Update on windstorm and tornado response, Sept. 24

OTTAWA – The City of Ottawa would like to provide an update on the windstorm and tornado response and inform residents of the following changes to City services during the week of Sept. 24.

The City has established a Vulnerable Persons Taskforce and outreach efforts to the vulnerable population have begun, including stationing of OC Transpo buses to provide water, food and support at three buildings predominantly occupied by seniors. Wellness checks are also being performed by the Ottawa Search and Rescue volunteer group. In addition, Ottawa Public Health has been checking in on Long Term Care Homes and retirement homes to ensure they are operational. Residents who have been affected by the power outage who are in need of food, water and shelter can call 3-1-1 and select option 4.

Below is an update on changes to city services during the week of September 24.

Client services

• Ben Franklin Place at 101 Centrepointe Drive and Mary Pitt Centre at 100 Constellation Drive will be closed on Monday. All other Client Service Centres are open.
• Any matters scheduled for Monday, September 24 at the Provincial Offences Court at Constellation Drive will be rescheduled
• The City’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters requiring the City’s immediate attention. Call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 to speak to a customer service representative. For persons with a hearing-related disability, call TTY: 613-580-2401

Green bin, recycling and garbage collection

• Garbage collection continues this week as scheduled. If your green bin is full, you can place your organics in cardboard boxes or leaf and yard waste bags.
• If you have damaged appliances, furniture and electronics, do not dispose of them. Do not touch or move hazardous waste, such as propane tanks, paint, gas and oil. Please contact your insurance company for direction.
• There are no exceptions for construction and demolition waste or tree branches, which must be appropriately packaged. Twigs, tree branches and brush must not exceed 10 cm in diameter or 1.2 metres in length and must be appropriately packaged.

Transit services

• All OC Transpo services are operating, with residual effects from the storm. Buses may be delayed where traffic signals are not operating and may be detoured where streets are not open.
• All OC Transpo Customer Service Centres are operating on normal schedules, except Lincoln Fields
• Power is unavailable at several Transitway stations. As a result, emergency telephones may not be working. OC Transpo Special Constables are patrolling those stations more frequently. For safety concerns anywhere on the transit system, please call the Special Constables at 613-741-2478.
• All Shoppers routes (301-305) will operate normally. There will be enhanced service on Shoppers route 303 from Dunrobin and Carp to Stittsville, Kanata Centrum, Bayshore and Carlingwood. Route 303 will operate every day this week from Monday to Friday to provide enhanced service to this affected community.
• Please follow @oc_transpo on Twitter or check octranspo.com for general status updates. Route detours and individual trip cancellations will be announced when possible on @octranspolive on Twitter and by email to customers who have subscribed to alerts at octranspo.com.

Recreation and culture facilities

• Please visit ottawa.ca for a complete list of recreation and culture facilities that remain closed
• The Minto Recreation Complex at 3500 Cambrian Road and the Nepean Sportsplex at 1701 Woodroffe Avenue are open with power. Please go there if you need to charge devices or shower.

Ottawa Public Health 

• The Sexual Health Clinic will be open as usual. For satellite clinics, please check OttawaPublicHealth.ca for hours and availability.
• The SITE program office, supervised consumption services and the mobile van will be open as usual
• The dental clinic on 1580 Merivale Road will be closed on Monday, September 24. The clinic will contact patients who have scheduled appointments. Please check OttawaPublicHealth.ca for hours and availability.
• The Ottawa Public Health Information Centre (613-580-6744) will be open as usual
• Parenting in Ottawa Drop-ins are cancelled on Monday, September 24. Please call the Ottawa Public Information Centre (613-580-6744) if you need parenting support. 
• Immunization appointments at 100 Constellation Drive are cancelled for Monday, September 24. The clinic will contact patients who have scheduled appointments.

Employment and Social Services

• The following three Employment and Social Service locations are fully operational at this time:

o             South, 2020 Walkley Road

o             Central, 370 Catherine Street

o             East, 2339 Ogilvie Road

• If you are a recipient of Ontario Works and/or Child Care Subsidy, please contact your Case Worker
• If you are looking to apply for or request a benefit, you can contact 3-1-1 and select option

Elections Office

• The Elections Office at 1221 Cryville Road is closed on Monday, September 24

Archives services

• The City of Ottawa Archives are closed on Monday, September 24

Municipal child care services

• Huron, Foster Farm and Borden Farm Child Care Centres are without power and will be closed on Monday, September 24

Library services

• The following branches are currently closed:
  • Nepean Centrepointe
  • Carlingwood
  • Emerald Plaza
  • Richmond
  • Ruth E. Dickinson
  • Sunnyside
• For up to date information, please visit the Ottawa Public Library’s website