Why we act.
How we help.
What we use to get there.
We believe the most effective solutions come from conversations that bring people together, and we have built the tools to make that happen.
Why we act
The biosphere is under increasing pressure from human activity. We believe the most effective (and the most energizing) solutions come from conversations that bring neighbours together to produce good local change.
EcoCity Ottawa empowers ordinary people through community groups, businesses, schools, and local clubs. When you work together with the people, will, and energy in the room, magic happens. You can build a more sustainable future, right where you live.
How we turn ideas into action
We provide a space to create trust, talk openly, break out of silos, and get fresh input, turning ideas into action.
Our two tools of engagement are the Public Action Lab (PAL) and the EcoCity Project Library, designed to inspire people to try, adapt, and learn from community-led sustainability projects.
10 Themes of Sustainability
These Themes divide sustainability into understandable areas of action to help people work within their interest to identify issues, products and services and develop solution
Transportation
Travel in ways that are cleaner, safer, and better for the planet: biking, walking, and public transit.
Energy
Save energy and use clean sources like solar and wind to power our homes, schools, and cities.
Design
Create buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities that are good for people and the environment.
Habitat
Protect and restore natural spaces where plants, animals, and people can thrive together
Recreation
Enjoy and connect with nature through play, exercise, and outdoor activities.
Food
Grow, share, and eat food that is healthy for our bodies, communities, and the earth.
Natural Capital
Take care of nature's gifts (forests, rivers, and soil) because they support all life.
Waste
Reduce what we throw away, supporting less polluting and more effective waste management.
Health
Build healthy communities through clean air, water, green spaces, and active lifestyles.
Sense of Place
Feel proud of where you live, and strengthen community bonds by protecting local spaces.
Three Drivers of Change
The drivers provide the foundation for how communities organize, collaborate, and keep efforts moving forward. Your main interest might be in one of OBEC's themes, but the drivers help turn that interest into lasting community impact.
Social Capital
The people power of trust, relationships, and working together. When people know each other, share ideas, and support one another, it's easier to solve problems and take action. Proximity makes it possible. Connection makes it happen.
Governance
How decisions are made matters. Good governance means everyone has a voice: decisions are fair, open, and made together. When people feel included, communities plan better, act faster, and create lasting change.
Sustainable Economy
A healthy community needs an economy that works for people, local businesses, and the planet. A local, fair, and circular economy supports clean energy, local food, waste reduction, and thriving small enterprises, sharing opportunities fairly.
Tools of Engagement
EcoCity Ottawa offers two core tools to support community-led sustainability facilitating teamwork, learning, and action.
Public Action Labs
A space where grassroots community champions come together to turn conversations into action with fresh perspectives, good facilitation, and practical tools to co-create projects and see what's actually doable.
SPARK-PAL · Small
For people who want to turn a conversation into action. 1–2 short virtual sessions · 3–10 people Perfect for: community groups, garden starters, tool share initiatives, and more.
Engagement-PAL · Medium
For doing bigger projects than you can do on your own. 3–5 sessions, in-person and virtual · 10–20 people Includes: My Sustainable Business Path and Independent Community & Business Improvement Group formats.
Community Sustainability PAL
Large
Empowering neighbourhoods, schools, and large groups to turn sustainability goals into real-world outcomes. 1+ follow-up sessions · 15+ people Develops a Community Sustainability Plan (CSP): a locally grounded plan that builds a culture of sustainability.
EcoCity Project Library
Adopt-a-Ditch
Native plantings to manage rural roadsides and support biodiversity.
Electrical System Simulation (ESS)
A hands-on energy planning game that sparks discussion and collective decisions.
My Sustainable Business Path (MSBP)
Peer workshops that help small businesses plan and act on sustainability.
Pop-Up Demonstration Events
These are real projects opened to the public to demonstrate practical approaches to sustainability. Any organization willing to share its methods and results can develop a Demonstration Project.
Demonstration Projects motivate others by showing what can actually be done, complementing the effects of Community Sustainability Plans and the Project Library.
Electrical System Simulation
hands-on energy planning game.
Agricultural Biodiversity
hands-on energy planning game.
Apply for Project Consideration
Have an idea for a community sustainability project? We can help you shape it, support it, and share it with Ottawa.