Social Planning Council of Ottawa

Today is the census deadline.
If you received your 2026 Census letter, please use your secure access code and complete it online today. It’s quick, confidential, mandatory, and essential for community planning.

Be counted. Be represented.

What is new in the 2026 Census?
The new long-form census helps tell the full story of our communities by including questions on general health, sexual orientation, and experiences of homelessness or housing instability.

This helps Canada better understand people’s real living conditions and plan stronger supports. When everyone is counted, communities are better supported. Complete the census and help build better data for better decisions.

Every community counts.
The 2026 Census helps ensure Ottawa’s diverse communities are reflected in planning, funding, services, and policy decisions. Census data shapes decisions about housing, transit, schools, health care, employment, seniors’ services, newcomer supports, and community funding.

Be counted. Be represented. Help shape Ottawa’s future.

Celebrating the people behind the work. 💛
Last week we marked Onisa’s birthday at the office and shared a sweet moment together as a team. Happy belated birthday, Onisa, and thank you for all that you bring to the team!!

The Social Planning Council of Ottawa is looking for visionary leaders to join our Board of Directors! If you’re passionate about community development and ready to lend your expertise to drive social change, we want to hear from you.

We are specifically looking for expertise in:

- Legal & Governance
- Human Resources
- Finance (CPA)
- Francophone Community Engagement

Ready to lead?
📩 Send your resume + a short letter of interest to [email protected].

On February 21st, we had the privilege of hosting the Youth Leadership for Change Showcase & Panel event dedicated to highlighting the power of youth-led impact in our community.

The showcase featured funded youth-driven initiatives addressing equity, inclusion, civic engagement, and social change. Our panelists shared thoughtful reflections on leadership, navigating systemic barriers, and building confidence in spaces where young voices are often underestimated.

The event was a strong reminder that meaningful community development must include, and be led by, young people. Their insights were innovative, solutions-oriented, and grounded in lived experience.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and uplifted the next generation of leaders. The momentum from this evening continues to inspire our work.

Youth leadership isn’t symbolic, it’s transformational.

From ideas to impact. 🚀
Last weekend’s Youth Leadership for Change forum celebrated youth-led projects from across Ottawa and created space for learning, networking, and future collaboration.
Special thanks to all the young leaders, partners, and community members who joined us and helped make it such a powerful day.

Help shape Ottawa’s community impact with your finance skills.

The Social Planning Council of Ottawa is hiring a part-time CPA Accountant / Bookkeeper (Consultant) to support budgeting, reporting, and CRA compliance for our programs (15-25 hrs/week, hybrid, $32-$35/hr, Ottawa).

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Send your resume to [email protected]