Council receives update on climate change action

City Council received an update today on the City’s Climate Change Master Plan, and efforts to advance climate action in Ottawa.

The City has invested more than $1.1 billion in climate initiatives since 2023. This includes $974 million for the Zero Emission Bus Program and $129 million in climate resiliency projects. The City has made progress on all eight priorities of the master plan, delivering key projects such as the Better Homes Ottawa loan program, new rooftop solar installations and the adoption of major infrastructure and transportation plans that incorporate a climate lens. 

The City has reduced greenhouse gas emissions in areas under its direct operational control. At the end of 2024, corporate emissions were 26 per cent lower than in 2012, just shy of the 30-per-cent reduction target for 2025. To achieve the 2030 target of reducing emissions by 50 per cent from 2012 levels, the City continues to invest in, and make progress on, emission-reducing projects, such as electric buses, the Green Fleet Strategy, landfill infrastructure improvements and retrofits at City facilities. An online dashboard will launch this fall to provide public access to emissions data and trends. 

Council approves new climate action framework

The City is introducing a new framework to guide investments in high-impact projects that align with Council priorities and focus on areas where it can deliver the biggest impact. This includes building retrofits, zero-emission transportation and extreme-weather preparedness. The City will also look to coordinate efforts with partners in areas like housing and energy systems, where it has limited control but can support coordinated action. The City will also be introducing n online dashboard and ongoing annual reporting to track and share progress, ensuring accountability.

The City’s tree canopy grows

The City is making progress on its Tree Planting Strategy. Between 2017 and 2022, Ottawa’s overall tree canopy increased from 34 per cent to 36 per cent, and over the next two years, the City will focus on planting in neighbourhoods that have fewer trees and greater need. More than 1,200 free trees were distributed to residents this spring, through a giveaway program. That number is expected to double in 2026. Additionally, a $300,000 grant from the Government of Canada to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities will allow the City to plant 3,750 more trees. The City continues to aim for a 40 per cent tree canopy cover with a focus on improving climate resilience in underserved areas. 

A new waste diversion program is coming to City parks 

Council approved a new Parks Waste Collection and Diversion Strategy to expand and improve waste diversion services in public parks. Starting in 2026, 48 parks across all wards will receive three-stream bins for garbage, recycling and organics, with 100 more parks added each year until 2029. Off-leash dog parks will also get organic waste bins to help divert waste from these locations.

Ottawa aligns waste services ahead of provincial recycling transition 

Council was updated on preparations for the upcoming change in residential recycling services. As of January 1, 2026, the Province’s new Blue Box Program will come into effect, making producers responsible for collecting and processing recyclable materials. This will be managed across Ontario by Circular Materials. Residents will still receive garbage, organics and yard waste collection from the City. To make things easier for residents, the City is making sure its waste collection schedule matches that of Circular Materials, so waste, organics and recycling will be collected on the same day. The City will reduce the waste it creates by moving to a fully digital collection calendar in March 2026. 

Council receives Audit of Development Application Review

Council received an audit report on the system for reviewing development applications – a key process in the City’s work to increase housing supply and affordability. The Office of the Auditor General found that the overall time it takes to process many types of applications is decreasing. The report did note that timelines have been getting longer for subdivision and site plan control applications, especially during the post-approval stage, when legal agreements are being finalized between the City and developers. The audit makes seven recommendations to further improve the City’s processes for reviewing development applications. The City agreed with each of the recommendations and outlined plans to implement the changes, some of them by the end of this year.

Council ratifies tentative agreements with two unions

Council ratified tentative agreements with two unions: the Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503, representing aquatics and part-time recreation and culture staff, and the Amalgamated Transit Union 279, representing OC Transpo drivers.

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