Announcement: Ottawa Rural Summit 2024

We are excited to announce that the Ottawa Rural Summit 2024 will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at Sir Robert Borden High School (131 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8R1). This year’s event builds upon the feedback we received from rural residents through our engagement activities, including ward workshops and the rural survey. We have heard your concerns, and now is your chance to collaborate with us on potential solutions, action items, and next steps that will improve the quality of life for rural communities across Ottawa.

Why You Should Attend

This is your opportunity to move from discussion to action. The summit is designed to provide a platform for residents to work directly with Councillors and the Mayor to develop innovative ideas to address key issues affecting rural life. Whether you attended a workshop, completed the survey, or are joining the conversation for the first time, this summit will focus on transforming your input into tangible solutions.

Event Highlights

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024

Location: Sir Robert Borden High School, Ottawa

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:15 PM

Agenda:

9:00 AM: Doors open for mingling and refreshments

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Introduction remarks, including presentations from the Mayor and Councillors on feedback they've received so far regarding various city services such as governance, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and community services.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Breakout sessions on key topics including:

• Transportation, Transit, and Infrastructure
  • Potential Topics: Road maintenance and upgrades, winter road maintenance, traffic issues, pedestrian infrastructure, truck traffic, traffic control devices, public transit, ditches, culverts, drainage, stormwater, other capital investments and assets.
• Environment and Agriculture
  • Potential Topics: Watercourses and conservation authorities, solid waste (garbage), farming and agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, natural heritage (wetlands, forests), noxious weeds
• Community and Social Services
  • Potential Topics: Parks and recreation facilities, emergency services (police, paramedics, fire), road safety, seniors issues, youth issues, vulnerable communities, affordable housing, health, mental health, community centres and programming, social services
• Planning and Economic Development
  • Potential Topics: Official Plan, Secondary plans, zoning, village growth, BIAs, local commercial activity, preserving rural culture
• Governance
  • Potential Topics: Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee mandate, budget processes, rural affairs office, consultation, engagement and communications, accountability, red tape / efficiency, 3-1-1 services, client services,

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Catered lunch and further engagement with Councillors. It is important to register to ensure we have the right amount of food available for everyone.

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM: Closing remarks outlining next steps and timelines for final reports, followed by a celebration of rural communities with light entertainment.

The Rural Summit is a unique opportunity to learn more from and engage directly with city leadership. Your ideas will influence decisions that shape rural governance, services, and infrastructure to better serve rural areas. Your voice matters, and together we can create positive change.

Register now for this amazing event here and secure your spot at the Ottawa Rural Summit 2024, and to ensure you are included in the catered lunch count. You can also register by calling 613-580-2424 Ext. 70179.

We look forward to seeing you there!