City of Ottawa winter activities

 

New arts and recreation eGuides

Our for arts and recreation programs are back for the winter. With COVID-modified in-person classes offered at select locations, there is something for everyone from the art classes to cross-country ski lessons. Important dates: November 30 – eGuides online December 7, 9 pm – Online registration The City is currently developing more winter activities for you and your family that include virtual and outdoor fun. Stay tuned for more information in the upcoming weeks.

Swim registration

The eGuides for our swim programs are online. It’s almost time to book. Click on the barcode in the swimming eGuide next to your chosen class to register on December 1 at 9 pm.

Refrigerated outdoor rinks

Colder temperatures mean it’s time to lace up your skates! Look out for the opening of our refrigerated outdoor rinks - Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink, Landsdowne Park Skating Court, Rink of Dreams and Ben Franklin Place - on the outdoor rinks page.

Take your skates inside

Indoor public skating will return at 11 arenas starting Tuesday, December 1. You can reserve your 50-minute skate time up to two days in advance by clicking on ottawa.ca/recreation.

The Young at Art application is now open

Calling artists between the age of 12 and 20 to submit their masterpieces to Young at Art. The annual professionally assessed arts exhibition and awards program showcases Ottawa’s top young talent. Applications are received until April 14, 2021 and more information can be found on the Young at Art web page.

City of Ottawa Accessibility Spotlight - November 2020

 

You are invited! International Day of Persons with Disabilities

You are cordially invited to an event to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year, due to COVID-19, the event will be held remotely over Zoom. Date: Thursday, December 3, 2020 Time: 3 to 4 pm Register now Zoom login Please join Mayor Jim Watson, City Councillors, senior leaders, staff and residents as we mark this important day. This year’s event will focus on the experiences and contributions of persons with visible and invisible disabilities. Mayor Jim Watson will provide remarks and present a proclamation marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Speakers will discuss contributions by the Accessibility Advisory Committee, people with disabilities and disability organizations toward a wide range of municipal processes that help make public services and facilities accessible to everyone. To promote the inclusion of all participants, the following supports are in place for the event: American Sign Language (ASL) Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) Continuous real-time captioning in English and French Simultaneous French translation When registering, please let us know if you require any additional disability-related accommodations in order to participate. A recording of the event will be posted to the City of Ottawa’s YouTube account following the event.

Covid-19: The Way Forward

As Ottawa and the rest of the world continue to respond to COVID-19, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health are looking to learn more about your ideas, thoughts, perceptions, and understanding of current COVID-19 recommendations and the way forward as we learn to live with the virus in our community. The City and Ottawa Public Health are exploring how we can support Ottawa residents as the Ontario Government has released its COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open. The reports for the three phases of engagement have been completed by the City and Ottawa Public Health to learn more from the public as the COVID-19 situation has progressed. The Phase 4 survey is looking for your feedback on challenges that come with following COVID-19 prevention measures, your plans for safer holiday gatherings and social activities, how you reduce stress while living with COVID-19 and your thoughts on Ottawa Public Health’s COVID-19 communication strategies. If you require alternate formats or communication supports to complete the survey, contact accessibilityoffice@ottawa.ca or (613) 580-2424 ext. 12752. For the latest information on COVID-19 in Ottawa, visit ottawapublichealth.ca/coronavirus. For information about municipal service changes and updates, please visit ottawa.ca/covid19.

Electric Kick Scooter Project

The City of Ottawa’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot project completed its first season in October. The initiative to bring rental e-scooters to the downtown area was meant to help lessen the City’s carbon footprint and offer an alternative form of transport. Concerns about safety and accessibility for persons with disabilities have been noted for e-scooter projects in Ottawa and other cities. As a result, the Lime E-Scooter company has partnered with other organizations to create a video to highlight how e-scooters can be used without creating barriers. The video reminds riders to park and ride responsibly and respectfully; highlighting the importance that we all should follow the rules of the road for the good of everyone in our community. The City is seeking feedback on the E-Scooter Pilot’s first season. Whether or not you rode a shared e-scooter, we welcome you to complete this survey by December 7, 2020.

City of Ottawa Special advisory: winter weather parking ban to be lifted at 8 pm

The winter weather parking ban will end at 8 pm today, Monday, November 23.

Be in the know about snow

Follow us on Twitter @ottawacity to receive updates, or subscribe to our electronic email alerts. If you subscribe to e-Alerts, you will receive notification each time a winter weather parking ban is put in place, extended or lifted. There is no charge for this service, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up today.

For more winter parking information, please visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa Special advisory: Winter weather parking ban in effect Monday, November 23

 

Due to weather conditions, the winter weather parking ban will be in effect on Monday, November 23 as of 7 am across Ottawa. The winter weather parking ban remains in place until notice is provided by the City of Ottawa.

During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed. On-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones. Non permit holders can avoid fines by not parking on the street.

Free parking

During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to covered City-owned parking garages during the overnight hours, and select OC Transpo park and rides at no charge.This year, to support residents working and learning from home due to COVID-19, select City facilities are also offered at no charge. Visit ottawa.ca for more information about which City facilities are available at no charge during winter weather parking bans.

Be in the know about snow

Follow us on Twitter @ottawacity to receive updates or subscribe to our electronic email alerts. If you subscribe to e-Alerts, you will receive notification each time a winter weather parking ban is put in place, extended or lifted. There is no charge for this service, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up today.

For more winter parking information, please visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa Recreation - Winter Swimming Lessons

 

Get back in the water this winter

We are excited to announce that COVID-modified learn to swim programs are back and being offered at select locations this winter. Lifesaving certification and pre-competitive power swim programs are also being offered. Whether you are looking to get into the water with a pre-schooler or your youth wants to continue their levels, there is a class for you.

There are two important dates to mark in your calendar

November 16 Browse the online guides to find the right class for you. December 1, 9 pm Online registration starts.

Safety first

Modifications have been made to the programs to help protect against COVID 19. For example, swim classes are low ratio and for the younger students a parent is required to enter the water to ensure distancing. Physical distancing will be in effect and masks required inside the facility until entering the pool. Click here for a full list of safety measures. We look forward to seeing you back in the water!