Community advocates and legal experts say that a renovictions by-law is still urgently needed, despite recent changes made by the province to the Residential Tenancies Act.
Ottawa city staff released a report this week, seeking council’s direction on whether or not to bring the proposed Rental Renovation Licence By-law to council for a vote. They say they think the by-law may no longer be necessary, despite the fact that it would provide protections not contained in provincial law.
Key elements of the unreleased draft by-law, such as a mandatory tenant education guide and the requirement to obtain a licence before evicting tenants for the purpose of renovation, are not captured by these provincial changes.
I strongly believe that Council should make the ultimate decision as to whether or not a renovictions by-law is necessary. This issue deserves to be debated and voted on and shouldn’t just be killed via a report by city staff.
Christelle Azzi, Staff Lawyer, Community Legal Services of Ottawa agrees:
“A decision with consequences this serious deserves transparency, public debate and due process,” said Azzi. “A by-law would function as a proactive and preventative municipal measure, while Bill 97 and the Landlord and Tenant Board can only address harm that has already occurred.”
For Roxane Donovan, an ACORN member in Vanier facing a renoviction, “The city has a responsibility to act now, otherwise we will keep seeing more seniors and families on the street.”
Debbie Staple agrees: “My life was turned upside down in 2024 when my landlord gave my whole building N13s. I joined ACORN and we fought because otherwise I would have had to live in my car at 64 years old. I won’t feel safe until Ottawa has a renoviction bylaw that is strong like Hamilton and Toronto’s.”
“The City of Ottawa has made housing and affordability a major public priority. This by-law is an opportunity to turn those words into action by protecting tenants from losing the few affordable units left in the nation’s capital,” said Azzi.
I will be bringing a motion to the Planning and Housing Committee meeting on June 3, demanding that city staff release the draft by-law, to be debated at the June 17 meeting. Because housing is a human right. And a decision like this one deserves to be debated in the open, not killed quietly by memo.
Warmly,
Ariel
Ariel with members of the Dalhouise Community Association at their AGM, presenting Catherine Boucher with an award to thank her for her years of leadership as president
Update on advocacy against for-profit addiction treatment
This week, I presented a motion to Council that was passed unanimously, calling on the provincial and federal governments to review high-volume, for-profit addiction treatment dispensing pharmacies in Somerset Ward and other urban centres. These treatment models lack adequate aftercare, oversight, detox access, and long-term recovery support, resulting in poor treatment results and significant community disturbance. Many of you have reached out to me about the problems we are experiencing on Bank Street and in Chinatown related to these clinics. The next step is for the city to work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to continue our advocacy on this important issue.
NEXT WEEK: Minto Park Sale
Somerset Ward’s Minto Park Sale is returning on Saturday, June 6! 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
Have your say on Dundonald Park renewal
Dundonald Park is one of our oldest and most-used parks. Like many well-loved public spaces, it's in need of some repairs. I am excited to share that we are working with staff to plan a park renewal project, with the aim of starting work in Summer 2027.
What does Dundonald Park mean to you? Fill out our survey to let us know how you use the park and what you'd like to see added.
Chinatown Night Market
Once again, Somerset Street will transform into a lively, colourful 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 2026 Ottawa Chinatown Night Market promises to be a night you won’t forget!
Date: Friday, May 29 (2PM - 11PM), Saturday, May 30 (11AM - 11PM), Sunday, May 31 (11AM - 8PM)
Location: Somerset St West between Bronson Ave and Bell St
Somewhat Super Centretown Sale
Move over Great Glebe Garage Sale, the Somewhat Super Centretown Sale is happening again this year! Whether you have a yard, garage or driveway, set up shop outside on Saturday June 20th 9-1PM rain or shine and get the community vibes going. Neighbours on Gilmour, Florence, Flora and McLeod will be active but if you are located on other blocks of Centretown and are interested please join the fun, no registration required. If you would like to connect about the sale for this year or next please reach out to [email protected].
James Street Yard Sale
Join James Street neighbours for a block yard sale on Saturday, May 30 from 9AM - 1PM. Whether you’re hunting for bargains or just out for a stroll, there’s something for everyone.
Street Seats are returning to Centretown!
Last year the City of Ottawa launched the Street Seats Pilot Program, an initiative that transforms select streets in Centretown into seasonal public spaces that support community use, local businesses, and pedestrian-friendly zones. The program is back this year with four locations (two returning, two new!) and will bring programming, public art, seating, shade and flowers to Centretown streets.
A lot of community feedback has been incorporated and the pilot this year will include a more accessible live calendar of events (will go live next week), that can be filtered by location and type of programming. Do you have a performance, workshop, book club, or other pop-up event and you are looking for a space? Read through the booking form and FAQs to see if Street Seats is the right fit!
This pilot was hugely successful last summer, with visitors finding the spaces safe, comfortable and clean, using active transportation to access the spaces and visiting local businesses more frequently. You can read more about the 2025 season in the final report. Bringing this placemaking to even more locations this year, including a new location in Chinatown, will support local businesses, bolster community safety, and foster community and creativity. Hope to see you there!
Ottawa Tool Library Repair Cafe
Repair Cafés are opportunities for all Ottawa & area residents to feel purpose and belonging, to save money, learn new skills and foster a culture of repair. Repair Cafés directly divert items from our local landfills and reduce our environmental impact, while allowing our community to engage in accessible climate action!
Our past Repair Cafés have been very successful with volunteers fixing hundreds of items and sharing their knowledge around everything from darning socks to re-wiring kettles. Join us Saturday, June 20th between 10am and 2pm at Zibi (28 Booth Street, Ottawa).
2026 Giveaway Weekend
The City of Ottawa is on a mission to reduce waste by encouraging repair and reuse—and to support that, we’re bringing back Giveaway Weekend!
Join the city-wide treasure hunt on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
Place your gently used,unwanted items at the curb with our multilingual free sign and let someone else give them a second life. Then, explore what your neighbours have put out because their trash may be your treasure!
Residents are asked to bring any uncollected items back inside at the end of the day. Items that are not taken can be donated to charitable organizations, shared through your local Buy Nothing Facebook group or posted on other free exchange websites. For ways to donate bulky items or textiles, and quick tips to reduce waste, visit: ottawa.ca/WasteReduction and select the option on the left to get more specific details.
Don’t miss Giveaway Weekend, Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31.
Learn more at ottawa.ca/Giveaway.
Walk-up Household Hazardous Waste event
Residents can drop off small quantities of household hazardous waste by walking, cycling, or using a mobility device.
Walk‑up events are held from 9 am to 1 pm on scheduled event dates.
Walk-up events are designed for residents without access to a vehicle and have a maximum limit of 20 litres per resident. Walk‑Up HHW events are not equipped to accommodate vehicles or large quantities of material. Residents arriving by car will be redirected to a regular HHW event that is designed to safely manage vehicle traffic and higher volumes.
Types and quantities of Household Hazardous Waste accepted at Walk‑Up events are limited, as noted below. Residents are reminded that many materials, including electronic waste, batteries, paints, sharps and other items, can be safely recycled or disposed of year‑round by using the Waste Explorer to find nearby Take It Back! locations.
These walkup events are being delivered as a pilot initiative with a smaller, community focused format, prioritizing convenient access for nearby residents.
Date: Saturday, June 6 (9AM - 1PM)
Location: 250 Slater Street
Book launch: Exposing the Deep Roots and New Threats of Canada’s Resurgent Right
This new book examines the threat of an emboldened right in Canada and delves deep into our local experience with the so-called “Freedom Convoy”, while setting out strategies for resistance. Called “Confronting the Resurgent Right”, the book offers a deep dive into the different currents and shared agenda of the right — and our collective experience to date and lessons to be learned in countering their strength.
Edited by Miriam Edelson, this collection of essays by academics and activists brings together personal histories and inter-sectional analysis to deepen our understanding of the peril and help build more inclusive and durable ways to challenge regressive forces that promote hate.
Speakers will include chapter contributors Alex Silas, reflecting on the Battle of Billings Bridge; Emily Quaile, talking about anti-fascist organizing and CSO’s defense of queer rights; Robert Fox, on the Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation; and Miriam Edelson.
Jackie Neapole, who collaborated with Miriam on a chapter examining the neoliberal attack on the Canadian women’s movement, will chair the session. There will also be time for questions, discussion, and reflection on next steps. Complimentary refreshments provided.
We hope to see you on Thursday June 4 at 6:30-8:30 PM at the PSAC Boardroom, 233 Gilmour Street in Ottawa.
For more information on the book, please visit University of Manitoba Press.
Councillor Ariel Troster and community advocates say that a renovictions by-law is still urgently needed, despite recent changes made by the province to the Residential Tenancies Act.
There’s a new park opening at the corner of Lyon and Albert this summer, and when city staff asked me who we should name it after, I didn’t hesitate when I said: Diane Holmes.
Some days at City Hall are about the little things like potholes, garbage pick-up and noise complaints.