Monday 20 September 2021

City of Ottawa - Indoor City recreation centres and cultural facilities will require proof of vaccination

Starting on Wednesday, September 22, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required for those 12 and older to enter City recreation and cultural facilities, with some exceptions identified below.


Upon entering a recreation centre, swimming pool, arena, or theatre venue, a person must have an electronic or hard copy of their vaccination receipt confirming two doses received at least 14 days prior, and a piece of valid identification, such as:
  • Driver’s licence
  • Health Card
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate

Without a proof of vaccination, a person cannot access indoor recreational or cultural activities, including:
  • Lane and public swims
  • Fitness classes – including Aquafit
  • Weight/Cardio drop-ins
  • Instructional cooking, music or art classes
  • Adult sports or drop-in activities
  • Theatre or studio performance or cinema
  • Rented spaces

Adults who accompany children or youth into a facility for activities – including but not limited to swimming lessons or Learn-to-Skate activities – require proof they have been fully vaccinated.
Residents are reminded to arrive a few minutes earlier before the scheduled session or activity. All COVID-related protocols remain in place – including reservations, capacity limits, masking and physical distancing.

Exceptions
  • Organized sports for youth between the ages of 12 and 17, including on ice sports, sport leagues, badminton, table tennis, tennis, ball hockey, martial arts, dance, basketball, swimming lessons, aquatic certification courses or volleyball. However, this youth age group will require proof of vaccination for recreational swims, use of a cardio and weight room or attending an activity or sporting event as a spectator.
  • Religious ceremonies, funeral services or wedding ceremonies hosted in City facilities (This does not include any social gatherings occurring before or after these events)
  • Brief entry to use the washroom, pick up a participant, seek information or make a payment.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401)

Wednesday 8 September 2021

Rain Ready Ottawa

Rain Ready Ottawa is a pilot program that encourages and supports residents to take action on their property to reduce harmful impacts of rainwater runoff.

Rain Ready Ottawa offers:

  • Information on rainwater management projects for your home (see below)
  • Home Assessments that offer custom advice and solutions to your rainwater problems (Eligibility requirements apply, learn more at Rain Ready Ottawa Home Assessments (link is external))
  • Rebates up to $5,000 to help you install practices that help manage rainwater where it falls (Eligibility requirements apply, learn more at Rain Ready Ottawa project rebates)\

Find out more at the Rain Ready Ottawa website at https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/environment-conservation-and-climate/protecting-ottawas-waterways/rain-ready-ottawa 

Monday 6 September 2021

Ottawa Public Library - Tuesday, September 7, 2021 reopening and changes

 Good news! We are pleased to announce that Ottawa Public Library will return to regular pre-pandemic hours in most branches starting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 -- including Sunday hours at 10 branches. Hours are posted at branch entrances and under Hours and location page on the OPL website. 

OPL’s InfoService will also be in operation at those times as of Sunday, September 12 so that cardholders can contact us by phone, email or chat. 

Sunday hours: 

The return to pre-pandemic hours includes Sunday hours at all the branches and services that are normally open on Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. These branches and services are:  

  • Main 
  • Beaverbrook 
  • Cumberland 
  • Greenboro 
  • Nepean Centrepointe 
  • Ruth E. Dickinson 
  • North Gloucester 
  • Orleans 
  • Hazeldean 
  • Stittsville 
  • InfoService 
We are also pleased to announce the reopening of two rural branches, Vernon and Fitzroy Harbour branches, which have been closed since March 2020.  

Be assured that people are required to wear masks in the Library and to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others, further to provincial health regulations and to keep the community safe. 

Remember, you can enjoy a wide array ofvirtual programs, and digital collections  anywhere, anytime through theOPL website. 
 
Stay safe! 

Thank you,

Ottawa Public Library