City of Ottawa - At your museum - November 2025

 

Vintage Village of Lights

Visit Ottawa’ s very own heritage village for a unique holiday experience! Immerse yourself in the festive season as Cumberland Heritage Village Museum transforms into the Vintage Village of Lights with dazzling displays and postcard-perfect scenes from yesteryear. Visit with Santa Decorate gingerbread cookies Make an ornament Take in a heritage skill demonstration Explore heritage buildings and see vintage vehicles Browse the boutique for handmade gifts Enjoy a treat from the canteen, including a selection of baked goods made with produce grown right here at the museum Plan your visit: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings beginning November 28 through December 21. Advance registration is recommended.

Tree lighting at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Celebrate the opening of the Vintage Village of Lights on Friday, November 28 at 5:15 pm. Santa’s magic will light the village’s main tree and surrounding displays, but we need your help to make it happen through the power of Christmas cheer! Sing along to classic carols with special performers from Vintage Stock Theatre. You might even catch a glimpse of the museum’s 1929 Landau Deluxe Oldsmobile (weather permitting). Advance registration is recommended.

Retro Christmas

Step back in time to the 1970s, 80s and 90s at Nepean Museum. Families are invited to a retro Christmas party on December 6 and 7 between 10 am and 4 pm. Make and decorate vintage paper ornaments and paper fidget toys, play with retro toys and games, try a classic video arcade game, complete the scavenger hunt to collect a prize, browse local toy advertisements from years past and more! Activities are best suited for children ages 10 and under.

New workshop! Sleigh bell door hangers

Learn the basics of leatherwork and make your own handcrafted decoration to delight friends and family. No prior leatherwork experience is required. This workshop will cover techniques for cutting, tooling and finishing leather to create a festive sleigh bell door hanger. Light refreshments will be served and participants are invited to stroll the site before or after their workshop to enjoy the seasonal light displays at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Ages 16 and up. Advance registration is required.

Bake-at-home scones

Did you know Billings Estate National Historic Site offers bake-at-home scones during the holiday season? These traditional treats are prepared in our tearoom kitchen and frozen so you can bring the taste of our afternoon tea experience home with you. New! We’re pleased to offer apple butter made in-house with apples harvested at Billings Estate, a perfect complement to a freshly baked scone. Orders open on November 28. Place your order by December 17 by calling 613-580-2088 ext. 35258 or by emailing BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca.

Holiday hours at Billings Estate

Take a quiet break from the hustle and bustle at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Explore a piece of local history and enjoy the Victorian-inspired Christmas decorations at Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house. November 28 to December 19: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (excluding December 13 and 14). Regular admission fees apply.

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement. Billings Estate National Historic Site (or @billingsestatemuseum on Instagram) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (or @cumberlandmuseum on Instagram) Fairfields Heritage House Nepean Museum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (or @pinheyspoint on Instagram)

City of Ottawa: Introducing the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030

 

The City of Ottawa has released the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030. This is the fourth version of the Plan since 2012. It builds on past efforts and focuses on making Ottawa a supportive community where everyone can age with choice and dignity. The Plan was shaped by input from residents during public consultations and developed in collaboration with community agencies. It was approved by City Council in November 2025. The new version has a stronger focus on working with community partners to help make a bigger, more lasting impact. Read the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030.

For older adults who want to get involved

To help guide the Plan's progress, the City is creating an Older Adult Plan Roundtable. This group will include City staff, community partners and older adult residents. We are currently seeking five volunteer older adults to join the Roundtable. A selection process will be used to ensure fair and equitable representation. Selection criteria include: Lived experience as an older adult in Ottawa Represent the diversity of Ottawa's older adult population Willing and able to attend a half-day, in-person launch meeting in January 2026 Willing and able to dedicate at least two hours every three months Interest in sharing ideas and helping guide the progress of the Plan If you are interested in applying to volunteer for the Roundtable, please complete the application form on Engage Ottawa. If you need help with the form, email olderadults@ottawa.ca and a staff member will assist you. Applications will be accepted until December 3, 2025 and successful candidates will be contacted before December 17, 2025.

City of Ottawa - Fall into fun!

 

Free sports equipment lockers From soccer pitches to basketball courts, our parks are great spaces to get outdoors, have fun and stay active. And now it’s easier than ever to get the gear you need! We’ve partnered with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to launch free sports equipment lockers across the city. Just download the free Equip Sport app to unlock equipment for free, enjoy your game and then return the gear when finished.

Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Shop till you drop at the 52nd annual Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show next month! With over 100 local artisans and their handcrafted goods, you’re sure to make a dent in your holiday gift list. Hours: Thursday, November 6: 10 am to 8 pm (2 for 1 admission all day) Friday, November 7: 10 am to 8 pm (2 for 1 admission from 5 to 8 pm) Saturday, November 8: 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, November 9: 10 am to 4 pm Admission: Adults: $7 Seniors and youth: $5 Children under 12 are free

Changes to recreation passes Membership passes and drop-in fees are changing on December 1 to let you do more of what moves you. With three levels to choose from – Basic, Plus, or Super – you can access more than 50 City of Ottawa facilities to enjoy a variety of drop-in activities.

Upcoming registration dates Winter is just around the corner. Mark your calendars with the following registration dates: Tuesday, November 4: winter programs are visible online. Tuesday, November 18 at 9 pm: online registration for swimming activities. Thursday, November 20 at 9 pm: online registration for all other winter activities.

What's happening Atrium Art Gallery Thursday, November 6 – Opening for the Fortune exhibition Billings Estate National Historic Site  Various dates and times – Alone in the Dark: The Haunted Walk  City Hall Art Gallery Thursday, November 13 – Finnissage for the Space Created by Distance exhibition Sunday, November 30 – Artist tour for the Space Created by Distance exhibition Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Various dates and times – Alone in the Dark: The Haunted Walk Fairfields Heritage House Sunday, November 23 – Weekend Crafters Karsh-Masson Gallery Thursday, November 13 – Opening for the And I Have Come Upon This Place by Lost Ways exhibition Lansdowne Park Sunday, October 26 – Pumpkin Derby Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Wednesday, October 29 - Tom Morello: A Night of Stories & Music Thursday, November 13 – Matinée Café: Durham County Poets Saturday, November 15 – Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales  Nepean Museum Sunday, November 16 – Weekend Crafters Shenkman Arts Centre Wednesday, November 5 – Fat Joke Wednesday, November 12 – Matinée Café: Durham County Poets Thursday, November 13 – World Music: Flavia Nascimento & Tio Chorinho Tuesday, November 26 – World Music: Kuné Trinity Art Gallery Thursday, October 30 – Opening reception for Arteast Ottawa’s Mosaic exhibitin

City of Ottawa - At your museum - October 2025

 

Family-friendly Halloween fun

A weekend filled with Halloween fun awaits at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Activities are best suited for families with children ages 10 and under. Advance registration is required. Halloween Heist at Billing Estate National Historic Site October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Mischief is afoot at Billings Estate National Historic Site. A thief has been sneaking treats from our candy vault, and we need some clever kid sleuths to help us crack the case! Special guest: The Zoo Crew. Halloween Hijinks at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Pumpkins have taken over the museum! From the scavenger hunt to the witch’s cauldron and beyond, we’ve put a pumpkin twist on all our favourite kid-friendly games and hands-on activities. Special guests: Luciano Lu - stilt walker; Chris Pilsworth - magician; Jacky - airbrush temporary tattoo artist; Ottawa Fire Services.

Alone in the Dark

The Haunted Walk is back at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village! Participate in spine-tingling paranormal experiments and see what happens at the museums after all the lights go out. Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Christmas Tea reservations open on November 5

Enjoy the festive décor and a seasonal three-tier tea menu at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Mark your calendar. The online reservation request form will be available on ottawa.ca/billingsestate beginning Wednesday, November 5 at 10 am. Seatings for the Christmas Tea will be offered at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on December 13, 14, 20 and 21. Reservations and advance payment are required. We anticipate interest will exceed capacity for this program. Once reservations are full, a waitlist will be maintained. Follow Billings Estate on Facebook for updates.

Make your own holiday cards

Limited spaces remain for the Introduction to Printmaking workshop on November 1 at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Learn the basics of linocut printmaking and create six greeting cards—just in time for the holiday season! Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Weekend Crafters

Kids and their families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. Explore the exhibitions at Nepean Museum and Fairfields Heritage House through a craft and themed scavenger hunt. Nepean Museum November 16 from 1 pm to 4 pm December 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm Fairfields Heritage House November 23 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Save the dates

Vintage Village of Lights Cumberland Heritage Village Museum November 28 to December 21 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Retro Christmas Nepean Museum December 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm

Find your perfect event venue

Did you know that the City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites are available as venues for weddings, special events and professional photography sessions? Learn more about rental opportunities online or visit our booth at the Ottawa Wedding Show (November 1 and 2). Rental Search Tool Available locations: Billings Estate National Historic Site (primarily outdoor venue) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (indoor and outdoor venue options) Fairfields Heritage House (outdoor venue) Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (outdoor venue)

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement. Billings Estate National Historic Site (or @billingsestatemuseum on Instagram) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (or @cumberlandmuseum on Instagram) Fairfields Heritage House Nepean Museum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (or @pinheyspoint on Instagram)

City of Ottawa - Accessibility Spotlight - September 2025

 

Accessibility Advisory Committee Updates

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provides advice to Council and consults on projects required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and many more, where the City benefits from an accessibility lens.    The Committee meets at least eight times per year, with additional special meetings as required. In addition to their meetings, the group provides feedback by email, and many members participate in working groups or other sub-committees.      Next Meeting   Date: October 21 Time: 6pm     Members of the public are encouraged to attend AAC meetings, which take place via Zoom.  If you have any questions or are interested in speaking or providing comments to the AAC about an item they are considering at a meeting, please contact Committee Coordinator, Marcela Busnardo dos Santos.  Rental Renovation Licence By-law Review The City of Ottawa is considering the creation of a Rental Renovation Licence By-law, known as a “Renovictions” By-law. Unlike legitimate evictions for renovations or repairs, “renovictions” raise concerns. They may be used in bad faith to end tenancies illegally.  Know your rights! Landlords have specific obligations under the   Residential Tenancy Act. This law outlines how evictions must happen legally between landlords and tenants.  City staff will review the creation of a by-law in Ottawa that addresses unlawful evictions for renovations. They will consider the scope, impact, and possible solutions within the City’s authority.  We want to hear from you! Our survey asks how we can best inform you about this issue. It also asks what support and resources you need, like plain language materials and low-cost or free legal advice. Additionally, the project uses an equity and inclusion lens, aiming to remove systemic barriers.  The survey will take up to 15 minutes to complete. It will be open until Friday, October 31. Your input is valuable and will help shape policy recommendations for Committee and Council in Spring 2026.  Reminder: Nominations open for the 2025 Accessible Ottawa Award The City of Ottawa is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Accessible Ottawa Award. This year, we are introducing the Accessible Ottawa Award to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Ottawa’s businesses, organizations and residents who are dedicated to removing barriers and advancing accessibility throughout our city. This award highlights the vital role of accessibility and universal design in creating an inclusive community, recognizing those who go above and beyond to champion equitable rights and inclusivity for people with disabilities. The Accessible Ottawa Award will honour one individual and one organization that has made significant contributions to enhancing accessibility and improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Ottawa.The awards will be presented to the selected recipients at a ceremony held as part of the celebrations for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event, held on or around December 3 each year. You can complete nominations for the award either online or by downloading a nomination form. The submission deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. EST. Please visit the Accessible Ottawa Award webpage to learn more about the nomination eligibility terms and criteria, as well as to submit a nomination on behalf of a business/organization or individual.  New Accessibility Features at Ray Friel Recreation Complex The Ray Friel Recreation Complex is the largest and most comprehensive recreation complex in east Ottawa. They have a variety of amenities and programming including drop-in swimming and aquafit, group fitness, and a weight and cardio room. Recently, there were upgrades completed  to include several accessibility features. Some of these features include designated accessible lockers in the gender neutral, women’s, and men’s changerooms; accessible changing stalls with grab bars and emergency call buttons; and a changing room with a ceiling lift and an adult change table. We encourage you to check out the programming and amenities at Ray Friel. If you have questions about the accessibility of the facility, please contact staff at rayfriel@ottawa.ca or 613-580-4765.

What we heard at Para Transpo Talk

Para Transpo and Customer Service staff were out and about on August 19 to 21 talking with customers, their families and support persons at Bowesville, Hurdman and Tunney’s Pasture stations. We had a great time talking to Para Transpo customers about combining their Para Transpo trips with the O-Train, My Para Transpo and the new minibuses for the Para Transpo fleet! For a review of the event, including more details about the questions we heard, check out our Para Transpo Talk recap.