I have spent the last few days reflecting on conflict, repair, and how we show up for each other, even when we disagree.
As many of you know, I spent last week responding to two issues that are crucial in our community: the very tough public conversation about this year’s Capital Pride parade, and the province’s announcement that it will defund and “ban” 10 out of 17 supervised consumption sites, including the one at the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
In terms of Pride, you may have read my op/ed in the Ottawa Citizen, explaining why as a queer Jew, I chose to march in the parade. I believe that we can share space with each other, even when we disagree. And that the best way to engage is to show up. It was a joy to celebrate the 2SLGTQ+ community with people from so many different backgrounds, ages and experiences at Capital Pride. I sincerely hope that we can engage in difficult but necessary conversations in the weeks and months ahead, to ensure that absolutely everyone feels safe and welcome at Pride next summer.
On the issue of supervised consumption sites, I know how many of you are noticing an uptick in public drug use in Centretown over the last couple of years. The new poisons in the drug supply, coupled with rising rents and food inflation have left a lot of our neighbours in a very bad state. Many residents have reached out to me about the need to ensure more frequent needle clean-ups and the end of public drug use in front of children.
Unfortunately, the Ford government’s recent decision will not make any of this better. Removing the only indoor site for people to use drugs in a supervised setting will only increase public consumption, giving people nowhere else to go. I invite you to read the statement on this issue that I released with Councillor Jeff Leiper, as well as this excellent piece in the Ottawa Citizen written by Bruce Deachman.
We certainly need more treatment options and a massive scale-up of supportive housing. But not at the expense of the harm reduction programs that keep people alive. I will continue my advocacy with all levels of government and the mayor’s office to ensure that Somerset Ward has the resources we need to alleviate human suffering and keep our communities safe.
What it all comes down to for me, is a refusal to give up on people. I believe in the inherent worth of every human being and that we can face tough issues together if we take the time to listen and to engage.
Warmly,
Ariel
Councillor Troster, on a float at the Capital Pride parade, with Councillors Jeff Leiper, Jessica Bradley, Shawn Menard and Theresa Kavanagh. Photo credit: Ming Wu.
Open office hours on accessibility
Come join us on Friday, August 30th from 4pm – 6pm for our final open office hours of the summer! This time we’re talking about accessibility in our community with folks from Stop Gap Ottawa. Find more info and RSVP online here.
Spectrum Street Festival
The Spectrum Street Festival is still happening on Somerset from Bank to O’Connor until September 1st!
This pilot project is a collaboration between the Somerset Village BIA and the City of Ottawa with the support of the Canadian Urban Institute. This full street closure allows for daily programming running from the morning until night, seven days a week. There’s something for everyone: drag shows, musical performances, collaborative art creation and so, so much more!
You can learn more about the free daily programming by visiting the Spectrum Street Festival on their website, Instagram, Facebook, or by stopping by to see what’s happening!
Centretown Community Association Fall Fair
The CCA annual fall festival returns to Dundonald Park on Saturday, September 21st from 10am – 2pm!
Join us for live entertainment, a variety of booths from local organizations and activities for the whole family! You can find more info online here.
International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
The Sandy Hill Community Health Centre will be hosting an event at the Human Rights Monument on Friday, August 30th from 11am – 1pm, all are welcome.
City Budget 2025
It’s your city, your budget, and we want to hear from you! The City of Ottawa engages with residents each year to gather ideas and feedback as it drafts the budget for City Council’s consideration. Your feedback helps inform the City’s budget priorities and contributes to decisions about investing in a sustainable, secure, and prosperous city for all.
You can participate in the Engage Ottawa budget survey online here until September 13th, and following the tabling of the draft budget you can use the Engage Ottawa portal to ask questions to staff and provide feedback on the budget.
2024 Labour Day march and picnic
The Ottawa and District Labour Council is hosting its annual Labour Day march and free, family friendly picnic on Monday, September 2nd.
The march leaves from City Hall at 12pm and moves south on Elgin to Gladstone, then west on Gladstone to McNabb Park. The picnic kicks off at 12:45pm at McNabb Park. You can find more info online here.
Three Item Garbage Limit
Beginning Monday, September 30, the City will be implementing a three-item garbage limit for all residents receiving curbside waste collection. You can learn more about the new policy and examples of accepted set outs by visiting ottawa.ca/garbage.
We all want a city that works. A bus that comes on time. Smooth roads and ample protected bike lanes. Parks with amenities that are both fun and available when you need them.
This afternoon, we learned that the provincial government is poised to ban the Supervised Consumption Site currently operated by the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
I hope you are enjoying this glorious weather and getting some time to enjoy summer events in downtown Ottawa.