Urban Planners often refer to the concept of “Third Spaces” – places outside of your home or office, where you can unwind and feel part of your community.
For some people, this means a favourite coffee shop, for others, a skatepark. And for so many of us, this means city amenities like parks, libraries, and community centres.
I know I felt the keen absence of Third Spaces during the height of the pandemic, when we were all isolating at home. I remember feeling such a sense of joy and relief to see patios and parks filling up with people again, especially at a time when it was still not safe to gather indoors.
I hear all the time that people want to see our city take some risks and build better places for people. That is why I am thrilled that we will be taking some bold steps toward summer fun in Ottawa this summer:
I hope you can get out and enjoy these new Third Spaces. Because after all: streets are for people, and our city is for everyone.
Warmly,
Ariel
Photos of the Street Seats installations
Councillor Troster with Councillors Gower, Carr and King at Jazzfest
New monument in Chinatown
There is a new monument on Somerset West at Empress, honouring the Chinese workers who built Canada’s railway.
These migrant workers went unrecognized, many dying to build up Canada. Our country’s shameful history with the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act caused suffering and heartbreak for the Canadian Chinese community.
It was wonderful to gather with Chinese leaders from across our city, to celebrate their contributions to Ottawa and our beautiful Chinatown. Congratulations to the Chinatown BIA and everyone involved, this monument is a stunner.
Photos showing the new monument in Chinatown
New Who to Call list available
The Somerset West Community Health Centre has put together a new “Who To Call” list for residents.
You can view the list and find a copy to print and share with neighbours online here.
Resources for extreme heat and humidity
Ottawa Public Health has put together a webpage to support residents dealing with extreme heat and humidity this summer.
Click here to find places to cool off, learn the signs of heat related illness and find tips about preparing for extreme heat events.
Canada Day road closures and community impacts
Getting around downtown on Canada Day will be complicated with numerous road closures and parking restrictions near Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada and LeBreton Flats. Plan your route ahead of time and expect delays.
If you’re planning on seeing the fireworks downtown, be sure to arrive as early as possible. Events sites and areas with views of the fireworks usually fill up quickly and travel options will be limited due to road closures and transit impacts in those locations.
You can find information about road closures, transit impacts and information about fireworks online here.
The NCC summer zone is open!
This summer, Summer Zone returns with an exciting new format. From Thursday, June 12, until Monday, September 1, 2025, come and enjoy lakeside views with delicious food and beverage options from Dominion City Brewing Co. and a soon-to-be announced food vendor. Have a lakeside beer (or sparkling water) and a bite to eat, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of NCC’s Summer Zone.
Additionally, this summer, a new recreational dock was installed at Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Lakeside Avenue. The dock offers space to swim, relax by the water or launch non-motorized watercraft. It is universally accessible and features Muskoka chairs and bike racks. A universally accessible portable washroom is available nearby.
Learn more and plan your visit online here.
Do you want a piece of Ottawa Irish History for your home?
The Irish Society of the NCR and the City of Ottawa have arranged for our members and Irish supporters to purchase a replica City of Ottawa “IRISH VILLAGE – VILLAGE IRLANDAIS” street sign for your home, back yard or den at a price of $160.00.
You can place an order by sending an emailing along with a E-Transfer to [email protected] by July 15th ($145 for the Street Sign + $15 for Shipping).
Free youth workout passes
This summer, Ottawa's youth have an exciting opportunity to stay active and healthy, thanks to the Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass. Now in its third year, this initiative is part of a ten-year partnership between Tony Graham Automotive Group and the City of Ottawa, aimed at investing in recreation programming for youth across our city.
The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass offers a free weight and cardio-room membership to Ottawa youth aged 13 to 17. This pass is valid from July 2 to August 31, providing a fantastic chance for young residents to engage in physical activity during the summer months.
For more info, click here.
Kent Street functional design study
The City of Ottawa has initiated a Functional Design Study for Kent Street from Somerset Street to Catherine Street. This study will explore the potential to reduce the number of vehicular lanes and reallocate this space to active transportation improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. The city is undertaking this study in anticipation of an integrated road, water and sewer reconstruction of Kent Street from Somerset Street to Florence Street.
The segment from Florence Street to Catherine Street is not currently planned for reconstruction. As such, only lower impact measures such as pavement markings, pinned curbs and flex posts will be considered for the southern segment and are subject to future budget approval.
For more information about the project, click here.
Ottawa Public Health Launches New “Party Safer” Website and Training!
Planning to go to a party, a festival, or just hang out with friends this summer? Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has info for you—it's called Party Safer! This new website and training are all about staying safer, having fun, and looking out for each other while you're out or hosting.
The Party Safer website is full of useful tips and info about substances (like alcohol and other drugs), and a free online course you can take anytime. Whether you're going to a party, throwing one, or just want to help friends stay safer, this is for you!
In just 15-20 minutes, you’ll learn:
The course is easy, interactive, and totally free!
With summer festivals and events coming up, now’s the perfect time to get ready. Making informed choices and helping each other can keep parties fun and safer for everyone.
Visit PartySafer.ca to learn more and take the training today. Let’s make this summer the best—and safest—one yet!
Food Truck Fridays at Plouffe Park
The Plant Pool Recreation Association and the Dalhousie Community Association are teaming up to host Food Truck Fridays this summer!
The event will take place at Plouffe Park from 5pm – 8pm on July 25 and August 29, each week there will be four different food trucks participating. Bring your friends, meet neighbours and enjoy everything that Plouffe Park has to offer!
Food truck Fridays poster
The Somerset West Community Health Centre has put together a new “Who To Call” list for residents. For a printable version of this list, click here.
I had to see it for myself to believe it. After a partial collapse and 17 years of neglect, construction is finally underway to restore Somerset House.
Spring has finally sprung, after nearly two weeks of dreary weather. This means community events have kicked into high gear, and I am seeing so many of you at festivals, AGMs, markets and fundraisers.