Ottawa City Council

Minutes

Meeting #:

65

Date:

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Time:

10:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Location:

Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and by electronic participation

Present:

• Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, 
• Councillor Matt Luloff, 
• Councillor Laura Dudas, 
• Councillor David Hill, 
• Councillor Cathy Curry, 
• Councillor Clarke Kelly, 
• Councillor Glen Gower, 
• Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, 
• Councillor Laine Johnson, 
• Councillor Sean Devine, 
• Councillor Jessica Bradley, 
• Councillor Tim Tierney, 
• Councillor Stéphanie Plante, 
• Councillor Rawlson King, 
• Councillor Ariel Troster, 
• Councillor Jeff Leiper, 
• Councillor Riley Brockington, 
• Councillor Shawn Menard, 
• Councillor Marty Carr, 
• Councillor Catherine Kitts, 
• Councillor Isabelle Skalski, 
• Councillor David Brown, 
• Councillor Steve Desroches, 
• Councillor Allan Hubley, 
• and Councillor Wilson Lo 

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1.

Call to order and moment of reflection

The Council of the City of Ottawa met at Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, on Wednesday, 24 September, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, presided over the meeting from Council Chambers with some Members attending in person and the remaining Members participating remotely by Zoom.

Mayor Sutcliffe led Council in a moment of reflection. 

2.

Public notices and meeting information

Notices and meeting information are attached to the agenda and minutes, including: availability of simultaneous interpretation and accessibility accommodations; in camera meeting procedures; information items not subject to discussion; personal information disclaimer for correspondents; notices regarding minutes; and remote participation details.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

3.

National Anthem

The National Anthem was from a recording that was performed by the Canterbury Highschool Choir.

4.

Roll Call

All Members of Council were present.

5.

Confirmation of Minutes

5.1

Minutes 64 of the City Council meeting of September 10, 2025

• Carried

5.2

Confidential Minutes 64 of the City Council meeting of 10 September 2025

• Carried

6.

Declarations of Interest Including Those Originally Arising from Prior Meetings

No Declarations of Interest were filed. 

7.

Communications

7.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Communications

The communications from AMO were received.

7.2

Responses to Inquiries

7.2.1

OCC-2025-08 - O-Train Line 2 Service Schedule

7.3

Petitions

A petition submitted by Michel Laflamme, on behalf of Paroisse St-Joseph d'Orléans, containing 628 signatures, requesting that City Council revoke the heritage status of the St-Joseph Church in Orléans.

8.

Regrets

No regrets were filed. 

9.

Motion to Introduce Reports

• Motion No. 2025-65-01
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  That the Ottawa Public Library Board report entitled “Easement Agreement of Purchase and Sale for Part of 3870 Old Richmond Road (Centennial Branch)”, the Ottawa Board of Health report entitled “Appointment of Associate Medical Officer of Health - In Camera - Personal Matters about an Identifiable Individual”, Audit Committee Report 13, Built Heritage Committee Report 25, Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 19, Planning and Housing Committee Report 53, Transit Committee Report 21 and the report from the City Clerk entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items Subject to the Planning Act ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of September 10, 2025” be received and considered.

  Carried

10.

Ottawa Public Library Board

Rising from the Ottawa Public Library Board meeting of September 9, 2025.

10.1

Easement Agreement of Purchase and Sale for Part of 3870 Old Richmond Road (Centennial Branch)

File No. OPLB-2025-0909-10.3

• Ottawa Public Library Board Recommendation(s)

  That City Council approve the Easement Agreement and approve that the Ottawa Public Library Board delegate authority to the OPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into, negotiate, execute, and conclude the Easement Agreement and final documents required to complete this transaction.

  Carried

11.

Ottawa Board of Health (In Camera)

Rising from the Ottawa Board of Health meeting of September 15, 2025.

11.1

Appointment of Associate Medical Officer of Health - In Camera - Personal Matters about an Identifiable Individual

File No. ACS2025-OPH-MOH-0006

• Motion No. 2025-65-02
  Moved by C. Kitts
  Seconded by R. King

  BE IT RESOLVED:

  1. That Council approve the appointment of Dr. Alysha-Karima Ahmed as Associate Medical Officer of Health; and
  2. Subject to approval of recommendation 1, that Council transmit its recommendation for approval of the appointment to the Minister of Health.
  Carried

12.

Audit Committee Report 13

12.1

Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Semi-Annual Report on Follow-up Procedures

File No. ACS2025-OAG-BVG-009 - City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council receive the Semi-Annual Report on Follow-up Procedures.

  Received

12.2

Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Audit of Development Application Review

File No. ACS2025-OAG-BVG-010 - City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council consider and approve the recommendations.

  Carried

12.3

Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Follow-Up Report: Audit of Enterprise Risk Management

File No. ACS2025-OAG-BVG-011 - City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council consider and approve the recommendations.

  Carried

12.4

Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Follow-Up Report: Cybersecurity Investigation

File No. ACS2025-OAG-BVG-013 - City-wide

To be considered in camera pursuant to the Procedure By-law 2025-100, Subsection 13(1)(a), the security of the property of the city.

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council consider and approve the recommendations.

  Carried

12.5

Office of the Auditor General (OAG) – Follow-Up Report: Audit of Cybersecurity

File No. ACS2025-OAG-BVG-012 - City-wide

To be considered in camera pursuant to the Procedure By-law 2025-100, Subsection 13(1)(a), the security of the property of the city.

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council consider and approve the recommendations.

  Carried

13.

Built Heritage Committee Report 25

13.1

Consideration of Objection to the Notice of Intention to Designate 251 Northwestern Avenue under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0035 — Kitchissippi (Ward 15)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. Not withdraw the Notice of Intention to Designate 251 Northwestern Avenue and proceed with the designation process under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
  2. Enact a by-law to designate the property generally in accordance with the revised Statement of Cultural Heritage Value attached as Document 4, in consideration of the objection received by the City Clerk.
  Carried

13.2

Designation of the Former Royal Canadian Air Force Officers’ Mess, 158 Gloucester Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0039     Somerset (Ward 14)

• Committee Recommendation(s), as amended

  That Council issue a Notice of Intention to Designate 158 Gloucester Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act according to the Statement of Cultural Heritage Value attached as Document 4, as amended by Motion No. BHC 2025-25-01.

  Carried

14.

Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 19

14.1

Update on the Provincial Blue Box Program Transition to Individual Producer Responsibility

File No. ACS2025-PWD-SWS-0005    City-wide

Direction to Staff (Councillor L. Dudas)

That prior to the regular distribution period of the curbside collection calendar, staff ensure clear and proactive communication to residents—using all available channels—regarding the transition to a digital-only format. Councillors be provided with advance notice, including a detailed communications plan and a list of shareable resources to support outreach within their communities.

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. Receive an update on the Provincial Blue Box Program transition to Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) starting January 1, 2026 and delegate the authority to the General Manager of Public Works to finalize any required agreements as further described in this report;
  2. Delegate authority to the General Manager of Public Works to implement a revised Yellow Bag Program for Small Businesses that includes, an annual registration process starting in 2026 and to negotiate and execute any required agreements to provide recycling services to small Industrial, Commercial and Institutional locations as further described in this report; and,
  3. Delegate authority to the General Manager of Public Works, in consultation with Legal Services, to make amendments to the Solid Waste Services By-law No. 2024-453 that will arise from the transition to the Provincial Blue Box Program under Full Individual Producer Responsibility starting January 1, 2026 as further described in this report.
  Carried

14.2

Tree Planting Strategy Update

File No. ACS2025-SI-CCR-0008    City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council receive the Tree Planting Strategy Update Report for information. 

  Received

14.3

Climate Change Master Plan Progress Update and GHG Inventories

File No. ACS2025-SI-CCR-0009    City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council receive this report for information.

  Received

14.4

Response to Audit of Climate Change Master Plan Report

File No. ACS-2025-SI-CCR-0007    City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council approve the Climate Change Master Plan prioritization framework, including the definition of the City’s role in climate change community action, as outlined in this report.

  Carried

15.

Planning and Housing Committee Report 53

15.1

Stittsville South Future Neighbourhood Official Plan Amendment

File No. ACS2025-PDB-PSX-0052 – Rideau-Jock (Ward 21)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council approve:

  1. The Stittsville South Concept Plan and the associated Scoped Master Servicing Study, Transportation Report, Environmental Impact Study and Community Energy Plan as detailed in Documents 4 to 8.
  2. Official Plan Amendment XX for the deletion of the Future Neighbourhood Overlay and the addition of new Area Specific Policies to guide the future development of the Stittsville South community, as detailed in Document 2.
  Carried

16.

Bulk Consent Agenda

16.1

Built Heritage Committee Report 25

16.1.1

Consideration of Objections to the Notice of Intention to Designate of église Saint-François-d'Assise at 1062 Wellington Street West, and église Saint-Joseph d’Orléans at 2757 St. Joseph Boulevard under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0037     Orléans East-Cumberland (Ward 1), Orléans West-Innes (Ward 2) and Kitchissippi (Ward 15)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. Not withdraw the Notice of Intention to Designate église Saint-François ‑d'Assise at 1062 Wellington Street West, and église Saint-Joseph d’Orléans at 2757 St. Joseph Boulevard and proceed with the designation process under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
  2. Enact by-laws to designate the properties in accordance with the associated revised Statements of Cultural Heritage Value attached as Document 5 and Document 6, in consideration of the objections received by the City Clerk.

  Carried with dissent from Councillors Luloff, Dudas and Kitts.

  Carried

16.1.2

Application to demolish the accessory structure at 166 Huron Avenue North, a property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0041     Kitchissippi (Ward 15)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. Approve the application to demolish the accessory structure at 166 Huron Avenue North.
  2. Approve the issuance of a heritage permit with no expiry date from the date of issuance.
  3. Confirm that the demolition does not constitute a change to the existing Statements of Cultural Heritage Value for this property and further confirm that no by-law amendments are required.
  Carried

16.1.3

Demolition of 5897 Fernbank Road, a property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0055     Stittsville (Ward 6)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council approve the application to demolish the house located at 5897 Fernbank Road.

  Carried

16.1.4

Designation of the former Vernon Schoolhouse, 8682 Bank Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0038     Osgoode (Ward 20)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council issue a Notice of Intention to Designate 8682 Bank Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act according to the Statement of Cultural Heritage Value attached as Document 4.

  Carried

16.1.5

Designation of the Lauzon House at 6654 Notre-Dame Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

File No. ACS2025-PDB-RHU-0056     Orléans West-Innes (Ward 2)

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council issue a Notice of Intention to Designate the Lauzon House at 6654 Notre-Dame Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act according to the Statement of Cultural Heritage Value attached as Document 5.

  Carried

16.2

Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 19

16.2.1

Solid Waste Services Parks Waste Collection and Diversion Strategy

File No. ACS2025-PWD-SWS-0006 – City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. Approve the Solid Waste Services Parks Waste Collection & Diversion Strategy and high-level implementation plan as outlined within this report; and
  2. Delegate authority to the Director, Solid Waste Services to further evaluate and determine waste collection service level requirements, on a park-by-park basis, for any parks either not classified or that do not meet the criteria for waste diversion services as outlined in this strategy; and
  3. Direct staff to report back annually to Council with a Parks Waste Collection and Diversion Strategy Implementation Plan Update as part of the annual Solid Waste Master Plan update during the 2027-2030 Term of Council.
  Carried

16.3

Transit Committee Report 21

16.3.1

Motion – Councillor W. Lo – Donated bus

File No. ACS2025-OCC-CCS-0091 - City-wide

• Committee Recommendation(s)

  That Council:

  1. direct OC Transpo staff to donate bus #4426 to the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation, once it has become decommissioned; and
  2. approve the waiver of Subsection 41(4) of By-law No. 2000-50, as amended, to permit the donation of bus #4426 to the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation, with the lost residual value funded from the Transit Services account #407005-200010.
  Carried

16.4

City Clerk – Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions

File No. ACS2025-OCC-CCS-0109 - City-wide

• Report Recommendation(s)

  That Council approve the Summaries of Oral and Written Public Submissions for items considered at the City Council Meeting of September 10, 2025, that are subject to the ‘Explanation Requirements’ being the Planning Act, subsections 17(23.1), 22(6.7), 34(10.10) and 34(18.1), as applicable, as described in this report and attached as Documents 1-3.

  Carried

17.

In Camera Items

Council resolved in camera at 10:11 am.

In Camera Session

In Council (Open Session)

Council resumed in open session at 11:24 pm.

Upon resuming in open session, Mayor Sutcliffe advised that Council just met in camera pursuant to the Procedure By-law (By-law No. 2025-100), as follows:

• Subsections 13(1)(d), labour relations and employee negotiations, and 13(1)(f), the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, to receive information with respect to Strategic Collective Bargaining – The Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503 - Aquatics and PTRC – Ratification of Tentative Agreements and Strategic Collective Bargaining – Amalgamated Transit Union 279 – Ratification of Tentative Agreement

During the closed session, no votes were taken other than procedural motions and/or directions to staff.

• Motion No. 2025-65-03
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  BE IT RESOLVED that City Council resolve in camera pursuant to Procedure By-law 2025-100, Subsections 13(1)(d), labour relations and employee negotiations, and 13(1)(f), the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, to receive information with respect to the following items:

  • Strategic Collective Bargaining – The Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503 - Aquatics and PTRC – Ratification of Tentative Agreements; and
  • Strategic Collective Bargaining – Amalgamated Transit Union 279 – Ratification of Tentative Agreement.
  Carried

17.1

Strategic Collective Bargaining – The Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503 - Aquatics and PTRC – Ratification of Tentative Agreements

To be considered In Camera pursuant to Procedure By-law 2025-100, Subsections 13(1)(d), labour relations and employee negotiations, and 13(1)(f), the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.  Reporting out date:  Upon ratification of the Agreement by Council.

• Motion No. 2025-65-04
  Moved by L. Dudas
  Seconded by M. Sutcliffe

  WHEREAS the City of Ottawa (the City) and The Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503 – Aquatics and Part-time Recreation and Culture PTRC (CUPE Aquatics and PTRC), have committed to working collaboratively to resolve issues of mutual concern in the workplace; and

  WHEREAS the collective agreements between the City and CUPE – Aquatics and PTRC expired on December 31, 2024; and

  WHEREAS the bargaining teams for the City and CUPE – Aquatics and PTRC have been in negotiations in an effort to renew the collective agreement on mutually-agreeable terms; and

  WHEREAS the City and CUPE – Aquatics and PTRC bargaining teams reached a tentative agreement on June 24, 2025, subject to ratification by the CUPE- Aquatics and PTRC membership and City Council; and

  WHEREAS CUPE- Aquatics and PTRC membership have ratified the tentative agreement; 

  BE IT RESOLVED that City Council ratify the tentative agreement with the The Ottawa-Carleton Public Employees’ Union Local 503 – Aquatics and Part-time Recreation and Culture, and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the tentative agreement be made public following Council approval.

  Carried

17.2

Strategic Collective Bargaining – Amalgamated Transit Union 279 – Ratification of Tentative Agreement

To be considered In Camera pursuant to Procedure By-law 2025-100, Subsections 13(1)(d), labour relations and employee negotiations, and 13(1)(f), the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.  Reporting out date:  Upon ratification of the Agreement by Council.

• Motion No. 2025-65-05
  Moved by G. Gower
  Seconded by M. Sutcliffe

  WHEREAS the City of Ottawa (the City) and the Amalgamated Transit Union 279,  (ATU)) have committed to working collaboratively to resolve issues of mutual concern in the workplace; and

  WHEREAS the collective agreement between the City and ATU expired on March 31, 2025; and

  WHEREAS the bargaining teams for the City and ATU have been in negotiations in an effort to renew the collective agreements on mutually-agreeable terms; and

  WHEREAS the City and ATU bargaining teams reached a tentative agreement on August 30, 2025, subject to ratification by the ATU membership and City Council; and

  WHEREAS ATU has ratified the tentative agreement; 

  BE IT RESOLVED that City Council ratify the tentative agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union 279, and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the tentative agreement be made public following Council approval.

  Carried

18.

Disposition of Items Approved by Committees under Delegated Authority

• That Council receive the list of items approved by its Committees under Delegated Authority, attached as Document 1. 

  Received

19.

Motion to Adopt Reports

• Motion No. 2025-65-06
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  That the Ottawa Public Library Board report entitled “Easement Agreement of Purchase and Sale for Part of 3870 Old Richmond Road (Centennial Branch)”, the Ottawa Board of Health report entitled “Appointment of Associate Medical Officer of Health - In Camera - Personal Matters about an Identifiable Individual”, Audit Committee Report 13, Built Heritage Committee Report 25, Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 19, Planning and Housing Committee Report 53, Transit Committee Report 21 and the report from the City Clerk entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items Subject to the Planning Act ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of September 10, 2025” be received and adopted as amended.

  Carried

20.

Motions of Which Notice Has Been Previously Given

20.1

100th Anniversary of L’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, known as ‘La Patente’, plaque

• Motion No. 2025-65-07
  Moved by S. Plante
  Seconded by M. Sutcliffe

  WHEREAS on October 22, 2026, L’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, known as ‘La Patente’, will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its inception; and 

  WHEREAS the first meeting of L’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier took place in the rectory of the Saint-Charles Church in Vanier on October 22, 1926; and

  WHEREAS its goal was to establish an organization that could further the interests of French Canadians within federal institutions, including legislative bodies, the public service and the judiciary, to advance institutional bilingualism; and 

  WHEREAS the efforts of L’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier contributed to bilingual postage stamps and bank notes, the establishment of French radio at Radio-Canada across the country, and French services at Bell Canada prior to its dissolution in 1965; and

  WHEREAS the Comité de la Francophonie de L’Association communautaire de Vanier and Parks Canada request the installation of a federal bilingual plaque in St-Charles Park, located at 5 St-Charles Street, in recognition of L’Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, known as ‘La Patente’;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Parks Canada and the Comité de la Francophonie de L’Association communautaire de Vanier be granted permission to install a federal bilingual plaque in the north-east section of the park owned by the City of Ottawa; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plaque not be installed without final approval of text and site placement by the City of Ottawa; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all costs for the production, installation, maintenance, and/or replacement of the stand and plaque be funded by an external source, including but not limited to, Parks Canada and the Comité de la Francophonie de L’Association communautaire de Vanier.

  Carried

20.2

Year-Round On-Street Parking Restrictions – Northern Portion of Brae Crescent

Note: The Gower/Tierney Motion of which Notice was previously given at the 10 September 2025 City Council meeting was replaced with the following revised motion pursuant to Subsection 59(5) of the Procedure By-law.

• Motion No. 2025-65-08
  Moved by G. Gower
  Seconded by T. Tierney

  WHEREAS residents have regularly expressed safety concerns with parking and sightline issues at Brae Crescent and Stittsville Main Street.

  WHEREAS Brae Crescent is a narrow street with no sidewalks and a small shoulder that leads into a busy business zone.

  WHEREAS ongoing and future construction at properties located on Brae Crescent between Stittsville Main Street and Norway Spruce Street has increased the number of vehicles parking on Brae Crescent.

  WHEREAS the upcoming installation of seasonal parking restrictions provides an opportunity to install year-round signage now.

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council approve the installation of No Parking Anytime on the south side of Brae Crescent from the intersection of Stittsville Main Street at Brae Crescent north to the intersection of Brae Crescent at Norway Spruce Street north.

  Carried

20.3

Appointment of Honourary Council Co-Chair for the 2025 City of Ottawa Employee United Way Campaign

• Motion No. 2025-65-09
  Moved by J. Bradley
  Seconded by M. Carr

  WHEREAS United Way East Ontario has been the City of Ottawa’s corporate charity and has participated in an annual employee campaign since 2001; and

  WHEREAS United Way East Ontario brings people from different organizations together to create long lasting social change through its three focus areas, All That Kids Can Be, From Poverty to Possibility, and Heathy People Strong Communities; and 

  WHEREAS United Way East Ontario launches its annual fundraising campaign every fall to support local charities, committed to a 100% local impact; and

  WHEREAS the City continues to use the United Way’s ePledge Donation program to allow employees to donate; and 

  WHEREAS the Chair of the Community Services Committee has historically taken on the role of honorary Co-Chair for the City’s Employee Campaign; and

  WHEREAS Chair Laura Dudas has indicated her willingness to continue in this capacity for the 2025 campaign; and

  WHEREAS the Honourary Council Co-chair will work with the General Manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services on the 2025 City of Ottawa Employee United Way Campaign; and 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council appoint Councillor Laura Dudas as the Honourary Council Co-Chair for the 2025 City of Ottawa Employee United Way Campaign.

  Carried

20.4

Advancing Food Security by Addressing Root Causes

Note: The Carr/Kitts Motion of which Notice was previously given at the 10 September 2025 City Council meeting was replaced with the following re-vised motion pursuant to Subsection 59(5) of the Procedure By-law.

• Motion No. 2025-65-10
  Moved by M. Carr
  Seconded by C. Kitts

  WHEREAS access to adequate, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a basic human right, recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and affirmed by Canada’s endorsement of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

  WHEREAS a growing number of households are experiencing episodic and chronic food insecurity

  WHEREAS food insecurity is defined as the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints or other barriers, and poses serious public health risks due to its association with higher rates of diseases, mental health challenges, and chronic health conditions

  WHEREAS according to the Ottawa Food Bank’s 2024 Ottawa Hunger Report, the number of visits to food programs within its network has increased by 90% from 2019

  WHEREAS In November 2024, Ottawa food banks provided food and household items for more than 52,800 visits, the highest number ever recorded.

  WHEREAS 59% of people accessing food banks in Ontario are in receipt of Social Assistance

  WHEREAS Community partners such as the Ottawa Food Bank network, Emergency Shelters, Just Food and other justice-involved organizations, Community Health and Resource Centers and Ottawa Community Food Partnership have been sounding the alarm on the impact of social assistance rates and the Ontario Works system that are failing to meet the needs of the most vulnerable residents

  WHEREAS many municipalities in Ontario have declared a food insecurity emergency in response to the increasing needs and are advocating for significant policy changes to address income inequality

  WHEREAS the Poverty Reduction Strategy was approved by Council in October 2024

  WHEREAS a key pillar of this Strategy is Food Security, which prioritizes policy making, funding, and coordination to address the root causes of food insecurity

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct staff to develop a strategy that will engage provincial and federal governments, other municipalities and community partners, including the Ottawa Food Bank network, Ottawa Community Food Partnership, Feed Ontario, and Food Banks Canada to address the root causes of food insecurity focusing on:

  • Advocating to the Provincial government for improvements to social assistance programs including indexing social assistance rates to inflation and reviewing social assistance legislation that would permit greater income security for low-income residents.
  • Advocating to the Federal government for strengthened and indexed income supports including Employment Insurance, Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, and the Canada Disability Benefit.
  • Collaborate with City departments to implement Poverty Reduction Strategy priorities that promote equitable hiring practices, support access to decent work, and embed anti-racism measures in workplace policies and culture.
  • Advocate with the Province to secure funding for organizations tackling food insecurity and the root causes, using a collective impact approach with community partners and individuals with lived experience to promote basic income, living wages, and tax benefits.
  • Recognize access to affordable housing as a root cause of food insecurity and align advocacy efforts with the City of Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan refresh, scheduled for Q1 2026, to expand investments in deeply affordable and supportive housing as essential to reducing food insecurity.

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this motion be shared by the Mayor to Premier Doug Ford, Prime Minister Mark Carney, all Ottawa Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament, as well as with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to amplify Ottawa’s voice in growing provincial and national commitments to address food insecurity.

  Carried

20.5

Five-Day-a-Week Office Standard and Working from Home

Motion No. 2025-65-11 was introduced as a replacement motion to the Leiper/Bradley motion previously given. 

Council recessed from 11:56 am to 12:06 pm. to give Council time to re-view the replacement motion.

During discussions, Councillor Bradley proposed a friendly amendment to Motion No. 2025-65-11, underlined below, which was accepted by Council-lor Curry. 

As replacement Motion No. 2025-65-11 carried, the Leiper/Bradley motion previously given was not considered. 

• Moved by J. Leiper
  Seconded by J. Bradley

  WHEREAS on August 25, 2025, the City Manager informed the Mayor and Council by way of memo that “the City of Ottawa will return to five days in the office as the new standard for all City employees effective January 1, 2026”; and,

  WHEREAS the City Manager has made this determination according to the authority delegated by Council to make workplace administration policy decisions; and,

  WHEREAS in response to the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19-related lockdowns, the City has permitted, subject to reasonable operational requirements, working from home as an alternative to working in the office; and,

  WHEREAS evidence has not been provided that either productivity or the delivery of taxpayer value has been diminished under the current arrangement or that either could be significantly enhanced by a five-day-a-week-in-the-office standard;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs the City Manager to rescind the five-day-a-week office standard and that working from home continue to be accommodated subject to reasonable operational considerations consistent with recent practices.
• Motion No. 2025-65-11
  Moved by C. Curry
  Seconded by D. Hill

  WHEREAS the City Manager By-law confirms the City Manager to be the Chief Administrative Officer pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, and that the City Manager shall have supervision over, and direction of, the general administration of the City and the officers and employees thereof, and has such other powers commensurate with the role and as described in the Delegation of Authority By-law, and

  WHEREAS the Delegation of Authority By-law is clear that the City Manager has the delegated authority to make decisions respecting corporate administrative policies and procedures of the City, including with respect to work arrangements for City staff; and

  WHEREAS the Delegation of Authority to the City Manager in matters relating to human resource policy and administration is a standard found across all levels of government in Canada; and

  WHEREAS these delegated authorities are designed to ensure expertise, efficiency, and to prevent direct political interference in human resource matters and are a long-standing practice for effective governance; and

  WHEREAS past determinations and decisions about the nature of in-office, remote, or hybrid work arrangements, those determinations have been at the discretion of the City Manager having regard to collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment and applicable policies, under the authority delegated to the City Manager under the Municipal Act Section 229 a) and as confirmed by Council pursuant to Section 3 of the City Manager By-law; and

  WHEREAS City Council acknowledges and is grateful for the outstanding work of municipal public servants who serve their community; and

  WHEREAS the City Manager has confirmed that the City will continue to offer robust alternate work arrangements to accommodate the unique needs of employees in conjunction with operational needs, roles, and available workspaces and consistent with the application of the workplace policies and collective agreements, hybrid work will not be unreasonably denied; and

  WHEREAS the City Manager has confirmed she will continue to monitor the situation, consider feedback from Members of Council on this matter and adjust accordingly on a regular basis, with full consideration of providing work-life balance to employees and that hybrid work arrangements will still be available in accordance with workplace polies and applicable collective agreements; and

  WHEREAS interfering in an administrative decision from the City Manager would call into question Council’s trust in the administrative decision-making capabilities of the City Manager, 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council confirm by way of this motion that they have received the City Manager’s clear affirmation that the approach governing return to office is flexible and that the City will continue to allow hybrid work arrangements as appropriate and in accordance with workplace policies and applicable collective agreements  as coordinated between employees and their managers considering many factors such as but not limited to productivity, caregiver or other leaves as per contract conditions, and dedicated workspace; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this motion does not reflect a position or opinion on any other employer.  Council acknowledges that different employers and businesses have unique requirements and objectives that affect the ability to offer hybrid work arrangements; and 

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council officially reiterate its support for the decision-making authority of the City Manager as delegated to her by Council and as set forth in Section 229 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and as confirmed by Council pursuant to Section 3 of the City Manager By-law 2025-68 and the Delegation of Authority By-law 2025-69.

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ottawa City Council also requests that the City Manager encourage senior leadership and managers to maintain, wherever possible and within the policy framework, the current hybrid-working arrangements of employees as they stand today.

  For (15)	M. Luloff, L. Dudas, G. Gower, T. Tierney, A. Hubley, C. Curry, D. Hill, C. Kelly, S. Plante, M. Carr, D. Brown, S. Desroches, W. Lo, M. Sutcliffe, and I. Skalski
  Against (10)	T. Kavanagh, R. King, J. Leiper, R. Brockington, C. Kitts, S. Menard, L. Johnson, S. Devine, J. Bradley, and A. Troster

  Carried (15 to 10)

21.

Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure

21.1

Motion to exempt demolition control at 95 Melrose Ave

• Motion No. 2025-65-12
  Moved by J. Leiper
  Seconded by R. Brockington

  That the Rules of Procedure be waived to consider this motion at the Council meeting of September 24, 2025, in order to expedite the process of demolition control.

  WHEREAS the building at the address of 95 Melrose Avenue sustained significant damage due to a fire and partial demolition; and 

  WHEREAS given the poor condition of the building and the risk to public safety, it would be in the public interest to demolish the building; and 

  WHEREAS there is currently no building permit application for a replacement building; and

  WHEREAS, by waiving demolition control application, the City will not receive $5,723.20 (includes $1,195.54 Legal Fee + HST) which is the fee associated with a demolition control application; 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council approve demolition control for the existing buildings on the property subject to the following conditions:

  • That the fees related to the demolition control application are waived, totalling $5,723.20 (includes $1,195.54 Legal fee + HST);
  • That until the time of the construction of a replacement building, the registered Owner shall landscape the property to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Planning, Development and Building Services. The registered Owner shall prohibit the use of the property for other interim uses and maintain the property in accordance with the Property Standards By-law;
  • The interim condition of the property after demolition of the existing building and up to construction of the replacement building shall include soft landscaping of the vacant lot, which may include grass, and low shrubs;
  • If the building permit for the replacement building is not issued within 24 months from the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk shall enter onto the collector’s roll the sum of $1,000.00, up to a maximum of $20,000 total, for the residential dwelling which was demolished for each month thereafter that a residential dwelling is not constructed except insofar as any delay is attributable to the City not meeting policy or statutory review and approval deadlines;
  • The registered Owner shall enter into an Agreement with the City of Ottawa to include the foregoing conditions and pay all costs associated with the registration of said Agreement. At such time as a building permit is issued to redevelop the site and the replacement building is in place, the Agreement will become null and void and will be released upon request of the Owner. The Owner shall pay all costs associated with the release of the agreement;.
  • The registered Owner agrees that a demolition permit will not be issued and the building cannot be demolished until such time that the Agreement referenced herein has been executed and registered on title;
  • This approval is considered null and void if the Agreement is not executed within six months of Council’s approval.

  THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council delegate authority to the Director of Planning Services in Planning, Development and Building Services to make minor revisions to the agreement as needed.

  Carried

22.

Notices of Motion (for Consideration at Subsequent Meeting)

22.1

Upload of LRT by the Government of Ontario

• Moved by G. Gower
  Seconded by M. Sutcliffe

  WHEREAS the City of Ottawa, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada have invested $8.15 billion in Ottawa’s Stage 1 and 2 LRT project, based on a cost-sharing model that has seen Ottawa taxpayers contribute 55% of the overall cost of the project; and

  WHEREAS in other large Ontario cities, like Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton and Waterloo, the Province and Metrolinx have built, own and maintain light-rail transit systems at little to no cost to local taxpayers; and

  WHEREAS Mayor Sutcliffe has been advocating with the provincial government for the fair treatment of the City of Ottawa and its taxpayers for almost a year, especially as it relates to the ownership and maintenance of LRT assets; and

  WHEREAS Premier Ford and Transportation Minister Sarkaria were in Ottawa on February 4, 2025 to announce a campaign commitment to upload Ottawa’s LRT, which Premier Ford reiterated in his speech on Election Day; and

  WHEREAS in the provincial budget tabled on May 15, 2025, Minister Bethlenfalvy reiterated the Province’s commitment to pursuing the upload of Ottawa’s LRT;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the City Manager enter into negotiations with the Province of Ontario regarding the upload of LRT, and that the following principles be foundational to those discussions and inform a future Agreement with the Province:

  1. that a deal must be fair to Ottawa taxpayers and consistent with precedent deals reached in other Ontario municipalities;
  2. that the governance structure of Metrolinx includes appropriate mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency for Ottawa residents;
  3. that Metrolinx has a significant presence and adequate resources in Ottawa to meet its commitments to the City of Ottawa and OC Transpo;
  4. that OC Transpo maintain local control over service delivery and hiring of personnel;
  5. that any savings from reduced debt-servicing and maintenance costs be re-invested into OC Transpo;
  6. that the value of Transit Oriented Development opportunities available along the LRT corridors be identified, assessed and factored into valuations;
  7. that the Province consult and collaborate with the City of Ottawa and OC Transpo on the planning, design, procurement, construction, delivery and operation of Stage 3 LRT to Kanata, Stittsville and Barrhaven; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and the City Manager report back to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee on the status of their discussions as key milestones are achieved.

22.2

Greg Kazmierski Diamond

• Moved by L. Dudas
  Seconded by M. Luloff

  WHEREAS Gregory “Mayor Greg” Kazmierski was proof positive that having an intellectual disability does not need to hold you back, overcoming every challenge life threw at him with courage, humour, and heart; and

  WHEREAS Born with Down Syndrome and two holes in his heart, Greg defied expectations from the very beginning, fighting for his place in school, in society, and in the hearts of his community; and

  WHEREAS Greg was a fighter in every sense—earning a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and training at local martial arts gyms, while also overcoming challenges with strength, kindness, and determination; and

  WHEREAS Greg was a beloved and iconic figure in Blackburn Hamlet, affectionately known as the Honourary Mayor of Blackburn Hamlet, recognized for his leadership in fostering community spirit and connection; and

  WHEREAS Greg worked for 35 years at the local grocery store, where his welcoming presence and genuine care for others made him a daily source of joy and comfort for generations of families; and

  WHEREAS Greg was a tireless community builder, known for his enthusiastic support of local events such as the Blackburn Fun Fair, holiday celebrations, and neighbourhood gatherings, where he was often seen giving out his signature bear hugs and uplifting everyone around him; and

  WHEREAS Greg had a deep love for sports and was a fixture at local hockey games at the Blackburn Arena and baseball games at the Blackburn Park diamond, where he cheered on players with unmatched spirit and kindness; and

  WHEREAS Greg was also a regular at the Blackburn Arms Pub, where he played darts, sang Elvis tunes, and cheered loudly for his beloved Ottawa Senators, further cementing his role as a joyful and familiar presence in the community; and

  WHEREAS Greg’s extraordinary contributions to community life were recognized through prestigious honours, including the Canada 125 Medal (1993), the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (2008), and his designation as Honourary Mayor of Blackburn Hamlet in 2008; and

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the baseball diamond located in Blackburn Park be officially named the Greg Kazmierski Diamond, in honour of his life, legacy, and enduring impact on the Blackburn Hamlet community; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any costs associated with the installation of signage or a plaque in recognition, be covered through eligible sources.

23.

Motion to Introduce By-laws

23.1

Three Readings

• Motion No. 2025-65-13
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  That the by-laws listed on the Agenda under Motion to Introduce By-laws, Three Readings, be read and passed.

  2025-359    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to adopt a new affordable rental housing tax subclass for the City of Ottawa.
  2025-360    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at Eugenia Walk, Kerala Place, Segun Raji Street and Ganaraska Grove on Plan 4M-1764, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
  2025-361    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2017-180 respecting the appointment of Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in accordance with private property parking enforcement.
  2025-362    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to authorize the imposition of special charges on 1052 Kijik Cres (the "benefitting property")
  2025-363    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to authorize the imposition of special charges on 743 White Alder Ave (the "benefitting property")
  2025-364    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to authorize the imposition of special charges on 33A Forester Cres (the "benefitting property")
  2025-365    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to repeal the by-laws to designate Fleet Street Pumping Station, 10 Fleet Street and Pooley's Bridge, 9 Fleet Street to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
  2025-366    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at Makobe Lane on Plan 4M-1672, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.
  2025-367    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend the Official Plan for the City of Ottawa to lift the Future Neighbourhood Overlay and to add site-specific policies to lands known municipally as 6070 Fernbank Road, 59 Aridus Crescent, unaddressed hydro parcel PIN 044490209 and 5993, 6015, 6025, 6035, 6115, 6141, and 6159 Flewellyn Road.
  2025-368    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2008-250 to change the zoning of lands known municipally as 1650 Shea Road.
  2025-369    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2008-250 to change the zoning of lands known municipally as 1280 Trim Road.
  2025-370    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate the Ottawa Mosque, 251 Northwestern Avenue to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
  2025-371    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate église Saint-Joseph d’Orléans, 2757 St. Joseph Boulevard to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
  2025-372    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate église Saint-François-d’Assise, 1062 Wellington Street West to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
  

  Carried

24.

Confirmation By-law

• Motion No. 2025-65-14
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  That the following by-law be read and passed:

  To confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting of September 24, 2025.

  Carried

25.

Inquiries

There were no Inquiries.

26.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 2:04 pm.

• Motion No. 2025-65-15
  Moved by S. Devine
  Seconded by S. Desroches

  That the proceedings of the City Council meeting of 24 September 2025, be adjourned.

  Carried