Media Releases

Thursday, January 22 at 8:00am until 3:00 pm Isabella Street between Moffat Street and Doran Street will be closed for pole replacement. Only emergency services vehicles and local traffic will be permitted in this location.

The City of Pembroke asks that drivers respect the posted construction signage at all times. Some delays can be expected.

The travelling public is encouraged to use alternate routes.

You are reminded that businesses within the construction zone remain open for business and the many business owners would be happy to serve you.

We thank you for your patience as the City of Pembroke continues to improve out infrastructure.

Commencing at 8:00am on Wednesday January 21^st, 2026 until 3:00 pm, Maple Avenue between Pembroke Street East and Supple Street will be closed to traffic to facilitate pole replacement works. Closures will be effective during the working hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm. Road will be opened to traffic after 3:00pm.

Local Traffic and Emergency Vehicles will be permitted within the closure.

Some delays can be expected. The travelling public is encouraged to use alternate routes.

The City of Pembroke asks that drivers always respect the posted construction signage.

You are also reminded that the businesses within the construction and detour zones remain open for business and the many business owners would be happy to serve you.

Environment Canada has issued a Snowfall Warning. Snow is expected to continue to fall into Thursday evening with amounts near 10-15 cm with slippery roads and poor visibility in areas of heavy and blowing snow.  Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

As per Regulation 239/02 of the Municipal Act 2001, The City of Pembroke is declaring a significant weather event affecting all roads within the City boundaries, due to the forecast for significant snowfall, a long-duration snow event, and strong wind gusts.

This declaration of a significant weather event is not notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure.  It is to notify the public that due to the current or forecasted conditions, caution is to be observed when travelling on roads maintained by the City of Pembroke.  It may take longer than usual to bring the roads and sidewalks back to optimal conditions.

The City of Pembroke Operations Department would like to remind residents:

·       Winter parking restrictions are in effect.  Please keep cars parked in driveways during this event and after the snow stops, so as not to impede snowplowing operations.  Offending vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense without notice.

·       Please ensure that garbage and recycling bins are kept 5 to 6 feet back into driveways so that they are not hit or knocked over by the plowing operations.  Plows will not be able to move over for garbage or recycling containers left in the roadway, as they must maintain roadway width.

· This is a long-duration event with significant snow and drifting forecasted.  Please have patience, and if possible stay off the roads during and immediately following the event so that City staff can efficiently clear the streets and sidewalks.

The City Operations department asks residents to have patience during and after this event.  Staff will be working diligently to keep main roads open during the storm, and then the focus will shift to opening residential streets as soon as possible.  With the volume of snow forecasted, it will take longer than normal to clear all City streets.

Please be advised that a Special Council Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following the Public Budget Meeting in Council Chambers to further discuss the budget.

Overnight Thursday, November 20, the City of Pembroke experienced a major watermain break on a large diameter trunk watermain within Riverside Park between Riverside Drive and Trafalgar Road that feeds the distribution system.

Due to this break, properties between Trafalgar Road and 786 Pembroke St. W., on Pembroke Street West between George and Wilfred streets, and Miramichi Lodge were directly affected.

Water has been restored to the properties between George and Wilfred streets. Work is underway to restore water to the remaining properties except Miramichi Lodge by midnight. Temporary non-potable and fire suppression water service is expected to be up and running at Miramichi Lodge by this evening. The City will provide potable water to the home for the duration of the repair, which is expected to take two weeks.

Prior to the water being restored, potable water was supplied to the affected properties.

All water system users are asked to reduce their water consumption wherever and whenever possible during this time, but we understand people need to go about their daily lives. Consumption reduction is important to ensure stable water supply for all system users, as well as adequate fire suppression. The water is safe to consume.

Due to the specialized material and size of the pipe, and the specialized contractors to do the work, the repair is anticipated to take two weeks to complete. The City has procured the materials and contacted the contractor.

During this time, people may notice a reduction in water pressure or volume.

The next update will be provided by Monday morning on the City’s website pembroke.ca and our Facebook and Instagram platforms.

We appreciate this disruption can be inconvenient and stressful, and we greatly thank you for your cooperation during this time.

The City of Pembroke is thrilled to announce the launch of Ottawa River Transit, an innovative on-demand transit service, to enhance connectivity and convenience for residents.

Commencing operations on August 5, 2025, Ottawa River Transit (OTRC) represents a new era in public transportation within the city.

In collaboration with Mobility Transportation Specialists (MTS), ORTC brings a modern and adaptable transit solution to the residents of Pembroke. MTS will be responsible for providing top-notch vehicles, professional drivers, and efficient customer service. MTS has partnered with Blaise Transit, who will provide an advanced transit technology platform for scheduling, managing bookings, and real-time ride tracking, enhancing overall user experience and service efficiency. Both Canadian companies, MTS and Blaise Transit are experienced in working together to launch new and innovative transit services in growing communities such as Pembroke.

“As City Council lead for Pembroke’s Ottawa River Transit project, it is both an honour and a source of pride to serve in this role,” says Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah. “After years of dedicated, community-wide collaboration, I am thrilled to see this transformative three-year pilot project come to fruition.”

Mayor Ron Gervais adds, “This pilot project will provide the City the necessary information to determine if a community such as ours can offer a transit service in a sustainable and fiscally responsible way.”

The transit service will use three new Dodge ProMasters, equipped to accommodate up to eight passengers. Two of these vehicles will be in regular operation during peak service hours, with an additional unit on standby as a backup to ensure uninterrupted service.

As an initiative partly funded by City of Pembroke property taxes, ORTC will operate exclusively within city limits, offering an affordable fare of $5 per ride.

“Reliable and accessible transit is essential to student success,” says Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Dean Angela Rintoul. “The launch of Ottawa River Transit marks a significant step forward in connecting our students—and the broader community—to educational and employment opportunities. We’re excited to see this investment in mobility, inclusion, and regional growth take shape right here in Pembroke."

ORTC will debut with summer service hours as follows:

• Monday to Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday: 7 am. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After Labour Day, ORTC will extend service until 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday. There will be no service on Sundays and statutory holidays.

Operating on a "stop-to-stop" model, ORTC will serve numerous virtual stops throughout the city. Passengers can anticipate an up-to five-minute walk to their designated stops, with exact details provided upon booking.

“The PBIA is thrilled to see the launch of the new on-demand transit service,” says Pembroke Business Improvement Area Executive Director Bethea Summers. “This initiative will make it easier for more people to shop and dine in our vibrant downtown. It will be especially beneficial for the many employees working in the downtown core, providing them with a convenient transportation option. Additionally, visitors staying at nearby hotels will now have an accessible and affordable way to experience all that downtown Pembroke has to offer.”

To use the ORTC service, you simply “book, ride, and go”. Riders can conveniently book a trip, up to seven days in advance, three ways:

• By smartphone with the Blaise Transit app: For the most interactive experience, riders are encouraged to use the Blaise Transit app, where they can also receive real-time updates and notifications.
• By computer through the Blaise web booking portal: Accessible via any computer for users who prefer web-based interactions.
• On the phone with the ORTC Customer Service: A dedicated line at 613-631-1766 is available for direct assistance in booking rides.

To best ensure a smooth ride, riders should be at their stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time, as the bus does not wait for late arrivals. Riders have the option to book their trip based on either departure or arrival time. If a rider has an appointment, book by arrival time to make sure on-time arrival at the destination.

"We congratulate the City of Pembroke for bringing this project to life,” says Sophie Leblanc, Blaise's Head of Business Development. “ORTC will help increase access to healthcare, education, jobs, social activities, and the like for all residents. Blaise Transit is proud to be the technology partner in this initiative, and we're excited to see it grow over the coming years."

ORTC is committed to excellence and values rider feedback. Riders are encouraged to rate their experience and leave valuable comments through the Blaise Transit app, helping to continually refine and enhance the service. In addition, the City is planning a formal six-month review and survey of residents to ensure this new service meets the community’s needs.

Organized as an initial three-year pilot project, the City of Pembroke invites all residents to experience the future of city transit with Ottawa River Transit. Join us in our mission to make public transportation more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly.