Newsletter – January 27, 2023

Increased enforcement planned for downtown Ottawa this weekend

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service are working together to ensure City by-laws regarding parking, noise, litter and fireworks, are respected during anticipated events in downtown Ottawa this weekend.

Special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown between Friday, January 27 and Sunday, January 29. Residents and visitors are advised to follow posted signage and to park their vehicles accordingly.
City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) will have additional officers in the downtown core, ensuring all parking regulations are observed. All vehicles found violating these regulations will be ticketed and towed.

Ensuring all other by-laws observed
In addition to parking violations, tickets will be issued to any individual or group in violation of any other City of Ottawa By-law, including: 

• Unnecessary motor-vehicle or other noise, including speakers
• Construction or installation of structures on City property
• Public urination and defecation
• Open air fires
• Littering
• Lighting and discharging fireworks

 
It’s important to note that fireworks are only permitted for use two times per year – Canada Day and Victoria Day and the day before and after those days.

OC Transpo and traffic updates
There are no traffic closures planned as a result of this weekend’s events although the Ottawa Police Service may impose temporary closures to manage large volumes of traffic if necessary to ensure the lawful flow of traffic or public safety. Drivers should anticipate delays in the downtown core.

There are no changes planned to transit services. Stay up to date on the latest transit information by visiting octranspo.com/alerts, calling 613-560-5000 or following OC Transpo’s Twitter account.

Ottawa is a safe and inclusive city for everyone
The City of Ottawa is responsible for ensuring residents feel safe in their community and in accessing the programs, businesses, services and supports that the City has to offer. The City values a diversity of minds, perspectives and lived experiences and denounces any displays of hate and racism.

The possibility of this weekend’s events could be cause for stress and worry. For many individuals, healing from past demonstrations is ongoing. The impact of a stressful event can be immediate or delayed and those affected can feel a range of emotions and reactions. Reach out for help, someone is there to talk. Call the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region at 613-238-3311 for services in English or French. This phone line is your connection to mental health support and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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.

Committee moves to reopen Wellington Street

 Ottawa – The City’s Transportation Committee today received an update on the temporary closure of Wellington Street between Bank and Elgin streets, and approved a motion to reopen the street to all traffic. The street would reopen as soon as operationally possible, but no sooner than March 1, to allow time to install traffic infrastructure in the area, including a temporary protected bike lane.

Wellington Street was closed to traffic in late January 2022 due to the illegal occupation of the street in January and February. It has remained closed ever since, at Council’s direction. Reopening Wellington Street would make it easier for vehicles to travel in the downtown core, mitigating traffic impacts resulting both from the return of federal employees to office work and planned lane reductions due to construction in the area.

The City would work to get the road ready for use in consultation with emergency services, and explore options to temporarily close Wellington Street in the summer for special events and community activities, or for the safety and well-being of residents. The City would also look to increase programming on Wellington, and seek out partners to help beautify and animate the street.

The City will continue ongoing discussions with the federal government about the future of the Parliamentary Precinct. The City also will soon begin a transportation study on the future of Wellington Street in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada and the National Capital Commission. Staff expect to report back with a recommendation by the first quarter of 2024.

Picture description – Councillor Stéphanie Plante listens carefully to the constituents this last Thursday at the Richelieu Vanier Centre. 

I held Ward Resident Meeting Hours on Thursday January 26, 2023, and has happy to meet with a number of residents on a variety of issues.  

I will be next holding Ward Hours on Thursday February 9, from 12 pm – 4 pm at Centre Richelieu Vanier – 300 Pères Blancs Avenue, Vanier. Please contact my office if you want to register to meet with me before hand, and you can also just show up, on a first come first serve basis.