August 1, 2025 Newsletter

August 1, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

On July 30th, residents gathered at 1805 Gaspé for an important community information session held by the City to discuss the upcoming integrated infrastructure renewal project in Manor Park. The additional session, which I specifically requested to ensure ongoing community engagement, focused on addressing resident concerns about the inclusion of sidewalks as part of this major infrastructure investment.

The integrated renewal project encompasses five streets: Farnham Crescent from Arundel Avenue, Kilbarry Crescent from Ava Road to Sandridge Road, Braemar Street from Ava Road to Arundel Avenue, Jeffrey Avenue from Braemar Street to St. Laurent Boulevard, and Finter Street from St. Laurent Boulevard.

When the City undertakes integrated renewal projects, it coordinates replacement of sewers, watermains, and roadways simultaneously to ensure cost savings, accommodate improved stormwater runoff and rain overflow in communities and minimize construction disruption rather than repeatedly digging up streets.

Under the City-wide Integrated Renewal Policy, which is part of the new Official Plan, deferral of specific components of an integrated project can be permitted under exceptional circumstances, but the full cancellation of an integrated renewal project is not entertained as critical infrastructure must be upgraded.

For clarity, the only part of the project being considered for deferral is the addition of new sidewalks. Curbs will still be installed as planned and are a required component of the integrated renewal work. They have an essential role in helping with drainage, protecting the road, and ensuring longevity of the infrastructure. Including curbs is necessary to do the job properly and is not something that can be deferred.

While the underground renewal of aging sewers and watermains must proceed in Manor Park due to infrastructure requirements and pre-construction work has commenced, I specifically asked City staff to delay any final decision on the sidewalk installation component until comprehensive consultation with Manor Park residents is complete.

During the session this week, I emphasized that no final decisions on sidewalk implementation have been made, and community input will help shape the outcome. The ongoing consultation process, which has been underway for the last eight months, has included two public information sessions, my office's community survey, and ongoing resident feedback, which has included submitted surveys and petitions from affected residents. I continue to invite Manor Park residents to fill out my office’s survey, which will be open until August 30th. A decision regarding sidewalk inclusion must be made by September, but only after this fulsome public input process is complete.

Under the City of Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan and Complete Streets Policy, which I completely support, sidewalks are automatically incorporated into integrated renewal projects. This approach reflects the City's commitment to building safe, inclusive, and walkable communities while maximizing economic efficiency by completing all capital improvements simultaneously. Sidewalks also support “Vision Zero” principles which I fully support, through separating pedestrians from vehicle traffic, enhancing public safety, and promoting equitable mobility and addressing accessibility requirements by connecting residents to schools, parks, transit, and local amenities. They also advance the City's climate goals by encouraging active transportation and reducing car dependence.

While I fully support the City policy of sidewalk installation, I recognize that exceptional circumstances can potentially justify deferral. While a neighbourhood’s unique characteristics and aesthetic are not considerations for deferral under the City policy, deferral can be seriously considered due to the need by the City to more comprehensively explore holistic transportation solutions in a community. Manor Park faces several interconnected infrastructure changes due to proposed intensification and multiple unique transportation projects that will fundamentally alter pedestrian patterns and transportation needs throughout the area, which will require holistic transportation planning. I had noted during Manor Park Official Plan discussions with the community during the last Term of Council that proposed transportation changes require both a vehicle traffic analysis and a ground level/streetscape analysis of projected pedestrian and cycle traffic in the context of future demand.

The significant upcoming transportation changes planned for the community include the Hemlock Road connection to Wateridge Village, which will introduce a major new traffic corridor and significantly alter pedestrian routes and traffic volumes throughout the area. The potential full reconstruction of Beechwood Avenue must also be considered as it represents a once-in-a-generation project, with the City currently working on preliminary design to potentially transform the traditional mainstreet into a central active transportation spine. Additionally, potential intersection changes at Braemar, Ava and Eastbourne could include a traffic circle, fundamentally altering how pedestrians navigate the area and requiring sidewalk design that reflects the final layout. The latest update to the Transportation Master Plan, approved last week, also will include pedestrian improvements around Manor Park Public School. Finally, the Secondary Plan for Manor Park North and South that guides long-term infrastructure and land-use decisions will shift where pedestrian activity is concentrated.

Within the context of these forthcoming changes, the need for proper evaluation of the collective impacts of transportation and land-use changes are required and should not be undertaken in isolation. While these factors constitute a potential threshold for deferral, it is important to reiterate that a decision has not been made and that the upcoming determination will be based upon a weighted analysis of community input, resident survey results and the City’s technical analysis.

I encourage all residents who haven't yet participated to complete the survey and to continue to share perspectives as we work together toward a solution that serves Manor Park well, both now and into the future.

Rawlson King
City Councillor

Your Councillor in the Community

Happy to see the Pan-African flag raised at City Hall this week and a proclamation from Mayor Sutcliffe to recognize Emancipation Day in the City of Ottawa.

Pleased to have held a well-attended City-led public information session concerning infrastructure renewal in Manor Park this week.

Honoured to attend the Canadian Multiculturalism Day event held by Leading Ladies Canada last weekend to present certificates to over 30 community members in recognition of their volunteer contributions!

Happy to join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard at her annual popular corn roast in New Edinburgh last weekend with my colleagues MP Mona Fortier and Councillors Tierney, Dudas and Plante.

I had an amazing time celebrating and speaking at the 25th anniversary event for Jaku Konbit on Parliament Hill last weekend. The organization supports the economic, cultural and social development of the Black community, especially youth, in Ottawa.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Beechwood Market in New Edinburgh Park - Saturdays

The Beechwood Market at New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, takes place every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, featuring live music, fresh produce, food and drink, baked goods, local beer and artisan wares. For details, please visit www.ottstreetmarkets.ca/our-markets/beechwood-market.

Emancipation Day Storytime with Keisha Cuffie - August 2

Join United for Literacy, Rideau Hall, and @blacklegacycollective for a special Emancipation Day Storytime featuring author Keisha Cuffie! Celebrate the voices, stories, and imaginations of Black communities through this family-friendly event—perfect for families, educators, and anyone passionate about literacy, culture, and history. Date: Saturday, August 2, 1:00- 3:00 pm Location: Rideau Hall

Doors Open at Rideau Hall - August 2 to 4 & August 30 to Sept. 1

Throughout the weekends of August 2 to 4 and 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

IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa - August 3 (Road closures in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward)

With Ironman taking place in Ottawa on Sunday, August 3, some road closures will be in effect in Ward 13. Of the swim, bike ride and running courses during this event, the bike ride portion will take participants along Sussex Drive, the Rockcliffe Driveway and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. The routes for each leg of the event can be viewed here: www.racepoint.ca/maps/ironman-ottawa Some OC Transpo routes will be detoured to accommodate the road closures. Detours are listed here: octranspo.com/alerts The full list of traffic impacts is available at ottawa.ca. Details: www.ironman.com/races/im-canada-ottawa/course#bike

Heritage Ottawa 2025 Walking Tour Season - August 3 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

Architecture and Engineering along the Rideau Canal - August 3 at 2 pm. Depart from Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane.
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.

Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al. Integrated Renewal - Construction Notice

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.

Why: The purpose of the work is to renew the aging infrastructure within the project limits.

When: This pre-construction work is now underway on some of the following streets. Completion of the integrated renewal is anticipated by the end of October 2026, weather dependentWhere: Affected areas within the Manor Park Community include:

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

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

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.

Montreal Road revitalization - prep work for new public art installation

Work on the landscaping and streetscaping work at the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road is now underway and will be completed in Fall 2025.

What: Landscaping and streetscaping improvements to the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road, in preparation for the new Public Art Installation “Rideau”.

Why: The proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements are designed to accompany the “Rideau” and provide a welcoming safe space for public viewing.

When: Work will begin July 28, 2025, and will be completed in Fall 2025.

Where: Southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Limited, to complete the work.

For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

Capital Pop-up Cinema at Beechwood - August 8

Enjoy a special evening on August 8 at Beechwood Cemetery, featuring a film screening of My Girl beginning at 8:30 pm. Arrive early to secure a good spot. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca

A Walking Tour of Beechwood History - August 8

Before My Girl brings its heartfelt nostalgia to the big screen, join Beechwood Cemetery for a free guided walking tour that uncovers the founding stories behind Canada’s National Cemetery. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: Tour begins at 7 pm | Movie starts at sundown
Location: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave
Cost: FREE – no registration needed

St. Laurent Boulevard Fibre Network Installation - Tentative start date August 11

Starting in early August, the City of Ottawa will be undertaking a traffic duct installation project. This work is being done to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase the communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.

What: The construction will consist of traffic duct installation within the west sidewalk/boulevard along St. Laurent Boulevard. Installation works will consist of sidewalk removal and replacement as well as directional drilling to install the new duct.
Why: This work is being done to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.
When: The work is expected to begin in early August and be completed by late October 2025.
Where: The work will be conducted within the west sidewalk/boulevard between McArthur Avenue and Ogilvie Road, as well as at the east Transitway Ramp across from the St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, JWK Utilities & Site Services Ltd., to complete the work.

Traffic impacts: To accommodate the proposed works, various lane reductions, and delays are expected. Sidewalk closures along the west side of St. Laurent Boulevard are also expected. Pedestrians will be directed to use the adjacent sidewalk along the east side.
Driveway access: As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress on your street, on-street parking may be restricted. In the event that access to your driveway will be impacted, you will receive 24-hours’ notice and provided with a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.

For more project details, please visit ottawa.ca.

Enbridge work - Montreal Road and Center Street - Traffic impacts August 11 to 15 and August 18

Enbridge Gas will be replacing natural gas pipelines on Montreal Road and Center Street between Hillside Drive and Brittany Drive. The work is expected to take place in August, Monday to Friday between 7 am and 7 pm. Periodic lane closures and a temporary road closure will be required. Beginning August 11, 2025, work will start at the intersection of Montreal Road and Center Street and is anticipated to last for 20 days. Please expect impacts to traffic lanes on Montreal Road between Hillside Drive and Brittany Drive from August 11 - 15. On August 18, the north end of Center Street at Montreal Road will be closed. Access to area businesses and homes will be maintained via detours.

Vanier BIA AKOUSTIK at St. Charles Market - August 13 & 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 13, 27 • September 3, 10, 17

Beer and Bites at the Vanier Sugar Shack - August 14

The Vanier Museopark is thrilled to invite you to the first edition of the beer & bites relaunch, a festive hoppy hour event where gourmet appetizers meet local craft beers. Next event: Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Featured brewery: Collective Arts Location: Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Ave.) Cost: $35 per person (must be 19+ to participate) Free parking available at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.). Enjoy creative food pairings, specially curated to complement unique beers from Collective Arts Brewing – all in the welcoming, rustic atmosphere of the Vanier Sugar Shack. Tickets are available at this link.

Pride-inspired movie night in Wateridge Village - August 16

Canada Lands Company is kicking off Ottawa Pride Week with a special celebration at Alliance Park, 398 Codd's Road, for Wateridge Village residents on Saturday, August 16! They will be screening The Greatest Showman, a film that celebrates individuality, inclusion, and being proud of who you are.

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

Enbridge Gas work in Overbrook - August to October

Enbridge Gas will be replacing natural gas pipelines in the Overbrook area. This work is scheduled to take place from August to October 2025 and will include overnight and weekend work. The traffic management plan requires periodic lane reductions or closures at the intersection of Coventry Road and Vanier Parkway, as well as to the Vanier Parkway/ Highway 417 west on-ramp. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. During the duration of this work, area residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures, and construction noise. Some customers may experience short-term disruptions to their natural gas service but will be notified of this in advance by Enbridge Gas representatives.

Overbrook Day festivities - August 23

Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy Overbrook Day festivities organized by the Overbrook Community Association. There will be a free BBQ, children's games, music, fun and good vibes. Taking place on August 23 from 4 to 8 pm, in Overbrook Park at 33 Quill Street and on Edith Avenue between Queen Mary and King George.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Black Youth Entrepreneur and Innovation Program - starting August 9; application deadline August 4

The next edition of Jaku Konbit's Black Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, for ages 18 to 30, begins August 9. Register by August 4 to be part of the next session. In twelve focused classes, participants gain actionable insights and tools they can apply directly to their business, regardless of where they’re starting from. Details: jakukonbit.com

Colonel By Day schedule changes - August 4

$Statue of Colonel By under a blue sky. \$

The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Colonel By Day holiday on Monday, August 4. Details: ottawa.ca

A Company of Fools Theatre presents The Comedy of Errors - August 4 and 11

The Fools are back on tour!! Join A Company of Fools for their 7-week Shakespearean summer marathon, featuring The Comedy of Errors! Be among the first visitors to their Foolish Mushroom Kingdom and prepare to laugh ‘til you fall out of your lawn chair. Here’s where they'll be playing this coming week near Ward 13:

August 4 - Strathcona Park
August 11 - Strathcona Park

All shows kick off at 7 pm, weather permitting. They keep their social media updated in case of any unforeseen cancellations. Find Your Park → www.fools.ca/comedy-of-errors

Improving parking access in Ottawa’s busiest destination neighbourhoods

Ottawa is home to many vibrant destination areas, with popular restaurants, pubs, and unique shops and boutiques. To promote increased parking turnover and to better support local businesses, the City of Ottawa is introducing changes to paid on-street parking in select neighbourhoods. These changes are part of a broader effort to improve access to and better manage parking in high demand areas. These changes are data-driven, based on parking occupancy data, and are designed to better support local businesses by improving the availability of parking in neighbourhoods at the busiest times. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

Love Food Hate Waste

Did you know the average Canadian household throws away $1,300 worth of edible food every year? Reducing food waste at home is easier than you think. The City of Ottawa has partnered with Love Food Hate Waste to help you save money and cut down on food waste. For food saving tips and recipes visit ottawa.ca/FoodWaste.

Household Hazardous Waste Depot - August 9

The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Saturday, August 9 at the City of Ottawa Trim Road Depot, 2035 Trim Road. Residents are welcome to bring their hazardous materials to the event between 8 am and 4 pm. For information, visit ottawa.ca/HHW.

Black history in Ottawa Streets tours - Saturdays and Wednesdays (August 9, 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 August 9, Sept. 3 & 10. Details: Eventbrite

Fall recreation programming dates - view programs online now; registration opens August 12 and 14

Summer may have just started, but we’re already dreaming of fall! Don’t miss out on next season’s programming. Mark your calendars today with these upcoming registration dates.

View programs online now
Register online for:
- Fall swimming activities August 12 at 9 pm.
- All fall activities August 14 at 9 pm.

Take a look at what’s on offer and register today at register.ottawa.ca

Rain Ready Ottawa Webinar: Planning & Planting a Rain Garden - August 14

Want to create a beautiful, eco-friendly rain garden but don’t know where to start? Rain Ready Ottawa will be hosting a webinar on August 14 at 7 pm that will guide you through every step — from choosing a location and testing your soil to selecting plants and building your garden. Perfect for beginners, no green thumb required! Secure your spot for this webinar on Eventbrite!

Civics Boot Camp 2025: Build the Skills to Shape Your City - Applications due by August 15

Want to change the world—but start with your own community? Synapcity Civics Boot Camp is a program designed to equip you with the tools, confidence, and connections to take meaningful action where you live. Whether you’re an aspiring city-builder, community organizer, or someone ready to step up, this program offers a space to learn, collaborate, and grow. That belief grounds every session—from big-picture thinking to real-world strategy. Over eight weeks (with a break during Fall Reading Week: October 20–25) from Sept. 24 to Nov. 19, you'll explore how to navigate civic systems, mobilize ideas, and co-create stronger, more connected communities. Spots are limited—apply by Friday, August 15, to be part of Civics Boot Camp 2025. Apply Now → Synapcity Boot Camp Application More info → synapcity.ca

Mayor's Summer Barbecue - August 16

Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for his annual community barbecue on August 16, from 11 am to 3 pm, an afternoon with food, festivities and community fun. This is a free event, taking place at the Minto Recreation Complex in Barrhaven, 3500 Cambrian Road. There will be free food, cold drinks, treats, live entertainment, inflatables, swimming, ice skating and much more. There will be limited onsite parking. Details: marksutcliffe.ca

Capital Pride Festival - August 18 to 24

The 2025 edition of the Capital Pride Festival takes place August 18 to 24. The annual festival is a vibrant and inclusive week-long celebration of Ottawa’s Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual + (2SLGBTQQIA+) communities. On August 24, take in the Pride Parade beginning at 1 pm. For the complete lineup of events and programs, please visit capitalpride.ca/signature-events

Have Your Say: Help Shape Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan - Survey open until August 19

The City of Ottawa and community partners developed a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for 2021 to 2031, that was unanimously adopted by Ottawa City Council on October 27, 2021. The plan was developed in partnership with the community, to learn more visit Community Safety and Well-Being Plan – 2021 to 2031. The Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan addresses local risks to safety and well-being at the community level in seven priority areas. The City of Ottawa is reviewing its Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan and is seeking your input. City staff want to make sure the Plan continues to reflect what matters to people across the city, supports practical changes, and encourages everyone to take part in creating safe, welcoming communities. Your feedback will help refine priorities, identify emerging priorities, and shape meaningful actions. Residents are welcome to complete an online survey, available until August 19, 2025.

To learn more about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan priorities and stay informed, visit and subscribe to the Engage Ottawa page.

For questions or feedback, please contact: CSWB/[email protected]

August 1, 2025 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Your Councillor in the Community

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

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