Ottawa's city contracts report: $26,875 for OC Transpo Instagram reels among $1.28 billion in first-half spending
Ottawa issued $1.28 billion in contracts between January and June 2026, including $26,875 to help produce Instagram reels for OC Transpo's account, according to CTV News Ottawa.
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Ottawa issued $1.28 billion in contracts under its delegation of authority rules in the first six months of 2026, a biannual staff report headed for the finance and corporate services committee shows. CTV News Ottawa reported on the report November 2.
The report, which covers January 1 to June 30, will go to the committee on November 10, 2026.
OC Transpo spending
Transit Services spent $26,875 on professional services to help produce Instagram reels for the OC Transpo account, CTV News Ottawa reports. The OC Transpo account includes reels showing new electric buses, bus-only lane signs along Baseline Road and Heron Road, a mural in Rideau Station and content about a free transit weekend in September.
Transit Services also spent $29,200 on an advertising campaign promoting free youth fares on OC Transpo buses and the O-Train over the summer and fall, according to CTV News Ottawa.
For Canada Day and Bluesfest, Transit Services spent $130,400 on security services for crowd control and $99,500 to develop crowd management plans for O-Train stations.
A $2.3 million contract went for SmartBug wireless monitoring systems being installed on LRT vehicle axle bearings to detect faults early. CTV News Ottawa reports OC Transpo had ordered all trains on O-Train Line 1 to be equipped with the devices.
Other notable items
CTV News Ottawa reports these additional contracts:
- $93.4 million to MacEwen Petroleum for bulk diesel and gasoline supply on an as-needed basis, for up to six years
- $453,515 for 145 three-stream metal recycling receptacles for city parks and roads
- $1.5 million for waste diversion signs for the Solid Waste Services department
- $90,655 for market research to support a green bin public education campaign
- $37,320 for restoration and furniture installation in a 1920s caboose at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
- $799,920 for lawn bowling turf and lighting replacement at the Nepean Sportsplex
- $139,000 for advertising for the 2026 Downtown Ottawa Marketing Campaign
- $91,749 for a second downtown marketing advertising contract
- $99,890 for a nighttime economic impact study
- $40,000 for media training courses for city employees
What residents can do
The finance and corporate services committee meets November 10, 2026. Residents who want to follow the discussion or read the full contracts report can find the agenda at the City of Ottawa's meetings site at https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/.
Questions this story answers
What is Ottawa's delegation of authority contracts report?
The City of Ottawa issues a report twice a year listing all contracts the city awarded under its delegation of authority rules, meaning contracts signed by city staff without going to full council for approval. CTV News Ottawa reports the first-half 2026 report covers the period January 1 to June 30 and shows $1.28 billion in contracts. The report goes to the finance and corporate services committee on November 10, 2026.
What did Ottawa spend on OC Transpo social media?
According to CTV News Ottawa, the City of Ottawa's Transit Services department spent $26,875 for professional services to help produce Instagram reels for the OC Transpo Instagram account. CTV News Ottawa says OC Transpo's Instagram account includes reels showing new electric buses, bus-only lane signs and markings, a station mural and a free transit weekend.
What other OC Transpo contracts were in the report?
CTV News Ottawa reports that Transit Services awarded a $29,200 contract for an advertising campaign promoting free youth fares on OC Transpo. The department also spent $130,400 on security services for crowd control at Canada Day and Bluesfest, and $99,500 to help develop crowd management plans for O-Train stations. A $2.3 million contract was issued for SmartBug monitoring systems for LRT vehicles' axle bearing assemblies.
What other notable contracts did Ottawa award?
CTV News Ottawa reports: a $93.4 million contract to MacEwen Petroleum for bulk diesel and gasoline supply over up to six years; $453,515 for 145 three-stream recycling receptacles for parks and roads; a $1.5 million contract for waste diversion signs; $90,655 for green bin public education research; $37,320 to restore and install furniture in a 1920s caboose at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum; and $799,920 for lawn bowling turf and lighting replacement at the Nepean Sportsplex.
What is the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum caboose?
CTV News Ottawa reports a $37,320 contract was awarded for the restoration, fabrication and installation of furniture in a 1920s caboose at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, a City of Ottawa heritage site in Cumberland. The museum is part of the city's parks and culture facilities.
How much did Ottawa spend on Downtown Ottawa marketing?
CTV News Ottawa reports a $139,000 contract for professional advertising for the 2026 Downtown Ottawa Marketing Campaign and a second contract worth $91,749 for additional downtown Ottawa marketing advertising services. The Strategic Initiatives department also spent $99,890 for a nighttime economic impact study in Ottawa.
When does Ottawa's finance committee review the contracts report?
The report goes to the finance and corporate services committee meeting on November 10, 2026. Residents who want to follow the discussion or find the agenda can check the City of Ottawa's meetings site at https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/.
How many claims for pothole damage did Ottawa receive?
The contracts report is separate from the city's legal claims report, which also goes to the finance committee on November 10, 2026. The legal claims report covers personal injury and property damage settlements, including pothole claims. Residents can find both reports on the City of Ottawa's meetings site at https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/.
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