Changes to city services to help prevent spread of COVID-19

OTTAWA – In response to the Government of Ontario’s emergency declaration, and to help protect the public from COVID-19, the City of Ottawa is making changes to in-person services as of today (March 17).

Emergency and essential services will continue to protect and serve the needs of all residents in Ottawa. In order to help practice social distancing to limit community spread of COVID-19, all in-person and non-essential city services are closed until further notice.

Services that can be offered remotely (by phone, e-mail, mail or online) will be maintained. Some in-person services are available in a reduced or altered capacity. Transit remains open, and OC Transpo continues to offer customer service online and by phone. Please check our list of services to find out how to access City services.

Essential and emergency services continue

The city will continue to resource essential services, such as:

• Emergency first responders, including fire, paramedics and public health staff 
• Front line communications for 9-1-1 emergency services, Ottawa Public Health, Revenue, and 3-1-1 call centres
• Social assistance services
• Key assets, public works and operations, including water services, road and traffic services and snow clearing
• Frontline workers who serve our most vulnerable in the community, including long-term care
• Transit services
• Garbage and recycling collection
• By-law Service
• Fire investigations and inspections for complaints and licenses
• Community Paramedic program

All on-street overtime parking, signed or unsigned, will no longer be enforced on residential streets until further notice. Other parking restrictions remain in effect, such as No Stopping, No Parking, Fire Route, Accessible Parking, hydrants, sidewalks to maintain emergency access and traffic flow.

Online services continue on ottawa.ca, some in-person services operating on reduced or altered services

The city continues to provide services online on ottawa.ca and myservice.ottawa.ca, where you can pay bills and property taxes. If you are unable to access City services online, please call 3-1-1 so we can assist you.

Some city services normally available in-person are operating remotely at reduced or altered capacity. Please check our list of services, or call 3-1-1 to find out about alternative means of accessing City services.

Transit is open, but practice preventive measures

When using public transit, protect yourself and others by taking these steps:

• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• When possible, consider social distancing (ideally two metres).
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth and as soon as possible when you reach your destination.

Government of Ontario declaration of emergency closures

The government of Ontario has declared an emergency, under which the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:

• Facilities providing indoor recreational programs
• Public libraries
• Private schools as defined in the Education Act
• Licensed childcare centres
• Bar and live entertainment venues
• Restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery
• Theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies

Provincial Offences Act Courthouse Services Closure (100 Constellation Dr.)

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3, inclusive, will be adjourned and rescheduled for a later date. Anyone scheduled during this period does not need to attend court and a new notice will be sent by mail to the address on file with a new court date. Online ticket payment will remain available on ottawa.ca.

Visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus to find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick after you travel, and how to recognize possible symptoms with the new COVID-19 self-assessment tool.

This is an evolving situation and the city will share the most current information on ottawa.ca and the City’s social media channels. Ottawa Public Health will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 in Ottawa on OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus.