Hydrant markers: Fire hydrant markers improve emergency response times and the safety of residents by making fire hydrants easier to locate in emergencies, at night and in snowy conditions; fire hydrant markers will no longer be seasonally removed and installed. The City of Ottawa maintains more than 23,000 fire hydrants, ensuring they are in operation for firefighters in the event of a fire.
If a fire hydrant is located on your property, you are responsible for ensuring nothing obstructs access to the hydrant, as per Ottawa's Water By-law, as amended. Ensure vegetation around or near the hydrant does not impede access (e.g. landscaping, shrubs, trees, etc.).
If you spot a damaged or leaking hydrant, please call 3-1-1.
Be a Hydrant Hero! Keep fire hydrants clear of snow
We encourage you to be a hydrant hero this winter and keep your local hydrant clear of snow. Clearing 1.5 metres around a hydrant maintains access for our firefighters and helps them keep you, your family and your community safe.
Contractors are reminded to not pile snow over or against hydrants when clearing pathways and driveways in the winter.
If you are unable to clear the hydrant on your property, please call 3-1-1.
Receive your Hydrant Hero certificate!
To request your electronic Hydrant Hero certificate, please complete the form below.
Hydrant Hero Certificate Request Form
Students can also request confirmation of their community involvement hours by contacting hydrants@ottawa.ca.
