Here's what you need to know about City of Ottawa billing, tickets in event of Canada Post disruption

CTV News

16-05-2025

The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents to sign up for paperless billing, as the threat of a Canada Post strike or work stoppage hangs over mail delivery later this spring.
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have a May 22 deadline to reach an agreement and avoid mail delivery disruptions. Earlier this week, the Crown corporation temporary paused talks, saying it will 'allow Canada Post to focus on preparing comprehensive proposals aimed at moving discussions forward constructively.'
In a media release, the City of Ottawa warns postal disruptions beginning late next week could impact the delivery of paper bills and invoices, including the final property tax bill, water utility bills and red light and photo radar camera tickets.
The final property tax bills were mailed out between May 12 and 14, with a payment due date of June 19. The city says the payment due date will remain unchanged for water bills and property tax bills.
If you receive bills by mail, the city is recommending you sign up for paperless billing. To enroll in paperless billing, the city says you can create or log into your My ServiceOttawa account, navigate to view your Water Utility Bill or Property Tax account.
Here is a look at other city bills that could be impacted by a potential strike at Canada Post:
Parking tickets and provincial offence fines
For speeding tickets, bylaw infractions or other offences, the city says tickets can be paid online on the City of Ottawa's website or in person or by drop box at a Provincial Offences Court office.
Parking tickets can be paid at any Client Service Centre and drop boxes, by phone at 613-738-7719, or online through ottawa.ca/poa.
Collections
The city says defaulted Provincial Offences Collection Notices will be emailed where possible.
All newly defaulted fines will receive a phone call where possible and regular collection activities will continue.
Residents can pay online at www.ottawa.ca, in-person at the Provincial Offences Court office, by phone at 613-580-2638 or through pre-authorized debit.
General accounts receivable invoices
The city says accounts receivable invoices will be emailed where possible.
Employment and Social Services
Employment and Social Services' clients who would normally receive their payment from the City of Ottawa by mail, will be required pick up their cheque at their regular Employment and Social Service Centre. Visit www.ottawa.ca for more information.
OC Transpo
The city says the mail delivery of Presto Cards will be unavailable during a potential postal service disruption.
You can purchase a Presto card at ticket machines, the Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre and participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations.