August 2, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Wonderful to declare ACB Wellness Resource Centre Day in the City of Ottawa on August 1 on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. The Centre, based in Overbrook, provides incredible health and social service programming to both seniors and youth!
Deeply honoured this week to have recognized the 190th anniversary of Emancipation Day with the West Indian Youth Association of Ottawa, in my capacity as Deputy Mayor, on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
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, 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.
Rideau Community Hub - Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hub services - August
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.
Collaborative Movements Launch Event - August 3
Join the Collaborative Movements Launch Event on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2 to 5 pm, at Incubator13 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Free Parking Available. This event is a gathering of people and organizations invested in the themes and goals of the Collaborative Movements project. It aims to introduce this collective to the project's details, featuring networking opportunities, presentations, and refreshments. The event will showcase interactive discussions, allowing attendees to explore opportunities to collaborate on the project and understand its scope. Learn about the initiatives shaping our city, connect with local change-makers, and explore how you can contribute to creating communities of care. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Road Resurfacing Updates - August
- Morin Street rehabilitation (between Cote Street and St. Laurent Boulevard): Concrete curb removals completed. Concrete curb placement is ongoing.
- Rideau Terrace will be resurfaced between Springfield Road and Acacia Avenue: Traffic devices are in place and saw cutting of the asphalt was scheduled to begin this week. Dates are subject to weather. Notices will be provided to residents in advance of the work.
Free Employment Workshops for ages 15-24 - Starting August 6
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 6 from 11:30 am to 12:30 om - How to create a resume
- August 13, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Soft skills and first impressions
- 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.
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]
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 7, 14 and 28. For details and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.
Here's how you can help!
- Sign up to participate in the talent show (sing a song, do a magic trick, etc.)
- Volunteer to deliver flyers promoting Overbrook Day
- Volunteer during the event!
On August 12, Hydro Ottawa will be supporting private contractors, Asplundh Canada, K-Line Group of Companies and Family Tree, with their tree removal efforts. In order to perform this work safely, a power outage is required and it will impact residents on Ellesmere Place, Hemlock Road, Juliana Road, Lansdowne Road South, Maple Lane and Roxborough Avenue. All impacted customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable. In case of adverse weather, the outage may be rescheduled. Our qualified staff and contractors will conduct this work safely and efficiently, ensuring that any inconvenience is minimal.
Impacted streets: Ellesmere Place, Hemlock Road, Juliana Road, Lansdowne Road South, Maple Lane and Roxborough Avenue
Electrical Equipment Replacement and Power Outage - Borealis Crescent - August 15
On August 15, 2024, Hydro Ottawa will be replacing electrical equipment that will impact customers located on Borealis Crescent. To undertake this work safely, a planned power interruption will be required. You may notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will take place on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way – a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa to install and maintain its electrical distribution system. A planned power outage is required as a result of this work. All affected customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account. In the case of circumstances beyond our control, the outage may be rescheduled. Our qualified staff and contractors will conduct this work safely and efficiently, ensuring minimal inconvenience.
Affected street: Borealis Crescent
- *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]
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.
Montreal Road Revitalization Project - Submit comments by August 16
If you were not able to attend the City's public open house on July 10 to view and discuss the proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements to the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road, you can learn more about the proposal at ottawa.ca. That link includes the public presentation that was featured on July 10. The corner of Montreal and North River will be the home of the new public art feature entitled Rideau, designed by the international group StudioKCA.
Next steps and schedule in the project are:
This milestone event will take place on August 24 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].
Free Back-to-School Supplies for Ward 13 school children in need
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Caring and Sharing Exchange are providing free school supplies for children in need from kindergarten to Grade 9 living in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 with a postal code of K1K and in some cases K1M or K1G. For more information, please visit crcrr.org, call 613-745-0073 ext. 123 or register at this link: forms.office.com/r/FW33ArANJD Required documentation includes proof of identity for parents and children, proof of address and proof of family income. First come, first served.
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].
- 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)
Black History in Ottawa Streets bus tour - every Saturday until October
Donald Street at Vanier Parkway Protected Intersection
Donald Street at Vanier Parkway will be the next protected intersection in Rideau-Rockcliffe. This intersection has received an increasing volume of cyclists and pedestrians since the Adàwe Crossing bridge was completed in December 2015. A protected intersection improves safety by reducing the speed of turning traffic and improves sight lines. The project also includes a multi-use pathway between Vanier Parkway and Grant-Toole Way. An online public information session is tentatively expected to be held this fall at which the design drawings will be presented. Residents will be able to review the design, ask questions and provide comments about the proposed project. Visit ottawa.ca for updates and to learn more.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Increase in reports of pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on their routine vaccines, as we approach the school year and in light of an increase in reports of pertussis (whooping cough) in Ontario and locally. Locally, OPH has received reports of 32 people with confirmed or probable pertussis in Ottawa. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases that used to be common in childhood. Visit ottawa.ca for details.
Colonel By Days - Bytown Museum - August 3 to 5
Celebrate Ottawa’s rich history and the legacy of Lieutenant-Colonel John By with a weekend full of engaging activities, live performances, and family-friendly fun at the Bytown Museum, August 3-5. All ages are welcome! For more information, please visit bytownmuseum.com.
Colonel By Day schedule changes - August 5
Provide input on the City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan - Survey open until August 5
The City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) is a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). It is a five-year plan to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers across the organization by committing to specific actions and outcomes aimed at making sure people with disabilities can participate in the City's programs, services, facilities, public spaces, information and communication, and employment. The current City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) will expire soon. A project page is available in English and French. An accessible online survey is available Engage Ottawa for input until August 5.
Repair Café - August 10
August 10 from 10 am to 2 pm at Zibi located at 28 Booth Street (Just north of the Canadian War Museum). From clothing to small appliances, keep your favourite household items out of the landfill with the help of a Repair Café. These free, community-led events aim to reduce landfill waste by fixing items, teaching new skills, and providing an opportunity to enjoy coffee and snacks while meeting your neighbours. It is a great day to come out and learn more about the circular economy, why it matters, and how it can help you save money and our planet. This event is sponsored by the Dream Community Foundation and hosted by Zibi. Children under the age of 14 need to be accompanied by an adult when getting an item fixed. For details, please visit ottawatoollibrary.com.
- Sunday, August 11, from 9 am to 3 pm
Lansdowne Farmers Market
City of Ottawa fall activities - August 13 and 15
Mark your calendars with these important registration dates for next season. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.
- Now available: Browse fall activities online.
- Tuesday, August 13 at 9 pm: Register for aquatics programs.
- Thursday, August 15 at 9 pm: Register for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
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.
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].
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.
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.
Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program continues to support homeowners in making energy efficiency home improvements
Through the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program, Ottawa property owners can get a low-interest loan of up to the lesser of $125,000 or 10 per cent of the current value of their home to cover the cost of home energy improvements. Applicants who meet the program’s income qualification criteria can obtain an interest free loan. You can combine the Better Homes Ottawa - Loan Program with any other available energy grants, rebates, and incentives such as the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program and Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program. You can learn more about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program and apply at betterhomesottawa.ca.
Free Counselling for Black Youth
The Somali Centre for Family Services is partnering with FutureBlackFemale to provide free counselling services to Black youth ages 15 to 30. For details, please visit shadesoftherapy.ca, email [email protected] or call 613-879-0125.
OCBN Workforce Development - Intro to skilled trades
The Ottawa Community Benefits Network, in partnership with the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec Building Trades Council, is pleased to provide an introduction to the skilled trades and the opportunity to gain industry recognized certifications in the construction sector. The OCBN will be hosting information sessions in person and virtually. Anyone interested in the trades is welcome to apply. People from diverse communities are encouraged to apply. Information on this program can be found at www.ottawacommunitybenefits.ca/workforce. Please contact [email protected] for more information. This initiative has been funded by a City of Ottawa Community Economic Development grant.
New Zoning By-law - Updates to Draft Zoning Map
The first draft of the new Zoning By-law was released on May 31, 2024. Since then, staff and the public have identified errors in the zone codes on the draft Zoning Map. These errors will be corrected and posted prior to the release of the second draft of the Zoning By-law in March 2025. The process for correcting these errors are as follows:
• Staff will identify updates to the Zoning Map on a monthly basis, starting at the end of July 2024.
• The changes will focus on errors and correcting zone codes that are not in conformity with the Official Plan.
• A Change Log will be published each time an updated version of the Zoning Map is published and will be available on the Draft 1 Zoning Map webpage.
• The Change Log will itemize each change made so residents can conveniently check to see what has changed on the draft Zoning Map.
• Each version of the draft Zoning Map will include a date and be archived for future reference.
• Residents who have subscribed for updates about the new Zoning By-law will receive notification that the draft Zoning Map has been updated, with a link to the Change Log.
Staff are aiming to publish an updated version of the draft Zoning Map at the end of July 2024.
New Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial Video Available: The Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial video is now available. This comprehensive video serves as a valuable resource, providing a detailed overview of the Interactive Zoning Map tool. More information on the New Zoning By-law can be found on the City’s Engage Ottawa page. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the City’s Zoning staff at [email protected].
Emergency Services New
Ottawa Police Service announces 2024 Gala Beneficiaries
The Ottawa Police Service is pleased to announce the beneficiaries for the 2024 OPS Gala. This year, the gala will support two exceptional organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in our community: the Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa and the Multifaith Housing Initiative. Visit ottawapolice.ca for details.
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 and interested in sharing ideas and working together with police to help build a safer Ottawa? Apply by September 1! Visit ottawapolice.ca/YAC to apply.
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.