Hot Tips from the Councillor

Questions? Problems? Here's who and where to call!

Drugs

If you suspect that drugs are being sold on the street or if there is so much traffic in and out of a house that you think drugs are being sold please report it! If you are witnessing drugs being sold or used, call 613-230-6211. If you have information about drugs, report it at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300.

If you are afraid of your neighbours or if you are aware of any criminal or drug activities and wish to report them and remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477), or visit www.Crimestoppers.ca and use their electronic reporting form (Tips on Line). Crime Stoppers is a community-based program designed to receive anonymous tips that assist the police in solving crime.

Prostitution

Although it is not illegal to stand on the street, if you suspect a prostitute is working a street in your neighbourhood you should still report it! Call the police at 613-236-1222 ext 7300 to report your concerns. You will not get an immediate response, but it is important to get your concerns on record.

Call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress or life threatening emergency such as an assault or a fight.

You can notify your Community Police Centre of suspicious activity such as men who might be “johns”, that is men using the prostitutes, at 252 McArthur Road or by calling 613-236-1222, ext. 5823. Try calling in the licence plate if you can see it without confronting him.

If you are concerned about the health or well being of someone on the street, call 3-1-1 and ask for the Salvation Army Outreach Van. Your concerns could include a person in need of first aid, someone who is intoxicated, or someone at risk because of extreme weather.

Beautification

If you don’t report it won’t get fixed!

For a broken sidewalk, a burned out street light, graffiti, garbage on the street or in parks or anything that looks dangerous, please call 3-1-1 or email 311@ottawa.ca Make sure to give details about the location and the specific concern.

Property owners are required to keep their properties tidy and safe. If a complaint is made they will be warned first and given some time to get things fixed. To start the process, make a property standards complaint to 3-1-1 or 613-580-2424 ext. 41547 or email bylawservices@ottawa.ca . Issues that you could report include abandoned cars, garbage, weeds, or broken windows.

If you know someone who needs to get their property fixed up, but they really don’t have the money, help is available from the Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1-800-704-6488 or by email: rrap_ontario@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Block Parties

The initial point of contact should be made with Ms. Jennifer Therkelson from By-Law Services. Ms. Therkelson will be able to inform you of what permits you require, how much they cost and will have answers to any other questions you may have about block parties. Should you be unable to reach Ms. Therkelson, please call the call centre by dialling 3-1-1 and inquire about a block party.

Here is some initial useful information you may require, however, depending on what kind of block party you are hoping to host, there will be different regulations and permits to be obtained.

-All forms and permits can be obtained electronically.
-Deadlines – The City of Ottawa asks that you contact Ms. Therkelson at least 30 days in advance for your block party.
-You will need barricades blocking off your block party to ensure the safety of those in attendance. The City of Ottawa will provide you with the necessary barricade, however, you will be required to pick up and drop off barricades.
-Know when your block party will end. There additional safety measures needed if your block party will last into the later evening and night, once it is dark out, additional signage will have to be included in the barricades to properly ensure the safety of all the participants.
-Costs. The permit needed to host a block party is free of charge! However, there are other permits (such as live music, sales of food / drink, etc.) that may have financial implications for your organization.

Please note that depending on the venue you are hoping to host, the location and timing of your event will determine the costs, permits and preparations that are needed for the event.