On October 2nd, City Council voted to amend Ottawa’s Idling Control By-Law. While it’s not all that we advocated for, the new by-law is a significant improvement over the old. The original 2007 by-law put no limits on how long a driver could idle their vehicle when the temperature was below 5° C or above […]
One of the most effective ways to drive climate action is engaging in meaningful conversations with your friends, family, and neighbours! After a major weather event like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton that just hit millions of people in Florida, people want to understand what's happening around them. This presents an opportunity to help them […]
In October 2024, CAFES started a new volunteer Working Group: Groupe Thermo-Pompe! This group shares information, increases community education and awareness, and scales-up our advocacy efforts on the climate benefits of installing heat pumps in buildings. Call Out: We are looking for residents who currently have a heat pump installed in their home and are […]
Recent research from the HEAL Study by the Green Heart Louisville Project has revealed that living in a tree-filled neighbourhood can reduce risks for heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. The HEAL study conducted a clinical trial to follow 750 people from low-middle income neighbourhoods in South Louisville Kentucky, taking samples to investigate […]
CAFES has published version 3.0 of our Position Paper on Trees and the new Zoning By-law. CAFES began working on this position paper in November 2023 with an experienced volunteer working group, with the intent to inform the City's New Comprehensive Zoning By-law with evidenced-based research that demonstrates the necessity for zoning policies to regulate the space […]
On October 1st 2024, CAFES gathered at Knox Presbyterian Church with fellow environmental organizations to celebrate the Mayor of Ottawa's proclamation of "National Seniors for Climate Day", presented by City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Laine Johnson. The day was hosted by Ken Johnson, and organized by SCAN! (Seniors for Climate Action Now), the Council of […]
The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm have published a new book, entitled Pathways to the Trees at the Central Experimental Farm, showcasing the Farm’s remarkable collection of trees in the Arboretum, the Farm’s main campus, and its Merivale Shelterbelt. The acquisition of trees from across Canada and around the world, along with research into […]
From November 1st to 3rd, CAFES member Ottawa South Eco-Action Network (OSEAN) will collect carved and intact pumpkins in Ottawa South and distribute them to local farms and food centres. This will help fill the bellies of humans and animals, combating food insecurity and giving carved pumpkins a second purpose. Last year, the OSEAN team diverted more than […]
CAFES member In Your Nature is an initiative that aims to spark connections between individuals and environmental organizations. Their mission is to streamline the process for individuals to find and engage with environmental and sustainability-focused organizations. Are you part of an environmental organization that's looking to connect with passionate people and expand your engagement? List […]
The City of Ottawa is still working on developing a Climate Resiliency Strategy to guide how Ottawa can prepare for and respond to the anticipated impacts of climate change. We are now expecting the strategy in 2025. Ottawa is anticipated to become much warmer and wetter over the coming decades, with more extreme heat days, […]
