April 12, 2024 Newsletter

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April 12, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Last week, Council approved a spending plan for up to $176.3 million promised to the City of Ottawa through the Housing Accelerator Fund, a $4-billion federal fund that aims to create more housing supply at an accelerated pace. The spending plan allocates 90 per cent of those funds to non-profit housing providers to build affordable housing.

The remaining 10 per cent would support the other initiatives outlined in the spending plan. These include accelerating disposal and preparation of City-owned lands for housing, streamlining planning approvals, implementing an affordable housing community improvement plan, and preparing a new comprehensive zoning by-law.

The approved spending plan provides the best opportunity for the City to achieve growth targets and remain eligible to receive the full amount of its Housing Accelerator Fund allocation. That federal funding will be conditional on the City issuing building permits for more than 37,500 new dwellings by the end of 2026, 5.5 per cent of which will be allocated for affordable housing.

The City will receive details of more housing finance opportunities next week when the federal government unveils its 2024 Budget on April 16. I told the Ottawa Citizen this week that:

"The federal budget must urgently tackle the issue of housing affordability by allocating tens of billions of dollars to address the national housing and homelessness crisis. Investments in the City of Ottawa must focus on stimulating rapid construction, enhancing financing and tax incentives for affordable units, and making government land available for housing development, particularly near mass transit. Additional funding for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in Ottawa is necessary to support new housing initiatives. By improving infrastructure and incentivizing construction for community and non-profit housing, the federal government can reduce market pressures impacting young people. Funding must also focus on supportive housing for single adults, seniors, newcomer families, and people with substance use disorders and disabilities most at risk of homelessness. Addressing housing affordability is not just a fiscal decision but a moral imperative which must be expedited by all governments to collectively enhance social justice, economic stability, and growth."

Budget measures that the federal government has already pre-announced to address the national housing crisis will include a new $6-billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and a $400-million top-up to the Housing Accelerator Fund to ensure communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and build more homes. The federal government also pre-announced that it would add an additional $15 billion to its apartment construction loan program, as well as $1 billion in loans and $470 million in contributions to non-profits and other partners to help them acquire affordable rental units under a newly proposed rental protection fund. Another measure that the federal government has proposed includes the creation of a “Renters Bill of Rights” which would protect against renoviction, where landlords evict tenants to perform renovations on a rental property to raise rents.

In preparation for these federal budget measures, Council will consider asking City staff to study the possibility of an anti-renoviction bylaw, as well as a housing acquisition fund or acquisition strategy, that would allow for the purchase of private housing units for conversion into non-profit affordable housing, along with the preservation of existing affordable housing stock in the private market. I will be inclined to support both these initiatives if they come to Council for ratification.

 

Your Councillor in the Community

Thank you to Manor Park residents, Manor Park Public School officials and Parent Council representatives, OCDSB Superintendent of Instruction Prince Duah, OCDSB Zone 6 Trustee Lyra Evans, Bylaw officers, Ottawa Police Sgt. Craig Roberts, the Manor Park Community Association and City of Ottawa Traffic Services staff for joining me at my Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event on April 10 to discuss community traffic issues.

 

During the Ottawa Public Library board meeting this week, the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) announced a gift of $750,000 to the Ottawa Public Library “Unlock Potential” campaign, in support of the new OPL Central Library and joint facility with Library and Archives Canada, Ādisōke. The gift will fund, in part, the restoration and installation in Ādisōke of several OPL public art pieces, including the stained-glass window from the Main branch on Metcalfe Street. The window honours literature, writers, and readers, and is the only remaining piece of the original Carnegie-funded library that opened in Ottawa in 1906. This is one of largest gifts the Friends has ever made to OPL. The monies for the gift were raised entirely from used book sales by Friends’ volunteers and the generosity of Friends’ donors and members. Since its creation in 2003, FOPLA has donated more than $4,500,000 to OPL.

I attended a tree planting this week at the Irish Ambassador's Residence in Rockcliffe Park honouring the support that the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wendat provided Irish migrants escaping the Great Famine.

I was happy to briefly speak at an event organized by the Black Commerce Group and held at ‘The Spot’ in Carlington. The event was designed to encourage young entrepreneurs.

I was happy to provide certificates of recognition of behalf of my office and Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier this week to show our appreciation for the many volunteers who make our community recreational winter trail a success!

I attended the proclamation of Sikh Heritage Month at City Hall last weekend to honour and celebrate the Sikh community’s invaluable contributions to our city.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign

My sincere thanks and appreciation to Rideau Gate residents who got a jump start on the City's Cleaning the Capital spring campaign the morning of April 7. They covered Marguerite, Ontario, Stevens, Washington, and the Rideau River bike path from McArthur to Donald. This incredible team was made up of, from left, Mary Sullivan-Tate, Geoff Stiles, Barbara Young, Rob Holton, Ken Tate, Kathy Stiles, and Dave and Nancy Cale. Registration to participate in the spring campaign remains open until May 3, with cleanup projects taking place until May 31. Cleaning the Capital is a citywide cleanup that occurs in the spring and fall of every year, bringing Ottawa residents together as a community to help clean litter from our public spaces. Cleaning the Capital is an exciting opportunity for residents to show their civic pride and help maintain a beautiful city. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online form available at ottawa.ca/clean. 

 

New Edinburgh Parking Survey Now Open

My office is seeking feedback from New Edinburgh residents with the goal of understanding preferred parking regulations to enhance overall parking in the community. Your participation in the survey is appreciated by May 13, 2024. Please click here for the survey link. 

 

Free workshop for African, Caribbean, Black and racialized youth - Every Monday

African, Caribbean and Black and racialized youth are invited to the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for a new, free workshop series that fosters positive mental health. There will be food, games and discussions. For details, please click here or call 613-801-7426.

 

Free youth basketball on Friday nights in Overbrook Community Centre

Youth ages 13 to 17 are invited to participate in a free basketball program at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Develop confidence, skills and be surrounded by a positive atmosphere. Drop in for free on Friday nights to play ball and belong. Everyone welcome regardless of skill or ability. For more information, please visit Youth Ottawa or email [email protected].



Sidewalk Renewal & Repair Projects - in April

As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, sidewalk repairs that began in October 2023 will resume this summer. In the next few weeks, sidewalks will undergo reparations at 7-9 Rideau Gate and at 10 Sussex Drive. For more information about sidewalk repairs, please visit ottawa.ca/constructionmap. Notices to local residents will be delivered approximately one week before construction resumes. The City of Ottawa will be repairing sidewalks as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's sidewalk network lifecycle. Work will involve removal and replacement of concrete panels, iron adjustments. Increased noise levels to be expected in order to facilitate the work. Roads will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic through the site. The sidewalks will be repaired during the day and evening and will involve minor lane interruptions. Weekend work is anticipated for all locations and traffic interruptions may also be experienced due to flagging operations. The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, D-Squared Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Sidewalk project - Frances Street - starting in April

Additionally, in April 2024, the City of Ottawa will begin installation of a new 1.8m sidewalk along Frances Street.
What: New 1.8m wide concrete sidewalk along the west side of Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street. Road resurfacing will also be completed along the same block.
Why: This work is required to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians.
When: This work is scheduled to begin in April 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2024.
Where: Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Royal Crown Construction, to complete the work.
To accommodate the proposed construction, temporary lane reductions will be required on Frances Street. Access to private properties, including pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period unless otherwise communicated. As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.

Lead a Jane's Walk Tour - Sign up by April 12

Jane's Walk is a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours that help put people in touch with their city, the things that happen around them, the built environment, the natural environment, and especially with each other. The walks are given by local people who care passionately about where they live, work, and play. Jane's Walk is a pedestrian-focused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing. Organizing for Ottawa walks is now underway for the May 4 & 5 weekend! Do you want to lead a walk this year? Sign up before April 12. Website: www.janeswalkottawa.ca/en/walks/current
Leading a tour involves:
  • choosing a topic or theme
  • planning a route with points of interest
  • thinking through the stories, places, and people you want to talk about

 

Beechwood Spring Market @ MacKay - April 13

Enjoy the Bubbles & Blooms Spring Market at MacKay Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Road. This special indoor event, hosted by the Beechwood Market, is scheduled for April 13 from 2 to 6 pm. There will be Beechwood Market Vendors, delectable food and drinks, local flowers, a mocktail bar, live music and art lessons. You'll also have the opportunity to get a tarot card reading and a quick tutorial from a local artist. You may walk away with your next masterpiece!For details, please visit Facebook or email [email protected].

 

Overbrook Eid Celebration - April 13

All Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy an Eid celebration on April 13 from 5 to 8 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. There will be a meal, music, children's activities, prizes and more. Spaces are limited. First come, first served.

 

Pole Renewal - Donald Street, Fullerton Avenue, Brant Street, Telford Avenue, Dunbrack Street, Alesther Street, St-Laurent Boulevard, Sirois Avenue, and Straby Avenue - until April 16

Hydro Ottawa is continuing to make capital investments in the electricity distribution system in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward to help prevent larger and longer unplanned outages from occurring. Starting the week of April 8, 2024, Hydro Ottawa will be undertaking a project involving the replacement of aging hydro poles and equipment that will impact residents located on Donald Street, Fullerton Avenue, Brant Street, Telford Avenue, Dunbrack Street, Alesther Street, St-Laurent Boulevard, Sirois Avenue and Straby Avenue. This project is estimated to be completed by August 16, 2024. 

Overall, this work will include:

  • pole and equipment replacement;  
  • lane reductions, sidewalk, and bicycle lane closures at the site; and
  • tree trimming where required.

Customers will receive a written notice delivered to their door advising them of these upgrades. As this project advances and planned power outages are required to complete the work safely, impacted customers will also receive notices advising them of any interruption to their power supply. Residents and businesses will notice increased construction presence throughout the project, including construction vehicles. Traffic control will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will occur on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way allowance and Hydro Ottawa easement (front and rear yards) - a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa to install and maintain its electrical distribution system. We recognize and understand that construction activities and power outages can be disruptive. Our goal with this project is to maintain the electricity system so we can prevent larger and longer unplanned outages from occurring in the future.

Streets: Donald Street, Fullerton Avenue, Brant Street, Telford Avenue, Dunbrack Street, Alesther Street, St-Laurent Boulevard, Sirois Avenue and Straby Avenue
Project start date: April 8, 2024
Project end date: August 16, 2024
Contractor on site: Teraflex Limited
Impacted customers: 203


Smart Aging Workshop - Taking Charge of your Emergency Preparedness - April 16

The Council on Aging in Ottawa hosts an Emergency Preparedness Workshop for aging adults on April 16 from 10 am to 12 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Room 217. Participants will consider the history of natural disasters, the risks for seniors, and how to prepare themselves for potential disasters including winter storms, heat waves, floods, power outages, pandemics and more. For details, please click here.

 

Overbrook Community Association AGM - Join the board! - April 16

Attention Overbrook Neighbours! Ready to make a difference in your community? Join the Overbrook Community Association! The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 7 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. The OCA is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join the board. You can also join the meeting online Please register for the meeting link by clicking here. Everyone welcome. If you would like to join the board, please fill out this brief expression of interest form. Don't miss out on this chance to shape the future of Overbrook! Join your neighbours at the AGM and learn how you can get involved. 

 

Conference on Creativity as a Force for Social Transformation - April 19 & 20

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is proud to partner with the Canadian Network for Imagination and Creativity, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, the Elisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation (Université Saint-Paul) and other partners for this special event April 19 & 20. Join us for an inspiring "Odyssey of Social Transformation," where we will delve into the impactful role of creativity in driving positive change across various aspects of society. This unique gathering will showcase a human library featuring 10 remarkable organizations and individuals who are actively shaping transformative experiences for the people they serve. Details and registration are available on Eventbrite.
Date and Time:
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 7 - 9 pm
Location: The Atelier, St Paul University School of Social Innovation, 95 Clegg Street
Saturday April 20, 2024 | 9 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard

Wateridge Village Community Clean-up - April 20

The Wateridge Village Community Association is hosting a community clean-up on April 20, from 9 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome, and invited to meet at Alliance Park, located at 398 Codd's Road. Association representatives will supply bags and gloves and other fun stuff. This is a great activity for kids and a great chance to meet others in the community!

 

Household Hazardous Waste Event in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - April 21

The City's household hazardous waste drop-off events for 2024 begin in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 on Sunday, April 21, from 8 am to 4 pm, at the RCGT ballpark at 300 Coventry. The last vehicle will be emptied at 4 pm. For details, please visit ottawa.ca/hhw.

 

Montfort Hospital Public Consultation - April 23
Montfort, Ontario's francophone academic hospital, Savoir Montfort, a knowledge institute, and Santé Montfort are launching a joint strategic planning process. They are embarking on an extensive consultation process at Montfort, in the region, and across the province as part of their provincial mandate, to develop a 2024-2028 strategic plan that will guide them towards Montfort's 75th anniversary. Join the Montfort for public conferences and consultations to reflect on the future of health care, teaching and research in the region, and across Ontario's francophonie. There will be an in-person public consultation opportunity at the Montfort Hospital, located at 713 Montreal Road, on Tuesday, April 23 from 6 to 8 pm. Click here for more information and to reserve your place.

Hydro pole replacement project - Oakhill & Corona between Acacia & Beechwood - Until April 26

Hydro Ottawa is working to replace aging hydro poles and equipment that will impact residents located on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue (between Acacia Avenue and Beechwood Avenue). Hydro Ottawa estimates that this project will be completed by April 26, 2024. This project optimizes the construction schedule between the City of Ottawa and Hydro Ottawa, and it reduces construction noise and congestion. It is done ahead of the City's Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Water and Sewer renewal project.
Overall, this work will include:
  • pole and equipment replacement;  
  • lane reductions, sidewalk, and bicycle lane closures at the site; and
  • tree trimming where required.
Traffic control will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. K-Line Maintenance & Construction will be the contractor on site.


Free tax clinic - April 27

Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard host a free tax clinic by appointment at 237 Montreal Road on April 27. For details and to make an appointment, please call 613-744-4484.


Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale - April 27 & 28
Browse more 25,000 donated books at bargain prices! Saturday, April 27 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, April 28 11 am - 5 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road. Proceeds support the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the Ottawa Public Library and wider library system. Admission is free. Purchases are by cash and debit or credit. For details, please click here.


So Chic Charity Fashion Show & Luncheon - April 27
The IODE Laurentian Chapter is hosting a charity Fashion Show to support The Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Families on Saturday, April 27 at 12 noon, 1405 Aylmer Road, Gatineau (The Royal Ottawa Golf Club). The show will be presented by the well known west-end Ottawa Boutique "Three Wild Women" on Richmond Road. They specialize in natural fabrics, Canadian designers and sizes for all. The $60 ticket includes a donation to The Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Families, which is located in Ward 13, an elegant luncheon, a great show, a raffle and pop-up shop. For tickets, please visit iodelaurentian.com or call Elizabeth at 613-745-4677.


Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue Watermain Replacement - Spring 2024

 

A development-driven Watermain Upgrade Project is anticipated to start in Spring 2024 on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue.

What - The work consists of the replacement and upsizing of the watermains on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue for a total length of 255m. All private services will be replaced to the property line along with reinstatement of disturbed areas. The watermain replacement is driven by the planned development at 641 Sladen Avenue. 

Why - The owner of 641 Sladen Avenue (St-Laurent Academy - Ottawa Private School) will undertake this watermain upgrade work to meet the fire flow demands for a proposed development on the subject property. This upgrade of the existing watermain from 152mm to 200mm with a new fire hydrant will also improve the existing fire flow demands of the school, St-Laurent Academy.

Where - The project limits on Sladen Avenue are from Noranda Avenue to Malartic Avenue, while the project limits on Noranda Avenue are from St. Laurent Boulevard to Sladen Avenue.

More details on construction timelines, traffic management and parking restrictions will be provided in advance of the project.

 

Fibre optic installation - Provender, Burma and Rothbury - Until May 1

Bell Canada has applied to the City for permission for fibre optic installation along the right-of-way on Provender Avenue, Burma Road and Rothbury Crescent. The anticipated construction dates are proposed for April 1 to May 1, 2024. The project would include open trench work, directional boring, and placement of new Bell conduit. Affected residents will be notified once the project details are confirmed. 

 

Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal - May to November

In May 2024, the City of Ottawa will start construction for the replacement of underground sewers and watermains, and full road reconstruction on Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale. More information about the project can be found at ottawa.ca/OakhillRoadRenewal
What: The contractor will complete the following work:
• Install a new sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain and complete full road reconstruction on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue
• Install raised crosswalks on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue at Beechwood Avenue for traffic calming
• Replace the watermain and replace the asphalt road surface on Carsdale Avenue
• Replace the asphalt road surface on the paved laneway (Lane 147V) between Carsdale Avenue and Green Avenue
• Driveway and landscaping reinstatements
Why: This work is required to improve the aging infrastructure and system reliability.
Where: Oakhill Road, Corona Avenue, Carsdale Avenue and the laneway between Carsdale and Green Avenues. While construction is underway on each road, the road will be closed to through traffic (the roads will be open only to local residents only).
When: Construction is expected to begin in May 2024 with final paving expected to be completed in late fall 2024. Some final landscaping may be completed in spring 2025.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, K.C.E Construction Limited, to complete the work.

 

Proposed fibre optic project - Donald Street - May 10

Hiboo Networks has requested the City's permission to perform fibre optic installation work along the City's right-of-way on Donald Street between Vanier Parkway and Beaudry Street starting May 10, 2024. The work would include trenching and bore work, placement of conduit and trace wire, as well as removal and replacement of concrete sidewalk bays. More details will be shared as they become available.

 

Coventry Road Widening (Belfast Road to St-Laurent Boulevard) Environmental Assessment Study

The City of Ottawa has initiated a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study and Functional Design for the widening of Coventry Road between Belfast Road and St-Laurent Boulevard following the 2023 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The proposed road widening is intended to address both present and future travel demand, encourage a modal shift toward sustainable transportation, and address the revitalization and equity-related goals of the Building Better Revitalized Neighbourhoods (BBRN) Initiative, which aims to improve the health, vibrancy, and livability of priority neighbourhoods. Consultation activities for the study will include targeted engagement with key stakeholder groups, as well as two Public Open House events where the study team will present findings and obtain feedback on existing conditions, alternative solutions and designs, results of the evaluation process, and the recommended plan. Indigenous Communities, consultation group members and the general public will be invited to provide feedback for incorporation into the planning and design of this project. The first Public Open House is tentatively scheduled for Q2 2024, at which time the alternative solutions will be presented for stakeholder input. The second Public Open House is tentatively scheduled for Q3 2024, at which time draft recommended designs and demonstration plans will be presented for stakeholder input. For more information, please visit the project page on Engage Ottawa.

Key Dates
Public Open House #1 – June 2024 (Q2 2024)
Public Open House #2 – Fall 2024 (Q3 2024)

 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Calling all Ottawa youth – the Paint It Up! Program is for you!

This summer, Paint It Up! mural program is the perfect way for young people to flex their artistic muscles, get involved in their community, and have some fun in the sun. Youth recruitment and participation in the program is an independent decision-making process handled by the organization’s project leads on each approved project. Once the 2024 projects are confirmed and announced on Wednesday, May 1, they will be posted on the Paint It Up page on ottawa.ca. Any youth, or parent of a youth, between the ages of 12 and 25 will then be able to contact the organizations directly if they are interested in participating. So get your paint brushes ready – your time to shine is coming! For details, please click here.


Spring COVID-19 vaccines now available in the community to individuals at increased risk

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The Province of Ontario has launched a campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. In alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, the Ministry of Health is recommending that the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 receive a dose of an XBB COVID-19 vaccine in Spring 2024:

  • Adults aged 65 and above.
  • Adult residents of long-term care homes and similar living settings for seniors.
  • Individuals aged 6 months and older who have moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions.
  • Individuals aged 55 and above who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis, along with their non-Indigenous household members who are also 55 and above.

For these groups, it's especially important to get the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring if they haven't already received one in Fall 2023. This vaccine targets the XBB strain of the Omicron variant, offering added protection against severe COVID-19 and possibly against current variants. Individuals may be eligible to receive an XBB COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 6 months from their previous COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). All other individuals are not currently recommended to get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose this spring and should wait until further guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.

Getting your COVID-19 Vaccine:

 

Black Canadian Scholarship Fund - Apply before May 31

The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 to encourage academic excellence and promote community leadership by providing annual scholarships to outstanding young black students in Ottawa. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. Download the application form. For more information, please visit bcsf.ca.

 

Play Free is back for 2024

The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the return of Play Free at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum! General admission to the museums is free for children and youth aged 17 and under, along with any accompanying adults. Please note that registration or admission fees may apply during special programs and events. Billings Estate National Historic Site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will open for the season on Sunday, May 12. General admission at Nepean Museum and Fairfields Heritage House (reopening this summer - stay tuned for details) continues to be by donation.

 

New policy framework for voluntary donations for community benefits - Survey open until April 30

The City of Ottawa is seeking public input regarding the role of Members of City Council in soliciting, facilitating and accepting voluntary donations for community benefits. The City does not currently have a policy that applies to Members of Council who solicit and/or facilitate voluntary donations for community benefits. There is a Council-approved Donations to the City for Community Benefit Policy, but this does not apply to Members of Council. Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to share your feedback on voluntary donations for community benefits that are solicited and/or facilitated by Members of Council. The survey will be open until Tuesday, April 30. Your input will help inform the updated policy framework, which will be brought forward for consideration by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and City Council no later than July 2024.

 

Climate Change Rebates and Financing

Rebates and financing are available for home energy efficiency upgrades. Find out what you’re eligible for at betterhomesottawa.ca/rebates. Rain Ready Ottawa offers residents in priority areas up to $5,000 in rebates to help install stormwater management projects. Find out more at ottawa.ca/rain. The Residential Protective Plumbing Program provides financial assistance to qualified property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices, such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves. Find out more at ottawa.ca.

 

Call for Filming Locations

Attention Ottawa area property owners! The city's film and television industry is expecting a booming year and you can be a part of it. By listing your business or property as a filming location, you can benefit from this thriving sector; when selected, property owners receive:

⭐ Fair compensation for use of their space + the possibility of spending a few nights in a hotel (depending on the scope of the filming)
⭐ Free promotion by showing their business or location on screen
⭐ The pride that comes with seeing your space in a film or television show

Click this link to learn more about the process of listing a filming location, or get in touch with the Ottawa Film Office with any questions. The Ottawa Film Office is especially interested in hearing from BIPOC-owned businesses who may not have had the opportunity to host a production yet, but would like to.

 

2024 Irish Film Festival of Ottawa - April 12 to 14

The Irish Film Festival of Ottawa, taking place April 12 to 14, is a celebration of Ireland and its people. For details, for the 2024 film roster and for tickets, please click here.

 

Ottawa's 3rd Black Business Expo - April 14

Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying atmosphere of Ottawa’s 3rd Black Business Expo at the Shaw Centre! This is not your average event; it’s a celebration of diversity, entrepreneurship, and culture, bringing together more than 100 vibrant and dynamic vendors from the Black community. The event is on April 14 from 10 am to 6 pm at Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive. For details and tickets, please click here.

 

Request for Input on Ottawa’s tree planting programs! - Survey open until April 15

The Tree Planting Strategy has been launched and the City needs your input! The strategy is the feature project under the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan for this Term of Council. It will focus on how Ottawa can achieve its urban canopy cover target of 40% over time. It will shift the City’s tree planting approach from reactive to proactive and it will use the City’s canopy cover data for neighbourhoods to prioritize tree planting in areas of Ottawa that need it the most. The first step is a review of the City’s existing tree planting programs. Through a series of surveys, staff are gathering information on existing tree planting programs and ideas for future programming. Your feedback is needed! The City is requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until April 15, 2024.



NCC Board of Directors Meeting - April 18
The NCC's Board of Directors meeting next takes place April 18 from 10 to 11:50 am in person at 40 Elgin or watch the meeting live via webcast on Youtube. The agenda will be posted on the event page. Presentations and submissions will be posted on the page during the meeting. For more information and for the Youtube link, please click this link.


Repair Café at City Hall - April 20

Repair Cafés aim to reduce landfill waste by fixing items, teaching new skills, and building community! Ottawa Tool Library’s fixers and menders will be sharing their knowledge and skills around fixing everything from darning socks to re-wiring kettles. There will be free repairs of electronics, clothing, small appliances, jewelry and more! At the same time, learn new skills, enjoy coffee and snacks and meet your neighbours! There will be a children's activity table and a selection of tools for sale. For more information, visit ottawatoollibrary.com/repair-cafe.

Saturday, April 20 - Sponsored by the City of Ottawa 
Jean Pigott Place, City Hall 
110 Laurier Avenue West 
10 am to 2 pm 



Climate Resiliency Strategy - Survey and Open Houses in April

A collage of multiple photos: - Rural homes destroyed following a tornado- Someone drinking from a water bottle with a blazing sun overhead- A firefighter installs a water pump in a flooded ditch- An uprooted tree toppled over- A broken branch hangs from a tree covered with ice- Snow removal vehicles lined up on a snowy day

You can help shape Climate Ready Ottawa, the City of Ottawa's draft climate resiliency strategy. Visit engage.ottawa/climate-resiliency to learn more, share your feedback in a survey or learn about upcoming in-person and virtual open houses. Open house dates and locations where you will learn about resilient communities, buildings, transportation and water systems, natural environment and parklands, as well as extreme weather preparedness and response:

  • Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, City Hall – Jean Pigott Place
  • Thursday, April 25, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Nepean Sportsplex
  • Sunday, April 28, 10 am to noon, Ray Friel Recreation Complex
  • Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 t0 8 pm, Zoom

 

Celebrate Spring into Spring! 

Spring into Spring is an event that encourages students to arrive at school by walking and wheeling their way to school in the sunshine (and likely a few puddles and snow melt!). Walking to school in the spring is o encourage students to get to know their neighbourhoods and communities and engage in the many benefits of active transportation. Enjoy the quality time you get to spend with your family as you travel to school together! Check out this poster for activity ideas to celebrate Spring into Spring. For more information, please visit envirocentre.ca.

 

Recreation and Parks Funding: Community Partnership Minor/Major Capital Programs - Deadline is May 1

The Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is designed to implement capital improvements to parks and recreation facilities by partnering with community groups and sharing costs. The next deadline to apply for the Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is May 1, 2024.

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