Weekly newsletter: March 31, 2026
Hi everyone!
It’s the last day of March already, or maybe finally, for some.
I got out last week to deliver some flyers – I got 32,000 steps per day over three days. My feet weren’t happy after the first day, but days two and three were fine. Very warm water does wonders.
Waste collection changes started this week
First week of new curbside collection schedule this week. Flyers with neighbourhood-specific information were distributed last week.
As communicated over the last little while, changes to the waste collection schedule began this week with the new curbside collection contract.
Most importantly, the weekly rotation between garbage/blue bin week and black bin week has changed to align Barrhaven with the rest of the city west of the Rideau River.
That means this week is paper recycling (black bin) week again.
For most of the ward, collection day is still Tuesday, while the Foxfield-Holitman neighbourhood has changed to Thursday to reduce out-of-service travel to cross the railway. See map above for more details.
To offset two weeks without garbage collection, the garbage limit will temporarily be increased to six items for the two garbage days in April.
As an extra offset, a garbage truck will be stationed at the Nepean Woods Park and Ride↗ (enter via Strandherd/Crestway) on Saturday April 4 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm for residents to drop off one bag of garbage. Proof of address in Barrhaven East will be required. Thanks to City staff for their help in setting this up!
Residents also expressed concerns about overflowing blue bins next week following two weeks without blue bin collection. Please note those materials may also be placed in a clear or blue plastic bag at the curb.
However, understanding it’s unreasonable to buy a whole box of bags to be used once, if you need one or two reply to this newsletter with your address, and they’ll be delivered over the long weekend. Barrhaven East residents only.
Flyers with neighbourhood-specific information and the first 10 weeks of the new schedule were also distributed last week.
Because we need to pile on even more, please note the Circular Materials app is inaccurate. Please refer to the City’s app or Ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar↗ for the correct schedule. We asked Circular Materials to correct their app five weeks ago.
Lastly, please note next week’s garbage, blue bin, green bin, and yard waste collection will be delayed by a day as Monday is Easter Monday; to Wednesday (April 8) for most of the ward, to Friday (April 10) for the Foxfield-Holitman neighbourhood.
Washrooms at Tunney’s Pasture
Likely to remain out of service for a while until a risk assessment is complete.
Some residents have reached out wondering why the washrooms at Tunney’s Pasture Station have been closed for so long and when/if they will reopen.
According to OC Transpo staff, the current prolonged closure of the washrooms at Tunney’s Pasture followed an investigation after needles were discovered placed in an intentional way that could cause harm to staff and customers.
Staff, LRT maintenance contractors, and special constables are completing a risk assessment and deciding on implementable measures like needle boxes, blue lighting, etc., and next steps before the washrooms can be safely reopened.
Unfortunately, OC Transpo’s washrooms are frequent targets of vandalism, drug use, and more. In one particularly severe case, the floor at Bayview Station washroom had to be excavated for major plumbing repairs after concrete was flushed into the toilet.
More information will be shared when available.
Bite-sized updates
Sorted alphabetically. New or updated items marked with an asterisk (*).
Beatrice/Queensbury (stop 3345) bus shelter – Installation tentatively scheduled for the spring.
Development application, 3400 Woodroffe↗ – The City received an application to construct 160 homes divided amongst stacked townhouses, back-to-back townhouses, and traditional townhouses. The developer is seeking rezoning to allow the desired density. Given public interest in the file, I am organising a public information session. Details to come.
*Easter weekend – Municipal services will be closed or have modified hours of operation on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday). Next week’s waste collection will also be delayed by one day. See Ottawa.ca↗ for full details. Quick links to modified hours for nearby recreation facilities: Walter Baker↗, Minto↗, Nepean Sportsplex↗.
*Income tax clinics – The Ottawa Public Library is hosting an income tax clinic at no cost for low/modest income families with simple tax returns for 2025. See BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca↗ for details and eligibility criteria. Personal income tax returns are due April 30.
Police office hours – South District officers are testing out open office hours as an added form of community outreach. Officers will be upstairs at the Walter Baker Sports Centre from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every other Thursday, with their next day on April 2. No registration or scheduling needed.
Recycling – Friendly reminder that all recycling inquiries, including service issues and replacement bin requests should be directed to Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or Area2@MillerWaste.ca. Garbage, green bin, and yard waste remain responsibilities of the city.
*Summer jobs with the City – Summer student job postings in parks and recreation are now live at Ottawa.ca/jobs↗. Please note some positions are restricted to post-secondary students, while others are open to all students.
*Transport Canada LED headlights survey – Transport Canada wants to learn how LED headlight glare↗ affects road users and what vehicle or lighting features may influence how people experience it at night. Their survey↗ closes on April 20. You may also email MVS-SA@tc.gc.ca directly, subject line “Headlight glare.”
Watershield neighbourhood street parking – Effective April 1 (tomorrow), the existing winter one-side parking restrictions will be extended to apply year-round. Signage on Cicely, Coralroot, Gentian, Springbeauty, Sweetflag, Tawyblade, and Watershield has been updated. Thank you to residents in the neighbourhood for the ongoing engagement on the issue over the last few years.
Enjoy your Easter long weekend, and happy Passover!
-Wilson