Ecology Ottawa delegated at City Council’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee on March 5 as the Committee reviewed its Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising policy. We called on the Committee to prohibit fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in City facilities in this policy.
Ecology Ottawa delegates to Finance and Corporates Services on Fossil Fuel Promotion
End Fossil Fuel Promotion in City Facilities
A group of fifteen organizations, including Ecology Ottawa, is calling on Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Ottawa City Council to end fossil fuel promotion in City facilities.
On March 5, the City’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee meets to discuss the City’s Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising policy. Currently, fossil-fuel companies are allowed to advertise in City facilities like arenas, parks, and City publications.
Help Shape Ottawa's Idling Control By-law!
The City recently announced that it’s reviewing its Idling Control By-law. We’re excited for the opportunity to improve it, so we can reduce our emissions and improve air quality in our communities. Here’s what you need to know.
Non-Violent Climate Action Now: Bill McKibben at Carleton University
Bill McKibben’s introduction to his electrifying talk, “Notes on the Climate Struggle,” delivered to a packed audience at Carleton University, hit home for his Ottawa crowd. He had been eager, he said, to visit in February because he wanted to go skating on the canal. The canal, however, was closed on that first day of Winterlude and showed no signs of opening soon. It was a talk we all need to hear.
Council Weakens Ottawa’s Approach to Climate Change
We’re very concerned by a recent effort by a City Councillor to weaken Ottawa’s efforts to combat climate change. Read on to learn what happened, understand why it's problematic, and take actions to help strengthen the climate approach in Ottawa.
A Letter from the Heart: Leadership Transition
Dear Ecology Ottawa community,
I wanted to share personally with you that I will be transitioning out of Ecology Ottawa over the next few months. This has been a very difficult decision for me, as I believe deeply in this wonderful organization and our important work together. Since you welcomed me in 2022, I have been heartened by the vibrant and effective grassroots movement that is the Ecology Ottawa community, and have been deeply proud of what we accomplish together.
Climate action in Ottawa’s 2024 budget
City Council voted on December 6 to approve their draft budget for 2024. The budget contains some positive action towards addressing some of the crises Ottawa is facing: there is increased investment into housing, for example, and the City is reaching into its reserves to boost spending on affordable housing thanks to a motion from Councillor Kavanagh. The spending on climate, however, is somewhat underwhelming and contradictory.
Ottawa’s Budget 2024: New Year, Same Outdated Perspective on Climate Change
Even though the City’s own Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) projects that “Ottawa will continue to become warmer, wetter and have more unpredictable extreme weather events over the coming decades,” the City of Ottawa’s 2024 Budget reveals a continued lack of ambition for environmental protection and climate action, threatening our ecosystems and communities.
New book club discusses a more sustainable Ottawa
A group of Ottawa residents have created a new monthly book club to discuss how to build a more affordable and sustainable Ottawa. The Ottawa Urbanism Book Club, a part of Strong Towns Ottawa, provides an opportunity to connect with neighbours and build community, while at the same time discussing Ottawa topics like how to prevent suburban sprawl, design an effective public transit system, and making walking and biking easier and safer for Ottawa residents.
Ecology Ottawa delegates to the Environment and Climate Change Committee on Budget 2024
Ecology Ottawa was at the City Council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee on November 21 to talk about climate, air quality, CCMP and trees. We’ve provided our delegations below. You can also watch the recording.
How to Create a Wildlife Garden at Your Child’s School
Wildlife gardens are a wonderful way for children, educators, and the local community to connect with nature, increase biodiversity, and beautify school grounds. They can also provide ecosystem services that can improve the functioning of school yards for caretakers and children alike. A wildlife garden may be a native plant garden, a pollinator garden, or butterfly garden. What they all have in common is a focus on attracting wildlife to school grounds for children’s learning and enjoyment.