August 15, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Ottawa Public Library programming at the St. Laurent Branch
- English conversation group - Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
- French conversation group - Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
- Knitting and Crochet Club - Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm
- Free movie night: C.R.A.Z.Y en français - August 18 at 6 pm
- Family story time - Mondays at 10:30 am
- Babytime - Tuesdays at 10:30 am
- Contes en famille en français - les mercredis, 10 h 30
- Family STEM (in English) - August 16 at 2 pm (for ages 4 to 12)
For details, visit the branch website for the programming list and for hours of operation, to access online resources, browse books, search programs and events and more!
The 23rd Marie-Médiatrice Scout Group in Vanier, a French-speaking, non-religious, co-ed, non-profit organization, is welcoming new youth for the 2025–2026 scouting season. They proudly serve Vanier and the surrounding communities in the heart of Ottawa. They offer enriching activities for French-speaking youth aged 7 to 17. Their scouts experience the great adventure of scouting while developing essential life skills, building lasting friendships, and creating unforgettable memories. For details, visit www.scoutsducanada.ca or email [email protected].
Pride-inspired movie night in Wateridge Village - August 16
- Pre-movie fun and complimentary treats begin at 7:30 pm
- Movie to follow at dusk
- Film shown in English with French subtitles
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us as we come together to celebrate our LGBTQ2+ community. We can’t wait to see you there! Details and updates: www.facebook.com/wateridgeriverains
Beechwood Cemetery After Death Café - August 17
Please join the Beechwood Cemetery for a free After Death Café in the Borden/Fleming Room of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.
- Sunday, August 17, at 1:00 pm
- Borden/Flemming Room,
- Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Death Café is a global movement facilitating thoughts and discussion about the often taboo subject of death. It’s an intimate informal gathering to discuss what happens after death while eating cake and drinking tea. There is no agenda other than providing a safe space to have an open-ended conversation. Refreshments and desserts will be served. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Ward 13 author hosts book signings - August 19, 23, 24 & Sept. 20
Matthew Sancton, federal public servant and Ward 13 resident, will be releasing a children’s book on Tuesday, August 19. The Ripple Effect: How Small Actions Can Change the World is a rhyming and beautifully illustrated story that shows kids how even the smallest good deed can create ripples that change the world for the better. The book is dedicated to his niece and nephews and it was developed in collaboration with Alyse Mercey, an Ottawa-based illustrator. A book signing event will be held at Indigo – Innes (2025 Mer-Bleue Rd.) on Sunday, August 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can also find Matthew at the Alta Vista Market on August 23 (2345 Alta Vista Dr.) and the Beechwood Market (203 Stanley Ave.) on September 20. A copy is also available at the St. Laurent branch of the Ottawa Public Library (515 Coté St.) and copies will be available for purchase at: Singing Pebble Books (206 Main St.), Books on Beechwood (35 Beechwood Ave.), Octopus Books (116 Third Ave.) and Westboro Books (314 Richmond Rd.), as well as through Amazon, Indigo and a number of online retailers. Further details can be found at: linktr.ee/msancton.
Vanier BIA AKOUSTIK at St. Charles Market - August 27
Join the Vanier BIA this summer for AKOUSTIK, a FREE outdoor live music event at the St. Charles Market at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. Live music, warm evenings, and local talent—this free outdoor concert series brings the rhythm of summer to Vanier from July to September. Enjoy takeout from your favourite local spots with special AKOUSTIC meal deals! For details and updates, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
- Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm • St. Charles Market
- Dates: August 27 • September 3, 10, 17
Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al. Integrated Renewal - Survey open until August 30
The City of Ottawa is starting pre-construction work in the Manor Park community, such as pre-construction surveys and utility locates, in advance of the construction on the new sewers, watermains and associated road reconstruction work as part of the Jeffery Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al Integrated Renewal project. Construction equipment and materials will be mobilized to the site shortly thereafter. As the project limits are quite large, you may not see work in your neighbourhood until next year.
** This is not the start of full construction, but rather preparatory work to ensure utilities are properly identified before excavation begins. That said, components of the project, including traffic calming measures and sidewalks, are still under consideration.
What: Construction activity related to the installation of new sewers, watermains and associated road reconstruction.- Arundel Avenue, from Farnham Crescent to St. Laurent Boulevard
- Braemar Street, from Ava Road to Arundel Avenue
- Farnham Crescent, from Arundel Avenue to north-side dead-end
- Finter Street, from St. Laurent Boulevard to west-side dead-end
- Jeffrey Avenue, from St. Laurent Boulevard to Braemar Street
- Kilbarry Crescent, from Sandridge Road to Ava Road
For details, please visit the project webpage at ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue. Your feedback can be submitted via the City's online form. Councillor King is inviting Manor Park residents to complete a sidewalks survey at this link by August 30.
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - August 30 to Sept. 1
Throughout the weekend of August 30 to Sept. 1, visitors can discover the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and tour the greenhouses and gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on-hand to answer any questions about the history and the role of Canada’s governor general. Rideau Hall is located in Rideau-Rockcliffe at 1 Sussex Drive. Details: www.gg.ca
BeechFest - Sept. 6
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Ottawa Public Health alerting residents of measles exposure locations
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the City’s fifth confirmed case of measles in 2025. The individual is believed to have acquired measles while travelling in Western Canada. OPH is notifying individuals directly who may have been exposed to the confirmed case of measles where information is available. This public service announcement is for those who we are unable to reach directly or for whom no contact information is available. At this time, the risk to the general population remains low. There is currently no evidence of local transmission of measles in Ottawa. Details: ottawa.ca
First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus this season
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Routine mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus (WNV) have confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Ottawa. This is the first confirmation of WNV in Ottawa this year since OPH began routine seasonal monitoring on June 8. There have been no confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile virus reported in Ottawa this year. As of August 3, there has been one reported human case in Ontario this year. Visit ottawa.ca for more information on how to protect yourself. Visit Ottawa Public Health's West Nile virus page to learn more about West Nile virus.
O-Train Line 1 service adjustments - August 16, 17 & 31
On August 16, 17, and 31, there will be adjustments to Line 1 service for integration work on the O-Train East extension. The work has been scheduled to occur at the same time as other infrastructure activities, such as inspections in the St-Laurent tunnel, to minimize impacts on customers. Every effort is being made to minimize customer impacts while the O-Train East Extension testing and commissioning continues. Customers are encouraged to use the Travel Planner and Transit app to plan their trips. Customers can also visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. For details about the adjustments, please visit octranspo.com.
The Cleaning the Capital campaign is a citywide cleanup that occurs in the spring and fall of every year. Residents come together as a community and combine efforts to make our city clean and green. Litter pickup projects must be registered, and participating teams, upon request, receive a cleanup starter kit to assist them with their projects. 2025 marks the 32nd year of the Cleaning the Capital Program! Registration for the Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign begins on August 15, with litter cleanup projects taking place across our city between September 15 and October 15. Participants can choose to clean public spaces such as parks and greenspaces, roadsides, shorelines, or even areas around bus stops. Every cleanup project helps keep our city clean. Cleanup kits, which include nitrile gloves and garbage bags, will be made available for pickup by registrants between September 2 and October 12 at fourteen City of Ottawa facilities across the city. Visit ottawa.ca/clean for more details and to register.
- August 15, 2025: Registration opened
- September 2 - October 12, 2025: Cleanup kits available for pickup at participating City facilities
- September 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025: Fall Cleaning the Capital campaign
- September 30, 2025: Registration closes
- October 31, 2025: Deadline to submit your online cleanup report
Bytown 200 Bicentennial Storytelling Challenge
The Historical Society of Ottawa has launched their new "HSO 2026 Bytown200 Bicentennial Storytelling Challenge" web page! 2026 will mark the 200th anniversaries of the beginning of both the Rideau Canal and Bytown. The Society is working to create a showcase of stories pertaining to the Rideau Canal, Bytown (1826-1855), the Ottawa area’s history beforehand, as well as stories exploring the impact that the establishment of both had on the lives and livelihoods of Indigenous people. This dedicated section on the HSO website will be accessible to all, including educators. Let’s hear your stories about Bytown and the Rideau Canal as we begin to mark 2026, the 200th anniversary of the beginning of both! All contributions are welcome. Submissions are welcome by November 30, 2025. For details and to submit a story, visit www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca.
Bike Ottawa launches new Bike Map
Bike Ottawa is pleased to announce the launch of the free Cycling Guide app in Ottawa, offering residents and visitors the best available low-stress, cycling-friendly routes to get where they want to go. A “Made in Canada” solution to the common barrier for people using bikes as transportation – how do I get from A to B safely? This mobile app provides users with the safest routes, all colour-coded for easy understanding, making it perfect for those who want to start using their bike and offering better alternatives for getting around their city. And if you are a visitor unfamiliar with finding safe routes, the Cycling Guide app will also help you. For details, please visit bikeottawa.ca.
Heritage Ottawa 2025 Walking Tour Season - August 17 to Oct. 5
Explore the history and heritage of some of Ottawa's most interesting neighbourhoods with Heritage Ottawa's knowledgeable tour guides! For tickets and details: shop.heritageottawa.org/en/heritage-ottawa-walking-tours
- Hog's Back - Beyond the Falls - August 17 at 2 pm. Depart from the Hogs Back refreshment stand.
- Hintonburg: An Early Streetcar Suburb - August 27 at 2 pm. Depart from The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, 20 Fairmont Avenue.
- Art and Nature - Landscapes of Cornelia Oberlander - Sept. 14 at 2 pm. Meet in the north end of Major's Hill Park.
- Island Park Drive - August 21 at 2 pm. Depart from Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island park Drive.
- New Edinburgh - Sept. 28 at 2 pm. Depart from the Fraser Schoolhouse, 62 John Street (Janet Uren will be your guide.)
- Sandy Hill: History and Housing - October 5 at 2 pm. Depart from Église Sacré-Coeur, 591 Cumberland Street.
Join OC Transpo for a Para Transpo Talk event celebrating summer and accessible transit! Staff will be out at the following locations in August:
- Tuesday, August 19, at Bowesville Station: 10 am to 2 pm and 6 to 9 pm
- Wednesday, August 20, at Hurdman Station: 10 am to 2 pm and 6 to 9 pm
- Thursday, August 21, at Tunney’s Pasture Station: 10 am to 2 pm and 6 to 9 pm
Para Transpo Talk is a series of customer engagement events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo. This time, staff will be chatting about accessibility and navigating the O-Train. Have questions about how to make the train a part of your trips? Staff will be available to answer questions and provide interested customers on tours of stations or the O-Train.
Rain Ready Ottawa Webinar: Permeable Pavement: Ask an Expert - August 27
Have questions about permeable pavement? Join landscape expert Lindsey Best for a webinar on August 27 at 7 pm as she answers FAQs about costs, performance, maintenance, and what works best in our Canadian climate. Stick around for a live Q&A! Register at Eventbrite.
Afro-Caribbean Thrive Conference - August 30
Welcome to the Black Immigrants Thrive Conference Career & Business Growth! Join us on August 30 at 10 am at the Rogers Centre for a day filled with networking, learning, and empowerment. This event is all about celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black immigrants in the workforce and business world. Come connect with like-minded individuals, attend workshops on career development and entrepreneurship, and gain valuable insights from successful Black immigrant professionals. Expect good vibes, real talk, powerful workshops, and an amazing community that gets you. Come network, learn, and most importantly — THRIVE. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Nominations open for the 14th annual Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Submission deadline Sept. 3
The City is now accepting nominations for the 2025 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 the Order of Ottawa award webpage. The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 3 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission. The Order of Ottawa, now in its 14th year, recognizes the professional achievements and outstanding service of exceptional Ottawa residents – those who have made significant contributions through their professional endeavours, to life in the city in any of the following areas: arts and culture, business, philanthropy, health care, education, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports and entertainment and other fields that benefit Ottawa. The Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching recognizes the contribution of an amateur coach who exemplifies the qualities of leadership and commitment that have been the hallmarks of Brian Kilrea’s career. Mr. Kilrea is a retired hockey head coach, general manager and player, and is best known for his 35-year association with the Ottawa 67’s. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has played and coached in the NHL, and with more than 1,000 career victories, he is the most successful coach in Canadian junior hockey history. You can find more information about both awards on the Order of Ottawa award webpage.
Black history in Ottawa Streets tours - Saturdays and Wednesdays (Sept. 3 & 10)
Discover Canada’s Black history with the Black History in Ottawa Streets bus tour, available Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, May to October. Upcoming tours are Sept. 3 & 10. Details: Eventbrite
The City of Ottawa will release the third and final draft of the new Zoning By-law on September 8, 2025. A 28-day public consultation period will follow, ending on October 8, 2025. Residents are invited to learn more about how the new Zoning By-law will shape growth in Ottawa at several upcoming events:
- Virtual Open Houses: September 17 and September 25
- Statutory Open House (in-person): September 23 at the EY Centre