Rats

While rat activity may feel like a localized problem, recent data shows this is a city-wide issue affecting residents in nearly every ward across Ottawa. Service requests related to rat sightings and infestations continue to rise, underscoring the need for a coordinated, city-wide response. As your councillor, I’ve been actively pushing for stronger collaboration among departments and elected officials. I’ve also been pressing Councillor Riley Brockington — who chairs the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee and is actively involved in the City’s Rat Mitigation Working Group — to bring forward a clear and actionable plan to eliminate rats and tackle this crisis head-on. With rats being a concern in nearly every neighbourhood, we can’t afford to wait. We need a serious, city-wide strategy that goes beyond small fixes and delivers real results.

I’ve always been vocal about the need for a serious approach to rat prevention and extermination. This is not new for me — I’ve been advocating on your behalf and speaking up in the media to make sure this issue stays front and centre at City Hall. Here are a few recent stories that highlight both the scale of the issue and my continued push for action:

• Ottawa’s rat problem isn’t going away — here’s what some say needs to be done (CBC News)

• Rats! Ottawa Has Rats. Lots Of Them (Bulldog Ottawa)

• Ottawa’s massive rat problem subject of new working group (Ottawa Citizen)

The graph below illustrates just how widespread the issue has become — reinforcing why we need unified, city-wide action to stop rats in their tracks.

Managing Rats in Our Community

Rats can be a nuisance, causing significant problems, from property damage to spreading contamination and health risks. Managing and preventing rat activity is a shared responsibility within our community to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

Recognizing Signs of Rats

Rats often leave subtle signs of their presence. Be on lookout for these clues to take action quickly:

• Droppings: Typically found near foundations or secluded areas, around 1cm in size.
• Burrows: Fresh digging around foundations or walls, indicating nesting activity.
• Gnaw marks: Visible damage on wood, concrete, or other materials, particularly where food or water is accessible.
• Runs or pathways: Smooth, worn paths along walls, often near stored items.
• Smudge marks: Greasy stains left along walls from frequent rat movement.

Rat Prevention Tips for Our Community

Preventing rats on your property is essential. Maintaining good property standards, removing food sources, and eliminating shelter for rats are key steps in keeping them at bay.

A clean organized environment plays a vital role in keeping rats away. Here are some helpful tips to deter the rats:

• Use rodent-proof containers for your garbage.
• Clear away clutter where rats might hide.
• Ensure there are no food sources left out.
• Secure your green bins properly.
• Clean around bird feeders to minimize potential attractants.

A Message From Your Councillor

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you who has reached out to my office regarding the growing rat issue in our neighbourhood. Your reported observations are vital in helping us understand the scope of the problem and take appropriate action.

I want to assure you that I am fully aware of the severity of the rat problem in our community. Last year, I submitted a formal inquiry to City staff specifically addressing this issue in our ward. Their response detailed the City’s approach to managing rat-related concerns:

• Service Requests: The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health respond to rat issues through service requests submitted via 3-1-1.
• Investigation of Private Property: By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) investigate reports of rodent activity on private property in accordance with the Property Standards By-law.
• Prevention Resources: City staff provide valuable resources to assist residents in preventing and addressing rat infestations, including guidelines on proper food storage and waste management.

Together, we can work toward effective solutions for our community. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.

For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit the following resources:

• Ottawa Public Health – Rat Control
• Rodent Control Guide (PDF)

Open communication is essential as we work together to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents. I encourage you to continue sharing your experiences and observations, as your input will guide our efforts to find effective solutions.

What You Can Do

To help us track the situation more accurately, I ask that if you see a rat, please email rats@ottawa.ca and cc me at Tim.Tierney@ottawa.ca. Your reports are crucial in understanding the full scope of the issue, which in turn helps us advocate for timely and effective solutions.

If you’re experiencing a rat infestation, contact a private pest control service to address the

Next Steps and Ongoing Efforts

The City has reestablished an internal Rat Mitigation Working Group that includes representatives from multiple departments like Emergency and Protective Services, Infrastructure and Water Services, Ottawa Public Health, and others. This team is focused on coordinating efforts and ensuring a streamlined approach to tackling the rat problem. 

I’m also pushing for faster enforcement of by-laws on both personal and condominium properties, as this is a major area of concern.