Media Releases

15-Minute Neighbourhood Survey

Ecology Ottawa has just completed a survey to help identify which Ottawa neighbourhoods score well in terms of walkability – one of the key aspects of 15-minute neighbourhoods which have been proposed in the City’s draft Official Plan.

305 respondents living across Ottawa completed the survey and as well as quantitative data, respondents provided many suggestions of how they would like their neighbourhood to be changed or improved in the future. It is noted that this survey catches a very small sample size of City residents, but we hope it indicates in broad strokes the many steps which must yet be taken to transition to 15-minute neighbourhoods.

Debunking The Myth That Climate Action Is Too Expensive

How many times have you heard political pundits say that the public supports climate action, so long as it doesn’t affect their pocketbook? This claim is based on a false assumption that climate action is unaffordable, and, unfortunately, this “myth of unaffordability” leads many political leaders to be too timid when it comes to properly financing climate change mitigation. We’re here to show the skeptics that investing in climate change mitigation, if done right, is actually a smart financial decision paying huge dividends.

2021 Tree Giveaways

The Living City Team is resuming the Tree Giveaway Campaign this year and we're ready to distribute more tree seedlings than ever: 15,000!

This initiative began because Ottawa’s urban tree canopy is under threat. Since 2008, the emerald ash borer has killed 25% of Ottawa’s trees. In addition to this, climate change, invasive pests, expanding urbanization and infill construction are also major threats to trees. We need to re-plant and keep planting to stay on top of the threats!

Recycling in Ottawa Parks

How many times have you walked through a park and searched in vain for a recycling bin? Or gasped in horror at the overflowing garbage bin, full of plastic bottles and other recyclable materials?

CLOSED: We’re looking for a Climate Change Campaign Organizer to join our team!

Ecology Ottawa is looking for a Climate Change Campaign Organizer. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Climate Change Campaign Organizer will provide support for Ecology Ottawa’s outreach campaigns on climate change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: City’s proposed ‘Gold Belt’ is a mirage

(OTTAWA) – On January 16, on the heels of a May 2020 decision to expand Ottawa’s urban boundary, city planners released a draft report recommending the development of various parcels of land on the fringes of Ottawa’s urban area. Beyond the new land slated for development is a proposed “Gold Belt” that would create ultimate limits for Ottawa’s suburban communities.

“Laboratories of democracy” - Why cities can and must lead on climate action

You’ve heard the expression, “Think globally, act locally.” But what does it really mean?

If you live in a Canadian city, it means the fight against climate change could be taking place right in your own backyard. When it comes to climate action, cities can and must lead the way.

City of Ottawa Draft Budget 2021 – A tale of three budgets

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Mayor Jim Watson presented the City of Ottawa’s draft 2021 budget. As the mayor noted, 2020 has been a year unlike any other in Ottawa’s history, with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on the daily life of all Ottawans, as well as on city finances.

Join us for the 2020 State of the City Year-in Review

What progress did Ottawa make towards becoming the green capital of Canada in 2020?

What's next for climate action, active transportation, urban biodiversity and greenspace protection as we look forward to 2021?

Join Ecology Ottawa's Executive Director Robb Barnes for the 2020 State of the City Year-in Review. We'll look at major council decisions, pressing environmental issues facing Ottawa, and opportunities as we approach the new year.

New emissions update shows City of Ottawa adrift without strong political leadership

December 7, 2020

OTTAWA – The City of Ottawa has released its annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories in the lead-up to the December 15, 2020 meeting of the Standing Committee of Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management. The inventories show new emissions data for 2019, now at 6,140 kt CO₂e community-wide. This represents a rise in emissions above the levels recorded in each of the preceding three years. Local emissions have not been this high since prior to the provincial coal phase-out.

Whose road is it anyway?

Ottawa is an excellent cycling city—how many times have you heard this statement while talking with neighbours and friends? Although Ottawa may have an admirable collection of multi-use pathways (MUPs) that are safe and accessible for all users, ages, and abilities, they rely on a safe road network to connect them. Unfortunately, many of our roads lack the appropriate infrastructure needed to make them safe, jeopardising the accessibility of our cycling network.

9 points on Energy Evolution, the City's new climate plan

Today, council's Environment Committee will receive Energy Evolution, the latest and most comprehensive version of the city's climate action plan. There's a lot at stake to getting this right. Here are our thoughts...