August 16, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Deeply honoured as Deputy Mayor to have attended and spoken at a commemorative service honouring the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry last weekend with Colonel-in-Chief, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.
Great turnout at Overbrook Day last weekend to celebrate community solidarity and partnerships! Thank you to the Overbrook Community Association, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Public Library, OC Transpo, City of Ottawa Public Works, and Infrastructure and Water Services, Enbridge Gas, BGC Ottawa, Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier, Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard, and many other volunteers who made the event an incredible success!
Amazing turnout at JAM DAY celebrations at The Rideau Community Hub last weekend commemorating the independence of Jamaica and the incredible contributions of the Jamaican-Canadian community to the City of Ottawa. I attended the event along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
St. Laurent Complex fall program registration now open!
City of Ottawa fall program registration is now open! The St. Laurent Complex, located at 525 Côté Street, has expanded their offerings to better serve the community. Please take a look at the new programs being offered at Activity search | Register Ottawa | Inscription Ottawa (activecommunities.com) and reach out to [email protected] with any questions! Have ideas for programming? Please contact centre staff.
- *Non-Perishable Food Items:* We are accepting donations of canned goods, dry foods, toiletry products, diapers, and clothing that can sustain families in need. Drop-offs can be made every Saturday until the end of August from 12 to 2 pm, at the ACB Wellness Resource Centre, 610 Donald Street.
- *Monetary Contributions:* Financial donations are crucial for purchasing additional supplies and meeting the immediate needs of hurricane survivors. For those wishing to contribute financially, we are accepting e-transfers at: [email protected]
271 Marier Avenue
August 18
2PM-7PM
Ottawa Public Health's Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub services include dental screenings, employment and social services, enhanced services for older adults as well as vaccinations at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. For details, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub. Free. No appointment needed.
ACB Wellness Resource Centre - Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub services - August
Ottawa Public Health's Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub services at the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre includes dental screenings, vaccinations and enhanced services for older adults in August. For details, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub. Free. No appointment needed.
Free Employment Workshops for ages 15-24 - August 20 and 27
Are you between the ages of 15 and 24 and looking to earn volunteer hours and/or looking for work? Attend a series of free employment workshops at the St. Laurent Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, 515 Cote street.
- August 20, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - How to search and apply for jobs
- August 27 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Ready, Set, Interview time. Practice interview skills through role playing
For details and to register, please email [email protected] or call 613-897-7306. For more information, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.
Intergenerational Cultural Festival - August 24
Join the Social Planning Council of Ottawa for their 4th Ottawa Intergenerational Cultural Exhibition and Festival on August 24, from 10:30 am to 6 pm, at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. The Festival aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between generations and will feature cultural performances, workshops, discussions, sport activities, and a variety of cuisines, all designed to enhance generational understanding, cultural appreciation, and community unity. By bringing together Ottawa’s diverse ethno-cultural communities, we hope to create a platform where the wisdom of our elders can be shared with the younger generation, ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved and respected. Admission is free. Free parking is available on site. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/SPCOttawa.
This milestone event will take place at the Richelieu Community Centre, 300 Pères-Blancs Avenue, on August 24 from 4 to 10 pm. Over the past decade, NewLife Project Inc. has been dedicated to transforming the lives of women and youth through various education and entrepreneurship programs. This celebration is not only an opportunity to reflect on their achievements but also to honor the incredible individuals and supporters who have been integral to their journey. The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring:
- A stunning fashion show showcasing the talents of our beneficiaries and local designers
- Inspiring stories and testimonials from program participants
- A delicious dinner
- A silent auction with unique items and experiences
Tickets are available for purchase at $40 on Eventbrite or at the NewLife office. For more info contact 613-699-7205 or [email protected].
Why: The City of Ottawa will be undertaking this repair to address localized structural damage to sewer infrastructure. The existing 250mm sewer on Donald Street is damaged. Approximately 5 metres of pipe needs to be replaced.
When: This work is planned to be completed sometime in August - likely during the last week of August - when weather permits, and should take less than a week.
Where: Construction activity can be expected on Donald Street, east of the Vanier Parkway intersection, to facilitate the sanitary sewer repair.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Robert Excavation, to complete the work.
Join the Vanier BIA this summer for Akoustik, a FREE outdoor live music event in Vanier at the St. Charles Market at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. Upcoming dates are August 28 and Sept. 11. For details and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.
New Zoning By-law - Ward 12, 13 and 15 information session - August 29
Rideau-Rockcliffe Resident Survey - Open until the end of August
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre has launched a resident survey as part of the large needs assessment they are conducting. This assessment aims to better understand resident needs and challenges, assess resource gaps and access barriers. Participants will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card of 1 of 20 $50 gift cards. The survey will be available until the end of August and can be filled out online at the following link: Rideau Rockcliffe Resident Survey or in person at the community resource centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. You can also scan the QR code in the poster above. For any questions or assistance in completing the survey over the phone, residents can call 613-745-0073 ext. 209 or email [email protected].
Overbrook residents are invited to share ideas for improvements to Presland Park that would best suit the needs of park users of all ages. You are invited to fill out my Presland Park survey. The survey will remain open this summer.
Be part of the community - Become a Crossing Guard!
Join the Ottawa Safety Council’s (OSC) dedicated, community-minded team of Adult Crossing Guards! Great reasons to join the OSC’s crossing guard team:
- Make a real difference in your own community!
- Get to know your neighbours
- Help local families
- Become a trusted face in your neck of the woods
- Enjoy supplementary income and perks
Being a Crossing Guard provides a meaningful employment opportunity that puts a smile on everyone’s face.
- Zone 6 - 9 intersections partially or fully vacant (most in Centretown/Centretown West and Rockcliffe Park)
Interested in learning more? Get all the details on becoming a crossing guard from our website at www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/employment-opportunities or contact Ella at [email protected]
- A traffic-calming study for North River Road between Donald and south of Wright Street in response to traffic concerns. The study aims to recommend local and minor permanent roadway modifications to improve safety and reduce traffic speeds. As part of this, the City has developed a proposed traffic-calming plan. Your feedback on this plan is appreciated. Please fill out the North River Road Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Study survey by September 9 at Ottawa.ca/NorthRiverRoad (or scan the QR code in the poster)
- The City is proposing active transportation improvements such as cycling lanes, sidewalk segments, improved bus stops and intersection improvements along North River Road to improve safety and accessibility, and to encourage cycling and connections to transit stops. Your feedback on this proposed North River Road Active Transportation Facilities plan before September 9 is appreciated: Ottawa.ca/NorthRiverRoad (or scan the QR code in the poster)
Fibre optic installation - Presland Road - Starting Sept. 10
Rogers has applied to the City to install fibre optics along the City's right-of-way on Presland Road between both ends of Whitton Crescent. The work will include boring trenches and pits where required, placement of PVC conduit and replacing an existing Rogers pedestal. The project is anticipated to start Sept. 10.
Orange Shirt Day at The Rideau Community Hub - Sept. 10
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre hosts Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 10 from 11 am to 1 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. The event will feature opening remarks, awareness and education in Room 125 and an Indian taco fundraiser in Room 106 with proceeds going to Odawa programs. The Every Child Matters flag will be raised at 1 pm. For more information, please visit odawafc.com or www.facebook.com/OdawaNFC.
FAB Festival - Sept. 14 - Volunteers & Makers needed!
- Exhibitions and showcases featuring local makers, artists, and innovators
- Interactive workshops and hands-on activities
- Family-friendly entertainment and performances
- Community kitchen workshops
Why Participate?
- No Fees: There are no fees to become one of our exhibitors.
- Limited Spaces: We encourage you to register early.
- Family-Friendly: All content must be suitable for families and children, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
How to Get Involved:
Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Update - Road closures extended until Oct. 15
Project update: The Corona piping is complete and homes have already been connected to the new live watermain. On Oakhill, City Drinking Water staff will complete the watermain connection and KCE will finish the storm sewer installation on the next two weeks. The Carsdale watermain work will start next week and is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. Road grading and asphalt paving on Corona, Oakhill, Cardale and the laneway will be completed in September. Landscaping will be done early October.
Road closure extension: Given site conditions and ongoing progress, it is anticipated that asphalt paving will be completed by the end of September. The contractor has requested that the roads remain closed for the first two weeks of October so that they can complete the landscaping efficiently.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
City of Ottawa fall program, PA Days and winter camps registration now open
Swimming lesson registration and registration for all recreation and cultural fall activities and PA days as well as winter camps is now open. From cooking classes, to science and technology programs, to skating lessons and arts programs, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a wide range of recreational and cultural activities at the City’s art studios, museums, parks, play structures and indoor and outdoor features including rinks, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, pools and gymnasiums. The City has programs for all ages and skill levels, in English and French. For children who need a little extra help, the City’s Inclusive Recreation team provides integration support. Programs are offered in-person and virtually. For more information visit: Browse and register for courses and camps | City of Ottawa.
Citywide Sports: hockey
Escape the everyday routine and embrace a new adventure this fall and winter with our women’s and men’s hockey leagues!
- 18+ Women’s hockey runs October 2 to February 26 between 9 to 11 pm at McNabb and Lois Kemp Arena.
- 30+ Men’s hockey runs October 2 to February 26 between 9 pm to midnight at Walter Baker Sports Centre.
- Team registration is open from Thursday, August 15 to Wednesday, September 18. Don’t miss out!
Fall Staff Recruitment
Are you on the lookout for a fun and fulfilling job opportunity? The City of Ottawa's Recreation Department currently seeking candidates for a variety of permanent part-time roles. Whether you’re a student, parent, retiree or anyone seeking flexible hours and a chance to help your community, we’ve got positions for you. Apply now.
Cleaning the Capital Fall Campaign - Registration open until Oct. 1
Registration is now open for the Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign. Cleanup projects will take 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 with pins that display the location, date, and time of all registered cleanup projects. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags and nitrile gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of 14 City of Ottawa facilities across the city. This fall, based on participant feedback and demand, we have added four new cleanup kit pick-up sites (including two rural pick-up locations). As the new three-item limit for curbside garbage collection will come into effect during this campaign, participants are encouraged to review the instructions and options for proper disposal of collected waste/litter prior to their planned cleanup projects. This information will be communicated to participants via registration confirmation, as well as through ottawa.ca/clean.
Key Fall campaign dates:
August 15: Registration begins
September 15 to October 15: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
October 1: Deadline to register
November 1: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
Odyssey Theatre presents Myth, Lore & Stories of Wonder - August 16-18
Odyssey Theatre presents a new adventure for you to experience this summer! From August 16-18, more than 40 artists will come together in beautiful Strathcona Park to share amazing tales in Myth, Lore and Stories of Wonder – a Creative Arts Fair. Revel in an imaginative world of myth, lore and wondrous stories. Enjoy a play, see dance performances, listen to powerful tales, take a workshop and mingle with over 40 diverse, amazing artists. The Fair is a Pay What You Wish event. However, space is limited for some events. Purchase an All-Access Pass in advance to guarantee your spot for workshops and to get priority seating for all performances. For details, please visit www.odysseytheatre.ca.
City alerts residents to new QR code scam on parking machines in Ottawa
City of Ottawa Mandatory Multi-Residential Organics Diversion
In 2022, Council approved the 5-Pillar Multi-Residential Waste Diversion Strategy (MRWDS) to support increasing waste diversion in the multi-residential sector. Under the Council-approved strategy, the first pillar of the strategy aims to expand the green bin program to all multi-residential properties that receive waste collection services from the City. The report confirmed that as of June 1, 2022, new properties were required to offer this as a pre-requisite for service, and the City currently works with existing properties to onboard them to the Green Bin program on a voluntary basis. Staff were directed to work with stakeholders to finalize the detailed cost analysis and implementation plan for onboarding all multi-residential properties to a mandatory organics diversion program. On May 29 2024, Council received the MRWDS update report providing the detailed cost analysis and implementation plan to onboard the remaining properties from Q3 2024 to the end of Q4 2028 through a mandatory process. As part of this, an email was recently sent to property managers and owners to confirm the new mandatory requirement to enroll in the green bin to continue to receive City waste collection services and outlines next steps for the onboarding process. For more information, please visit EngageOttawa.ca.
E-cargo Bike Pilot Project Survey - Open until August 23
This survey is seeking public feedback on the use of cargo power-assisted bicycles (e-cargo bikes) in Ottawa. The Province of Ontario's Bill 282 (Moving Ontarians More Safely Act) defines power-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) based on the unladen weight of the bicycle. E-bikes that weigh more than 55 kilograms are now considered e-cargo bikes. Ontario has a pilot program underway to allow e-cargo bikes to be used for the movement of goods and people, both personally and commercially. Ottawa City Council approved participation in the Cargo Power-Assisted Bicycles (E-Cargo Bike) Pilot Project in 2021. The City of Ottawa is participating in the pilot program so that residents and businesses have the option of using e-cargo bikes instead of trucks, vans and cars. This supports the City’s objectives of encouraging more active and sustainable transportation and goods movement. Personal e-cargo bikes can help to fulfill families’ and households’ daily needs without a car. Commercial e-cargo bikes will be able to replace standard delivery trucks in dense urban environments. E-cargo bikes provide a promising opportunity to reduce traffic pressure on City streets and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The survey results will assist in reporting on the City of Ottawa’s participation in the e-cargo bike pilot program. Visit Engage Ottawa to complete the survey and for more information. The survey will remain open until August 23.
On Sunday, August 25, O-Train Line 1 will not run between St-Laurent and Blair stations because of work on the O-Train East extension. Service will resume on Monday, August 26. This partial closure is required to connect the existing train control systems to the expanded east extension. It was carefully coordinated to minimize disruptions to customers while still allowing Stage 2 work to safely advance. For customers, this means that:
- O-Train Line 1 service will continue to run between St-Laurent and Tunney’s Pasture stations.
- R1 replacement bus service will run between St-Laurent and Blair stations every 10 minutes.
- A shuttle will operate between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations every 15 minutes.
- Staff will also be at key stations to assist customers.
Information, reminders, and updates will be communicated through several channels, including octranspo.com, customer alerts, public service announcements, social media updates and signage at stations. Customers can also use the Travel Planner and Transit App for-trip planning assistance or call OC Transpo Customer Service at 613-560-5000. For more information, please visit octranspo.com.
Highlanders Ride for Wounded Warriors - August 25
Public Consultation 30-Day Public Review - Infrastructure Master Plan - Comments due by August 26
The City of Ottawa 2024 Infrastructure Master Plan was approved by Ottawa City Council on June 25, 2024. In accordance with the provincial Class Environmental Assessment process, the City has published a Notice of Master Plan on July 27, 2024, to initiate a 30-day public review period. As described in the Notice, written comments on the Infrastructure Master Plan may be submitted to the Plan’s project manager at [email protected] until August 26, 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Residents can help plan Ottawa’s transportation future - Surveys open until August 30
The City has launched consultation for the Transportation Master Plan – Part 2. Have your say on the future of transportation in Ottawa by completing the surveys on the City's project page. The next step in the process, or TMP – Part 2, is to develop the City’s Capital Infrastructure Plan. The Capital Infrastructure Plan will identify the recommended road, transit and active transportation projects and investments to accommodate Ottawa’s expected growth to 2046. Residents are invited to complete online surveys by August 30.
We are looking for your input on:
- Transportation challenges experienced when travelling by car or transit
- Transportation investment priorities
The results of this public engagement will inform the development of the Capital Infrastructure Plan. You are also invited to review the Transportation Trends Report summarizing the 2022 Origin-Destination survey results, and the Needs, Opportunities and Uncertainty Report that discusses the various trends that may impact future travel activity, and the City’s approach to travel demand forecasting to 2046. Both reports can be found on our public engagement page. Questions? Ideas? Email the project team at [email protected].
It's almost September: Pack your lunch, backpack, and make a plan for getting to school!
Residential Protective Plumbing By-law - Survey open until Sept. 6
Want to protect your basement from flooding? The City of Ottawa's Residential Protective Plumbing By-law is under review, and staff need your input! Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to complete the online survey by Sept. 6.
Sewer Use By-Law Review - Survey open until Sept. 6
The City's Infrastructure and Water Services Department is currently reviewing the Sewer Use (By-Law No. 2003-514), which is designed to protect the environment and City infrastructure from harmful substances by monitoring limits on matters discharged into the sewage works and regulating industry compliance. This comprehensive review aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Updates to align to Provincial regulatory changes to O. Reg 267/03 for Biosolids, Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Waste 1992 and new references to the Ontario Building Code Act Reg 129-04 and the Ontario Water Resources Act.
- Changes in industry trends.
- Enhanced language to educate industries on compliance expectations and interceptor maintenance requirements.
- Additional and more transparent compliance tools.
Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to complete the survey by Sept. 6.
Have your say on Draft Budget 2025 - poll open until Sept. 13
Budget 2025 is right around the corner, and we want to hear from you! Tell City staff what budget priorities matter to you by visiting the Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2025 page to complete a short poll. The poll is open until Friday, September 13 and the results will be posted on Engage Ottawa.
The Age of AI: Inclusive Innovation for Canada’s Global Leadership - Sept. 13
Take a deep dive into ensuring emerging technologies like AI provide opportunities for full and active participation of all citizens. This event takes place on Sept. 13 from 3 to 8 pm at Invest Ottawa, located at 7 Bayview Station Road. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Nominations open for 13th Annual Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Until Sept. 13
The City is now accepting nominations for the 2024 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 Friday, September 13 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Older Adult Plan - Survey open until Sept. 30
To create the new Older Adult Plan, City staff are consulting with residents, community agencies, and City staff to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan. Staff are seeking input to learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa, helping to inform the City of Ottawa's Older Adult Plan. The new strategy will be launched in 2025. Please complete the survey, which will be open until September 30, 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa. If you have questions about this survey or the new Older Adult Plan, email [email protected].
Emergency Services New
Fraud Unit warning residents to be vigilant with card skimming fraud involving taxis and Uber
The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is advising the public to be extra vigilant when being asked to pay for a service with a credit or bank card in exchange of money. The Ottawa Police Service has recently received several complaints concerning people being defrauded after affording assistance in paying with their personal credit or bank card for a taxi or Uber fare. In all incidents, a suspect approaches the victim in a shopping or strip mall parking lot asking them to pay for their cab fare explaining that the driver does not accept cash, and only takes credit or debit. If the victim accepts, they are brought to the nearby taxicab to complete the transaction using their own credit/debit card. The suspect then pays the victim with cash for the transaction. In completing the transaction, the driver switches the victim’s credit/debit card for a false one and the Personal Identification number (PIN) is obtained surreptitiously. The victim’s card is then used to complete fraudulent transactions. For safety tips from the Fraud Unit, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Join the Ottawa Police Youth Advisory Committee - Applications due by Sept. 1
Ottawa Police are recruiting for the Youth Advisory Committee! Are you under 24? Do you want to share your ideas while working together with the police to help build a safer Ottawa? YAC is made for you! Apply by September 1! Visit ottawapolice.ca/YAC to apply.
Community Engagement Consultation Survey Now Online - Open until Sept. 7
The Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB) and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) are seeking community views about how the Ottawa Police Service is performing, what the strategic goals should be for the Ottawa Police Service, and what the policing priorities should be in Ottawa. We encourage everyone who works and lives in Ottawa to participate in the Community Engagement Consultation Survey to guide what the Service’s priorities should be in the future. Ottawa is a diverse community, and to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard, the survey is being issued in eight different languages including English, French, Somali, Arabic, simplified Chinese, Farsi, Inuktitut and Spanish. To participate in the survey, please visit the OPSB and OPS Survey page and click the appropriate language link. This public consultation process will continue until September 7. The consultation results are expected to be presented at the Regular Meeting of the Board on September 23. If you have questions about the survey or the consultation process, please email [email protected].
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.