December 20, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Dear Residents:
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year offers us a precious opportunity to reflect on the bonds that make our community strong and the spirit of generosity that defines our neighbourhood.
Throughout 2024, I have witnessed countless examples of neighbours helping neighbours, community initiatives flourishing, and residents coming together to make Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward an even better place to live. Your engagement and dedication to our community continue to inspire me and remind me of why public service is such a rewarding calling.
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, I hope this holiday season brings you joy, peace, and moments of genuine connection. For those who may be experiencing hardship or loneliness during this time, please know that you are an important part of our community, and there are resources and support services available to help.
The holiday season is also a time to remember those who work tirelessly to keep our community safe and functioning – our first responders, healthcare workers, snow removal crews, and many others who serve even during the holidays. Their dedication deserves our gratitude and recognition.
As we look ahead to 2025, I remain committed to working alongside you to address our Ward's challenges and opportunities. Your voices and perspectives are essential in shaping the decisions that affect our community's future.
May this holiday season bring warmth to your homes and hearts. I look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.
With sincere best wishes,
Rawlson King
City Councillor
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Please note, my office is open through the holiday period, however we will be operating with reduced hours from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3.
To submit a Service Request related to winter operations, please call 3-1-1, submit a request through the online reporting system or email [email protected] and copy [email protected]. Please take note of the Service Request number you are given so that you may track the status of your request.
This is the final edition of my Rideau-Rockcliffe newsletter for 2024. My newsletter will resume Jan. 10.
For details, please visit www.crcrr.org/foodbank. The list of needed items is available here.
Report a coyote sighting in your neighbourhood
Please note the City utilizes this data to track coyote movements and the creation of a service request does not mean a By-law Enforcement Officer will be dispatched to attend. If a coyote is posing an immediate threat or danger to the public, call 9-1-1 immediately. Please refer to the City of Ottawa's Coyotes page for more information.
Development applications - 35 Mackay Street and 71 Thomas Street
The City of Ottawa has received Zoning By-Law Amendment application and a Part Lot Control Exemption application for 35 Mackay Street and 71 Thomas Street. The site is located in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood on a corner lot with frontages along the south side of MacKay Street and the east side of Thomas Street. The applicant is proposing to lift part lot control to separate existing dwelling units and create an additional lot with frontage on Thomas Street in order to construct a detached 2.5-storey dwelling on the new lot. The planning applications will be posted on the City's Development Applications webpage: devapps.ottawa.ca
Children’s Drop-in programs
Do you have questions about your baby? Want to know if your child is on track? Do you have questions about your child's growth and development? The Parenting in Ottawa drop-ins are located across Ottawa. Speak with a Public Health Nurse about parenting.
The program is available to expectant parents, parents and guardians of children aged birth to six years of age. No appointment necessary, simply drop-in during the clinic's hours. Clinics are closed on statutory holidays unless otherwise specified. Drop by the St. Laurent Complex on Dec. 22 and 29 between 10 am and 12:30 pm or the Vanier Community Services Centre at 270 Marier Avenue on December 25 and 31 between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. For more information, please visit www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/dropins.aspx.
Wateridge Village rink preparations at Eugene Martineau Park - Resident support needed
Residents are asked to please keep their dogs away from the boarded rink area at Eugene Martineau Park in Wateridge Village. Volunteers are preparing to begin making ice for Wateridge's inaugural outdoor rink. Keeping your pets clear of the rink area will allow hard-working volunteers to make an ideal skating surface for everyone. Thank you!
New Year Brunch in New Edinburgh - Jan. 11
The Crichton Community Council hosts a New year Brunch on Jan. 11 from 10 am to 1 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave. Come for plentiful home-made food, drinks and the good company. Please bring your own mugs, cutlery and dishes to reduce cleanup work for volunteers. Bring your skates too! There is no cost to this event. Donations to cover the cost of food are gratefully accepted. Financial contributions can be made by depositing a cheque in the mailbox near the front door of the Fieldhouse, or online using this link: https://square.link/u/I1bTGw6g The assistance of volunteers is welcome. For details, please visit Facebook.
Open Mic Night in New Edinburgh - Jan. 11
Sledding and skating in Ottawa
Sledding: Sled only at approved hills. Before you go, find an approved sledding hill at ottawa.ca/sledding. There are more than 30 approved locations across the city.
Skating: Before you go, check the status of the ice on our Outdoor rinks page. Outdoor rinks operated by the City may be closed because of extreme weather conditions or if the weather is mild. Try skating indoors at one of over 30 arenas across the city offering drop-in skating sessions – be sure to check the arena’s website for specific opening hours. Children 10 years old and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person 14 years or older at all indoor and outdoor rinks. Protect your head: children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas. At outdoor rinks, it is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA-certified helmet while on the ice. To learn more about helmet safety, visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
Winter Maintenance Reporting
There are several ways you can connect with the City to report winter-related maintenance requests and accessibility concerns.
Online: Non-urgent requests, such as those that can wait for the next business day, may be reported on ottawa.ca:
Phone : 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.
Canada Video Relay Services (VRS): 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.
Where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban? During a ban, vehicles can be parked at certain park and ride locations, recreation centres, libraries and municipal parking garages. There are 20 parking lots available for use in the 2024/25 season, including 2 new lots at the Richelieu Vanier Community Centre and the Fallowfield Park and Ride. Once a ban is lifted, residents must remove their cars promptly so the parking spaces can once again be used for the regular activities at their locations. On street parking is available on designated commercial main streets to support local businesses; regular parking restrictions apply. More information on where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban is available at ottawa.ca. You can sign up to receive Winter Parking Alerts by email or download the City of Ottawa App for your Android or iPhone.
Be a Hydrant Hero: If you can, be a hydrant hero and shovel around your fire hydrant. An area of 0.5 metres (1 foot) around the hydrant allows Ottawa Fire Services to gain quick access to keep our community safe.
Winter Updates: To stay up to date on City of Ottawa Winter Operations, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.
Ottawa Public Health Update - Coping with Cold Weather
What is the risk of cold weather?
Cold weather temperatures can result in frostbite, hypothermia, slips and falls, and even death. According to Health Canada, the general risk of injuries like windburn and frostbite increases when the wind chill reaches minus 27 and below. Everyone is at risk if not dressed appropriately. However, some people are more quickly affected by the cold – particularly young children, older adults (65+), people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those with certain medical conditions.
Be winter ready!
Getting help clearing snow
Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter?
For information on City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs visit Help around the home on Ottawa.ca.
The forecast for Ottawa’s film industry is Hot and Frosty
If you’re like us, every time a holiday romance pops onto your TV screen you look in the background for landmarks of your hometown. Many holiday romances were shot right here in 2024, including:
Most productions, though not all, work with the Ottawa Film Office to secure local talent, locations and services. And, of course, more than just holiday films are shot here. By mid-December, the film office was on track to help generate the following numbers in Ottawa:
Visit ottawa.ca for more details.
Take transit to the World Junior Hockey Championship
The World Juniors start today, December 19, and if you have scored a ticket or are volunteering at the tournament, OC Transpo can get you to the game for free, whether it’s conventional buses, Para Transpo buses or the O-Train. Visit octranspo.com for details.
Winter 2025 Transit Service Changes - Dec. 22 to Jan. 3
Fare changes
For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Holiday Season Schedule Changes - Dec. 24 to Jan. 1
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes for the holiday season between Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, January 1. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2024 - Dec. 28
In 2023, the City updated the Use and Care of Roads By-law to allow residents the opportunity to undertake a residential gardening project, including a naturalized garden, within the City-owned boulevard abutting their property. Following resident and Council feedback, staff have been reviewing options to allow edible plants (fruits, vegetables, herbs) and readily moveable containers in residential boulevard gardens. There are several factors to balance including food security, the suitability of the boulevard for growing food, as well as operational and safety issues. Your opinion matters, and City staff value your insights! An online survey has been launched to get resident feedback on potential updates to the by-law. The survey is available at Engage Ottawa and will be open until Dec. 31.
Youth Futures helps youth succeed in post-secondary education and the workforce. The program aims to create equal opportunities for youth facing marginalization and other barriers. Provided in French and English, at no cost to the participants, the program runs intensively from February to August every year. Are you between 16-21 years old, actively attending high school and interested in:
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Youth Futures program is Dec. 31. For details and to apply: youth-futures.com
Children and youth, age 17 and under, can take part in free drop-in swimming, skating and gym sports at City recreation facilities every Saturday in 2025. These free drop-in programs on Saturdays continue to allow children and youth to participate in City programs and benefit from the associated health and social benefits of these activities. In addition to Play Free Saturdays, the City also offers financial support through the Ottawa Hand in Hand participant subsidy program, to help to make recreation and cultural programming more affordable and accessible for everyone. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Vehicle idling times changing to improve air quality - Jan. 1
Starting in 2025, the maximum idling times for vehicles in Ottawa are changing to help make Ottawa’s air cleaner. Idling times for vehicles on public and private property are set in the City’s Idling Control By-law. Earlier this fall, City Council approved the following by-law changes to take effect on Wednesday, January 1, 2025:
Exceptions continue to exist for certain vehicles and situations. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
O-Train Lines 2 & 4 begin a phased opening on January 6
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Big changes are coming to Ottawa's transit system! Here's what to expect:
For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Tewin Community - Public Information Session - Jan. 9
The 2022 Ottawa Official Plan introduced 445.35 hectares of land into the urban boundary to facilitate the creation of Tewin, a new, sustainable and complete community that will be comprehensively planned and developed. The community planning and infrastructure design process for Tewin is advancing through a coordinated Planning Act and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process. The transportation and infrastructure plans will identify the recommended transportation, water, sanitary, and stormwater infrastructure required to service the new community. The City and the Tewin project team will be hosting an in-person Public Open House on Thursday, January 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, 6020 Piperville Road. This event is an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on the Tewin project and the study process. Display panels will introduce a preliminary land use plan and options for supporting infrastructure, building off the conceptual community design strategies presented at the June 19, 2024 Open House. Information on the natural systems approach and sustainability will also be shared. If you are planning on attending, please let the project team know at [email protected] so we can better facilitate the event. Please also indicate to us if you require any accommodations for accessibility or interpretation. For more information, please visit www.tewin.ca or engage.ottawa.ca/tewin. Following the Open House, comments on the project will be reviewed along with input received from interest holders and technical agencies. The information will be used to refine the preliminary land use plan and infrastructure options. A future public meeting will be held to share detailed transportation and infrastructure design concepts, as well as the preferred land use and community design plans for feedback.
Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands Site Plan - Public Info Sessions - Jan. 15 & 16
Learn more about Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands. The Site Plan for the Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands is ready for public review. Staff will report to Council in Q4 2025 on the final package of approvals, including the construction bid price, air rights bid price, legal agreements, and any required funding strategy amendments prior to construction. There will be an in-person and a virtual Public Information Session this winter where you can learn more about the plan for the North Side Stands:
The North Side Stands is just one part of Lansdowne 2.0, for more information and background on this important City project, visit Engage Ottawa. You can also email us at [email protected].
Youth Mental Health Fund Call for Proposals - Closes Jan. 22
The call for proposals under the Youth Mental Health Fund is now open. This open call for proposals is part of a Government of Canada $500-million investment over five years that was committed in Budget 2024 to develop the Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help create lasting and meaningful improvements in the mental health of youth and their families. The call for proposals closes January 22, 2025. Details on the application for the call for proposals can be found here. More details are available at canada.ca.
Governor General’s Foot Guards Youth Awards - Applications due by Feb. 9
The Governor General’s Foot Guards (GGFG) believe in the potential of Ottawa/Outaouis youth. This year, in cooperation with like-minded civic partners, the GGFG are delighted to present four $2,500 awards to youth whose ability, hard work, and perseverance merits special recognition. They seek to celebrate and incentivize high performing young people in the Ottawa region as they pursue educational advancement or skills development. Application criteria is available on their website. Email submissions to [email protected] are requested no later than February 9, 2025.
Calling all young visual artists in Ottawa: step into the spotlight and let your art shine! Young at Art is a professionally assessed art exhibition that brings the work of talented young visual artists between the ages of 12 and 19 to local art galleries. Selected works are displayed and are eligible for several awards. Submit your artwork by 1 pm on March 6, 2025.
Vacant Unit Tax property status declarations - due March 20, 2025
All residential property owners will be required to register the status of their property during the previous year; if no declaration is made, the property will be deemed vacant and will be subject to the tax. The tax does not apply to, but a declaration is still required for:
Declarations can be made from January to the Interim Tax due date (the third Thursday in March). The declaration deadline is March 20, 2025, while late declarations being accepted until April 30, 2025, with a $250 late fee.
There are several ways for residents to submit their declaration:
Bruyère Health Research Institute TIME at Home Study
Physical therapy researchers at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, collaborating with the University of Toronto, invite adults with balance and mobility challenges to participate in a study to evaluate an online exercise program. TIME at Home is an online group exercise program that offers two classes per week for eight weeks. Each class is 1.5 hours long. The program is offered free of cost. If interested, please email [email protected] or call 613-562-6262 ext. 1419 for eligibility screening. Baseline assessments will be in January with the program starting in February. For details, please visit physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/time-home-and-after-feasibility-study
Newcomer Reception Centres - Feedback welcome
The City of Ottawa is working with partners to tackle the housing challenges that many are facing across our city. There are a multitude of actions taking place to help those who are struggling to find a home. Two community centres are currently being used as emergency overflow centres for people to reside before they move to transitional (temporary) housing. This is not sustainable for those who live there, nor for the residents who have lost their community space. As a solution, the City is moving towards building more dignified facilities that free up community centres and prevents the need for other community centres to be used in the future. These facilities, called Newcomer Reception Centres, will focus on supporting asylum claimants, also known as refugee claimants or migrants, with initial welcome and settlement services and then options to move to transitional housing. The City of Ottawa is proposing up to two potential locations for newcomer reception centres. The facilities will provide the necessary supports that will help people successfully settle in Ottawa. Pending funding, the centres could open by the end of 2025. To learn more, please visit Engage Ottawa. Residents are welcome to share their perspective on what the City can do to make newcomer reception centres work in the community. Submit your suggestions.
A message from the City of Ottawa: Suspect a scam? Take these steps:
Stay Safe This Winter Season: Ice, Trail, and Winter Activity Safety Tips
With winter in full swing, the Ottawa Police Service reminds residents to exercise caution during seasonal activities and follow essential precautions to stay safe. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Stay safe this 2024 holiday season with OPS crime prevention and safety tips
With the holidays just around the corner, the Ottawa Police Service is encouraging residents to stay vigilant, exercise caution, and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones during this time of year. Visit ottawapolice.ca for safety tips.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline - Open and available 24/7
If you’re feeling hopeless but you’re not sure if 9-8-8 can help, please reach out anyways. A responder will be there to talk things through with you, no matter what you're dealing with. Taking the first step can be hard, but help is available. Call 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca.
Provincial Appointee Michael Polowin Sworn In as Member of the Ottawa Police Service Board
The Ottawa Police Service Board welcomes the provincial appointment of Mr. Michael Polowin as a member of the Board for a period of three years. The appointment was made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on November 21, 2024, and Mr. Polowin was sworn in on December 13, 2024, by the Board Solicitor. For more information, please visit ottawapoliceboard.ca.
Ottawa Police Service Board and Ottawa Police Association Reach Early Five-Year Agreement, Boosting Parental Leave and Member Wellness
The Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle with the Ottawa Police Association (OPA) on the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for both civilian and sworn members. This agreement was concluded in advance of the current contract’s expiry on December 31, 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering a productive and collaborative labour relations environment. The new agreement, effective January 1, 2025, spans a five-year term, ensuring stable and predictable conditions for all members of the Ottawa Police Service, while continuing to ensure a high level of services for our community. For more information, please visit ottawapoliceboard.ca.
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
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.
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:
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.
May 15, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
May 8, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
May 1, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
