City of Ottawa Recreation - After the storm

 

Sledding hills

With fresh snow on the ground the City has lifted the "no sledding advisory" for sanctioned sledding hills. A reminder that everyone should take safety precautions, including observing hill conditions and wearing a CSA-certified helmet. Sled only at hills designated for sledding. While other hills and large snowbanks are enticing to sledders, they possess hazards that could cause injuries. In addition, some non-sanctioned hills may have protective measures, but these do not make them safe sledding areas. The City has a list of its sanctioned sledding hills on ottawa.ca. Always pay attention to the conditions on the hill.  Packed snow, precipitation and fluctuations in temperature can create icy conditions on the hill, resulting in increased speeds and reduced ability to control and stop your sled safely. Sledding is a high-risk activity. Sled at your own risk.

Young at Art applications are now open

It’s that time of year where young artists from around the city submit their artwork for the chance to be part of the Young at Art exhibitions. Artists are split in to two age groups, juniors aged 12 to 15, and seniors aged 16 to 19. Both can apply in a number of categories including painting, drawing, three-dimensional, photography, mixed media, and other media. Applications close March 28, 2022. Visit ottawa.ca/youngatart for more information.

Doors Open Ottawa

This year is the 20th anniversary of Door Open Ottawa and we are so excited to announce that this popular event has been nominated for a Faces Magazine Award for Favourite Spring Attraction. Thanks to those who nominated us and for those who are voting. Take a look at Facesmag.ca/awards and vote today!

Ottawa Public Library branches closed Monday, January 17, 2022 due to winter storm

All branches of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022, due to the winter storm expected to start overnight.

Environment Canada has identified hazardous weather for tomorrow and the City of Ottawa has declared a Significant Weather Event.    

The weather-related closure tomorrow also means that all OPL Bookmobile stops will be cancelled as will deliveries by the Library’s Homebound services.   

Expiry dates for holds items will be extended accordingly.  

OPL book drops to return Library items will remain open.   

OPL’s phone and online service centre,InfoService, will remain open from 10 am to 6 pm to serve and help customers with their Library accounts or to support any customer who may have questions about accessing OPL’s large digital collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, databases and online learning, movie streaming, and more: 613 580 2940, InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.  

A wide range of recorded programs is available for all ages on the Library’s YouTube channel:Ottawa Public Library / Biblio publique d'Ottawa - YouTube. 
 
For the latest updates about current service levels at OPL, please visit our website  https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/current-branch-services. 
 
Thank you for your patience and support, 

The Ottawa Public Library

City of Ottawa - Significant Weather Event declared, parking ban to be in effect from 7 pm Monday to 7 pm Tuesday

Environment Canada has identified hazardous weather for tomorrow, January 17. As a result, the City of Ottawa has declared a Significant Weather Event. The Roads and Parking Services team will be out maintaining the City’s sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network, but will take longer than usual to restore them to regular conditions.

Please exercise caution when using City sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network.

A Parking Ban will be in effect from Monday, January 17 at 7 pm to Tuesday, January 18 at 7 pm to allow teams time to make multiple passes required to clear the large amounts of snow.

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. Though on-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones, we encourage those who can to find off-street parking options to avoid getting snowed-in.

Available parking

During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to select OC Transpo park and rides as well as certain recreation centres. Visit ottawa.ca/winter for more information about which City facilities are available during winter weather parking bans.

Commercial main streets

To help residents shop local, some commercial main streets are exempt from winter parking bans. When a parking ban is called during winter weather events, residents can park in the identified areas (view maps), while observing all posted signage and pay and display requirements.

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

Residents can also download the City of Ottawa app on their Android or Apple device to receive up-to-date information on winter parking bans and other City news.

For more winter parking information, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa - What you need to know if there are City service impacts due to COVID-19

 Since the start of the pandemic, the City of Ottawa has worked to ensure essential services, like waste pick-up, snow clearing and more, continue to be provided for Ottawa residents.
The dedication of thousands of frontline workers, many performing roles they are unaccustomed to, has allowed the City to continue providing services to you, your family and your neighbours throughout this pandemic.

So far, staff absences due to illness and isolation among City staff has not had a significant impact on services. But, that could change, and if it does, we want to make sure you hear about it as quickly as possible.

Here is information about some key City services and as some simple steps you can take to ensure you get accurate information about them when and where you need it.

Emergency services
We know that maintaining emergency services for you is critical. Ottawa Fire Services and Ottawa Paramedic Services will continue to respond to emergency calls quickly and to keep Ottawa residents safe. Please call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies so that our critical resources are available for critical situations.

Garbage and recycling
If we know your curbside collection will be delayed for any reason, we will inform you through the Recollect app. You can download the app or simply register for email updates by entering your address online. If your curbside waste was not collected by the end of the day, please leave it out, or place it out again for pickup the following morning.

Child care centres and Long term care homes
Clients of City-run child care centres and long term care homes will be contacted directly if there are any changes to the scheduling or policies at individual centres. Please keep your current lines of communication with those facilities open.

Transit and Para Transpo
There are many options for you to stay informed about transit impacts.

• Review Transit Information Screens at many stations that list departure times and system updates.
• Text 560560 or call 613-560-1000 and enter your four-digit bus stop number or first three letters of the station name for real-time bus schedule information.
• Download the OC Transpo app or an independent app.
• Sign up for SMS or email alerts for ongoing detours.
• Follow OC Transpo on Twitter.
• Call (613) 560-5000 for information on scheduling and other services.

Winter Operations
We announce road maintenance plans, including winter weather parking bans, through the news media and on Facebook and Twitter before every winter weather event. The City’s winter maintenance standards have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shelters
The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Inner City Health continue to work together to ensure the City’s shelters, respite centres and physical distancing centres have adequate safe spaces available so that anyone sleeping rough has a place to come inside. People who are in urgent need of shelter can call 3-1-1 for assistance, where the City can assess their needs and provide support accordingly.

Other service impacts
The City offers hundreds of other services every day and there are too many to list here. But, you can be the first to hear about significant schedule changes or major service impacts by following the City through social media, e-subscriptions, and the City of Ottawa app. We also share emergency information through these channels.

Maintaining services for you
We know there is disruption in nearly every element of our lives right now. Be assured that City employees are working to reduce disruption to the City services that you rely on every day.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa - New groups eligible for drop-ins, and over 40K COVID-19 vaccination appointments still available this week for Ottawa residents

Now is the time to get your COVID-19 booster and increase your protection against severe illness as the Omicron variant surges in our community. Ottawa Public Heath (OPH) has more than 40,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for the week of January 10, 2022. The appointments are available to eligible Ottawa residents who are in need of a first, second, or booster dose. For more information on how to book, visit Ottawa Public Health’s vaccine website.

Expanded eligibility for groups to drop-in at certain OPH vaccination clinics

Effective Monday, January 10, OPH is increasing drop-in eligibility at certain community clinics to prioritize immunizing these four groups:

• Individuals aged 60 and older
• Educational and childcare workers (Teachers, education workers and childcare workers (this includes, but is not limited to principals, teachers, assistants, cleaners, office staff, early childhood educators, bus drivers etc.) working or resident in the Ottawa)
• Healthcare workers (see Appendix B on Page 19: Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations)
• Pregnant individuals

Residents in these priority groups can drop-in to the following clinics at any time moving forward:

EY Centre – 4899 Uplands Drive

• January 10 - onward: 7:45 am to 8:10 pm

University of Ottawa - Minto Sports Complex – 801 King Edward Avenue

• January 10 - onward: 7:45 am to 8:10 pm

Nepean Sportsplex (Curling Rink - Entrance 4)– 1701 Woodroffe Avenue

• January 10 - onward: 7:45 am to 7:10 pm

COVID-19 vaccination clinic for residents aged 60 and older, and pregnant individuals

OPH has increased capacity to better serve older adults 60 years and older in the Ottawa community who still require a third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as for pregnant individuals seeking a first, second, or booster dose at the Nepean Sportsplex.

Adults over 60 remain at greater risk for serious illness and complications from COVID-19. For many, their immunity is likely to have decreased and getting a third (booster) dose ensures they are as protected as possible against serious illness and complications from COVID-19. Adults aged 60 and older who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and at least 84 days (three months) have passed since their last dose are encouraged to contact OPH’s booking line today to book an appointment.

For pregnant individuals, getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent complications or bad outcomes for parent and baby. Like everyone else, most pregnant people have mild COVID-19. However, pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe illness requiring hospital care and admission to the intensive care unit compared to those who are not pregnant. The antibodies a pregnant individual makes from the vaccine pass to the baby and help protect the baby after birth. Giving birth too early in pregnancy (preterm birth), having a caesarean delivery and having a baby admitted into a neonatal intensive care unit is more common in pregnant people with severe COVID-19. Pregnant individuals needing a COVID-19 vaccine, either first, second or booster dose are encouraged to call OPH’s booking line today.

Clinic details:

Nepean Sportsplex, (Halls A & B) – 1701 Woodroffe Avenue

• January 10 to 13 from 12:45 to 7:15 pm
• January 14 to 16 from 9:45 am to 4:15 pm
• By appointment only – call OPH directly at 613-691-5505 to book

For the latest updates, visit OPH’s clinic information page.

Vaccinations and the public health measures in place for limiting COVID-19 transmission are our best strategy to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our frontline workers, to keep our healthcare system functioning effectively by slowing the spread of COVID-19 and support the full resumption of business and in-person learning.

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19 to learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and others and what to do if you suspect you may be infected with the virus. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ottawa Public Library service changes effective January 10, 2022

Given the uncertainty of the pandemic and current staffing pressures, the Ottawa Public Library will be adjusting its hours of operation and modifying services as of Monday, January 10, 2022.  

These changes will provide customers with consistency in opening hours by avoiding the need for sudden closures to respond to fluctuating staffing levels.  

Below are the adjusted hours of operation and current branch services. 

Adjusted Hours of Operation 

Weekday hours of operation for most branches and Infoservice will be: 

• Monday: 10 am – 6 pm 
• Tuesday: 1 pm – 8 pm 
• Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm 
• Thursday: 1 pm – 8 pm 

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hours remain the same.  

Please visit the OPL website’s Hours and locations as of Monday, for modified hours at: 

• Constance Bay 
• Fitzroy Harbour 
• Greely 
• Munster 
• North Gower 
• Osgoode 
• Richmond 
• Rockliffe Park 
• Vanier 
• Vernon 

Bookmobile services and Homebound Services are not affected.   

Kiosk services will be operating at reduced hours in partnership with the Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre.  

• Tuesdays from 9 am to 8 pm 
• Thursdays from 12 pm to 8 pm 
• Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm 

 
Branch Services 

Customers will still be able to: 

• Browse and borrow collections 
• Pick up holds 
• Return materials 24/7 via book drops 
• Use public computers for one (1) hour 
• Get assistance from staff 
• Register for a new library card or renew memberships 
• Pay fees 
• Printing and lamination services 

The following services will be suspended: 
 

• Seating, study carrels and lounge areas 
• Chromebook-lending  
• In-branch use of newspaper and magazines  
• Creation spaces 

 
Customers may also notice a delay in services and receiving requested (hold) items.  
Customers with pre-booked public computer sessions will receive an email from OPL advising of the cancellation or modification of their booking to align with the new service hours. 
 
For the latest updates about current service levels at OPL, please visit our website  https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/current-branch-services. 
 
Thank you for your patience and support, 

The Ottawa Public Library

Skating in Kilreen Park

 The skating rink in Kilreen Park is open!

 

Please remember to following the City of Ottawa's outdoor rink guidelines while using the rink including:

• Follow the capacity limits posted on-site and do not go on the ice when the rink is at capacity.
• Maintain a two-metre distance from others not in your household, at all times.
• Masking is highly recommended at all times.
• Masks are required when lacing up your skates.
• It is highly recommended that all skaters wear a certified multi-impact helmet while on the ice.
• Stay off the rink during inclement weather or when staff are clearing snow or watering the ice surface.

For more information about the City of Ottawa's Outdoor rinks please visit https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/skating/outdoor-rinks

Have fun and enjoy the skating season!