Recreation Registration

The start of a new year means that it’s time to start thinking about City recreation programs for the year to come. Take note of important registration dates below!

March Break Camps
Browse and favourite your March break camps now: register.ottawa.ca.
Online registration opened on Tuesday, January 21 at 9 pm

Spring Activity Registration
Spring activities will be visible online Tuesday, January 28
Tuesday, February 11: swimming and aquatics registration opens online at 9 pm
Thursday, February 13: recreation, arts and virtual activities registration opens online at 9 pm

Summer Camps
Tuesday, February 4: summer camps online for viewing
Thursday, February 27: online registration opens at 9 pm

Registration Tips

To create an account, visit register.ottawa.ca, submit your email address and create a password. Next, add your family members and be sure to save your credit card information when creating your new account. Adding these details in advance makes checkout much easier.

Once your account is setup, bookmark your preferred activities in a wish list for quick retrieval on registration night. Explore activities on register.ottawa.ca using sort filters, like time and day, age group, and language. You can also use the map function to look at options beyond your local recreation centre. Be sure to bookmark a few activities just in case your first choice is full.

For more information visit: Browse and register for courses and camps | City of Ottawa. Never miss a registration date and get the most up to date information. on City recreation and culture programs by subscribing to DiscoverRec.

Play Free Saturdays

Children and youth, age 17 and under, can take part in free drop-in swimming, skating and gym sports at City recreation facilities every Saturday in 2025.

These free drop-in programs on Saturdays continue to allow children and youth to participate in City programs and benefit from the associated health and social benefits of these activities.

In addition to Play Free Saturdays, the City also offers financial support through the Ottawa Hand in Hand participant subsidy program, to help to make recreation and cultural programming more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Here is more information on the free drop-in activities offered on Saturdays:

Drop-in swims

Free drop-in swimming sessions on Saturdays for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Fees still apply for wave swims.

View a list of recreation and community centres with pools.

Drop-in gym sports

Free for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Drop-in sports will vary by location and include activities like badminton, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and more. Fees still apply for specialized activities such as rock wall climbing and squash or racquetball.

View a list of all drop-in sports activities.

Skating

Free public and family skating sessions for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Fees still apply for specialty skates such as shinny hockey games, pick-up hockey games and figure skating.

View a list of facilities that offer skating.

Vacant Unit Tax Declaration

The City of Ottawa’s Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration portal is open.

The deadline to complete your declaration is Thursday March 20, 2025. A $250 late fee will be applied to all declarations filed after the deadline.

Complete your declaration form online here.

Roll numbers and access codes can be found on last year’s property tax bill or your VUT email or notice. My Service Ottawa users can go directly to their property tax account.

The City has set up declaration options for residents who require accessibility related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices.

Telephone options
* Call 613-580-2444 and select option 3 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone.
* Call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service

In-person option at Client Service Centres
City’s Client Service Centres can provide in-person assistance for completing the declaration. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations and appointments.