December 6, 2024 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

City budget deliberations continued this week, with the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, Audit Committee, Ottawa Police Service Board, Ottawa Board of Health, Ottawa Public Library Board and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting to examine their respective draft capital and operating budgets.

This week, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee approved its portion of Draft Budget 2025, which outlines key investments in City governance, the Office of the City Clerk, the City Manager’s Office, Rail Construction, Information Technology Services, Housing Solutions and Investment Services, Economic Development and Finance and Corporate Services, as well as non-departmental expenditures. Increases in operating resource requirements for 2025 are to maintain existing services. The gross operating budget for 2025 is $874 million. The capital budget is $33.5 million and would be funded by $29.6 million in tax- and rate-supported funds, $3.2 million in revenues, and $700,000 through debt. The capital investments would fund renewal of City assets, including building repairs, technology enhancements and security.

The Audit Committee approved a net operating budget of $2,860,000, along with $348,000 for external audit services. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing all audit matters and receiving the annual and ad hoc reports from the City’s Auditor General. The Committee is responsible for the external audit process as well as matters relating to the Office of the Auditor General, the independent office that has the power to examine City expenditures.

The Ottawa Police Service Board approved the Police Service's 2025 draft budget, which includes a $388.7-million net spending plan, which represents a $16.3-million increase over what police received in 2024. The increase includes the 2.9-per-cent tax rate set by Council and an expected 1.5-per-cent in assessment growth next year, based on projected population increases. The police budget includes an additional $20 million to maintain existing police services, plus an extra $8.1 million to hire 22 more sworn officers and 28 new civilian positions. Money from the federal and provincial governments will help cover new services, including staff for the Parliamentary precinct, a new downtown mounted unit, and other programs, including its new Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) strategy in the ByWard Market.

The Ottawa Board of Health approved its 2025 Draft Operating Budget with a total net operating budget of $82.7 million. The budget is cost-shared between the Province and the City. The Province's contribution is based upon what the Minister of Health considers appropriate. The Province's funding for public health units has varied considerably in recent years and Ottawa’s public health unit has stated that the Province's current annual one-per-cent increase to account for growth is insufficient. Population growth currently is not reflected in the Province's financial contribution. The Ontario government is expected to launch a revised funding formula for public health units in 2026 and has indicated that it will restore a 75 provincial, 25 municipal cost-share. I noted in the Ottawa Citizen (ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-public-health-funding-not-keeping-up-with-demand) this week that Ottawa Public Health needs stable provincial funding that keeps up with inflation and demand and that the City should continue to advocate for this funding change.

The Ottawa Public Library also approved its 2025 Draft Operating and Capital Budget. The 2025 draft budget has a total envelope of $64.895 million and includes funding for operating and capital activities, an increase of $2.715 million over 2024, in alignment with City Council’s budget direction. Key priorities for 2025 include provision of the operational requirements for the new Central branch, known as Ādisōke, continued investment in developing the library experience (in branch and online) including public engagement activities to inform the various frameworks and strategies, provision of funding for a branch to serve the growing Barrhaven community, addressing hours of operations in rural branches and advancing community development in priority neighbourhoods, which includes Overbrook in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee also approved its portion of Draft Budget 2025, which includes more than $3.7 million in net operating funding and more than $8.7 million in capital funding. Capital investments include more than $2.2 million toward construction of planned new community buildings, including $1.4 million toward a building in the rural east community and $800,000 toward one in the rural west community. It also includes $6.5 million to renew rural infrastructure, such as roads and guide rails. The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee’s budget represents only a portion of the overall rural capital investment because additional funding falls under the purview of other Committees. Overall, Draft Budget 2025 invests significantly in upgrading rural infrastructure, including: $1.8 million to increase the base budget for rural ditching, bringing the total to $3.6 million, $26.6 million to resurface roads and for pavement preservation, $25.3 million to rehabilitate bridges, culverts and other structures and $6 million to renew facilities and parks, including accessibility improvements.

The full budget will be considered by Council this upcoming Wednesday, December 11.

Learn how you can be involved in this year's budget process at www.ottawa.ca/budget. 

Your Councillor in the Community

It was nice to attend the 19th annual Snowflake Breakfast at Centre Pauline Charron this morning to raise funds in support of the Partage Vanier Food Bank!

Attended an impactful parent event at Queen Mary Street Public School yesterday, alongside the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, staff from the Overbrook Community Centre and Ottawa Public Health. Go Wolves!

Great to visit Santa along with other members of the community at the Crichton Community Council's Holiday Lights Gathering held at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse last weekend!

Congratulations to the Linden House Theatre for their incredible production of Steel Magnolias, presented at Elmwood School in Rockcliffe Park. Immensely enjoyed an afternoon matinée performance last weekend as a proud sponsor of the theatre company!

Amazing turnout for the community pancake breakfast I held with Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard last weekend at Heartwood House! Happy that Santa showed up for the kids! The event generated many donations of non-perishable food in support of the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre's food bank in Ward 13.

I dropped by Jaku Konbit's Ujamaa Market Day at Tom Brown Arena last weekend to show support for local vendors from the African and Caribbean communities and enjoy a day of culture, unity and connection!

On November 24, Serenity Renewal for Families marked a monumental occasion in Ottawa’s history as the City officially proclaimed Serenity Renewal for Families Day in recognition of 41 years of life-changing support to individuals and families impacted by addiction.

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Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Beechwood Holiday Night Market - Dec. 6

The Manor Park Community Council and Ottawa Street Markets present their Holiday Night Market 2024 on Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 pm, at 1805 Gaspe Avenue. The event will feature a festive evening of togetherness, community - and shopping! Explore amazing vendors at this indoor night market. Get your holiday shopping done early - or grab a treat for yourself. Lots of free parking available on site. Bus route #7 - steps from bus stop. Bring the kids, your neighbours, friends and family. Enjoy a night out in Manor Park!

Featuring:

• Children's Holiday Market
• Cooking Decorating
• Visit from Santa and more!

For details, please visit www.facebook.com/ManorParkCommunityCouncil

 

Ottawa Family Cinema presents The Polar Express in 3-D - Dec. 7

Join the Ottawa Family Cinema, located at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd., on December 7 at 2 pm for THE POLAR EXPRESS 3-D EXPERIENCE  Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this timeless classic with a free 20th-year black and silver anniversary sticker to the first 200 patrons! Synopsis: 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 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 available at www.familycinema.ca or at the door! 

Santa is coming to Overbrook - Dec. 7

Staff at the Overbrook Community Centre, in partnership with Ottawa Community Housing and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, are hosting a Christmas party on Dec. 7 from 11 am to 2 pm, at 33 Quill Street. Come take a free photo with Santa and enjoy free pizza, drinks, face painting, popcorn, music and more!

 

Creating Christmas Magic - Dec. 8

The Vanier Museopark, in partnership with the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est and DeSerres, invites you to take part in its “CREATING CHRISTMAS MAGIC” event and spread the joy!

• When: Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre and Vanier Sugar Shack (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
• Admission: donation of any kind (toys, gift cards, money)

Kids and adults alike will enjoy wrapping and crafting stations, listen to festive Holiday music and indulge in a delicious coffee and hot chocolate from Starbucks. Kids will also be able to take a picture with Santa at the Vanier Sugar Shack, which will be transformed into a giant gingerbread house for the event. For details, please visit museoparc.ca/activities-and-events/christmas-magic

 

Chef Peter's annual Christmas Fundraiser - Volunteers and donations needed

Chef Peter and Nutrition Blocs need your help creating a Christmas dinner party for families in need. To support Chef Peter's Christmas dinner, taking place Dec. 17, please donate or volunteer. Monetary donations are tax deductible. To volunteer, please call 613-400-9987. To donate, please visit www.ocf-fco.ca/nutrition-blocs-fund. If donating, please add the message: Chef Peter event.

 

Holiday greeting card fundraiser

Are you looking to spread some holiday joy AND give back to the community?⁠ ⁠Cards by Carson's online store is live! ⁠The Cards by Carson artwork was created by the amazing child and youth program participants at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's Carson Community House. Each work of art includes the title of the piece and the age of the artist. By purchasing these cards and prints, you are supporting the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre in their mission to provide a range of social supports and services that enable the empowerment of residents, community resilience, and the inclusion of all.​ The Carson Community House is a RRCRC space for the children, youth, and families from the Carson community. The Carson Community House is a place where they can find structured programs, healthy snacks, create new friendships and make meaningful memories. For details, please visit www.crcrr.org/cardsbycarson

 

Community Christmas Party with Tungasuvvingat Inuit and Inuuqatigiit - Dec. 9

Join the holiday cheer on December 9, from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., in Overbrook. Hosted by Tungasuvvingat Inuit and Inuuqatigiit, this festive event for Inuit children, youth, and families will feature food, games, prizes, and plenty of Christmas fun! Register here: forms.office.com/r/iiLnUNwgbP

 

OrKidstra Holiday Concert - Dec. 11

On December 11 at 6:30 pm, everyone is invited to come out and cheer on OrKidstra's new and returning students at their FREE 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 Holiday Concert will take place in the theatre at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 485 Donald Street. The show will be approximately 1 hour in length and features a relaxed atmosphere; 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. FREE – donations in support of OrKidstra’s mission to empower kids and build community through music are welcome. For details, please visit orkidstra.ca.

 

Holiday Lights & Season's Delights in Rockcliffe Park - Dec. 11

The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association is hosting a Holiday Lights & Season's Delights event on Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road. Admission is free. Please consider bringing a cash donation for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's Food Bank. 

 

Vanier BIA Holiday Giveaway - Dec. 14

Come out to the Vanier HUB at 271 Marier Ave. to share the holiday cheer, with free food, giveaways and photos with Santa and so much more on Dec. 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. 

 

CARRÉment allumé - Dec. 14

Enjoy the festivities on Saturday, December 14 from 4 to 6 pm at the Carré de la francophonie Vanier for an evening of free family activities in French. Enjoy a dance workshop, hot cider, hot chocolate, and festive treats. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with our vibrant Franco-Ontarian community. In case of bad weather, the date is scheduled for Sunday, December 15.

 

Carolling on Beechwood - Dec. 15

Beechwood Avenue will feel the holiday cheer when carollers visit stores in the area on Dec. 15. If you would like your business to be one of the carolling locations, get in touch with the Vanier BIA by emailing [email protected].

 

Vanier BIA presents Holiday Akoustik - Dec. 18

The Vanier BIA presents Holiday Akoustik at the St. Charles Market on Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 pm. Join the BIA for a magical night of holiday songs with some of your favourite artists from this summer's Akoustik series. Hot chocolate, hot toddies and maybe even a visit from some special guests. Non-perishable food and cash donations will be collected for the Partage Vanier Food Bank. Everyone welcome.

 

Help provide Christmas meals to 100 local families - Raffle tickets available until Dec. 20

To help keep the spirit of Christmas alive during difficult times, the North Gloucester Giants, the Ottawa Police Hoopstars and Athletes Combating Racism are seeking charitable donations to help provide Christmas meals to 100 local families in need. These proceeds, in full, would provide a full holiday meal for those who otherwise may not be able to afford it. Everyone should have the access to a Christmas dinner this holiday season. The partners are hosting a raffle to raise funds for this project; with a signed NFL Minnesota Vikings jersey to be won. Raffle tickets are available until Dec. 20. The raffle draw date is Dec. 22. If you know any families who are in need and can benefit from this project, please let the Giants know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] to arrange for a dinner basket to be delivered. For details and to donate, please visit this link.

 

Black Soiree Dinner and Dance - Dec. 21

Enjoy the Black Soirée Dinner & Dance presented by ACB Wellness Resource Centre, Flo's Seniors and Jaku Konbit for a night of food, dancing and prizes! Taking place Dec. 21 at 1770 Heatherington Road at the BGC Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse, dinner starts at 5 pm followed by dancing at 9 pm. Music by Bojangles, David Supersound and Massive Vibes. Proceeds from this event will directly support the ACB Centre's food bank, located in Ward 13 at 610 Donald Street. Each month, this food bank provides culturally relevant foods and non-perishable items to hundreds of families in our area, but due to an anticipated drastic cut in supply this coming year, their ability to serve our community is at risk. With your help, they can continue to meet the needs of families and ensure no one is left behind. One in seven families in Ottawa are facing food insecurity today, with Black and newcomer families disproportionately impacted. Your contribution, whether by attending this event or sponsoring the purchase of a ticket, will make a meaningful difference. For information and tickets, please visit Facebook or call 613-709-0698, 613-292-3375 or 613-744-3359.

Library programs at the St. Laurent library branch - December

Everyone is invited to participate in the St. Laurent Library Branch's December programs. The branch is located at 515 Coté Street. The library is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Friday from 1 to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The branch is closed Sundays and December 25 and 26. There will be reduced operating hours on Dec. 24 and 31 from 10 am to 3 pm. For details, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.

Club de lecture francophone Lison les bandes dessinées 12 décembre, 10 h-12 h

English Conversation Group Thursdays 6:30 pm – 8 pm 

Groupe de conversation en français Les mardis 18 h 30 – 20 h

Knitting & Crochet Club Tuesdays 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Adult Drop-in programs

• Free movie nights
  
  • December 11 at 6 pm Meet the Fockers
  • December 21 at 2 pm The Holiday
  • 21 décembre 11 h 100% cachemire (en français)
• La société secrète fondée à Ottawa Le samedi 7 décembre, 13h-14h  Conférencier invité: Hugues Théorêt,  Auteur de La Patente l'Ordre de Jacques-Cartier, le dernier bastion du Canada français. Organisé par la Société d'histoire d'Ottawa
• Let’s Talk Tech: Need help with technology? A member of our team will help with questions related to the device or software. Wednesdays, 2:30 pm 

Children’s Drop-in programs

• Family Storytime (in English) December 9, 14, 16 at 10:30 am 
• Babytime December 10 at 10:30 am
• Contes en famille (en français) 11 décembre, 10 h 30 
• Family Storytime bilingual December 30 at 10:30 am
• Homework club Wednesdays, December 11 & 18 at 5 pm  Ages 6-12 ans.
• Nature Crafts December 23 at 2 pm

Teen Drop-in programs

• High School Movies for Teens - Jumanji - December 13, 4 pm

Parenting in Ottawa drop-ins - December

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. 

• Get support for infant feeding
• Learn ways to help your child eat healthy and be active
• Make sure your child is on track with their growth and development
• Ask about your child's social and emotional development

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. 8, 15, 22 and 29 between 10 am and 12:30 pm or the Vanier Community Services Centre at 270 Marier Avenue on December 10, 17, 25 and 31 between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. For more information, please visit www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/dropins.aspx.

 

Overbrook outdoor rink volunteers needed

The Overbrook Community Association is seeking volunteers to help building and maintain the rink at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill. If you are interested in helping, please email [email protected].

Manor Park seeking outdoor rink volunteers

The Manor Park Community Council is looking to hire rink builders and attendants! Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] and apply today!

Rockcliffe Park Annual Appeal

In May 2024, the Government of Canada awarded Rockcliffe Park the National Historic Site of Canada designation. This honour was made possible by residents who have supported this community with their efforts and contributions. Please join the Rockcliffe Park Foundation, a registered charitable organization, in supporting their community Annual Appeal - your contributions make all the difference. Last year, funds raised went to:

• Environmental Protection: Water testing at the Pond and tree planting initiatives in the village.
• Enhanced Shared Spaces: Maintenance of Jubilee Garden and the Rockcliffe Park Public School sports field.
• Community Events: Rockcliffe's award-winning Heritage Walk and Speakers Program.

This year, donations also support the renewal of the Centennial Garden – the garden at the heart of the green space called the Village Green at Springfield and Mariposa. Donations can be made at rockcliffeparkfoundation.org/donate.

 

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City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

O-Train Lines 2 & 4 begin a phased opening on January 6, 2025

Exciting news! OC Transpo has announced that O-Train Lines 2 and 4 will open for weekday service starting on Monday, January 6, 2025, with service expanding to Saturdays and Sundays over three phases. After weekday service runs for a minimum of two weeks and demonstrates reliable and safe performance, it will be expanded to include Saturdays. Then, after six-day service runs for at least two weeks again demonstrating expected performance, it will be expanded to Sundays – offering full seven-day service. Throughout each phase, staff will assess the system to ensure it will deliver a positive customer experience. Existing bus service will continue to run alongside Lines 2 and 4, providing parallel bus service options for customers so they can take their time getting familiar with the new train lines. Lines 2 and 4 are part of the Stage 2 LRT South Extension that will extend from Bayview Station to Limebank Station in Riverside South and will include a link to the Ottawa International Airport on O-Train Line 4. The extension restores train service on Line 2 (previously called Trillium Line), adds eight new stations and five upgraded stations. Customers can now plan their trips using the Travel Planner. For more information on the opening of Lines 2 and 4, please visit www.octranspo.com/en/o-train-extension.

 

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:  

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

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.

Winter Updates: To stay up to date on City of Ottawa Winter Operations, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.

 

Getting help clearing snow

Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter?

• The Snow Go program provides a matching service for older adults and people with disabilities 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 older adults or persons with disabilities to help with their snow removal costs.

For information on City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs visit Help around the home on Ottawa.ca. 

 

Mayor's Christmas Celebration - Dec. 7

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will host the Mayor’s 22nd Annual Christmas Celebration at Ottawa City Hall in support of the Ottawa Food Bank Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 pm at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Admission is by donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. Celebrate the festive season in the fresh outdoors and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus who will arrive from the North Pole and be housed in their very own outdoor cabin. Roast marshmallows around a campfire, enjoy hot chocolate, taffy on snow, horse-drawn wagon rides. Bring your skates! The Rink of Dreams opens (weather permitting) for the skating season on Saturday, December 7. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Marion Dewar Plaza at 5 pm. You can indulge in delicious BeaverTails for only $2, with all proceeds raised going directly to the Ottawa Food Bank! Purchase your Christmas tree, wreath or potted tree at the event, with $5 from the sale of each item donated to the Ottawa Food Bank. The fun continues inside with live entertainment in Jean Pigott Place. Full details can be found on the event webpage.

Stay Protected: COVID-19, Flu and RSV Vaccination Available Near You

Where to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 and the Flu:

• Pharmacies and your health care provider: Many local pharmacies have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine and are offering them to eligible individuals. Visit your nearest pharmacy today or speak to your health care provider.
• OPH Clinics: OPH Community Clinics and Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs are offering the updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines for eligible high-risk and priority populations who face barriers to access.

Ottawa Public Health recommends that eligible residents at higher risk of severe illness protect themselves against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this season. RSV can be particularly severe in infants and older adults. Immunization against RSV can help prevent serious health outcomes, including hospitalization. Did you Know? It’s safe to get immunized for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV at the same time! Stay Informed about COVID-19, the Flu and RSV. For the latest updates on vaccination, clinic locations, and other important health information, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. Staying informed and getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this season.

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.

 

Ask a question about City Budget 2025 - Before Dec. 9

With a complex budget, the City has introduced new supports like the Draft Budget 2025 Magazine and the Draft Budget 2025 Explorer to make understanding and engaging in the budget process easier. The Budget Magazine provides insight into how the budget is created, what elements make up the budget, some of the key financials, an update on service reviews as well as highlights from over 100 lines of services that are advancing Council’s strategic priorities. The Budget Explorer offers user-friendly interactive charts, graphs and tables to enhance financial literacy and transparency. 

Budget adoption: Council will approve the 2025 budget on December 11. The adopted budget books will be updated and posted the 2025 Budget webpage Q2 2025.

Ask a question: In the meantime, residents are welcome to ask questions about the City's Draft 2025 Budget until Dec. 9 at Engage Ottawa.

Monthly Information Session for Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program - Dec. 12

Thursday, December 12 at 12 pm

Virtual Session - Zoom

Join City of Ottawa staff to learn about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program. City staff will be holding monthly lunchtime information sessions about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program. Learn how this program can support you in undertaking home improvement projects focused on saving energy, increasing comfort and making your property more climate resilient. You can register for the online information session here: betterhomesottawa.ca/December12-Virtual

 

Expression of Interest: Lansdowne 2.0 Indigenous Public Art Facilitator - submissions due by Dec. 13

The City of Ottawa’s Public Art Program invites Indigenous public art facilitators to submit their expression of interest to a public art project for Lansdowne 2.0 development. Expression of Interest submission deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024, 12:00 pm (EST). For more information or to apply, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

OC Transpo/Loblaw Food Drive - Dec. 14

OC Transpo is holding its 40th annual food drive on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 5 pm. The last few years have been challenging for many in our community, and this year is no exception. Currently, one in four households in Ottawa struggles to afford enough food to eat. That is a 14.8 percent increase from 2022. Annually, more than 556,000 visits are made to food programs across Ottawa. This is the highest level in the Ottawa Food Bank’s 40-year history. It represents a 90 percent increase since 2019. Let’s work together to help those in our community who are struggling to afford enough to eat – your support is more important than ever! On December 14, non-perishable food items will be accepted in donation bins at participating Loblaw stores across Ottawa. Visit the Ottawa Food Bank’s website for a list of their most-needed non-perishable items. Volunteers will also be accepting monetary donations at grocery store entrances. Or, you can donate through cashiers at participating locations. Want to donate right away? You can also give to those in need this season through the Ottawa Food Bank's online donation page. Online donations are open now until December 14. 

Caring and Sharing Exchange - Volunteers needed for Dec. 21

The Caring and Sharing Exchange needs your help for Running on Empties in support of the Christmas Exchange Program! Help them collect empty bottles and cans from generous donors to raise funds for families in need this holiday season. Your time and effort will make a HUGE difference in ensuring everyone can have a brighter Christmas.

Date & Time: Saturday, December 21 (shifts: 10 am to 1:30 pm OR 1:30 to 5 pm)

Location: All local Beer Stores

Sign up to volunteer today! Contact: [email protected] and let us know which location and shift you prefer! For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/CaringSharingExchange

Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2024 - Dec. 28

The Ottawa Kwanzaa 2024celebration 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 tastes of the Ottawa-Gatineau Black Community. Hosted by Jaku Konbit, the event takes place Dec. 28 from 4 to 10 pm at the Blu Legacy Convention Centre, 3750 North Bowesville Road. For tickets, please visit Eventbrite.

Growing food and allowing planters in Residential boulevard gardens - Survey open until Dec. 31

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 - Apply by 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:

• Acquiring or improving your leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Improving your post-secondary and employment outlook
• Building new skills
• Connecting more with your community and peers
• Removing barriers and successfully transitioning to post-secondary education

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Youth Futures program is Dec. 31. For details and to apply: youth-futures.com

Ottawa resident appeal to attend Global Peace Summit

Ottawa resident Olantu Nini is a 16-year-old high school student who has been selected as a UN Global Peace Ambassador to attend the Global Peace Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in 2025. This opportunity will allow her to represent Canada, connect with youth leaders from around the world and advocate for issues such as human rights, education and peace-building. She is raising funds to help cover her travel expenses. For details and to donate, please visit gofundme.com.