Media Releases

Vote like their future depends on it - because it does

This is it. On Monday, October 21, Canadians will head to the polls and cast their votes.

Obviously, there's a lot at stake in this federal election. The United Nations tells us we have just over a decade to limit climate catastrophe. More than ever before, the world needs national governments unafraid to take bold climate action. Canada can play this role - but only if our elected leaders know that we demand climate leadership.

Over the course of this summer, we've been talking with thousands of you at the door about making climate change a major election priority. We've been amazed at the level of interest and engagement. And while most of our conversations have been in suburban Ottawa, it's clear that climate change is emerging as a ballot-box issue all across the country.

Thank you for a great Eco Gala

What an amazing Gala we had on Wednesday November 20th, 2019.

We want to give a big shout out to everyone who helped make this night a success. Together we created an amazing space where the environmental community in Ottawa can gather.

Below are some photos highlighting the event. We look forward to next year!

Opening ceremony from Annie Smith St-George who is a well recognized Algonquin Elder

Join the Ottawa Climate Strike!

On March 15th, more than 150,000 students were officially on strike across Québec. At other events, young people across have Canada marched in the streets, demanding action today to ensure we have a world for future generations.

Young people have been going on strike around the world every Friday since Greta Thunberg set off #FridaysForFuture in August of 2018, and have been waging creative protests to push politicians to take bold action and tackle the climate crisis head on.

Greening Your Community: Where to Begin?

Community is at the heart of the work that Ecology Ottawa does. Community partners, associations, engaged citizens, friends, and neighbours all play a part in defining important environmental and social issues in our city, and deciding how Ecology Ottawa can contribute. Two weeks ago, as part of our year-long green infrastructure (G.I.) program in Britannia, Belltown, and Crystal Bay, we held a community event to ask people what ideas they have to “green” their communities. Not only that, we explored some obstacles that people face in making more sustainable choices day-to-day and long-term. Have you been wondering what you can do at home, or in community, to reduce your impact on the Earth and its resources? Are you looking for some inspiration, or resources, to begin living a more socially and environmentally sustainable life? Unsure of where to begin?

Greening Your Community: Where to Begin?

Community is at the heart of the work that Ecology Ottawa does. Community partners, associations, engaged citizens, friends, and neighbours all play a part in defining important environmental and social issues in our city, and deciding how Ecology Ottawa can contribute. Two weeks ago, as part of our year-long green infrastructure (G.I.) program in Britannia, Belltown, and Crystal Bay, we held a community event to ask people what ideas they have to "green" their communities. Not only that, we explored some obstacles that people face in making more sustainable choices day-to-day and long-term. Have you been wondering what you can do at home, or in community, to reduce your impact on the Earth and its resources? Are you looking for some inspiration, or resources, to begin living a more socially and environmentally sustainable life? Unsure of where to begin?

The People’s Official Plan and responding to the climate emergency

The City of Ottawa is in the midst of developing a new Official Plan – its major land use and policy document, designed to shape Ottawa for decades into the future.

Getting the new Official Plan right is critical for many reasons. Most importantly, the new Official Plan will have a dramatic impact on whether we as a city do our fair share to tackle the climate crisis. The United Nations has identified the next 11 years as critical to avoiding climate catastrophe. It’s all hands on deck, and cities like Ottawa have an opportunity to lead the way in the transition to a climate-friendly world. In other words, the new Official Plan must be Ottawa’s climate emergency plan.

The People's Official Plan and responding to the climate emergency

Setting the stage

The City of Ottawa is in the midst of developing a new Official Plan - its major land use and policy document, designed to shape Ottawa for decades into the future.

Getting the new Official Plan right is critical for many reasons. Most importantly, the new Official Plan will have a dramatic impact on whether we as a city do our fair share to tackle the climate crisis. The United Nations has identified the next 11 years as critical to avoiding climate catastrophe. It's all hands on deck, and cities like Ottawa have an opportunity to lead the way in the transition to a climate-friendly world. In other words, the new Official Plan must be Ottawa's climate emergency plan.

Hold the Line: A campaign to stop urban sprawl

A once-in-a-generation opportunity

Ottawa City Council declared a Climate Emergency in spring 2019. On May 11 and 12, 2020, the City will make a final decision on Ottawa’s urban boundary. The new Official Plan must be Ottawa’s climate emergency plan. Hold the Line is a necessary city-wide initiative to adequately respond to the Climate Emergency.

Hold the Line: A campaign to stop urban sprawl

A once-in-a-generation opportunity

Future development needs to reach 70% intensification (on currently developed land) and 30% greenfield development (on previously undeveloped land) within the current boundary. The new Official Plan 'balanced' proposal suggests 60% intensification and 40% greenfield development.

10,000 Trees and Counting

As many of you may know, a large part of the work that our Living City team does — beyond our green infrastructure and greenspace protection campaigns — relates to trees. More specifically, we collaborate on, organize, and attend community events so that we can give away native tree seedlings to as many Ottawa area residents as possible! The appetite for planting trees and re-greening our capital has proven to be a large one: Our goal for this spring and summer was to distribute 12,000 trees, and it excites us to announce that we have surpassed the 10,000 tree mark!

10,000 Trees and Counting

As many of you may know, a large part of the work that our Living City team does -- beyond our green infrastructure and greenspace protection campaigns -- relates to trees. More specifically, we collaborate on, organize, and attend community events so that we can give away native tree seedlings to as many Ottawa area residents as possible! The appetite for planting trees and re-greening our capital has proven to be a large one: Our goal for this spring and summer was to distribute 12,000 trees, and it excites us to announce that we have surpassed the 10,000 tree mark!

A dark week for Ottawa's democracy

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin - https://unsplash.com/photos/NqOInJ-ttqM

It has been a dark week for local democracy in Ottawa.

Last Wednesday, council green-lit an Old Ottawa East development that violated a years-old neighbourhood plan. The original design was rooted in thousands of hours of community consultation and engagement with city processes, but no matter. In the end, the developer pulled the rug out from under the community. Planning committee refused to stop the process, and council gave its stamp of approval with a 14-9 vote in favour of the project.

Media Releases

Vote like their future depends on it - because it does

Thank you for a great Eco Gala

Join the Ottawa Climate Strike!

Greening Your Community: Where to Begin?

Greening Your Community: Where to Begin?

The People’s Official Plan and responding to the climate emergency

The People's Official Plan and responding to the climate emergency

Setting the stage

Hold the Line: A campaign to stop urban sprawl

Hold the Line: A campaign to stop urban sprawl

10,000 Trees and Counting

10,000 Trees and Counting

A dark week for Ottawa's democracy

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