August 11, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Since I have not had an extended summer vacation in four years, I will be starting holidays this weekend, and anticipate returning to City Hall in two weeks. My office will be operating on holiday hours from August 21 to August 25. My staff will be monitoring voicemails and emails. If you have an immediate request for service, please call 3-1-1 directly. Requests can also be sent by email to [email protected]. Please remember to copy [email protected] so my office can track your Service Request. There will be no newsletter next Friday.
Today, the City continues to respond to the impact of the severe thunderstorm, yesterday, August 10. We are thankful to share that there are no reported injuries at this time. The significant rainfall resulted in flash flooding in some areas, as well as localized power outages. At the peak of the storm yesterday afternoon, Hydro Ottawa reported 24,000 customers without power. All outages have been restored. Ottawa Fire Services and the Ottawa Police Service responded to multiple calls related to flooding on streets. While the City is still assessing the full extent of the streets impacted, we are aware that sections of St. Laurent Boulevard, Burn Street and Claude Street, as well as parts of the Cummings, Overbrook, and Rockcliffe Park neighbourhoods were impacted. The City’s Public Works Department is working with emergency services to address these issues and support public safety. This includes helping to clear catch basins of debris. We encourage you to clear blocked catch basins if it is safe to do so.
There is no impact to City-operated critical infrastructure at this time. The City's Infrastructure and Water Services Department is ensuring that operations run normally at the City’s water and wastewater management plants. Transit Services implemented bus detours, as required. We encourage residents to report any impacts to the City’s 3-1-1 service.
Due to increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events like the storm that passed Thursday, residents can expect Council to examine methods to be better prepared for an increase in extreme weather events. Since extreme weather events are becoming the norm due to climate change, it is important to be prepared. You can learn how to be prepared for summer storms and other emergencies at my website at: www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/health_public_safety.
Progress also continues regarding light rail service restoration. On August 8, Line 1 resumed operation between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. Single-car trains are running every five minutes. An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate higher customer volumes if required. So far, OC Transpo has noted that this service is sufficient to meet customer needs. Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips, and updates continue to be shared on all of OC Transpo’s channels. OC Transpo anticipates that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14.
Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to make progress adjusting the restraining rails to ensure there is no contact with the wheels of the train. To date, adjustments to restraining rails have been completed at 16 locations. This is the only remaining requirement of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom to be fulfilled before service can be safely restored across the entire Line 1 corridor. RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 26 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service.
Service plans continue to be finalized, but it is anticipated that for the rest of August, 11 single-car trains will operate during the morning peak period and 13 single-cars will run in the afternoon peak. For the remainder of the day and on weekends, nine single-car trains will provide service. This will accommodate customer demand during the busiest times, without the need for R1 bus service, and allow OC Transpo to sustainably manage fleet availability over the long term. R1 bus service will continue to run on Monday, and possibly be removed from service on Tuesday. The service plan for September ridership is still being prepared, and an update will be provided when final.
Despite all the continuing challenges that the City has endured, I encourage you to enjoy some time with your friends and family as well take in the numerous exciting events happening in our community. Wishing everyone a relaxing summer, and I will look forward to ongoing discussions and debates at City Hall this September.
Your Councillor in the Community
It was amazing to provide opening remarks at the opening reception for the “We Do Not Dream of Labour” exhibition on August 10 at the Ottawa Art Gallery featuring 38 incredible local artists. This exhibition, curated by Yanaminah Thullah, OAG’s Commercial, Community Guest Curator, continues until Sept. 10. For details, please visit oaggao.ca/whats-on/exhibitions/we-do-not-dream-of-labour.
Vanier BIA Friday Family Fun - August 11
Free Dental Screenings at the Rideau Community Hub - August 11 & 25
Overbrook Day - August 12
The Company of Fools presents a Hamlet that’s bigger and better than ever. For more information and for the full schedule, please visit fools.ca/hamlet.
Shows in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe:
- August 14 and 21 at 7 pm in Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill
Vanier BIA - Live music Wednesday evenings
Refugee Stories in support of Carty House - at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre - Starting August 16
Each semester, DeSerres Art Store, at St. Laurent Shopping Centre, offers Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) high school co-op students a chance to work with a professional artist to learn develop their art skills, as well as relate to the wider community. Carty House, the only transitional home for female refugees in Ottawa, was selected as their community partner for their summer co-op program. Most of us will never have to fee our home country in search of safety. Most of us will never have to rebuild our lives from scratch. These women did. Carty House current and past residents will be sharing their experiences. The students will be using 100-year-old doors to bring their stories to life through art. They are very excited to create, to learn, to share. PASSAGES - Doors to Refugee Stories will be on display in Centre Court at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre beginning Wednesday, August 16. For more information on this project or Carty House, please visit CartyHouse.org.
Summer Corn Roast - August 19
Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard hosts a Summer Corn Roast on August 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, at Optimist Park, 43 Cécile Street in Vanier. Enjoy fresh corn on the cob and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities through the day, including face painting, yoga, live music, and enjoy the wares and talents of local artisans and artists. Click here for details.
Vanier BIA Family Pride Carnival - August 20
The Vanier BIA Family Pride Carnival is hosting Drag shows, a Drank Dunk Tank, a barbecue, snow cones, cotton candy, games, prizes - all for free - at the Vanier HUB at 271 Marier Avenue on August 20 from 2 to 6 pm.
King Kong at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - August 26
The Crichton Community Council presents King Kong for its next Films at the Fieldhouse presentation on August 26 at 7:30 pm. Join the Council for this original classic and 8th Wonder of the World: KING KONG. From the wild jungle to 1930s New York City, Kong remains a thrilling film from start to finish. Featuring then ground-breaking stop motion special effects, though it has had many remakes and knockoffs, the first Kong roars the loudest! (Note, some scenes may be frightening to younger children). Admission is free. The New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse is located at 203 Stanley Avenue.
City Sounds Live Summer Sounds Showcase
Enjoy 20 free outdoor concerts until Sept. 22. Details: ottawamic.com/citysoundslive
Performances in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
- Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 pm at The Hub, located on Marier Avenue at Montreal Road in Vanier.
Road Rehabilitation Works in Rideau-Rockcliffe
As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, road resurfacing is taking place in the following locations.
- Clarke Avenue from St. Laurent Boulevard to Claude Street - Sod to be completed shortly.
- Donald Street from Vera Street to Alesther Street - Construction ongoing. Asphalt tentatively scheduled to begin mid-August.
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Crichton Street from Dufferin Road to Beechwood Avenue and from Charles Street to Keefer Street - Paving is complete. Pavement markings and site cleanup will be completed in the coming weeks.
- Springfield Road from Beechwood Avenue (OR 44) to Maple Lane - Concrete and asphalt complete. Landscaping and line markings ongoing.
- McArthur Avenue from Lafontaine Avenue to St. Laurent Boulevard - Work is ongoing.
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And in nearby Ward 12:
- Belisle Street from McArthur Avenue north to the dead end - Work ongoing.
- Eastwood Place from McArthur Avenue west to the dead end - Work ongoing.
The roads will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic. The City has retained contractor R.W. Tomlinson to complete the work.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
- Clean up
The City’s Public Works staff is working to make roads, parks and right of ways safe again. If you spot a tree, road or parks related hazard, report the hazard to 3-1-1 for follow-up. Roadside sweeps will be arranged once clean up efforts are underway. Contractors engaged by insurance providers or by residents directly are responsible for the proper disposal and diversion where possible of construction and house-related debris. Please ensure that any debris is kept separate when placing tree and yard debris related to the storm at the curb for pickup. Click this link for details on how to package tree and yard debris. For any questions or for information on other City-related services, contact 3-1-1.
- Property damage and insurance
If your property was damaged by the storm, please contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you have insurance questions, please contact your insurance rep or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada by calling 1-844-227-5422 or emailing [email protected].
- Property taxes for damaged structures
Property owners impacted by extreme weather may be eligible to cancel, reduce or refund part of their property taxes for the year. For all requests to cancel, reduce or refund part of property taxes related to extreme weather events that occurred in 2023, homeowners must submit an application form by Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Click here for updates and more information.
Road Works and Traffic Updates
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Highway 417 closure and bridge replacement postponed
The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has advised the Percy Street bridge replacement on Highway 417, originally scheduled for August 10 to 14, has been postponed. The revised date for the highway closures and bridge replacement has not been confirmed.
- Riverside Drive southbound lane reductions
The 24-hour construction work to the 150-metre length of Riverside Drive will be conducted in stages over several weekends to minimize traffic impacts during regular peak periods. The lane reduction is expected over the following three weekends:
- Saturday, August 12 at 12 pm until Tuesday, August 15 at 3 pm
- Friday, August 18 at 9 am until Monday, August 21 at 3 pm (tentative)
- Friday, August 25 at 9 am until Monday, August 28 at 3 pm (tentative)
Click here for more information.
Register soon for fall recreation and culture programs - August 14 and 16
You can now browse register.ottawa.ca to start planning your fall activities and PA days for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration opens for:
- Fall swimming lessons on August 14 at 9 pm
- All other fall activities and PA days on Wednesday, August 16 at 9 pm
The start of school is just around the corner and registration for the City's before and after school programs is in full swing! New this September, you can register for after school care on single days to accommodate hybrid working schedules. Does your child need a little extra help? Our Inclusive Recreation team provides Shared Care 1:1 integration support. Go to register.ottawa.ca to find a location in your neighbourhood and sign up today.
Cleaning the Capital Fall Campaign - Registration opens August 15
This year’s Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign will proceed with registration starting August 15, for cleanup projects taking place between September 15 and October 15. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean. The registration form populates an interactive map, showing which locations have been chosen for cleanup projects. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags, recycling bags, and gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of ten City of Ottawa facilities across the city. Organize a cleanup project with your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues and help keep the City of Ottawa clean and green. Register your project by October 1.
Key Fall campaign dates:
August 15: Registration begins
September 15 to October 15: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
October 1: Deadline to register
October 31: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
Volunteer for City Committees by August 24
Looking for a great way to provide your expertise, knowledge and lived experience? Become a volunteer to serve as a public member on the City of Ottawa's French Language Services Advisory Committee and Planning Advisory Committee. Application deadline: August 24. For details, please click here.
Black Youth Entrepreneur and Innovation Program - Starts Sept. 9 - Application deadline is August 25
Are you a Black youth age 18 - 30 with a good business idea? Have you been trying to get it started? Would you benefit from a quick and efficient learning program, networking with like-minded peers, and accessing business funding opportunities? If so, you should apply for Jaku Konbit's Black Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation (BYEI) Program! Through 12 informative workshops over six weeks to a rewarding pitch competition, BYEI is helping Ottawa's Black youth bring business dreams to life. It can do the same for you! For details and to register, please click here.
- Northern Lights Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill - Thursday to Monday until Sept. 4. Details here.
- The Great India Festival takes place August 10 to 13 at Ottawa City Hall. Details: www.tgifottawa.ca
- Halal Ribfest at Lansdowne Park - August 11 to 13. This is North America's largest Halal food event, plus entertainment, shopping and activities. Details here.
- Ottawa Greek Fest - August 11-13, 15, 18-20 at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive. Free admission. Click here for the schedule.
- Capital Ukrainian Festival - August 19 at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue, and August 20 at Lansdowne Park. Details: capitalukrainianfestival.com
- Capital Pride Festival - August 19 to 27. Details: capitalpride.ca/2023-festival
- Capital Pride Parade - August 27, starting at 1 pm in Centretown. Click here for details.
- Palestinian Festival Ottawa - August 25 to 27 at Marion Dewar Park near City Hall. Details: palestinianfestival.ca
ByWard Market - Upcoming Events and Showcases
- OOH Music, Arts & Streetwear Festival - August 12 and 13 from 12 to 8 pm on York Street at the OTTAWA sign. Free admission.
- Salsa Sundays - August 13, 20 and 27 from 3 to 5 pm at the George Street Plaza. Admission is free. No experience or partner necessary.
- Ottawa Street Fashion III photoshoot - August 13 at 3 pm at the William Street Plaza.
- Summer Showcase featuring more than 70 local artisans - August 19 from 11 am to 6 pm on York Street.
- City Sounds Live performances featuring Jessica Pearson & the East Wind, as well as Sam Stone. August 23 from 6 to 8 pm at the OTTAWA sign on York Street.
- ByWard Night Market - August 26 at 8 pm - William Street Pedestrian Way
For details, please click here.
Odyssey Theatre presents The Miser! until August 20
Odyssey Theatre presents Moliere's The Miser! for its 37th season of Theatre Under the Stars at Strathcona Park. Catch it Tuesday through Sunday at 8 pm or a Sunday matinee at 2 pm until August 20. Audience members will be encouraged to wear masks. This will be a requirement for those sitting in front of the bleachers and closer to the stage. Tickets can be purchased online at this link or at the park an hour before the show starts.
What's Happening at City Hall & Lansdowne Park
- Enjoy Salsa dancing for free at the Rink of Dreams at City Hall on Wednesday evenings until August 30. Workshops begin at 6:30 pm/ Social dancing to Latin DJs takes place from 8 to 11 pm.
- Latin at Lansdowne: Free outdoor classes on Saturdays at the Aberdeen Plaza until Saturday, August 26. Beginner- or improver-level dance lessons begin at 6 pm, and social dancing is from 8 to 11 pm. Solo and partnered-style dancing workshops.
- Full Moon Yoga on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne - Free! August 30 from 8 to 9 pm. For details, please click here.
- Lansdowne Summer Arts Showcase - Free musical performances at Lansdowne Park, every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm until August 31. Bring your lawn chair.
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Movies in the Park at Lansdowne Park - every Thursday until August 31 starting at sundown.
- Thursday, August 17: Coda: Life with Music
- Thursday, August 24: The Mummy
- Thursday, August 31: Jurassic World
For details and for information about other activities this summer at City Hall and Lansdowne, please click here.
Masters Indigenous Games & Festival at Lansdowne Park - August 25 to 27
The 2023 masters Masters Indigenous Games will be held from August 24 to 27 at Lansdowne Park on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, who have inhabited the lands from time immemorial. The four-day sport and cultural event will be a celebration of athletic ability, with 1,500 Indigenous athletes from around the world expected to compete across six different sports: athletics (track & field and cross country), basketball, canoe/kayak, golf, lacrosse, and volleyball. Visitors and local residents, will also be able to immerse themselves in a spectacular showcase of local, regional, and global Indigenous culture and sports at the MIG Cultural Festival. Open August 25 to 27, this family-friendly festival will be located at the world-class Lansdowne Park (TD Place) on the Great Lawn, a 5- to 10-minute drive between most of the sporting venues. The festival is free, open to the public, and will feature traditional Indigenous sport demonstrations, engaging cultural performances, food trucks, a vendors’ village with Indigenous handcrafts, and much more. Click here for details.
Lansdowne 2.0 Public Session - Sept. 6
A second Lansdowne 2.0 public session is scheduled for Sept. 6 at 6 pm. This session will be identical to the one held on July 13. Residents can register in advance to receive the meeting link by clicking here. A series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment and Official Plan Amendment applications have been posted on the Lansdowne 2.0 Engage Ottawa page. Additional questions or comments may be submitted to [email protected].
The Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Nomination Period Open until Sept. 8
The City is accepting nominations for the 2023 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from Ottawa.ca/orderofottawa. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 8 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Personal Electric Vehicle Strategy - Survey available until Sept. 10
How can the City of Ottawa support the uptake of electric vehicles? Moving away from gas and diesel vehicles is one of the most important actions that we can take to achieve Ottawa’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. Electric vehicles are one key way to do this. To support the uptake of electric vehicles, the City of Ottawa is developing a personal electric vehicle strategy. Have your say by completing the survey. The deadline to complete the survey is Sept. 10. Please click here for more information.
Wildlife Strategy Review - Second Survey available until Sept. 15
City staff have received hundreds of comments and questions in response to the first round of consultation regarding the City's Wildlife Strategy which is now undergoing a full review. A second survey is now available until Sept. 15. Click here for details. Click here for the survey.
Avoiding Problems with Wildlife
Our wild neighbours have the same basic needs as we do: food, water and shelter. Sometimes, this can lead to conflicts. Farmers can't afford to lose their crops and livestock to predation, so they invest in preventive measures such as fencing, noisemakers, watchdogs or other guardian animals. Homeowners also need to consider how they can prevent wild animals from moving into their walls or attics, or rummaging through their compost bins, by animal-proofing their homes. There are steps you can take to prevent vermin, including rats, mice and cockroaches, on your property. Please click here to learn how to eliminate food and water sources, eliminate hiding and living places and protect buildings. If you are experiencing a vermin infestation and require professional services, you may wish to contact a licensed pest control company.
For more information about wildlife-proofing and avoiding problems, there are a number of resources available at this link.
If your neighbour/neighbour's property is attracting unwanted wildlife, including mice or rats, that are also impacting your property, the City of Ottawa has a number of regulations within its bylaws that govern the maintenance of properties to prevent pest infestations. To report a concern, please call 3-1-1 or submit a Service Request via this link. Ottawa Public Health offers important information related to rat control, including how to manage rats on your property. Click here for details.
Upcoming Deadlines for City of Ottawa Cultural Funding Programs
1. Cultural Facilities Fund, Major Capital Projects - Sept. 15 at 11:59 pm - Details here.
2. Capacity building program - Sept. 20 at 4 pm - Details here.
3. Cultural facilities fund (minor projects) - Sept. 27 at 4 pm - Details here.
4. Equity and inclusion in the arts fund - Oct. 4 at 4 pm. Details here.
5. Heritage funding program - Oct. 24 at 4 pm - Details here.
City Council and Committee News
For meeting agendas, please visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1.
For information on how to participate in individual meetings, please consult the specific meeting’s agenda at ottawa.ca/agendas.
To watch the meetings on Youtube, please click here.
Upcoming meetings:
- Accessibility Advisory Committee - August 15 at 6 pm
- Planning and Housing Committee - August 16 at 9:30 am
- City Council - August 23 at 10 am
- Transportation Committee - August 23 at 9:30 am
- Ottawa Police Services Board - August 25 at 3 pm
- Light Rail Sub-Committee - August 29 at 9:30 am
For recent Council and Committee news, please click here.