Current by-law reviews

Description

The review will include clarifying various provisions, addressing gaps in regulations and enforcement recommendations by the Ottawa Police Service. The review will also consider options for conflict resolution between various stakeholders. For example, balancing the increasing number of complaints from residents regarding ATV and snowmobile activities versus the increasing demand from the riding community to increase the number of routes and trails on municipally owned lands.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Spring 2024 – Transportation Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Planning Real Estate and Economic Development
PREDLegPIDE@ottawa.ca

Description

This by-law is being developed as part of the Better Buildings Strategy to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. It would apply to all eligible existing buildings and is based on annual greenhouse gas emissions performance metrics; other metrics of health and safety may be included in the Building Performance Standard.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Spring 2024 – Environment and Climate Change Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Janice Ashworth, Section Manager Climate Change and Resiliency
Janice.Ashworth@ottawa.ca

For more information about this review, click on the link below:

2024 Development Charges and 2024 Community Benefits Charge By-law Updates | Engage Ottawa

For more information about this review, click on the link below:

E-scooters | City of Ottawa

Contact

E-scooter pilot project team
escooter@ottawa.ca

Description

The Encroachments on City Highways By-law (No. 2003-446, as amended) outlines the requirements and fees associated with permanent and temporary encroachments on City highways, outdoor patios, café seating and customer service boxes.

This review of the Encroachments on City Highways By-law will evaluate the By-Law Fees.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 – Transportation Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Planning Real Estate and Economic Development
PREDLegPIDE@ottawa.ca

Description

The False Fire Alarm By-law review is part of a new strategy to reduce false fire alarms at commercial, institutional, and industrial properties with commercial fire alarm systems.

The False Fire Alarm By-law review will consider:

• Regulations to address issues caused by the high number of false fire alarms and the rules that apply to commercial fire alarm system false alarms
• Options to recover the cost of staff and equipment expenses for responding to multiple false alarms at the same location
• A review of best practices and by-laws in comparable Canadian cities

The goals of the False Fire Alarm Strategy are to:

• Encourage the proper operation and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems
• Provide more fire prevention opportunities
• Deter multiple false fire alarms
• Increase available resources to respond to emergency calls

Get involved

The consultation period is complete.

Reports

Winter 2024 - Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Dean Johnson
613-580-2424, ext. 17924
Dean.Johnson@ottawa.ca

Description

The City’s Licensing By-law (No. 2002-189) regulates businesses such as restaurants, pet shops, and driving schools, among others and requires that they have a licence in order to operate within the City. City staff have determined that a comprehensive review of the by-law is needed to ensure that regulations and requirements for licensed businesses as well as administrative processes for business licensing remain effective.

This review will focus on:

• Modernizing existing licensing regulations and requirements
• Eliminating duplication and inconsistencies within the by-law
• Exploring opportunities to reduce red-tape and administrative burdens

The review will also consider non-regulatory issues, such as incorporating technology into the business licensing process, and how to better support and inform businesses through both the initial application and license renewal processes.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Do you have a business licence with the City of Ottawa? We want to hear from you! Contact us at bylawreviews@ottawa.ca or at 613-580-2424 x29529 to participate in our online survey!

Reports

Spring 2026 - Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Public Policy Development Branch
613-580-2400 ext. 29529
BylawReviews@ottawa.ca 

Description

The Over-dimensional Vehicles on City Highways By-law (No. 2003-497) regulates the movement of over-dimensional vehicles on City highways. Over Dimensional Vehicle Permits are issued under the authority of this by-law.

The Over-dimensional Vehicles on City Highways By-law has not been comprehensively reviewed since it was enacted in 2003. The review will include consultation with industry stakeholders to assess if any updates are required.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 - Transportation Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Planning Real Estate and Economic Development
PREDLegPIDE@ottawa.ca

Description

The Parks and Facilities By-law (No. 2004-276) underwent an administrative review in 2021. During this review, issues that required public consultation were identified, including:  

• Encroachments into parks from abutting properties
• Permitted and restricted uses in parks such as sledding and fishing
• Permitted and restricted activities within recreation facilities

This review will look to modernize the by-law to reflect current community needs..

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 - Community Services Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Katie O’Sullivan
katie.osullivan@ottawa.ca

Description

In Ontario, the sale of both tobacco and vaping products is regulated by the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

In Ottawa, tobacco product retailers are regulated through the Licensing By-law (No. 2002-189) and are required to obtain a Tobacco Vendor license from the City in order to operate.

This review will consider:

• Whether vaping product retailers should also be licensed or further regulated by the City of Ottawa
• Whether specific regulations for vaping product retailers could help address public health and enforcement issues related to the sale and distribution of vaping products

This review will also inform the Licensing By-law Review, scheduled for completion in 2026.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 - Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Public Policy Development Branch
613-580-2400 ext. 29529
BylawReviews@ottawa.ca 

Description 

Excess rain or snowmelt or a blockage in the sewer system can cause an increase in water level or surcharge. A backup occurs when the increased water level (surcharge) pushes water backwards through the service lateral into the home through floor drains, sinks and toilets. 

The Residential Protective Plumbing Program provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices, such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves to prevent water and sewage from flooding homes as a result of increased water level (surcharging) in the City’s sewer system. 

This by-law review will:   

• Revise and update the existing by-law based on a municipal comparison and general feedback

• Adopt the previous  Secondary Sump Pump with Back-up Power Pilot

The Residential Protective Plumbing By-law (No. 2016-316) was most recently updated in 2016. To further update the Program, a municipal comparison, along with a survey of City staff and previous participants will be undertaken to better understand and develop Program updates.  

Get involved 

No current public engagement events. Please check back later. 

Reports 

Spring 2024 –  Environment and Climate Change Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change. 

Contact 

Project Management Office, Business and Technical Support Services  
Infrastructure and Water Services 
iws-btss-pmo@ottawa.ca

Description 

Prior to 2003, sewer connections were addressed by the former municipalities and the Region of Ottawa-Carleton. In October 2003, Council enacted the existing By-law, harmonizing and repealing the various former municipal by-laws. 

The Sewer Connection By-law (No. 2003-513) regulates sewer connections and sewage works in Ottawa, including permits, design and construction guidelines and standards. While the By-law addresses guidelines and standards, to date, an application form and permit have not been finalized.  

This by-law review will clarify and update language in the by-law related to the construction, alteration, blanking, temporary or permanent connection or reuse of all building sewers and public sewage works as well as the installation of a maintenance hole. 

Get involved 

No current public engagement events. Please check back later. 

Reports 

Winter 2024 - Environment and Climate Change Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change. 

Contact 

Project Management Office, Business and Technical Support Services  
Infrastructure and Water Services 
iws-btss-pmo@ottawa.ca 

Description 

The Sewer Use By-Law (No.2003-514) regulates the control of discharges to sewers and sewage works. 

The by-law review review will consider: 

• Updates to align to Provincial regulatory changes to O. Reg 267/03 for Biosolids, Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Waste 1992 and new references to the Ontario Building Code Act Reg 129-04 and the Ontario Water Resources Act 

• Changes in industry trends 

• Permitting limited garburator usage 

• Enhanced language to educate industries on the compliance expectations 

• Enhanced language to educate industries on interceptor maintenance requirements

• Additional and more transparent compliance tools

Get involved 

No current public engagement events. Please check back later. 

Reports 

Fall 2024 - Environment and Climate Change Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change. 

Contact 

Project Management Office, Business and Technical Support Services  
Infrastructure and Water Services 
iws-btss-pmo@ottawa.ca  

Description

The Site Alteration By-law (No. 2018-164) review will consider revisions to several definitions and phrases, to clarify provisions and facilitate enforcement. Expansion of the natural area's protection provisions, which currently only apply to a specific area of the city, will also be considered.

For more information, visit the Understanding the Rules for Site Alteration page.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 - Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Planning Real Estate and Economic Development
PDBSLegdgspab@ottawa.ca

Description

This amendment to the Site Plan Control By-law (2014-256) will update the By-law to comply with the changes made to the Planning Act by Bill 23, the More Homes built Faster Act. These amendments to the Planning Act changed the scope of when municipalities can require a proposal to go through the Site Plan Control process and also what studies and plans the City may require, among other changes.

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Winter 2024 – Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Jacob Saltiel, Zoning By-law Writer and Interpretations Officer II
Jacob.Saltiel@ottawa.ca

Description

Snow Plow Contractors are one of the business groups that the City of Ottawa regulates through the Licensing By-law (No. 2002-189).

This by-law review will:

• Provide a comprehensive review and update of all existing regulations for snow plows
• Explore the use of broadband back-up alarms by private snow plow operators/licensees for certain vehicle types
• Report back on the findings of the metal driveway marker pilot
• Inform the Licensing By-law review, scheduled for 2026

Get involved

Public engagement on this review has ended. Visit the Snow Plow Contractor Licensing Review Engage Ottawa page for more information.

If you are a snow plow contractor, the City would like to hear from you. Please email bylawreviews@ottawa.ca to receive a link to the industry survey, which will be available until May 31st.

Reports

Fall 2024 – Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Public Policy Development Branch
613-580-2400 ext. 29529
BylawReviews@ottawa.ca 

Description

The Solid Waste Management By-law (No. 2012-370) regulates how the municipality manages waste and recycling collection, removal and disposal including:

• Service levels
• Fees
• Collection schedules for curbside collection
• Garbage limits
• Prohibited materials

This by-law review will include:

• A full review of all sections, schedules and provisions of the by-law
• Updates to reflect the new Curbside Waste Diversion Policy
• Updates to reflect the new provincial recycling program, also known as Individual Producer Responsibility, for blue and black box programs
• Updates to reflect the upcoming Solid Waste Mater Plan and any related component projects, following Council’s approval

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Fall 2024 - Environment and Climate Change Standing Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Andrea Gay Farley
613-580-2400, ext. 28121
andrea.gayfarley@ottawa.ca

Description

This review will consider:

• The impacts of the pandemic on Ottawa’s festival and event sector
• Requirements for smaller community-based events
• Ways to facilitate street events and food trucks
• Strategies to maintain public health and safety
• The prevention of harassment and nuisance behaviours
• Developing sustainable practices

A comprehensive review of both the Special Events on Public and Private Property By-law, administered by Emergency and Protective Services department, and Special Events on City Streets By-law, administered by Public Works, will enable staff from both departments to coordinate stakeholder and public engagement, research and other activities more efficiently.

Get involved

For public engagement activities, visit our Review of special event by-laws Engage Ottawa page.

Reports

Winter 2025 - Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

and Transportation Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Public Policy Development Branch
613-580-2400 ext. 29529
BylawReviews@ottawa.ca 

Description

Tow Service Operators, Tow Trucks Drivers, and Vehicle Storage Facility Operators were previously regulated by the  City of Ottawa through the Licensing By-law (No. 2002-189).

Since January 1 2024, the towing industry has been regulated by the Province of Ontario under the Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act, 2021.

Provincial regulations have replaced the City’s regulatory regime for this sector. 

This by-law review will:

• Assess the proposed Provincial towing rules and their impact the City’s existing towing regulations
• Make recommendations for any required changes to existing the Licensing By-law for towing
• Inform the Licensing By-law review, scheduled for 2026

Get involved

The consultation period is complete.

Reports

Winter 2024 - Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Public Policy Development Branch
613-580-2400 ext. 29529
BylawReviews@ottawa.ca 

Description

The Water By-law (No. 2019-74) regulates the municipal water supply.

This by-law review will:

• Consider updates to roles, responsibilities, and authorities
• Ensure that the by-law remains clear and reflects current operations

Get involved

No current public engagement events. Please check back later.

Reports

Winter 2024 – Finance and Corporate Services Committee

Note: All dates are subject to change.

Contact

Diane Lawson
613-580-2400, ext. 24234
diane.lawson@ottawa.ca