I don’t know about you, but these days it can be hard to find reasons for optimism. In a time of war, rising hatred and global instability, I find that what grounds me is focusing on what we can do locally.
And when I spend time in Somerset Ward, I am constantly reminded of what a compassionate, engaged and welcoming community we have. That said, there are some great things happening in our community – and these victories would not have happened without community advocacy.
Some positive highlights:
Nearly 50 per cent of chronically homeless adults in Ottawa first became homeless before the age of 16. With the right investments, we can stop homelessness before it starts and ensure that young people are housed and supported. I look forward to seeing how the draft 2026 city budget could make this happen.
City staff asked me if we would rather wait 20 years for a full reconstruction of the road and the installation of raised cycle tracks or implement what we could ASAP. This plan is not perfect, but it is so much safer than what we have now and will eventually be upgraded when the road is rebuilt. Fill out the survey to give the city your feedback.
I like to say that making change in this city can often feel like pushing a boulder up a hill, but we get it up faster when we do it together.
Warmly,
Ariel
Ariel with Catherine Boucher and Sarah Button, at the launch of CCOC Housing and Ottawa Community Land Trust's new Housing Forever Bonds.
New video series: Who to Call
I launched a new video series on my social media platforms called Who to Call. Each video will focus on a resource available to residents in Somerset Ward. The first edition features ANCHOR, Centretown’s 24/7, non-police crisis team. Watch the video and learn more about this amazing program, available within the Centretown catchment area. You can also check out this new Who to Call list, produced by the Somerset West Community Health Centre.
Bay Street integrated renewal
The Bay Street integrated renewal project involves watermain and sewer replacement, as well as complete road reconstruction including sidewalks. The project’s scope will include speed management features and active transportation improvements within the municipal right of way. Additionally, the Bay Street/Somerset Street intersection will be upgraded to a fully signalized intersection. Learn more and submit your feedback.
EarlyON child programming is available in Somerset Ward!
EarlyON Child & Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and caregivers with children from birth to 6 years old. OCDSB EarlyON Centres are open on school days to all families and caregivers in Ontario. They're welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources, where you can:
You can drop by for a visit and stay as long as you like during program hours. Upon your first visit to an OCDSB EarlyON Centre, you will be asked to complete a registration form and will be issued an EarlyON key tag with a barcode.
To learn more about the program, locations and plan your visit click here.
Final draft of zoning bylaw
The final draft, Draft 3, of the new Zoning By-law is now out for circulation and comment until October 3, 2025. The final draft incorporates feedback received during the Draft 2 consultation period, particularly on the outstanding issues identified in the Draft 2 report and direction provided by council. Read more and submit feedback here.
Book event space for FREE at one of the Street Seats locations!
The new Street Seats pilot on MacLaren, Frank, and Florence has been running all summer, and there are opportunities to book (for free!) for another month. Do you have a knitting club, dance class, or art sale pop up you would like to schedule? Community members and organizations can book space at one of these locations for free to host a community event! Book space online here or contact [email protected] with questions or out-of-the-box ideas of how to make these spaces work for you!
Chinatown Coffee Expo: Sept. 28
The Chinatown BIA is happy to share that the Ottawa Chinatown Coffee Expo is happening Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM at 687 Somerset St W (Royal Gateway).
This will be a great opportunity to gather, enjoy specialty coffee, and support local businesses, artists, and coffee enthusiasts. Expect latte art, coffee roasting demonstrations, pop-ups, live events, and more.
You’re warmly invited to come out, bring friends, and take part in this fun, flavorful community event. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just curious, there’s something here for everyone.
Silent disco cleanup of Dundonald Park: Oct. 4
The Centretown Community Association’s Trees & Greenspace Committee invites you to join us in celebrating the completion of Dundonald Park’s splash pad and the renewed public access to the full park with their second Silent Disco Park Clean Up!
Saturday, October 4th, from 12 to 2 pm, you can grab yourself a pair of wireless headphones to dance to DJ Del Pilar music, use provided materials to clear the park of litter, or both! In case of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, October 5th, from12 pm to 2 pm. Headphones, trash bags, gloves, and a limited number of trash pickers will be provided. Bring water, comfortable shoes, mobility aids, and a piece of ID for your headphones deposit!
Drop ins are welcome! But you can reserve your headset and workshop spot here.
Chinatown Remixed: Oct. 4
Join us on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM for the return of the Chinatown Remixed Art Festival, presented by the Chinatown Remixed Collective and the Chinatown BIA.
Since 2009, Chinatown Remixed has been a celebration of art, culture, and community in Ottawa’s Chinatown.
This year’s festival kicks off with a special film screening from 11 AM to 1 PM, followed by a Mass Vernissage from 1 PM to 4 PM, offering a chance to meet local artists and experience their artwork in unexpected and creative spaces throughout the neighbourhood.
On opening day, explore a variety of art exhibitions, take part in free workshops, and enjoy live performances happening across Chinatown. While the main festivities take place on October 4, the art exhibitions will remain on display throughout the entire month, running until October 31.
Stay tuned for more details and visit ottawachinatown.ca to learn more.
Race to End Homelessness: Oct. 4
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
10K, 5K, and 1K run/walk
RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr.
In a city as vibrant as Ottawa, no one should be without a safe, affordable place to call home. Yet every day, more individuals and families are pushed to the margins by a growing housing crisis.
That’s why the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, together with its members and partners, is launching the Race to End Homelessness — a powerful new 10K, 5K, and 1K run/walk event that aims to educate, engage, and unite the community around one critical goal: a future where everyone has a home.
Skateboard and Roller Sports Strategy
The City of Ottawa is updating its 2012 Interim Skateboard Strategy, and we want to hear from you! As skateboarding and roller sports continue to grow in popularity, we’re planning for the next generation of skateboard parks—spaces that are safe, inclusive, and fun for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience level.
Ottawa’s first skateboard park opened in 1987, and today the city operates 25 skateboard parks across the city.
Read more and submit your feedback.
Consultation on bylaw to protect vulnerable social infrastructure
The City of Ottawa is considering regulations to provide for safe access to vulnerable social infrastructure like places of worship and religious centres, community centres, schools, daycares, and care homes.
As the City of Ottawa considers this issue, we will be seeking community input on key questions:
Happy New Year! I hope you had time to rest and to re-connect with family and friends over the holidays.
People in Centretown are very generous. I know that so many of you donate your time or your money to worthy organizations in our community.