepted. Ballots will be date and time stamped to ensure they were received during the voting period.
Love is in the air! With 40 Local Vendors to choose from, come down and find your sweetheart something sweet.
We'll have everything from Soap, Beeswax Candles, to Wood Works, Quilts and Knitted Goods. Jewelry, Pet Supplies, and Herbal Remedies Macrame, and Native Crafts. Baked Goods, and Clothing, Stained Glass, and so Much More!!
There will also be Live Music on the Stage to keep us entertained. The Snack Shack will be serving up some yummy delights such as Delicious Baked Goods, Hamburgers, Veggieburgers, Hot Dogs, and, Gourmet Grilled Cheese, and Refreshments!
So come on down and join us for a Cozy Craft Show in Nepean!
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Special Thanks to all the Musicians for sharing their wonderful talent with us, and to Groovy for cooking us yummy delights!
In an emergency every second counts - and when a fire hydrant is covered in snow, crews lose precious time trying to dig it out.
If a fire hydrant is located on your property, you are responsible for ensuring nothing obstructs access to the hydrant, as per Ottawa's Water By-law.
The City encourages you to be a hydrant hero this winter and keep your local hydrant clear of snow. Clearing 1.5 metres around a hydrant maintains access for our firefighters and helps them keep you, your family and your community safe.
Contractors are reminded to not pile snow over or against hydrants when clearing pathways and driveways in the winter.
If you are unable to clear the hydrant on your property, please call 3-1-1.
The purpose of this memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update of new cycling facilities completed during 2019 and plans for their winter maintenance.
During the winter months, most cyclists (approximately 57%) shift to transit, walking or carpooling while approximately 28% shift to driving. However, cyclists are increasingly interested in riding year-round as cycling connections and facilities are improving each year.
Ottawa's Winter-maintained Cycling Network offers a network of cycling facilities cleared of snow to the same standard as the neighbouring sidewalk or vehicle travel lanes. The winter network is concentrated in core areas along the cycling corridors that have the highest activity levels during the fair-weather months. The up-to-date winter cycling network map is available on the City's geoOttawa mapping platform.
As new cycling facilities are completed each year, whether as stand-alone projects or as part of other City road construction projects, the General Manager, Transportation Services in consultation with the General manager, Public Works and Environmental Services, have delegated authority to modify the network in accordance with winter cycling needs, connectivity and affordability.
Table 1 (below) lists the cycling facilities that have been added to the City's Winter-maintained Cycling Network in 2020, in consultation with Public Works and Environmental Services, because of their connectivity to the existing winter-maintained cycling network and their high activity levels outside winter months.
Table 2 lists the new multi-use pathways completed in 2019 that are being winter maintained in accordance with pedestrian maintenance requirements, which may also benefit cyclists. Table 3 lists the major new cycling facilities completed in 2019 that will not be winter maintained because they are not connected to the Winter-maintained Cycling Network and do not have sufficient activity levels during fair weather to warrant the cost of winter maintenance. These facilities may be considered for winter maintenance in future years.
It takes time for activity levels on new cycling facilities to warrant the cost of winter maintenance. Staff are developing standardized warrant thresholds for winter maintenance of cycling facilities as part of the ongoing update to the Ottawa Cycling Plan.
Table 1 - 2020 Addition to Winter-Maintained Cycling Network
| Location | Facility Type | Facility Length |
|---|---|---|
| Flora Bridge across Rideau Canal (Fifth Avenue to Clegg Street) | Multi-Use Pathway | 200m |
| Mackenzie Avenue (Rideau Street to Murray Street) | Cycle tracks | 400m |
| MUP along the O-Train Line 1 guidway (Laurier Avenue to Hurdman Station) | Multi-Use Pathway | 2,300m |
Table 2 - Multi-Use Pathways Completed in 2019 Winter-Maintained for Pedestrians Only
| Location | Facility Type | Facility Length |
|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill Park and Ride MUP Connections | Multi-Use Pathway | 800m |
| Hospital Link MUP | Multi-Use Pathway | 1,200m |
| MUP link (Industrial Avenue to Coronation Avenue) | Multi-Use Pathway | 110m |
| Pimisi Station MUPs (Lett Street to Pimisi Station; and, Pimisi Station to Albert Street between Preston Street and Booth Street) | Multi-Use Pathway | 400m |
Table 3 - Major Cycling Facilities Completed in 2019 not Winter-Maintained
| Location | Facility Type | Facility Length |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Street underpass at Riverside Drive | Multi-Use Pathway | 200m |
| Byron Avenue eastbound only (Golden Avenue to Island Park Drive) | Painted Bike lane | 1,500m |
| Byron Avenue westbound only (Eden Avenue to Island Park Drive) | Painted Bike lane | 900m |
| Dynes Road (Prince of Wales Drive to Fisher Avenue) | Painted Bike lane | 800m |
| Fisher Avenue southbound only (Baseline Road to Dynes Road) | Painted Bike lane | 600m |
| Prince of Wales Drive (Forest Hill Avenue to just south of Dynes Road) | Cycle tracks | 600m |
| Sherbourne Road (Carling Avenue to Byron Avenue) | Painted bike lane | 1,300m |
Mayor Watson and Members of Council,
As many are aware, Wuhan, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia on December 31, 2019, which were later confirmed as caused by a new type of coronavirus not previously identified in humans.
Ottawa Public Health is following the lead of the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada in responding to the Novel Coronavirus with a focus on keeping the people of Ottawa well.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause infections ranging from the common cold to more severe infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS. Symptoms of infection with this new coronavirus range from mild to severe respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath. Complications can cause pneumonia and deaths are mainly being reported in older adults with underlying chronic disease.
Chinese officials in Wuhan as well as other cities in Hubei Province are implementing exceptional measures to reduce further spread of the virus. Given the safety and security risks associated with these measures, the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all travel to Hubei province, China.
At this time, the population at risk for infection with the novel coronavirus is people who have visited Wuhan and the surrounding province of Hubei and people who have been in close contact with someone who has a respiratory illness who has been to the Hubei province within 14 days prior to their illness onset. The incubation period is the time between when someone was exposed to the virus and infected and the time when symptoms first appear. The typical incubation period for the novel coronavirus appears to be more like a few days, though information is evolving.
There are travelers who have returned from the affected area who were screened in airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and who were given messaging about how to take precautions to limit exposure to others if they develop symptoms in the 14 days after their return.
Ottawa Public Health has strong partnerships with local hospitals, which test for novel coronavirus, and we are sharing provincial guidance to support primary health care providers in the community. I can confirm that rigorous processes are in place to screen individuals suspected of novel coronavirus exposure; people undergoing assessment are isolated and employees are protected from infection. We have information on our website and we are receiving phone calls to guide health care practitioners as well as members of the public regarding assessment for novel coronavirus. I encourage all who visit a hospital to read and follow instructions on hospital signage.
As of last evening, about 40 people in Ontario have been investigated with a lab test to rule out or detect infection with the novel coronavirus, given their history of travel to an affected area or exposure to someone ill who traveled to an affected area. Most of these tests have been negative. Two cases have been identified in Toronto. There has been one instance in the City of Ottawa where the decision was made to order the lab test to rule out the novel coronavirus. If this test becomes positive, I will be communicating about this.
If a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus were to be identified in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health would work with the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Ontario Laboratory, and local hospitals in the management of the case and any contacts. Of the three confirmed or presumptive cases in Canada, all are doing well.
As I mentioned earlier, this situation is evolving and prevention of transmission of the respiratory virus is key. There are things that residents can and should do to reduce the spread of infection, which are useful for limiting the spread of infection, which are useful for limiting the spread of influenze, which is present in our community at this time.
I recommend that everyone:
- Wash your hands and wash them often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand santizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands
- Cover your cough and please sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not into your hands
- And if possible, stay home if you are sick
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
- And it is still important to get your flu shot as the influenza season is ongoing
You will have likely seen in the media discussion surrounding face masks. In Ottawa there is no reason to wear a mask if you are well. Masks can provide a false sense of security, as people continue to touch the masks and then their face. The best advice is to wash your hands frequently and refrain from touching your face.
The Ottawa Public Health team has activated an incident management structure to focus efforts on being vigilant to detect and limit spread of the novel coronavirus. Ottawa Public Health is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and responding in collaboration with partners. I will keep the public updated.
On the 31st December 2019, the World health Organization was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan City. A Novel Coronavirus was identified as the causative virus by Chinese authorities on January 7th 2020. As of January 22nd, 2020, there are no cases reported in Canada, however there have been a bit over 400 confirmed cases, mainly in China, but also in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and 1 case in the USA. Screening has been employed in some airports to prevent the spread. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Standard recommendations to prevent infection include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms. Additional information on the virus can be found at ipac-canada.org and who.int/health-topics/coronavirus.
25 years after the Ontario government announced the red and white health cards would be phased out, the official deadline has been set to July 1st. Those who still have the old health cards will get notices this month, and after that they will get monthly reminders to get a new card. After the deadline the card will not be accepted for services, and the owner of the card will receive a bill for the services. The bill will be reimbursed once the owner of the red and white health card gets a new card. Photo health cards can be obtained for free at ServiceOntario locations including Ottawa City Hall, the location at 1948 Merivale, and the location at 1309 Carling
Although Councillor Chiarelli must currently focus on his recovery, he collaborates with us here at the office daily, with the due authority delegated to him by Council.
As his health permits, the Councillor will be assuming more active duties however our team is empowered with the ability to assist yourself and other College Ward residents. Additionally City staff are also available to help via 3-1-1 through the City of Ottawa website. We welcome all inquiries and strive to ensure that we provide the same level of services our residents expect and deserve.
The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the 2020 CED grants program. The application closing date is Friday March 20, 2020.
The annual Community Economic Development (CED) Funding Program provides financial support to selected projects (not ongoing program expenses) that are anticipated to result in:
- Job Creation
- Business creation
- Entrepreneurship skills development
- Employability skills development
The CED Funding Program is focused on having a positive impact on disadvantaged populations (e.g. lower income youth and older adults, rural residents, new immigrants, visible minorities, etc.), while also demonstrating social justice and inclusion, and/or cultural diversification benefits.
Projects should help build community capacity to support these objectives beyond the project funding period. Projects should help targeted populations to overcome identified disadvantages. Projects should build inclusivity for populations that are under-represented in the mainstream economy.
The CED Grants Funding Program awards a total of up to $280,000 per year, distributed among the top-ranked proposals that are selected by a jury panel of reviewers. While proposals may have inherent merits, funds are awarded only among the top-ranked projects, until the annual funding maximum is reached.
Please follow this link for more information and to submit your proposal.(English) or (French)
If you would like to discuss your project idea before submitting your proposal, please contact Ian Scott, Economic Development Officer at ian.scott@ottawa.ca
New Winter Service
New Winter schedules and service improvements start Sunday, January 5.
Winter Service Highlights
Starting on December 22, 2019 there will be:
- Extra trips or minor scheduling adjustments on Routes 7, 24, 34, and 225
Starting on January 5, 2020 there will be:
- Extra trips added to many weekday routes to improve the morning and afternoon commute
- Larger buses on key routes to reduce crowding
- Schedule adjustments on some routes to improve bus stop arrival times
- Extra stops added to Routes 258, 282, and 284 to increase service to transit stations in the west end
- Direct non-stop service from Tunney's Pasture to Fallowfield on Routes 270, 271, 272, 273, 275, 277, and 278
- Minor schedule adjustments on School Routes 12, 631, 686, 689, and 691 to align with bell times
Route changes and adjustments
The Winter Service Change on January 5, 2020 and the earlier adjustments on December 22 include improvements based on customer feedback that will:
- Better match service to ridership
- Reduce platform crowding
- Replace unscheduled supplemental bus service
- Accommodate early start times for customers working downtown
- Adjust trips to provide service when it is most needed
For more information, visit the OC Transpo Website
Route 55
- Increasing service in the eastbound direction from every direction from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes between 07:30 and 08:30 by adding two new trips to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for customers.
- Increasing service in the westbound direction between 15:00 and 16:00 from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes by adding two new trips to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for customers.
Route 61
- Adding five westbound afternoon trips at 14:45, 16:08, 16:25, 16:50, and 17:20, from Tunney's Pasture Station via Bayshore and Eagleson Stations to Terry Fox Station to increase capacity, reduce waiting times for customers, and alleviate bus platform crowding.
Route 62
- Added a morning eastbound trip from Cardelrec Recreational Complex Goulbourn at 7:10 and an afternoon westbound trip from Tunney's Pasture Station at 16:28 to increase capacity and alleviate bus platform crowding (began in November).
Route 63
- To improve connections to Gatineau, two eastbound morning trips from Tunney's Pasture Station at 06:49 and 07:25 will be extended to end at Sacre-Coeur.
- To improve connections from Gatineau, four westbound afternoon trips will be extended to start at Sacre-Coeur at approximately 15:13, 15:43, 16:43, and 17:16 to provide approximately 15 minute service from gatineau for most of the afternoon peak period.
Route 66
- Added an afternoon eastbound trip at 16:00 from Carling Campus to Tunney's Pasture Station to improve capacity for customers (began in November).
Route 75
- Adding new westbound trips every 5 minutes between 14:40 and 19:00 from Tunney's Pasture Station to Baseline Station. These trips are marked as "75 Baseline". The addition of these trips increases capacity and reduces waiting time for customers travelling to Westboro, Dominion, Lincoln Fields, Queensway, Iris, and Baseline Stations. This reduces pressure on the 270-series Connexion routes to Barrhaven, which makes more capacity available and improves reliability of those routes. This also reduces crowding at Stop G on the bus platform at Tunney's Pasture Station.
- To improve connections to Gatineau, an eastbound trip from Tunney's Pasture Station at 07:41 will be extended to end at les Terrasses de la Chaudiere.
- To improve connections from Gatineau, two westbound trips will be extended to start at Place du Portage at 15:16 and 15:30.
Route 80
- Added an afternoon southbound trip at 16:41 from Tunney's Pasture Station to Barrhaven Centre to provide for increased capacity for customers (began in November).
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 82
- Added an afternoon westbound trip at 16:35 from Tunney's Pasture Station to Greenbank and Craig Henry to reduce waiting time for customers (began in November).
- Improving service reliability by increasing the length of time between scheduled trips in order to start the next scheduled trip on-time.
Route 83
- Added a morning Northbound trip at 08:24 from Woodfield and Merivale to Tunney's Pasture Station to reduce waiting time for customers to provide for increased capacity for customers (began in November).
- Improving service reliability by increasing the length of time between scheduled trips in order to start the next scheduled trip on-time.
Route 86
- Added an afternoon southbound trip at 18:15 from Tunney's Pasture Station to provide for increased capacity for customers (began in November).
Route 88
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 89
- Added a morning northbound trip from Colonnade Road at 07:58 and an afternoon southbound trip from Tunney's Pasture Station at 17:05 to provide for increased capacity for customers (began in November).
Route 111
- Added a morning eastbound trip at 07:40 from Baseline Station via Billings Bridge Station to Carleton University to provide increased capacity for customers (began in November).
Route 251
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 252
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 256
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 257
- Adding an afternoon westbound trip from Tunney's Pasture Station at 15:00 to provide increased capacity for customers.
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 258
- To provide additional capacity along the Transitway, the route will serve Pinecrest, Queensway, Lincoln Fields, Dominion and Westboro Stations in the morning and afternoon.
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 282
- To provide additional capacity along the Transitway, the route will serve Queensway, Lincoln Fields, Dominion and Westboro Stations in the morning and afternoon.
- Will be moved to Stop F on the bus platform at Tunney's Pasture Station to improve travel choices for customers travelling on Routes 82 and 282 and to reduce crowding at Stop G.
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 284
- To provide additional capacity along the Transitway, the route will serve Baseline, Iris, Queensway, Lincoln Fields, Dominion and Westboro Stations in the morning and afternoon.
- Will be moved to Stop F on the bus platform at Tunney's Pasture Station to improve travel choices for customers travelling on Routes 82 and 284 and to reduce crowding at Stop G.
- Improving service reliability by adjusting the time allotted for buses to complete their trips.
Route 404
- To provide customers with more direct service to Canadian Tire Centre, trips that currently bypass Eagleson Station will also bypass Terry Fox Station. The remaining trips that currently serve Eagleson Station will continue to serve Terry Fox Station.
Route 686
- Adjusting the afternoon school trip from Ecole Secondaire Omer-Deslauriers to arrive earlier to better match the end time of school.
Route 691
- Adjusting the afternoon school trip from Ecole Secondaire Omer-Deslauriers to arrive earlier to better match the end time of school.
The City of Ottawa reminds residents to expect schedule changes for the holiday season, between Tuesday, December 24 and Thursday, January 2. Visit the City's website for a complete list of impacts to the following services:
- Client services centres
- Garbage, green bin and recycling collection
- Parking
- Transit services
- Recreation services
- Public health services
- Cultural services
- Archives services
- Municipal child care services
- Library services
This week automated speed enforcement, or photo radar, was approved for a few more Ottawa streets with the intention of slowing down motorists near schools. One of the conditions, is that signs alerting motorists that a camera will be coming soon must be installed for 90 days wherever cameras will be located. In March of 2020, these "coming soon" signs will be replaced with new signs that will warn motorists that cameras to catch speeding motorists are "in use".
Speed Cameras, much like red-light cameras, will be set up wherever these signs are located. The locations were all recently approved as community safety zones near school where aggressive driving is a risk to children. Locations were selected based on data including previous incidents of speeding vehicles, the number of children walking to school, and previous collisions. The Locations across Ottawa are:
- Innes Road (Ecole secondaire catholique Beatrice-Desloges)
- Bayshore (St. Rose of Lima School)
- Ogilvie Road (Gloucester High School)
- Smyth Road (Vincent Massey Public School, Hillcrest High School and Ecole secondaire catholique Franco-cite)
- Meadowlands Drive West (St. Gregory School)
Three additional sites will have a 90-day warning signs installed in the near future:
- Watters Road (St. Francis of Assisi School)
- Longfields Drive (Ecole elementaire catholique Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau, St Mother Teresa High School and Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School)
- Katimavik Road (Holy Trinity Catholic High School)
Motorists photographed speeding through the area are likely to get a ticket. Tickets will be mailed to the registered plate owner of the vehicle and will show up in the mail within about 30 days. The amount of the fine will be based on how much the driver was exceeding the posted speed limit. And because the offence occurred in a community safety zone, the fine will be doubled.
There is a very simple way to avoid getting a ticket - just don't speed. Slow down and help keep our communities safe. Think Safely, Act Safely!