Ottawa residents could soon be picking up their packages from Amazon and other delivery companies from lockers at City of Ottawa facilities. The city has issued a request for information from companies on how to incorporate outdoor secure delivery lockers at city-owned recreation facilities. In April, council approved a motion from Coun. Stephanie Plante, seconded by Coun. Marty Carr, to direct city staff to explore setting up delivery lockers on city property to help deter porch pirates. Plante’s motion stated, “porch pirates are an increasing issue throughout the city,” adding many residents in her ward work shifts and “cannot access traditional shopping during regular work hours.” “The City owns facilities that could potentially host outdoor secure delivery lockers that would help reduce the incidence of porch piracy,” Plante said. According to the request for information on Merx, the city is looking for information on how to set up outdoor secure delivery lockers to “promote safe and secure delivery and access of residents’ commercially delivered packages.” “The City is seeking expressions of interests from experienced and qualified parties who have an interest and the financial resources to partner with the City to supply, install, and manage outdoor secure delivery lockers at City-owned facilities,” the tender said. The tender closes at the end of July.
