December 19, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who made the incredible holiday dinner at 800 St. Laurent Boulevard in Castle Heights a success and to Mattamy Homes for sponsoring the 70+ meals that were served tonight!
What an amazing time dropping into the OCH community on Den Haag in Carson Grove to wish everyone happy holidays, thank the tenant volunteers and sample the incredible baking!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
City recognizes Ottawa’s best in heritage conservation
Seven projects were recognized as Ottawa’s best in heritage conservation at an awards gala last month at City Hall. Presented every two years, the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards recognized exceptional projects completed between January 2022 and May 2025. Here in Rideau-Rockcliffe, an Award of Excellence - Restoration was presented in recognition of Maison Tubman, located at 51 Crichton Street in the New Edinburgh community, and the National Capital Commission's River House earned an Award of Excellence - Government. A full list of winners can be found on the Ottawa Heritage Awards page on the City’s website.
Winter Operations
If you have a winter-related concern, please call 3-1-1 or email [email protected] and copy my office at [email protected]. All winter operations updates are posted on my website and on the Ward 13 Facebook, X and BlueSky accounts. Subscribe to the City's Winter Weather Parking Ban e-alerts to stay up to date on upcoming winter parking restrictions. Winter updates are also posted to the City's website at ottawa.ca/winter.
Discover Ingenium’s Museums of Science and Innovation this Holiday Season - Until Jan. 15
Until January 15, 2026, children and youth under 17 will receive free admission, while young adults aged 18 to 24 will enjoy 50% off entry at participating institutions including all three Ingenium museums in Ottawa: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Details: tickets.ingenium.ca/discounts
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Frozen in 3D Movie Party - Dec. 20
Enjoy Ottawa Family Cinema’s annual Christmas movie party featuring Disney’s Frozen in 3D on Dec. 20 at 2 pm at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. The event includes festive décor, door prizes, treats, and a free Christmas gift for every child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on stage spreading holiday cheer before the screening. Proceeds help support low-income families. Save $2 by booking online. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
Black Soirée Fundraising Gala - Dec. 20
Join the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre for their Black Soirée, a night of elegance and impact in support of Jamaica Relief on Dec. 20 at 6 pm at the BGC Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse, 1770 Heatherington Road. This special evening will feature a dinner and dance with food prepared by Django. Enjoy music by DJ Papa Ritchie, DJ Supersound, and DJ Mikey Wisdom from 89.1 FM. There will also be a silent auction with holiday gifts, a 50/50 draw, raffles, and more. Support a great cause and help make a difference! Tickets available at Eventbrite.
Vanier Holiday Giveaway - Dec. 20
The Vanier BIA together with the Vanier Community Services Centre and Money Advisors hosts the sixth annual Holiday Giveaway that supports 300 families with gifts and essentials. The event takes place at the Vanier HUB, 271 Marier Avenue, on Dec. 20 from 11 am to 2 pm. Details: vanierbia.com/holiday-giveaway
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk - Dec. 21
Everyone is welcome to take part in the longest night of the year during the Winter Solstice Lantern Walk on Dec. 21 from 5 to 6 pm, organized by the Sandy Hill Community Association. Meet at the Adàwe Crossing near 1 Donald Street. Bring lanterns or a light source, noisemakers and other celebratory items. Participants will walk south along the Rideau River on the Overbrook side, cross back over the river on the former railway bridge and return north on the Sandy Hill side to Strathcona Park. Please dress for the weather!
Enjoy a free Holiday Meal - Dec. 21
The Brunch Bunch and the Centre Pauline-Charron invite residents to enjoy a free Holiday Meal on Dec. 21 from 1 to 4 pm at 164 Jean Mance Street.
Outdoor rink volunteers urgently needed for Dr. John Hopps Park and Presland Park
Volunteers are urgently needed to maintain the Dr. John Hopps Park outdoor rink at 300 Den Haag Drive and at Presland Park's outdoor rink at 368 Presland Road in Ottawa this coming winter. One person is needed to lead the puddle rink maintenance, however, several people are welcome to help maintain the ice. Prior experience is not required. City staff provide a training session, manual and videos from previous years. Staff provide guidance on rink maintenance operations. Those interested are invited to connect with City staff by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2590.
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Elio in 3D - Jan. 10
Catch Pixar’s Elio in stunning 3D on Jan. 10 at 2 pm at Ottawa Family Cinema, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This fun, heartwarming adventure follows a young boy who becomes Earth’s unexpected ambassador to the galaxy. Save $2 by booking online. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Statement from regional Medical Officers of Health on sharp rise in serious flu cases in children
There has been a rapid and significant rise in Influenza A across Ontario, including the Eastern Ontario region. CHEO is reporting a higher-than-usual number of flu cases and complications for this time of year. In the first two weeks of December, three children between the ages of five and nine have died from influenza A-related complications in the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) regions. This is a stark reminder that the flu can lead to severe illness and complications that require hospital care. With much of the respiratory illness season still ahead, we anticipate this will continue to be a challenging flu season. The Medical Officers of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) are strongly urging everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. Visit ottawa.ca for more information.
Vacant Unit Tax: Early Declarations Now Open
The City of Ottawa has opened the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration portal for residents who wish to submit their declaration early, ahead of the formal declaration period beginning January 1, 2026. Property owners will receive email and paper notices in the new year, along with reminders throughout the declaration period. The declaration deadline is March 19, 2026, with late declarations accepted until April 30, 2026, subject to a $250 late fee. Details: ottawa.ca
Running On Empties Fundraiser for the Christmas Exchange Program - Dec. 20
On Dec. 20, donate your empties at any local Beer Store and help provide a festive holiday meal to Ottawa residents and families in need. Beer Store employees at every store in the city will be collecting empty beer bottles in support of the Caring and Sharing Exchange Christmas program.
O-Train Line 1 service to begin at noon on Dec. 21
O-Train Line 1 service will start at noon, instead of 8 am, on Sunday, December 21. R1 replacement buses and shuttle bus service will run during this time. Learn more to plan your trip. Visit ottawa.ca for details.
OC Transpo Winter Service - Starting Dec. 21
OC Transpo’s winter service begins Sunday, December 21. This winter’s service changes include bus service improvements and special holiday service. New winter schedules are available on octranspo.com. Before heading out, use the Travel Planner or Transit to plan your trip. Holiday Schedules: A special holiday service will run from Monday, December 22 to Friday, January 2 to reflect lower ridership. Para Transpo will operate a holiday service on December 25 and 26, and on January 1. Regularly scheduled trips on these dates are automatically cancelled.
City of Ottawa Holiday Season Schedule Changes - Dec. 24 to Jan. 2
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes for the holiday season between Wednesday, December 24 and Friday, January 2.
Christmas Tree Disposal and Reuse Options
Kwanzaa Celebration - Dec. 28
Jaku Konbit hosts Canada's biggest Kwanzaa celebration on Dec. 28, from 4:40 to 10 pm at the Preston Event Centre, a joyful and inspiring cultural gathering that celebrates the richness of African and Caribbean heritage and the strength of our community. For tickets and details, please visit Eventbrite.
Free OC Transpo and Para Transpo service on New Year’s Eve - Dec. 31 to Jan. 1
After 6 pm on New Year’s Eve, service is free on all OC Transpo buses, trains, and Para Transpo, courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD Ottawa and Area. O-Train Line 1 will run until 2 am, Line 2 will run until 1 am, and Line 4 will run until midnight. Para Transpo will run until 3 am. Night bus service will run after O-Train service ends. Details: octranspo.com
OC Transpo fares are changing on Jan.1
OC Transpo fares are changing on Jan. 1*. Most fares will increase by 2.5 per cent. Fare changes were approved by Ottawa City Council as part of the 2026 budget. There will be no change to the price of the EquiPass, Community pass or Access pass. *Monthly passes for January 2026 go on sale December 18. Details: octranspo.com
For seniors on Para Transpo - starting Jan. 1
NEW! Beginning Jan 1, 2026, Para Transpo seniors age 65 and up will eligible for four free trips a month when they use a registered Presto card to pay per trip. Details: octranspo.com
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Ottawa will no longer be responsible for collecting your blue and black bin. Under regulations from the Government of Ontario, recycling is going provincial. Learn more at: Ottawa.ca/IPR.
- Please note: You can continue to put out your bins as normal.
- There will be changes in what can go in your blue and black bin as of January 1, 2026. A full list of items that can be recycled is available at CircularMaterials.ca/Ottawa.
- Here’s what’s changing in January: circularmaterials.ca/ottawa
- Your recycling questions should be directed to Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or [email protected].
The law is changing for carbon monoxide alarms - Jan. 1
As of Jan. 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code will require increased carbon monoxide (CO) alarm detection in residential occupancies and care occupancies. CO is a silent killer: it’s colourless, odourless, tasteless and can be deadly when inhaled in high concentrations. It’s produced when fuels like wood, gas, oil, or propane don’t burn completely. Without proper ventilation, CO can build up indoors, making a working carbon monoxide alarm essential for home safety. Details: ottawa.ca
Enhancements coming to block parties - starting Jan. 2
As part of the Highway Events By-law that is going into force on Jan. 2, 2026, block parties are defined as a closure of one segment of a local or collector road, for a period of one-day or less to host a social gathering for the persons residing on that segment of the road. Here’s what else is new:
- Applications now require 15 days’ notice (down from 28).
- Organizers may include one vendor during their event. A site plan showing the vendor’s placement is required with the application.
- Vendors must follow all City regulations, including the vendor conditions and business license requirements where applicable.
- Events with more than one vendor do not qualify as block parties and are rather categorized as street festivals. Street festival organizers must apply for a Special Event Permit which requires between 30 to 180-days’ notice and will be subject to a Special Events Advisory Team (SEAT) review and requirements. Timelines vary by event.
These changes are designed to make hosting community gatherings easier while ensuring safety and compliance. Details are available at Ottawa.ca.
OC Transpo 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan Consultations - launching January
- January 15 from 10 to 11:30am (Virtual)
- January 26 from 1 to 2:30pm (City Hall)
- January 28 from 6:30 to 8:00pm (Virtual)
Governor General's Foot Guards Youth Awards 2026 - application deadline is Feb. 1
The Governor General’s Foot Guards presents the GGFG Youth Achievement Awards, featuring four $2,500 awards to youth whose ability, hard work, and perseverance merits special recognition. Email submissions to [email protected] are requested no later than February 1, 2026. Details: www.ggfgra.ca/youth-award
Emergency Services News
The Ottawa Police Service is committed to ensuring accessible environments and meeting the accessibility requirements of persons with disabilities in a timely, respectful, and proactive manner We invite your input on the 2026-2030 Ottawa Police Service multi-year Accessibility Plan. Please submit your suggestions and feedback by Friday, December 31, 2025. Details: ottawapolice.ca
Grandparent scam attempt foiled by family and police
Thanks to quick action by family members and Ottawa Police officers, a senior was protected from losing nearly $6,000 to a grandparent scam. A suspect was arrested after attempting to collect the money in person. These scams often involve urgent calls claiming a loved one is in trouble and demanding secrecy or immediate payment. Read the full story and learn how to protect yourself and others: ottawapolice.ca
Twelve Days of Fire Safety
When preparing for your festivities, follow these fire prevention and safety tips from Ottawa Fire Services.
OPS partners with YSB, CHEO, and Kids Come First for Youth Mobile Crisis Response team
The Ottawa Police Service, in partnership with the Youth Services Bureau, CHEO, and the Kids Come First Health Team, is announcing a new youth-focused Mobile Crisis Response Team and a specialized youth-centred training module for officers. Visit ottawapolice.ca for more details.
The holiday season is a busy and exciting time for businesses - but it’s also a period when properties can be more vulnerable, especially during reduced hours or temporary closures. Taking a few proactive steps before the holidays can help protect your business, your staff, and your investment. Visit vanierbia.com for practical tips to help keep your business safe over the holiday period.
