What's New

Update January 2012  

New Research and Resources

1. Profile of Francophones in Ottawa

2. Profile of People with Disabilities in Ottawa

3. Resources for Planning from a Population Health Perspective 

Upcoming Activities

4. The next meeting for the English ethno-cultural coalition will be on Nov 11 2011

Social Planning Council News

          5. New job opportunity. SPCO  is looking to hire a project manager for our "Building Greener Futures Together" project  

6. Volunteer Opportunities

7. School Inclusion Award Given to Connaught Elementary Public School 

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New Research and Resources

1. Profile of Francophones in Ottawa

On November 9, 2010 we launched the Profile of Francophones in Ottawa (currently in French only) Representatives of various Francophone organizations, including French ethnocultural organizations, attended the event.  The report is complemented by a mapping supplement exploring the geography of the Francophone population in Ottawa. 

 Organizations interested in data on Francophones in their catchment area are encouraged to contact us to join the Community Information and Mapping System.

2. Profile of People with Disabilities in Ottawa

 On December 7, 2010 we launched the Profile of People with Disabilities in Ottawa at a meeting of community members and agencies who are active to increase inclusion for people with disabilities.  The study presents a portrait of disability in the City of Ottawa as reflected in the 2006 census.  An extended version is also available, which includes a mapping supplement exploring the geography of disability in Ottawa. 

3. Resources for Planning From a Population Health Perspective

On November 24 we held our annual consultation with the workshop “Population Health: From Principles to Practice.”   Planners, researchers and service providers from diverse organizations in the community attended the event.  Key issues highlighted in the workshop included:

. The importance of having good data

. Local resources and how thay complement each other: Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (a data source); THe Community Information and Mapping Systems (a tool to manipulate and compare data developed by the Social PLanning Council)

. Critical elements in population health planning 

The presentations from the workshops are available on our website.  This event was held in collaboration with the Child and Youth Health Network for Eastern Ontario, the Champlain LHIN Decision Support Network, Social Planning Council of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study. 

Upcoming Activities

 4. The next meeting for the ethno-cultural coalition will be on Nov 11 2011

The next meeting for the English ethno-cultural coalition will be on the 11 of November 2011 at the Bronson center from 6PM until 8PM. For more information please view our flyer or contact Hélène at heleneb@spcottawa.on.ca or 613-236-9300 ext. 300.

Social Planning Council News

5. New job opportunity 

    The Social Planning  Council of Ottawa is looking to hire a project manager for our "Building Greener Futures Together" Project. For information on the position please view the following Job Posting . This posting is published in English and French. 

6. Volunteer Opportunities

Please contact Hélène Bouchard at heleneb@spcottawa.on.ca or 613-236-9300 ext. 300 if you are interested in the following volunteer opportunities: 

                    . Helping with the English or Hrench Ethno-cultural Coalitions, particularly working with staff on outreach or notetaking for evening meetings.

                    . Developping marketing materials for a new and innovative service at SPC.

                    . Assisting with the fundraising committee

                    . Events Outreach

                    . Participating on a research committee to provide input on the design of community based research projects and evaluations

                    .  SPC would be very grateful to recive volunteer support from a community member with web and software development experience to assist with the development of an exciting new "Service Exchange". THe Ottawa Service Exchange is a web-based initiative that provides the infrastructure for community members to trade services and skills through an alternative currencies model.

                    . SPC is looking for community members with a background in or knowledge of marketing or communications to provide feedback on a consumer education & marketing plan for environmentally-friendly home renovations. A group discussion will take place over a nice meal and will provide much appreciated support to the Building Greener Futures initiative.

7. School Inclusion Award Given to Connaught Elementary Public School

On October 20, 2010 the Social Planning Council was thrilled to award the first annual “Smiling School Award” to Connaught Elementary Public School.  The Award recognizes a school which serves as an outstanding model of inclusion practices, particularly with respect to low income children, youth and families.  The award was presented to Ms. Irene Cameron, principal at the school, who has put in place an extensive array of inclusive policies, practices and initiatives to ensure all children have a great learning opportunity.  

The SPC initiated the award to recognize those who work for inclusion for children and youth in the education system, and to profile excellent models which other schools can adapt to their own school community.  Participants in the 2010 event also learned about persistently high child and youth poverty in Ottawa, as identified in a report on poverty by the Social Planning Council.    The award complements a resource manual prepared by a group of parents which lists activities parents can implement in their school or local recreation program to increase inclusion.