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OttaTalk

OttaTalk

City of Ottawa 17 Episodes Aug 31, 2026

OttaTalk is the official podcast of the City of Ottawa, featuring City staff and residents discussing municipal programs, projects, and initiatives that affect daily life. Episodes explore topics such as emergency services, garbage collection, and nightlife in Ottawa. Listeners learn answers to questions like why there is a three-item garbage limit, what a typical day is like for an Ottawa paramedic, and what a Nightlife Commissioner does. New episodes are planned monthly.

Episodes

What happens behind the ballot box?
What happens behind the ballot box? Aug 31, 2026 1156 When most people think about elections, they think about candidates, campaigns and Voting Day. But have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to make an election possible?On the latest episode of OttaTalk, Ottawa City Clerk Caitlin Salter-MacDonald takes us behind the ballot box to explore the planning, people and processes that help make our Municipal elections happen. From recruiting
How can we Party Safer, Ottawa?
How can we Party Safer, Ottawa? Jul 30, 2026 1495 Today, we sit down with Ottawa Public Health to talk about partying safely – and why it’s so important. Whether you’re dancing at the club or grilling at a backyard bash, look out for yourself and others. On the latest episode of OttaTalk, Public Health Nurses Élisabeth Bélanger Hardy and Megan Francoeur share the tips that everyone should know before, during, and after a night out, party or event
How are you protecting your family from fire?
How are you protecting your family from fire? Jun 26, 2026 936 Today, we are going on a home inspection with Ottawa Fire Services. Together, we’ll go from room to room looking for fire hazards and sharing safety tips. Today’s host is Shirley.On the latest episode of OttaTalk, we speak with Fire Prevention Officers Leanne Labbee and Andrew Watson about how we can prevent fires in our homes – and what to do if there is one.Listen now and follow along in your ho
What are we watching tonight, Ottawa?
What are we watching tonight, Ottawa? May 19, 2026 1471 Today, we are going to the movies. Or, more specifically, the movies are coming to Ottawa – along with television, commercials and other productions filmed right here in our city. Today’s hosts are Mike and Erin.On the latest episode of OttaTalk, we speak with Ottawa’s Film Commissioner, Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, about why Ottawa is a world class location for on-screen productions.Listen n
Is there going to be a flood this spring?
Is there going to be a flood this spring? Mar 31, 2026 1585 It's time to launch Season 2 of the City of Ottawa’s official podcast and we OttaTalk about the City’s Spring Freshet Taskforce.What’s a freshet? It’s the annual spring snowmelt and rainfall that flows into rivers and creeks, raising water levels and increasing flood risk. Listen now to find out how the City works to monitor, prepare, inform and respond during the spring freshet.Today, we’ll
Was Ottawa in 1826 just like the Wild West?
Was Ottawa in 1826 just like the Wild West? Feb 27, 2026 1037 In case you haven’t heard, Ottawa is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. This got us to thinking that we OttaTalk about what Ottawa was like in 1826 when it was founded as Bytown.  City Archivist Paul Henry will tell us stories that make Ottawa in its infancy sound more like the wild west than the cosmopolitan world class capital it is today. What was the Stony Monday Riot all about and w
What's new at my recreation centre?
What's new at my recreation centre? Jan 19, 2026 1542 Looking to stay or get fit with activities that are affordable within your budget? On the newest episode of the City’s official podcast, we OttaTalk about the City’s new My Rec Pass.Listen now: Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Today, we’ll talk with Chantal Laporte, Program Manager with Recreation, Culture and Facility Services. She will discuss how the new My Rec Pass makes it easier than ever to s
When is my bus coming?
When is my bus coming? Dec 19, 2025 2515 Attention all transit nerds! In the latest episode of the City’s official podcast series, we OttaTalk about the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC). This is the communications nerve centre between rail and bus operations, Para Transpo operations, the Special Constables Unit, City operations and more.  If you ever wonder how the City’s transit system runs behind the scenes 24/7, the TOCC is th
When is my plow coming?
When is my plow coming? Nov 28, 2025 1383 If you have ever looked out your window and wondered, “when is my plow coming?” you’re not alone. On the newest episode of the City’s official podcast, we OttaTalk about how the City responds when the snow starts to fall.Today’s guest is Richard Leight, a Zone Supervisor with the Public Works Department. Join our hosts as they get an inside look at the City’s winter operations, including all the d
How much is all this going to cost?
How much is all this going to cost? Oct 15, 2025 2374 It’s budget season at the City of Ottawa. Actually, it’s always budget season. To find out what we mean, tune in to the eighth episode of the City’s official podcast series where we OttaTalk about the budget process. How is it created? How can your feedback influence the bottom line? Today’s guest is Cyril Rogers, the City’s Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of the Finance and Corporate
What has the Zoning By-law ever done for me, anyway?
What has the Zoning By-law ever done for me, anyway? Sep 23, 2025 1320 Welcome to the seventh episode of OttaTalk, the City of Ottawa’s official podcast. Today, we OttaTalk about the new Zoning By-law, what it is, how it works, and how it will lead to more affordable housing choices in Ottawa. Today’s hosts are Mike and Chloé.We talk with Carol Ruddy, Program Manager, Zoning & Intensification with the City’s Planning Development and Building Department. We’ll hea
How can we resolve homelessness?
How can we resolve homelessness? Aug 21, 2025 1698 Welcome to our sixth episode, where today we OttaTalk about about people experiencing homelessness. Who are they and what is being done to help them? We’ll talk with Kale Brown, Director of Housing and Homelessness at the City of Ottawa, to find out more about housing and homelessness and how it affects residents in Ottawa. Today’s hosts are Sébastien and Shirley.Links for this episode are: 10-Yea

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