Sometimes the solutions we need are right in front of us. That is what I was thinking about when we hosted the amazing team from Operation Come Home two weeks ago.
We invited them to meet with City Councillors and staff, as well as representatives from the development community, to promote their innovative Master Leasing program – something that has real potential to end youth homelessness in Ottawa.
This is how it works: OCH rents a bunch of apartments in buildings scattered all over the city. Then they sublet those apartments to youth exiting foster care or at risk of experiencing homelessness. They also provide housing subsidies and 24/7 supports to these tenants, many of whom are living on their own for the first time. This means that they are always on call, preventing panicked phone calls to landlords from young people who may have locked themselves out or could be dealing with an overflowing toilet.
The Master Leasing Program is a form of supportive housing – providing the help young people need right in their own homes, helping to avoid long shelter stays in the process. This improves outcomes for youth, develops independence, and helps them avoid interactions with adults in the shelter system who may be struggling with serious addictions.
Right now, Operation Come Home holds roughly 30 leases, in buildings scattered all over our city. According to Executive Director John Heckbert, if they can scale-up to 300 leases by 2028, they could end chronic youth homelessness in Ottawa within three years.
I jokingly referred to the event I held at City Hall with OCH as a “speed dating” session, but the intention was to match up landlords with Master Leasing staff and convince them to join the program. I am happy to say it worked, and several developers are now working with John and his team to scale-up the number of apartments available to youth at risk of homelessness.
Sometimes all it takes is getting the right people in the room together to solve the massive problems we face in our city. Given the magnitude of the homelessness crisis in Ottawa (more than 3,000 people according to our latest Point in Time Count), it is inspiring to realize that such a simple and effective solution could help stop homelessness before it starts.
This is also why I am continuing to pursue the need for a renovictions bylaw – because preventing unjust or unnecessary evictions is another way to turn off the tap to homelessness and allow more people to stay in the homes they already occupy. Solving homelessness is a lot more humane – and affordable – than allowing it to continue. We just need the will and the funding from provincial and federal governments to make it happen.
Warmly,
Ariel
PS – Many of you continue to write to my office about security concerns in Chinatown following the closure of the supervised consumption site and the opening of the Northwood Clinic. Here is a comprehensive update on the current situation and ongoing advocacy from my office.
Ariel with Shelby and Emily, from Operation Come Home
Transportation Master Plan update
A lot of you have written to our office about the proposed updates to the city’s Transportation Master Plan. Many of you have flagged concerns that there are no big pedestrian or cycling projects in the plan that will impact our downtown communities.
I wanted to point out to residents that there are quite a few cycling and pedestrian projects underway in Somerset Ward, either as a part of existing Transportation Master Plan, or thanks to sewer renewal. Here are a few:
Outer urban and suburban neighbourhoods are missing significant infrastructure that will allow them to densify – for example, many areas don’t have sidewalks. The TMP does not show areas where infrastructure needs to be renewed or improved, only where new infrastructure is needed. That’s why it seems that Centretown may be appear to be missing from the plan, when we actually have a lot of exciting projects underway.
That said: I am listening to your feedback and will keep doing so. You can take a look at the updated Transportation Master Plan and comment on the Engage Ottawa website.
New community-led gardens and green initiatives program
Last week, Council a citywide Community-led Green Initiatives and Garden Program to create a greener, more resilient and liveable Ottawa. The program will actively support the growing demand for developing publicly accessible food gardens and other community-led greening initiatives such as pollinators and beautification gardens, on city-owned land. The city will lift its pause on applications for access to approving new sites and begin reviewing outstanding community requests for new or expanded gardens.
Staff will develop clear guidelines, streamline the intake process and engage with local community organizations and leaders to ensure community needs are driving the program. Thanks to everyone who wrote to us to emphasize how important this program is, particularly in the urban core.
Register for the Minto Park Sale
Ward 14’s annual no yard, yard sale is back at Minto Park on Saturday, June 7 from 9am - 3pm. If you want to register for a table, please fill out this form. Filling out a form does not guarantee a table, if there is space, you will receive a follow up confirmation email. If you have difficulty filling out the form, or are unable to do so, please reach out to us at [email protected].
The Plant Your Place program is open
Trees do more than just look beautiful — they help absorb rainwater, clean our air, store carbon, provide shade, and help cool down built up areas! Did you know that 40 percent of Ottawa’s urban area is private property? That means we all have a role to play in growing our city's tree canopy!
The City of Ottawa’s new Plant Your Place! program makes it easy for residents to plant trees on their own property, and registration is now open!
Residents can apply for a FREE tree through the City-Wide Tree Distribution stream:
Plant Your Place! is delivered in partnership with EnviroCentre. To find out more and to apply, please visit the EnviroCentre website. If you have any questions, please reach out to EnviroCentre by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 613-656-0100 ext. 7.
Golden Triangle Heritage Conservation District consultation is open
In 2022, City Council directed staff to undertake a study to further analyze the Golden Triangle’s potential for designation as a heritage conservation district. In 2024, City Council approved the Golden Triangle as a priority study.
A heritage conservation district allows the city to recognize and protect neighbourhoods, rural landscapes, main streets, or other areas of special cultural heritage value that have a cohesive sense of time and place, allowing City Council to manage and guide future change in the district through adoption of a district plan with policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the district’s special character.
City staff will be facilitating community consultation and information sessions this fall. To learn more and sign up for updates, click here.
Mooney's Bay Beach Pavilion Replacement Project
The existing Mooney’s Bay Beach Pavilion, built in 1964, is nearing the end of its useful life. It currently houses a canteen, public washrooms/changerooms, lifeguard facilities, a multi-purpose room, staff office, and storage, operating as a three-season building.
The City, working with a consultant, is preparing a feasibility study for the future replacement of the Beach Pavilion. Two preliminary concept options have been developed for a new Beach Pavilion including one-storey and two-storey options.
Your feedback will be used to guide the future design of the pavilion. You can submit your feedback through the survey online here or by email at [email protected].
Capital Music Week (CxMW)
Capital Music Week (CxMW) is Ottawa's premier music industry event, serving as a platform to amplify the city's musical talent and promote industry growth.
From May 20 to 25, 2025, the inaugural event will host concerts, workshops, an awards gala, and professional development activities, fostering collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and fans. CxMW is dedicated to strengthening Ottawa's music ecosystem, boosting economic development, and enhancing the city's reputation as a dynamic music and nightlife destination.
Get more info online here.
Centretown Yard Sale – Saturday, June 21st
Gilmour Street neighbours from Bronson to Kent have been organizing the "Pretty Good Gilmour St Garage Sale" since the 2000s. This year, they invite other parts of Centretown to join them! Streets in expanded scope could include MacLaren, James, Florence, etc. pending interest. If you are interested in organizing participation from your street or block, or just want more information, please email [email protected].
Interested in municipal politics, active transportation, and constituent engagement? Looking for a part time position with flexible hours and a collaborative workplace? We might have the job for you!
Many of you have connected with my office in recent weeks about the concerns surrounding the Northwood Clinic on Somerset West and the uptick in public drug use and diversion nearby.
The best part of my job is that I get to learn about so many things all at once. It is also the most challenging. On any given day, I may need to shift gears 10 times, focusing on issues from the seemingly mundane (potholes and garbage collection) to the more profound (how to end homelessness and tackle addiction).