Level Zero time drops sharply, improving paramedic availability

The Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee today received the 2025 annual report from the Ottawa Paramedic Service, highlighting a major drop in time at Level Zero, meaning paramedics are available to respond to emergencies more reliably.

Time spent at Level Zero – when no paramedic crews are available – dropped by 92 per cent in 2025. Four years ago, there was 73,000 minutes of level zero.  In 2024, there was 11,000 minutes.  Last year, there was less than 1,000 minutes which is a four-year improvement of 99 percent This major improvement shows system investments are working and means residents can get timely care consistently when they need it most. When compared over the last four years, time spent at Level Zero has dropped by nearly 99 per cent.

The Service also met or exceeded response time targets for most call types, with 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 at the Service, along with improved dispatch tools, are strengthening response across the city
• Dedicated resources and deployment strategies are improving response in rural communities, including units placed in Kinburn, Richmond, and Metcalfe to respond to high-priority calls.
• Expanded community paramedic programs are helping residents receive care at home, reducing pressure on hospitals, and mitigating the rise in paramedic transports.

Committee eliminates annual business license fee for group homes

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The updated by-law simplifies other rules, removes outdated requirements and introduces more flexible, lower-cost options for businesses.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

9-1-1 system delivers consistent performance, modern upgrades

The Committee received the 2025 annual 9-1-1 report, showing Ottawa’s 9-1-1 system continues to provide fast and dependable service for residents.

In 2025, 9-1-1 received 382,175 calls and 91 per cent were answered within six seconds, with call volumes remaining steady. Residents continue to get quick access to emergency help when they need it most. Inter-city call transfers are used regularly, with about 85 calls per month routed to other jurisdictions across North America, often for wellness checks on loved ones.

The City also completed an upgrade to Next Generation 9-1-1 for its Police and Fire services. Next Generation 9-1-1 is a more secure and reliable network that strengthens the system today, and prepares Ottawa for future improvements, such as better location information and new ways to connect with emergency services.

City Council will consider the items from today’s meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

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