Since the start of the pandemic, the City of Ottawa has worked to ensure essential services, like waste pick-up, snow clearing and more, continue to be provided for Ottawa residents. The dedication of thousands of frontline workers, many performing roles they are unaccustomed to, has allowed the City to continue providing services to you, your family and your neighbours throughout this pandemic.
So far, staff absences due to illness and isolation among City staff has not had a significant impact on services. But, that could change, and if it does, we want to make sure you hear about it as quickly as possible.
Here is information about some key City services and as some simple steps you can take to ensure you get accurate information about them when and where you need it.
Emergency services
We know that maintaining emergency services for you is critical. Ottawa Fire Services and Ottawa Paramedic Services will continue to respond to emergency calls quickly and to keep Ottawa residents safe. Please call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies so that our critical resources are available for critical situations.
Garbage and recycling
If we know your curbside collection will be delayed for any reason, we will inform you through the Recollect app. You can download the app or simply register for email updates by entering your address online. If your curbside waste was not collected by the end of the day, please leave it out, or place it out again for pickup the following morning.
Child care centres and Long term care homes
Clients of City-run child care centres and long term care homes will be contacted directly if there are any changes to the scheduling or policies at individual centres. Please keep your current lines of communication with those facilities open.
Emergency Child Care Services
Effective Wednesday, January 12, all eligible families under Schedule 4 of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act 2020 (ROA) are being prioritized for immediate placement. Eligible families looking for emergency child care are encouraged to review the approved list of child care service providers on the Apply for Child Care web page on ottawa.ca. To streamline access to service, eligible families should directly contact these approved service providers for immediate placement. Service providers will work collaboratively with families to assess eligibility and help assist in the placement process.
Residents can contact 3-1-1 or childrensservices@ottawa.ca for more information.
Transit and Para Transpo
There are many options for you to stay informed about transit impacts.
- Review Transit Information Screens at many stations that list departure times and system updates.
- Text 560560 or call 613-560-1000 and enter your four-digit bus stop number or first three letters of the station name for real-time bus schedule information.
- Download the OC Transpo app or an independent app.
- Sign up for SMS or email alerts for ongoing detours.
- Follow OC Transpo on Twitter.
- Call (613) 560-5000 for information on scheduling and other services.
Winter Operations
We announce road maintenance plans, including winter weather parking bans, through the news media and on Facebook and Twitter before every winter weather event. The City’s winter maintenance standards have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other service impacts
The City offers hundreds of other services every day and there are too many to list here. But, you can be the first to hear about significant schedule changes or major service impacts by following the City through social media, e-subscriptions, and the City of Ottawa app. We also share emergency information through these channels.
