April 4, 2025 Newsletter

April 4, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

Ottawa is taking significant steps to improve affordability for residents while strengthening our local economy against external pressures like U.S. tariffs. The City's Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan is being implemented through strategic tax policy changes that will benefit renters, small businesses, and industrial sectors.

A key component of the plan addresses the longstanding tax disparity between older and newer multi-residential buildings. Currently, properties built before 2001 are taxed at 1.4 times the rate of residential properties, while those built after 2001 are taxed at the same rate as residential properties. This is a particular challenge in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, where 47 per cent of residents rent their homes.

The City will begin gradually reducing this tax ratio from 1.4 to 1.0 over four years, starting with a reduction to 1.3 in 2025. This change will trigger an automatic rent reduction for approximately 58,500 tenants living in older apartment buildings.

For example, a tenant paying $2,000 monthly can expect savings of about $16 per month ($192 annually) beginning in 2026. This represents a meaningful improvement in housing affordability for many Ottawa residents, particularly those in older rental stock who often face financial challenges.

The City has proposed the elimination of the Parking Lot and Commercial Vacant Land tax classes, along with the 35-per-cent discount for Industrial Vacant Land properties. This forward-thinking change will incentivize development of underutilized land, encourage transit ridership and support Council's environmental goals, and generate $10.7 million in additional revenue, which will be redistributed as tax reductions to other property classes. This structural change aligns with our green City objectives while promoting more efficient land use in urban areas.

Industrial businesses, particularly those in manufacturing and production sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs, will benefit from a proposed 8.1-per-cent decrease in municipal taxes. This timely relief would help protect local jobs and strengthen Ottawa's economic resilience in the face of international trade pressures. Importantly, this decrease is strategically designed to aid in the diversification of Ottawa's economy, which has historically been dominated by government sector jobs. By supporting industrial businesses, we're helping to build a more balanced and resilient economic foundation for our city.

Small businesses will continue to pay 15-per-cent less in taxes than regular commercial properties. This benefits approximately 6,000 properties or 10,000 businesses, providing up to $18.5 million in tax savings. These savings allow small businesses to reinvest in growth, employment, and improved services for Ottawa residents.

These changes, proposed by City staff and approved at this week's Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, represent a balanced approach to taxation that supports our most vulnerable residents while promoting economic development. The modest redistribution of tax burden—approximately $19 per year for the average residential property assessed at $415,000—creates significant benefits for renters, small businesses, and industrial employers.

The City will also continue important support programs including tax deferrals for low-income seniors and people with disabilities and a new by-law providing tax relief for residents with damaged properties.

Through these strategic tax policy adjustments, Ottawa is implementing its Economic Development Strategy in a way that improves affordability, promotes sustainable development, protects jobs, and builds resilience against external economic pressures. These changes are expected to be approved by Council on April 16.

As your Councillor, I strongly support these initiatives that will directly benefit many residents in our Ward while contributing to a more prosperous and inclusive Ottawa. I remain committed to advocating and supporting policies that improve affordability, create economic opportunities, and enhance quality of life for all residents of Rideau-Rockcliffe.

Rawlson King,
City Councillor

Your Councillor in the Community

Attended an informative expert panel discussion organized by Ottawa Public Health this morning at Algonquin College focused on climate change and its health impacts. With extreme weather events increasing this panel examined protecting the most vulnerable in the city.

Great bumping into Councillor Leiper on OC Transpo on my way to an event this week. New bus routes and schedules will come into effect on April 27. More information, including the New Ways to Bus Travel Planner, is available on octranspo.com.

Enjoyed listening to innovative student presentations with Council colleagues on how to improve our city this week at Algonquin College during the CityStudio HUBBUB 2025 event! The student projects focused on improving equity and community well-being throughout Ottawa.

It was wonderful to join Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh this week on a visit to the Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre’s Pathways to Education program. We fielded very insightful questions from students about our city.

Jaku Konbit hosted its Ujima Job Fair at Ottawa City Hall last weekend, bringing together multiple businesses and job seekers for an incredible day of opportunity and connection!

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

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.

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 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!

How to coexist with coyotes in the National Capital Region

Coyotes are an integral part of our ecosystem in the National Capital Region. While they usually avoid humans, it is not uncommon to see them out during the day. Do you know how to prevent an encounter and, most importantly, what to do in case you encounter a coyote? For tips, please visit the NCC's website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/how-to-coexist-with-coyotes-in-canadas-capital-region

Report coyote sightings to the City of Ottawa at this link.

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 in order to address traffic safety. The installation will include the necessary stop signs, painted stop lines and centerline approach markings. Installation is expected shortly.

Ottawa Family Cinema presents Dog Man - April 5

Join the Ottawa Family Cinema at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on April 5 at 2 pm for a screening of Dog Man. Dog Man, half dog and half man, is sworn to protect and serve as he doggedly pursues the feline supervillain Petey the Cat. Tickets are available at the door or at familycinema.ca.

Vanier 5K Charity Run and Walk - April 6

Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante is hosting her 3rd annual 5K Run and Walk in Vanier on Sunday, April 6! The event is a fundraiser for the Vanier Sugar Shack. Walkers, runners and strollers are all welcome! For details and to register, please visit vanier5k2025.eventbrite.com or www.facebook.com/share/12FvAsQUXNa.

Federal Election - Meet the Candidates - April 8

On Tuesday, April 8 between 7 and 9 pm the four major candidates in the federal riding of Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester (formerly Ottawa-Vanier) will be at the Manor Park Community Centre at 1805 Gaspe Avenue. Starting at 7:00 pm sharp each of the four candidates will speak for 5 minutes. At 7:30 pm there will be an informal meet and greet with each candidate and their team occupying one of the four corners of the hall and meeting voters for one-on-one discussions on subjects of mutual interest. This is your chance to meet each of the candidates, understand what they propose, and ask questions about issues of concern to you. There is no need to RSVP, just show up between 6:30 and 7 pm. There is ample parking at the rear of the building. This event is sponsored by the community associations of Manor Park, Cardinal Glen, Lindenlea, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park and Wateridge Village. The federal election is scheduled for Monday, April 28. More details are available at www.elections.ca.

Trenchless Rehabilitation Program - Hillsdale & Vaughan - Beginning this spring

The City's Trenchless Rehabilitation Program takes sewers nearing the end of their lifecycle and uses Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) liners, a trenchless technology, to rejuvenate the existing pipe and expand their usable life without the need to dig up the roadways and replace the pipes. The following sites have been identified in Ward 13 for CIPP repairs:

Hillsdale Road combined sewer
Vaughan Street sanitary sewer

The work is expected to begin within the next two months. Updates will be shared as soon as the construction timeline is finalized. Notices will be delivered to affected residents. The first step will be to flush, video and measure the sewers. This should take about a half or full day at each site. With this information, staff will have a liner created off-site. Staff will then return in a month or two, to install the liners. This should take one to two days per site. There will be some minimal disruptions to traffic. A truck will be parked at each end of the pipe segment on top of sewer openings. Traffic impacts should be minimal. Noise will be comparable to loud generators or loud trucks during the installation process.

Public Consultation - Commemorative Naming Application - Rockcliffe Community Hall meeting room - April 8 to May 6

An application to name the main meeting room at the Rockcliffe Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road, as the "Jane Dobell Meeting Hall" will proceed to a 30-day public consultation period. The consultation begins April 8 at Engage Ottawa. Anyone wishing to submit comments on the nomination will have until May 6 to respond to the Engage Ottawa survey. Survey results will then be compiled and considered.

Dementia Care Workshop Series - Until April 8

A Positive Approach to Dementia Care Workshop

The Edinburgh Retirement Residence hosts a dementia care workshop every Tuesday until April 8 at 1:30 pm focusing on a discussion of A Positive Approach to Dementia Care. This workshop is for caregivers and family members who are looking to learn strategies and tools to help support their loved one who is living with dementia. It is a six-week workshop with hands-on learning from PAC-certified dementia coach, Kerry Durant R.P.N. Participants will also get to connect with others who are going through a similar journey and share their experiences. The sessions take place at 10 Vaughan St. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.

Intro to Improv - April 9 to 30

Come and try improv at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St Laurent Blvd., from April 9 to 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 - April 10 and 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. Virtual sessions will include a presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. In-person sessions will have display boards showcasing project information, and members of the project team will be available to answer questions. The same information will be presented at all sessions, but discussions at each session may focus on projects specific to the local geographic area. You are welcome to attend any of the sessions, regardless of your place of residence. Sessions take place virtually and in person in Kanata, Orleans, Nepean and in Ward 13:

Thursday, April 10 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street

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. To register for the Central session, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2xvzvSGGQvSsVTcPLOwvBg#/registration

For more information and to register for a virtual session, please visit Engage Ottawa.

St. Paul's Park - Proposed fitness equipment concepts - feedback welcome by April 11

My office along with the City of Ottawa’s Recreational, Cultural and Facility Planning Department welcome feedback from area residents regarding proposed concepts for the future fitness equipment at St. Paul’s Park. The design options can be reviewed at Engage Ottawa. The deadline to submit feedback is April 11.

Adult Financial Literacy Program - Saturdays Starting April 12

Join the Adult Financial Literacy Program every Saturday starting April 12, 9 am to 1 pm, at the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre, 610 Donald Street! Whether you're looking to build better financial habits, plan for the future, or get a better handle on your finances, this program is for you!

Gain essential money management skills
Learn budgeting, saving, investing, and more
Build confidence in making informed financial decisions

This eight-week financial program is free of charge. For details, please call 613-801-7426 or [email protected].

St. Patrick Street Bridge and Porter's Island Bridge construction update - Traffic controls to be implemented April 14

The eastbound right turn lane on St. Patrick Street Bridge, leading to Vanier Parkway, will temporarily be removed from Monday, April 14 until the end of summer 2027 for the renewal of the St. Patrick Street Bridge and Porter’s Island Bridge project. Traffic flow across the bridge will be maintained in both directions with two traffic lanes in each direction, but there may be delays. Cycling and pedestrian facilities will function as per 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 MUP.

Porter’s Island Bridge and its approaches on Island Lodge Road will be reduced to one lane from Monday, April 14 until Wednesday, December 31 for the renewal of the St. Patrick Street Bridge and Porter’s Island Bridge project. Traffic will be maintained in both directions across the bridge, but there may be minor delays due to temporary signals. Westbound right turns and eastbound left turns onto the bridge from St. Patrick Street at the St. Patrick/Island Lodge/Cobourg intersection will not be permitted. Please follow the detour signage. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained. Bus route 19 will be impacted.

Traffic controls will be installed overnight on April 14. Project updates are available at ottawa.ca/stpatrickporterisland.

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.

Fibre optics installation on Coventry Road - April 15 to May 15

Rogers Communications Canada will be installing fibre optics conduit for a commercial client along Coventry Road between Lola Street and Belfast Road from April 15 to May 15. The work will entail boring, conduit placement and removing and restoring a concrete sidewalk bay.

Overbrook Community Association AGM - April 15

The Overbrook Community Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) 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.

New Ways to Bus Information Sessions coming to Rideau-Rockcliffe - April 22, 28 & 30

OC Transpo's new bus network will focus on frequency, local neighbourhood service, and connections to key destinations. New Ways to Bus includes more than 100 routes and is planned to launch on Sunday, April 27, 2025, opening up new connections across the city. Every neighbourhood and most customers will see changes to their trip. The new network is a key part of OC Transpo’s 5-Year Roadmap and is based on the results of the 2023 Bus Route Review. New Ways to Bus meets the Council-approved Transit Services budget. It is a big step towards OC Transpo's goal of increasing bus service reliability to 99.5 per cent, alongside the Bus Maintenance Action Plan and ongoing employee recruitment efforts.

**OC Transpo will be holding New Ways to Bus information sessions in April for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 residents. The information session schedule is available at octranspo.com.

All Rideau-Rockcliffe residents are welcome to attend the following information sessions:

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 local sessions, OC Transpo staff will share information about Ward 13-specific route adjustments that may affect your daily bus trips and will provide you with the information you need to help you navigate the new route changes.

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.

Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events - April 27 at the Ottawa Stadium in Overbrook

Every year, the City of Ottawa hosts drop-off events to ensure that residents' hazardous waste is safely collected, transported, and appropriately recycled or disposed of. This helps to protect the environment and decreases the risk of toxic materials ending up in our collection vehicles or landfills. In 2024, nearly 18,000 residents attended these events, disposing of approximately 515 tonnes of household hazardous waste. This year, the City will be hosting nine drop-off events from April 27 to Nov. 1. The inaugural Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event takes place April 27, from 8 am to 4 pm, at the Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road. For the most up-to-date schedule and to see the list of acceptable items, please visit Ottawa.ca/HHW.

Wateridge Village Community Clean-up - April 26

The Wateridge Village Community Association is hosting its annual Wateridge Community Clean Up on Saturday, April 26, from 9 am to 12 pm, at Alliance Park (corner of Codd’s Road & Mikinak Road). Come volunteer with your family, friends and neighbours to help make our community beautiful. Pick up your supplies, enjoy some refreshments and find out about upcoming events and initiatives the WVCA is working on.

Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale - April 26 and 27

Admission is no charge and registration is not required. All are welcome. 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.

Dates - Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27

Times - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday - 11 am to 5 pm

Location - Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road. Please enter from Springfield Road.

Details: Eventbrite

Free Income Tax Clinic - Until April 30

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre provides a free income tax clinic for eligible Rideau-Rockcliffe residents (postal codes: K1K, K1M and some K1G) until April 30. Appointments are required. Book online at www.crcrr.org or call 613-745-0073 ext. 150.

Free Tax Clinic - Until April 30

Burundi We Want, located at 227-815 St. Laurent Boulevard, hosts free tax clinics for low-income individuals until April 30. To book an appointment, please click here.

Rawlson King and Linda Grussani Scholarship for Indigenous, Black and Other Racialized Students - Applications & nominations due by May 1

Nominations are open for the Rawlson King and Linda Grussani Scholarship for Indigenous, Black and Other Racialized Students at the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University. The deadline to submit nominations and applications is May 1. Learn more at carleton.ca/ssac/awards.

Road closures - Sussex Drive and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway - May 4

The CN Cycle for CHEO event is scheduled to take place May 4, 2025. As in previous years, cyclists will be using Sussex Drive and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and will turn around to take the same route back. Road closures will begin May 4 at 6 am and the roads should be reopened by 2 pm. The route map is available at this link: cncycle.cheofoundation.com/event/routes Road closure information will be posted here: cncycle.cheofoundation.com/event/road-closures

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.

Sports for all - Until May 31

Burundi We Want hosts soccer, aerobics and basketball for all ages at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard until May 31. Please use the following links to register:

Aerobics: forms.gle/5oMZhxRqcD9SEATL8
Basketball: forms.gle/XgXuSPwWHGakiau47
Soccer: forms.gle/ASGRcDhT65KxaKYz9

Inspired By Learning Educational Bursary - Applications welcome until June 2

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

It is now even easier to help protect your home from basement flooding

Animated person standing on stairs leading down to a flooded basement

The Residential Protective Plumbing program has been updated. Rebates are available for protective plumbing devices to help prevent sewage or stormwater from entering your home during an extreme weather event. More information: ottawa.ca

Who needs a Measles vaccine?

On March 6, 2025, The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada released a statement indicating an ongoing increase in the number of measles cases in Canada and strongly urging all Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. While the initial source of these outbreaks was related to travel, the majority of people with recent infections were exposed in their communities. Most are unvaccinated or under vaccinated, and many have required hospitalization. Public Health Ontario reports on the number of measles cases in Ontario. With increasing cases across Ontario, The Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario released a statement on March 14, 2025 about the current state of measles in the province, including recommendations that Ontarians should ensure themselves, and their children, are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Measles vaccines are tested and effective at protecting you and others from serious illness. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that can lead to serious health complications. For more information, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca.

Canadian Folk Music Awards - until April 6

For the 20th Anniversary of the CFMA, the CFMA is returning to the birthplace of the awards in Ottawa/Gatineau. In honour of this milestone 20th anniversary, the Canadian Folk Music Awards is coming back to where it all began. CFMA President Graham Lindsey remarks, “The CFMA has always been about more than awards—it’s about bringing together our folk community, celebrating our stories, and honouring the incredible talent that defines Canadian music.” This year’s awards week celebration runs from April 3 to 6, 2025 and features a series of bilingual concerts that spotlight the diversity, creativity, and cultural importance of Canada’s folk music scene. Instead of just one awards show, each concert will include several awards presentations. For tickets and details, please visit folkawards.ca/prix-awards

Dates & Venues:

April 3–6, 2025
National Arts Centre (Ottawa) & Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)

Sing into Spring Concert - April 5

Meals on Wheels will be hosting a “Sing into Spring” concert with the Big Soul Project Community Choir on Saturday, April 5 at 7 pm, at Centretown United Church on Bank Sreet. This event is Meals on Wheels' main fundraising event for 2025 and an opportunity to showcase what they do to support clients to live independently. The Big Soul Project Community Choir is one of Ottawa’s largest choir, whose 120+ members share songs of hope, love and peace with their motto “lifting you higher.” For more information about the event, please visit events-mow-ottawa.org.

Volunteer drivers needed - Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program is looking for more volunteer drivers to help residents in Ottawa If you, or someone you know, is looking to fill some time in your day, love to drive and want to support people with cancer, we encourage you to volunteer with Wheels of Hope. As a volunteer driver, you can give the gift of a ride to people with cancer who need help getting to and from their life-saving cancer treatments and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or tax receipt is provided. Visit www.volunteercancer.ca and click on Wheels of Hope. For more information, please email [email protected].

Registration Now Open for April Planning Primers - April 7 & 9

The Planning, Development and Building Services Department offers the Planning Primer Program to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process. The next course will focus on Urban Design, which involves creating public-friendly environments such as charming streetscapes, bustling markets, distinct town centres, safe neighbourhoods and public squares. This educational session will cover essential topics such as the principles explored during site analysis, fundamentals of public space design, and the regulatory framework that guides urban design in Ottawa. The courses will cover urban design basics in an Ottawa context and provide participants with opportunities for questions. There are two dates available and both sessions will cover the same material. Please register for the date and time that works best for you.

Planning Primer – Option One
Date and time: April 7, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Please register in advance of the meeting here.

Planning Primer – Option Two
Date and time: April 9, 2025, from 6 to 8 pm
Please register in advance of the meeting here.

Courses offered are free of charge and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Release of Draft 2 of the New Zoning Bylaw - Consultations May 29, June 2 and 3

Draft 2 of the proposed new Zoning By-law was released to the public on March 20, 2025. Click here to read or download the updated provisions in Draft 2 of the new Zoning By-law. More information on the report and supporting documents for the Joint Planning and Housing and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on March 31, 2025 is available at Engage Ottawa. There will be upcoming public consultation opportunities through the spring and summer. Both in-person and virtual events will be held in the coming months to gather feedback on Draft 2 of the new Zoning By-law.

Public Engagement Events:

In-Person Workshop: June 2 at Ben Franklin Place
Virtual Open Houses: May 29 and June 3

Comments on the proposed Draft 2 Zoning By-law can be made using the public comment form or by contacting the team at [email protected]. More details about the public events will be released on the project webpage.

Official Plan Update for Consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement - Comments welcome at April 9 Committee meeting

The City is undertaking a review of the Official Plan to ensure it is consistent with the new Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), and there will be upcoming opportunities to provide input on any potential changes. The PPS provides direction on matters related to land use planning in Ontario and must be implemented through municipal planning policies, such as Ottawa’s Official Plan. City staff will present a report to a Joint Planning and Housing Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting on April 9 at 1 pm that discusses revisions to the Official Plan that may be required. Members of the public are welcome to provide written or oral comments at the April 9 meeting. No amendments to the Official Plan will be presented at this meeting. The meeting agenda is available at this link. To register as a delegate at this committee meeting or submit written comments in advance of the meeting, please contact the Committee Coordinator. The contact information is available within the meeting agenda. In the coming months, staff will seek public input on the proposed amendments to the Official Plan once they have been drafted. The final amendments are expected to be presented to a Joint Committee for consideration in June. For more information and to stay updated on consultation opportunities, please visit the project’s Engage Ottawa page.

Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women Community Feedback Sessions - April 9

The City of Ottawa is developing a comprehensive three-year Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Women (VAW) Action Plan. To enhance the development and implementation of the action plan, OCTEVAW will be hosting community feedback sessions to further engage the community.

The aim of the sessions is to:

Report Back: Present the findings of the GBV-VAW Sector Forum and the asset mapping study.
Engage Discussion: Facilitate a discussion to gather additional insights and feedback.
Validate Plans: Ensure the action planning process is rooted in the needs identified by the sector.

Session 3: Wednesday, April 9 from 12:30 to 2:3 0pm – 115 Ritchie Street Unit #9, Ottawa, ON K2B 8N6

For details, please visit Engage Ottawa.

Youth Week 2025 – Mayor or CEO for a Day - Application deadline is April 10

Youth Ottawa is thrilled to announce the biggest-ever expansion of their Youth Week Leadership Contests! This year, in addition to two high school students stepping into the role of Ottawa Mayor for a Day, Y is introducing two new, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities:

CEO of the Ottawa Blackjacks – Shadow Mark Wacyk, the driving force behind Ottawa’s professional basketball team, and learn how a pro sports franchise is managed from the inside!
CEO of Ottawa Community Housing – Join Stéphane Giguère, a leader in affordable housing, and get a firsthand look at how non-profit leadership impacts 32,000+ residents across Ottawa.
Mayor for a Day – Experience a day in the life of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and see how the City operates behind the scenes!

These unique opportunities allow Ottawa’s youth to step into leadership roles, gain mentorship from top executives, and make their voices heard in shaping their city. Applications are now open! Apply by April 10 at www.youthottawa.ca/2025-youth-leadership-contest. Know an aspiring young leader? Encourage them to apply and take the first step toward shaping Ottawa’s future! For details, please visit youthottawa.ca.

Repair Cafe - April 12

Did you know that Ottawa is home to an incredible series of Repair Cafés? These free, community-driven events help reduce waste, foster connections, and give new life to items that might otherwise be thrown away. The team of wonderful volunteers from the Ottawa Tool Library will be at Repair Café events to mend beloved items, teach new skills, and provide a welcoming opportunity to enjoy coffee and snacks with your neighbours. For those unfamiliar, Repair Cafés are free community gatherings where people can bring broken items to be repaired with the help of skilled volunteers. Whether it’s a torn shirt, a malfunctioning blender, or a sentimental piece of jewelry, Repair Cafés offer a chance to fix what’s broken instead of sending it to the landfill.

Saturday, April 12 - Sponsored by the City of Ottawa

Jean Pigott Place, City Hall

110 Laurier Avenue West

10 am to 2 pm

Details about this session are available at this link. Interested in volunteering or simply curious to learn more? Reach out to us or visit The Ottawa Tool Library for details. To learn more about this initiative, go to the 2025 Repair Café series on the City of Ottawa website!

Busting Out Ottawa Dragon Boat Club is seeking new members! - Membership Info Night - April 15

Ottawa’s only breast cancer paddling Dragon Boat team would love for you to join them! No paddling experience? No problem! Their coaches will teach you the proper technique, and if you decide to race with the team, they will have you ready for the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival in June. The team is hosting a Membership Information Event on Tuesday, April 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Tom Brown Arena. If you have ever received a breast cancer diagnosis, you are invited to participate! At this event, the team will share information about their club, the sport of dragon boating, and the many benefits of participating. You’ll also have the chance to meet some of their members and hear their inspiring stories about why they paddle! For more details, visit www.bustingout.ca.

New Ways to Bus and Spring Service Change - Starts April 27

The launch of the New Ways to Bus network has been timed to align with this year’s spring service change. Schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – to adjust for holidays, construction activities and other service requirements.

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

Additional spring service adjustments: As warm weather returns, construction projects will ramp up across the city and will require adjustments to some bus routes. More details are available at octranspo.com.

Ottawa Black Business Expo - April 27

Enjoy live panel discussions, live demos, and opportunities to support and empower Black-owned businesses, organizations and service providers! The 4th edition of the Ottawa Black Business Expo takes place Sunday, April 27 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Rogers Centre, 55 Colonel by Drive. For tickets and details, please visit Eventbrite.

Cleaning the Capital 2025 Spring Campaign - Registration open until May 2

Registration for the Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign is now open, and cleanup projects will take place across our city between April 15 and May 31. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online form available at ottawa.ca/clean. The registration form populates an interactive map with pins that display the location, date, and time of all registered cleanup projects. Participants can choose from a variety of public spaces to clean, including green spaces and community parks, roadsides, shorelines, or even areas around bus stops. Cleanup kits, which include nitrile gloves and black garbage bags, will be made available for pickup by registrants (upon request) at one of fourteen City of Ottawa facilities across the city. Registration closes May 2.

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

Gloucester Historical Society

The Gloucester Historical Society's e-newsletter includes original stories on Gloucester history and the latest developments at the Gloucester Historical Society including upcoming events. bFor details and to sign up, please visit www.gloucesterhistory.com.

Survey for thermal resilience research

A group of building design researchers from the University of Toronto/Carleton University are conducting a survey study to understand how extensive disruptive events in Canada (such as power outages, equipment failures, wildfires or extreme heat events where heating/cooling/ ventilation systems are not working for more than 24 hours) impact occupant behaviour and health. They are looking for survey participants who have experienced a disruptive event who have experienced these types of events. The survey is anonymous and would provide valuable insights to inform better and safer building designs in the future. Link to survey: forms.office.com/r/C0nVruPeyf You can learn more about this research project at hab.civmin.utoronto.ca/projects/automated-tool-for-evaluating-building-thermal-resilience

Findings from the Consultations in Preparation for the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030

The City of Ottawa is renewing the Older Adult Plan. The first phase of renewing the plan was to understand the current needs of Ottawa’s older adults. From June until September 2024, City staff consulted and engaged with residents and community agencies to collect input on what it was like for older adults living in Ottawa. The findings of the consultations, along with the results from the Evaluation Report, will inform the development of a new iteration of the Older Adult Plan. Approximately 1,300 individuals participated in the consultations, resulting in approximately 7,000 ideas, suggestions and comments from residents and community agencies. Thank you to everyone who provided their input during the consultation period and to the community partners who helped us along the way. The What We Learned Report summarizes the findings and the next steps for the development of the Older Adult Plan 2025 to 2030. You can read the report on Engage Ottawa. Updates on the Older Adult Plan development will be added to the site.

Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police statement on homicides in 2025

The Ottawa Police Service recognizes the concern and unease in our community following three homicides in just one week. While these incidents are not connected, that does not make them any less tragic. Three lives have been senselessly lost, and families, friends, and loved ones are now grieving. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.

We share the community’s concerns about the level of violence in our city. So far in 2025, there have been eight homicides. Our investigators have worked tirelessly, and charges have been laid in six of these cases. The remaining two cases remain under active investigation, and we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable.

We also want to acknowledge the courage and compassion of the bystanders who stepped in to help in at least one of these incidents. Ottawa is a community that looks out for one another, and we are grateful for those who did everything they could to assist.

Our officers continue to work around the clock to ensure public safety, prevent further violence, and support those affected. We know that enforcement alone is not enough, which is why we are committed to working with community partners to address the root causes of violence and build long-term solutions.

Support is available for anyone affected by these tragedies. The Victim Support Unit offers immediate and ongoing assistance. The Distress Centre of Ottawa is available 24/7 at 613-238-3311. Kids Help Phone is available for children and youth—text CONNECT to 686868 or visit their website for online support.

We understand that uncertainty can be frustrating. These investigations are complex, and to ensure a fair and impartial court process, we are limited in the details we can share. However, our Community Police Officers are working directly with impacted communities, alongside City Councillors, to provide as much information as possible.

We remain committed to working with the community to prevent violence, solve these crimes, and keep our city safe. If you have any information about unsolved cases or information that could assist investigators, please contact the Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or crimestoppers.ca.

For data about crime in Ottawa, visit the Community Safety Data portal.

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.

April 4, 2025 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Your Councillor in the Community

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Emergency Services News

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