Using a Presto card in Ottawa just got easier
Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson, Transit Commission Chair Stephen Blais, Garry Griffin, Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager, and Annalise Czerny, PRESTO’s Executive Vice-President, were at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Barrhaven today to announce that Presto card services will be rolling out to retailers across Ottawa.
Transit customers will be able to purchase monthly passes, load funds, check their balance, and set age-based discounts at 66 Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations in Ottawa. The new retail locations are currently being rolled out in a phased approach, with all stores expected to have Presto services available by the end of May. For an up-to-date listing of locations, visit octranspo.com or prestocard.ca.
The addition of 66 new outlets will make it easier for transit riders to make Presto transactions. They include 51 Shoppers Drug Mart, 12 Loblaws and three Real Canadian Superstore locations. When customers put funds on their Presto card at one of the retailer locations, the balance will be available immediately.
First-time Community Pass and EquiPass customers must have their discounts set at one of the four OC Transpo Customer Service Centres. Once set, these customers can then load a monthly pass or funds at any of the locations across Ottawa or online.
Transit customers will continue to be able to use the four OC Transpo Customer Service Centres, three ServiceOttawa Client Service Centres, and ticket machines at Carling, Carleton, Mooney’s Bay, and Greenboro stations to purchase their Presto products. Presto cardholders are also able to load funds and check their balance online at prestocard.ca.
Presto cards purchased at Shoppers, Loblaws and Superstore locations will have a new black design. However, whether cards are black or green, they will still function exactly the same way.
For more information, please visit octranspo.com or prestocard.ca.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Quotes
“The added convenience of an additional 66 new retailers in Ottawa will be a real benefit to our transit customers, who will be able to purchase OC Transpo fares when they are out for everyday errands. With store locations all across the city, people will be able to avoid the long lines at the end of each month just to load a pass onto their Presto card.”
Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa
“Making transit more convenient is key to increasing ridership and managing congestion in our communities, and that is why we are expanding access to PRESTO and working with our municipal partners, like the City of Ottawa, to expand public transit for commuters and families across our province.”
Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Transportation
“We’re happy with the rollout of PRESTO to date and we know this service will be a huge time saver for our customers. Today’s announced expansion means more convenience for transit riders in the province.”
Ken Kirkwood, Senior Director, Category Management, Shoppers Drug Mart
“We’re so pleased to be offering Ottawa transit riders more convenient options for buying and loading their PRESTO cards through our partnership with Loblaw. This is a significant expansion of the existing PRESTO retail network in Ottawa and we know it will make it easier for Ottawa transit riders to choose and use PRESTO. This also helps us move toward our goal of making transit a more convenient and accessible choice for everyone.”
Phil Verster, President and CEO, Metrolinx
Quick facts
- Presto card transactions can be made online or at 77 locations across the city, including:
- 51 Shoppers Drug Marts
- 12 Loblaws
- Three Real Canadian Superstores
- Four OC Transpo Customer Service Centres
- Three ServiceOttawa Client Service Centres
- Four ticket machines at Carling, Carleton, Mooney’s Bay, and Greenboro stations
- Cost to purchase a Presto card is $6
- Using a Presto card instead of cash saves users .05 cents on every single-fare ride.
Website
OC Transpo
PRESTO
Dallas Greeley receives Mayor’s City Builder Award
Mayor Jim Watson and River Ward Councillor, Riley Brockington, presented Dallas Greeley with the Mayor’s City Builder Award at today’s City Council meeting.
Dallas Greeley first started volunteering with the Billings Estate National Historic Site tea room 12 years ago. Since then she has branched out to support City of Ottawa museums in other areas, including children’s programs, site maintenance such as painting fences and gardening, Doors Open Ottawa, as well as mentoring, training and interviewing prospective volunteers. Dallas has proven her reliability and passion for public service. She is a valuable ambassador to both the public and other volunteers.
Contributing over two thousand hours, Dallas has been a leading example of community involvement on the front line of museums by delivering exceptional customer service and by contributing feedback, ideas, and suggestions for improving operations.
Dallas’ record of volunteerism at the museum is unrivalled at over these twelve years. She has spent a great deal of time ensuring that visitors of all ages feel welcome and accommodated during their museum visits and many of them enquire about her on subsequent visits.
Mayor Watson announces the winners of the Mayor for a Day contest
Ottawa — Mayor Jim Watson announced today the winners of the first Mayor for a Day contest. Madison Richmire, a grade 10 student from A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, and Jackson Millenor, a grade 10 student from St. Peter Catholic High School, were selected for their exceptional and innovative ideas on how to make Ottawa a better place to live.
Madison’s active transportation and recreation suggestions of adding more OC Transpo bus routes, additional bike paths and creating more outdoor spaces and sport facilities for youth would help improve the way residents travel and move through our city. Jackson’s ideas of converting all street lights to LED technology, retrofitting City parks and outdoor public spaces and creating multipurpose gathering spaces in libraries and modernising their technology equipment would benefit the environment, help bring people together and create new community hubs.
The two winning students have been invited to be Mayors for a Day on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Madison and Jackson will chair the City Council meeting alongside Mayor Watson, accompany the Mayor at various community and city events and learn more about how municipal governments work.
The Mayor for a Day contest was organized by the Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee (OYEC) in partnership with the City of Ottawa and Mayor Jim Watson’s office, as a way to promote youth engagement on municipal politics and civic issues. It took place from February 2 to 28 and was open to all Ottawa high school students in grades 9 to 12. Participants were invited to submit their ideas on how to improve the city for their chance to experience a day in the life of the Mayor. Over 90 applications with more than 250 ideas from students from high schools across the city and from all school boards were received. Submitted ideas from all participants will help inform the Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee’s Youth Action Plan (YAP), as part of OYEC’s current citywide youth consultations.
Jacob Baylin receives Mayor’s City Builder Award
Jacob Baylin was presented with the Mayor’s City Builder Award at today’s City Council meeting by Mayor Jim Watson and Bay Ward Councillor, Mark Taylor.
Not many 16 year olds would think of donating their own money to a sports club. However, Jacob Baylin saw the financial challenges facing many families at the Bell Warriors Football Club and he chose to step up. Jacob was an award winning player at the Club and has continued to donate even after his playing days. He recently became the youngest person in the club’s 62-year history to be named a Friend of the Warriors sponsor.
A key mandate of the Bell Warriors Football Club is to keep the sport “Affordable for All”. The club also aims to instill the value of setting an example through one’s actions. This idea has become a focal point in the Club’s communication efforts and has ultimately led to more than a half dozen sponsors for the non-profit youth sports club.
True leaders strive to be part of the solution and that’s what Jacob is all about. His selfless contribution has set an example of leadership and thoughtfulness. As one of the team’s most recent alumni, he has learned by example and become a catalyst for change.
City recognized with Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award
Ottawa – The Government of Ontario has presented the City of Ottawa with an Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award for its development and implementation of the Older Adult Plan. This is the first year for the Provincial government award, which recognizes communities who have taken steps to make their environments more accessible and age-friendly.
The communities selected to receive this award are ones that have engaged and collaborated with seniors and community partners to develop plans and initiatives that make cities more welcoming and accessible for seniors.
The City’s Older Adult Plan, originally created in 2012 and updated in 2015, contains actions items to address the needs of Ottawa’s older residents and is organized under eight age-friendly areas:
- Outdoor spaces and City buildings
- Transportation and mobility
- Housing
- Communication and information
- Social, recreational, and cultural participation
- Civic participation and volunteering
- Community supports and health services
- Respect and social inclusion
Since the beginning, the City has worked with the Council on Aging through the Age Friendly Ottawa initiative to ensure that our mutual efforts are coordinated and go further to responding to the needs of seniors.
Quotes
“Ottawa strives to be known as a city that is respective and inclusive of its older adult population. This recognition shows that we are on the right track towards becoming more accessible and age-friendly. In the next 20 years, the population growth of older adults is expected to double in Ottawa. We will continue to invest in projects like our Older Adult Plan to ensure the city has the infrastructure and programs to support this growing population.”
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson
“It’s an honour to be awarded this designation as it reinforces the great work that the City has done through its Older Adult Plan. Refreshed in 2015, staff in all departments have been involved in projects and initiatives that make Ottawa a safer, more accessible and more welcoming city for everyone. The City values its older adults and their contributions to making Ottawa such a great place to live.”
Councillor Diane Deans, Chair, Community and Protective Services Committee
Key Accomplishments
Older Adult Plan 2015-2018
Some of the key accomplishments since 2015 include:
- 13 facilities around the City that are highly frequented by Seniors have been upgraded to include more accessibility features, including 14 power door operators, stair treads and tactile walking surface indicators, handrails, ramps, and assistive listening devices.
- 39 accessible benches have been installed in various locations around the City that have high concentrations of older adults.
- A total of 2,637 curb cuts have been completed to eliminate tripping hazards between sidewalk panels in the city.
- 152 new accessible benches have been installed at 22 different Transitway Stations across Ottawa.
- A review of crossing and signal times at intersections across the city resulted in the adjustment of crossing times at 53 intersections with a high concentration of older adults.
- A total of 81 grit boxes are now located around the city for public use to keep sidewalks safe for walking during the winter.
- Accessible pedestrian signals and countdown timers have been installed at 48 intersections across that City that have high concentrations of older adults.
- Multiple affordable housing projects for seniors have been approved and are currently underway including 131 total units, 12 of which will be accessible.,
- 104 seniors, with and without a disability, have been approved for the Ontario Renovates Program.
- A second edition of the Guide for Programs and Services for Older Adults was developed and is available in five (5) languages: English, French, Spanish, Arabic and traditional Chinese.
- A one-page flyer was created and distributed to older adults through the Seniors Roundtable, Ethno-Cultural Seniors’ agencies and centres, Seniors Homes, Long-term Care Homes, among others, to promote and educate older adults on 211, 311 and 911.
- Volunteer opportunities for older adults continue to be advertised on an on-going basis and promotion is a regular part of community relations.
- 795 (205 in French/590 in English) copies of the Mental Health Caregiver Guide were distributed to older adult and caregiver service providers, including Anglophone, Francophone, and bilingual agencies.
- Over 3000 Older Adult Emergency Preparedness kits have been distributed to seniors in the community. Materials are available in six languages; English, French, Somali, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese.
- In Ottawa, there are 14 Community Health and Resource Centre locations, in collaboration with Ottawa Public Health, that offer monthly dental visits and services for older adults.
- Seniors’ Month has been celebrated annually in June through senior social events hosted by Councillors, and a flag raising ceremony occurs yearly to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons.
- The Senior of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding senior citizen at the Council meeting in June.
- Four Community Arts Projects were initiated and completed and involved the participation of 40 seniors.
- Older Adult appropriate fitness equipment was purchased for 17 locations across the City that are highly frequented by adults
For more information on the Older Adult Plan, you can call 3-1-1 or email olderadults@ottawa.ca.
Expanded Green Bin Program would provide better service for residents
Ottawa – The City of Ottawa’s Green Bin Program could expand under a revised contract with Orgaworld Canada Ltd., according to a report that the Environment and Climate Protection Committee will consider on Monday, March 26.
Starting in mid-2019, plastic bags and dog waste could be included in green bins for weekly pick up, eliminating the need for special liner bags and reducing odour and pest concerns. This expanded service, would cost the City an additional $626,000 per year, working out to 15 cents a month for the average household.
“An improved, more convenient waste-collection service, and better value for money, are significant benefits of the proposed revised contract with Orgaworld,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “I am pleased that the City is recommending in this report an improved approach to organics diversion, making it easier for residents to keep this material out of our landfills and ending an ongoing legal conflict with our contractor.”
“Diverting organic waste from landfill sites is one of the most important things the City can do reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while also extending the life of our landfill, one of the City’s most significant assets,” said Councillor David Chernushenko, Chair of the Environment and Climate Protection Committee. “An expanded program, capable of handling plastic bags and all dog waste, will make it easier for residents to use the green bin, especially residents in multi-unit residential buildings.”
To address potential odour issues from accepting plastic bags, Orgaworld would invest $3.9 million to upgrade the plant for enhanced service and to improve odour control, and submit a mitigation plan to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the City. The City would also hire a third-party independent consultant to review the plan.
The Green Bin Program has diverted more than 533,000 tonnes of organic waste since 2010, and put it to use as compost and other beneficial products. Under the revised contract, Orgaworld would continue to provide 2,000 tonnes of AA compost each year. The product derived from the organic waste could also be used in fertilizers and soil enhancers.
The revised contract would end current arbitrations, avoiding costly litigation.
The remaining 12 years of the contract would provide better value to the City, thanks to proposed amendments:
- Reducing the processing rate for plastics and dog waste from $151 to $124 per tonne
- Lowering the minimum tonnage of organics that the City must provide to Orgaworld from 80,000 to 75,000 tonnes per year, saving $2.7 million in unnecessary costs until 2022
- Increasing flexibility during peak seasons of leaf and yard waste by converting the daily limit of 540 tonnes to a weekly limit of 2,700 tonnes
The revised contract would divert more waste, helping to extend the life of the Trail Road landfill and meet new provincial diversion targets. Staff will update Council on new provincial legislation for municipal waste diversion later this year.
Following the Committee’s meeting on March 26, the City will hold a media availability about the revised contract.
City Council will consider the report at its meeting on Wednesday, March 28.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a day on which we honour all women for their accomplishments and pay tribute to inspiring women who have led – and continue to lead – the way forward towards a more equal and just society.
It was my immense pleasure to welcome her Excellency Susan Jane le Jeune d’ Allegeershecque, British High Commissioner, her Excellency Kareen Géraldine M.L. Rispal, Ambassador of France and her Excellency Sabine Anne Sparwasser, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany as distinguished speakers at my Annual International Women’s Day Celebration this morning at City Hall. The three women are pioneers in their field as they are the first women appointed to their diplomatic positions, and an inspiration for the next generation of leaders.
Osman Naqvi receives Mayor’s City Builder Award
Osman Naqvi was presented with the Mayor’s City Builder Award at today’s City Council meeting by Mayor Jim Watson, Gloucester-South Nepean Ward Councillor, Michael Qaqish and Bay Ward Councillor Mark Taylor.
Osman Naqvi is a natural leader, social entrepreneur and youth empowerment advocate. He founded the Kiwanis Club of Barrhaven, and helped to create the YOUth Heroes initiative – a citywide campaign that empowers local youth to create positive social change in their communities. Osman has been an active leader with the Caring and Sharing Exchange, Carleton University’s Young Liberals Association, the Canadian Hearing Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
He was nominated for the Best Volunteer in a Supporting Role award for his work in the programme named Assisting youth in the community. In March of 2016, Osman’s organization YOUth Heroes, had a proclamation passed by the City of Ottawa to recognize Superhero Week. The week consists of activities and events that provide at-risk youth with the mentorship and resources they need to achieve their dreams.
In addition to Superhero Week, YOUth Heroes hosted an afternoon school program for at risk youth in collaboration with YouthREX. The program was called Noise Superhero School and focused on the importance of philanthropy and education to inspire, guide and mentor youth to bring social change to their communities. One notable change that came from the Noise Superhero School program was the creation of the YOUth in the Hall event where youth spent the day at City Hall with the Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor and various City Councillors. Osman’s hard work, genuine care and the friendships he has created along the way have made these initiatives possible.
Osman is a graduate of the Master of Management program at the Schulich School of Business and he continues to use his talent and determination to give back. He is currently in the process of developing a social enterprise to bring hygiene products to areas in need.
Mayor Jim Watson’s Statement following today’s tabling of the Government of Canada’s 2018-19 Budget
“Today’s federal budget is good news for the City of Ottawa and its residents, as it includes the necessary funding for us to proceed with the joint Central Library project with Library and Archives Canada.
Like many municipalities across Canada, our social housing units have a maintenance backlog that needs to be addressed rapidly. Although we welcome the long-term housing initiatives announced last year by the government, including the new National Housing Strategy, we need the funds for these much-needed social housing repairs to flow quickly to municipalities so we can deliver change for our residents in need.
Although we have made a lot of progress to increase our social housing stock in recent years, we cannot work alone. The three levels of government must continue to work together to improve the lives of our residents by ensuring every Canadian has a safe, affordable and stable roof over their head.
We are pleased to see a renewed partnership with the federal and provincial governments to support key housing priorities, including new funding to help build additional affordable rental housing for Ottawa families.
Given Ottawa’s large and growing Indigenous communities, I am also pleased to see specific housing funding for Indigenous Peoples. I look forward to reviewing the details to better understand if the City will be able to access and benefit from this funding for our urban Aboriginal populations.
As you know, the City was very pleased last year when Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Ottawa had secured the $1.16 billion in federal funding to proceed with Stage 2 LRT. This is a critical investment in the most transformational project in our city’s history since the Rideau Canal. It will reduce commute times for transit users, increase ridership, remove cars from the roads, and significantly reduce the production of GHGs in our city.
We are pleased that the federal government responded to the call of municipalities for an allocation-based approach to long-term transit funding, and that they remain committed to increasing the federal share of funding for transit projects across the country – including Ottawa.
Since November 2015, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) have been working together to realize a joint facility of national significance. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to join forces and create a landmark institution; one that will serve the needs of residents as a Central Public Library, while offering all Canadians access to LAC’s public-facing services and their rich and diverse collection of works.
I am delighted that the Government of Canada will be contributing $73.3 million for this great city-building project. I want to thank Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, and all their colleagues from the National Capital Region Caucus for their advocacy efforts and commitment to securing this necessary funding.
I am pleased to see a focus and support for Women’s Programs and efforts to reduce gender inequality. More specifically, I was proud to see that Ottawa’s very own City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) received a specific reference in the 2018 Federal Budget document.
I am also encouraged to see $55 million over two years allocated to the National Capital Commission, which will enable them to proceed with critical maintenance to some of their buildings, bridges, parkways and pathways.
Our staff will be looking at the details of today’s Budget over the coming weeks to identify all funding opportunities that would benefit the residents of Ottawa. I am confident that the City is well prepared to take full advantage of any funding announced today, and that we are prepared to apply for priority projects as soon as the funding criteria are known.
Our priority remains moving projects forward quickly through investments that reflect fair cost-sharing among the three levels of government, as well as flexible criteria that facilitates municipalities taking full advantage of the funding announced today.’’
– Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa
ʺOn behalf of the entire Board of the Ottawa Public Library and our staff, I want to thank the Government of Canada for their contribution that will turn this great vision into a reality. The residents of Ottawa and Canadians from coast-to-coast will be well served by this new world-class facility offering access to Library and Archives Canada’s extensive collection.’’
– Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair of the Board, Ottawa Public Library
ʺAs the Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, I am very thrilled that a partnership between Library and Archives Canada and the Ottawa Public Library is becoming a reality in 2018. This was a key campaign commitment of mine and I am proud to deliver on it. This state-of-the-art facility will showcase incredible artifacts highlighting Canada’s history and cultural heritage. This partnership will make a visit to the new Central Library a richer experience for local residents and visitors to the nation’s capital alike.’’
– Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
City unveils 40 winning names for O-Train vehicles
Today at Ben Franklin Place, Mayor Jim Watson, Transit Commission Chair Stephen Blais, Transportation Committee Chair Keith Egli, and Transportation Services General Manager John Manconi announced the Name the Trains Contest winning submissions and presented certificates to Ottawa’s next generation of O-Train riders. The certificates were presented to children and youth who submitted the chosen names for the six O-Train Trillium Line train cars and the 34 O-Train Confederation Line train cars.
The young winners had the opportunity to meet OC Owl, talk with Electric Light Rail Operator Instructors, and were treated to a pizza party after the presentation ceremony. Each winner also received two golden tickets for the inaugural ride on the O-Train Confederation Line when it launches later this year.
The names were submitted through the Name the Trains Contest, which was open to children and youth 16 years of age and under. The contest ran from November 5 to December 8, 2017. The City received almost two thousand entries.
The names submitted reflect Ottawa’s and Canada’s historical figures, arts, our military history, as well as honour Indigenous peoples.
Trillium Line train cars
- Nanuq • Polar Bear
- Northern Lights
- Rocket Richard
- Dreamcatcher Emily Murphy
- Portage
Confederation Line train cars
- The Canada Goose
- Farley Mowat
- Gord Downie
- Inuksuk
- John McCrae
- Logdriver • Draveur
- Lord Stanley
- Louis Riel
- Majestic Moose
- Odawa
- Poppy
- Snowbird
- Bluenose
- Boreal
- Jacques Cartier
- Juno
- Nathan Cirillo
- Normandy Samuel de Champlain
- Thomas D’Arcy McGee
- Totem
- Tundra
- Wagosh • Fox
- Acadia
- Agnes Macphail
- Amik • Beaver
- Bertha Wilson
- Billy Bishop
- Eh-Train
- Henrietta Edwards
- Maple Taffy
- The Mountie
- George Brown
For more information on the O-Train Confederation Line, please visit OC Transpo’s Ready for Rail web section at octranspo.com/ready4rail.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Quotes
“The O-Train Confederation Line will change the way people move and travel in Ottawa, whether it’s to go to school, work or play. Light rail transit will be the preferred method of travel for generations to come. It’s only fitting that the transit riders of tomorrow help shape the identity of the trains that will be a part of their daily lives.”
Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa
“The creativity of these children and youth is truly amazing, as is their knowledge of Ottawa and Canada’s history. They’ve obviously done their homework to come up with so many meaningful names from our past. I commend them on their submissions. The City of Ottawa will be proud to put them on our trains.”
Councillor Stephen Blais, Chair, Transit Commission
“The addition of the Confederation Line will add another sustainable transportation choice for the children and youth of today. They will grow up with more options for how to get around that will help them become less reliant on traditional modes of transportation. These trains are part of their future and I’m happy to see them take such an active role in that future.”
Councillor Keith Egli, Chair, Transportation Committee
Quick facts
- The O-Train Confederation Line is a $2.13 billion light rail transit project that is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.
- 13 stations
- 12.5 kilometres from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair
- 2.5 kilometre tunnel under the downtown core with three underground stations
- 34 Alstom Citadis Spirit electric train cars
- Trains will arrive every five minutes or less at peak times
- Less than 25 minutes to travel between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair
- 600 passengers per two-car train
- The O-Train Trillium Line began operation in October 2001 and carries an average of 14,000 passengers each weekday.
- 5 stations
- 8 kilometres from Greenboro to Bayview
- 600 metre tunnel under Dows Lake
- 6 Alstom Coradia LINT diesel train cars
- 12-minute service at most times
- 16 minutes to travel between Greenboro and Bayview
- 260 passengers per each train set