Hi Kelly,

The Ottawa Safety Council (OSC) is gearing up for winter, but first we had to end the spooky season right! Jamie Kwong, OSC Executive Director joined Safer Roads Ottawa at the annual Trick or Treat with the Mayor event on October 28th. Candy and safety gear was handed out to all the ghouls and goblins who stopped by.

Our Ottawa office had a BOOgie Brunch and costume contest with Sherry - aka Cruella DiVille - taking home top prize.

At intersections around the city our Crossing Guards got into the Halloween spirit! Take a look at a few of our favourites below!

CTV NEWS | Advocates call for safer roads after another pedestrian was killed in Ottawa

On Monday, November 6th, a 65-year-old pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle just around 8:40 p.m.

It's the fourth fatal collision in Ottawa involving a pedestrian in over a month, including a 61-year-old who was killed in Orléans the week before.

"As a motorist, we need everyone to slow down, be mindful of speed limits, be aware of their surroundings, ditch distractions, and give right of way to pedestrians and cyclists," said Ottawa Safety Council executive director Jamie Kwong.

Studies have shown that the average number of collisions rises during evening rush hour in the 30 days following the Day Light Savings. Stay ahead of the time change and be ready to make the switch safely with these road safety tips.

Here are Five Road Safety Rules for the end of Daylight Saving Time

And yet, 47% of Canadian drivers admit to using mobile phones while driving.

Driving free of distractions doesn't just make the road safer for you, it makes it safer for EVERYONE

So put the phone down, it's not worth the risks.

Transport injuries kill more children than any other cause of injury in Canada. Buckling up kids isn't enough - correctly installing your car seat or booster seat can literally save your child's life.

Here are 5 Mistakes you may be making with your car or booster seat:

OSC's BestFit Booster Program teaches children aged 6-8 to take an active role in their own safety and the safety of others by learning and speaking up about how to use a booster seat and vehicle restraints properly and safely.

In Canada, there are approximately 1,900 road fatalities and 150,000 injuries each year. With 90% of road collisions the result of human error, we have the power to make our roads safer for everyone. 

Take the Road SMARTS Pledge and promise to do your part to prevent road fatalities and create safer communities.

Winter is right around the corner, meaning soon the roads will be covered in ice and snow.

We know that bad weather is a recipe for accidents, so it’s more important during this time to drive safely and prepare for the worst. Here are some helpful tips!

BLOG | Winter Road Safety

Are you looking for a part-time job that makes a difference in your community? Whether you're a retiree, student, or anywhere in between, we want to hear from you!

Enjoy a work-life balance, meet new people, and be a part of a team of Crossing Guards who love their jobs - some have worked as OSC Crossing Guards for 20 years (and counting!)

CROSSING GUARDS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Barrhaven Center – Stonebridge

Barrhaven East – Chapman Mills

Blossom Park/Sawmill Creek

Carlington

Findlay Creek

Kanata North – Beaverbrook

Kanata North – South March/Morgan’s Grant

Kanata South – Bridlewood

Metcalfe

Old Ottawa South

Orleans Center – Chapel Hill/Orleans Village

Orleans East – Fallingbrook

Orleans South East – Avalon

Stittsville

The Glebe

Vanier/Cummings

Wellington West

Westboro

Woodroffe/Carlingwood

It’s almost that time of year when you put the bike away till after the winter. If you’re gearing up for one last ride of the season, it’s important to keep safety top of mind.

Here are a few things to remember before you set off on the final ride!

BLOG | The Last Ride of the Season

We're recruiting Volunteer MTP Instructors for the 2024 season!

Our Volunteer Motorcycle Training Program Instructors are experienced and dedicated riders with a passion for riding. Their love of riding and investment in teaching others how to ride safely, ensures our students have the best possible riding education.

The commitment:

Total time commitment for first year instructors is about 185 hours - this includes training and teaching time and First Aid (if required).

This time is split 45% training and 55% teaching.

After your first year, we ask for a minimum of 4 weekends a season.

We are thrilled to announce that Barb Mitchell is our Brockville Employee of the Month! Barb has consistently displayed remarkable dedication and enthusiasm for her role, making her an invaluable part of our team.

One of the standout qualities that makes Barb such a fantastic employee is her unwavering love for her job. She has repeatedly expressed her passion for the work she does, which not only brightens her day but also elevates the spirits of her colleagues and customers.

Not only does Barb excel in her performance, but she also brings an incredible sense of cheerfulness and friendliness to the workplace. Her positive attitude is infectious, and she consistently goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Barb's interactions with customers and colleagues alike create a warm and welcoming environment that leaves a lasting impression on those she encounters.

Thank you, Barb!

We are thrilled to announce that Amy Leslie Smith has been recognized as this month’s Ottawa Employee of the Month.

Amy's exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to her role as a Crossing Guard are truly commendable. Her ability to expertly manage both vehicle and pedestrian traffic is a testament to her skills and professionalism. Amy's calm and poised demeanor under pressure exemplifies her commitment to safety, and she consistently approaches her duties with the utmost respect and consideration for others.

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and responsible team member, and Amy's contributions play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our community.

Congratulations, Amy, on this well-deserved recognition!

November's Employee of the Month is our amazing Director of Programs, Kelly Banks!

Kelly has been with the OSC for over 8 years and in that time has made a huge impact. From initially managing our Crossing Guard program, to spearheading the RoadSMARTS4Kids program, and just a few months ago, facilitating our expansion into the City of Toronto. She has a positivity and willingness to support others that makes her a treasured friend and colleague to everyone who has the pleasure to work with her.

“Kelly is as warm, welcoming, and fun as it gets! Always open to new ideas, and always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, she was a major support to me during my first few months with the team. She goes above and beyond her day-to-day duties, often involving her entire family (including her adorable Corgie, Mikey!) in efforts to support our OSC programs!”

“Kelly is a pleasure to work with in the OSC office. She is always helpful and positive. Office days are even better when she brings her dog Mikey to visit.”

“Kelly has warmly welcomed me to the OSC team and made me feel so comfortable. She’s friendly, funny, and the way she talks about her son Corbie is the sweetest. You can tell he is a driving force behind her passion for teaching road safety to kids.”

Thank you, Kelly, for all you do for us!

Consider donating to the Ottawa Safety Council on Giving Tuesday!

How often do you or your loved ones use our roads (whether walking, driving or cycling) to get to school, work and play?

The Ottawa Safety Council is a registered charity focused on promoting social impact through education and engagement. Your donations support our road safety programs such as WalkSafe, BestFit Booster, and CycleSafe.

All donations through Canada Helps receive a tax receipt.