Carleton Heights and Area Residents Association is a volunteer-run community association. We work with residents, local business and City officials to grow a healthy, safe and engaged community.

The Skating Rink is Open!

The Michael Mack skating rink located at the Carleton Heights Community Centre is open! This includes the boarded hockey rink and the puddle rink. If the rink is in need of snow clearing, feel free to use a shovel on site.

Michael was passionate, loyal and dedicated to his community. He managed the outdoor rink for countless winters, expertly tending to the surface so families could enjoy ice throughout the season and create lasting memories. Sadly, Michael passed away on July 9, 2024, following a short illness.

Increase in Theft

Back in October, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) warned residents about an increase in distraction thefts targeting seniors across the city. Victims are often approached while out for daily walks, attending religious services, or in shopping mall parking lots.

These thefts often involve suspects approaching victims from a nearby waiting vehicle —usually seniors — under the guise of asking for directions or help, and then offering a “gift,” such as placing a necklace around the victim’s neck as a thank-you gesture. In doing so, the suspects discreetly remove the victim’s real jewellery.

This has recently occurred in Carleton Heights and surrounding areas.

How to protect yourself and others:

• Keep expensive or sentimental jewellery covered when out in public.
• Stay alert, especially in parking lots or quieter areas.
• Never let strangers touch you or place objects on you.
• Walk away and seek help if someone’s behaviour feels off.

If you or someone you know becomes a victim, call 911 immediately.

Thank you for looking out for one another. Stay safe.

More about CHARA

We monitor and report through monthly meetings and minutes, meetings on planning and development proposals, by-law changes and organizes events to bring our community together and support a healthy, safe and sustainable growing community. 

CHARA promotes and makes representation to authorities, for example, the City of Ottawa, the Planning and Housing Committee and the Committee of Adjustment on planning and development. Our association hosts an annual BBQ, holiday events, yard sales and is the main force behind the ever popular, community outdoor ice rink. CHARA depends on volunteers’ good nature (residents and businesses) in order to provide a safe and happy environment.

Our funding comes from contributions from the City of Ottawa, especially the rink, private donations and community events. 

News

We encourage residents to stay up to date on City of Ottawa events, surveys and consultations at ENGAGE OTTAWA.

Current Engagement Opportunities

New Zoning By-law The City of Ottawa has developed a new comprehensive Zoning By-law.

Residential Protective Plumbing Program (RPPP) and By-law Review The RPPP provides financial assistance for property owners to install protective plumbing devices that help reduce the likelihood of basement flooding and prevent storm water from entering residential properties.

Sewer Use By-law review The City of Ottawa is conducting a review of its Sewer Use By-law.

Climate Resiliency Strategy The City is developing a Climate Resiliency Strategy to assess how Ottawa is vulnerable to climate change.

Review of special event by-laws The City is reviewing the by-laws for celebration, recreation, or expression, and special events.

City of Ottawa Service Reviews The City of Ottawa welcomes new and innovative ideas to offer services in a different way or to be more cost-effective.

Affordable Housing We are looking for suggestions to help us meet our goal of creating a city that has affordable housing and is more liveable for all.

Connected city The City is working to increase connectivity, reliability, safety and accessibility to meet Ottawa’s mobility needs.