Community supports, healthcare & recreation

Home Support Services provide help with light housekeeping to eligible low-income residents who have a medical need and who have little or no supports in the community. Light housekeeping may include:  floors, bathrooms, laundry, kitchen and light dusting.

Who can get Home Support Services?

• Your income must be below the “low income cut-off” or you are in receipt of social assistance
• You have a documented medical reason that prevents you from doing homemaking tasks on your own
• You have little or no support to help you with housekeeping tasks. For example, you live alone and have no family close by

Apply for Home Support Services

Call 3-1-1 between 8:45 am and 4 pm

• Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
• Select 4 for Social Services
• TTY Line 1-800-855-0511

Eligibility will be assessed during a telephone interview followed with a home visit by a case worker.  

For more information, e-mail CommunitySupports@ottawa.ca.

Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter?

The Snow Go Program can help you! This program is divided into two parts to match your individual needs to the appropriate service.  The two programs are as follows: 

• The Snow Go Program provides a matching service for seniors and people with disabilities looking to hire an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways and walkways.  Residents who participate in this program are responsible for paying the individual or contractor removing the snow.
   
• The Snow Go Assist Program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors or persons with disabilities looking to hire an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways and walkways.  Approved participants may be reimbursed for 50 % of the cost of snow clearing per event, up to a seasonal maximum of $250.  Rural applicants who have excessively high cost of snow removal, as defined by staff, are eligible up to 50% of the cost of snow clearing for their private driveways and walkways per event, up to a maximum of $450 per Term.

Community Support Agency	Geographic Area	Serves Postal Codes	Phone	Name - E-mail / Website
Centre de service Guigues	Entire city area for Francophone residents	City-wide	(613) 241-1266 ext. 421	Brigitte Guindon reception-csg@mri.ca centredeserviceguigues.ca
The Glebe Centre	Serving the Glebe, Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South, Carleton Heights, Heron Park, Riverside Park and West Hunt Club	K1G (part), K1H (part), K1S, K1V (part), K2C (part)	(613) 230-5730, ext. 327	Kirsten O'Brien KOBrien@glebecentre.ca www.glebecentre.ca
The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre	Serving between the Ottawa River and Baseline Road, Woodroffe Avenue north of the Queensway and Clyde Avenue south of the Queensway	K2B, K2C (part)	(613) 829-9777	Elizabeth Parcher e.parcher@oldeforge.ca www.oldeforge.ca
Ottawa West Community Support	Serving between the Ottawa River and Baseline Road, east of Woodroffe Avenue and west of Preston Street	K1Y, K1Z, K2A, K2C (part)	(613) 728-6016 ext. 275	Mark Jenkins mark@owcs.ca www.owcs.ca
South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre	Serving between Industrial Avenue and Hunt Club Road between St. Laurent Blvd and Bank Street	K1B (part), K1G (part), K1H (part), K1V (part)	(613) 737-5115 ext. 2375	Nadia Presseau nadiap@seochc.on.ca www.seochc.on.ca
The Good Companions	Serving between the Queensway and the Ottawa River, between Blair Rd. and Preston Street, includes the Avenues	K1G (part), K1K, K1L, K1M, K1N, K1P, K1R, K2P	(613) 236-0428 ext. 2250	Brenda Packer bpacker@thegoodcompanions.ca www.thegoodcompanions.ca
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre	Serving Eastern Ottawa including Cumberland and Gloucester	K1B (part), K1C, K1E, K1J, K1T, K1W, K2G, K4A, K4B, K4C, K4R, K0A (part)	(613) 741-6025 ext. 322	Rayanne Leduc ​rleduc@eorc-creo.ca www.eorc-creo.ca
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre	Serving west of Fisher Avenue, south of Baseline Road including Bells Corners, Barrhaven, Kanata, Carp, West Carleton, Goulbourn and Richmond.	K2E, K2G, K2H, K2J, K2K, K2L, K2M, K2R, K2S, K2T, K2V, K2W, KOA (part)	(613) 591-3686 ext. 315	Dee Machum machum@wocrc.ca www.wocrc.ca
Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS)	Serving Osgoode & Rideau-Goulbourn Wards. Includes Manotick and North Gower.	K1X, K4M, K4P, K0A (part)	(613) 692-4697ext. 228	Della Hart della.hart@rosss.ca www.rosss.ca

Snow Go Assist Program

The Snow Go Assist Program is a program that provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities to pay for a portion of their snow removal costs.

Funding levels

Approved participants may be reimbursed up to 50 per cent of the cost of snow clearing per event, up to a seasonal maximum of $250. Rural applicants who have excessively high cost of snow removal, as defined by staff, are eligible up to 50% of the cost of snow and ice clearing for their private driveways and walkways per event, up to a maximum of $450 per term. . The program is on a first come first served basis.  Agencies have the ability to limit funds allocated to participants if demand is high.   

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to receive Snow Go Assist Program funding, participants must provide proof that they meet all of the program objectives: Applicants must meet both of the following criteria:

1. Either senior or a person with a disability.  A senior  is considered any person over the age of 60 years.  For persons with a disability, participants must be physically unable to clear snow from their private driveway and/or walkway due to their own disability
    
2. Must demonstrate they qualify as low income.  Low income is defined as an annual income of below $31,500 for a single individual and below $39,200 for a household (two or more persons).
   
   Participants must provide proof of active enrolment in one or more of the following programs to prove that they meet the program objectives:

1. GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement)
2. ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)  
3. Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit  
4. Ontario Works plus proof of disability and/or senior (60 year or older)  
5. Essential Health and Social Supports plus proof of disability and/or senior (60 year or older)  
6. Home Help plus proof of disability and/or senior (60 year or older)  
7. Low income senior or person with a disability (proof may be required)  
8. Special Circumstances may be considered. Detailed proof must be provided.

For more information, please discuss with your local community support agency.

All applicants must sign a disclaimer that states that there is no person(s) physically able to perform snow removal work sharing the residence with the applicant.

Application process

To apply for Snow Go Assist funding, contact your local community support agency listed above.

Snow Angel Program

Do you know a Snow Angel who deserves recognition?

A Snow Angel is a neighbour or friend who has volunteered to help you, or someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, to clear snow from the driveway, steps or walkway.

If you know a Snow Angel, the City of Ottawa wants to thank them!

Snow Angels will receive a special keychain and a certificate signed by the Mayor.

How to nominate a Snow Angel

Snow Angel nominations are accepted between December 1 and April 30.

To recognize a resident as a Snow Angel:

• Complete a Snow Angel Nomination Form or
• Call 3-1-1

Personal information is collected through the nomination process under the authority of sections 8 and 10 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25. Personal information including contact information will only be used for the administration of the Snow Angel Program, including notifying the nominee of their recognition as a Snow Angel. If you have any questions about the collection and use of personal information, please contact the Snow Angel Program Coordinator at communitypride@ottawa.ca or telephone the Program Manager, Public Outreach and Communications at 613-580-2424 x12059.

NEW: Only applications for subsidy used towards virtual (online) programs are being accepted at this time. The regular application process will resume once the Stay-at-Home order is lifted.

While the Stay-at-Home order is in effect, please contact ottawahandinhand@ottawa.ca for information on how to apply for a subsidy towards a virtual (online) City program.

If you are already a participant in a community or social service agency program, if you are an individual or family with a low-income or a family member with a disability, you may qualify for the Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program.

Only residents of the City of Ottawa may apply for the Ottawa Hand in Hand subsidy, on their own behalf or for a dependent wishing to participate in programs or activities offered by the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department (RCFS).

Please note: applicants will be asked to provide proof of identity, residency and of financial need and should be prepared to provide copies of formal documentation.

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Evidence of being in receipt of Ontario Works
• Evidence of being in receipt of a Child Care Subsidy
• Evidence of being in receipt of Essential Health and Social Supports
• Evidence of being in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Pension (ODSP)
• Evidence of being in receipt of Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD/MCSS)
• Evidence of being in receipt of a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Means test using the Low Income Cut-Off
  • T451E Notice of Assessment or,
  • Child Tax Benefit Form
• Special circumstances may also be considered (details to be provided in the application form).

For virtual programs only:

Step 1: Complete the online application form.

Step 2: Submit your completed application to ottawahandinhand@ottawa.ca

Do not send your supporting documentation by email. A Staff member will follow up with you to go over your application.

Only subsidy applications for virtual (online) programs are being accepted during the Stay-at-Home order.

• Residents of all ages are eligible.
• Residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the program registration period.
• Each qualifying individual, or member of a family, is eligible for an annual amount of fee support ($200 per person).
• Applicants are encouraged to pay a minimum of 25 per cent of the program cost.
• A parent or guardian can transfer all, or a portion of their Ottawa Hand in Hand fee support entitlement to a child or children in their household.

What is Homebound Services?

A free service offering monthly delivery of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) materials directly to your door.

Who is eligible?

Ottawa residents who are unable to visit the Library regularly due to age, illness or disability. A minimum commitment of three months is required to sign up for the service.

Where does the Library deliver?

Individual homes, retirement residences, and long-term care facilities within the City of Ottawa.

What can be borrowed?

• Books
• Large print books
• Audiobooks
• Music CDs
• DVDs
• Magazines
• eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more
• DAISY audiobooks for customers with print disabilities

Customers can request their own material, or staff can select materials based on each customer’s interests.

For more information or to register, please contact Homebound Services at 613-580-2944, or email Homebound@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca

For more information on the Ottawa Public Library's Accessible Services, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca

Find out how to stay healthy, where to get help and how to make informed decisions about your health. Ottawa Public Health is your link to Ottawa’s health and support services.

Emergency resources

Service	Contact Information
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region	613-238-3311
Mental Health Crisis Line (24 hours a day)	613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
Ligne Fem-Aide (french only)	1-877-336-2433
Ottawa Dental Society Dental Emergency Service	613-523-4185
Ottawa Public Health	613-580-6744 TTY: 613-580-9656
Ontario Poison Centre	1-800-268-9017
Telehealth Ontario	1-866-797-0000 TTY: 1-866-797-0007

Finding a family doctor

Service	Contact Information
Doctor Search College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario
Find A Dentist – Ontario Dental Association	416-922-3900
Find a Registered Dietician	1-877-510-5102
Health Care Connect Help Ontarians find a family health care provider. .	1 800 445-1822

Area hospitals

Most healthcare needs are covered by the province’s medical coverage, once you are a resident of Ontario. If required, private healthcare plans are available to cover specialized treatments that do not fall under the province’s scope of coverage. Ottawa has 4 main hospitals:

Hospital	Contact Information
The Ottawa Hospital	613-722-7000 TTY: 613-761-4024
General Campus Civic Campus Riverside Campus	501 Smyth Road 1053 Carling Avenue 1967 Riverside Drive
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)	401 Smyth Road 613-737-7600
Queensway-Carleton Hospital	3045 Baseline Road 613-721-2000
Montfort Hospital	713 Montreal Road 613-746-4621
In addition, there are a number of specialized hospitals and clinics in the region.
Health Care Options Medical Services Directory walk-in and after hours clinics, urgent care centres, and family health care providers	1-866-330-6206
Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre	501 Smyth Road 613-737-7700
Royal Ottawa Hospital Specialty mental care in Eastern Ontario	1145 Carling Avenue 613-722-6521
Bruyère Continuing Care Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital	43 Bruyère Street 613-562-6262
Bruyère Continuing Care Résidence Saint-Louis	879 Hiawatha Park Road. 613-824-1720
Bruyère Continuing Care Saint-Vincent Hospital	60 Cambridge Street North 613-233-4041
The Rehabilitation Centre	505 Smyth Road 613-737-7350 TTY: 613-526-1132
University of Ottawa Heart Institute	40 Ruskin Street 613-761-5000

Drop in medical clinics

Service	Contact Information
Appletree Medical Group
Orleans Urgent Care Clinic (OUCC)	1220 Place d’Orléans Boulevard 613-841-5389
Walk-in clinics in Ottawa – Health care options directory

Community health and resources centres

Service	Contact Information
Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa
Community Care Access Centre Locations in Ottawa and throughout Ontario
Ottawa Community Care Access Centre	100-4200 Labelle Street 613-745-5525 or 1-800-538-0520
Carlington Community & Health Services	900 Merivale Road 613-722-4000
Centretown Community Health Centre	420 Cooper Street 613-233-4443
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre	2339 Ogilvie Road 613-741-6025
Hunt Club/Riverside Community Services Centre	3310 McCarthy Road 613-247-1600
Lowertown Community Resource Centre	40 Cobourg Street 613-789-3930
Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre	1642 Merivale Road, Unit 541 613-596-5626
Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre	210 Centrum Boulevard, Suite 211 613-830-4357
Overbrook-Forbes Community Resource Centre	225 Donald Street, Unit 120 613-745-0073
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre	1365 Richmond Road, 2nd Floor 613-820-4922
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre	221 Nelson Street 613-789-1500
Somerset West Community Health Centre	55 Eccles Street 613-238-8210
South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre	1355 Bank Street, Suite 600 613-737-4809 TTY: 613-739-8197
Vanier Community Service Centre	290 Dupuis Street 613-744-2892
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre	2 MacNeil Court 613-591-3686

Provincial resources

Service	Contact Information
Eastern Ontario Health Unit	613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120
French Language Health Services Network of Eastern Ontario	1173 Cyrville Road 613-747-7431
HealthyOntario.com
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Local resources

Service	Contact Information
Local mental health help and events	eMentalHealth
Ottawa Police Service
Ottawa Safety Council
Ottawa Salus Corporation Community Mental Health Services	200-945 Wellington Street 613-729-0123 TTY: 613-759-8455
OttawaSeniors.com
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa	613-747-7800
Travel Medicine Program (TMP)
Youth Services Bureau

Financial resources

Service	Contact Information
Dental help for older adults	Call 3-1-1, press 4 for Social Services to apply
Help with health-related items and services	Call 3-1-1, press 4 for Social Services to apply
Community resources
Ontario Disability Support Program	613-787-3951