I love how we all come out of hibernation when the sun returns and am always happy to chat if we bump into each other in the community.
The legislative agenda has been packed lately and or office has been working to stay on top of the Somerset Ward inbox. We are in the process of hiring a part-time case worker to deal with traffic and transportation issues. This should further improve our ability to respond quickly – but in the meantime, thank you for your patience.
Some key updates:
-
Patios on Somerset Street between O’Connor and Bank are coming back. Quite a few of you have written to me about the importance of the summer patios at T’s Pub and Union Local 613, on Somerset between Bank and O’Connor. Since 2020, the Somerset Village BIA has voted to close the street to cars on the weekends, to allow for extended patios and a stage for drag shows. This became a treasured summer social space for the queer and trans community, and I know I always looked forward to spending time there.
This year, the BIA elected not to support a summer weekend closure. But I am happy to say my office worked with the Mayor’s office and city staff to find a solution, and we will be re-configuring the road to allow those two businesses to continue the summer fun, without having to close the entire street. Thank you to everyone who wrote to me, urging us to, “Save Summer on Somerset.” I am happy to say we did it!
-
The Northwood Clinic in Chinatown says it plans to close on June 9. The management of the clinic confirmed this with my office in writing. I know this will be a relief to many of you who live in Chinatown and West Centretown. This comes after tremendous community advocacy, from both residents and experts in the sector. Thank you to everyone who wrote to me about this, I did my best to reflect your views when I spoke about this to the Board of Public Health and the media.
The forced closure of the supervised consumption site at Somerset West Community Health Centre and the opening of the Northwood Clinic created a perfect storm, resulting in a significant and alarming uptick in public drug use and dealing. While I am deeply supportive of harm reduction services, it quickly became clear that the Northwood Clinic was not operating in a way that was accountable to the community or service users.
My office will continue to advocate for sustainable solutions to the overdose crisis, including harm reduction, treatment and supportive housing.
-
Compromise motion on evening paid parking passed council. After hearing concerns from restaurant owners in Little Italy, Westboro and the Byward Market, I put forward a motion to introduce evening parking till 7:30 pm on selected streets. We adjusted the initial proposal to have paid parking till 9 pm in high-traffic areas and paused the idea of paid parking on Sundays. This will allow us to spend the next 18 months collecting data, so we can revisit the issue in 2027.
Free parking costs all of us, and in areas with more than 80 percent usage, charging for parking increases the availability by allowing for more turnover. When people spend too much time circling the block to look for parking, it leads to an increase in GHG emissions. All the areas where evening paid parking will be introduced are also close to LRT stations. When possible, consider leaving the car at home. And if you can’t, these policy changes will help you find a spot faster.
-
Pilot program to allow alcohol in select parks is coming. The city’s Community Services Committee voted this week to enact a pilot project this summer, featured person consumption of alcohol in select parks. During the pandemic, downtown parks were a sea of picnic blankets with people hanging out and yes, enjoying the odd beer. The sky did not fall. People in Centretown are among the least likely in Ottawa to have access to back yards or even balconies.
Park drinking is functionally decriminalized already in our city. And in the parks where drinking alcohol is already rampant, bylaw and police are only ticketing for public intoxication or harassment, not simple possession.
If this proposal passes city council in two weeks, staff will work with councillors to choose pilot locations for this summer. Toronto tried this and it did not result in a rash of bylaw complaints or conflicts. I will let you know when the pilot locations have been selected (and no, Dundonald Park will not be on the list).
-
Staff to develop a “safe access” bylaw for vulnerable infrastructure. After an intense two-day committee meeting that featured 42 delegations and a heated council meeting this week, councillors voted to direct staff to develop a bylaw to protect safe access to schools, religious institutions, daycares and long-term care facilities. Staff will spend the next nine months consulting with the community, before bringing this back to council for a final vote.
As I have written to you before, I found myself very torn on this issue. I believe that the right to protest is sacrosanct, but I also have faced down transphobic agitators in front of schools, and I understand the need to protect vulnerable institutions and the people inside them. I worked with fellow councillors to remove what I saw as dangerous language in the motion that would have given bylaw and police officers the power to determine what constitutes a “nuisance” protest. I also supported Councillor Sean Devine’s direction to staff to consider an application-based approach in a final bylaw.
With these changes, I felt comfortable voting in favour of the motion, because it focused on the need to protect safe access to vulnerable infrastructure. But to be clear: we did not vote on a bylaw; we asked staff to consult with the community to develop one. I plan to be engaged in the process to ensure that the right for protestors to be seen and heard is not curtailed. Thank you to everyone who wrote to me about this issue.
I hope to see many of you at the Minto Park Sale on Saturday, June 7 from 9-3.
Warmly,
Ariel
Councillor Troster, presenting the Single of the Year award at the Capital Music Awards, along with Xavier Forget from the National Arts Centre. Photo credit: Curtis Perry
Chinatown Night Market
Once again, Somerset Street will transform into a lively, colorful night market, brimming with the flavours of diverse street food, the energy of captivating live performances, and the warm, inclusive atmosphere that defines our neighbourhood. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, the 2025 Ottawa Chinatown Night Market promises to be a night you won’t forget!
When: Friday, May 30, 2pm - 11pm, Saturday, May 31, 11am - 11pm and Sunday, June 1, 11am - 8pm
Where: Chinatown—Somerset St. West between Bronson Av. and Bell St.
Get more info online here
Minto Park Sale
Ward 14’s annual no yard, yard sale is back at Minto Park on Saturday, June 7 from 9am - 3pm. The Sale is a beloved Centretown tradition, and we’re pleased to bring it back for this year. The annual no yard, yard sale is a great opportunity to bring out all your odds and sods and see if they can find new life with another neighbour.
Italian Week
Find the best sights, sounds and flavours of Italy – right here in Ottawa during this weekend-long street party on beautiful Preston Street! Throughout the weekend, Little Italy is animated with fun and food for everyone. Starting at 5:00 pm on Friday, Preston Street is closed to vehicles and open to patios, pedestrians and performers. Many restaurants will extend their patios right into the street, so you can eat and drink without missing a beat!
When: June 6-8
Where: Preston Street
Get more info online here
Meet the Fleet at the Public Works Big Wheels Expo
Have you ever spotted one of the many city’s public works vehicles and their operators working hard to maintain Ottawa’s reputation as thriving, vibrant and livable city – a place where people choose to live, work and visit? Now’s your chance to get up close and personal with these titanic machines at the annual Public Works Big Wheels Expo!
When: Sunday, June 8, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road
Get more info online here
Secure Bike Parking Lockers are now available
The City of Ottawa is now offering an innovative bike parking solution for cyclists travelling in the downtown core with Secure Bike Parking Lockers.
The lockers are available at the following locations:
- Byward Market: 141 Clarence Street, along the west wall inside the parking garage close to the Murray Street exit
- The Glebe: 170 Second Avenue, outside the Glebe parking garage near the entrance/exit on Second Avenue
- Centretown: 234-250 Slater Street, at the surface parking lot adjacent to the sidewalk
Secure bike parking is easy to use with the Velo-transit app, which is compatible with Android and Apple devices. Lockers are free to use for two hours and cost $0.50 for each additional hour. More information is available on the City’s webpage.
Commemorative Naming Nomination
The City of Ottawa recognizes that the practice of commemoratively naming eligible assets is an effective way of honouring the histories, stories and legacies of the community and is committed to taking an equitable, inclusive and sustainable approach to commemorative naming.
The spring nomination period for commemorative naming is open from May 21 to July 2.
For more information or to begin the application process, please visit the commemorative naming webpage here
Engage Ottawa Opportunity: Solid Waste Master Plan
The City has developed a new Solid Waste Master Plan, that was approved by Council in June 2024. The plan will guide how we manage solid waste over the next 30 years. As Ottawa grows and changes, we want to ensure our waste services evolve to meet new needs and challenges
Managing solid waste is a shared responsibility, and every resident has a part to play. That’s why, we need meaningful conversations with you to help ensure the new Solid Waste Master Plan works for everyone.
Join the conversation online here
