August 27 Newsletter 2021

August 27, 2021 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

While August has been an extremely hot month, I hope that residents are enjoying the reprieve in the weather. I want to remind residents that if they have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, there are still plenty of opportunities to get one. Visit https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx to find out where to get the vaccine. I would also like to highlight that there will be a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Overbrook Community Centre tomorrow to coincide with Overbrook Day. Join me tomorrow at Overbrook Day to celebrate our lovely community and neighbours. There will be a free hot dog lunch for all, free ice cream for kids, balloon animals, and more. 

I would like to remind residents that while the beach, outdoor pool, and wading pool season has winded down this week, splash pads will remain open until September 15. Another note of importance is the open-air fire ban throughout the city that took effect on August 23 at noon. Ottawa Fire Services asks that residents respect this ban and be mindful of the dry conditions which contribute to grass fires. Finally, I would encourage residents to provide their feedback on the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Police Service Board 2022 operating budget. The link to the survey is included in this newsletter and is being offered in eight languages. 

Mobile Vaccine Clinic at the Overbrook Community Centre  

There will be a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday, August 28 from 12 pm to 3pm at the Overbrook Community Centre. Come take part in the Overbrook Day festivities and get the vaccine at the same time. No appointment needed.  

Have questions about the vaccine? We have answers! A public health nurse is available if you just want to come in and ask questions or get more information about COVID vaccines. 

Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub: Don McGahan Clubhouse 

Still need a vaccine but can’t make it to Overbrook Day? Drop by Don McGahan Clubhouse at 430 McArthur Ave on August 30, September 1, and September 3 between 3:30pm and 7pm. No appointment is required and a public health nurse will be available to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

ACB Vaccine Initiative  

Are you a part of the ACB (African, Carribean, and Black) community? Come attend this special event!  

• Access to the COVID-19 vaccine (first and second doses)  
• Speak with a public nurse about the vaccine  
• Vaccine 101 education (by internationally trained medical doctors)  
• Foodbank  

• Recreational activities on-site for kids and adults  
• Transportation support to the event (as needed)  

Have other health questions or concerns?  

A team of professional health staff will be on-site to support you.  

When: August 28th 2021 from 11am to 2pm  

Where: African, Caribbean, & Black Wellness Resource Centre, 1021 Cyrville Rd Unit #9, Gloucester, ON  

Phone: (613) 709-0698  
 
Please join the Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB) & Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Community Consultation for the 2022 Operating Budget 

The Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) are asking residents to provide their feedback to help us determine priorities in line with our annual budget. Residents from all of Ottawa’s diverse communities are encouraged to participate and let us know where we should invest our resources, a public online survey will be available in eight (8) languages. (English, French, Farsi, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Somali and Spanish). 

Transparency, meaningful community input, real accountability, and sustainable resources 
 
Participants will explore an operating budget that is entirely focused on improving community safety and well-being (CSWB) in the city, meeting the evolving policing needs of the community as well as addressing health, safety and wellness needs of our members.  

 This opportunity is to learn about and discuss: 

• Legislative, provincial and municipal requirements of the OPSB and their role in Policing Budgets 
• OPS Organizational and Community Priorities 
• Budget overview and impacts on capacity and service delivery 

Participants will be required to login to the event with the same email as indicated in their registration. 
Register here: OPSB 2022 Budget Community Consultation Registration Survey (surveymonkey.com) 

Beach, outdoor pool and wading pool season winds down this week 

It only seems like it just started, but the City’s wading pool and supervised beach swimming seasons are quickly winding down this week.  

Supervised swimming at beaches 

Lifeguard supervision and daily water testing at City beaches – Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, Petrie Island and Westboro, end for this season on Sunday, August 29.  Until August 29, the daily hours for supervised beach swimming will be noon to 7 p.m. Check ottawa.ca for the updates on water quality testing and closures. 

Deep Water Outdoor Pools 

The City’s nine deep water outdoor pools will be closing between August 22 and September 6 depending on location. Check ottawa.ca for outdoor pool schedules and information. 

City wading pools 

The City’s wading pools will also close for 2021 season on Tuesday, August 24.  

Splash pads remain open  

City splash pads will remain open daily from 8 am to 9 pm until September 15 to help beat the late-summer heat. Visit ottawa.ca for a splash pad near you. 

Ban on Open-Air Fires in effect throughout the City of Ottawa 

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) is implementing a ban on open air burning for the entire City of Ottawa effective Monday, August 23rd 2021 at noon. 
 
All open air fires are prohibited during a ban, including properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit. This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires and wood burning outdoor fireplaces. There will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire ban as per the Open Air Fire By-law No. 2004-163. Devices which do not require a permit such as propane, ethanol, and natural gas outdoor fireplaces and barbecues are not included in the ban and residents are advised to follow the manufacturer's specifications for safe clearances and operation.  

Ottawa Fire Services implements a ban on open-air fires based on environmental conditions in order to prevent the rapid spread of fire due to grass and brush fires. Hot dry conditions in recent days have increased risks and can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire. The current heat and humidity also poses an increased danger of heat exhaustion for crews who would be called to attack an out of control fire. This ban will remain in place until lower temperatures and more precipitation allowing conditions to improve and risks to decrease. 

We thank area residents for their patience and cooperation with this matter. 

Reduce your risk around the home 

• Residents are encouraged to take advantage of weekly yard waste collection and use the following tips to prevent grass and brush fires: 

• Clear all combustible materials such as tree limbs, leaves and other dry materials away from buildings and propane tanks. 
• Keep barbecue propane tanks at least three metres from buildings. 
• Wood piles should be stored a safe distance from your home. 
• Trees should be pruned to create a good vertical separation from the ground. 
• Clear out any accumulated dry or dead debris from your property. 

Cigarettes 

Carelessly discarded cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes out vehicle windows. 

We appreciate your assistance in preventing grass or other dangerous fires to occur during high risk periods. 

TOMORROW! Overbrook Day 2021  

Join us for family fun and excitement! Overbrook residents of all ages are welcome!  

Councillor King’s office in partnership with Ottawa Community Housing and the Overbrook Community Association invite you to celebrate our community and neighbours.  

Who? ALL residents of Overbrook are invited!  

What? A day of fun for everyone. Free hot dog lunch! Free ice cream for kids!  

When? Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 12pm – 3pm.  

Where? Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street at Queen Mary.  

Montreal Road Revitalization 

Please find below a two-week update (August 23 to September 3) for the Montreal Road Revitalization project. The work activities planned for the next two weeks will include: 

• Vanier Parkway/Montreal Road intersection – Surface work continues in the northeast and southeast quadrants of the intersection including cycle track and paver stone construction. All crosswalks are open, and the intersection is fully functional. Work is being planned in the coming weeks in the southwest quadrant of the intersection that will require intermittent crosswalk closures. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks. 

• North River Road to Vanier Parkway – The sidewalk on both the north and south sides of Montreal Road are now mostly complete. Pavers and some soft landscaping will be installed fronting Tim Hortons and the surround area. The remaining section of sidewalk near North River Road will be constructed as part of larger outstanding work. This includes the North River Road/Montreal Road intersection and the southwest quadrant of the Vanier Parkway/Montreal Road intersection. Additionally, sections of sidewalk around the existing hydro poles are backfilled with gravel until hydro poles are removed in late summer/early fall.   

• Vanier Parkway to Marier Avenue – The northside concrete curb, base asphalt, sidewalk and the asphalt cycle track are complete for this section. Crews are continuing work on the south side of the road and are progressing with the construction of underground electrical utility work and concrete curbs between Savard Avenue and Olmstead Street. Soil cells for urban trees are also being constructed on the south side. A section of sidewalk will be constructed fronting the Shoppers plaza this week. A temporary pathway was constructed on the south side to improve accessibility and side street connections.  

• Marier Avenue to Lafontaine Avenue – Installation of underground utility work and soil cells continues, as well as construction of north sidewalk from Marier Avenue to Bradley Avenue. Sections of concrete sidewalk have been constructed along this segment and grading for the cycle track is continuing. Temporary water shuts to several buildings are continuing from last week. The water shuts are being communicated to impacted businesses in advance of the work taking place. 

• Lafontaine Avenue to de l’Église Street – Underground sewer and catch basin work continues. The north side of Montreal Road between Lafontaine Avenue and Cantin Street has been paved. The south side of Montreal Road from Ducharme Boulevard to de L’Eglise Street has been paved. Temporary water shuts to several buildings will be required this week while crews make final water connections to buildings and complete the watermain work around Cantin Street.  

• De l’Église Street to St. Laurent Boulevard – Excavations for new sanitary sewers and the watermain are continuing at de L’Eglise Street with crews working east towards St. Laurent Boulevard.   

• Continued traffic impacts and road closures – Montreal Road is reduced to one westbound lane from Vanier Parkway to St. Laurent Boulevard. All streets are closed between Vanier Parkway and St. Laurent Boulevard, except for Olmstead Street, Marier Avenue, Granville Street/Lafontaine Avenue and Cantin Street. Traffic calming flex posts installed along Lafontaine Avenue, Deschamps Boulevard and Montfort Street have been restored with additional reinforcing which should limit issues with cars detaching the flexposts from the asphalt.  

• Month-long construction outlook – Underground and aboveground work continues between Vanier Parkway and St. Laurent Boulevard. The curbs and granular road surface on the south side of Montreal Road between the Vanier Parkway and Olmstead should be nearing completion within the next month, followed by road paving and sidewalk construction. Underground, road, curb and sidewalk work will continue between Marier Avenue and de L’ Eglise Street. Work on North River Road, including installation of permanent traffic calming measures and dedicated pedestrian crossings, is tentatively planned to start within the next month. Work is being planned for the southwest quadrant of the Vanier Parkway/Montreal Road intersection in the next month which will impact crosswalks at the intersection. City crews will be installing new traffic signals at Cantin Street, Lacasse Avenue, Hannah Street and Cody Avenue starting mid September and continuing until the end of September. Some pedestrian movement across the intersections will be disrupted while crews are working during the day.    

• Hydro update – Hydro Ottawa removed their overhead power line between North River Road and Vanier Parkway on the weekend of July 17. Before the hydro poles can be fully removed, the new streetlights must be installed and energized. Complete removal of the poles will happen towards the end of the summer.