August 14, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Your Councillor in the Community
City staff held a second round of public consultations concerning proposed Beechwood Avenue public realm improvements at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse this week.
Congratulations to the many amazing residents and community partners who enjoyed the Forbes-Cummings Community Party on Borthwick, Gardenvale and in Trojan Park last weekend, despite the inclement weather!
I had a lot of fun dropping by the Canada Summer Jobs BBQ, hosted by Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier at the Vanier HUB this week, to acknowledge the more than 500 youth in our area who benefited from paid summer work experience and skill development for the job market!
It was wonderful to provide a tour of critical social infrastructure in Ward 13 to City Manager Wendy Stephanson this week, including the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre.
The City of Ottawa issued a special commemorative coin in 2026 to mark the bicentennial of the 1826 founding of Bytown. This week, I was happy to present coins with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to local Ward 13 volunteers and community leaders as a symbol of gratitude for their service.
It was great to attend the grand opening of the 32nd Annual Family Gathering at Saint Charbel Maronite Catholic Church in Overbrook this week.
Attended an informative public consultation undertaken by City staff with residents last weekend at New Edinburgh Park concerning proposed improvements to Beechwood Avenue’s public realm.
It was great fun attending an open house of the Ottawa Police Service Mounted Unit last week to learn what a training session looks like and how horses help with police work within the city.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
ANCHOR has expanded to Overbrook
Ottawa's Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) program has expanded, with service now available in Overbrook. ANCHOR provides a community-based response to mental health and substance use crises, connecting residents with trained crisis workers when appropriate. Call 2-1-1 for support. The service is confidential and available in multiple languages. Details: ottawa.ca/anchor
Farmers Market in New Edinburgh - Saturdays until Oct. 31
Ottawa Street Markets continues its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
MP Fortier's Community BBQ - August 15
Join Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier on Saturday, August 15, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Vanier HUB, located at the corner of Montreal Road and Marier Avenue, for her annual Community BBQ. Bring your family and friends, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together. There will be great food, fun activities, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community.
Collège La Cité, located at 801 Aviation Parkway, will be testing its emergency lockdown system on Sunday, August 16 between 12 and 8 pm. This will be the final test before they anticipate carrying out a lockdown exercise with staff and students in September. Thank you for your understanding.
Beechwood Cemetery tours - August 16 to Oct. 18
Explore the rich history of Beechwood Cemetery during upcoming free, volunteer-led walking tours. Visitors can discover either the East or West sections of the cemetery while hearing fascinating stories of the people and events that helped shape Canada. Rain or shine, these engaging 1.5- to 2-hour tours are wheelchair accessible and perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and curious locals alike.
Upcoming Western Tours:
- Sunday, August 16, at 10:30 am
- Tuesday, September 15, at 10:30 am
- Sunday, September 20, at 1:00 pm
- Sunday, October 04, at 1:00 pm
Eastern Tour:
- Tuesday, August 18, at 10:30 am
- Sunday, August 30, at 10:30 am
- Tuesday, September 22, at 10:30 am
- Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 pm
- Sunday, October 18, at 1:00 pm
Royal Scottish Dancing in New Edinburgh Park - August 16
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa is hosting an afternoon of dancing in New Edinburgh Park east of the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on August 16 from 1:30 to 4 pm. They will be dancing some of their favorites as well as some simple dances to engage spectators. This will be the final event celebrating their 60th dance year. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Ottawa Branch, provides classes at all levels throughout the city, and hosts monthly socials, an annual ball, workshops and dance demonstrations. Details: www.rscdsottawa.ca/anniversary
Join Writers Collective of Canada at Re/Writing Connection! - August 18
The Writers Collective of Canada hosts a spoken word event on Tuesday, August 18 in Rockcliffe Park. Re/writing Connection is an opportunity for local WCC writers to share magnificent stories, which have emerged from WCC workshops, with the broader community. WCC writing workshops ignite the power of authentic voice, spark powerful connection and change lives. Our program reaches a diverse range of voices and communities, many traditionally underserved and underheard. Libraries are among the most accessible spaces in which communities can be brought together through art-making. WCC is currently partnering with over 25 public libraries across Canada, where we offer free open writing workshops. With the support of a TD Ready Commitment grant, Re/writing Connection will take place at public libraries celebrating the brave voices that have been empowered through writing with others. Please join the WCC on Tuesday, August 18 from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Rockcliffe Park library branch, 380 Springfield Road. Details: wcc-cec.org
Ottawa Riverkeeper Current Conversations Event - August 19
Join the Ottawa Riverkeeper's next Current Conversations event on Wednesday, August 19 at 6 pm at the NCC River House, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. David Finlayson, Dr. Sean Landsman, and Mark Bernards will share breathtaking underwater photography and the stories behind some of the Ottawa River's most fascinating freshwater wildlife and ecosystems. Details and to RSVP: Eventbrite
Beer & Bites - August 20
Wrap up the summer with the final Beer & Bites evening at the Vanier Sugar Shack on August 20 from 6 to 8 pm. This edition features Orléans Brewing Co. and Chef Ric’s, with craft beer and gourmet food pairings in a relaxed summer setting. Space is limited and advance booking is recommended. Click here for tickets and details.
Overbrook Day - August 21
The Overbrook Community Association invites Overbrook residents to enjoy Overbrook Day festivities on August 21, from 4 to 7 pm, in Overbrook Park, 33 Quill Street. The celebration will feature a free barbecue, music, prizes, face painting, games and activities, a free community barbecue and more! End the day by enjoying a Movie Night in Park after dark at approximately 8:30 pm, courtesy of Ottawa Community Housing, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Overbrook Community Centre. The rain date is August 28.
Volunteers are needed the day of the event. Those interested are welcome to contact the Overbrook Community Association by emailing [email protected].
Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard's Corn Roast & Vendors Fair - August 22
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for her annual Corn Roast and Vendors Fair on Saturday, August 22, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Optimist Park at 43 Ste-Cécile Street in Vanier. Enjoy fresh local corn, family activities, free swimming, and live musicians. It will be a fun-filled event with something for everyone! Bring your family and friends for a fantastic community gathering.
Wateridge Village Movie Night - August 22
Canada Lands Company invites Wateridge Village residents to a Pride-inspired Movie Night. Trolls Band Together will be presented in Alliance Park on August 22. The activities begin at 7 pm and the movie will be presented at dusk in English with French subtitles. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.
Heritage Ottawa Walking Tours - August 23 to Oct. 4
Heritage Ottawa walking tours continue rain or shine this summer with several upcoming opportunities to explore the city’s history.
- Modern Lowertown takes place August 23 at 2 pm and explores Mid-Century Modern architecture, urban renewal and the neighbourhood’s changing landscape.
- Hog’s Back: A Storied Landscape takes place Sept. 12 at 2 pm and looks at how Rideau Canal engineering transformed the area in the early 19th century.
- Explore the history, architecture and streetscapes of New Edinburgh during a Heritage Ottawa walking tour on Sept. 13 at 2 pm. The tour highlights the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, early residents and evolution from one of Canada’s earliest planned communities. The tour departs from the Rideau Gate entrance to the Rideau Hall grounds and is led by local historian and author Janet Uren.
- Explore the Village of Ashton on the western edge of Ottawa's city boundary on Sept. 20 at 2 pm.
- Discover Ruskin Place during a tour exploring the long, and often unsuccessful, history of the Ottawa Land Association’s attempts to sell building lots in Ottawa’s western suburb. The tour takes place Sept. 27 at 2 pm.
- Masterpieces of Domestic Design: Revival Style Architecture in Rockcliffe Park takes place Oct. 4 at 2 pm. The new walking tour explores Rockcliffe Park’s historic residential architecture, from Tudor and Gothic Revival to Georgian, Colonial Revival and modernist designs. The tour departs from the Rockcliffe Park Public Library parking lot, 380 Springfield Road, and is led by architectural historian Martha Edmond.
Pre-registration is required. Cost is $10 for Heritage Ottawa members and $25 for non-members. Details: heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season
Akoustic live music series - Wednesday evenings until September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, until September 23, from 6 to 8 pm. Twenty-one artists. Ten Wednesdays. One summer-long soundtrack of folk, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between — free and outdoors. Everyone welcome. For the full schedule, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
Upcoming performances:
- August 26: Edra Silva performs at 6 pm, and Mikhail Laxton's 613 Soul performs at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 2: Lyle Odjick performs at 6 pm and the Angelique Francis Band performs at 7:10 pm.
- Sept 9: Hannah Vig performs at 6 pm and Amos The Transparent takes the stage at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 16: At 6 pm, enjoy a performance by Vancamp, while Jessica Pearson and The East Wind perform at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 23: Featuring Joly at 6 pm and Moonfruits at 7:10 pm.
Community Coffee Day - August 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre hosts a Community Coffee Day on August 28 from 2 to 3 pm at the Rideau Community Hub in Room 124 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and more - at not cost! Details: www.crcrr.org
Manor Park BBQ and Movie Night in the Park - August 28
Manor Park residents are invited to a community gathering in London Terrace Park, 355 London Terrace, to enjoy the summer, meet local residents and connect with community resources and services on August 28, from 5 to 10 pm. The event, hosted by the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, will include a free BBQ, music and activities, followed by an outdoor movie for children and families at dusk. Halal options will be available. For updates, visit Facebook.
Broncs and 'Tonks Rodeo & Country Music Festival - August 28
Broncs and 'Tonks is a one-day rodeo and country music festival taking place at the Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road, on August 28 from 1 to 11 p.m. The event features professional rodeo competition followed by a concert headlined by Dean Brody and The Reklaws. Details: www.broncsandtonks.com
End of Summary Park Party - New Edinburgh - August 29
The Crichton Community Council is inviting New Edinburgh residents to an End of Summer Party on August 29, from 5 to 8 pm, in New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, featuring a barbecue, beer, non-alcoholic refreshments, music, face painting, a bouncy castle and field sports. Details and updates: newedinburgh.ca
Words on the Water - Sept. 2
Join Ottawa’s Poet Laureates David O’Meara and Véronique Sylvain, along with eight outstanding local poets, for a captivating evening of poetry inspired by the river that connects us all on Sept. 2, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Ottawa Riverkeeper Learning Lab, NCC River House, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Suite 101. Through powerful readings in both English and French, you’ll experience stories of place, memory, nature, and belonging brought to life through the spoken word. Also featuring a remarkable roster of local poets: Christine McNair, Stephanie Roberts , Mahaila Smith, Harold Hoefle, Sarah Migneron, Jean Marc Dalpé, Alexis Rodrigue Lafleur, and David Galvaude. For details and to register, please visit Eventbrite.
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - Sept. 5 to 7
On Sept. 5 to 7, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit the private gardens and Palm House, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general. Details: www.gg.ca
BeechFest - Sept. 12
The Vanier BIA hosts its annual BeechFest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 9 pm along Beechwood Avenue. The block party will feature local flavours, live music, street eats and community fun for the whole family. Updates: vanierbia.com/beechfest
Beechwood Avenue Public Realm - Additional engagement opportunity during BeechFest - Sept. 12
The City's Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Team is inviting residents to review the draft functional design on the Engage Ottawa project page: engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood. Share your feedback! The project team will be hosting a third public engagement opportunity during BeechFest on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 9 pm.
The Council on Aging of Ottawa's annual Walk of Ages fundraiser - Sept. 12
Celebrate aging, movement and community at the Council on Aging of Ottawa's Walk of Ages on Sept. 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the sports field at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This intergenerational fundraiser brings people together in support of older adults and a more age-friendly Ottawa. Participants can walk or roll the route at their own pace or join the guided Walk This Way option. The event will also feature live music, community booths, family activities, classic cars and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Details: walk-of-ages-2026.raiselysite.com
Manor Park Rock the Block - Sept. 18
The Manor Park Community Council hosts its annual Rock the Block event on Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 10 pm at 100 Thornwood Road. Rock The Block 2026 is a free community event featuring local vendors selling food and beverages, a judged pie contest, and a family-friendly movie at 7:30 pm. For updates, visit Facebook.
New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale - Sept. 19
The New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale returns on Sept. 19 from 8 am to 12 pm, with residents, businesses, community groups and artists invited to hold sales throughout the neighbourhood. The area around the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue, will also be active with the weekly market taking place at the same time. Vendors are encouraged to sell from private property, while those without suitable space may gather near the Stanley Avenue bend alongside the Beechwood Market vendors. The Crichton Community Council welcomes voluntary donations from sale proceeds to support neighbourhood events and equipment. For details, please visit newedinburgh.ca.
Overbrook After School Activity Club - Registration now open for programming beginning Sept. 1
Finish the school day with fun. Get active with games and sports and be creative with arts and crafts. Enjoy some quiet time for homework, too, Make new friends and join the Overbrook Community Centre's After School Activity Club, from Sept. 1, 2026 to June 24, 2027, from 3 to 4 pm. Financial assistance is available through the City of Ottawa's Hand in Hand program. For details, please call 613-742-5147 or email [email protected]. For more information or to register, please visit ottawa.ca/recreation.
Flamenco for Food in New Edinburgh - Oct. 3
Support local music and local food banks at the next Flamenco for Food event on Oct. 3 at 6:30 pm at MacKay United Church Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Road. Doors open at 6 pm. The community-based initiative features live flamenco performances, with admission by donation of non-perishable food items for local food banks. The project also supports the growth of the National Capital Region’s flamenco community and celebrates this vibrant UNESCO-recognized art form. For details, please visit flamencoforfood.ca.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Water Service Interruption - Centre Street - August 16
Due to water infrastructure repairs on Center Street, between Montreal Road and Paul Avenue, residents may experience interruptions to their water service on August 16 between 8 pm and 5 am.
Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project – Updated Pipeline Proposal - Comments due by August 18
Enbridge Gas has announced a change to the proposed Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project. Due to a design change, the proposed natural gas inlet pipeline along Hillsdale Road has been extended from approximately 400 metres to 858 metres to connect the new control station to the St. Laurent replacement pipeline. The proposed control station and outlet pipeline approved by the Canada Energy Regulator remain unchanged.
An updated Environmental Report is being prepared, and Enbridge Gas is inviting residents, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to review the changes and provide feedback. Comments will be accepted until August 18 and can be submitted by email to [email protected]. Comments received after that date will also be considered where possible as project planning continues.
Hydro Ottawa construction - Sept. 1 to Nov. 27
Hydro Ottawa is planning for construction along the Vanier Parkway in order to provide system expansion to service a new high-rise development at 320 Lees Avenue, between Mann Avenue and Chapel Crescent. The work will include trenching and installing utility holes and 650 metres of concrete-encased ducts between existing Hydro Ottawa duct structures at road crossings on Lees Avenue. On the Vanier Parkway, Hydro Ottawa is planning to trench and install approximately 15 metres of concrete-encased ducts in the boulevard between existing duct structures. The work is slated for Sept. 1 to Nov. 27, weather permitting.
Canada Post Community Mailbox Program - update
Canada Post has advised that over the coming years, it will convert nearly four million addresses that still receive door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes. This change is part of their plan to renew and modernize the national postal service so they can continue to meet the evolving needs of Canadians in a financially sustainable way. Addresses with postal codes K1B, K1G, K1H, K1J and K1K have been selected for conversion from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes in late 2026 or early 2027.
Here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, the conversion areas include Overbrook, proximity to the St. Laurent Complex, Manor Park, the Forbes-Borthwick-Trojan-Cummings community, Wateridge Village, the Quarries and Carson Grove.
UPDATE: Community mailboxes will be installed by Canada Post beginning this fall. Property owners adjacent to proposed locations are targeted to receive notices from Canada Post regarding proposed locations on August 7. Customers will be notified by mail of the date on which their delivery will switch and they will also receive mailbox keys.
Canada Post is the responsibility of the federal government. Our office will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
Centennial Garden Construction - Underway
The restoration of the Centennial Garden in Rockcliffe Park's Village Green is underway. Most construction is expected to take place during August, weather permitting. This community-led project, more than 10 years in the making, will restore the garden originally designed by Humphrey Carver in 1967 to commemorate Canada's Centennial. The restoration includes improvements to the pathways and the inner circle, new benches, native plantings, and the addition of a third boulder representing Nunavut at the heart of the garden.
Topographic Survey on Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue
Over the next few weeks, Stantec will be conducting topographic surveys on various street segments in Overbrook west of the Vanier Parkway. Area residents will receive notification letters.
WHY: This field work is the first step in creating a proposed design to support the renewal of Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue.
Why: Night work is needed to maintain the schedule of stage 3 construction for the St Patrick Street Bridge. Noise exemptions will be applied according to the City of Ottawa Noise By-law.
What: The work will include concrete removal on the St. Patrick Street Bridge. The use of construction equipment shall not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at the point of reception.
When: The night work will occur periodically until October 1, 2026, from 10 pm to 7 am, subject to weather conditions.
Where: The work will occur on the St. Patrick Street Bridge and approaches between the Crichton Street/Vanier Parkway intersection and 50 metres west of Lower Charlotte Street.
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse - construction update
Construction has begun on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse in Eugène Martineau Park at 710 Mikinak Road. For more information about the future fieldhouse, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Work on Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue along St. Laurent Boulevard from Lemieux Street to Donald Street. Overnight work is required in this location in order to avoid major daytime traffic impacts. This will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, a backhoe and heavy trucks. (Overnight contact is Mitchell Moses: 613-266-1914)
Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue overnight utility work along Montreal, Cummings, Brittany, St. Laurent. The work continues overnight, and will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, backhoe and heavy trucks. The overnight operations are required to avoid major daytime traffic implications.
Locations:
- Beginning 30 metres south of the intersection of Montreal Road and Cummings Avenue, extending westbound along Montreal Road, continuing approximately 30 metres north along Brittany Drive, and extending further west past the Beer Store plaza (548 Montreal Road). (Ward 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- On St. Laurent Boulevard from Brittany Drive to Montreal Road, extending 30 metres north of Brittany Drive, 30 metres west on Dunbarton Court, and 30 metres south of Montreal Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- Starting 30 metres east of the Brittany Drive and St. Laurent Boulevard intersection, continuing north along St. Laurent Boulevard between Brittany Drive and Hemlock Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Frank Zappia – 613-551-9809)
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Mayor Sutcliffe's Annual Community BBQ - August 15
Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for his annual community BBQ on Saturday, August 15, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata at 4101 Innovation Drive! The BBQ will be available until 2 pm or while quantities last. Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled summer afternoon. Enjoy a barbeque lunch, treats, and many fun activities! This event is in support of the Kanata Food Cupboard. While admission is free, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item (per person) or make a monetary donation on-site in support of this worthy cause. While donations are appreciated, they are not required to attend. For details and to register, please visit ottawa.ca.
Odyssey Theatre presents Theatre Under the Stars - until August 16
Odyssey Theatre's 40th anniversary of Theatre Under the Stars presents Mirandolina in Strathcona Park until August 16, with evening performances Tuesday to Sunday at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. For details and tickets, please click here.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy - final show August 15
One more chance to watch the Grands Feux fireworks light up the skies over Ottawa-Gatineau on August 15 at 9:15 pm. Several pathways and docks near the Ottawa River will be closed for the event:
- Voyageurs Pathway, between Alexandra Bridge and Portage Bridge - 5 to 10 pm
- Ottawa River Pathway, between Alexandra Bridge and the Supreme Court of Canada - 7 to 10 pm
- Canadian Museum of History Dock - starting at 5 pm
- East Wharf - starting at 7 pm
Please follow posted signage and use alternate routes. Closure details: ncc-ccn.gc.ca
OC Transpo customer information sessions - August 19 and 25
Learn about upcoming OC Transpo service enhancements and speak directly with General Manager Rick Leary and staff at a series of customer information sessions taking place across Ottawa this summer. At these sessions, staff will engage with residents and discuss how the Customer-First Action Plan will improve the customer experience and outline the major service enhancements that will support the expected increase in ridership this fall. You will have the opportunity to speak with staff to ask questions and share your comments on how OC Transpo can continue to improve your transit experience.
- Wednesday, August 19 from 7 to 8:30 pm, Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex
- Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8 pm, John G. Mlacak Community Centre
Please register on Engage Ottawa to confirm your attendance. Advance registration is required for the Zoom webinar. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Ottawa Capital Pride - August 22 to 30
Enjoy Capital Pride festivities August 22 to 30. The Capital Pride Street Festival takes place August 29 and 30 on Bank Street, 12 to 8 pm each day. The festivities conclude with the Capital Pride Parade. Join more than 200 groups, 11,000 participants, and more than 150,000 attendees at Ottawa’s largest parade. Show your pride and celebrate on Sunday, August 30 at 1 pm in Centretown. For the full lineup of Capital Pride events and programming, visit capitalpride.ca.
Ottawa200 - Celebrating Our Screen Legacy - August 22
Join the Ottawa Film Office for a free celebration of Ottawa's film and television history on Saturday, August 22, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street. For details and free tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Dads on a Mission Family BBQ Day - August 22
Jaku Konbit, Dads on a Mission and Expressive Ink are hosting a Family Day BBQ, an afternoon celebrating African, Black and Caribbean families, community connection and back-to-school readiness.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
1 to 6 pm
1757 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean
Enjoy family games, music and entertainment, a photo booth, BBQ and refreshments, and a school readiness booth with resources and giveaways. The event will also celebrate fathers and father figures, with activities for pre-teens and teens focused on confidence, leadership and connection.
Tree Check Month event - August 26
Learn more about protecting Ottawa’s trees during Tree Check Month on August 26 from 4 to 7 pm at the Trolley Station in Britannia Park, next to the Ron Kolbus Community Centre, 102 Greenview Avenue. The event will feature presentations from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Invasive Species Centre and the Canadian Forest Service, along with short guided walks highlighting research and efforts to combat the Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Whether on your own property or on public land, spotting and reporting invasives right away to the CFIA is the best way to protect our trees. Details: inspection.canada.ca
Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Nominations due by Sept. 2
Nominations are open for the Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. The Order of Ottawa recognizes residents who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and made significant contributions to the community. The Brian Kilrea Award honours an amateur coach who exemplifies outstanding leadership and commitment. Nominate an Ottawa resident whose dedication has helped make our city a better place to live. Submissions are due by Sept. 2. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Nominations open for the 2026 Accessible Ottawa Awards - until Sept. 2
Nominations are open for the 2026 Accessible Ottawa Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to accessibility and inclusion across the city. One individual and one organization will be honoured for their efforts to remove barriers and improve the lives of people with disabilities in Ottawa. Nominations are due by Sept. 2 at 11:59 pm. Details: ottawa.ca
Sandy Hill Food Truck Festival - Sept. 6
The fourth annual Sandy Hill Food Truck Festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2 to 7 pm at Laurier House National Historic Site, 285 Chapel Street. Organized by Councillor Stéphanie Plante’s Office in partnership with Parks Canada and Laurier House, the free event will feature food trucks, local vendors, community activities and entertainment during the University of Ottawa’s Welcome Week. Admission to Laurier House will also be free through the Canada Strong program. Food will be available for purchase.
Ottawa 200 Block Party - Sept. 26
The countdown is on for the Ottawa 200 Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Marion Dewar Plaza. The City of Ottawa recently released the official lineup for the big day celebrating Ottawa’s 2000th anniversary. Leading the celebration will be comedian Jonathan Dion, serving as master of ceremonies for a day packed with live and cultural performances, food, art, history, games and trivia. The party starts at 10 am and continues well past sundown. Access to the event is free. Beyond the stage, the Ottawa 200 Block Party will feature local food and beverage vendors, interactive art installations, live demonstrations, Ottawa history experiences and a special performance of Heart of This Place (Adàwe c’est ma ville), the official Ottawa 200 anthem created with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. For the full lineup, please visit ottawa.ca.
2026 Afro-Caribbean Thrive Conference - Oct. 3
The 2026 Afro-Caribbean Thrive Conference will take place on Saturday, October 3, from 8:30 am to 6 pm, at the University of Ottawa's Desmarais Building. Presented by the University of Ottawa, in partnership with Jaku Konbit, Hire Immigrants Ottawa at United Way East Ontario, and members of the Black Immigrants Thrive Coalition, the conference will bring together leaders from government, academia, business and community organizations to strengthen partnerships, advance equity and inclusion, and create opportunities for Black and Afro-Caribbean communities. For details and to register, please visit: www.thriveevents.ca.
Youth in Culture funding - applications open
Young Ottawa artists and cultural workers aged 18 to 30 can apply for up to $2,000 through the City of Ottawa’s Youth in Culture Program to support their professional development in arts, culture and heritage. First-time applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in writing, audio or video format. Deadline: October 7 at 4 pm. Learn more about eligibility, program guidelines and how to apply: Youth in Culture Program webpage
Emergency Services Updates
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 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 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.