Are you a strategic and creative campaigner who is passionate about organizing and mobilizing people to take local climate action? Our Climate Change Organizer position offers an exciting opportunity to deepen and grow people power through in-person outreach, digital activation, and compelling campaigns. The Climate Change Organizer helps people see the connection between the environmental crises and their everyday lives, highlighting the benefits of climate action to health and vibrant communities. We believe that the environmental movement requires all of us, and at a moment when climate action has never been more urgent, the Organizer will mobilize Ottawans to advocate to decision-makers so that together we can create a green, equitable, and resilient city.
As local environmental organizations from Hamilton, Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor - we are deeply concerned about the proposed legislation from the Ontario government that would deny municipalities the ability to install new bike lanes on major streets without provincial approval. If passed, the new rules would severely limit municipalities’ ability to protect all road users, fight climate change, and ease congestion. We call on our local MPPs to speak out against this serious overreach into municipalities’ ability to make the best transportation decisions for their residents, and we call on the Province to work collaboratively with municipalities on solutions instead of undermining them.
In November of 2023, staff recommended that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC) vote to extend Section 11 of the Site Alteration Bylaw from 2 kilometres outside the urban area to the entire rural area. Among other regulations, Section 11 prevents people from clearcutting trees without the approval of the city. Despite the recommendations of staff, on October 3, 2024, ARAC proposed that this area (initially the entire rural area around Ottawa) be restricted to just 1 kilometre outside of the urban area of Ottawa. Instead of a step forward as recommended last year, this is a step backwards. This amendment puts the natural environment at unnecessary risk, and Ecology Ottawa calls on the City to vote against the amendment to this bylaw which will be brought to council on Wednesday, October 16.