practical and transportation information
PRACTICAL AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
ACCESSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Physically disabled drivers and / or passengers who have a valid Ontario Accessible Parking Permit ( which must be clearly displayed within the vehicle ) are entitled to special parking privileges .
Many OC Transpo city buses are fully accessible . Para Transpo buses are used to transport patrons who cannot easily access regular bus routes and many taxicabs are accessible and are marked with special license plates to indicate so .
Currently , over 800 signalized intersections are equipped with audible tone components throughout the city of Ottawa and the number continues to grow every year . All newly constructed intersections equipped with traffic signals are built to include all components of an Accessible Pedestrian Signal . Fitness , recreation , aquatic , and arts programs have recently been expanded and adapted to meet the needs of the disabled . Many city buildings are fully accessible .
See the city of ottawa website for more information on transportation and parking : www . ottawa . ca / en / residents / transportationand-parking
AREA The National Capital Region , also referred to as Canada ’ s Capital Region and Ottawa – Gatineau , is an official federal designation for the Canadian capital of Ottawa , Ontario , the neighbouring city of Gatineau , Quebec , and surrounding urban and rural communities . It consists of an area of 4,715 km2 ( 1,820 sq mi ).
BANKING Banking hours differ by bank and branch , but are generally the same as common working hours ( 9:00 a . m . to 5:00 p . m .). Some banks are open later on Thursday and Friday evenings or on weekends . Most businesses accept debit cards as a form of payment . Most major credit cards are accepted in Ottawa .
Automated Teller Machines ( ATMs ) are located in banks and in various other locations throughout the city . They are usually available during and outside of regular banking hours , although often with an additional service fee .
CURRENCY The legal currency is the Canadian dollar . Note that there are no $ 1 or $ 2 bills , but coins known as “ loonies ” ( because the reverse side features a bird called a Common Loon ) and “ toonies ” respectively . Currency can be exchanged at banks or at currency exchange stations . Some hotels and other merchants accept foreign currency , but it is recommended that visitors exchange currency before they arrive . Up-to-date exchange rates can be found at www . xe . com
DRIVING The major highways in the Ottawa area are the 417 ( also known as the Queensway ), 416 , 174 , 7 , 16 , and 31 in Ontario and the 148 , 50 , and 5 in Québec . When heading east on the 417 , the point at which the lanes split into two directions ( one continues east , the other becomes the 174 ) is commonly known as “ The Split .”
The speed limit on major highways ( 417 , 416 , 174 ) is 100 km / h ( approximately 60 mph ). The limit on other highways ( 7 , 16 , 31 ) and most rural areas is 80 km / h ( 50 mph ). In the city , the speed limit is generally 50 km / h ( 30 mph ) unless otherwise stated . The limit on the 148 in Québec varies between 50 , 70 , and 90 km / h . Please note that speed limits may temporarily change due to construction , always ensure to abide by the indicated speed limit .
Several streets in Ottawa , especially downtown , are one-way . Be aware of signs ( a white arrow on a black background ) that indicate a one-way street .
Some Ottawa streets have adopted second names . For example , Preston Street is also known as Corso Italia , and Gladstone Avenue is also called Via Marconi .
In Ontario and Québec ( except Montréal ), drivers are permitted to turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop unless otherwise signed .
DRIVING HERE Canada drive ( hrs ) Kingston , ON 2 Montreal , QC 2 Niagara Falls , ON 6 Quebec City , QC 5 Toronto , ON 4.5 Vancouver , BC
5 days united states drive ( hrs ) Boston , MA 7.5 Chicago , IL 13 Detroit , MI 8.5 New York , NY 8 Washington , DC 9.5
ECONOMIC DRIVERS Federal Government , High Technology , Tourism , Health , Biotechnology and Life Sciences , and Research and Development .
EDUCATION Universities : Carleton University , University of Ottawa , St . Paul ’ s University , and Université du Québec en Outaouais . Community colleges : Algonquin College , La Cité collégiale , and Dominican College .
ELECTRICITY Outlets and voltage ( 110 volts ) are the same as in the United States . For those from other countries , adapters are required for electrical appliances . The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz .
EMBASSIES AND HIGH COMMISSIONS Many foreign embassies are located in Ottawa . www . embassynews . ca / diplomatic
EMERGENCIES
• Emergency : 911
• Poison Information Centre : 613-737-1100
• Ottawa Fire Department : 613-580-2860
• Ontario Provincial Police : 1-888-310-1122
• Ottawa Police Service : 613-236-1222
HOLIDAYS Most businesses , government offices , banks and liquor stores are closed on the following days in 2017 :
• New Year ’ s Day ( Jan . 1 )
• Family Day , Ontario ’ s newest holiday ( Feb . 20 )
• Good Friday ( April 14 ), Easter Monday ( April 17 )— banks and government
• Victoria Day ( May 22 )
• St Jean Baptiste Day ( June 24 )— Québec
• Canada Day ( July 1 ) – in 2017 Canada Day falls on a Saturday , any business that would normally close on a Saturday will be closed on July 3
• Civic Holiday ( Aug . 7 )
• Labour Day ( Sept . 4 )
• Canadian Thanksgiving Day ( Oct . 9 )
• Remembrance Day ( Nov . 11 )— banks and government
• Christmas Day ( Dec . 25 )
• Boxing Day ( Dec . 26 )
LANGUAGES Almost everyone in Ottawa speaks English , while 30 % of residents have French as a first language and 20 % speak other languages , including Arabic , Spanish , Italian , Portuguese , Chinese , and German .
LIQUOR LAWS Ontario : Liquor Control Board of Ontario ( LCBO ) outlets are sales agents for wines , beer and liquor in Ontario . Wine and beer is also available in select grocery stores . Beer may also be purchased in Ontario at The Beer Store . Both LCBO outlets and Beer Stores are open daily , including some holidays . Drinking hours in bars and restaurants are from 11:00 a . m . until 2:00 a . m . The legal drinking age is 19 years . Québec : In Québec , wines and liquors may be purchased at Société des alcools du Québec ( SAQ ) outlets . Beer and some wines are available at grocery and convenience stores . The legal drinking age is 18 years .
54 Destination Planner ’ s Guide 2017 www . ottawatourism . ca