The brightly-painted spaces were adorned with tables and chairs in shaded, welcoming settings. Over the first two months, 166 events, programmed with a regular schedule of live performers, activities and vendors, drew over 2,500 attendees.
The Street Seat program was the first project in the Centretown Street Safety and Revitalization Action Plan, which will bring additional public space improvements and safer street projects to our neighbourhood over the next three years.
A report released by the city this week found:
- 91 percent had a positive impression of the new spaces
- 82 percent of visitors reported feeling safe and comfortable
- 66 percent reported visiting nearby businesses more frequently
- 63 percent felt more connected to their community
- 87 percent of visitors reported arriving without a car
The city worked with our office and the Centretown BIA to develop and implement the Street Seats pilot, including community outreach and sourcing local talent to lead events. This included fitness classes, chess matches, craft nights, live music and comedy shows.
The inspiration and guidance behind this program came from Janette Sadik-Khan, author of the book Street Fight and the former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation. She oversaw similar street pedestrianizations (including in Times Square) and now works with the Bloomberg Associates to help cities all over the world reimagine their streets.
Some more changes we are working on together including redesigning Laurier Avenue (and upgrading the bike lane), making safety changes to intersections, planting more trees, investing in public art and murals, increasing street cleaning and replacing benches and waste disposal units. We will also be building a new public washroom facility in Centretown and collaborating with the Museum of Nature to transform the Metcalfe extension.
I am so excited by the positive energy that this is bringing to our beloved downtown communities. I am thankful to the Bloomberg Foundation and to city staff for helping us turn big dreams into reality. Stay tuned for next summer, when we will be expanding Street Seats to Chinatown!
Warmly,
Ariel
Ariel with Michael Wallack (Centretown BIA Board Chair) and Janette Sadik-Khan
Housing Action Plan and community benefits
At this week’s meeting, City Council officially approved Ottawa’s Housing Action Plan. More than 50 recommendations will soon be implemented to speed up residential housing development, which is currently stalled due to high interest rates and other factors. We need more than 400,000 new homes over the next decade to accommodate our growing city and this plan will help get us there.
That said: I was critical of the plan’s initial proposal to put a five-year pause on collecting Community Benefits Charges (CBCs) and happy to support Councillor Laine Johnson’s motion to change this. I also put forward a motion that eliminated a recommendation to return previously collected CBCs to developers for buildings already under construction. I found that proposal to be outrageous and I am glad that council agreed.
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.
New pilot program unlocks free access to sports equipment at parks
Enjoy Free Sports Equipment at New Park Lockers From soccer pitches to basketball courts, City parks offer residents the opportunity to get outdoors, have fun and stay active. But to join the game you need the right equipment – like a basketball or soccer ball. That’s why the City is taking part in a new pilot program that unlocks your access to the necessary gear to play, all for free.
Download the free Equip Sport app from the Google Play or Apple App stores, locate your nearest locker, unlock the equipment you need and get into the game. Together with Equip Sport and Jumpstart, the City of Ottawa is creating a more active, inclusive and connected city.
Learn more here.
Equip sport locker displaying soccer balls and basketballs available for use in a city park
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:
- Learn and play with your child
- Speak with early childhood professionals
- Access information, resources, and referrals
- Meet other families in your community
- Become familiar with school routines
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.
Rideau Park United Church Christmas Treasures Bazaar
Green up your Christmas shopping and save the planet by purchasing treasures that have been previously loved and have lots of life left. Raise your pinky and sip a cup of tea with your neighbours. Admission to the bazaar is free and tea room tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door.
Date: November 1 2025
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Location: Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Dr)
We would also welcome any and all donations of gently used toys, books, home decor, kitchen accessories, house plants and baking. Donations can be dropped off any time Wednesday Oct 29th and Thursday Oct 30th, 9 am to 8 pm and Friday Oct 31st from 9 am to 4 pm. Your generosity helps Rideau Park continue to offer many programs that support our community. All are welcome here and the more the merrier.
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.
