Announcing the winners of the Rain Ready Ottawa contest
On November 21 at the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Chair Councillor Shawn Menard announced the winners of the Rain Ready Ottawa contest. This contest encouraged Ottawans to redirect their downspouts or install rainwater collection systems to help protect Ottawa’s creeks and rivers, build resiliency to climate change, and help turn Ottawa into a sponge city that soaks up rain where it falls.
The rain garden prize was awarded to Hersha Malkani of Alta Vista Ward. Hersha redirected and extended her downspout. Thanks to this simple change, she’s improved how stormwater is managed around her home, keeping her foundation dry and Ottawa’s watersheds clean.
Pictured: Councillor Marty Carr and Hersha Malkani
The fusion landscape design prize was awarded to Dan and Megan Monafu of Bay Ward. After experiencing some basement flooding from a downspout dispersing too close to their home, the Monafus purchased and installed a rain barrel with a diverter at the source of the problem. Now they gather rainwater for their garden and disperse the excess to a better spot on their property.
Pictured: Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, Dan Monafu, Megan Monafu, and Councillor Shawn Menard.
Through this contest, Rain Ready Ottawa was able to successfully reach and inspire many in Ottawa to take the first steps in absorbing more stormwater on their property. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest, your efforts have all contributed to making Ottawa a more rain ready and climate resilient city.
Learn more about how you can get Rain Ready by visiting ottawa.ca/rain.
