City of Ottawa - Accessibility Spotlight - October 2026

 

Snow Go & Snow Go Assist

Ottawa winters can present barriers for older adults and people with disabilities. Do you need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter?  The Snow Go program provides a matching service for older adults and people with disabilities to hire an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways and walkways at an affordable rate.  The Snow Go Assist program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income older adults or persons with disabilities to help with their snow removal costs.  To be eligible for the Snow Go Assist program (subsidy) programs, applicants must:  Be an older adult aged 60 years + or person with a disability  Have an annual income below $51,500 for a single person and below $62,000 for a household (two or more persons)  Have no one living in the home who is physically able to do the work  Provide proof of one of the following sources of income:  GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement)  ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)  Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit  Ontario Works plus proof of disability and/or be a senior (60 year or older)  Essential Health and Social Supports plus proof of disability and/or be a senior (60 year or older)  Home Help plus proof of disability and/or be a senior (60 year or older)  For approved applicants, the program:  Pays up to 50% of the cost of snow clearing per event, to a seasonal maximum of $250  Pays up to 50% of the cost of snow clearing per event, up to a seasonal maximum of $450, if you live in a rural area and have an excessively high cost for your snow removal.  The amount paid will depend on the number of applicants and available funding.     To apply, contact your local community support agency. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 27, 2026.  For a list of these agencies, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 or call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service (VRS).     Did you know?     The City’s Hydrant Heroes initiative helps keep fire hydrants clear of snow so firefighters can respond quickly in emergencies. While some residents may be able to clear hydrants themselves, we understand that not everyone can. Hydrant Heroes are community members that volunteer to help clear their neighbours’ fire hydrants.   Keeping hydrants accessible helps protect you, your family, and your community. Learn more or request a certificate on the Hydrant Hero webpage.  If you’re unable to clear the hydrant near your home, you can call 3-1-1 to request staff assistance. Please note that staff are unable to provide regular clearing of fire hydrants.   Respiratory Illness Season Reminders As respiratory illness season begins, Ottawa Public Health encourages residents to protect themselves and their loved ones through vaccination and everyday preventive measures.  Respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV, can cause serious illness, particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Key Takeaways  Get recommended vaccines as soon as you are eligible. Learn more about current flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccination eligibility on Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Illnesses webpage.   As of October 26, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available for everyone aged six months and older.  Pharmacies are the primary access point for COVID-19 and flu vaccines. You can also check with your primary care provider about vaccine availability.  Stay home when sick.  Wear a mask when recovering from illness, in crowded indoor spaces, or around people at higher risk.  Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.  RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but infants, young children and older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk of severe illness. Eligible older adults are encouraged to review the RSV vaccine information below or speak with their primary care provider. Ottawa Public Health vaccination clinics focus on residents who may face barriers to vaccination, including young children and their household members, newcomers without OHIP, and people requiring medical or disability-related accommodations. Residents who need help finding a vaccination option can call 613-580-6744 or email healthsante@ottawa.ca. Please note that email response times may vary. For more information, see the resources below and follow Ottawa Public Health on social media for the latest public health updates.  Links and Resources  Respiratory illness information and local trends    Flu vaccines    COVID-19 vaccines    RSV vaccines    Immunizations for older adults    Health811: Call 8-1-1 to connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice.   Connect with Ottawa Public Health our social media. Links can be found at the bottom of the Ottawa Public Health website.   Upcoming programs hosted by the Ottawa Public Library The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is hosting two upcoming programs of interest to the accessibility community. The first program, Curiosity Starts Here: Building Stories with LEGO® Braille Bricks, will take place at the OPL Stittsville Branch on October 24 at 2:00 p.m. In celebration of Library Month, representatives from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) will showcase how LEGO Braille Bricks can support learning, creativity, and connection. All ages are welcome. The second program will be held on November 4 in recognition of Treaty Recognition Week. OPL will welcome Dr. Lynn Gehl, an Anishinaabe Algonquin advocate and author whose work explores her lived experience of disability as an Indigenous scholar, as well as the intersection of disability and Indigeneity. To register for the event, please visit the event webpage.