December 23, 2022 Newsletter

December 23, 2022 Newsletter from Rawlson King, Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

On behalf of myself and my office staff I would like to wish all residents in Rideau-Rockcliffe a safe and happy holiday season!

Merry Christmas – Joyeux Noël
Hanukkah Sameach – Happy Hanukkah
Happy Kwanzaa – Heureux Kwanzaa
Happy New Year – Bonne année 

Councillor King in the Community

Den Haag holiday meals

​​About 20 meals were served in partnership with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre on Dec. 20 at the Den Haag Ottawa Community Housing neighbourhood. Happy I could drop in briefly for the festivities.

400 Coventry Road 

Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual public consultation meeting on Dec. 20 to learn more about the development application for 400 Coventry Road. Application details are available here.

Ottawa Mission holiday meals

The Ottawa Mission served a record-breaking 14,000 Christmas meals during its annual holiday dinner on Dec. 18. I was happy to join Ottawa South MPP John Fraser, former Councillor Mathieu Fleury and Barrhaven West Councillor David Hill to help serve holiday season meals.

Women’s Art Market

I enjoyed the extremely busy Indigenous Women’s Art Market at the National Arts Centre on Dec. 17.

Christmas Giving Event

It was an amazing eighth annual Christmas Giving Event at the African Caribbean Black Wellness Resource Centre on Donald Street on Dec. 17. The kids enjoyed games, drumming, a visit with Santa, and a toy giveaway. Thank you Desjardins Group for the $15,000 donation to the Centre!

Christmas at the Vanier Hub

It was a wonderful event at the Vanier Hub with Santa, Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard, Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stephanie Plante and former Councillor Mathieu Fleury. There was hot chocolate, free festive meals and much holiday cheer.

Wateridge Village celebration

I enjoyed the Wateridge Village holiday celebration the evening of Dec. 16, which also featured a charity auction and an Indigenous book club.

Overbrook holiday meals

Meals were served the evenings of Dec. 15 and 16 to tenants in the Overbrook community at Père Charlebois and Bernard. Thank you to Ottawa Community Housing staff, Options Bytown and to the many tenant volunteers for your superb efforts, and to Chef Ricks for the amazing meals!

City of Ottawa Winter Operations Update

The Significant Weather Event remains in effect for Ottawa and the challenging conditions means that it will take crews longer than usual to treat and clear the transportation network.  Travelling through the course of this major winter storm should be limited to essential reasons. Walking, driving, or cycling on our network during this time is not recommended and should only be done by adjusting to the conditions of the transportation network. 

The focus today will be to continue clearing and treating priority sidewalks, roads and the winter cycling network. The challenge is the continued fluctuating temperature and precipitation, as this pattern is commonly known to create ice build up on our network, conditions that are usually very difficult to manage.

Multiple passes will be required through the course of this event and operations will take longer to complete. This is why extending this winter weather parking ban is critical in supporting our operations. Please be assured that Roads and Parking Services has deployed all staff and every piece of equipment available in response to this event. A focus on opening and clearing catch basins remains a priority.  

Information on where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban is available on Ottawa.ca/winterparking. To provide additional parking options during this winter weather parking ban, the City of Ottawa is offering temporary parking at parking lots of City of Ottawa Recreation Facilities and Ottawa Public Libraires.

Visit ottawa.ca/winter for details and updates.

Winter Weather Reporting

At this time there is no need to create a service request for routine-type work. All available resources and pieces of equipment have been deployed, and our efforts are most needed out in the community; service requests should only be created for emergencies.

Online

Non-urgent requests, such as those that can wait for the next business day, may be reported on Ottawa.ca. Here are some quick links to popular winter topics:

• Winter road maintenance 
• Winter sidewalk maintenance 
• Gravel Shoulder 
• Area Between Road and Sidewalk (Easement) 

For more information, please visit Ottawa.ca/winter.

Phone

No access to the web or need to report a concern that requires immediate attention? Please call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 (preferred when calling from a mobile device). Bell TTY Relay services are also available for the deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing by dialling 1-866-310-BELL (2355).

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. For more information or to use this service, please visit the Canada Video Relay Service webpage.

Physical Distancing Centres to remain open during the holiday season

As part of the City’s Community and Social Services winter planning response, Housing Services, in collaboration with the Human Needs Command Centre, will ensure the continuity of services to support residents that are relying on emergency services during the holiday season. The City’s Physical Distancing Centres will maintain regular operations over the holiday period. To request emergency shelter, please call 3-1-1 for placement. For additional resources available to the community over the holiday season, please refer to the following handouts:

• Out of the Cold locations (Ottawa) 2022-2023
• Holiday Programs (Ottawa) 2022

Hydro Ottawa

Is your power out? You can report a power outage three different ways: Use the app, submit it online or call the outage hotline. Call 613-738-0188. Active weekdays 8 am to 4 pm and during major outages.

Snow Go Program

Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter? The Snow Go Program can help you!

• The Snow Go program provides a matching service for seniors and people with disabilities looking to hire an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways and walkways at an affordable rate.
• The Snow Go Assist program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors or persons with disabilities to help with their snow removal costs.

For more information including eligibility, cost, how to apply, and more, see Get help clearing snow | City of Ottawa.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Rideau Winter Trail Map

There are many trails to enjoy in the scenic centre of Ottawa, thanks to local volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the free-to-use Rideau Winter Trail is in excellent condition for cross-country skiing, walking, snowshoeing and fat biking, from Donald Street to Bank Street. Check out the trail map here: rideauwintertrail.ca/map

Closure of the Bernard-Grandmaître Respite Centre

Services at the Bernard-Grandmaître Respite Centre have been transitioned back to community resources. The Canadian Mental Health Association has offered space for the Vanier Community Hub to provide most key services, with some exceptions. 

Access to showers and a warm place to rest during the day are supported at the following local Drop-In centres: 

• Centre Espoir Sophie 145A Murray Street, 613-231-6722 
• Centre 454 - 454 King Edward Ave, 613-235-4351 
• St. Joe's Women's Centre (women only) 151 Laurier Avenue East, 613-231-6722 
• Salvation Army (men only) 171 George Street, 613-241-1573 

Overbrook Basketball Program for older youth

The Overbrook Community Centre presents basketball for older youth, ages 18 to 25, on Saturday nights from 8 to 10 pm beginning in January 2023. The centre is located at 33 Quill Street. The program is free. Call 613-742-5147 for details. 

Events Around Town

• Until Jan. 2, 2023 | Experience in person or take a virtual tour of the beautifully decorated Trees of Hope for CHEO Christmas trees in the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel. FREE!
• Until Jan. 8, 2023 | Visit holidays past, present, and future during Holiday Magic at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
• Until Jan. 8 | Enjoy a multimedia projection show on Parliament Hill (Wednesdays through Mondays), thousands of colourful lights in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, and the online IllumiNATION variety show during Winter Lights Across Canada. FREE!
• Dec. 31 | Start the New Year off on the right foot with a 5k or 10k Resolution Run that starts and ends at Lansdowne.
• Dec. 30 | Enjoy junior hockey as the Ottawa 67’s battle against the Kingston Frontenacs at TD Place Arena.

City of Ottawa Outdoor Rinks

Join in the outdoor winter fun at one of the City of Ottawa’s outdoor rinks! Check the online map for the rink nearest you, including several in rural Ottawa. For more information, please visit: Outdoor rinks | City of Ottawa

Snow Moles Promote Safe Winter Walking in 2023

Join The Council on Aging of Ottawa’s Pedestrian Safety and Walkability Sub-Committee to celebrate the launch of the Snow Mole Report 2022 – How Safe is Winter Walking in Ottawa? On Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at 10 am. Register to attend here.

Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

• Emergency Food Bank & Health Services

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, at 815 St. Laurent Blvd., provides an emergency food bank service. For more details, please visit crcrr.org, call 613-745-0073 or email [email protected]. The Centre is partnering with Recovery Care, which brings their Mobile Health van to the Centre every second Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. The goal is to provide health supports, including those related to addictions, on a case-by-case basis.

• Fundraising Campaign

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre seeks your help to achieve $65,000 to purchase food for our vulnerable neighbours in Ward 13 this winter. At this moment in time, we are far from our goal and we hope altogether to offer them the food support they deserve and ensure the help they need. Join us and be part of the people who can make a difference. Consider donating a gift to families, seniors and children in need and promote healthier meals for our community.

Make an online monetary donation at crcrr.org or via CanadaHelps.

Ottawa Public Health News

Storm Messages

Power failures can result in foodborne illness from eating food that has spoiled due to a lack of temperature control. Safe food handling tips during a power failure can be found at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FoodSafetyPowerFailure. 

Private wells - Drinking water safety during and after a power outage 

Power outages can disrupt well water drinking supplies. Learn more about what to do with your well water after a power outage by referring to Ottawa Public Health’s webpage:  Private wells - Drinking water safety during and after a power outage. Follow Ottawa Public Health’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels for more information.

New Web Features

The Ottawa Public Health website now has an option for “Google Translate this Website” in the top right corner, as well as multilingual resources. These resources are offered in Somali, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and resources for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis community members. You can also find multilingual "Why I Wear a Mask" videos for multilingual communities.

Holiday Messaging

As we prepare for holiday gatherings, we need to continue assessing our own level of risk and the risk for those around us, then make informed decisions. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the most serious effects of respiratory illnesses. Read more about why and when you should get a booster dose (Ontario.ca/COVIDbooster) and your flu shot (OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu) The holidays can be a difficult time for many. Check in with your loved ones and neighbours. If you or someone you know is having trouble coping – there are resources to help. Learn more about local mental health and substance use resources in Ottawa at: Mental Health and Substance Use Health Resource List.

Weekly Snapshot and Dashboard

Our weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Check out the dashboard displaying information about respiratory virus activity: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport

Flu and Respiratory Virus season

Ottawa Public Health continues to inform the public of the levels of respiratory viruses in our community – through initiatives like our Risk Reduction webpage, Weekly Snapshot, COVID-19 Dashboard and weekly Flu Report.

Key Takeaways

• Our monitoring indicators continue to show high levels of flu, RSV and COVID-19 circulating in the community.
• So, what does this mean? This holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of how likely it is that you or someone you’re around may have the flu, RSV or COVID-19; and plan accordingly.
• Malls, grocery stores, and a lot of public settings will be busy this week. Wear a well-fitted mask if you’re gathering, shopping or spending time in any crowded setting. Ensure it properly covers your nose & mouth. And remember: wearing a mask protects others from you. It’s how you show them you care.
• You can also show them you care by not exposing them to any viruses. If you are sick, please stay home and do not attend any gatherings. If you know someone at your gathering is sick, don’t go!
• If you are hosting a gathering, try to gather outside (if the weather allows). If gathering indoors, take steps to ensure better ventilation (opening windows, etc.).
• And yes...getting your flu vaccine & staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines/boosters goes a long way towards keeping everyone safe.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Holiday season schedule changes

The City of Ottawa reminds residents of the following schedule changes for the holiday season, between Saturday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Jan. 3. The City’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters only. Please visit ottawa.ca/311 for more information. The Client Services Centres at Ottawa City Hall, Ben Franklin Place, 580 Terry Fox Drive, 255 Centrum Boulevard and the City’s Provincial Offences Court at 100 Constellation Drive will be closed on Dec. 26, Dec. 27 and Jan. 2. For scheduling changes to green bin, recycling and garbage collection, parking, transit services, recreation and cultural services, Ottawa Public Health, municipal child-care services and Ottawa library services, please click here for details.

OC Transpo winter service changes

OC Transpo winter service changes will take effect on Sunday, December 25. This winter, changes will include service adjustments on select routes, two new seasonal pilot programs, and special service for the holidays. Click here for more details.

Christmas Tree Disposal

C​​hristmas trees can be put out with your green bin and be picked up as part of the regular garbage and recycling collection schedule in January. Trees must be free of decorations and not wrapped in plastic bags. Check the City of Ottawa Collection Calendar for your pick-up schedule. For more information, including reuse options, please visit Green bin and leaf and yard waste | City of Ottawa.

Snow Angel Program

Do you know a Snow Angel who deserves recognition? A Snow Angel is a neighbour or friend who has volunteered to help you, or someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, to clear snow from the driveway, steps or walkway. If you know a Snow Angel, the City of Ottawa wants to thank them! Snow Angels will receive a certificate signed by the Mayor. Snow Angel nominations will be accepted between Dec. 1 and March 31. To recognize a resident as a Snow Angel, please inform the City by visiting ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 for Canada Video Relay Service.

Anti-Racism Strategy Implementation Planning Update 

The Anti-Racism Secretariat team has been working on the Strategy’s implementation plan with a focus on 2023, prioritizing internal capacity building, community engagement, race-disaggregated data collection, as well as developing an evaluation, reporting, and monitoring framework. The implementation of the Strategy is shaped into a series of short-term and long-term projects and programs aiming to integrate racial equity into all City operations. 

Below are some updates of the work that has been underway.

Strategy Launch

• We will share more information for the Launch of the Strategy in the New Year. 

Council Orientation

• The City has been orienting the new term of council to their new role, this has included an overview and briefing of the Anti-Racism Strategy.
• During the 2022-2026 Governance Review process, Council appointed Councilor Rawlson King as the Council Liaison of Anti-Racism and Ethno-cultural Initiatives. 

Plan to Reconvene the Anti-Racism Advisory Table 

The Anti-Racism Advisory Table will continue playing an instrumental role to ensure that community voices are embedded in every part of our implementation efforts. We are looking to reconvene the current member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Table towards the end of January 2023 to explore the next steps for this Table. Please keep an eye on your inbox for more information about these meetings. One of our next steps will be recruiting members for a new two-year term of the Advisory Table to begin in September 2023. The Advisory Table will work with the City to further guide and advise on the commitments and actions of the Strategy.

Holiday movie magic filmed right here in Ottawa, including in Rockcliffe Park & the Rockeries!

The Christmas season could be found year-round with 16 feature-length holiday films shot in Ottawa in 2022, including right here in Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries. These Christmas productions alone have contributed $28.5 million to our local economy, according to the Ottawa Film Office. Throughout the entire year, another 14 feature-length movies were shot in the city and 14 television series, which together with the holiday films, brought in more than $57 million. Please click here to learn more.

OC Transpo Customer Service live text now available for Para Transpo customers

Para Transpo customers can now text 57272 (or 5PARA) to connect with OC Transpo Customer Service representatives from 6 am to 12:30 am every day. With 57272, OC Transpo Customer Service representatives are just a text away!

Text to:

• Find out the estimated arrival time of your Para Transpo vehicle
• Make a direct cancellation for an upcoming trip
• Ask general questions about Para Transpo service

Bookings, fit-in requests, or other changes to trips cannot be done through text at this time. Instead, use My Para Transpo or call 613-560-5000. Find out more at octranspo.com.

New Bike to Transit option on OC Transpo travel planner

Want to make your bike a bigger part of your commute, snow or no snow? Just use the travel planner and select ‘Bike to Transit’ and it will suggest routes that involve cycling to and from your optimal bus stop or station.

Launch of the Public Review of a New Federal Accessibility Standard

Accessibility Standards Canada is currently conducting a public review of a new accessibility standard. This public review will be your first opportunity to provide feedback on the draft model standard for the built environment - accessibility. A second opportunity will be provided, at a later date, before the standard is published. As part of this public review, their technical committee welcomes your initial feedback. Input from Canadians is vital to the development of accessibility standards that remove and prevent barriers. The first phase of the public review will run until Jan. 7 at 11:59 pm. You can consult the draft standard on the website. Feedback can be submitted using one of the following means:

• By completing the online form and submitting your feedback directly through their website
• By downloading the fillable form in a PDF or Word format and sending it by email, along with any related files
• By submitting your comments in text, audio, or video format

Say goodbye to emissions and hello to a more resilient, sustainable Ottawa

Do you want to take action on climate change but aren’t sure where to start? The new website from the Ottawa Climate Action Fund and the City of Ottawa is here to help. Most of Ottawa’s greenhouse gas emissions come from how we heat our homes and buildings and how we move around. Visit ClimateActionOttawa.ca to find out more about:

• How to reduce your home’s energy use and carbon footprint – and the rebates available to help you.
• The benefits of switching to an electric vehicle.
• How 15-minute neighbourhoods contribute to fewer emissions and many other benefits.
• The opportunities to improve the efficiency and carbon footprint of commercial buildings.

When we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and energy use everybody wins. Clearer air, more efficient transportation and greener places to live, work and play - all are important benefits in our path to a low-carbon, resilient and equitable future. Find out more at ClimateActionOttawa.ca.

Join the City’s Committees and Boards

The City is recruiting residents with diverse backgrounds to provide their voices and unique perspectives on many of its committees and boards. These volunteer positions are opportunities for residents to make a difference in their community by providing their experiences, expertise, knowledge and professionalism. For more details, the eligibility criteria, application deadlines and to apply, please click here: ottawa.ca/committees For more information or to submit your application, visit the Join a committee or board page. You can also email [email protected] or call 613-580-2424, ext. 28136 for more information.

Featuring made-in-Ottawa music

Ever wish you could check out more made-in-Ottawa music? Want to learn more about musicians in your community? Look no farther than this year’s City Sounds playlist, now available online. If you’ve ever been on hold with 3-1-1, you’ll have received a small taste of what Ottawa musicians have to offer. Now you can treat your ears to a wide variety of genres of music in both official languages from artists in the Ottawa region. Grab some headphones or crank up your speakers and hit play today on ottawa.ca. 

Want your music to be featured in a City of Ottawa program? The call to artists for 2023 is expected to be made early in the year. Be sure to watch the City’s website to find out when it opens!

Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police Service

• Update on preparations for a potential convoy in 2023
  Chief Eric Stubbs updated the Mayor and Chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board on preparations for a potential convoy in 2023. Click here to read the full update.
  
• There’s still time to donate to Toy Mountain
  Toy Mountain is a charity that provides new toys to children in our city that would otherwise go without this holiday season. Toy Mountain organizers are accepting donations right up until Dec. 23. You can visit the website to learn more.

Bylaw & Regulatory Services

• No ice is safe ice. Remember to keep your dogs on-leash near waterways.

City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates

Upcoming Meetings

➤ Ottawa Police Services Board - Jan. 23, 2023 at 4 pm.
➤ City Council - Jan. 25 at 10 am
➤ Ottawa Board of Health - Jan. 30 at 5 pm
➤ Ottawa Public Library Board - Jan. 31 at 5 pm

For a list of upcoming Committee and Council meetings and to access the meeting agendas, please click here. Watch or listen to meetings in progress or access the video or audio of past meetings on YouTube or on the City’s agendas and minutes web portal. Regular City Council meetings are also broadcast live on RogersTV Cable 22 and live streamed on the RogersTV website.