Environment and Sustainability

Cleaning the Capital launches 20th year of community cleanups

Ottawa – Today, celebrations were held to recognize the 20th year of keeping the city clean through the Tim Hortons Cleaning the Capital. Residents joined Mayor Jim Watson, Tim Hortons and City Councillors in celebrating the start of this year’s city-wide spring campaign, taking place April 15 to May 15.

To kick off the campaign’s 20th year, a Harlem Shake video featuring Mayor Watson, Tim Hortons, and 40 Cleaning the Capital participants was debuted at the launch at Marion Dewar Plaza.

City of Ottawa to participate in Earth Hour 2013

Ottawa – On Saturday March 23, the City of Ottawa will join the hundreds of millions of people around the world participating in Earth Hour 2013 between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

This year, the City will be switching off lights in City buildings at City Hall, 100 Constellation, Ben Franklin Place, and the Swansea Municipal Building.

City aims to renew long-range Greenhouse Gas reduction targets heading to a renewed plan

Ottawa – The City will be hosting its first ever Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Roundtable on Saturday, March23,2013. Predicted to be a day of engaging discussion, response to the event has been extremely positive, with registration filling up within a week of its announcement. The morning will feature presentations by well-known and respected panellists who will provide an update on the state of the issue, with a focus on both policies and programs that are being implemented to address climate change issues.

Annual Cleaning the Capital ready for a fall clean sweep

The City of Ottawa and Tim Horton’s are launching the 7th annual Fall Cleaning the Capital Campaign. Residents of all ages are invited to participate.

Register your cleanup project on or before September 14 to be eligible to win early bird prizes. Registration continues until October 15. Cleaning the Capital volunteers who submit their online cleanup reports by October 31 are also eligible to win one of many prizes donated by our generous sponsors.

City invests $1 million to increase efforts to combat Emerald Ash Borer

Ottawa – Today City Council approved the investment of $1 million in additional funds to increase tree planting and injection activities as part of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Strategy.

“Residents have clearly expressed a desire for the City to take more aggressive action to combat Emerald Ash Borer“, said Mayor Watson. “Ottawa was one of the first cities to have an Ash Borer Strategy and now, thanks to the additional funds approved by Council today, we have the resources to be even more proactive.”

Mayor’s Remarks: Federation of Citizens Associations of Ottawa 25th Anniversary AGM

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. 

It’s my pleasure to be here today at the Federation of Citizens Associations of Ottawa annual general meeting to talk directly with individuals who are actively taking an interest in civic affairs. 

I would like to thank Graeme Roderick, President of the FCA, for having me. 

And I want to take a moment to offer you all a very special congratulations on this your 25th Anniversary AGM.

Twenty-five years of collective service to our community is an achievement that you should all be very proud to attain.

Neat Streets spotted throughout downtown Ottawa

Ottawa – Neat Streets, a summertime pilot project that will enhance the experience of visitors to downtown Ottawa, debuted at the Canadian Tulip Festival this weekend.

Neat Streets features summer students, clad in distinct green uniforms, patrolling downtown Ottawa streets and performing two key functions: keeping the sidewalks clean and providing customer service to downtown visitors who need a helping hand.

City Solid Waste Contract Shows $600K Surplus in 2011

Ottawa – The partnership between the City of Ottawa and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 503 continues to beat financial targets and resulted in a $600,582 operating surplus in 2011 for its solid waste collection operations.

“We continue to be proud of the savings achieved for taxpayers through the hard work of the City and its labour union partners,” Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said. “We value the strong working relationship we have with CUPE and look forward to the continued success of the in-house solid waste collection group.”

City of Ottawa earns national recognition as top green employer

Ottawa – A national competition has recognized the City of Ottawa as being among Canada’s Greenest Employers based on an evaluation of its workplace environmental programs, according to a special feature published in today’s Globe and Mail.

“The City strives to be a sustainable workplace and this Council has made environmental stewardship an important priority," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “This distinction recognizes our commitment to preserving the environment in which we live and confirms the City as a leader in making its workplace environmentally-friendly.”

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