Tackling the big issues, ending family homelessness, challenging privatization of addiction care, Minto Park Sale, free trees and more!

But over the last two weeks, I have been knee-deep in discussions on much bigger issues: the constitutional right to protest, ways to ensure better outcomes for families experiencing homelessness, and the need to curb the privatization of addiction care and its impact on local communities.  

Here are a few updates on these important conversations: 

• The Safe Access to Vulnerable Infrastructure Bylaw passed council, establishing the ability for organizations including hospitals, schools, long-term care homes and faith institutions to prevent protest within a 50 metre “bubble” from their entries and exits. Many of you know I struggled with this issue and after hearing from so many of you, I changed my mind and my vote. The debate was both nuanced and gut wrenching. But there were too many unknowns and potential harms for me to support it. The bylaw ultimately passed 20-4, but I voted no. You can hear my comments from that council meeting here. No matter where you stand, I want to thank you for writing to me. Healthy debate and vigorous disagreement are essential to any functioning democracy, particularly at the municipal level. 
  

• There are more than 700 families living in the city’s shelter system right now, with hundreds of children growing up in cramped motel rooms with no privacy or cooking facilities. At Community Services Committee this week, we adopted a new strategy to move more families out of shelter and into permanent housing. This will include giving families priority status in new non-profit affordable housing and offering more focused support coupled with portable subsidies to help families find rentals on the private market. But without more operating support from the province, a raise to social assistance rates and improvements to rent control and vacancy laws, we will continue to see more families falling into homelessness. It’s frustrating and unjust, but the city will keep doing what we can to ensure everyone has a safe roof over their heads.  

• Earlier this month, MPP Catherine McKenney and I released a statement about the devastating impact that the explosion of private addiction clinics is having in Chinatown and other downtown neighbourhoods. Our communities deserve a system of care for people with addictions that is safe, accountable and focused on true patient care, not profit. Next week, I will be bringing a motion to city council, calling on the province to act on this important issue.  

Whether the issues are big or small, the Ward 14 team is here for you. Feel free to reach out any time at [email protected].   

Warmly,  

Ariel  

Ariel with Councillor Jeff Leiper and Kailee Brennan, the executive director of Matthew House, at the official opening of the new Furniture Bank.

Minto Park Sale 

Somerset Ward’s Minto Park Sale is returning on June 6th this year! Join your neighbours for this no-yard yard sale and browse dozens of tables of household items, crafts, clothing, plants, and artwork! Catch some free local music from the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition’s City Sounds Live series, connect with local elected officials, and learn more about resources in your community!

WHERE: Minto Park (Elgin & Lewis) 

WHEN: Saturday, June 6th, between 9am and 3pm 

Do you have items you want to sell at a yard sale? Sign up here for a table at the sale.  

• A $10 fee per table is collected by the office to ensure commitment from vendors. All proceeds from those fees are donated to a local charity at the end of the sale.  

• Please note, spaces are limited and a table is not guaranteed until confirmed by staff in the councillor’s office.  

Free trees in Centretown 

This spring, Centretown NeighbourWoods will offer, at no charge, 50 tree saplings to Centretown residents. There will be 15 different native species to choose from on a first-come, first-served basis. All saplings will come in 2-gallon pots and will range in size from 3 to 5 feet in height. 

Trees can be ordered online at http:/tiny.cc/ccafreetree. Applicants will be able to indicate their first, second and third choices on the application form since numbers of each species are limited. 

There are only two requirements: applicants must be residents of Centretown and the trees must be planted on private property in Centretown. Those with questions about which species are suitable for their available space will be able to seek advice at [email protected]. 

The pickup date for the tree saplings is Saturday, May 9 from 1-4pm in the laneway behind the McNabb Community Centre. Centretown NeighbourWoods volunteers will be on site to offer advice on planting and care for the saplings. 

Plant Your Place 2026 (more free trees) 

The Plant Your Place! program is starting up again this spring, which means more free trees in the ward! Households located in the ward's two priority planting areas (Dalhousie-Rochester Heights and Bank Street Centretown) can receive a site visit from an urban forestry professional who can assess the property and arrange tree planting at no cost. Residents in the Dalhousie-Rochester area will be able to register for a site visit starting April 8, while residents in the Centretown Bank area will be able to register starting May 4. Read more here to see if you are eligible.  

Trees will also be available for pickup at 300 Coventry Road. Priority area residents are now able to register on a first-come-first-serve basis, while all other residents can register starting March 9th.  

Find out more and register at plantyourplace.ca! 

Kent Street Community Clean Up

The Centretown Community Association's annual Kent Street clean-up will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Meet at Dundonald Park (Somerset and Lyon) at 11 a.m.

Participants will walk along the sidewalks on each side of Kent, collecting litter as they go. The clean-up is expected to take less than two hours. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own tools such as grabbers, a broom or dustpan if you have them.

The CCA originally adopted Kent Street because we believe the street could be more beautiful and better designed, and this is a great way to show we care about the area.

The rain date is Saturday May 16, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Vocestra Chorus acapella concert 

Vocestra is hosting their spring concert, "Songs for Brighter Days," at  St. Stephens Anglican Church,  at 930 Watson St. (off Pinecrest) on May 30 at 7:30pm. 

Come on out for an evening of great contemporary music and lots of fun!  

For tickets and more information, visit the Vocestra website. 

Dollars & Drafts fundraiser 

Join us for a craft beer tasting and musical performance by the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective, in support of the Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral! 

Enjoy samples of local craft beer, a hot bowl of chili, and a lively performance from the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective! 

Each guest will enjoy samples of craft beer (or gluten-free/non-alcoholic alternative), a hot bowl of chili (vegan option available) with chips, while enjoying a performance by the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective (singing along encouraged!) We will also have a raffle with some great beer-related items and a cash bar if you want more of your favourite taster! 

Learn more and get tickets online here. 

Get active and support youth in your community 

From May 1–15, join Move for Youth in support of United Way East Ontario and Centraide Outaouais. 

By participating in this free activity challenge, every movement made helps raise awareness and support for the most vulnerable kids in your community. This year you also have the option to start your own fundraising campaign as part of your participation.    

Our generous sponsors have a goal to raise $120,000 to help kids succeed and they are asking you to help us reach our goal of 1,500 participants, 150 million steps, 75,000 kilometers, and raise $150,000 for youth in our region.  

Learn more and register online here. 

Free “Try Artistic Swimming” sessions for ages 7+ 

Looking for a fun and unique activity? GO Capital Artistic Swimming is offering free “Try Artistic Swimming” sessions this May for children ages 7 and up — no experience needed! 

Artistic swimming combines swimming, dance, and teamwork in a supportive environment. It’s a great way for kids to build confidence, stay active, and try something new. 

Session Dates: • May 11 (5:45–6:30 PM) – Brewer Pool 

• May 14 (5:30–6:00 PM) – Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex (BMRC)
• May 26 (5:00–5:45 PM) – Splash Wave Pool

Register at: gocapitalasc.ca 

Y Ride for Youth

On Saturday, May 16, join us for the Y Ride for Youth, a fun, free, family-friendly bike ride along the canal! Join the ride, pedal with purpose, and show youth in our community that they’re not alone. Together, we’ll ignite the spark of hope, raise critical funds, and shine on for young people supported through the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program for Youth. Sign up, show up, and ride on!

Name: Y Ride for Youth

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: Check-in at 5 PM | Ride departs at approx. 6 PM

Location: Meet at First National Tree Park between Elgin Street and the closed portion of Metcalfe Street (Map)

Cost: Registration is free!

Register: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/events/y-ride-for-youth   

Boutique Cornerstone pop-up

Boutique Cornerstone returns May 1 & 2 with designer fashion, and one-of-a-kind finds for a significantly reduced price, all in the name of giving back to women in need at Cornerstone Housing for Women. This event is hosted by Anna Rumin, Andrea Laurin, and Katie Faught, in collaboration with Cornerstone’s Young Professional Advisory Board.

2026 will be Boutique Cornerstone’s 6^th annual POP-UP Sale in Ottawa, where 100% of the proceeds benefit Cornerstone Women’s Emergency Shelter.

It’s all about women helping women, upcycling, and being aware of those in need in our community.

Date: May 1 & 2

Location: Thyme & Again (The Nest) 1255 Wellington Street West, Ottawa

Boutique Cornerstone began with approximately 25 donors and now has over 200 donors from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. Carefully curated, they have a collection of over 1,000 articles of women’s clothing, handbags, accessories, and shoes. Come shop, have a coffee, and learn about how you can support other women in our community who really need the support of other Women!

Flowers for Mom Fundraiser

You can celebrate Mother’s Day with Beautiful Blooms & Support a Great Cause.

This Mother’s Day, brighten a loved one’s day with a stunning flower basket while making a lasting difference in the lives of women and gender-diverse people in need. Click here to get yours today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/flowers-for-mom-tickets-1987090231373

Cornerstone Housing for Women is partnering with Nesbitt’s Greenhouse and Nursery to offer beautiful, high-quality 10″ hanging baskets in support of women experiencing homelessness. These gorgeous flower baskets are grown locally with care at Nesbitt’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Aylmer, Quebec, but will be available for pickup in Ottawa.

There are three types of flower baskets this year, including: Purple and White, South Beach Corals, and Cosmos mix. You will be able to select your flower basket when you come to pick up your flowers on Saturday, May 9th, from 11 am to 2 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Baskets are $40 each or 3 for $100. Order today and choose your basket in Ottawa on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday, May 9th, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Choose your pickup location at checkout:
A) 314 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON, K1R 7K2 (Cornerstone’s Head Office)
B) 1450 Merivale Road, Ottawa, ON, K2C 0A9 (BMO City View parking lot)

BONUS! 

Every order enters you to WIN a gift from Nesbitt’s!

Click here to get your flower basket.

ToToToo Theatre presents FUN HOME

Adapted from Alison Bechdel's groundbreaking graphic novel, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Learn more and get tickets online here.