April 26, 2024 Newsletter

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April 26, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

This week, I attended an affordable housing announcement held by the Government of Canada and Canada Lands Company in Wateridge Village.

As part of a larger plan to use public lands to create more homes, federal property in Wateridge Village will be leased to non-profit housing providers to facilitate the construction of 500 new homes. Two plots of land that are serviced will be made available for development in the near future. These new homes will be in addition to the current 307 affordable units in Wateridge Village whose construction was supported by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

This action is in response to the recent initiatives announced by the federal government to address the housing crisis as part of its 2024 budget. 

As we look to build more affordable homes for the residents of Ottawa, one of the most critical pieces we need is land. The announcement made this week will be crucial as we continue to innovate to meet the housing needs of our city. My office will remain focused on working with partners, the non-profit housing sector, and all levels of government to build more affordable homes.

***

Last week, an article I wrote concerning the need to balance heritage and development was published in the Ottawa Citizen (https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/king-how-the-city-of-ottawa-is-balancing-heritage-with-development).

The article emphasized that as one of Canada's great cities, Ottawa must protect and conserve the past while embracing the future. Ottawa’s built heritage and planning policies embrace this philosophy with a goal to maintain, sustain, and build livable and healthy communities for generations to come. With over 300 designated buildings and 20 heritage conservation districts, Ottawa aims to conserve its cultural identity while advancing economically and socially. Measures like property standards bylaws, heritage watch lists, and vacant property programs are employed to prevent neglect-induced demolitions.

The City's planning policies seek to harmonize heritage preservation while addressing housing shortages, and encourages adaptive reuse of historic structures. Examples like the St. Charles Market on Beechwood Avenue and the integration of historic buildings into new developments illustrate this approach. I also noted in the article that City staff have indicated to Council that they will work in good faith with any cooperative developer demonstrating a genuine interest in pursuing the successful renovation of historic structures to advance urban regeneration and create new housing stock.

***

I am always concerned when critical incidents occur in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward which result in the loss of life. Such incidents can profoundly effect neighbourhoods, families and residents and require both a public safety and community response. As you might know, the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit continues to investigate a shooting death that occurred last Friday evening on Birch Avenue in Manor Park.

Police and emergency responders were called to the area at approximately 9:23 pm on April 19. A 53-year-old man was located with life-threatening injuries. The man succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. No arrests have yet been made. Police do not believe there is an ongoing risk to public safety. The investigation is ongoing.

To address community concerns, I asked the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre to initiate our Ward's "Post-Incident Neighbourhood Support Network" on Monday concerning this incident. Post-Incident Neighbourhood Support Networks in Ottawa serve as a mechanism to rally community leaders and service providers in coordinating support and resources for neighborhoods impacted by violent or traumatic incidents.

Our local network of service providers and community developers aim to mitigate the effects of crime and trauma on communities. The network plays a crucial role in fostering community resilience and supporting those affected by critical incidents.

Our Ward's Resource Centre held a support network meeting on Tuesday in conjunction with my office, the Manor Park Community Association, the Manor Park Community Council and the Police Service where we directly listened to affected residents and neighbours.

The next step will be for the service providers to address immediate needs and explore collaborative efforts to mitigate any distress and trauma stemming from this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or visiting crimestoppers.ca. For Ottawa Police updates regarding this investigation, residents can subscribe to receive OPS news releases at this link: https://subscribe.ottawapolice.ca/Subscribe

 

Your Councillor in the Community

I was pleased to present a certificate of recognition on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to celebrate the opening of Maison de l’Est, which will provide hospice care for Francophones, located at the All Seniors Residence in Carson Grove.

It was wonderful to attend the launch of Ottawa’s first community-based social innovation lab at Incubator13 located in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward this week and see the incredible innovations created by our youth to advance the common good.
I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Ottawa Community Housing tenants at 800 St. Laurent Boulevard during my Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event on April 24.
My team and I held a Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event on April 22 at the Overbrook Community Centre for local Ottawa Community Housing residents. My sincere thanks to tenant leaders for your dedication to the community and the neighbourhood. My thanks also to OCH Community Developer, Adham, for the work he is doing in support of tenants. 

This week at City Hall, I congratulated graduates for their completion of the Ottawa Paramedic Service’s instruction training program, designed in partnership with the City’s Integrated Neighbourhood Services Team and the World Skills Employment Centre.

This week the Government of Canada announced that it will lease federal property in Wateridge Village to non-profit housing providers to facilitate the rapid construction of 500 affordable new homes in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.
 
I briefly attended the 25th anniversary celebration for the Community Laundry Co-op this week, hosted by Heartwood House on McArthur Avenue. The Co-op team decided to close their doors after more than two decades on April 12. We are grateful for their support and dedication to the community for so many years.

A successful Household Hazardous Waste Event was held in Ward 13 at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium last weekend with hundreds of residents across the City participating.

Thank you Ottawa Riverkeepers and volunteers from Desjardins for organizing a Cleaning the Capital event in New Edinburgh Park last weekend.

I was happy to recognize volunteers last weekend with appreciation certificates for their efforts to maintain the ice rink in Overbrook Park over the winter season.

I had a great time attending the Barbados Ottawa Association celebration last weekend in Vanier and meeting Consul General Sonia Marville-Carter.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

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.
Environmental assessment - Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area - April 29 and 30

An environmental investigation will continue at the Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area at 750 Hillsdale Road. The Environmental Remediation Unit of the City’s Corporate Real Estate Office is conducting this environmental investigation for due diligence purposes in order to characterize the soil and groundwater quality surrounding McKay Lake and the conservation area due to the reported historical landfilling or other potentially contaminating activities. The work mainly includes test pit excavation, borehole drilling, monitoring well installation, and soil and groundwater sampling at various locations. Test pitting was completed April 24 and 25Drilling is scheduled for April 29 and 30. For health and safety purposes, access to the vicinity of the test pitting and borehole drilling areas will be restricted when the work is in progress. The northern section of the park along McKay Lake will be closed on April 29. The southern section of the park along the Pond will be closed on April 30. There will be no restrictions outside of 7:30 am to 5 pm on the dates noted. If one of the park entrances is temporarily closed, residents are advised to please proceed to the other entrance for park access. Park visitors and neighbouring residents may experience elevated noise levels due to the construction activity, however no traffic impacts are expected. Signage and caution tape will be in place. Please note that this work plan is subject to modification depending on the progress of the construction work. 


Forbes Park closure - May 2
My office has been advised that City staff will be conducting an environmental investigation of Forbes Park at 669 Paul Avenue on May 2. To facilitate this work, the park will be closed to the public for health and safety purposes. The City's Environmental Remediation Unit is conducting this environmental investigation for due diligence purposes. The work on May 2 will primarily include borehole drilling, monitoring well installation, as well as soil and groundwater sampling at various locations. The work will take place May 2 from 8 am to 5 pm. Construction noise should be expected, however there will be no traffic impacts. A bilingual notice will be posted at the park entrances prior to the closure. 


Market at the Farm Store - in Manor Park - May 4
Mark your calendars - next Saturday, May 4th, Ottawa Street Markets host a market at the Farm Store, 1805 Gaspe Avenue. Come enjoy fresh coffee, bread and food! Shop for Mother's Day gifts and treat your pup friends. Lots of free parking on site. The Farm Store will be open as usual. For details, please click here.


Jane's Walks in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - May 4 and 5
There will be several free guided walks throughout Ottawa and Gatineau the weekend of May 4 and 5, including right here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13. Sign up is required. Click here for details and to register.
  • A guided tour covering Rockcliffe history, nature and sports facilities past and present; May 4 at 10 am. To be delivered in English. Details here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk exploring the Sir-George-Etienne-Cartier Park plan; May 4 at 11 am. This walk will be in English and French simultaneously. Details here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk featuring Montfort Hospital and other Franco-Ontarian landmarks; May 4 at 3 pm. This walk will be in French. Details here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk exploring the Indigenous canoe portage in Rockcliffe Park: Ottawa River to Rideau River; May 5 at 10:45 am. This walk will be delivered in English. Details here. Registration required.
  • Learn about medicinal and edible plants during this walk in Riverain Park; May 5 at 1:30 pm. This walk will be delivered in English. Details here. Registration required.
  • Enjoy a guided walk through the Carson Grove neighbourhood; May 5 at 1:30 pm. This walk can be provided in French and English. Details here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk through the old Village of Rockcliffe Park, McKay Lake and the Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area; May 5 at 2 pm. This walk will be delivered in English. Details here. Registration required.

 

Donald Street Watermain Repair - Completion Phase to begin in early May

What: The watermain repair work completed in December 2023 involved excavation in the eastbound lane and south boulevard of Donald Street, replacement of a section of watermain, and reinstatement of the road and boulevard. The project is now in the ‘Completion’ phase, during which reinstatement of final paving, concrete curbs, and landscaping will be completed. Two replacement trees will be planted.
Why: The City has a condition assessment program which undertakes to monitor the most critical watermain pipes within the City. Results indicated that a section of the watermain on Donald Street required replacement. The reinstatement work is required following the repair of the watermain.
When: The contractor is recommencing construction in May 2024 to complete reinstatement of final paving, concrete curbs, and landscaping. The work is expected to be complete in spring 2024.
Where: Construction will be on Donald Street from North River Road to 50 metres west of Marguerite Avenue.
Who: The City of Ottawa retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Limited, to complete the work.

Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood will receive a construction notice in advance of the project. For more information about the project, please visit ottawa.ca/WoodroffeVanier

 

Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Update - Road Closures starting May 6

The City of Ottawa is replacing the aging underground infrastructure on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue as part of the City’s ongoing replacement of critical infrastructure. More information about the project can be found at ottawa.ca/OakhillRoadRenewal
What: Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Road closure signage will be placed onsite. Local traffic access to private properties, in addition to pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period.
Why: The road closures are required to facilitate construction. The objective of this project is to rehabilitate underground and roadway infrastructure that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
When: The road closures will start on May 6 and the road will re-open at the beginning of August.
Where: Oakhill Road (between Beechwood Avenue and Acacia Avenue) and Corona Avenue (between Beechwood Avenue and Acacia Avenue).

My office will be monitoring the road closures to ensure the facilitation of pedestrian and cyclist access.

 

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.

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event in New Edinburgh - May 11

My team and I will be hosting a Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event in New Edinburgh Park on May 11 from 10 am to 12 pm. New Edinburgh residents are invited to drop by to discuss City and neighbourhood issues as well as to ask questions about City services. Our event will coincide with the New Edinburgh Plant Sale at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse.

 

New Edinburgh Plant Sale - May 11

The Crichton Community Council invites you to the New Edinburgh Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9 am to 1 pm on the lawn of the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse at 203 Stanley Avenue. For more than 20 years, New Edinburgh residents have purchased their plants on the Fieldhouse’s front lawn the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The Crichton Community Council will be selling a limited number of unique hanging baskets and planters from Les Serres Oli-Ève. For details, please click here.

 

Mother's Day Tea - May 11

Join the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street for an enchanting High Tea event filled with elegance, laughter, and love on May 11 from 11 am to 3 pm. For details, please call the ACB Centre at 613-801-7426 or email [email protected]. This is more than a tea party. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the centre's cupboard to continue to support the overwhelming need of food insecurity in our community. Get your ticket at this link. 

 

New Edinburgh Parking Survey - open until May 13

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. 

 

Sidewalk project - Frances Street 

The City is beginning 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: Work began the week of April 15 and is expected to be completed in June.
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.


Rideau Sports Centre Summer Kick-off Party - May 11
It’s everyone's favourite time of year again…Summer Tennis Season! Let’s kick this summer off with a bang! Join the Rideau Sports Centre on Saturday, May 11 from 4 to 7 pm for an evening full of outdoor tennis round robin, food, drinks & social. Tickets: $30+hst (Passholders), $40+hst (Non-Passholders). Click here for details and tickets. RSC is located at 1 Donald.


Enjoy NCC Weekend Bikedays - May 11 to Oct. 14
Enjoy the Capital on nearly 20 km of car-free roads! Weekends (and holiday Mondays from May 11 to October 14. Details here.
  • Sir George-Étienne Cartier | 8 am to 4 pm  
  • Kichi Zībī Mīkan | 8 am to 4 pm  
  • Queen Elizabeth Driveway | 8 am to 8 pm

July and August | From Somerset Street to Pretoria Avenue, Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be car-free seven days a week

NEW | Canal parkway bike lanes study. The NCC will launch a study to explore the feasibility of installing bike lanes along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive. Details to come.



Hydro Ottawa project - Donald Street - May 15

My office has been advised that Hydro Ottawa will be conducting work in the City's right-of-way along Donald Street between Brand Street and Telford Avenue from May 15 to June 30. The project involves pole work and open trenching. 

 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Parks Operations Updates

Puddles pooling on a wet baseball diamond with footprints leaving deep impressions on the field.

  • Parks Maintenance staff are busy preparing the City's ball diamonds for that first pitch.
  • To get the City's 328 ball parks ready for the coming season in early May, staff are busy with inspections, necessary fencing repairs and reinstallation of any bleachers that were removed for the winter. They are also turning our irrigation systems back on and checking for leaks.
  • While they groom the infields, staff are also doing turf repairs, fertilizing, overseeding, topdressing and aerating the fields. 
  • Staff hope to have our 115 tennis and pickleball courts ready for use soon, but caution that heavy precipitation can hamper operations. If nets are installed too early with wet/soft ground conditions, tightening the nets will cause the posts to lean, requiring a costly re-instatement/replacement, delaying the season further.
  • Staff are also working to get the City's 15 BMX and skate parks open as soon as possible, and that means inspecting for any deficiencies and required repairs, sweeping the surfaces, and removing any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. 
  • Notice anything that needs attention? Please send a service request by emailing or calling 3-1-1. This is triaged to the right personnel in Parks Maintenance and is the fastest way to help staff get the job done.

 

E-Scooter Season has arrived

Whether you ride your own electric kick-scooter or use one through the providers of the City’s shared program, everyone is encouraged to have a safe, fun and courteous ride on Ottawa’s streets. Read on for tips on how to do this or visit E-scooters | City of Ottawa. The 900 e-scooters in the City program can be used in only selected neighbourhoods, bordered by St. Laurent Boulevard in the east, Rideau River/Carling Avenue in the south, Churchill Avenue in the west and the Ottawa River in the north. These are the same areas they operated in 2023. The 2024 season will operate, weather permitting, until November 15. Riders can unlock an e-scooter through the providers’ apps between 5 am and 1 am throughout the season, with certain exceptions for the ByWard Market. To learn more about the e-scooter program, including deployment areas and where to park, visit E-scooters | City of Ottawa.

 

Special Events By-laws Review - Survey open until April 29 

The City of Ottawa is looking for your input on how to make special events more accessible, safe and inclusive. The City is currently reviewing its Special Events By-laws to ensure that they effectively support festival and event organizers, and ensure that all participants can have a safe, enjoyable experience. As a part of this by-law review, staff are conducting a survey asking questions about the safety, accessibility and inclusivity of special events in the City of Ottawa. This survey covers a range of issues including, accessibility, harassment, sexual harassment, drugs, and alcohol, smoking and vaping and extreme weather events. This Survey is regarding outdoor events with more than 500 people and events that occur on city roadways, it does not cover indoor events. For updates on the City’s Special Events By-law Reviews, visit Engage.ottawa.ca and please complete the survey on safe and inclusive events before April 29, 2024. Additional surveys on specific topics related to special events will follow in the coming months.


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.



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.

 

Join Move for Youth - May 1-15

From May 1–15, join Move for Youth in support of United Way East Ontario and Centraide Outaouais. By participating in this free activity challenge, every step you take helps to raise awareness and support for the most vulnerable kids in your community. Help them reach their goal of 100 million steps with 1,000 participants. All you have to do is sign up, get active, and track your steps with the MoveSpring app. You can even bike, dance, or play sports—however you want to move! The app will convert your activity to steps and keep tabs on your progress. Plus, if you or your team climb to the top of the leaderboard, you can win great prizes. Click here for more information.

 

Spring Cleaning - register before May 3

So far, there are more than 700 spring cleanup projects and more than 32,000 participants registered in the City's Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign. Registration remains open until Friday, May 3 and projects are to be completed by Friday, May 31. Visit ottawa.ca/clean or call 3-1-1 for more information.


Inaugural Better Buildings Ottawa Awards Ceremony - May 8

Tickets are still available for the inaugural Better Buildings Ottawa Awards Ceremony! On May 8 from 8 to 9:30 am, join Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the Better Buildings Ottawa team at Ottawa City Hall in celebrating excellence in sustainable building management and operations. In keeping with our Better Buildings Breakfast series, this ceremony will take place in the morning at City Hall over breakfast and refreshments. The session will also feature a keynote address from a leader in the building decarbonization movement, Bala Gnanam. Bala is the Vice-President, Sustainability, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations at BOMA Canada.


Rain Ready Ottawa Webinars - May 8 and 14

  • Join Rain Ready Ottawa for an engaging online session with a landscaping professional on permeable pavement on May 8 at 6 pm. Learn how these eco-friendly surfaces can help management stormwater and reduce flooding, protecting our waterways and your home. Information on the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program will also be provided, including an overview of the permeable pavement rebate. This will be the first session in a series of webinars exploring rain ready solutions for your home. Find out more and register. 

  • Join Rain Ready Ottawa for an engaging online session with a landscaping professional on rain gardens on May 14 at 6 pm. The session will cover site selection, plant selection, installation, and maintenance. Information on the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program will be provided, including an overview of rain garden rebates, additional learning opportunities, and resources. This will be the second session in a series of seminars exploring rain ready solutions for your home. Find out more and register.

 

Gloucester 50+ Centre - tea and bazaar - May 11
The Gloucester 50+ Centre is hosting its annual Spring Bazaar and Tea on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to 2 pm, at 4355 Halmont Drive. There will be crafts, quilting, art, books, jewelry, a tea room and more. Everyone welcome. Cash, debit and credit will be accepted. 


BIPOC Youth Job Fair - May 11
The Somali Centre for Family Services is hosting a BIPOC Youth Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 4 pm at Ottawa City Hall! Meet over 30 employers and volunteer recruiters. Register now via this link.


Climate Resiliency Strategy - Survey open until May 21

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 review the draft strategy and to share your feedback in a survey before May 21. The series of planned public open houses has been postponed. New dates will be announced soon.



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.

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