April 5, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Last week I had the opportunity to join an amazing gathering of 30 entrepreneurs organized by PrezDential Basketball who shared their experiences and wisdom with over 60 students at Gloucester High School in an effort to bridge generational gaps.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
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].
Manor Park in need of baseball coaches - Apply by April 17
The Manor Park Community Council is seeking spring baseball coaches. Successful candidates will have experience working with children, knowledge of the sport, will be upbeat, energetic and enthusiastic! Expect to be outdoors, running, cheering, coaching and having an awesome time with kids, parents and fellow coaches. Baseball runs on Monday evenings throughout May and June. Coaches 18 years and older will have a police record check. Successful applicants will hold valid CPR Level C and First Aid training. Submit your resume before April 17 at 4 pm to [email protected].
Road Closure - 165 Prince Albert Street - Until April 9
Work will be done in the right-of-way at 165 Prince Albert Street, between Quill Street and Whitton Place, starting the morning of Tuesday, March 26 for the installation of new site services including water, sanitary and storm. Notifications to all nearby residents have been sent. During this time a portion of the road directly in front of 165 Prince Albert Street will be closed. Access to local traffic will be permitted. The duration of the road closure will last from March 26 until April 9.
Hydro pole replacement project - Oakhill & Corona between Acacia & Beechwood - Until April 26
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.
Free tax clinic - April 6, 13 and 27
Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard host free tax clinics by appointment at 237 Montreal Road on April 6, 13 and 27. For details and to make an appointment, please call 613-744-4484.
Hydro Ottawa is continuing to make capital investments in the electricity distribution system in your ward to help prevent larger and longer unplanned outages from occurring. I am writing to inform you of a new pole replacement project that has been planned. 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. We estimate that this project will 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 AvenueSidewalk 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
Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable - in Manor Park - Rescheduled for April 10
Lead a Jane's Walk Tour - Sign up by April 12
- 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 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. 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.
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
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.
So Chic Charity Fashion Show & Luncheon - April 27
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.
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
Free Yoga Classes in New Edinburgh - Every Sunday morning & Wednesday evening
Enjoy free yoga at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, every Sunday from 11 am to 12:30 pm and every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm. Unite breath and movement through an asana practice. Join Solmaz Hicks on her yoga journey which began during the pandemic when she discovered a profound connection between mind, body and spirit. Through her yoga practice she changed the way she deals with stress entirely. You can too! Please bring your own mat. Practice times are subject to change. For updates, please visit www.newedinburgh.ca/events.
Free Play Group at the Overbrook Community Centre - every Thursday
The Overbrook Community Centre hosts a free play group every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm. The centre is located at 33 Quill Street. There will be toys, fun games and free snacks available.
Free Children’s Playgroup in New Edinburgh - every Thursday morning
Children from newborns to four years old and their parents or caregivers are welcome to attend a free drop-in playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 am. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. Please bring your own toy and snack for your child. Some warm beverages will be available for adults. The Crichton Community Council is seeking a volunteer parent/caregiver coordinator so that this initiative can continue past April 15. To learn more, please email [email protected].
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update
Mother Nature delivered quite the weather event on Wednesday and Thursday of this week featuring rain, ice pellets, snow and strong winds. The City's Roads and Parking Services team continues to operate 24/7, and supervisors will be monitoring conditions and will deploy resources as needed. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast for the weekend. For updates on winter and spring operations, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.
City-wide Street Sweeping Operations
City-wide street sweeping operations have begun, though operations were recently paused during the winter storm this week. Main thoroughfares are typically done during off-peak hours so that operations do not impact busy traffic routes, including the morning and afternoon commute. Residents may see street sweeping vehicles repetitively clean sections of their streets and sidewalks. This is sometimes required to remove difficult debris and materials that have accumulated throughout the winter that can pose a danger to traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and which clog catch basins.
Concentrated street sweeping operations began on April 1 and are expected to be completed on April 11, 2024 (weather permitting).
- Concentrated sweeping is conducted in core neighbourhoods which include the downtown core, Vanier, New Edinburgh, Overbrook, Sandy Hill, Glebe, Centretown, West Centretown, ByWard Market, Lowertown, Old Ottawa East and Old Ottawa South. These neighbourhoods receive concentrated street sweeping as a result of continuous on-street parking, which prevents effective sweeping. This type of street sweeping is usually conducted between 7 am and 7 pm.
- On-street parking restrictions are in effect in these neighbourhoods when marked. All street sweeping operations are weather dependent.
- Temporary “No Parking” signs are posted prominently. The parking restrictions apply to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits.
- Vehicles parked where temporary “no-parking” signs are posted will towed to nearby streets. Towed vehicles are usually moved just a few blocks over.
- If you are unable to find your vehicle on your own, please call 3-1-1.
More information about City street sweeping operations is available on Ottawa.ca/springmaintenance.
Solar Eclipse - April 8
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Moon’s orbit will position it directly between the Earth and the Sun, causing a solar eclipse. While other areas will experience a total eclipse, in Ottawa the eclipse will not be total -the maximum will be approximately 99 per cent occurring for two to three minutes starting at 3:25 pm. Because there is no total eclipse in Ottawa, there is no safe time to look at the Sun without appropriate eye protection. It’s important to keep your safety in mind during this event. You can visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SolarEclipse to learn more about staying safe during the eclipse.
International Day of Pink - April 10
Celebrate a day filled with empowerment, authenticity, and the amazing power of unity. On April 10, 2024, let's celebrate visibility in all its forms - being seen, acknowledged, respected, and listened to. It's about standing tall and embracing our true selves. Because there is nothing more beautiful than being who you truly are. Let's stand united against injustices, raising our voices for those who need them most. Wear pink, use our campaign resources, and spread the message of visibility everywhere. For details, please click here.
Child Care and EarlyON - Service System Plan Survey open until April 10
The City of Ottawa Children’s Services is in the process of updating the local Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan for the next five years (2024-2028). This plan will act as a road map to identify priorities and set-out actions to meet the vision of an accessible, affordable, high quality, equitable and inclusive Early Learning and Child Care system by addressing local needs. What we hear during engagement opportunities, as well as through a review of demographic and service data, will help to establish the strategic priorities for our city to respond and better meet the needs of children and families in Ottawa. It will also ensure a strong foundation for the future as child care and early years initiatives continue to evolve and align with the on-going implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system. As Children’s Services works to update the Service System Plan it is important that we hear from parents, families, and caregivers and those expecting a child. Feedback will help identify community priorities, strengths, challenges or gaps, and areas for action. Your feedback will help ensure we are setting appropriate priorities for the next five years. The survey will remain open until April 10, 2024.
Ottawa Youth Film Festival - Submission deadline is April 11
The Ottawa Youth Film Festival is a new event which aims to empower and celebrate the voices of young filmmakers, providing a dynamic platform for their unique stories to be seen, heard, and celebrated. The festival is currently accepting submissions of short films between 2 and 10 minutes, from filmmakers of all skill levels between the ages of 15 and 24. The deadline to submit a film is April 11, 2024. The festival's first edition will take place May 11 at the Mayfair Theatre. For details and to submit your short film, please click here.
Call for Filming Locations
⭐ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Climate Resiliency Strategy - Survey and Open Houses in April
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.
March 15: Registration opens
April 15 to May 31: Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign
April 22: Earth Day 2024
May 3: Registration closes
June 15: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
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.