Giant Hogweed

There has been a possible Giant hogweed sighting in Kilreen Park. The plant was found near the south entrance of the park against the fence near Stanton road). The city has already been notified to remove the plant.

Giant hogweed is toxic and can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin and can damage eyes. Do not attempt to remove Giant hogweed yourself. If you suspect that you have found Giant hogweed contact either a professional exterminator (to remove the plant from your property) or the city of Ottawa to examine and remove the plant from public spaces.

If you are exposed to Giant hogweed's toxic sap then wash your skin well with soap and water. Keep any affected areas out of the sun because the sap will increase photosensitivity and your risk of sunburn. See a doctor if you develop photo dermatitis (inflammation after exposure to sunlight). If you get sap in your eye, flush your eye with water and see a doctor immediately.

Resources:

Government of Ontario. (2019). Giant hogweed. https://www.ontario.ca/page/giant-hogweed

City of Ottawa. (2020). Invasive species. https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/environment/trees-plants-and-forests/plants/invasive-species

Service Ottawa. (2020). Wild Parsnip, Poison Ivy or Giant Hogweed in ditches (Self Service Reporting Form). https://so311.serviceottawa.ca/selfserve/?reqId=2000154&lang=en&form=Road_Maint_Ditches.Weeds

National Capital Commission (NCC). (2017). Harmful Plants in the Capital. https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/harmful-plants-in-the-capital

City of Ottawa July Recreation Update

It’s finally summer and we are happy to announce that our  beaches are now open. Lifeguards will be on duty from noon to 7 p.m. every day until August 30, 2020. As we love to see residents enjoying the outdoor space, please continue to observe Ottawa Public Health guidelines and look out for our wonderful Park Ambassadors in green who are there to answer any of your questions. Please note that Britannia Beach will remain closed to swimmers and beach goers for riverbed restoration.

Keeping the parks clean

As the greenspace is open for use, just a gentle reminder that we all have a small part to play in keeping the area clean. Please try to take your waste home with you, do not dump household waste in the park, limit your waste footprint and pack food into reusable containers where possible, and please dispose of dog waste in your green bin. By each of us thinking about keeping the spaces litter-free we can all enjoy the beauty that Ottawa has to offer.

Pool openings on the horizon

We’re planning for a gradual opening of our wading pools across the city, starting with the first batch on July 6. We’re are also working to reopen indoor pools and outdoor deep-water pools with modified formats for many of the usual activities, such as swimming lessons and open swims.  Stay tuned for the details.

City of Ottawa Archives

Future generations will look back at this time and wonder what happened, what were people’s experiences. The City of Ottawa Archives team is giving you the chance to be part of history. Diaries, posters, artwork, correspondence, business records, photographs, sound recordings, video footage, and similar materials, including digital records can be submitted by visiting the website.

Summer Camp Fun

Remember, you can register today for fun, safe summer camps from The City of Ottawa.

We’re on YouTube

Yes, you read that right. Take a trip over to our new YouTube channel to find fun and fresh videos including Dexter the Dinosaur, fitness and our Tea with Dave series. Follow Dave as he chats to local stars including JW Jones!

City of Ottawa Recreation Update

Camp Summer Fun

Registration is now open for our modified summer camp which will begin on July 6. Camp Summer Fun will follow physical distancing guidelines as set out by Ottawa Public Health, group size limitations and other Provincial directives. The Camp Summer Fun Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 1.01 mb ] is now available for you to browse. Spots are still available for English camps at: Bell Centennial Arena Dempsey Community Centre Fred Barrett Arena Jack Charron Arena Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Centre Metcalfe Community Centre/Larry Robinson Arena Osgoode Community Centre Overbrook Community Centre Pat Clark Community Centre R. J. Kennedy Memorial South Fallingbrook Community Centre W. Erskine Johnston Arena Spots are still available for French camps at: Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex - Orléans Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre J.A. Dulude Arena Metcalfe Community Centre/Larry Robinson Arena Overbrook Community Centre Pat Clark Community Centre Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata

Summer Programs

All registrations for regular summer programming have been canceled and fees will be automatically refunded. But rest assured, the City is considering opportunities for offering other recreation and cultural programming following public health guidelines. Stand by for further details.

Indoor and outdoor facility rentals

If you are looking to use City venues then rentals of indoor space for up to 10 people will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For sporty types, fields can be booked for events of up to 10 people, under the condition that sports teams and clubs follow the guidelines of their governing organizations.

Memberships to gyms and fitness centres

If you are a member of one of our gyms and/or fitness centres your membership will be reevaluated after July 31. If your membership expires before then, it will be automatically cancelled, and you will receive a prorated refund.

Stay up-to-date

For the latest information visit our website which is updated regularly. Also, our Facebook page is full of information and fun activities too.

City of Ottawa Recreation Update - Camp Summer Fun

Camp Summer Fun

The City will be offering a modified summer camp which will begin on July 6 on the condition that Provincial restrictions are relaxed to allow day camps for children, and in accordance to the stage two guidelines announced by the Province. Camp Summer Fun will follow physical distancing guidelines as set out by Ottawa Public Health, group size limitations and other Provincial directives. Browse the Camp Summer Fun Recreation eGuide [ PDF – 1.01 MB ] Read the FAQ’s on ottawa.ca for more details on the program, cost and safety measures being implemented. Online registration will begin on June 15 at 9 pm. Find our more information on Inclusive Recreation camps that are being offered. Any questions regarding summer camps should be sent to CampSummerFun@ottawa.ca.

City of Ottawa - Recreation - June

With the warmer weather you will want to enjoy the outdoors. The City has implemented the Province’s stage one reopenings that relate to park amenities. Outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields are open, including: Baseball diamonds Soccer fields Frisbee golf locations Tennis Platform tennis Table tennis and pickleball courts Basketball courts BMX parks Skate parks In addition, off-leash dog areas, benches, picnic areas and shelters are also open. Sports fields are available for casual use only and groups of no more than five people. In all cases, physical distancing of at least two metres is required. Provincial orders remain in effect prohibiting the use of: Play structures Swings Slides Splash pads Wading pools Exercise equipment

We want to hear from you!

With the temporary closure of City of Ottawa facilities, we’d like to receive your feedback. Take our surveys on recreation and summer camps. Just click on the links below and have your say. Recreation programs survey Summer camps survey

Park ambassadors are there to help

Keep an eye out for City of Ottawa staff wearing green t-shirts in parks across the city. Park ambassadors can offer valuable information, answer questions and clarify any confusion you might have about what’s permitted in City parks, trails and natural areas – all while keeping a two metre distance of course!

Fun with Dexter

Dexter continues to entertain Ottawa’s community and he has a challenge for all the dinosaurs out there! Take a look at our Facebook page to see what Dexter’s latest challenge is. Did someone say dancing dinosaurs?

City of Ottawa - City Builders - June / Ville d'Ottawa - Bâtisseurs de la Ville - Juin

COVID-19 Update

Current Context: The Province and the City of Ottawa

COVID-19 has been a massive challenge for residents across Ottawa. The situation remains fluid and the City of Ottawa continues to plan for recovery. On Wednesday, May 13th, City Manager Steve Kanellakos provided an update to Council on our roadmap for the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some highlights on where things stand: On April 27, the Ontario government released their reopening framework that outlines a careful, stage-by-stage approach to ensure the appropriate measures are in place so workplaces can reopen safely On May 12, the Province announced the extension of their state of emergency to June 2, 2020 which means that all enhanced public health measures including recommendations to stay home, practice physical distancing and hand washing remain in place On May 14, Premier Ford announced additional workplaces that could reopen including some retailers, seasonal businesses and health and community service providers over the long weekend and on Tuesday, May 19 The City of Ottawa remains in a state of emergency and is lockstep with the Province in terms of plans to reopen as we continue to address immediate and evolving community needs The City of Ottawa is taking cues from the Province and public health officials to adapt our recovery plan to respond to new and emerging directives  The City of Ottawa does not have dates yet and we need to remain flexible to respond to potential flare-ups or increases in infection rates

Innovation within the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development (PIED) Department

As a service organization, we are depended upon to deliver the services that residents need. Service delivery continues across the organization and the Planning Infrastructure and Economic Development department (PIED) is no exception! The Province has revised its list of essential businesses pursuant to its powers under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (the "Emergency Act"). The City of Ottawa will continue to accept, and process applications related to building permits, development and heritage applications, and right-of-way permits. PIED staff have made best efforts to continue business as usual where possible, making the necessary modifications and innovations to accommodate physical distancing requirements. Here are just a few highlights of our innovations and the work we’ve completed during the pandemic:

Building Code Services has adapted its processes to be able to continue to provide essential services during the pandemic. Clients can submit their complete permit application submission packages with payment (cheque) via mail. Smaller construction applications (scaled to a maximum of 11"x17") can be submitted by email. Inspections are continuing for those projects under the authority of a Building Permit provided they are deemed an essential business. Inspectors are currently practicing enhanced health and safety protocols, including physical distancing, while on site. The Province has amended the Municipal Act, 2001 to extend construction hours for projects associated with the healthcare sector to 24 hours a day. The amendment also extends permissible construction hours for other workplaces to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Right of Way and Urban Design has had many innovations in technology by their various branches. The Geospatial Analytics, Technology and Solutions Branch has created a tool that focuses on vulnerable populations during emergencies. The Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) held its first virtual meeting through Zoom on May 1st. Inspections staff have become accustomed to using technology in their day to day activities to complete tasks, inspections, and essential pre-construction meetings, and schedule updates.

Infrastructure Services have reviewed the essential services information provided by the Province, and the interpretation is construction on critical infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, sewer, water, transit and transportation falls within the exemption. Ongoing, enhanced communication and engagement is taking place with industry partners to comply with restrictions and recommendations provided by health officials at a municipal, provincial and federal levels. Annual meetings with Ward Councillors are taking place, this year virtually, staff are adapting to a new way of doing business remotely, online and providing ongoing support. The team is adapting to a new way of doing business remotely and online, including the creation of a new webpage on Ottawa.ca to post more information about projects. Visit Ottawa.ca and check out the Construction Notices that have already been posted!

Planning Services continues to receive and process development applications. More than 50 applications were received in March and April.

Economic Development and Long Range Planning created a Eeconomic Recovery Task Force with the primary goal to identify emerging issues and opportunities to support the business community through the COVID-19 pandemic collaborating with our partner agencies to align objectives to coordinate responses, amplify messages and speak with a unified business voice. Working with our partner agencies to align objectives, coordinate responses, amplify messages and speak with a unified business voice. This will position us to capitalize on momentum during the recovery phase. On March 26th, the City launched the "Buy Local" promotional campaign which encourages residents to support small businesses by ordering products and gift certificates on-line or ordering take-out or delivery from area restaurants. Staff prepared and were present for the Joint Planning and Agriculture Affairs Committee meeting on May 11th and 12th where recommendations on the City’s Growth Management Strategy (to be considered at Council on May 27th) will allow the Official Plan Team to move forward with completing the draft Official Plan later in the year. Several external consultations have been scheduled virtually in support of the Official Plan, Energy Evolution and other planning projects.

Business and Technical Support Services remains incredibly busy supporting public engagement: Continued outreach to the public on important policies such as R4, Infill and Building Better Revitalized Neighbourhoods. Adapted to new technology for three online open houses and information sessions as well as supported the first ever online Planning Committee meeting through Zoom. Aided Planning Services in public consultations of development applications virtual means.

The Corporate Real Estate Office has been supporting various projects for Infrastructure Services and other departments. The acquisition team has completed 97 different agreements, including easements, temporary occupancies, fee simple, and licenses of occupations. The Valuation team has completed 55 appraisals supporting ongoing development applications, acquisitions and disposals. The leasing team has processed 11 rent deferrals as part of the COVID-19 response and initiated 13 Lease renewals and 7 Licenses in addition to crossing agreements and consents to enter. The disposal unit has finalized negotiations for 11 land sales that will close later this year, including OCLDC, lanes and road closing sales. This group has also processed 13 requests related to easements and licenses.   The Environmental Remediation Unit has been busy with 60 HLUI requests; 5 new soil sampling programs for park improvements; 450 tax bill changes; 10 property inquiries; 10 property inventory updates; reviewing 25 planning files and 2 other IS projects; 20 ESA Phase 1 and 2 reports;  and actively managing approximately 50 projects for remedial work or monitoring.     COVID-19 – Le point sur la situation Contexte actuel : La province et la Ville d’Ottawa La COVID-19 a constitué un défi de taille pour les résidents partout à Ottawa. La situation évolue encore et la Ville d’Ottawa continue de planifier le rétablissement. Le mercredi 13 mai, le directeur municipal Steve Kanellakos a présenté une mise à jour au Conseil concernant notre feuille de route relative à la phase de rétablissement après la pandémie de la COVID-19. Voici quelques points saillants sur l’état de la situation : Le 27 avril, le gouvernement de l’Ontario a publié son cadre de déconfinement, qui décrit une approche prudente et progressive visant à veiller à ce que les mesures appropriées soient mises en place afin d’assurer un déconfinement sécuritaire dans les lieux de travail. Le 12 mai, la province a annoncé la prolongation de son état d’urgence jusqu’au 2 juin 2020, ce qui signifie que toutes les mesures de santé publique renforcées demeurent en place, y compris les recommandations de rester à la maison, de pratiquer la distanciation physique et de se laver les mains. Le 14 mai, le premier ministre Ford a annoncé qu’un plus grand nombre de lieux de travail pourraient rouvrir au cours de la longue fin de semaine ou le mardi 19 mai, y compris certains détaillants, des entreprises saisonnières et des fournisseurs de services communautaires. La Ville d’Ottawa demeure en état d’urgence et travaille de concert avec la province afin d’établir les modalités de nos plans de déconfinement, tout en continuant de répondre aux besoins immédiats et en évolution de la communauté. La Ville d’Ottawa s’aligne sur les décisions de la province et des autorités de santé publique pour répondre aux directives nouvelles et émergentes. La Ville d’Ottawa n’a pas encore fixé de dates, et nous devons rester souples pour réagir aux possibles explosions ou augmentations des taux d’infection. Innovation au sein de la Direction générale de la planification, de l’infrastructure et du développement économique (DGPIDE) En tant qu’organisme de service, nous avons la responsabilité d’assurer les services dont les résidents ont besoin. La prestation des services se poursuit dans l’ensemble de l’organisation et la Direction générale de la planification, de l’infrastructure et du développement économique (DGPIDE) ne fait pas exception! La province a révisé sa liste d’entreprises essentielles conformément à ses pouvoirs en vertu de la Loi sur la protection civile et la gestion des situations d’urgence. La Ville d’Ottawa continuera d’accepter et de traiter les demandes relatives aux permis de construire, aux demandes d’aménagement et de patrimoine, ainsi qu’aux permis d’emprises routières. Le personnel de la DGPIDE a fait de son mieux pour poursuivre les activités comme d’habitude dans la mesure du possible, apportant les modifications et les innovations nécessaires pour répondre aux exigences de distanciation physique. Voici quelques faits saillants de nos innovations et du travail que nous avons accompli pendant la pandémie Les Services du Code du bâtiment ont modifié leurs processus afin de pouvoir continuer à fournir des services essentiels pendant la pandémie. Les clients peuvent déposer leur demande de permis dûment remplie accompagnée du paiement (par chèque) par la poste. Les demandes concernant des projets de plus petite envergure (dont les plans tiennent sur un format de 11 po x 17 po ou moins) peuvent être envoyées par courriel. Les projets pour lesquels un permis de construire a été délivré continueront de faire l’objet d’inspections s’ils figurent parmi les services essentiels. Les inspecteurs appliquent actuellement des protocoles de santé et de sécurité améliorés, y compris la distanciation physique, sur place. Le gouvernement de l’Ontario a modifié la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités pour que les projets associés au secteur des soins de santé puissent avoir lieu jour et nuit. Les modifications prévoient par ailleurs une prolongation (de 6 h à 22 h) de la plage horaire durant laquelle les travaux sont autorisés sur les autres chantiers. Les Services des emprises, du patrimoine et du design urbain ont mis en place de nombreuses innovations en technologie dans leurs différentes directions. La Direction de l’analyse géospatiale, de la technologie et des solutions a créé un outil centré sur les populations vulnérables pendant les urgences. Le Comité du design urbain (CEDU) a effectué sa première réunion virtuelle au moyen de Zoom le 1er mai. Les membres du personnel d’inspection se sont habitués à utiliser la technologie pour effectuer leurs tâches quotidiennes, leurs inspections, leurs réunions essentielles préalables aux travaux et les mises à jour de leur calendrier. Les Services de planification continuent de recevoir et de traiter des demandes d’aménagement. Plus de 50 demandes ont été reçues en mars et en avril. Développement économique et Planification à long terme a créé un groupe de travail sur la reprise économique dont l’objectif principal est de définir les préoccupations et les possibilités émergentes afin d’appuyer la communauté des affaires pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19 en collaborant avec nos organismes partenaires pour harmoniser les objectifs, coordonner les interventions, amplifier les messages et parler d’une voix unie. Collaborer avec nos organismes partenaires pour harmoniser les objectifs, coordonner les interventions, amplifier les messages et parler d’une voix unie nous permettra de tirer parti de la lancée pendant la phase de rétablissement. Le 26 mars, la Ville a lancé la campagne promotionnelle « Achetez local » qui incite les résidents à soutenir les petites entreprises en commandant des produits et des chèques-cadeaux en ligne ou en commandant des plats à emporter ou à livrer auprès des restaurants locaux. Le personnel a préparé la réunion conjointe du comité de l’urbanisme et du Comité de l’agriculture et des affaires rurales les 11 et 12 mai et y a assisté. Lors de cette réunion, des recommandations ont été élaborées à propos de la stratégie de gestion de la croissance de la Ville (devant être examinées lors de la réunion du Conseil du 27 mai). Ces recommandations permettront à l’équipe du Plan officiel d’aller de l’avant pour mener à bonne fin la version provisoire du Plan officiel plus tard cette année. Plusieurs consultations externes ont été prévues de manière virtuelle afin de soutenir le Plan officiel, l’Évolution de l’énergie et d’autres projets d’urbanisme. Les Services du soutien technique et aux activités demeurent extrêmement occupés à soutenir la mobilisation du public : Ils se sont adaptés à une nouvelle technologie en organisant trois journées portes ouvertes et des séances. d’information en ligne, et ont offert leur appui lors de la toute première réunion du Comité de l’urbanisme tenue en ligne au moyen de Zoom. Ils ont traité et examiné 50 rapports et 13 motions présentés au Comité et au Conseil. Le Bureau des biens immobiliers municipaux a offert du soutien à différents projets pour les Services d’infrastructure et d’autres directions. L’équipe d’acquisition a réalisé 97 ententes différentes, notamment des servitudes, des servitudes temporaires, des acquisitions en fief simple et des permis d’occupation. L’équipe d’évaluation a réalisé 55 évaluations de rendement en vue de soutenir des demandes d’aménagement continues, des acquisitions et des aliénations. L’équipe de la location a traité 11 reports de loyers dans le cadre des interventions de la COVID-19 et a entrepris 13 renouvellements de bail et 7 permis en plus d’ententes types en matière de croisement et d’autorisations d’entrée. L’unité des aliénations a finalisé des négociations relatives à 11 ventes de terrains qui seront conclues plus tard cette année, y compris la SATCO, des ventes de fermeture voies et de routes. Ce groupe a également traité 13 demandes relatives à des servitudes et des permis. L’Unité d’assainissement de l’environnement s’est occupée de 60 demandes d’inventaire historique de l’utilisation des sols (IHUS); de 5 nouveaux programmes d’échantillonnage des sols pour des améliorations de parcs; de 450 modifications de factures d’impôt foncier; de 10 demandes de renseignements fonciers; de 10 mises à jour du répertoire des biens immobiliers; de la révision de 25 dossiers d’urbanisme et de 2 autres projets des Services d’infrastructure; de 20 rapports d’étude d’impact sur l’environnement de Phase 1 et 2; et a géré activement environ 50 projets de travaux d’assainissement ou de surveillance.