1. Sandy Hill Community Rink
Our rink officially opened on January 2, 2026. Ice conditions have for the most part been really great. Our team has been working hard to keep the ice on the rink and the puddle (which isn’t really a puddle) in good shape for a wonderful skating experience. While the rink is open 24/7, rink attendants are on site during our official operating hours which are:
Monday to Thursday – 5 pm to 8 pm
Friday – 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday – 11 am to 5 pm
Rink attendants supervise and ensure that skaters have a safe and enjoyable time at the rink.
So sharpen up your skates and come on down to Annie Pootoogook Park (behind the Sandy Hill Community Centre).
_____________________________________________
2. The Rideau Winter Trail (RWT)
The RWT is a free urban Ottawa trail that runs from Donald Street to Vincent Massey Park along the East side of the Rideau River. It is groomed and is designed for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow biking and walking. With this last snowfall the RWT is back in business and is just a bridge away for Sandy Hillers.
_____________________________________________
3. Meet Your Councillor
Our Councillor Stéphanie Plante will be hosting drop-ins at small businesses and community centres across the ward every other Friday from 2 to 4 pm. She wants to know what City issues are important to you. Please see below for her schedule.
_____________________________________________
4. The Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) Declaration
The Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration form for the 2025 occupancy year is now open. All residential properties must complete this declaration. Annual declarations ensure that the City can accurately and effectively charge the Vacant Unit Tax for vacant homes and encourage homeowners to return vacant homes to the housing market.
Completing your declaration online is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. Log in through MyService.Ottawa and submit the declaration through your property tax account. You may also visit the City of Ottawa website and click Submit declaration. You will need your Roll Number and Access Code which are provided on the notice you receive from the City.
All declarations must be submitted by March 19, 2026. Late declarations are subject to a late declaration fee of $250. If you do not complete your declaration, your property will be deemed vacant, and you will be charged the Vacant Unit Tax on the Final Tax bill in June 2026.
_____________________________________________
5. OC Transpo Accessibility Plan
The OC Transpo Accessibility Plan is a three-year plan that includes ways in which OC Transpo will work to reduce or eliminate barriers people with disabilities face within our public transit programs, services and facilities over time.
The current OC Transpo Accessibility Plan will end in May, 2026. To create the new 2026-2029 plan, staff in both the City's Corporate Accessibility Office and Transit Services will consult with the community of persons with disabilities in several ways. Click here for more information on the consultations and to participate in the survey.
_____________________________________________
6. Blue and Black Box Changes
As of January 1, 2026, the City of Ottawa ceased to be responsible for collecting your blue and black bins. Circular Materials is now administrating the new recycling collection system on behalf of the producers. Their contractor, Miller Waste Services, is now collecting your blue and black bins.
You can contact Miller Waste Services for:
Miller Waste Services can be reached at 1-888-852-2374 or by email at [email protected]
As part of this new recycling system, you will be able to recycle more – including plastic bags, toothpaste tubes and deodorant tubes. For questions about the recycling program and accepted materials, visit circularmaterials.ca/Ottawa or contact Circular Materials at 1-877-667-2626 or [email protected].
You can stay up to date on all things recycling and garbage by signing up for the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app, following us on social media or subscribing to the City news or Waste Plan .
|
Be the first to comment