Living in Ottawa: city services, cost of living, jobs, health and housing
This hub covers daily life in Ottawa, a city of 1,017,449 (2021 Census): city services, garbage day, cost of living, jobs, health care, homes and 28 ranked service and shopping lists.
68 built lists. 6,781 list records. Data: . Method
Wondering if it's a blue box or black box week? Start with the garbage and recycling schedule. Need a trade? Ranked lists cover mechanics (503), HVAC (120), electricians (83) and plumbers (78). Moving? Movers (120) sits next to houses for sale by neighbourhood in Orleans, Stittsville, Greely and Riverside South.
Questions
When is garbage day in Ottawa?
Green bins go out weekly, garbage every two weeks, and blue and black boxes on alternating weeks. The schedule section has the details.
How do I reach city services?
Through 311, the City of Ottawa's line for city services. The 311 section covers what it handles.
Which service list is the biggest?
Mechanics, with 503 ranked shops, then hair salons (498) and barbers (279). Hardware stores is the smallest at 7.
How are the service lists ranked?
Score = (v/(v+m))*R + (m/(v+m))*C weighs each rating against the Ottawa-area average by review count. Data pulled 2026-10-29, refreshed every 90 days.