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.

Save the Date: Community BBQ

The 2026 Community BBQ is taking place on Tuesday, June 23 from 5:00pm-7:30pm. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring this event, please email info@ourchara.ca.

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.