April 11, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
I am pleased that significant progress has been made in reforming Ottawa's boulevard gardening rules to better serve our community's needs while promoting sustainable urban practices.
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recently approved amendments to the Use and Care of Roads By-law that will allow residents to grow food and place planters in residential boulevards. These changes are expected to receive full Council approval this month, marking a major victory for local gardeners and food security advocates.
Under the proposed amendments, residents will soon be able to:
- Grow edible plants like vegetables and herbs on the boulevard strips
- Install raised garden beds (up to 45 cm in height)
- Use removable planters (which must be moved by November 15 each year)
These changes affect the City-owned right-of-way boulevard, which includes not only the strip between sidewalks and roads but also portions of land that may extend into residential front yards.
This reform began nearly three years ago when New Edinburgh resident Andrew Fyfe challenged the existing bylaw that prohibited gardening on boulevards. After facing a complaint about his daisy, tomato, and herb garden, Andrew started a petition that caught my attention and sparked a larger conversation about our City's approach to public land use.
Together with community members, my office in conjunction with Councillor Laura Dudas successfully advanced the initial changes at City Council in 2023 that legalized ornamental plants. Now, with these additional amendments, residents will finally be able to grow edible plants as well.
The new rules include some reasonable limitations to ensure public safety and protect City operations:
- Plants must not exceed one metre in height to maintain visibility for drivers
- Raised beds must be set back 1.5 metres from roadways and 60 cm from sidewalks
- Permanent concrete or stone garden beds remain prohibited to protect snow removal equipment
These compromises allow the City to expand gardening opportunities while addressing legitimate safety concerns.
These changes support several important community goals:
- Increasing access to fresh, healthy food
- Promoting biodiversity in our urban landscape
- Building more sustainable neighbourhoods
- Creating more beautiful streetscapes
- Empowering residents to make better use of public spaces
These amendments are expected to receive full Council approval at Council this month. Once passed, the new rules will take effect immediately, allowing residents to start planning their boulevard gardens.
I am proud of what we've accomplished together. This change demonstrates how citizen engagement can lead to meaningful policy reform at City Hall that benefits our entire community.
I am also pleased that the City of Ottawa is currently undertaking a review of its Community Garden Action Plan to create clear processes and support for community-led green initiative programs on City-owned land. This update is happening collaboratively with City departments, community partners and with input from community members like you.
The City has just published its What We Heard Report after community consultation, which focused on:
- Community food gardens on City-owned land
- Community-led green initiatives on City-owned land (including but not limited to pollinator gardens, naturalization efforts, and invasive species management, along with requests for their service, maintenance, and development)
The review will be proceeding in two distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Developing a City Framework: The objective is to contribute to ensuring the development of an inclusive strategy and framework for community gardens and community-led green initiatives on City-owned land. A report to Council is planned for Spring 2025 with a review and proposed recommendations shaped by internal and external assessments and community engagement.
- Phase 2: Operational Development: The objective is to enhance the standards, processes, and structures needed to support the development of community gardens and other community-led green projects on City-owned land.
If you have questions about the development of the new Community Garden Action Plan or new boulevard gardening rules, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
Rawlson King,
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
A well attended in-person public engagement session was held at the Overbrook Community Centre this week focused on the City’s Transportation Master Plan Update. You can provide feedback on the plan at engage.ottawa.ca/transportation-master-plan
Kudos, thanks and congratulations to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association for presenting a donation of $232,800 to the Ottawa Public Library this week!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Spring Freshet Update
The City continues to monitor waterways, precipitation, and warming temperatures for local and widespread impacts.
Rideau River and small waterways: Water levels and flows across the three local conservation areas have been elevated following recent precipitation and are expected to remain slightly elevated due to snowmelt and forecast precipitation.
Ottawa River: Water levels and flows are also stabilizing along the main stem of the Ottawa River but are expected to increase gradually later this week from Chats Lake down to the Montreal area. Levels and flows should remain within their seasonal early freshet range. A rapid rise of levels and flows is possible in some locations depending on the speed of snowmelt and any significant rainfall that may develop. Minor flooding in low-lying areas known to be affected during early freshet may occur over the coming week.
Information on freshet operations, impacts, and resources can be found on Flooding | City of Ottawa. The ORRPB is providing four-day forecasts for additional awareness. Updates can be found at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts. We encourage people to monitor snowmelt and rain events which may result in localized flooding in low-lying areas and pooling in streets and on properties. Check the Basement and Overland Flooding page for safety and prevention measures.
Note: Please continue to keep children and pets away from creeks and waterways.
St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project update
Enbridge Gas Ontario is enhancing the safety and reliability of its pipeline infrastructure by replacing approximately 14.4 km of its St. Laurent Pipeline currently located along St. Laurent Boulevard, Sandridge Road and Tremblay Road in the City of Ottawa. The St. Laurent Pipeline is a vital part of Enbridge Gas Ontario's natural gas distribution network in the National Capital Region. It directly and indirectly supplies natural gas to approximately 168,000 homes, businesses and institutions in Ottawa and the surrounding area, including in Gatineau, Quebec. Three of every four homes in Ottawa use natural gas. The St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project will involve the installation of approximately 13 km of new 6-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch extra high-pressure steel pipeline segments, approximately 4 km of 4-inch and 6-inch diameter intermediate pressure polyethylene pipeline segments, and some ancillary facilities. The St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project is a multi-component construction project that will be conducted in phases beginning in April 2025 and continuing through 2026.
Due to permitting timelines and concurrent projects in the area, Enbridge Gas Ontario will split this project into components. The timing of these components is subject to change due to inclement weather and/or other factors.
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Component 1: April – June 2025
Beginning April 7, periodic traffic lane reductions or closures on St. Laurent Blvd., between the OC Transpo Main Office at 1500 St. Laurent Blvd. and Shore Street.
Area residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures and construction noise. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. For more information on the project, including the timing of its various components, please visit enbridgegas.com/StLaurentReplacement.
New all-way stop control - Oakhill and Acacia
Changes are coming to Oakhill and Acacia as the City's Traffic Services department will install an all-way stop control at the intersection of Oakhill and Acacia in the Rockcliffe Park community to address traffic safety. The installation will include the necessary stop signs, painted stop lines and centerline approach markings. Installation is expected shortly.
Overbrook Eid Celebration - April 12
Overbrook residents are welcome to enjoy an Eid Celebration event, featuring a meal, music, prizes and children's activities on April 12 from 5 to 8 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill. There is no cost to attend.
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Paddington in Peru - April 12
Join the Ottawa Family Cinema at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on April 12 at 2 pm for a screening of Paddington in Peru. Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Tickets are available at the door or at familycinema.ca.
Adult Financial Literacy Program - Saturdays Starting April 12
- Gain essential money management skills
- Learn budgeting, saving, investing, and more
- Build confidence in making informed financial decisions
- St. Patrick Street Bridge right turn lane removed April 13
Starting Sunday, April 13, the eastbound right turn lane on St. Patrick Street Bridge, leading to Vanier Parkway, will temporarily be removed. The right turn lane will be removed until the end of summer 2027 as part of the renewal of the St. Patrick Street Bridge and Porter’s Island Bridge project.
Traffic impacts: Traffic flow across the St. Patrick Street Bridge will be maintained with two available traffic lanes in each direction but removal of the right turn lane may result in traffic delays.
Cycling and pedestrian impacts: Cycling and pedestrian facilities will function as usual in April. Starting in early May 2025, the eastbound cycling facility will be maintained across St. Patrick Street Bridge. The westbound cycling facility will be shared with bidirectional pedestrian traffic on the multi-use pathway across St. Patrick Street Bridge, with signage located at the beginning of the multi-use pathway.
Porter’s Island Bridge lane reductions on April 14: Porter’s Island Bridge and its approaches on Island Lodge Road will be reduced to one lane starting on Monday, April 14 and is planned until Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Traffic will be maintained in both directions across Porter’s Island Bridge. Slowdowns are expected through the construction zone. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained.
OC Transpo service impacts: Bus route 19 will be impacted. For information on OC Transpo service, visit octranspo.com/alerts.
Stay informed. Visit ottawa.ca/stpatrickporterisland for additional details and specific traffic impacts.
Jane's Walk in Ward 13 - May 3 & 4; participant registration opens April 14
- Steven Boyle will lead a walk focusing on "Overbrook bridges" on May 3 starting at 12 pm, starting near the Adàwe Crossing. The talk will be delivered in French. Learn more here: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janes-walk-ottawa-gatineau-2025/22008
- Corrie Rabbe will lead an "edible and medicinal plant walk" on May 4 starting at 1 pm. Meet at the Adàwe Crossing on the east side. This talk will be delivered in English. Details: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janes-walk-ottawa-gatineau-2025/22001
- John Savage will lead the "Kettle Island Bridge walking tour and advocacy discussion" on May 3 starting at 1:30 pm at the front entrance of the NCC River House. This discussion will be in English. More info here: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janes-walk-ottawa-gatineau-2025/22010
- Diane Cuillerier will give a walking tour of the Carson Grove neighbourhood on May 4 beginning at 1:30 pm starting at Dr. John Hopps Park at 300 Den Haag Drive. This talk will be delivered in English and French. Details: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/janes-walk-ottawa-gatineau-2025/22007
Temporary lane closures - Springfield Road - April 14 to 17 and April 21 to 24
Temporary lane closures will be in effect on Springfield Road to allow service installations at 115, 117 and 119 Springfield Road. The work will require excavation across the roadway, beginning on the west side of Springfield. This will require the temporary closure of the southbound lane on Springfield. Excavation will then take place on the east side of Springfield, requiring the temporary closure of the northbound lane, including the sidewalk and cycling lane. One lane will be open at all times to vehicle traffic, and traffic control personnel will be on-site to direct vehicles through safely and also to assist pedestrians and cyclists. Construction signage will also be in place. This work is scheduled to start on Monday, April 14 and continue through to Thursday, April 17. The work will then resume Monday, April 21 and continue through to Thursday, April 24. Work times will begin at 9:30 am and continue until 3 pm each day until the work is completed.
New Plant Your Place! program
The City of Ottawa’s new Plant Your Place! program makes it simple for residents to plant trees on their private residential properties. Through the City-Wide Tree Distribution stream, any Ottawa resident with space for a tree can apply to receive one at no cost. The program launched March 31, and trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved participants will be invited to pick up their trees at a Tree Distribution Event this spring and will receive guidance on proper planting and care. Want to learn more about eligibility, planting requirements, and available tree species? Visit envirocentre.ca/plant-your-place for full details. EnviroCentre is proud to deliver the Plant Your Place! program in partnership with the City of Ottawa. Request a Tree!
Impacted street: Queen Mary Street
Date: April 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Total customers impacted: 26
Overbrook Community Association AGM - April 15
The Overbrook Community Association Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15 at 7 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Come hear what the OCA was up to over the past year, an update from Councillor Rawlson King, and share what's important to you. You can also join the meeting online. Please register here for the virtual meeting link: ZOOM The OCA is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join the board. All are welcome. If you are interested, please fill out this short expression-of-interest form.
- Find the Elections Canada office nearest you.
- Find the list of candidates running in the Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester riding.
- Advance polling stations are open for four days from April 18 to 21, from 9 am to 9 pm.
- Election day is Monday, April 28. Click here to learn more.
- St. Laurent Complex in the Solarium Room, 515 Coté Street: Tuesday, April 22 from 6 to 8 pm.
- In Wateridge Village at Alliance Park on Hemlock Road at Codd's Road: Monday, April 28 from 5 to 7 pm. Look for the OC Transpo bus parked on Hemlock.
- St. Laurent Library branch, 515 Coté Street: Wednesday, April 30 from 1 to 4 pm.
At these community events, you'll be able to:
- View network and route maps.
- Find out about local service in your neighbourhood.
- See how connections to the O-Train get you to key destinations.
OC Transpo will be planning additional community events after the launch. Stay tuned for future event dates and locations.
Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale - April 26 and 27
Everyone is invited to 380 Springfield Road for two days filled with literary treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a bookworm, a casual reader, or just looking for a good read, this event is perfect for you. Browse through a wide selection of books ranging from fiction to non-fiction, children's books to classics. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your library and support a good cause. Admission is no charge and registration is not required. All are welcome.
Intro to Improv - Until April 30
Come and try improv at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St Laurent Blvd., until April 30, 6:30-8:30 pm. Improv builds your self-confidence, your creativity and your communication skills. But most of all it is about rediscovering the joy of play. Beat the post-winter blues, make new friends, and treat yourself to some unforgettable laughs. 18 yrs+ Learn more at: improvembassy.corsizio.com/event/67baa514de4e309e8d5dc713 or check out the Improv Embassy website at www.improvembassy.com.
Phase 5 Transportation Master Plan public consultations - May 1
The City is getting ready to launch the Transportation Master Plan Phase 5 public consultation! City staff will share draft recommendations for the Transportation Master Plan's Capital Infrastructure Plan, including the proposed transit and road networks, project priorities, and implementation plan. Stay tuned for consultation materials that will be posted at the end of March. The City will host online and in-person public consultation sessions on the Transportation Master Plan's Capital Infrastructure Plan.
There are four online consultation sessions, including one for Central Ottawa on May 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Residents are welcome to attend any of the four virtual sessions, regardless of where they live. The content at all the virtual events will be very similar, and will include the full set of projects for the entire city, along with a few additional slides that are customized to each area. Virtual sessions will include a presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. To register for the Central session, visit us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2xvzvSGGQvSsVTcPLOwvBg#/registration
For more information and to register for a virtual session, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Rawlson King and Linda Grussani Scholarship for Indigenous, Black and Other Racialized Students - Applications & nominations due by May 1
Road closures - Sussex Drive and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway - May 4
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Sussex Dr. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed Rideau St. to Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy (Rockcliffe Pkwy).
Access to Notre Dame Basilica via Guigues Ave.
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Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy (Rockcliffe Pkwy) 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Closed Princess St. to St. Joseph Blvd.
Local access to Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Rockcliffe Flying Club from Aviation Pkwy.
Local access to Rockcliffe Boathouse from Lisgar Rd.
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Sussex Dr. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Volunteer award nominations accepted until May 30
Every year, Volunteer Ottawa seeks nominations for the top volunteers and volunteer programs to celebrate at the VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala! Whether you’re nominating yourself, a friend, family member or an organization, your nominations are key to helping celebrate volunteerism in the Ottawa area. Nominations close May 30. Visit Volunteer Ottawa for details.
Ottawa Community Housing is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Inspired by Learning bursary program designed to support 30 post-secondary students living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) households. This initiative aims to remove any financial barriers and encourage students to pursue their education with more confidence. The deadline to apply is June 2. For details, please visit ochfoundation.ca.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Street Sweeping Operations Update
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Sidewalks, bus stop pads and medians are cleaned first by a variety of methods using sidewalk sweepers, leaf blowers, flusher trucks and hand brooms.
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A sidewalk sweeper will work in the area first, pushing grit, debris and dust onto the roadway. A vacuum sweeper or mechanical sweeper truck then picks up the majority of grit, debris, small particles and dust removing it from the road.
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This operation might be repeated several times to ensure a clean surface. If vehicles are parked on the street, the unswept area is noted, and crews will return to sweep that portion at a later date.
OttaTalk, Episode 2: why do we have a three-item garbage limit?
The second episode of the City's new podcast series, OttaTalk, focuses on garbage and recycling. In this episode, Rachael Jones, Program Manager for Long Term Planning with Solid Waste Services, discusses the City’s three-item garbage limit. The podcast includes an update on illegal dumping, what’s coming up next for garbage and recycling in Ottawa, and answers the question: “what’s the deal with common pads?”
Listen now:
To celebrate Earth Week 2025, Ecology Ottawa is once again hosting the Eco Awards, highlighting the people, places, plants, trees, and animals of Ottawa that inspire us, bring the community together, and enrich our ecosystem. Ecology Ottawa believes that environmental action is for everybody. Your nominee could be a neighbour, teacher, scientist, activist, artist, innovator, policy maker, community or religious leader, or youth. In addition to nominating community members, we call on you to nominate the places, plants, trees, and animals of Ottawa that you cherish and need our protection. Please make a nomination today! Nominations close April 20. For last year's recipients, see here.
The Council on Aging in Ottawa is hosting its Spring Luncheon on April 23 beginning at 11 am, at the Infinity Conference Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive. This year’s keynote speaker is the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General of Canada. The event begins with a networking reception, cash bar, and silent auction at 11:00 am, followed by lunch and the formal program at noon. For tickets and more information, please visit coaottawa.ca/spring-luncheon-2025
The New Ways to Bus route network launches on Sunday, April 27, and will be the largest bus service change in the City’s history, impacting most customers and bus routes. New Ways to Bus is a big step towards OC Transpo’s goal of increasing service reliability to 99.5%, improving connectivity to community hubs, and providing a sustainable network that meets the evolving needs of our customers. Changes include:
- New routes introduced
- Adjusted schedules and routings
- More accurate scheduled times on some segments of the network
- Some routes retired and replaced with alternative service
- Some routes shortened, extended, or divided
- Some routes renumbered
- Revised service for some middle schools and high schools
- Revised service to major destinations like hospitals, universities and colleges, and between Ottawa and Gatineau
- New connections with O-Train Lines 2 and 4
Release of Draft 2 of the New Zoning Bylaw - Consultations May 29, June 2 and 3
Public Engagement Events:
- In-Person Workshop: June 2 at Ben Franklin Place
- Virtual Open Houses: May 29 and June 3
Volunteer drivers needed - Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope
Adopt-a-Road/Adopt-a-Park program
Since the program’s inception in 1996, the Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Road program continues to see annual growth in program participation. The program attracts many civic-minded and environmentally conscious individuals, families, community groups and businesses that are committed to keeping public spaces clean, green, and litter-free.
The program currently has over 260 active Adopt agreements, including over 170 park adoptions and nearly 90 road adoptions. In 2024, Adopt program staff received over 50 new Adopt applications and processed over 40 renewal applications. Adopt participants make a commitment to cleaning up a park, or a kilometre or more of roadway, for a period of two or five years, and generously volunteer their time to clean up litter and debris a minimum of twice a year – typically, once in the spring and once in the fall. To recognize these valuable efforts, a sign displaying the name of the program, and the adopting individual or group is installed (upon request) at the park or along the roadway.
Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Road applications will be accepted annually between March 15 and September 15, rather than year-round. This targeted application period aligns with the spring and fall Cleaning the Capital campaigns.
Ottawa’s Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Road program invites you to be a part of something amazing! You can make a difference by volunteering to keep your local park or roadside litter-free. Register to volunteer: Ottawa.ca/adopt
Survey for thermal resilience research
Emergency Services News
Introducing CAMSafe: Strengthen Community Safety Through Partnership with Police
The Ottawa Police Service is proud to promote CAMSafe, a new initiative designed to enhance crime prevention and assist in investigations by leveraging community security cameras. OPS is calling on residents with surveillance systems on their property to register and partner with police in keeping our neighbourhoods safe. Visit ottawapolice.ca/camsafe for more info or sign up at camsafe.ca.
Ottawa Police Crime Map
The Ottawa Police Service Crime Map is an interactive tool that lets you explore year-to-date crime data by neighbourhood and crime type. It’s been redesigned! Have you checked it out lately? experience.arcgis.com/experience/7db5b7d590754c9988d89643542ba646
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.