Council modernizes business license rules and reduces red tape

Council today approved a new Licensing By-law following a full review of the current rules, modernizing how the City licenses businesses while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens. It removes licensing requirement for group homes, representing a savings of $40 to $150 per year

The updated by-law simplifies other rules, removes outdated requirements and introduces more flexible, lower-cost options for businesses. Key changes include:

• Removing licensing requirements for group homes, representing a savings of $40 to $150 per year
• Nightlife venues can host multiple all-night events under one annual authorization instead of paying for a separate licence each time
• New low-cost one‑day licences make it easier and more affordable for refreshment vendors and other mobile vendors to take part in festivals and community events
• Consolidated categories and fewer duplicate steps make it easier to apply for and renew licences, including for entertainment venues and festival vendors
• License options for vending at special events that are one day or less in duration which represents a cost savings of approximately $120 per event
• A license exemption for exhibitions where all vendors are licensed refreshment vendors
• No longer requiring an additional license or license fee for licensed refreshment vendors at a licensed exhibition or flea market
• A streamlined authorization process for licensed establishments to host All Night Dance Events without the need for a separate license & fee for each individual event– representing a savings of $400 per additional event

These changes support a strong and vibrant local economy while continuing to protect public health and safety and consumers. Ottawa’s licensing fees remain about 25 to 30 per cent lower than other Ontario municipalities, and the new by-law aligns with a future online “one‑stop‑shop” system to apply, pay for and renew licences, expected to be in place by the end of 2026.

Council approves grant program to help prepare communities for extreme weather

Council approved a new three-year pilot today for an Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program that will help communities prepare for extreme weather events. As heat waves, flooding and storms become more frequent, the City is investing $1 million in community organizations to help neighbourhoods better prepare, respond and recover.

The program will provide up to $50,000 per year to local non-profit organizations for efforts to strengthen neighbourhood-level preparedness. Funding will support practical, on-the-ground solutions. These include creating community emergency plans, training volunteers, and improving coordination and public awareness.

Funding will also support buying and sharing essential equipment and supplies, including mobile generators and power stations, temporary shelters, radios, safety equipment and emergency kits. These resources will help communities respond faster during emergencies, support residents where they live, and reduce pressure on first responders and social services, but are not intended to replace emergency services.

The program will be launched before the end of the year. Eligible organizations include community associations, non-profits and other local groups that support residents and have the capacity to deliver projects at the neighbourhood level.

Council updated on improvements to paramedic response

Council received the 2025 annual report from the Ottawa Paramedic Service, highlighting a major reduction in time spent at Level Zero, indicating that paramedics are more consistently available to respond to emergencies.

Time at Level Zero – when no paramedic crews are available – dropped by 92 per cent in 2025. Four years ago, there were 73,000 minutes at Level Zero. Last year, that dropped to fewer than 1,000 minutes – a 99 per cent improvement over four years. This demonstrates that system investments are working and that residents can receive timely care when they need it most.

The Service also met or exceeded response-time targets for most call types, including strong results for cardiac arrest calls, improving outcomes in life-threatening situations.

Other highlights from 2025 include:

• Ottawa’s ambulance communications centre received international accreditation for meeting the highest global standards in emergency call-taking, triage and dispatch.
• Investments in new positions, along with improved dispatch tools, are strengthening paramedic response across the city.
• Dedicated resources and deployment strategies are improving response in rural communities, including units placed in Kinburn, Richmond and Metcalfe for high-priority calls.
• Expanded community paramedic programs are helping residents receive care at home, reducing pressure on hospitals and the need for paramedic transports.

Solid Waste Master Plan is reducing waste

Council received the 2026 update on the Solid Waste Master Plan, showing that residents’ actions are making a measurable difference. The amount of garbage set out at the curb dropped by 15 per cent in 2025, with almost all households staying within the three-item limit. More residents are using other options, such as recycling and the Green Bin.

Ottawa is also seeing more opportunities to reduce waste and keep usable items in circulation. The popularity of Repair Cafés, Drop & Swap events and Giveaway Weekends continues to grow, helping residents keep items in use longer, avoid disposal and save money. A new reuse directory will make it easier to find these options locally.

Access to waste diversion services is improving across Ottawa. More multi-residential buildings now have Green Bin service, and more parks and public spaces have three-stream bins, making it easier to sort waste where people live and spend time.

Council calls for more transparency on high-speed rail

Council passed a motion urging the Alto High Speed Rail project and the Government of Canada to improve transparency, clarity, fairness and public communication. The motion also encourages stronger public engagement, particularly with affected landowners, and calls for protecting Ottawa’s communities and agricultural sector throughout the route selection process.

Specifically, Council is calling for greater transparency in how route options are evaluated, including impacts on farms, private property, infrastructure, communities and the environment. Key priorities include protecting farmland, avoiding the fragmentation of agricultural properties, minimizing disruption to property and community connections, and using expropriation only as a last resort after meaningful discussions with affected landowners.

Council approves heritage designations for Strutt properties

Council approved heritage designations for four properties designed by Ottawa architect James Strutt – a prominent local figure known for his modernist designs. Strutt’s best-known works include the Strutt House in Gatineau, the Westboro Beach Pavilions, the former Canadian Nurses Association headquarters at 50 The Driveway and the former Uplands Airport terminal.

The properties to be designated include:

• 20 Qualicum Street
• 211 Cunningham Avenue
• 1099 Maitland Avenue
• 3955 Old Richmond Road

These properties are rare, unique or representative examples of Modernist architecture in Ottawa. The two churches on the list – 3955 Old Richmond Road and 1099 Maitland Avenue – reflect important Modernist approaches to religious architecture.

The house at 20 Qualicum Street demonstrates a high degree of artistic merit. It is designed around a mature maple tree and features a distinctive C-shaped form organized around an internal courtyard. The house at 211 Cunningham Avenue demonstrates exceptional geometric experimentation and integration with its site, departing from conventional Modernist residential forms. 

Related topics

• Agenda