December 22, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
As we approach the end of the year, I am pleased to reflect on the incredible progress and achievements we have made together in our community. The past year has been marked by substantial investments, more than $75 million, in roads, active transportation, transit, the environment, and community amenities, all aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.
One of our major accomplishments, nearing completion, is the public housing development in Wateridge Village, which obtained an additional $40-million investment from the City this year. This project, supported by more than $100 million from senior levels of government and $55 million in overall City funding, is scheduled for occupancy in early 2024. In the latest City budget, we have allocated an unprecedented $33.5 million in municipal funds to improve housing access and support services, to address homelessness, and provide enhanced housing benefits through Ontario Works. The City is also committing $5 million to advance its transitional housing strategy and is contributing a record $30 million to affordable housing for immediate capital investment.
Our commitment to enhancing infrastructure included significant resurfacing projects on key streets such as Donald Street, Springfield Road, and Stanley Avenue. The completion of these projects this year, with a total value exceeding $2 million, not only improves the condition of our roads but also enhances active transportation options. The addition of cycling lanes, accessibility features, and traffic-calming measures, in line with the City's Complete Streets Policy, further contributes to making our community more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
I am also pleased to share that OC Transpo has responded to community input with proposed bus service improvements. These include new weekday peak period services, regular 15-minute service, and route extensions that will positively impact our residents, especially in Wateridge Village.
Through an inquiry to the Transportation Committee, we have successfully advocated for amendments to the Use and Care of Roads Bylaw, now making "boulevard gardening" legal. This change empowers residents and community members to contribute to more beautiful, interesting, and ecologically diverse streets, fostering community pride. In various neighbourhoods across Rideau-Rockcliffe, capital funding projects have been approved for community initiatives, including $15,000 for the establishment of a cross-country ski trailhead in Manor Park, $150,000 for Centennial Garden improvements in Rockcliffe Park, $55,000 for accessible backyard enhancements at the Lindenlea Community Centre, the allocation of $700,000 for the creation of a new park near Coventry Road in Overbrook, and the grand opening of the $2.4-million Eugène Martineau Park in Wateridge Village.
These investments underscore my dedication to building a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I am eager to continue working collaboratively with residents, community organizations, social service agencies, City staff, and elected colleagues to build better neighbourhoods. In my capacity as Council Liaison for Antiracism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I was happy to have secured an extra $120,000 specifically for the expansion of Black-led community initiatives, as part of the City’s Anti-Racism Strategy commitments, as well as allocate resources for the creation of new City-wide anti-hate initiatives. Together, we will continue to pursue further enhancements to social services and infrastructure designed to strengthen our communities.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Please note: My office is closed from December 23 until January 5. My team and I will be intermittently checking emails and voicemails to my Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 office. During this time, please call 3-1-1 to report urgent issues or submit non-urgent requests by emailing [email protected] and copying [email protected] or submitting a Service Request online at ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1. Regular weekly editions of the newsletter will resume January 12, 2024.
Your Councillor in the Community
I had an amazing time serving holiday meals to residents at Ottawa Community Housing's 500 St. Laurent community on Dec. 20. What amazing community spirit! Thank you to OCH staff and tenant volunteers.
Lots of fun was had by the tenants of the Yule Manor Co-op who attended a Christmas celebration organized by the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, held at Manor Park Public School on Dec. 17.
Special thanks to Ottawa Community Housing Chair, Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, for for attending the holiday dinner for the Carson's community at Collège catholique Samuel-Genest and the Thompson community in Manor Park.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Outdoor community rinks
If you are looking to enjoy one of the four refrigerated rinks in the City, make sure to check online before heading out. To find a community rink closest to you take a look at the City of Ottawa's interactive skating rink map. Status is not online for community rinks. Rink locations in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward include:
- New Edinburgh Park outdoor rink at 203 Stanley Avenue
- St. Ambroise Park outdoor rink at 120 Landry Street in Vanier
- Optimiste Park outdoor rink at 43 Ste. Cécile Street in Vanier
- Lindenlea Park outdoor rink at 15 Rockcliffe Way
- Village Green Park outdoor rink at 270 Springfield Road in Rockcliffe Park
- Richelieu Park outdoor rink at 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue in Vanier
- Manor Park outdoor rink at 100 Braemar Street
- Overbrook Park outdoor rink at 33 Quill Street
- St. Paul's Park outdoor rink at 469 Donald Street in Overbrook
- Presland Park outdoor rink at 369 Presland Road in Overbrook
- Cummings Park outdoor rink at 1060 Cummings Avenue in Gloucester
- Dr. John Hopps Park outdoor rink at 300 Den Haag Drive
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.
Sledding Hills
As the snow falls, keep an eye on Ottawa.ca for sledding hill advisories. Please sled only at designated hills and take safety precautions, including observing hill conditions and wearing a helmet. Take a look at the City’s list of its sanctioned sledding hills before heading out.
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
Holiday Season Schedule Changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes for the holiday season between Sunday, December 24 and Monday, January 1. Visit this link for details.
Local Health Units join voices to remind you to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses this holiday season
OC Transpo Updates
- Winter service begins December 24. This winter, changes will include service adjustments on select routes, a Severe Storm Schedule for buses, special holiday service, fare adjustments, and more. Click here for details.
- OC Transpo Special holiday service (Monday, December 25 to Friday, January 5) will operate on a reduced schedule to reflect lower ridership during the holidays. OC Transpo will be providing free service on New Year’s Eve after 6:00 p.m.
- Para Transpo Holiday Service - Para Transpo will operate a holiday service on Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Days (December 25, 26 and January 1). This means that regular scheduled trips are automatically cancelled. You may book trips for these days by using
My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000 up to seven days before each holiday. Don’t forget to suspend your regular bookings if you are on vacation during the holiday season. Find out more about OC Transpo holiday service at octranspo.com. - Free Para Transpo Service on New Year’s Eve - Ride for free on New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD! Service is free starting at 6 pm. On New Year's Eve, December 31, Para Transpo service will run until 3 am. Bookings for midnight or later must be made the day before by calling 613-560-5000.
- OC Transpo fares are changing on January 1, 2024. Most fares will increase by 2.5 per cent to offset increased operating costs of providing transit services. The prices of the EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass remain frozen for 2024. Kids aged 12 and under ride free every day.
- A Severe Storm Schedule will be implemented for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow is expected.
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The Rack & Roll winter program is now permanently year-round! OC Transpo buses will continue to be equipped with a bike rack through the winter.
What's Happening around Ottawa
- Ottawa Christmas Market, Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne, until December 23
- 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.
- December 31, Shenkman Arts Centre, New Year’s Eve Comedy Night
- Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Park Campground, 411 Corkstown Road, until January 6
- Winter Lights across Canada, Parliament Hill, until January 7
Donate your used Christmas Tree to the Rideau Canada Skateway
After the holidays, don’t throw your Christmas tree to the curb – the Rideau Canal Skateway team wants to recycle it! Bring it on over to their tree drop off, before January 26 so they can reuse it at a rest area on the Skateway. The drop off location is on Colonel By Drive, just west of the Bronson Avenue Bridge.
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.
Play Free drop-in activities are back with more in 2024 - Beginning Jan. 1
Beginning Monday, January 1, children and youth of Ottawa can participate in the 2024 lineup of Play Free activities. These free drop-in activities include gym sports, swimming, museums and skating. These free programs allow more children and youth to participate in City programs and appreciate the associated health and social benefits of these activities. The City of Ottawa also offers financial support through the Ottawa Hand in Hand participant subsidy program.
Ottawa transitioning to Province’s towing and storage framework on Jan. 1
Synapcity's Civics Boot Camp - Apply by Jan. 5
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.
Mark your calendars for March break and summer camps - Registration begins Jan. 16
For children aged four to 14 the City of Ottawa will be offering a variety of March break and summer camps. For 2024 summer camps, Ottawa residents will receive a 10 per cent discount on the City’s most popular Ottawa Adventure and Energy camps.
- Tuesday, January 2 - March break and summer camps go online at register.ottawa.ca.
- Tuesday, January 16 at 9 pm - Registration opens
Recreation Passes - Public Consultations and Survey
The City of Ottawa offers many recreational services to encourage residents to keep active and healthy. Currently, residents can participate in activities like swimming, skating, weights and cardio, aquafitness and group fitness classes in more than 20 recreation facilities. To ensure residents are paying fair costs for the services they are accessing, the City is reviewing its model for memberships and admissions. Recreation services can be accessed by paying a drop-in admission fee, by purchasing a membership or by buying a multi-visit pass. Learn more about proposed changes for memberships, drop-ins and multi-visit passes on Engage Ottawa.
We need your feedback on the proposed membership and admissions model. The feedback we receive will be utilized to finalize the model and the membership and admission options. You can submit your feedback through the online questionnaire. Residents can also register for an in-person or virtual consultation session by clicking here.
Thawed: Keeping Ottawa's water flowing
Winter is here, and while we all love to enjoy the many pleasures the season has to offer, frozen pipes isn’t one of them. With rising and falling temperatures and the potential for severe and uninterrupted cold, frozen water pipes can be a reality for some homes. As the frost levels deepen, the ground becomes a frozen block of ice, and some water lines – the underground pipe that connects a home or building’s plumbing to a City watermain – may run right through it. But fear not the freeze! The City’s warm and helpful team at Water Linear Customer Service is here for you. Click here for ways to prevent frozen water pipes, what you should do if your water pipe freezes and more. You can find more information at ottawa.ca/FrozenServices or call 3-1-1.
More options this winter for walking and cycling in Ottawa
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.
Council received the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan and approved the 2024 Solid Waste Services budget
On December 6, Council received the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) and approved the 2024 Solid Waste Services budget. The budget includes items to support the ongoing implementation of the Curbside Diversion Policy and the Multi-residential Diversion Strategy, two component projects of the SWMP that were advanced early to increase the diversion rate of household organics and recyclables. The next step in the SWMP process is Engagement Series 3 which will be held virtually and in-person in Q1 2024. Stay tuned for more details coming in the New Year!
Council also approved the recommendations to initiate the Environmental Assessment process for the Trail Waste Facility Landfill (TWFL) expansion and provided direction to begin the feasibility study for Waste-to-Energy Incineration and Mixed Waste Processing. The expansion of the landfill (within its current footprint) will extend the life of this asset while providing time for the recommended SWMP reduction and diversion actions to reduce waste going to landfill, which will extend the life of the facility even further providing time for City Council to make a decision and implement the City’s next solution. The Waste-to-Energy and Mixed Waste Processing feasibility study will examine the differing opportunities and pros and cons of each technology compared to traditional landfilling. The study will examine the technologies in the Ottawa context and analyze their social, environmental and financial implications. The results of the feasibility study and business case will be used to help choose the most sustainable, long-term residual garbage management option for the City.
A child’s liveable city - Your city, your ideas!
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.
The twelve days of holiday fire safety
Ottawa Police News
Ottawa Police warning the community about Fraudulent Liens and Mortgages
The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit would like to warn the community about fraudulent Liens on personal property (known as Notice of Security Interest-NOSI) and Mortgages that may be occurring in the Ottawa Area. Police has received information that individuals may be attempting to defraud unsuspecting homeowners in the City. Visit this link for more information and for safety tips from the Ottawa Police. If you are concerned that a loved one has become a victim, you can check if there are liens against their home through the Ontario Land Registry Access ONLAND portal. If you think you have been the victim of this type of fraud, please make a report online with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).
Winter Safety Tips for all Your Activities
With winter now upon us, the Ottawa Police urges residents to exercise caution when doing their preferred winter activities and practice our best safety tips and precautions. Click here for information about trail safety, ice safety and safety related to sledding and tobogganing.
Increase in personal robberies linked to online marketplaces in-person exchanges
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Robbery Unit is seeing a significant increase in personal electronic robberies stemming from online marketplace transactions, like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, with in-person exchanges. While this time of year typically sees an increase in personal robberies, our Robbery Unit has seen approximately 30% more peer-to-peer robberies since October, including cellphone robberies. When setting up in-person exchanges, do not put your safety at risk by organizing the exchange at your home. Instead, consider using one of the OPS’ Safe Trade Exchange Zones or, at a minimum, go to a well-lit, video-surveilled, public place with a friend. For more information, please click here.