All posts by Mackenzie Braithwaite

Attend the Service Canada Virtual Information Session on Federal Government Youth Initiatives

Service Canada is hosting an upcoming Virtual Information Session on Federal Government Youth Initiatives.

This session will highlight programs, resources, and opportunities designed to empower young people across Canada to engage in public service, leadership, and community development.

Date: January 29, 2026

Time: 09:00 a.m. to 13:45 p.m.

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (links below for registration)

Choose the session(s) that interest you, and register using the links provided.

Note: All sessions will run concurrently in French. If you wish to participate in the French sessions, please contact Service Canada to be forwarded the French registration links.

Accessibility Notice: If you require assistance or accommodations to participate in these sessions, please contact Service Canada in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

 

 

 

Find Your Local Community Health/Resource Centre

The Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa  is a collective of 13 community health and resource centres located throughout Ottawa.

Each community health/resource centre across Ottawa offers intake services, service navigation, and referral support to broader community services. Centres also offer specific supports and services to residents living in their specific catchment area, while some programming is offered to all residents regardless of address.

Use the Find Your CHRC tool to help locate your local community health/resource centre: https://coalitionottawa.ca/map/

 

 

The CHEO Research Institute/UOttawa are looking for volunteers in their “Leveraging the Tooth Fairy” Study

Help researchers at the CHEO Research Institute and UOttawa explore how mental health and oral health are connected. The study examines whether children with or without mental health challenges show differences in baby tooth mineralization.

You can help by donating your child’s baby tooth (fallen out or removed), and completing a short checklist if your child is between 5–17 years old.

Questions can be sent to ParLab@Dal.ca.

L’Arche Ottawa Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Information Sessions

L’Arche Ottawa is hosting two information sessions at Julian of Norwich Church Hall (9 Rossland Ave , Ottawa) that will combine simple, plain-language information about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) with time to connect, talk, and build community.
• English session: Saturday, January 17 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• French session: Saturday, January 31 from 2 – 4 p.m.
This gathering is for families, people with developmental disabilities, and the caregivers who support them.
Registration is required: Event Registration
Please send questions to: commlife@larcheottawa.org

March Break Camps List 2026

Ottawa has a wide range of March Break camps. We’ve put together a list of programs, organized by age group, to help you explore options.

These resources are shared for informational purposes only, and do not imply any endorsement or affiliation with SCS. Participation in these programs is optional, and families assume responsibility for their own involvement.

Legend: (FR) – Bilingual or French-only sessions

Resource Referral Program – Eastern Ontario Resource Centre (EORC)

The Eastern Ontario Resource Centre (EORC) – Resource Referral Program helps open doors to resources and advocacy assistance.

Services available include:

  • Medical transportation services
  • Crisis intervention
  • Nutrition and emergency food assistance
  • Baby supplies
  • Clothing
  • Utilities support
  • Settlement and immigration assistance
  • Legal aids
  • Housing supports
  • Employment assistance
  • Furniture
  • Mental health support
  • Seasonal programs, and more.

For assistance, please contact intake@eorc-creo.ca or call (613) 741-6025 (Ext. 230)

Weekly Youth Program – Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre

The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) Weekly Youth Program (ages 16-24) offers a fun and supportive space where youth can socialize, build confidence, and connect with their community.

Two-hour sessions occur every Wednesday, beginning on January 14, 2026, and includes interactive activities, skill-building, and group discussions to foster creativity, independence, and personal growth.

For more information, and to register, please contact peersuppot@oilrc.com

NEW Fee-for-Service Community Outreach Program – Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC)

The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) has launched a new community outreach program to support people with diverse disabilities engage in the community in group or one-on-one settings. It is a fun and social way to meet others, while discovering local spots around Ottawa.

Sessions begin on January 14, 2026, and are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a fee-for-service basis ($50 per day + associated cost for a 6-week registration).

This program is eligible for Passport funding.

For any questions, and to register, please contact Gina Varelas-Stapper gvaleras@oilrc.com.

 

Join Autism Ontario’s Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop (Weekly from Jan. 21 – Feb. 25)

Registration for Autism Ontario’s virtual Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop opens at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 12.

This virtual workshop is every Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning on Jan. 21 and ending Feb. 25.

Caregivers of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from ages 16-20 will get valuable information on:

  • Adult services
  • Funding
  • Supports
  • Key application deadlines
  • Decision making
  • Options after completion of high school
  • Employment
  • Advocacy
  • Mental health

To learn more and to register, visit: Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop (age 16-20) | Autism Ontario

Public Consultations for the 2026-2029 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan

The City of Ottawa is creating the 2026-2029 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan and they want to hear from you.

This three-year plan is a requirement under the Federal Government’s Accessible Canada Act, and includes ways in which OC Transpo will work to reduce or eliminate barriers people with disabilities face within public transit programs, services and facilities over time.

The City of Ottawa is seeking input about disability-related barriers experienced when accessing OC Transpo’s services, including conventional bus and rail services, and Para Transpo specialized services.

Public consultations will take place at these times:

  • January 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual on Zoom)
  • January 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (In-person at Ottawa City Hall)
  • January 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Virtual on Zoom)

Visit the Engage Ottawa page to find out more about how you can provide feedback.

For any questions, please contact the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Office.