Committee receives by law report on strong performance, service modernization

The Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee today received the 2025 annual reports from By law and Regulatory Services and Public Safety Service.

The Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee today received the 2025 annual report from By-law and Regulatory Services, outlining how the service responded to growing demand while continuing to exceed response time standards.

In 2025, the service handled more than 108,000 service requests, a 10 per cent increase from the previous year. Despite this rise in calls, the service met or exceeded its response‑time targets across all priority levels. The service areas responding to the most calls included parking enforcement, property standards, animal care and control, and noise complaints.

The report also highlighted several initiatives that improved services for residents, including:

• Procured and implemented a new parking ticket management solution and handheld ticketing equipment to align with the City’s transition to the Parking Administrative Penalty System
• Continued expansion of the On‑Demand Accessible Taxicab Pilot, which delivered more than 20,000 trips in 2025, added more accessible vehicles to the fleet and significantly reduced wait times.
• Created a new Property Standards and Zoning branch, streamlining enforcement and improving response times for property‑related concerns.

 The service also advanced modernization projects throughout the year, including upgrades to customer‑facing spaces at its headquarters, and planning for future online licensing and payment services.

New Ottawa Alert system strengthens emergency readiness

The Committee received the 2025 annual report from Public Safety Service, highlighting key initiatives and progress in emergency preparedness, public safety systems and corporate security.

A major milestone in 2025 was the launch of Ottawa Alert, the City’s new public emergency notification system. Ottawa Alert provides timely, location‑based information during emergencies through multiple channels, including mobile apps, text messages, email, phone calls and smart devices, helping residents get critical information quickly.

Other 2025 highlights from the Public Safety Service include:

• Delivered emergency management training and community briefings to 1448 participants, more than doubling the number of staff and partners trained from 2024.
• Worked with community partners to finalize a comprehensive emergency food security response plan, helping ensure essential supports are available for residents most at risk during emergencies.
• Began work to upgrade radio systems relied on by emergency responders.
• Contributed as a key partner in Climate Ready Ottawa, the City’s climate resiliency strategy, supporting efforts to prepare for and respond to extreme weather emergencies.

Together, these services strengthen the City’s ability to respond to emergencies and keep residents informed and safe.

Committee approves changes to regulations for hardscaping contractors

The Committee moved to amend the City’s Licensing By-law to simplify regulations for hardscaping contractors. The changes would continue to protect residents while addressing concerns received from the landscaping industry. Visit the City’s website for more about hardscaping rules in Ottawa. 

City Council will consider the items from today’s meeting on Wednesday, April 22.