December 5, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Nice to drop into Isaruit Inuit Arts today at the Rideau Community Hub and experience their wonderful open house!
The Christmas Craft Fair is on today and tomorrow at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre at the Rideau Community Hub. Enjoy the opportunity to buy wonderful arts and crafts and support local Indigenous artists and artisans!
Had a great time today at the 20th annual Snowflake Breakfast in Vanier, which raised more than $111,000 for the Partage Vanier Food Bank! Thank you to all the community partners and volunteers who made this event such a resounding success!
Great time at the annual Christmas Cheer Breakfast this morning where more than $130,000 was raised for over 30 charities in the City of Ottawa that have a focus on food security for families in need! You can still continue to donate at christmascheerottawa.com.
Had fun attending the last minutes of the SKETCH Art Sale and Auction Fundraiser this week in support of SAW Gallery!
Had a productive and informative conversation with Manor Park residents about public safety this week with the Ottawa Police Service and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre.
It was a pleasure to reopen Hemlock Park in Manor Park this week after a total of $260,700 in upgrades were installed this fall, including new swings and junior play equipment, as well as a new fitness circuit and accessible swing.
Amazing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Adàwe Crossing linking Overbrook and Sandy Hill, along with Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante and area residents this week! Since opening, the Adàwe Crossing counter has recorded 9.2 million crossings over the 10 years, comprising six million pedestrian trips and 3.2 million cyclist trips!
It was great to take a tour of the winter maintenance facility at Hurdman Yard this week to obtain a briefing on operations from staff and to relay residents’ snow-clearing priorities.
As Built Heritage Committee Chair, I had the pleasure of welcoming second-year Carleton University students to City Hall before they presented their research findings to City staff this week. It is always inspiring to talk to students and encourage them to participate in city building!
Carleton University launched a fundraiser for the Mary McGuire Journalism Internship Travel Fund this week with an emotional event thanking Mary for her years of dedicated teaching and celebrating the decision to extend and expand paid CBC North internships for Carleton students!
Immensely enjoyed an evening performance of Hay Fever by the Linden House Theatre Company at Elmwood School in Rockcliffe Park last weekend. I am very happy to continually support local theatre in our community!
I had a lot of fun watching Santa arrive at the annual holiday gathering at New Edinburgh Park and Fieldhouse last weekend!
Congratulations to Janet Uren on the publication of her new book, “The Villagers: History of the People and Life of New Edinburgh."
I had fun dropping by the holiday pancake breakfast held by Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante in Vanier last weekend, along with my colleagues Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier and Beacon Hill-Cyrville Councillor Tim Tierney.
The magnificent 2025 Order of Ottawa ceremony held last week at City Hall honoured Ward 13 resident Michael McLellan, interim Vice-Rector of Governance and Secretary General at Saint Paul University and a strong advocate for the francophone community! Congratulations!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Extreme Cold Weather Resources
- Call 2-1-1 for information about drop in centres, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs, winter clothing, financial assistance with utilities and a list of Out of the Cold locations with free meals, snacks and drop-ins. The 211 service is provided by Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario.
- 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. The City's 3-1-1 Line is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referred to appropriate service providers.
- Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
- Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency assistance such as hypothermia.
Mobile outreach for people 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. Additionally, they attend calls at request of Ottawa Police, Paramedic and Fire personnel. They encourage people to seek indoor shelter and are able to transport them to places, where they can seek refuge such as emergency shelters. In addition, they have warm clothing and other resources for those who refuse shelter placement. The Ottawa Booth Centre Outreach Van also completes case management, with unsheltered individuals, to assist in finding and affording safe and secure long term housing. This service operates in the Ottawa city limits, seven days a week, from 6 am to 3 am. During extreme weather conditions, hours are extended up to 24 hours a day.
Overnight shelters
Call 3-1-1 to get referred to an available and appropriate overnight shelter.
- Cornerstone: Women’s Shelter
- Salvation Army: Men’s Shelter, 171 George Street
- Shepherds of Good Hope: (both Men’s and Women’s Shelters), 256 King Edward Avenue
- The Mission: Men’s Shelter, 35 Waller Street
- Youth Services Bureau shelters for youth and young adults
Warming Spaces
Ottawa Public Health has a mapping tool with warm spaces in Ottawa.
Eastern Bridge Project: Public Participation Report for round 1 now available
The Government of Canada is moving forward with the next phase of the new interprovincial bridge project on the Montée Paiement-Aviation Parkway corridor. In collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, the National Capital Commission has published the initial public participation report for the Eastern Bridge Project. The report captures input about community priorities, potential impacts, mitigation measures, and planning and design principles from over 5,000 survey respondents and members of the three public advisory groups. The next round of public participation is scheduled for early 2026 and will seek input from the public on the early design concepts. The planning and design principles are currently being finalized and will provide the guidelines for the integrated project team to develop the design concepts for the new bridge. View the full report here: ncc-ccn.gc.ca
Santa is coming to Overbrook - Dec. 6
Overbrook residents are invited to the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on Dec. 6, from 11 am to 2 pm. Have your free photo taken with Santa. Enjoy free pizza, face painting, popcorn, music and more.
Odawa Christmas Craft Fair - Dec. 6
- Saturday, December 6 - 11 am to 7 pm
- Location: The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Blvd.
Rockcliffe Park Community Bazaar - Dec. 6
The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts a community bazaar on Dec. 6 from 10 am to 4 pm at 380 Springfield Road. Perfect for your holiday shopping. A percentage of sales will support the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's Food Bank.
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Polar Express 3-D Experience - Dec. 6
All aboard as the magic of the Polar Express in 3D returns to the big screen at Ottawa Family Cinema, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on Dec. 6 at 2 pm. It is Christmas Eve and you are about to have the adventure of a lifetime! "This is the Polar Express!" What unfolds in this beautiful movie is an an adventure which follows a doubting young boy, who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole; during this ride, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery which shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Get ready for THE POLAR EXPRESS 3D EXPERIENCE! It's so popular that it's now a yearly OFC tradition. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
Creating Christmas Magic - Dec. 7
The Vanier Museopark, in partnership with the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est and the Vanier Community Services Centre, invites you to take part in the 4th edition of Creating Christmas Magic, a family event that aims to collect new toys, gift cards, and cash donations for children in need in Vanier. Details: museoparc.ca
- When: Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Centre Richelieu-Vanier (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
- Musical performance by Kristine St-Pierre et le groupe de Noël at 11:30 a.m.
Those who are unable to attend this community celebration, but would still like to take part in Creating Christmas Magic, can make a monetary donation online or by dropping off new, unwrapped toys in donation boxes at the following locations:
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est Head Office 4000 Labelle Street
- Centre Pauline-Charron 164 Jeanne Mance Street
- Le coin du livre 2200 Montréal Road
- Vanier Museopark 2nd floor, 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue
Lindenlea sleigh ride and chili dinner - Dec. 7
The Lindenlea Community Association is hosting its annual chili dinner and sleigh ride on Sunday, Dec. 7. The sleigh ride is free and will take place in Lindenlea Park from 3:30 to 5 pm. Our chili dinner will take place from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Lindenlea Community Centre. The cost for the dinner is $10 for veggie chili or $12 for meat chili and it includes bread and a salad. Desserts and drinks are free! The Association will be collecting donations of toys, winter wear and holiday treats for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre at the event. Please visit lindenlea.ca for more information.
Beechwood Candlelight Service - Dec. 7
You are invited to participate in Beechwood’s Christmas Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm. A special way to remember loved ones, our service features a non-denominational candlelight memorial service with carols and a tree-lighting ceremony. Beechwood is happy to welcome back the Ottawa University Choir to lead the carols. A non perishable food item for the Food Bank would be appreciated. Our event is outdoors, please dress warmly. Registration is not required. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Violin Recital - Dec. 8
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre hosts a youth violin recital on Dec. 8, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, in the drama room at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Everyone welcome!
Hurricane Melissa Relief Drive - every Saturday until Dec. 6
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Donating essential items such as non-perishable food, hygiene products, and clothing;
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Sponsoring shipment or transportation costs; or
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Spreading the word within your networks.
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6:30 PM, the OrKidstra family is encouraged to come out and cheer on our new and returning students at our FREE OrKidstra Vanier Hub Holiday Concert. This concert will feature a wonderful selection of classical, jazz, pop, and holiday favourites, as well as music from around the world. The OrKidstra Vanier Hub Holiday Concert will take place in the theatre at Ottawa Technical Secondary School. 485 Donald Street. Tickets are not required. Seating is general admission and doors will open at approximately 6:15 pm. Plenty of free parking is available behind the school; please enter through the main doors facing Donald Street. Admission is free. Donations in support of OrKidstra’s mission to empower kids and build community through music are welcome. Details: orkidstra.ca
Vanier BIA's Holiday Akoustik - Dec. 17
Enjoy a special one-night holiday performance at St. Charles Market, 135 Barrette Street at Beechwood Avenue, featuring warm music, local talent and Vanier spirit. Taking place Dec. 17 from 6 to 8 pm. Admission is free. Details: vanierbia.com/event/holiday-akoustik
Community Coffee Day - Dec. 19
Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and more during the next Community Coffee Day on Dec. 19, from 2 to 3 pm, in Room 124 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Hosted by Incubator13 and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre.
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
Rideau Hall outdoor ice rink - open for the season
The Rideau Hall Rink is officially open for the season! This year’s new refrigerated ice surface opens a fresh chapter in a skating tradition that began in 1872. Public skating runs until March 29, 2026.
- Weekdays: 5 to 8:30 pm
- Weekends: 1 to 8:30 pm
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.
Projects and Construction Activities in and around Ward 13
Road Closure - Queen Mary Street - until Dec. 12
Aecon Utilities continues work on the Enbridge Gas St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement project at multiple locations in Rideau-Rockcliffe, Beacon Hill-Cyrville and Alta Vista. The project is near completion with restoration (resurfacing) for Coventry Road in the coming weeks. More than half of the pipe replacement will be completed by mid-November. Lane reductions and temporary road closures/lane closures, pedestrian and cyclists rerouting will continue as is. To address road conditions, the City and the Councillor's office has asked for more frequent street sweeping.
- Cummings Ave. between Ogilvie Road and Cyrville Road, as well as Cummings at Labelle
- Michael Street from Belfast to Labelle
- St. Laurent Blvd. between Belfast and Tremblay
- Ogilvie Road from Cummings Avenue to the St. Laurent Blvd. intersection
- Coventry Road from St. Laurent Blvd., past the Vanier Parkway towards the RCMP building
The work involves the installation of a new 16-inch gas main. Much of the work is being done overnight from 7 pm to 6 am in order to avoid major traffic implications during peak travel periods.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
The Mayor's 23rd annual Christmas Celebration - Dec. 6
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe hosts his annual outdoor Christmas celebration at City Hall on Dec. 6 from 3 to 6 pm. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, roast marshmallows over a campfire, enjoy hot chocolate and taffy on snow, skate on the Rink of Dreams, enjoy the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 4:45 pm, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and live entertainment. To help those in need and to share in the spirit of the holiday season, admission to this sponsored event is a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. Indulge in delicious BeaverTails for only $2 with all proceeds going directly to those in need.
Vigil in Ottawa for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women - Dec. 6
Pet Food Drive - until Dec. 14
- OHS Shirley Kearns Memorial Adoption Centre, 245 West Hunt Club Road
- Prancing Paws, 1090 Moselle Crescent, Orléans* Available for drop off Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ren’s Pets Kanata, 155 Roland Michener Drive.
Give the gift of fun with a City Recreation and Culture gift certificate
A City of Ottawa gift certificate offers a thoughtful alternative to the usual holiday fare, opening the door to activities and experiences that bring joy long after the decorations are packed away. City gift certificates can be used for a wide variety of registered programs such as courses and camps, drop-in activities and memberships. Gift certificates are easy to buy in person at any City of Ottawa full-service recreation and culture facility and at Client Service Centres. Feel free to call ahead to check that your nearest facility sells gift certificates. Once purchased, they can be redeemed at the service counter of all recreation facilities or applied to an online transaction. Share the magic of arts and entertainment with a gift certificate to a performance or event at the Meridian and Shenkman Theatres. Gift certificates for theatres can be purchased online or in-person during box office hours at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and Shenkman Arts Centre. Details: ottawa.ca
Help Mama Africa FC Represent Ottawa at the Golden Goal Tournament 2025!
Corporate Canine Therapy at City Hall – Dec. 9
Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr invites everyone to de-stress and decompress by spending time with therapy dogs and a therapy cat, provided by Corporate Canine Therapy, on Dec. 9, from 11:30 am to 1 pm on the first floor of City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West.
Light over Darkness - an event in support of Afghan women and girls on Human Rights Day - Dec. 10
Applications now open for the Province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention grant program - Applications due Dec. 11
The Ontario government is taking action to protect communities and combat hate incidents by investing an additional $12.75 million in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP). The grant helps faith-based and cultural organizations implement safety measures, including security guards, building upgrades and surveillance cameras to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure. Applications for the AHSP grant are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply by Dec. 11 at 5 pm. The grant provides up to $10,000 to community organizations to improve or implement new measures to protect their spaces from hate-related incidents. Details: www.ontario.ca
Eligible organizations include:
- Religious and spiritual communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples and churches)
- First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations
- Cultural groups (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, Black, Asian and other diverse organizations)
- A complete list can be found at Ontario.ca/AHSP
OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive - Dec. 13
OC Transpo is holding its 41st OC Transpo/Loblaw Annual Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 13, from 10 am to 5 pm at participating Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills stores across Ottawa. Since 2019, there has been a 90 per cent increase in the use of food programs across Ottawa, leading to the highest level of demand in the Ottawa Food Bank’s 41-year history. By adding a few extra items to your cart on December 13, you can continue the tradition of coming together to support members of our community during this unprecedented time of need. Monetary donations can also be made anytime on the Ottawa Food Bank’s donation page. Your monetary donations will not only help provide non-perishables, but also fresh and nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, dairy and eggs to those who are accessing food banks in our city. Details: www.octranspo.com
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.
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.
Beginning Thursday, January 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 January 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
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
Statement from the Chief of Police on Intimate Partner Violence in Ottawa
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) continues to cause deep harm in our city. Intimate partner violence can impact anyone including friends, neighbours, colleagues, and loved ones. If you need help, or if you’re worried about someone else, please reach out. Support is available. You are not alone.
Non-Police Support Options (confidential, no police involvement required):- Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region: 613-238-3311
- Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre: 613-741-6025
- Family Services Ottawa – Counselling: 613-725-3601
- Inuuqatigiit Family Support & Women’s Healing: 613-744-3133
- Kids Help Phone (youth): 1-800-668-6868 | Text: 686868
- Minwaashin Lodge (Indigenous Women): 613-741-5590
- Ontario Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 (call) | Text: #SAFE (#7233)
- Talk4Healing Hotline (offered in Inuktitut): 1-855-554-HEAL 4325
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit VAW Counselor and Advocate: 613-565-5885
- Unsafe at Home Ottawa: WhatsApp or text 613-704-5535
- Western Ottawa Resource Centre-GBV Program: 613-591-3686
Put your safety first when buying and selling online
The Ottawa Police Service reminds everyone to prioritize their personal safety while conducting online marketplace purchases and sales. So far this year, there have been 153 personal robberies, up 21.4% from the same period in 2024 (126 reports). Thirty of this year’s personal robberies have stemmed from online buying and selling. These types of crimes have historically increased leading up to and including the holiday season. For safety tips and a list of OPS Safe Trade locations, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Festive RIDE results
- Vanier, Beacon Hill, and Alta Vista on Thursday;
- Kanata, Stittsville and Nepean on Friday; and
- Old Ottawa South, Westboro, Hintonburg and Carleton Heights on Saturday.
Click here for the results.
Updated Community Safety Data Portal
The Ottawa Police Service has launched a significant update to its Community Safety Data Portal, giving residents a clearer and more accessible way to explore local safety information. The update reflects community feedback and a renewed focus on helping people find and understand the data that shapes public safety conversations in Ottawa. Public use of the portal continues to grow. It’s served more than 100,000 users this year, more than double last year, driving more than 350,000 page views. Residents can view these new changes by visiting data.ottawapolice.ca. For more information, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
The Purse Project - Donations welcome until Dec. 14
