December 15, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The upcoming holidays are a time of joy, love, and generosity. What better way to embrace the true spirit of the season than by giving back to our communities? This year, consider directing some holiday cheer towards local charitable organizations that work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. When you donate to local charities, you are directly contributing to the betterment of your own community. These organizations often focus on addressing specific needs within the local population, whether it's providing food and shelter to the homeless, supporting families in crisis, or helping children in need. By supporting them, you become an integral part of creating positive change right where you live.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
As we strive to uplift and support individuals and families in need, I invite you to consider becoming a vital part of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's mission. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is responsible for the delivery of most social services in Ward 13. By making a monthly donation, you can play a significant role in supporting its essential programs, including: the Food Bank, Income Tax Assistance, Adult and Senior Programming, and Youth and Family Services. Your contributions directly contribute to the sustainability of these crucial services, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone in our community. You can donate here.
The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa provides children and youth with a safe place between the realities of home life and the pressures of school - a place of positivity and belonging where they can play, create and learn what it takes to become their best selves. For 100 years, BGC Ottawa has provided free programs and services directly to children and youth in vulnerable neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Tailored to the needs of communities, BGC Ottawa programs encourage and empower children and youth, and help them set a path for success. Programs are developed and delivered based on four foundational pillars of physical activity and healthy lifestyle, creative arts, leadership and social skills, and education. Located in Ward 13, the Don McGahan Clubhouse on MacArthur Avenue serves the east end of Ottawa and many Ward 13 communities including Overbrook, Castle Heights and Cummings. You can donate here.
Ottawa Food Bank
Demand for the Ottawa Food Bank's services has reached unprecedented levels across the City due to increasingly levels of food insecurity. Rising housing and utility costs are a major reason behind the recent uptake in those accessing food banks. Last year, there were more than 400,000 visits to the city's network of food banks. This year, demand is expected to increase exponentially, especially during the holiday season, while food donations remain at a 30-per-cent shortfall. The Ottawa Food Bank is encouraging people to donate healthy food that can be turned into a meal. The Food Bank also encourages local residents to provide financial donations here.
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for many individuals and families. Your contribution to local charities can make a significant difference in meeting urgent needs. Whether it's providing a warm meal, ensuring children have gifts to unwrap, or offering a helping hand to those facing financial hardships, your donation can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. No donation is too small, and every contribution matters. Local charities often rely on the generosity of community members to continue their vital work. Whether it's a monetary donation, volunteering your time, or contributing essential items, your involvement can have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of others.
This holiday season, let's come together as a community and extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Embrace the spirit of giving by supporting local charitable organizations, and let the warmth of your generosity brighten the lives of others during this festive season.
Your Councillor in the Community
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Ski to the River House
The Ski Heritage East Trail Grooming Team has made another breakthrough in offering the best winter recreation experience in eastern Ottawa. The pilot project that extended the trail west from the Aviation Museum to the NCC's River House, located at 501 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway, has been a success and will become permanent. Though secondary to the trails east of the Aviation Museum, the extension of the trails from the Aviation Museum to the NCC River House will be groomed as frequently as capabilities permit. The Ski Heritage East Trail is expertly groomed for a wide variety of outdoor winter activities, including skate and classic skiing, fat-biking, and snowshoeing as well as walking. The trail covers an out and back distance of 40 kms along the banks of the Ottawa River from the Aviation Museum in the west to Tweddle (Trim) Road in the east. Easily accessible by foot, car or bus at one of the many trailhead entrances, the trails cover many of the same areas residents of East Ottawa ride their bicycles, run or walk on in the summer months. Click here for more information. To learn more about the River House, please click here.
Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library - Overbrook location
The Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library is an initiative of the National Capital Region Equitable Recreation Network, a federally-registered not-for-profit organization. The Library's mission is to respond to barriers experienced by racialized and marginalized communities to nature-based experiences, land-based programming, outdoor recreation, and the associated mental and physical health benefits derived from time outside. Visit ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary.com for more information. If you have gear to donate, please click here.
Locations and Hours of Operation:
- Main location: 877A Boyd Avenue. Tuesdays from 2:30 to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Winter pop-up location: the Overbrook Community Centre at 33 Quill Street. From January 7 to the end of March. Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.
Rideau Winter Trail Volunteer Opportunities - Meeting Dec. 20
Calling all potential Trail Ambassadors! If you are interested in being a Rideau Winter Trail Ambassador for the 2023/24 season, you are invited to join a meeting at the Rideau Sports Centre at 1 Donald Street on Wednesday, December 20 at 7 pm. While using the trail for snowshoeing, fat biking, walking or skiing, Trail Ambassadors are encouraged to greet other users and, where opportunities arise, provide some basic messages. At this meeting, you can learn more about this volunteer initiative and how you can participate. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to [email protected]. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend but would like to learn more or sign up to be a Trail Ambassador, please email [email protected].
The time is coming when the RWT's fabulous shovel elves will need to be activated. These volunteer shovel elves move snow under the bridges along the trail, to help the grooming team. Shovels will be locked up in various spots along the trail for use. If you are interested in volunteering to help out with this important task, please email [email protected].
Manor Park Winter Program Registration Now Open
The Manor Park Community Council has a number of recreational programs available for children, youth and adults. Register for programs starting in January and February of 2024. Click here for details and to register.
Manor Park outdoor rink staff, skating lesson instructors and volunteers needed
Join the Manor Park team and be a part of a great Canadian Winter tradition - outdoor rinks! The Manor Park Community Council is looking for outdoor enthusiasts to help build and maintain Manor Park's skating rink this season! Plus instructors for skating lessons! Ideal candidates love skating, working outside and are not afraid of a little snow shoveling. Rink attendants are responsible for rink maintenance, including shoveling and flooding the ice. Please send your expression of interest and resume to Melanie Proulx, Recreation Supervisor: [email protected]
Proposed fitness equipment at St. Paul's Park - Survey open until Dec. 22
My office and the City of Ottawa’s Recreational, Cultural and Facility Planning Department are seeking resident feedback regarding the potential addition of fitness equipment at St. Paul’s Park, which is located in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 and fronts onto Moorvale Street to the north and Donald Street to the south. The proposed location for the fitness equipment would be on the southern portion of the park, more specifically to the west side of the multi-use pathway, south of the ice rink. For the survey and to learn about the two types of fitness equipment being contemplated, please visit Engage Ottawa. The survey will remain open until Dec. 22, 2023.
Winter Operations in Ward 13
To view the above image in more detail, please refer to the Health & Public Safety section of my website.
Reporting issues: Once a winter weather event has passed, should you become aware of an issue on the City-maintained transportation network, submit a Service Request by calling 3-1-1, emailing [email protected] or online here.
Updates: For more information on the City's winter operations, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.
Winter Weather Storm Parking: Roads and Parking Services has been working closely with their partners in Parks Maintenance and Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services to expand the number of available parking alternatives during a winter weather parking ban for the 2023/24 season. For this season, 18 additional parking lots are being piloted to determine their level of use and success in consideration for permanent implementation for use during winter weather parking bans. In Ward 13, the following lots are available:
- Dr. John Hopps Park – 300 Den Haag Drive
You can be in the loop for when a ban is called by signing up for the winter parking mailing list: eSubscriptions sign up form | City of Ottawa
For more information about City of Ottawa winter operations, please visit Ottawa.ca/winter. No access to the web or need to report a concern that requires immediate attention? Please call 3-1-1 or TTY 613-580-2401. The City of Ottawa is pleased to provide the Canada Video Relay Service (VRS) for people wishing to contact the City. Callers using VRS are connected with a sign language interpreter who provides real time interpretation for telephone calls. To reach the City of Ottawa through VRS, please dial 613-580-2400. For more information or to use this service, please visit the Canada Video Relay Service webpage.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Jaku Konbit Kwanzaa Celebration - Dec. 30
Join Jaku Konbit this Kwanzaa, where you can enjoy music, food, crafts, and stories that reflect the spirit of this festive occasion. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your roots and share your traditions with others. (Kids 11 and under enter for free!) The Ottawa Kwanzaa 2023 celebration, taking place Dec. 30 at the Mosaic Convention Centre at 3750 North Bowesville Road, will include a dynamic showcase of cultural dancers, drumming, singing, music, and authentic African and Caribbean cuisine - entertainment for the entire family. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and taste of the Ottawa-Gatineau Black Community. Click here for tickets. Click here for details. Doors open at 3 pm. The programming starts at 4 pm. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm. Kwanzaa is a non-religious cultural holiday that is celebrated around the world from December 26 to January 1 of the New Year. The celebration is designed to promote cultural pride, dignity, and foster a vibrant and healthy community. Jaku Konbit's mission is to support and improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and families of African and Caribbean descent through partnership with all communities and programming that results in everyone’s successful economic and civic participation in Canadian society.
New Government of Canada Black Communities webpage
Nepean MP Chandra Arya has announced a new Government of Canada Black Communities webpage: Black communities - Canada.ca. This resource provides up-to-date information about the federal government’s initiatives and programs to support Black communities and Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused not-for-profit organizations. This webpage marks the first phase of a series of pages that will be added in the coming months to constitute the new Black Communities website.
OC Transpo - Service adjustments and seasonal changes
To improve service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to some routes. Special holiday service (Monday, December 25 to Friday, January 5) will operate on a reduced schedule to reflect lower ridership during the holidays. Please click here for more information.
Almost 9,000 Ottawa families in need this Christmas
This year, the Caring and Sharing Exchange has received requests for Christmas food assistance from 8,877 Ottawa households in need! These households represent 26,986 individuals, an overwhelming increase of 19 per cent over last year. Please considering donating to the Caring and Sharing Exchange to help more families and individuals enjoy a warm meal for the holidays. The Caring and Sharing Exchange is a local charity that provides assistance to Ottawa families and individuals in need, during the Christmas season and the back-to-school season. The backbone of Caring and Sharing is its co-ordination service, which organizes the even distribution of school essentials and Christmas assistance so that every donor dollar can reach even more people in need. Click here to make a donation. Or visit this link to learn more.
Ottawa Public Health and local hospitals urge residents to get their updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines
Ottawa Public Health and local hospitals including The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Hôpital Montfort, CHEO, Bruyère, The Royal and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute are urging eligible residents, especially those at higher risk, to receive their updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual influenza (flu) vaccine as soon as possible. This reminder comes as OPH is noting that the highest rates of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 continue to be in older adults. Wastewater levels of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are higher now than they were at this time last year. Additionally, OPH is now declaring the start of the flu season in Ottawa. Declaration of flu season is based on influenza test percent positivity surpassing the threshold of 5% for two weeks in a row.
Ottawa Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health and local hospital Chiefs of Staff want to remind everyone, but especially people at higher risk, to get their vaccines as soon as possible – this includes both the updated XBB 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and the annual flu vaccine. Please click here for more information.
Ottawa Public Health Update - Health Services for Residents
Ottawa Public Health recognizes that navigating the health-care system can be complex, and barriers to access can have significant impacts on individuals' well-being. Read OPH's Make the Best Call fact sheet and learn about the services available to help support someone facing health-care challenges, particularly those residents that do not have access to a family physician or nurse practitioner.
Climate Change Rebates and Financing
- Rebates and financing are available for home energy efficiency upgrades. Find out what you’re eligible for at betterhomesottawa.ca/rebates.
- Rain Ready Ottawa offers residents in priority areas up to $5,000 in rebates to help install stormwater management projects. Find out more at ottawa.ca/rain.
- The Residential Protective Plumbing Program provides financial assistance to qualified property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices, such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves. Find out more at ottawa.ca.
Recruitment for the Transit Advisory Working Group - Deadline to apply is Dec. 22
OC Transpo is recruiting members for a new Transit Advisory Working Group. This ad hoc advisory body will provide volunteer opportunities for residents to advise OC Transpo’s leadership on a wide variety of matters relating to the operation of public transit, including Para Transpo, conventional bus service and the O-Train. If you are interested in providing a voice on the future of our city’s transit services, please complete the application form before 5 pm on Friday, December 22. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
'Time is precious’: City launches ad campaign to improve road safety
The City has launched a new ad campaign to improve road safety. To preview the ads and the video that will be appearing online and around Ottawa, visit the "Time is precious" ad campaign website. This campaign is guided by the City’s Road Safety Action Plan in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service. Each month, education focuses on the road behaviour with the most incidents of fatal and major injury collisions as captured in the 2017-2021 data. Click here for details.
‘Tis the season to sleigh holiday waste!
Now is the perfect time to think of how you can cut down on waste this season. Canadians use six million rolls of tape annually when wrapping presents. Most tape is made from synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose in the landfill. Pair that with plastic ribbons and incorrectly binned food leftovers, and you can imagine how much of an impact the holiday season has on our quickly-filling landfill. There are many ways you can reduce waste when it comes to gifts, food and decorations, but here are just a few ideas.
Holiday Events around Ottawa
- Ottawa Christmas Market, Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne, until December 23
- Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Park Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, until January 6
- Winter Lights across Canada, Parliament Hill, until January 7
- Billings Estate National Historic Site – Home for the Holidays, Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, until December 23. Regular admission fees apply.
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Vintage Village of Lights, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 17, 4 to 9 pm. Cost: $25 per group (1 – 6 people per group). Advance registration is required.
Resources for those experiencing homelessness:
The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre operates a Mobile Outreach Van and responds to calls made to the City's 3-1-1 Call Line. They encourage people to seek warm indoor locations and can transport them to an emergency or overnight shelter. In addition, they also provide warm clothing and other resources to those who might refuse shelter. Anyone who is unsheltered can access services at any time by calling 3-1-1 or presenting themselves at a shelter. You can locate a shelter near you on OPH’s cold weather webpage. You can also call 2-1-1 to obtain information about services and locations of drop-in centres, where to obtain winter clothing and more.
Who to call for help:
- Call 3-1-1 to get referred to the best available shelter, or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the cold.
- Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency assistance such as hypothermia.
Snow Go & Snow Go Assist
- Be an older adult of at least 60 years old or a person with a disability.
- Have a low income and show proof (annual income below $36,075 if single and below $44,160 for a household of two persons or more)
City of Ottawa Service Reviews
Here are some examples of the work the City already does as part of this priority:
The Roadmap Connect program - Apply before Jan. 8
The Roadmap Connect: Infrastructure Institute and CP Planning are excited to announce a partnership on a series of mentorship programs via Roadmap Connect. This program seeks to address the barriers that racialized leaders and communities of non-profit organizations face in the development and procurement of affordable housing. The first offering is a 10-part webinar series. These 90- minute webinars will take place over the lunch hour and are open to the public. Each session will have the primary focus of either identifying Board or Finance solutions. For details, please click here.
Applications are also open for the Organizational Readiness Program, a 6-week program for organizations seeking support with an assessment of their “readiness” to develop an affordable housing project. To view the Organizational Readiness application and learn more about the program, please visit infrastructureinstitute.ca/roadmap-accelerator-program. The Roadmap is an Ontario-wide project led by CP Planning addressing the problem of systemic racism, displacement and low planning outputs of affordable housing through the creation and implementation of Inclusive Neighbourhood Planning Hubs supported by strategic planning, mentorship, and vertical integration between racialized communities and those with assets, knowledge and/or social capital to plan and develop affordable housing. The application deadline is January 8, 2024.
Canada Summer Jobs 2024 - Funding applications due Jan. 10
The employer application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2024 is now open. Employers from non-profit organizations, the public sector, and the private sector with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding until January 10, 2024, to hire young Canadians next summer. Full-time positions will be available starting in April 2024. Employers interested in applying for funding for CSJ 2024 are encouraged to electronically submit their applications through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that enables organizations to apply for various funding opportunities from Employment and Social Development Canada. Click here for more information.
Recreation and Culture News at the City of Ottawa - Registration begins Jan. 16
The City will be starting Summer Camp Registration in January! Online registration will begin January 16, 2024 at 9 pm for Summer Camps. Summer programs will be available for registration in May 2024. Make sure you mark your calendar to ensure that your children can get into the camps they like best. Go to Courses and camps | City of Ottawa for more details.
- March Break Camps and Summer Camps Registration:
Opens January 16 at 9pm - Summer Programming Registration: Opens May 2024 - Stay tuned for details
New Suicide Crisis Helpline in Canada
9-8-8 is Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline. People in Canada can call or text 9-8-8 to access bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention support. The service is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Trained crisis responders will listen to you and provide support with compassion, providing a safe space for you to talk. If you or someone you may know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. For more information, please visit 988.ca.
Ottawa Fire News
Ottawa Fire Services engagement survey - Open until Jan. 4
Ottawa Fire Services protects the lives, property, and environment for the residents of and visitors to the City of Ottawa. Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) responds from 45 stations located across the City of Ottawa. Collectively, these stations provide service to approximately 1,046,440 residents across 2,796 square kilometers. The OFS team is comprised of career firefighters, volunteer firefighters as well as inspection, education, safety, training, communications, maintenance and operational support personnel. As part of our commitment to serving our community we are looking for your feedback on the services we provide. This survey is voluntary, and the feedback will be used to help inform our programs and improve our services. For the engagement survey, please click here. The survey will remain open until Jan. 4, 2024. For more information, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Ottawa Police News
Stay Safe This Holiday Season with our Crime Prevention and Safety Tips
With the holidays coming up, the Ottawa Police Service is advising residents to be vigilant, safe and most importantly, exercise caution during this festive time of the year. For details, please click here.
Hate Crime Reporting
If you are affected by Hate Crime, the OPS is here to help. Report it online at ottawapolice.ca/report or call 613-236-1222. TTY: 613-760-8100 For emergencies, always call 9-1-1. A translator can be available within minutes.
Ottawa Police introduces its Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Unit
In November, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) formalized the creation of a centralized Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit following a one-year pilot project. The Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit seeks to redirect individuals charged with minor offences away from the criminal justice system towards programs and support services. The goal of the APCD program is to provide opportunities for individuals to address the reason(s) why they committed an offence in the first place, while being held accountable for their actions. This program also considers the victim’s needs and wishes regarding the incident. Click here for details.
Ottawa Police Services Board News
Statement from the Ottawa Police Services Board
On Dec. 14, the Board received the resignation of Dr. Gail Beck from the Ottawa Police Services Board, effective immediately, citing personal reasons. Vice Chair Salim Fakirani has assumed the role of Acting Chair. The Board wishes to convey its appreciation for the dedication and contributions of Dr. Beck over the last seven months in her role as Chair. The Board will not be providing any further comment on this matter.
The Ottawa Police Services Board is the civilian body responsible for governing the Ottawa Police Service. It is responsible for ensuring the provision of adequate and effective police services to City of Ottawa residents.