Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and Ottawa Police Service are issuing an alert to warn residents about an increased detection of xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply.

Funding is available for outdoor mural art projects that support vandalism prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of Ottawa neighbourhoods. Projects must contribute to a clean, safe and beautiful city by engaging neighbourhoods and youth in a constructive learning process to create murals to prevent or deter tagging and vandalism.

Good news! There are some new and exciting programs recreation programs coming to Barrhaven and the surrounding area.

This year, the theme for Black Mental Health Week is Exploring Stigma and Black Mental Health. The week will feature a series of speakers to uplift, inform and advance Black Mental Health.

Council passed the 2023 Budget, which prioritizes affordable housing and protection for those most at risk in our community, greater equity, inclusion and diversity, reliable and affordable public transportation, safe and reliable roads, sidewalks and pathways, and a cleaner and greener city.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten (1BBK) is a free bilingual literacy program for newborns, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The goal? Read 1000 books with your little one before they start Kindergarten. Visit us in branch to see our special display and to pick up a reading log!

March Break is just around the corner! OPL is offering free, fun, educational programs for children (ages 4 to 12) and teens (ages 13 to 17) from March 13 to March 17. There are both virtual and in-person programs available. Registration opens Monday February 27 at 10 am!

We are gearing up for a unique RRFC season. The ice on the Rideau River is in a condition like we have never seen it before, and our operations have already taken notice.

The Planning and Housing Committee received the Official Plan’s 2023 implementation plan. It will focus on three areas including support for the Official Plan through a series of reports on various amendments, completing existing secondary plan projects and planning for future neighbourhoods.

Today, February 22 is Pink Shirt Day - wear pink to help bring awareness to bullying.

Family Day is a great opportunity to be active with your family. Being active together is fun and will help your children to be active for life. The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines advise us to move more, reduce the time that we sit, and get good sleep.

The Thursday, March 16 deadline is quickly approaching for those residential property owners who have not submitted their declaration. If a declaration is not filed – even if it is a principal residence – it will be deemed vacant and the VUT will be applied.