WHERE OTTAWA’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY
CONNECTS AND ACTS TOGETHER
Ottawa Municipal Candidates Renewables-Ready Pledge
CAFES and Environmental Defence Canada are asking Ottawa municipal election candidates to sign the Renewables-Ready Pledge — a commitment to give Ottawa clear, transparent rules for hosting responsible wind, solar and battery storage projects, and to say no to new gas-fired power generation in the city.
Upcoming Green Drinks: Thurs October 15 – Doing Good Work!
Wed Oct 7 Free Event for Seniors: Extreme Weather and You
Green Reno – Work on your game plan – Free Info Sessions Sat Oct 24
About CAFES Ottawa
CAFES is Ottawa’s collaborative network for environmental sustainability, active on unceded Algonquin territory. Our growing community connects all in our city who share a common cause, from neighbourhood associations and environmental organizations to citizens’ groups and like-minded individuals.
Together, we take action toward a greener, healthier city for everyone: building cross-sector relationships, supporting local environmental initiatives and leadership, and uniting our voices to advocate for the needs of our communities.
If you are interested in getting involved, here’s how:
The Latest
News
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McCarthy Woods – Updates and New Petition
As many of you may know, between 2025 and 2026, there has been an uproar…
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Our Pension, Our Questions: Why Ottawa Needs to Show Up on Thurs Oct 8
Guest blog for CAFES:By Cheryl Randall What would you ask the people investing your retirement…
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Sign Up for CAFES Tree Planting – Saturday Oct 17
Join CAFES and the Mechanicsville Community Association on Saturday, October 17 2026 from 10:00 am –…
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Ottawa Municipal Candidates Are Signing the Renewables-Ready Pledge!
CAFES and Environmental Defence Canada are asking Ottawa municipal election candidates (Mayoral and Ward) to…
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CAFES busy in the community in August and September!
CAFES attended a number of summer BBQs, community fairs, parades, gatherings and tabling events between…
Events
- Saturday, 10 October 2026
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- When:
- 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Where:
- Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Circular FairWhen: Saturday, 10 October 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
October is Circular Economy Month- Circular Fair
Saturday, October 10
10 am to 2 pm
Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
Discover practical ways to reduce waste through repair, reuse and sharing, including a Repair Café, clothing drop-and-swap, and other community-driven circular economy activities.
Learn more about Circular Economy Month and explore waste reduction events and resources available throughout the year. -
- When:
- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Where:
- Anabia Cupcakery Cafe, 3570 Strandherd Dr., Nepean, Ontario, K2J 5L4, Canada
EVCO Kilowatts & CoffeeWhen: Saturday, 10 October 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Anabia Cupcakery Cafe, 3570 Strandherd Dr., Nepean, Ontario, K2J 5L4, Canada
Come hang out at our (almost) weekly casual Saturday morning coffee social event. Talk EVs, all things environmental, or anything else! Come check out some cool cars and enjoy a warm beverage. No EV required!
All are welcome!
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- When:
- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Where:
- Riverside United Church, 3191 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 8N8, Canada
Ottawa Organic Farmers MarketWhen: Saturday, 10 October 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Riverside United Church, 3191 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 8N8, Canada
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- Tuesday, 13 October 2026
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- When:
- 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Webinar: Cities For EveryoneWhen: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
check out free bi-weekly webinars from Cities For Everyone
https://cities4everyone.ca/webinar/ -
- When:
- 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm
Online: Eastern Ottawa Urbanism ClubWhen: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Where:
Eastern Ottawa Urbanism Club
Last Modified:
If you want to be part of the conversation and stay updated on ongoing discussions and meeting times, please join the mailing list or send an email using the links below:
Our ‘kick-off’ meeting is March 3rd at 12:15 PM. Weekly meetings will follow. Get the invite below.
This year, we are starting the Eastern Ottawa Urbanism Club, a dedicated time and place for east Ottawa residents who are interested in discussing how our community is built, how it moves, and how we can make our neighbourhoods more financially and socially resilient. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or just curious about why our streets look and feel the way they do, this is a low-pressure way to connect with others who care about the future of the east end.
Our primary way of keeping in touch is a weekly virtual roundtable meeting held during the Tuesday lunch hour (12:15 PM on Tuesday is tentative until we establish it works for people)—perfect for a quick mid-week check-in on any local projects and policy discussions. To keep things grounded in the real world and to get to know each other, we also aim to meet up in person for lunch or an evening drink and/or chat every 4 to 6 weeks.
I would also invite you to share ongoing projects or issues that might be relevant to the group in The New Orleans Forum.
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- When:
- 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Council of Canadians Ottawa Chapter - monthly meetingWhen: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where:
for more information about this zoom meeting, contact ottawa.cofc@gmail.com
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- Wednesday, 14 October 2026
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- When:
- 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
- Where:
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638, 70 Hines Rd, Kanata, ON K2K 3E7, Canada
In-Person: What is a Circular EconomyWhen: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638, 70 Hines Rd, Kanata, ON K2K 3E7, Canada
CFUW Kanata Environment Matters
Wed. Oct. 14, at 1:00 p.m.
The Kanata LegionNon-Members are most welcome to attend this meeting.
Please contact info@cfuwkanata.ca to register (No admission fee)
What is a Circular Economy?
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- Thursday, 15 October 2026
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- When:
- 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Where:
- Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1, Canada
Green Drinks OttawaWhen: Thursday, 15 October 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Sala San Marco, 215 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1, Canada
Green Drinks - Doing Good Work, with Peter Blanchard of GoodWork.ca
How do we work for a better world? And how do we put our skills and energy where they actually matter?
This month's Green Drinks is hosted with our new sponsor, Peter Blanchard, founder of GoodWork.ca, Canada's green and social jobs board. Peter walked away from an unsatisfying job at an IT company, travelled the world on a shoestring, and came home to build a social enterprise that does good and pays the bills.
Peter will share his story briefly, then it's over to you. Around your table, you'll swap ideas and daydreams on how each of us can do more "good work," whether that's a new job, a volunteer role, starting something of your own, or shifting what you already do. Each table will share one highlight with the room.
Whether you're job hunting, restless in your current role, or just curious, come for the conversation and stay to connect. Plenty of open networking time before and after.
📅 Thursday, October 15, 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street
🍕 Pizza is on us!Free, but please RSVP so we can order enough pizza. (Donations welcome).
Green Drinks Ottawa is presented by CAFES (Community Action for Environmental Sustainability). Celebrate wins, inspire action, and foster collaboration.
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- Friday, 16 October 2026
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- When:
- 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Hole digging party to prep for tree planting!When: Friday, 16 October 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where:
Join CAFES and the Mechanicsville Community Association on Friday October 16th from 2-4pm to get a head start on digging holes at Tunney's Pasture to prep for the big community tree planting event that is happening the next day on Saturday October 17th at 10am.
A few of us will be gathering with shovels to dig as many holes as possible to make it easier for volunteers coming to the tree planting on the follow day. No experience needed - maybe just some strength and energy!
The planting site is in the field between Goldenrod Driveway and Kitchi Zibi Mikan, across from 'Lot 63" by the Brooke Claxton building at Tunney's Pasture. You can park in this lot and walk over.
If interested, email Erica at eshardlow@cafesottawa.ca
Please dress for being outdoors the entire time - wear long pants, long socks, and boots or running shoes. Hats, sunglasses and water are recommended.
WANT TO COME TO THE TREE PLANTING EVENT? - See details on our calendar on Sat Oct 17 and REGISTER HERE
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