Committee reviews climate action progress, sets path for future priorities

The Environment and Climate Change Committee received an update today on efforts to advance climate action in line with the City’s Climate Change Master Plan. 

The City of Ottawa has made significant progress, with more than $1.1 billion invested in climate initiatives between 2023 and 2025. This includes $974 million for the Zero Emission Bus Program and $129 million for climate resiliency projects. Since the last update in April 2023, the City has moved forward 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. As of the end of 2024, corporate emissions were 26 per cent lower than in 2012, shy of the 2025 target of 30 per cent. To achieve the 2030 target to reduce corporate 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 facility retrofits. A public online dashboard will launch this fall to provide transparent access to emissions data and trends. 

Committee approves new climate action framework following audit 

The City is introducing a new framework to sharpen its focus on climate initiatives and improve transparency. The framework will guide investments in high-impact projects that align with City Council priorities and focus on areas where the City can deliver the biggest impact, such as building retrofits, zero-emission transportation, and extreme-weather preparedness through the upcoming Climate Ready Ottawa strategy. 

To broaden the reach of climate action, the City will establish a working group to coordinate efforts with partners across sectors. This approach will help extend the City’s influence in areas like housing and energy systems, where it has limited control but can support coordinated action. Future updates will include public dashboards and annual reporting to track progress and ensure accountability. 

Ottawa increases tree canopy and expands free tree programs  

The City is making strong progress on its Tree Planting Strategy, with new programs, expanded public access, and new canopy cover data to guide tree planting. 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 is focusing on planting in equity-deserving neighbourhoods with fewer trees and greater need. More than 1,200 free trees were distributed to residents this spring through a citywide giveaway program, which will double its reach in 2026. A $300,000 grant from the Government of Canada to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities will help plant 3,750 more trees. These efforts support Ottawa’s long-term goal of reaching 40 per cent canopy cover and improving climate resilience in underserved areas. 

Committee approves citywide waste diversion program for parks 

The Committee 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. The strategy builds on a successful pilot that showed how Ottawa residents make a difference in waste diversion, while supporting the City’s long-term waste goals. Residents can look forward to more options to divert materials when enjoying parks and easier ways to dispose of waste responsibly during their visits. 

Ottawa aligns waste services ahead of provincial recycling transition 

The Committee received an update on preparations for a change in residential recycling services, as Ottawa transitions to the Province of Ontario’s new Blue Box Program starting January 1, 2026. Under this system, producers will take over responsibility for collecting and processing recyclable materials. This common collection system will be managed by Circular Materials across the province. Residents will still receive garbage, organics, and yard waste collection from the City. To help residents through the transition, the City is aligning its waste collection schedule and ensuring residents will have all the information they need to contact Circular Materials. The City is also enhancing recycling services for small businesses through updates to the Yellow Bag Program and modernizing its waste communications, while reducing its environmental footprint by moving to a fully digital collection calendar. 

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, September 24. 

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