Ottawa Emergency Contacts & Home Resources
Essential emergency contacts and resources for Ottawa homeowners. Utility numbers, city services, and helpful links for home emergencies and maintenance.
Ottawa Emergency Contacts & Resources
Keep this page bookmarked for quick access to important numbers and resources when you need them most.
Emergency Services
Life-Threatening Emergencies
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police, Fire, Ambulance | 911 |
| Poison Control Centre | 1-800-268-9017 |
Non-Emergency Services
| Service | Number | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Police (non-emergency) | 613-236-1222 | Crime reporting, noise complaints |
| Ottawa Fire Services | 613-580-2424 | Fire prevention inquiries |
| Ottawa Paramedic Service | 613-580-2424 | Non-emergency medical questions |
| Telehealth Ontario | 1-866-797-0000 | Health advice (24/7 nurse) |
Utility Emergencies
Electricity - Hydro Ottawa
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Power Outages | 613-738-6400 |
| Outage Map | hydroottawa.com/outages |
| Report Hazard (downed wire) | 613-738-6400 |
| Customer Service | 613-738-6400 |
Tips:
- Report outages via phone or Hydro Ottawa app
- Check outage map before calling
- Keep flashlights and batteries accessible
Natural Gas - Enbridge
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Gas Leak/Emergency | 1-866-763-5427 |
| Customer Service | 1-877-362-7434 |
| Start/Stop Service | 1-877-362-7434 |
If You Smell Gas:
- Don't use electrical switches or phones inside
- Leave the building immediately
- Call Enbridge from outside/neighbor's house
- Don't re-enter until cleared
Water - City of Ottawa
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water Main Break | 3-1-1 |
| Sewer Backup | 3-1-1 |
| Water Quality Concerns | 3-1-1 |
| Water Billing | 3-1-1 |
Your Responsibility:
- Water service from property line to home is homeowner's responsibility
- Know your main shut-off valve location
- Report any water main concerns promptly
City of Ottawa Services (3-1-1)
Contact Options
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 3-1-1 (within Ottawa) |
| Outside Ottawa | 613-580-2400 |
| Online | ottawa.ca/311 |
| App | Ottawa 3-1-1 app |
| TTY | 613-580-2401 |
Hours: 24/7 for emergencies; regular hours 8am-5pm weekdays
What 3-1-1 Handles
Roads & Transportation:
- Pothole reports
- Street light outages
- Traffic signal problems
- Snow removal concerns
- Sidewalk repairs
Property & Bylaws:
- Bylaw complaints
- Property standards issues
- Noise complaints
- Parking complaints
- Zoning questions
Waste & Environment:
- Missed garbage collection
- Large item pickup
- Recycling questions
- Yard waste collection
- Hazardous waste disposal
Building & Permits
City of Ottawa Building Code Services
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| General Inquiries | 613-580-2424 ext. 28888 |
| buildingservices@ottawa.ca | |
| Address | 110 Laurier Avenue West |
| Hours | Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 4:00pm |
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Electrical Permits | 1-877-372-7233 |
| Website | esasafe.com |
| Report Unsafe Work | 1-877-372-7233 |
Consumer Protection
Ontario Ministry Resources
| Agency | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Protection Ontario | 1-800-889-9768 | Contractor disputes, scams |
| Ontario Business Registry | ontario.ca/business | Verify business registration |
| ServiceOntario | 1-800-267-8097 | General provincial services |
Better Business Bureau
| Region | Contact |
|---|---|
| BBB Ottawa | bbb.org/ca/on/ottawa |
| Phone | 613-237-4856 |
BBB Resources:
- Check business ratings
- File complaints
- Find accredited businesses
- Scam alerts
Home Warranty & Insurance
Tarion (New Home Warranty)
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Website | tarion.com |
| Phone | 1-877-982-7466 |
| File a Claim | Through Tarion portal |
Coverage: New homes in Ontario have mandatory warranty coverage through Tarion for up to 7 years on certain items.
Energy Rebates & Programs
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate
| Program | Contact |
|---|---|
| Rebate Information | enbridgegas.com/rebates |
| Phone | 1-888-427-8888 |
Available Rebates:
- Insulation upgrades
- Smart thermostats
- High-efficiency furnaces
- Water heater upgrades
- Air sealing
Canada Greener Homes
| Program | Contact |
|---|---|
| Greener Homes Grant | nrcan.gc.ca/greener-homes |
| Greener Homes Loan | nrcan.gc.ca/greener-homes-loan |
Available:
- Up to $5,000 grant for energy upgrades
- Up to $40,000 interest-free loan
- Requires EnerGuide evaluation
Emergency Preparedness
72-Hour Emergency Kit
Every Ottawa home should have supplies for 72 hours:
Essential Items:
- Water (4L per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Battery/crank radio
- Flashlight and batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Cash
- Important documents copies
- Phone charger (battery backup)
- Blankets
Know Your Shut-Offs
Document These Locations:
- Main water shut-off valve
- Electrical panel
- Gas shut-off (if applicable)
- Hot water tank shut-off
- Furnace switch
Emergency Plans
| Resource | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Ottawa Emergency Preparedness | ottawa.ca/emergencies |
| Get Prepared (Federal) | getprepared.gc.ca |
| Red Cross | redcross.ca |
Quick Reference Card
Print and post near your phone:
Emergency Numbers
- EMERGENCIES: 911
- Gas Leak: 1-866-763-5427
- Power Outage: 613-738-6400
- City Services: 3-1-1
- Poison Control: 1-800-268-9017
- Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
Keep this page bookmarked for quick access. Last updated December 2024.
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