August 21, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Your Councillor in the Community
Overbrook Day festivities today were amazing! Thank you to the Overbrook Community Association, Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Ottawa Community Housing, Overbrook Community Centre staff, City departments and community organizations for a great celebration!
As a Community Services Committee member, I was ecstatic to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week for the City's new transitional housing facility on O'Connor Street. The facility will house approximately 125 families and will be pivotal to address homelessness in Ottawa.
Congratulations to the Vanier BIA for raising $80,000 this week at its 8th annual Partage Beechwood event held at the Beechwood Cemetery this week! All proceeds will benefit the Partage Vanier food bank.
I attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference this week to meet with Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner to discuss the need for new social infrastructure investments in Ottawa. Congratulations to River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington on his election as AMO President.
Great turnout last weekend at the Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester Community BBQ held by MP Mona Fortier that brought together residents, community leaders, organizations and families across our area to celebrate the organizations and people who contribute to its success!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Air Conditioner Pilot for Low-Income Residents
The City of Ottawa is offering a limited Air Conditioner Pilot to help eligible low-income residents stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Residents may qualify if they do not have a working air conditioner, have a health-related need for cooling, meet the Low-Income Cut-Off and cannot afford to purchase an air conditioner. To request an eligibility assessment, call 3-1-1 Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Select English (1) or French (2), then Community and Social Services (4), followed by option 6. Medical documentation is not required; residents can self-declare their need for cooling. More information and the income eligibility estimator are available at ottawa.ca/EHSS.
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.
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.
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.
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. The following tours take place in Rideau-Rockcliffe. For the full schedule and to pre-register, please visit heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season
- New Edinburgh: 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.
- Rockcliffe Park: 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.
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.
Creative Expressions: Rooted & Radiant creative wellness program - Sept. 26 to Nov. 7
Registration is now open for Creative Expressions Year 5: Rooted & Radiant – The Fifth Element: Spirit, a free seven-week creative wellness program for Black and racialized women, femmes, non-binary and gender-diverse community members. Through expressive arts, movement, storytelling, cultural exploration, reflective writing and collaborative projects, participants will explore creativity, connection, culture and community on Saturdays, from September 26 to November 7, 11 am to 2 pm. Sessions will be held at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd., Room 225, and the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre, 610 Donald Street. Space is limited. Register here.
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.
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. To sign up for a Western Tour, please click here. To register for the Eastern Tour, please click here.
Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Community Gathering - Nov. 5
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) invites community members to its annual Indigenous Community Gathering on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 pm. at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road. This year’s gathering will also celebrate the OAC’s 25th anniversary and highlight Ottawa’s Indigenous community, along with the work being done by the OAC, its partners and member organizations. The event is free, but registration is required and will open closer to the event date. Details: www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Construction - Jeffrey Avenue - August 22
As part of the ongoing Integrated Renewal and Sewer Separation project on Jeffrey Avenue and surrounding streets, underground sewer installation work will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 8 am to 4 pm, on Jeffrey Avenue. Emergency services will continue to have access, and traffic control measures will be in place while crews and equipment are active on site. Residents may experience increased noise, construction traffic and temporary access restrictions and are encouraged to move vehicles in advance if needed. Please note that weekend work may be required periodically as the project progresses.
Construction - Montreal Road at Borthwick Avenue - August 15 to mid-September
Groupe MP Canada is working at 630 Montreal Road at the southwest corner of Borthwick Avenue from now until approximately mid-September, weather permitting. Construction activities include piling, tieback drilling, and excavation, 29 metres along Montreal and 33 metres along Borthwick. Sidewalk detours are in place.
Bus Stop Improvement Projects - until early December
Several bus stops will receive accessibility improvements in Rideau-Rockcliffe over the coming months. This is part of a citywide project with work taking place at 61 OC Transpo bus stop locations across the city until early December. In Rideau-Rockcliffe, the locations include:
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New accessible landing pads at the following bus stops:
- Den Haag Drive at Carwood Circle
- Den Haag Drive at Montreal Road
- Den Haag Drive at Borealis Crescent
- Hemlock Road at Lansdowne Road
- Hemlock Road at Whitemarl Drive
- New bus shelter and accessible landing pad at Donald Street north of Eve Street
- Bus shelter reinstatement at Crichton Street east of Beechwood Avenue
- In nearby Ward 12, the bus stop will be improved at Olmstead Avenue at Jeanne-Mance Street
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.
Presland Park Renewal - Consultation opportunities coming this fall
Planning is underway for the next phase of improvements at Presland Park in Overbrook. Following $50,000 in improvements in 2025 to address drainage, landscaping, pathway and accessibility issues, $410,000 in Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu-of-Parkland funding has been allocated in 2026 to develop concepts for a broader renewal of the park. City staff are currently developing design options, which are expected to be presented to the community for review and feedback in fall 2026. Updates and consultation opportunities will be shared with the Overbrook Community Association and through Engage Ottawa, once the project webpage launches. A construction timeline will be determined following the design and consultation process and confirmation of future funding.
Alvin Heights Park Improvements Planned for Spring 2027
Major improvements are moving forward at Alvin Heights Park in Manor Park following the completion of public consultation earlier this year. The project includes $410,000 in Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu-of-Parkland funding for new back-to-back basketball half-courts, shaded tables, an outdoor ping-pong table and additional pool deck seating. An additional $144,595 will support replacement of the pool deck, an accessible pool ramp and stairs and repairs to the pool building. Design work is now underway, with construction of the pool deck improvements and new basketball courts expected to begin in spring 2027, ahead of the outdoor swimming season. Updates will be shared with the Manor Park Community Association and on the Engage Ottawa project page.
Centennial Garden Restoration Underway at Village Green Park - Construction underway
Work is now underway to restore the historic Centennial Garden at Village Green Park in Rockcliffe Park. After more than a decade of preparation, the community-led project will renew the historic landscape originally designed by Humphrey Carver in 1967 to commemorate Canada's Centennial. Improvements include redesigned pathways and the central gathering area, new benches, native plantings and a third commemorative stone representing Nunavut. The project is supported by $405,937 in Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu-of-Parkland funding, along with a $150,000 City of Ottawa Major Capital Community Project Grant, matched by community donations. Construction began in August 2026, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of October 2026. Updates will be shared with the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association and on the Engage Ottawa project page.
Bathgate Park Restoration and Reforestation Moving Forward - Construction beginning this fall
A major restoration and reforestation project is moving forward at Bathgate Park in Carson Grove. The $120,000 project, including $60,000 in Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu-of-Parkland funding, will include the removal of deteriorated basketball court, soil rehabilitation and grading work, restoration of the central pathway and new trees trees will be planted. Community feedback gathered in 2026 is helping shape the reforestation plan, with strong support for native tree planting, biodiversity, wildlife habitat and greater naturalization of the park. The basketball court will be removed this fall, followed by soil rehabilitation, reseeding and tree plantings. A new park entrance sign was also recently installed. The renewal project will also include the installation of two permanent waste receptacles, including at the playground. It is anticipated the central pathway will be updated in summer 2027. Updates will be shared with the Carson Grove Community Association and on the Engage Ottawa project page.
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse Under Construction
Construction is underway on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse at Eugène Martineau Park, creating a new year-round community gathering space for the growing neighbourhood. The $2.9-million project includes $217,500 in Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu-of-Parkland funding and will feature a multi-purpose community room, skating change rooms, a kitchenette, storage space, washrooms and a generator connection to improve resilience during emergencies. Construction began in July 2026, with completion expected in 2027. Once finished, the fieldhouse will expand recreation and community programming opportunities at Eugène Martineau Park and provide an important new gathering place for Wateridge Village residents. Updates will be shared with the Wateridge Village Community Association and on the Engage Ottawa project page.
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.
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
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. Additional information about the festivities is available at ottawa.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 invite African, Black and Caribbean families to a Family Day BBQ on Saturday, August 22, from 1 to 6 pm at 1757 Woodroffe Avenue in Nepean.
Enjoy family games, music and entertainment, a photo booth, BBQ and refreshments, along with school-readiness 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.
Cleaning the Capital Fall 2026 Campaign - Launches August 25
As fall approaches and colourful landscapes begin to transform our city, the City of Ottawa invites residents to come together with neighbours, friends, family, and colleagues to help keep our shared public spaces clean, beautiful, and welcoming for all. Registration for the Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign opens on August 25, with litter cleanup projects taking place between September 15 and October 15. The Spring 2026 Cleaning the Capital campaign set a new record, with more than 1,094 registered cleanup projects and over 50,000 participants. This milestone marks the highest number of registered projects in the program’s 33-year history!
Important dates:
- August 25, 2026: Registration opens
- September 4 - October 11, 2026: Cleanup kits available for pickup at participating City facilities
- September 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
- October 2, 2026: Registration closes
- November 1, 2026: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
The online registration form is available on the Cleaning the Capital webpage. Residents are encouraged to check out the interactive map prior to registering to view the locations and dates of all registered cleanup projects in their communities. Participants can choose to clean public spaces such as parks and greenspaces, roadsides, shorelines, or areas around bus stops.
Cleanup kits, which include nitrile gloves and garbage bags, will be made available for pickup by registrants between September 4 and October 11 at participating City of Ottawa facilities across the city.
For details, please visit ottawa.ca/clean.
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
OC Transpo Fall Service Change - begins August 30
OC Transpo’s fall service begins Sunday, August 30, with seasonal schedule adjustments and service changes across the transit network. Riders are encouraged to check the Travel Planner or updated route schedules to see whether their regular trips are affected. The changes also include new Express service, targeted bus improvements in Ottawa and to and from Gatineau, and measures aimed at improving service reliability. Details: www.octranspo.com
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.
Applications Open for Ecology Ottawa’s EcoYouth Council - Due Sept. 11
Ecology Ottawa is thrilled to accept applications for the third year of its EcoYouth Council. The EcoYouth program responds to growing eco-anxiety among young people and highlights the power of local environmental action. Through the Council, school presentations, and the Youth Summit, youth participate in practical environmental solutions, deepen their knowledge, and develop leadership skills. This is a fantastic opportunity for youth aged 16 to 23 to make a real impact in their community. Ecology Ottawa invites interested youth to access their website for more information and to apply. Applications are open until Sept. 11.
Volunteer Expo - Sept. 17
Volunteer Expo is a live in-person event where potential volunteers can connect one-on-one with representatives from local charities and not-for-profits to learn more about how they can help. Interested in volunteering? The Volunteer Expo is free to attend! The event takes place Thursday, September 17, from 2 to 6 pm, at the Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean. Visit the Volunteer Expo page to learn more.
Nominations Open for the 2026 Best Ottawa Business Awards - Deadline is Sept. 25
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs), presented by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal. With more than 25 awards planned, the BOBs recognize outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders making an impact across Ottawa’s economy, from emerging and high-growth companies to accomplished executives and industry leaders. Nominations are welcome by Sept. 25.
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 & Business Expo - Oct. 3
The 2026 Afro-Caribbean Thrive Conference & Business Expo will take place on Saturday, Oct. 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 welcome until Oct. 7
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
School is Back in Session: Drivers Need to Slow Down and Stay Alert
As students return to class in the coming weeks, the Ottawa Police Service is reminding everyone to stay alert and help keep our roads and school zones safe. With a significant increase in children walking, cycling, and taking the bus, it is vital for drivers, parents, and students to do their part to ensure a safe school year.
Drivers: Focus on the road and slow down. School zones will be bustling, and drivers must exercise extra caution.
Parents: Prepare your kids for a safe journey. Parents play a crucial role in modeling and teaching road safety.
Students: Stay aware and alert. Students can protect themselves and others by staying mindful of their surroundings.
For safety tips, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
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.