If you require immediate assistance, please email us at jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or call us at 613-736-9573.
Happy Back to School!
As children return to school in the coming week, many will be bussing, walking and riding their bikes to their destinations. I want to remind motorists and pedestrians to be aware of the increase of children and youth on city streets. I wish all students a safe and successful new school year.
Ottawa Public Health experts remind everyone to stay up to date on COVID-19, flu, school and routine childhood vaccinations.
Ground Breaking Ronald McDonald House – August 10th
I attended the Ground Breaking ceremony of the new portion of the Ronald McDonald House Ottawa next to CHEO along with dignitaries and other elected officials from various levels of government.
Ronald McDonald House will be getting a $22.7-million expansion thanks to fundraisers and various levels of government support. This expansion will soon allow 36 families to be accommodated in the facility doubling the current number of spots available.
These spaces are vital for families supporting their children through illnesses that bring them here to CHEO. I am so proud of the work Ronald McDonald House Ottawa is doing, and I look forward to continuing to support them in the future.
Heron Gate Summer Fun Day – August 19th
My team and I joined members of the community at the Heron Gate Summer Fun Day at Sandalwood Park. I had a great time meeting and chatting with folks about their summer over some ice cream.
Capital Pride Parade – August 27th
Happy Pride, Ottawa! My team and I enjoyed marching in the Capital Pride Parade alongside our Ottawa provincial Liberal family this year. It was great to be a part of the 10,000 community members marching along the parade route this year.
National Convenience Store Week – August 29th
National Convenience Week (August 28 – September 1) is an annual, week-long event celebrating and recognizing the convenience stores and their essential workers. As in previous years, fundraising efforts from National Convenience Week will be directed to the Make-A-Wish Canada, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
I was happy to visit an Ottawa South Quickie on Pleasant Park Rd. to meet Jeff from the Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), Dave Cooke regional manager for Quickie, Namzul and his wife Sorifa from the local Quickie, Sharon Forbes and Ruby from Make-A-Wish Canada as well as Jenny and Sandra from Ontario Lottery Gaming (OLG).
SE Health Home Care Visit – August 30th
I had the pleasure of meeting with Kyle, Afsha and Cristine of the SE Health team and coming along for a home care visit to see what they do on a daily basis in our community.
Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario. The licence plate renewal period varies depending on type of vehicle and if you choose to renew for 1 or 2 years. Renew online at: Vehicle registration | ontario.ca or visit a Service Ontario location.
When you renew:
- you will no longer receive a sticker
- you do not have to pay licence plate renewal fees
- law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed
Get ServiceOntario digital reminders!
Get free reminders by email, text message, or phone call 60 and 30 days before it’s time to renew your licence plate, driver’s licence, health card, or Ontario Photo Card.
Mailed renewal notices for driver’s licence holders and vehicle owners will continue for:
- individuals aged 70 years and older
- individuals with a driver’s licence class A, B, C, D, E, or F
Apply online: Get ServiceOntario digital reminders | ontario.ca
Ontario Releases 2023-24 First Quarter Finances
Ontario Honours the Outstanding Contributions of Volunteers
Ontario Expanding Access to Midwifery Services
Canada and Ontario Bolstering Honey Bee Health
Ontario Volunteer Service Awards:
Eligibility
Organizations that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may submit a nomination.
Each organization may nominate up to nine volunteers (of which a maximum of 6 nominees may be adults).
The nominee(s) must:
- be living persons residing and volunteering in Ontario
- not have received payment for their volunteer work
- be active beyond simple membership in an organization
- not have performed the services as part of their regular business or professional duties
A youth nominee must:
- be under 24 years old and under
- have volunteered with one organization for at least two consecutive years
An adult nominee must have volunteered with one organization for at least five consecutive years.
Organizations with more than one branch can submit separate nominations for up to nine volunteers for each branch.
Required information
- Nominating organization name, address, email, phone number and year established
- Volunteer first name, last name, address, email, and phone number
- Head of organization (if applicable) first name, last name, email, phone number and position title.
Deadline
The deadline to nominate someone is November 15 of each year. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.
Selection process
Recipients receive a personalized certificate and lapel pin acknowledging their years of service at a local award recognition ceremony.
Award presentation
Recipients receive a personalized certificate and lapel pin acknowledging their years of service at a local award recognition ceremony.
The Ontario Government medal and recognition program celebrate the people who make our province a better place to live.
Click to learn more and to nominate
How your property is assessed
We determine the assessed value of each property based on several variables, and we use different approaches to value properties depending on the property type. Click on the links below to learn more:
- Residential property (Urban)
- Residential property (Rural)
- Multi-residential properties
- Farm properties
- What makes property assessment fair?
- FAQ – is your assessment fair?
Property assessment and taxation toolkit
To better help property owners understand the relationship between property assessment and taxes, as well as the key roles different levels of government play, MPAC has developed a toolkit.
View the toolkit here.
Book now at Blood.ca
For more than 60 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has provided vital support to the professional arts community in Ontario. Since 1963, OAC’s mandate has been to foster the creation and production of art for the benefit of all Ontarians.
The OAC is financed through an annual grant from the Ontario government’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. In 2022-23, OAC invested $55.9 million in 220 communities across Ontario through 2,269 grants to individual artists and 1,023 grants to organizations.
The OAC has a 12-member government-appointed board of directors that is responsible for oversight in OAC’s granting process, including policies and decision-making.
What types of programs does OAC offer?
- Ontario’s professional writers, visual artists, musicians, composers, filmmakers, media artists, craftspeople, actors, dancers, and choreographers can apply for OAC project support.
- Many of the province’s theatres, orchestras, dance troupes, public art galleries, artist-run visual and media arts centres, arts service organizations, opera companies and festivals look to OAC programs for either project or operating (ongoing) support.
- The OAC also has programs for specific sectors and for particular arts activity – Indigenous Arts, Francophone Arts and Arts in Communities and Schools.
- The OAC’s Touring and Circulation Projects program is designed to help bring the work of professional Ontario artists to communities throughout the province as well as to audiences across Canada and beyond.
- Some programs have very specific goals. These include Skills and Career Development: Indigenous Arts Professionals and Arts Professionals of Colour; Northern Arts, which is solely for artists and arts groups in northern Ontario; and Deaf and Disability Arts Projects, a program to support Deaf artists, artists with disabilities and Deaf and disability arts organizations.
- Prospective applicants can learn the basics of applying for an OAC grant on the “New to OAC?” web page.
For more information about OAC check out their website here and for more information about grants they offer check that out here.
February 28 to March 1, 2024
This engaging, educational program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario offers civic-minded students an opportunity to experience democracy at work. This 3-day program takes place at the Legislative Building in Toronto.
Who can apply?
Ontario students in grades 10 to 12 with an interest in current affairs, provincial issues and government.
Why apply?
Meet the Speaker, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and other like- minded students from across Ontario! Learn how the provincial legislature works firsthand and test your debating skills “as an MPP” in the Legislative Chamber.
Visit our website for more information & to apply!
www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs
Online applications will be accepted until October 15th, 2023.
The Legislative session begins on September 25. I look forward to being back at Queen’s Park and representing Ottawa South constituents in the Legislature.
International Overdose Awareness Day
(August 31st)
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdoses and remember, without stigma, those who have experienced drug-related harms, including fatal overdoses and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
The 2023 theme “Recognizing those people who go unseen” is about acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in the crisis. To learn more, please visit https://www.overdoseday.com/
Ottawa will be recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, at the Canadian Human Rights Monument (220 Elgin St., outside Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall) between 11:30 am-1:00 pm, hosted by Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and open for public and community attendance. Ottawa Public Health’s Harm Reduction and Addiction and Substance Use Health teams will be attending for support, to provide overdose prevention and response training and access to naloxone kits.
For more information about Ottawa’s local context and for supports and services, please visit www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
Hunt Club Community Association Fall Festival:
(September 9th)
The annual Fall Festival is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to invite you to join us for a day filled with laughter, music, dance, and community spirit. Come to the Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre where the Fall Festival promises a memorable experience for individuals and families alike. Music, dance, food, games and a chance to connect with your neighbours. The festival will run from 11:00AM – 4:00PM at McCarthy Park 3320 Paul Anka Dr.
Activities:
- Face painting
- Photo Booth
- OPS Hoopsters (basketball court)
- Giant Jenga (4ft)
- Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
- Giant Checkers
- Potato Sack Races
- Can Jam (Flying disc sport)
- Ladder Ball
For more information please visit this link: Fall Festival 2023 – Hunt Club Community Association (hunt-club.ca)
Volunteer Ottawa is holding its Fall Volunteer Expo on Friday, September 22, 2023. This is a free, in-person event where you can speak with representatives from over 30 local charities and not‑for‑profits to find opportunities to volunteer for a good cause, meet great people and learn something new.
What: Fall Volunteer Expo
When: Friday, September 22, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Rideau Hub Cafeteria (former Rideau High School) 815 St. Laurent Blvd.
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Transit: Bus route #7 stops in front of the building
More info: volunteerottawa.ca/events/calendar/expo/
Watch Volunteer Ottawa’s video, “Ottawa’s Volunteer Connection”, to learn more about how volunteering can make a difference to you and the community!
Balena Park Corn Roast
(September 17th)
The Balena Park Corn Roast is back to kick of the fall season with on Sunday September 17th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at 1579 Balena Avenue.
Heron Emergency Food Centre Walkathon Fundraiser
(September 23rd)
Step up and step out to stop hunger! The Heron Emergency Food Centre will be hosting a walkathon to raise money on September 23 from 9a.m. to 12p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (2345 Alta Vista Drive). For pledge sheets, please call 613-737-9090. Click here to donate!
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
(Ottawa)— It’s Back to School season! With students of all ages returning to the classroom over the coming weeks, the Ottawa Police Service reminds motorists to be aware of an increased number of students on city streets.
Many students will be busing, walking and riding their bikes to their destinations for the first time in several weeks.
Please consider the following Back to School safety tips:
- Reduce speeds in school zones and be ready to stop anytime. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic;
- Obey school bus signals;
- Watch for pedestrian crossovers, know how they work and obey them when in use;
- Walk on available sidewalks;
- Always cross at intersections, looking and listening for traffic and walk across only when the road is clear, and it’s safe to do so;
- Follow adult crossing guards, student crossing patrols and school bus operator’s signals; and,
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bike and walk your bike across a roadway.
Drivers are responsible for stopping in both directions on a road without a median when they see a school bus stopped with its lights flashing. Fines for not obeying this law range from $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
For more safety tips, go to our Traffic Services page.
Heatherington Community Fun Day
September 28 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at 1485 – 1495 Heatherington Rd.
Catching up on routine immunizations
If your child has missed a vital immunization required for school this fall, we can help! The Kids Come First Health Team, has launched their Vaccination and Up-to-Date campaign to tackle just that, and they are taking appointments now!
Find out the requirements and book your child’s vaccination today!
20% of Canadian kids face mental health challenges, but only 1 in 5 get the help they need.
You can help change that by lacing up your shoes to run or walk through Wesley Clover Parks on Sunday, September 24, 2023 as part of the RBC Race for the Kids. Route options include a 5K and 10K all-terrain run, or the fully accessible 2K Family Fun Run.
Official Book Launch of Shawna’s Outreach: When we each give a little, a lot gets done.
(October 17th)
Join co-authors Shawna Thibodeau and Amanda Sterczyk at Morning Owl Coffeehouse & Parlour (229 Armstrong St.) on October 17th from 12:30 – 2:30 PM as they officially launch their book, Shawna’s Outreach: When we each give a little, a lot gets done.
Books for sale at the event for a minimum donation of $10, payable by cash, cheque, or e-transfer. 100% of royalties earned on the book will go directly to Shawna’s Outreach.
Buy your copy of the book on site and get it signed by the authors!
Reminds eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox
(formerly known as monkeypox)
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) would like to remind eligible residents at risk of contracting mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete a two-dose vaccination series of Imvamune® as soon as possible. This reminder comes as OPH is following up with two individuals who recently tested positive for mpox in Ottawa. No individuals in Ottawa have tested positive for mpox since October 2022. It is believed the infections were acquired locally.
Anyone can contract mpox. Currently, most affected by mpox are men who have sex with men. There is a vaccine to prevent the acquisition of mpox. To find out who is eligible to receive a two-dose series of the Imvamune® vaccine and to book an appointment for vaccination, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/MPOX.
Rat Control Measures
Rats are common pests that can damage property, contaminate food, and spread disease, so it’s important to prevent infestations. By-law and Regulatory Services within the Emergency and Protective Services department (EPS), the Public Works and Environmental Services department (PWES), and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) work collaboratively in responding to rat and rodent control issues.
The first step to deal with rat issues is to contact 311. If the rat issue is on public property, including in sewers, a Service Request will be issued to PWES. If the issue is on private property, 311 will issue a Service Request for a Property Standards review from By-Law and Regulatory Services. Bylaw and Regulatory Services administers the Property Standards By-law, which requires that residential and non-residential properties be maintained free of vermin, including rats and rodents.
The role of Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is largely educational in nature. OPH provides advice and guidance to those experiencing a rodent infestation on their property or in their home. As well, rodent issues are addressed during regular public health inspections conducted at inspected facilities located in your neighborhood, including restaurants, grocery stores, corner stores, etc.
On the OPH website, you will find a Rat Control page with resources and advice on how best to protect your property and home from rats and other rodents, including a guide for property owners and tenants, Preventing Rats on Your Property. This material is available in French, English, Somali and Arabic and make use of pictures and information to help you understand the steps that can be taken to address the rat issue. Residents can call 613-580-6744 and speak with a Public Health Inspector to discuss the educational material located on our website.
Implementing control measures on one’s own property is the responsibility of the property owner. The owner is recommended to refer to the educational guidance on our website and may elect to hire a professional pest control company for assistance.
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.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Effective July 7, 2023, the Ministry of Health recommends individuals aged five years and older should consider delaying their COVID-19 booster until Fall 2023, as respiratory season commences, to maximize protection against COVID-19 outcomes when peak circulation of the virus is expected. For more information, visit COVID-19 vaccine.
Recognition
Have a special day coming up? Commemorative Scrolls are available from the province of Ontario to recognize events and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other notable events like the anniversary of a church, a major act of heroism, recognizing outstanding community service, or winning provincial championships.
For 60th wedding anniversaries and 100th birthdays, greetings from His Majesty the King can also be obtained, but a minimum of eight weeks advance notice is required as well as proof of birth or marriage.
Ontario has a self-assessment tool:
If you think you have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Visit here.
If you require help in Ottawa South, please visit our website for Community links and contacts.
Ottawa Public Health
For the latest updates, please click here.
Government of Ontario
Every day at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) web page will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario.
Government of Canada
For the latest COVID-19 updates, please click here.
For the latest on Employment and Social Development changes for employees and employers, click here.