February 28, 2025

Monthly Newsletter

  • Community Update

If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.

Dear Neighbour,

It is an honour and a privilege to be re-elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South. Thank you for your continued confidence.

Our community office at 1883 Bank Street is there to serve you and your family. Please contact us with any question or concern you have. We will do our best to help you.

As your MPP, I will continue to fight for those things that matter most to our families; world class health care in our community, student success, good jobs and a strong economy, and support for our most vulnerable neighbours.

In Ottawa South, 1 in 6 people don’t have a family doctor. That’s not right. Ensuring that everyone has access to a family doctor and the primary care they deserve is a top priority for me. I will continue to hold the government accountable for their promise to find all Ontarians a family doctor.

Ottawa South has been my home for my entire life. I care deeply about our community and the people that live, work and raise their families here. I look forward to working together to continue to build a strong, vibrant, successful community.

Sincerely,

John Fraser, MPP
Ottawa South

Campaign Signs

Thank you, Ottawa South, for showing your support this election! We are working to make sure we collect all campaign signs we put out during the campaign. If you spot one, please email us so we can collect it.

Report A Sign!

Our office will host 2 free tax clinics for individuals with modest incomes on March 22 and April 26. Please register for an appointment by emailing jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or calling us at 613-736-9573.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Read the following news release for more information on this change.

Ontario Begins Automatic Licence Plate Renewals | Ontario Newsroom

Ellwood Neighborhood Winter Carnival – February 8th

Riverview Park Winter Carnival – February 9th

Provincial Updates. Government of Ontario.

About the Order of Ontario

The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour. It is awarded to an Ontarian who has shown the highest level of excellence and achievement in their field, and whose impact has left a legacy in our province, in our country and around the world.

Members of the Order are a collective of Ontario’s finest citizens, whose contributions have shaped — and continue to shape — the province’s history and place in Canada.

Excellence in any field

You can nominate someone for achievements and excellence in any field. Some examples include:

  • business and technology
  • healthcare and medicine
  • education and academia
  • engineering and architecture
  • skilled trades
  • mining
  • arts and culture
  • sports and entertainment
  • law and social justice
  • media and journalism
  • social and community services
  • science and aerospace
  • literature and writing
  • environment and conservation

Eligibility

The person you nominate (the nominee) must be:

  • a long-term or former resident of Ontario (the nominee does not need to be a Canadian citizen)
  • someone whose career, in any field, has had a major impact or influence on the province, Canada and around the world
  • living at the time of nomination

People who are not eligible

You cannot nominate:

  • yourself
  • someone who has passed away
  • an elected federal, provincial or municipal politician currently in office
  • a sitting judge of any court
  • one of Ontario’s legislative officers while in office:
    • auditor general
    • ombudsman
    • information and privacy commissioner
    • financial accountability officer
    • integrity commissioner
    • chief electoral officer
  • a volunteer
  • someone for acts of bravery

No person may be appointed to the Order posthumously, unless death occurs following the council’s recommendation for appointment.

Deadline

Nominations are now open.

The deadline to nominate someone is March 31, 2025.

Please visit www.ontario.ca/page/honours-and-awards to learn more about other Honours and Awards programs and how to nominate individuals deserving of recognition

As Ontario is in the midst of respiratory illness season, we are taking this opportunity to remind all individuals aged 65+ to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot to protect yourself against currently circulating variants.

Vaccination continues to be the best way for people to remain protected against severe outcomes from respiratory viruses. It is safe and convenient to receive both the updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits.

You can book a COVID-19 vaccine through:

You can book a flu shot through:

You can also speak to a health care provider about potential antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and influenza if you become ill.
If you have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine since September 30, 2024, guidance for vaccination in Spring 2025 will be available closer to then.

Thank you,

Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

You may be receiving this message more than once if your email was used to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment(s) for an individual(s) aged 65 years or older.
Please note that this email address was collected from (or confirmed with) you at the clinic where you received earlier doses. You would have been advised about the purposes for collecting your email address at that time.

If you want to stop receiving email communication, please contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to change your email preferences.

HUNTING AND FISHING GENERAL INFORMATION

For 2025

Printed copies of the 2025 Fishing Regulations Summary are sent to private licence issuers
and participating ServiceOntario locations in mid-December and is available online at
www.ontario.ca/fishingregulations.

Printed copies of the 2025 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summaries are sent to private
licence issuers and participating ServiceOntario locations in April 2025 and will be
available online at www.ontario.ca/huntingregulations.

2025 Licensing Prices

There were no price changes for 2025. For a full list of licence prices please check online at
www.ontario.ca/fishingregulations or www.ontario.ca/huntingregulations

Outdoors Cards and Licences

The Outdoors Card is valid for three calendar years, expiring on December 31 of the third
year after purchase. Annual fishing and hunting licences also expire on December 31 each
year. Ontario residents have three options to renew their cards and purchase licences
starting the first Tuesday of December each year.

They can renew:

Outdoors Card and Licence Summary: Clients who renew their Outdoors Card and purchase fishing and/or small game licences in the same transaction can expect to receive their new plastic card, with licences imprinted on the back, in approximately 20 days. If the licences are printed on the back of the Outdoors Card, clients are not required to carry their licence summary. Clients can access their accounts online and print or download a digital licence summary for immediate use at any time.

Clients with an existing Outdoors Card who purchase a one-year licence (fishing, small game etc.) either online or at an issuer, will not receive anything by mail. Instead:

  • those who purchase their one-year licences online can print or download a digital licence summary, or
  • those who purchase at a licence issuer will be given a printed licence summary at the time of purchase.

Tip sheets for navigating the licensing service, setting up an account online and purchasing licences can be found on the Support and Resources page at http://www.huntandfishontario.com/Home/Events

Dates that Big Game and Turkey Licences go on sale for 2025

  • March 1 Deer, Bear and Spring Wild Turkey
  • April 15 2nd Bear tags
  • May 16 Moose licence and tags
  • July 9 Additional Deer Tags\
  • September 1 Fall Wild Turkey

Big Game Draw Entry Dates for 2025

  • March 1 to June 30 Antlerless deer
  • April 1 to April 30 Moose Primary Allocation
  • April 15 to June 10 Elk
  • June 15 to July 7 Moose Second Chance Allocation
  • July 1 to July 31 Controlled Deer

These draw deadlines are strictly enforced, and no exceptions are made.
Farmers/landowners who qualify to hunt in a controlled deer hunt season may apply online or in person at a private licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario location. They will be required to select the hunt code where their land is located and attest to their qualifications as a farmer/landowner.

Big Game Draw Results for 2025

Draw results will be available online at www.huntandfishontario.com or by calling the automated telephone service at 1-800-288-1155 starting on:

  • May 16 Moose Primary Allocation
  • August 1 Moose Second Chance Allocation
  • August 1 Elk
  • August 1 Antlerless deer
  • September 1 Controlled deer

Moose Tag Claim Period

Moose hunters that are successful in the allocation process must purchase their moose licence and tag during the tag claim period in which they were awarded the tag.

  • May 16 to June 9 Primary Moose Tag Claim Period
  • August 1 to December 15 Second Chance Moose Tag Claim Period

Tags not claimed during the Primary moose tag claim period will be made available for the Second Chance Allocation.

For more detailed information on the moose allocation process please visit www.ontario.ca/page/points-based-moose-tag-allocation-process.

Hunter Reporting

Hunters who fail to complete their mandatory hunter reports are subject to a $25 surcharge that is automatically applied to the next draw application, licence or tag purchase for that species (generally in the following year). The $25 surcharge is applied for each report that a hunter fails to submit.

Beginning in 2027, a hunter will be subject to a $50 surcharge for any consecutive failure to report for the same species.
Hunters who fail to report or provide false or misleading information may also be subject to fines under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.

Hunter reporting provides critical data to support wildlife management decisions such as harvest planning to set tag quotas and adjusting seasons and bag limits. Good quality hunter reporting information can lead to increased opportunities for hunters.

The ministry appreciates the data provided by hunters through mandatory hunter reporting and has been working to share the results with hunters in a timely manner. This can help inform hunters’ plans for future seasons.

For more information on hunter reporting and to view results from previous years, please visit www.ontario.ca/hunterreporting

Ontario Family Fishing Events

Ontario and Canadian residents are provided four opportunities throughout the year to fish without having to purchase a fishing licence. These dates include:

  • February 15 to 17, 2025 Family Fishing Weekend
  • May 10 to 11, 2025 Mother’s Day Weekend
  • June 14 to 15, 2025 Father’s Day Weekend
  • June 28 to July 6, 2025 Ontario Family Fishing Week

Government issued identification is required, and anglers must follow conservation licence catch and possession limits.
Additional information is available at www.ontariofamilyfishing.com.

Fish and Wildlife on Social Media @FishWildlifeON

Are you following Ontario Fish and Wildlife yet? Stay in the loop with our social media channels for the latest updates on angling and hunting in Ontario!

Our channels are designed to educate and keep you informed about important dates, news and deadlines. We also share insights from MNR research projects and highlight hunting and fishing experiences from across the province.

Join our @FishWildlifeON community today to stay engaged and informed.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations Summaries

211 is completely free, confidential and calls are answered 24/7 in 150+ languages. If you prefer, you can also text the number 2-1-1 or use the online chat at 211ontario.ca Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

When everyday people step forward to make a lifesaving connection, the impact is significant Lives are changed. Lives are saved.

Book now at Blood.ca

More than 90% of Ontarians are in favour of organ donation.

However, only one in three Ontarians have registered their consent to donate. It only takes two minutes to register…

BeADonor.ca is the simple, electronic and quick way for you to register your consent for organ and tissue donation. It only takes a moment to register with results that will be long-lasting and positive. Register today.

__

In an innovative new collaboration between Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) and the provincial and federal governments, millions of Ontarians will be one step closer to saving and improving lives.
 
Through this initiative, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has included a question to the federal annual income tax return that allows Ontario taxpayers to indicate their interest in receiving information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The question will appear on tax forms each year moving forward, with the goal of raising awareness and increasing donor registrations.
 
As a result of this initiative, this fall, over 2.1 million Ontario taxpayers who expressed interest will receive an email from TGLN with information about how to register as a potential donor.
 
Learn more about organ and tissue donation and transplantation and take 2 minutes to change someone’s life by visiting beadonor.ca.

In our community. Ottawa South
Non-profit Housing | Ellwood House | Ottawa

Director Opportunity

About
 
Ellwood House is an affordable apartment building for seniors in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood. Established in 1988 on the campus of St. Thomas church, it is a successful non-profit corporation, providing housing to 36 tenants, some paying low market rent, others paying rent geared to income.

The Ellwood House Extension
 
Our exciting new project is the extension of the building, doubling its size and providing 38 more affordable one-bedroom apartments. The Ellwood House Extension’s site plan has been approved, significant funding has been awarded, and with project management support from Turner & Townsend, work is expected to be under way soon.

Board of Directors
 
Ellwood House is managed by a volunteer board of directors, assisted by a non-profit property management company. We currently have an opening for a new director, preferably someone with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, project management, the law, housing, communications, fundraising, as well as an interest in improving the lives of seniors in our community. Bilingualism would be an asset. It is a working board, meeting once a month, with email discussion between meetings. We are congenial group, excited to be scaling up Ottawa’s supply of affordable housing.

Contact
 
For further information please contact the Ellwood House board secretary, Michele Bédard, at michelebedard@bell.net and visit our website at www.ellwoodhouse.ca.

Ottawa Museum Pass

March Break Activities

March Break is just around the corner, running from March 10 to March 14, 2025, in Ottawa. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s rich cultural scene with your family. To make the most of your break, consider the Ottawa Museums Pass, which offers access to nine of the city’s top museums and galleries.

Special Offer: 3-Day Ottawa Museums Pass for Only $30

For a limited time, you can purchase a 3-day pass at a discounted rate of $30 (regularly $79 for adults).This pass is valid for 72 hours after first use and must be activated within 60 days of purchase. To take advantage of this offer, head to https://visitottawapasses.ca/museums and use promo code Winter30 at checkout

Participating Attractions:

  • Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: Meet farm animals and learn about Canada’s farming heritage.​
  • Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Explore Canada’s aviation and aerospace history.​
  • Canada Science and Technology Museum: Engage with interactive exhibits on locomotives, telescopes, and more.​
  • Canadian Museum of History: Discover Canada’s rich history and cultural diversity.​
  • Canadian Museum of Nature: Explore galleries featuring dinosaurs, mammals, minerals, and more.​
  • Canadian War Museum: Learn about Canada’s military history through compelling exhibits.​
  • Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum: Tour a four-story underground bunker from the Cold War era.​
  • National Gallery of Canada: View world-renowned artworks, including Indigenous and Canadian art.​
  • Royal Canadian Mint: Take a fascinating tour to learn how coins are made

The Ottawa Museums Pass is delivered digitally to your phone via text and email, ensuring a safe and touchless entry to all attractions. Please note that museum opening dates and hours may vary, so it’s advisable to check each museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Empowering youth to achieve their life and career goals.

Your Job Story is a 10-week program to help support and guide marginalized youth to overcome barriers to employment or pursuing life goals.

Participants receive hands-on career exploration opportunities and develop life and leadership skills. There is no cost to participate.

Earn while you learn! Participants will create their own Job Story in this unique program designed to give youth the tools to succeed in life and on the job, while earning minimum wage to participate in training.

Personalized Support

  • Dedicated staff available to help reduce, eliminate, or navigate barriers to employment
  • One-on-one appointments with Your Job Story staff to offer ongoing support

Paid Training (4 weeks)

  • Participants receive 4 weeks of paid training at minimum wage. 

    Training covers:
    • Free certifications, such as First Aid/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Service Excellence, and others relevant to your career goals.
    • Sessions on Financial Literacy, Job Search Skills, and Life Skills.
    • Opportunities to meet and network with local employers.

Transition to Employment (6 weeks)

  • 6 weeks of support, after training, to continue job searching & settle into employment

Participants must be:

  • Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive).
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
  • Able to commit to full-time attendance for the entire 10-week program. This includes 30 hours per week of classes for the first 4 weeks, followed by at least 30 hours a week for 6 weeks of employment support.
  • Currently not employed or enrolled in full-time education.

Participants in receipt of EI are eligible to participate in the program; however, they must first consult with their Service Canada office before participating.

Advancing the wellbeing of Ottawa’s older adults.

As a bilingual and inclusive Council, their vision is respected, informed and engaged older adults living in an age-friendly city.

Visit them at 217 – 815 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3A7 and for more information give them a call (613) 789-3577, send them an email coa@coaottawa.ca or visit their website at The Council on Aging of Ottawa – The Council on Aging of Ottawa (coaottawa.ca).

Fraud Prevention Month 2025

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding individuals to stay alert, as today marks the start of Fraud Prevention Month. As fraud tactics are becoming more advanced, the OPS emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness of common financial scams and how to protect yourself.
“Be vigilant—if something seems too good to be true, it 100 per cent is,” says Ottawa Police Constable Shaun Wahbeh. “Be wary of who’s calling and who’s emailing you. You’ve got to do your own homework on everything.”
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a great resource for learning about common scams and how to report fraudulent activity. The OPS encourages the public to be proactive and stay informed. Some steps people can take to protect themselves and their wallets include:

  • Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Legitimate businesses and companies will put the offer in writing and give you time to think it over. Avoid sharing personal, banking, or credit card information before you have even accepted an offer.
  • Spot the red flags: No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask for payment via gift cards or Bitcoin. Do not click suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages.
  • Educate vulnerable friends and family members: Fraudsters often target seniors and youth, making awareness a valuable tool in fraud prevention. Talk about common types of fraud, like Facebook Marketplace scams or spoofed emails.
  • Be wary of unsolicited requests: Don’t share personal, banking or credit card information with unknown callers, emails or door-to-door visitors. Always do your homework first to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company or a real person

If you suspect you have been a victim of financial fraud, take immediate action. Freeze your bank account, call TransUnion to put an alert on your credit and then file a police report.
Learn more about fraud prevention by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and read more about scams and tips to protect yourself.

Coping with Cold Weather

Cold Weather 
Winter and its cold weather are around the corner. The City of Ottawa and many community agencies and partners work together to share cold weather injury prevention messages and ensure options are available for people to come in from the cold and access services. Cold weather-related injuries and deaths are preventable. With preparation, everyone can experience winter in Ottawa without getting too cold. Stay safe and check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk.

What is the risk of cold weather?
Cold weather temperatures can result in frostbite, hypothermia, slips and falls, and even death. According to Health Canada, the general risk of injuries like windburn and frostbite increases when the wind chill reaches minus 27 and below. Everyone is at risk if not dressed appropriately. However, some people are more quickly affected by the cold – particularly young children, older adults (65+), people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those with certain medical conditions

What is Ottawa Public Health’s role?
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) uses its website and social media posts to share information on how to prepare for cold weather. Extreme Cold Warning alerts are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 35 C for at least two hours. OPH shares these alerts via social media to notify the public and community agencies that assist people at greater risk of cold weather injuries.

  • Visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather.
  • Follow OPH on X (formerly Twitter) @OttawaHealth, Facebook (Ottawa Public Health) and Instagram (OttawaHealthSante) for information on public health topics such as being prepared for cold weather.

Be winter ready!

  • Download the WeatherCAN app to get directly notified of ECCC alerts.
  • Get advice and support:
    • Call 2-1-1 to reach Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario (CNEO). CNEO provides social services assistance (e.g., accessing warm clothing, contacts for community outreach services)
    • Call 3-1-1 for information and assistance on helping someone get out of the cold, including transportation to shelter.
    • Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice such as concerns about mental health and wanting to speak with a professional.
    • Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency such as frostbite or hypothermia.
  • Visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather to find information on cold weather and resources in our community, including an interactive map of Places to Warm Up in Ottawa.
  • Visit www.cneo-nceo.ca/publications-and-lists to find CNEO’s List of Out of the Cold locations (Ottawa) 2024/2025. CNEO also has local social service and support information.

Did you know?

  • The City of Ottawa has a Minimum Heat Requirement by-law. It requires landlords who normally cover heating expenses to maintain adequate and suitable heat at all times – at least 16.67°C (62°F) at night and at least 20°C (68°F) during the day.
  • Air Source Heat Pumps are available through Save ON Energy.
    • The Energy Affordability Program offers free cold climate air source heat pumps to income-eligible households with electric heating. Visit SaveOnEnergy.ca to find out more

Ottawa Public Health’s “Strong and Steady” program! 
 
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, but they don’t have to be. Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) “Strong and Steady” program is a free, 10-week fall prevention exercise initiative designed to help older adults aged 65 and up improve their strength, balance and mobility. This program is a resource for our community, aiming to reduce the risk of falls and enhance the quality of life for older adults. Visit OPH’s website for more information on how to prevent falls. 

The Strong and Steady program will be taking place near you this winter 2025:

  • WHERE: The Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre, located at 1560 Heatherington Road 
  • WHEN: January 8 to March 5
  • DATES: Wednesday and Friday from 1 pm to 2 pm

Spaces are limited, so register soon through the City of Ottawa’s Recreation, Culture, and Facility Services (RCFS). To learn more on how to register, visit Register Ottawa video and FAQs

The Strong and Steady program is designed for: 

  • Older adults aged 65+ at risk of falling 
  • Older adults living in underserved or equity-denied communities 
  • Older adults with language barriers who want to improve their strength, balance and prevent falls

The benefits of joining: 

  • Free Classes: There is no cost to join. 
  • Designed for Beginners: The program is tailored to help beginners build strength and balance. 
  • Prevent Falls: Participants learn simple exercises that can keep them safe. 
  • Qualified Trainers: Classes are led by certified fitness instructors or in-house certified Leads specializing in fall prevention. 
  • Weekly Key message: Share weekly tips on how to stay safe and prevent falls.

Don’t miss this opportunity, take the first step toward a stronger, safer future. For more information, visit Strong and Steady! 
In Ontario, all children going to school need to be vaccinated against certain diseases. These vaccines are offered at no cost and are given to protect children and youth from serious diseases like measles and meningitis. The summer is a great time for families to catch up on any missed vaccines before the next school year.

What can parents/caregivers do to make sure their child(ren) are up to date?  

  • Check their child’s vaccine record: compare the records they have with the Publicly  
  • Funded Immunization Schedule to make sure it is up to date. Speak to their child’s health care provider about any vaccines their child needs. 
  • Report their child’s vaccine(s) to Ottawa Public Health (OPH): It is possible that the child (ren) are up to date on their vaccines, but OPH was not notified. Health care providers do not report vaccinations to OPH, so even if they are up to date, OPH might not have this information.  
  • If they need a vaccine: OPH is working with the Kids Come First Health Team and other partners to make it easier to get children vaccinated. For children without access to a primary care provider or an Ontario Health Card (OHIP), parents or guardians can book an appointment to have their child’s vaccine record reviewed or to receive a vaccine.   
  • Routine childhood vaccines are also offered on a drop-in basis at the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs

For any additional questions about immunization records or accessing a clinic, parents can call Ottawa Public Health, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 613-580-6744.

Protect yourself against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 by getting your vaccines
 
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the annual flu vaccine and the updated KP.2-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. OPH is anticipating an active respiratory illness season with flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating in the community at the same time. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are particularly recommended for people at high risk of severe illness

Effective October 28, 2024, flu vaccines and the updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for all residents. There are many options for getting your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine: 

  • Visit your nearest pharmacy (pharmacies continue to be the main point of access for flu and COVID-19 vaccines). 
  • Check with your regular health care provider to see if they offer the vaccines. 
  • Visit an OPH Community Clinic to get your vaccines. 
  • Visit an OPH Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub, if you face barriers to access, for vaccines on a walk-in basis, as capacity allows

To book your appointment for the updated COVID-19 vaccine: 
COVID-19 vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).

To book your appointment for your annual flu vaccine: 
Flu vaccine appointments at OPH Community Clinics can be booked through the Ottawa Public Health website

To book the RSV antibody immunization appointment for your infant:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs resulting in cold-like symptoms. RSV infection can happen at any age but is particularly severe in infants, often leading to serious lung infections requiring hospitalization. RSV immunization appointments, for eligible infants and children, can be booked through the Kids Come First webpage.
 
For more detailed information, please review the Public Service Announcements on the updated COVID-19 vaccine, the annual flu vaccine and the provincial RSV prevention program.

Respiratory Virus Prevention 
Ottawa Public Health wants to remind Ottawa residents that there are simple and effective ways to help protect yourself, your families and our communities against respiratory illness. Using the following layers of protection helps keep everyone safe: 

  • Stay home when sick until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea).  
  • Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.  
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  
  • Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.  
  • Keep your vaccinations up to date, including getting your annual flu vaccine and your updated COVID-19 vaccine.  
  • Avoid visiting people at high-risk of severe illness when you are sick (including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital).  
  • Wear a mask:  
  • To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.  
  • To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness.  
  • When you’re recovering from illness.  
  • Use local monitoring indicators, updated weekly on our dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport to help you assess your level of risk.

Rapid Antigen Test Kits
Rapid Antigen Test Kits are no longer provided to Ottawa Public Health for distribution by the province. The Ontario Ministry of Health announced a new COVID-19 testing strategy which focuses on the testing of individuals who are highest risk and are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. For more information on who is eligible for publicly-funded testing, where to access testing, and what treatments are available, please visit the provincial website COVID testing and treatment.  
 
For information on what to do if you believe you have COVID-19, see the provincial site for more tailored advice.  
 
For more information on respiratory illness, including fall vaccines, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus, or call 613-580-6744 and follow the prompts for immunization support.

Ontario Health 811

A free, secure and confidential service you can call or access online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get health advice from a registered nurse or to find health services or information. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-0007. You can visit Health 811 for more information.

Helpful Links – Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health

Stop Overdose Ottawa Webpage: StopOverdoseOttawa.ca

Public Online Learning Platform: OLearn (Ottawa.ca)

Ottawa’s Overdose Response Strategy: What is Ottawa’s Plan?

Harm Reduction Services: Ottawa Public Health – Harm Reduction Services

Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Resources:

Discarded Needles in Our Communities: Discarded Needles – StopOverdoseOttawa.ca

  • Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps (Training Video)
  • Needle Drop-Boxes
  • Returning Medical Sharps to Pharmacies
  • Integrated Strategies to Collect Discarded Needles
  • Working with Individuals Who Use Needles

Website for Parents: Youth and Opioids – What parents need to know – Parenting in Ottawa

Multilingual Print Resources: Ottawa Public Health – Opioid Signage
Multilingual Opioid Overdose Recognition Cards:

Overdose Detection Technologies Cards:

For older posts, please visit our website

May Update

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Monthly Newsletter

March 31, 2025

If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573. Our office will host 2 free tax…

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