February 10, 2023 Newsletter

February 10, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Councillor King in the Community

Equity Budget Consultation

Thank you to everyone who joined me for the City of Ottawa's Equity Budget consultation session on Feb. 9. 

Ottawa Black Business Alliance Recognition

I was very honoured to be recognized the evening of Feb. 9 by the Ottawa Black Business Alliance during Black History Month for my efforts to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The event celebrated the official unveiling of the Ottawa-Vanier 235 Hub of Ottawa. 

Manor Park Community Association Annual General Meeting

Thank you to the Manor Park Community Association for inviting me to speak during their annual general meeting on Feb. 8. I truly appreciate the tireless contributions of the volunteer directors and contributors in support of Manor Park.

Ceremonial Puck Drop

I was honoured to be invited to drop the puck during the commemorative hockey game at Canadian Tire Centre on Feb. 7 celebrating Black History Month and the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes.

Shepherds of Good Hope Anniversary Celebration

Thank you to Shepherds of Good Hope Ottawa for 40 years of providing such incredible support to our community. I was pleased to attend their anniversary celebration on Feb. 7.

Winter Pride Drag on Ice

Thank you to Capital Pride and the Vanier BIA for bringing the Drag on Ice event to Optimist Park in Vanier on Feb. 5.

Asinabka Indigenous Arts and Media Festival

I enjoyed the Asinabka Indigenous Film and Media Arts Festival “snow screening” on Feb. 5 at Lansdowne Park, featuring Indigenous films from the circumpolar north.

Manor Park Community Council's Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off

I had an amazing time at the Manor Park Community Council's Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 4 in Manor Park.

Queer Pop-Up Market

I enjoyed chatting with Senator Andrew Cardozo, Councillor Ariel Troster and event producer Elaina Martin at the Queer Pop-Up Market at Gallery 101 on Feb. 4.

Carleton University Art Gallery Anniversary

I enjoyed the Carleton University Art Gallery’s 30th anniversary exhibition on Feb. 4.

Musical Ride Open House 

The RCMP  is celebrating 150 years in 2023. I was happy to drop by the Musical Ride Open House on Feb. 4 at the RCMP Musical Ride Stables in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward. There were family-friendly activities. Admission was free with a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Minoshkite Music Festival

We had a great evening Feb. 3 at the Canadian Museum of History, enjoying amazing Indigenous music artists at the Minoshkite Music Festival.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Winter Health and Fitness Week at the Rideau Sports Centre - Feb. 11 

This Saturday, Feb. 11, in partnership with the Rideau Winter Trail, the Rideau Sports Centre will be offering fun winter activities for everyone between 11 am and 3 pm at 1 Donald Street.
Individuals, families and friends can sign-up for FREE Nordic Walking with Nina LePage from 12 to 1 pm or 1 to 2 pm (24 spots available per hour). 
We encourage participants to register in advance HERE for Nordic Walking.
Also, there are plenty of other fun activities for everyone to participate in including:

• Cross Country Ski Rentals
• Free use of Snowshoes
• Kids Activities
• Firepits at the Bridge Public House

P.S.: Please leave extra time for parking, as it will be a busy day

Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall - Feb. 11

The Winter Celebration returns to Rideau Hall on Feb. 11, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm, as part of Winterlude.
The event will feature skating, tours and outdoor activities.
For details, please click here.

Share your thoughts on the NCC’s Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park Plan - Survey and Open House

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is launching its second round of consultations on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan.
The public is invited to share their thoughts on activity nodes and goals for the park plan.
The online survey is available on the NCC’s new engagement platform at PlaceSpeak until Feb. 19, 2023.
The public is also invited to drop by the NCC’s community open house on Feb. 15.
For more information, please click here.

Ward 13 Budget Consultation - Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm

I am hosting a virtual budget consultation for Ward 13 residents on Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm. Please register for the virtual meeting link.
You will receive a confirmation email with the link.
For additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget, please visit ottawa.ca/budget or Engage Ottawa.

Future Fridays at innovator13 - Feb. 17

Every second Friday innovator 13 invites youth from across Ottawa to come to their space to enjoy an evening of art, free workshops, food and a variety of activities designed to build skills, confidence, and network in a friendly, casual and supportive environment. The next event is:

Black Expressions showcase during Black History Month - Feb. 18

Join the ACB Wellness Resource Centre for Black Expressions, a special Black History Month event on Feb. 18, from 4 to 7 pm, at 610 Donald Street.
This event will feature an art showing, African drummers, guest speakers, a poetry slam and a silent auction.
Admission is a $5 donation in support of ACB programs and services.
Details: acbwellness.ca

New Edinburgh Apparel - Orders due by Feb. 20

New Edinburgh is replete with distinctive built and natural features that define the area in which an engaged community has lived for more than seven generations.
We have chosen to make an area with a strong sense of place our home and we work together to make our neighbourhood better every day.
You have an opportunity to wear the pride we share in our neighbourhood. New Edinburgh apparel is now available, but only for a limited time.
Visit the online store to place your order before Feb. 20. Proceeds from the sale of all items support the Crichton Community Council’s neighbourhood events. 

Beechwood Cemetery - Black History Month event - Feb. 23

Exploring Ottawa’s Black History - Past, Present and Future

During Black History Month, Canadians celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country. Many prominent histories of Black Canadians are shared nationally, however, Beechwood is home to many important Black Canadians who have impacted our city. 
Join us as we share the stories of Ottawa’s Black Community and those buried within our cemetery grounds followed by Councillor Rawlson King sharing his experience at City Hall.

I have been invited to be the featured speaker, providing attendees with an inside look at my journey to City Hall, my first term, major events I have navigated and my re-election.

Join us on Feb. 23 at 6:30 pm at Beechwood National Memorial Centre.

Click here for details and to register.

Sip & Shop - Monthly Market in Manor Park - Feb. 25

In collaboration with Manor Park Community Council, Ottawa Streets Markets is launching a monthly market at the market hub, 1805 Gaspe Avenue, the last Saturday of each month, featuring many amazing local vendors. 

Upcoming date: Feb. 25 from 3 to 7 pm. Details here. Free parking on site.

Experience a fully licensed, local shopping experience in Manor Park. Sip on local craft beers and Ontario VQA wine while shopping a selection of curated local goods and products from local vendors each month. From eco-friendly wood products, terrariums, handmade jewelry, hats and scarves, to farm fresh produce and baked goods. There will be prepared food available on site for an easy late-lunch or dinner. Craft beer from Dominion City, Bicycle Craft Brewery and Shillow Beer Co.

Rockcliffe Park Speaker Night - March 8

The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts Speaker Night on March 8 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Rd., featuring Thomas d’Aquino who will offer personal insights on four decades of private sector leadership at the apex of power with the Business Council of Canada. For details, please click here.

Manor Park Community Council - Events and programs

The Manor Park Community Council offers a wide range of programs. Upcoming programs include March Break Camps, Home Alone Safety, a kitchen program for kids, a terrarium workshop and more.
The Council is also offering several adult classes and programs that cater to a wide range of interests. Click here for the complete schedule.

Manor Park Knitting Circle - Wednesday nights

The Manor Park Knitting Circle meets Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm at 100 Thornwood Road. This program is free to attend. 

News from the Ottawa Street Markets' HUB/Farm Store

New! You can now order and pickup your local goodies on Mondays - exclusive to the Ottawa Street Markets' HUB/Farm Store location, 1805 Gaspe Avenue.
Place your order by midnight Thursdays and select Monday pickup. Visit ottstreetmarkets.ca and facebook.com/OttawaStreetMarkets for more information. 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Winter Operations Update

Crews have been at it all night treating sidewalks, priority roads and the winter cycling network. They reached residential streets during the early morning hours and continued through shift change this morning to treat icy conditions. Our focus today will be scraping down any residual ice buildup and treating surfaces on the transportation network.

This morning, staff continued to clear catch basins in known trouble spot locations to allow rain and melting snow to drain from the roadway to prevent drainage and water pooling issues. We are asking all residents who are able, to please clear their local catch basin. This helps with drainage and ice buildup in your area as the temperature fluctuates. Can’t do it yourself? You may report a blocked catch basin by creating an online service request by visiting Ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1.

The fluctuating temperatures and changing weather patterns adds significant stress to our transportation network and wreaks havoc on our roads. These past couple of weeks have done just that, and potholes are developing right across the city. Residents can expect to see crews out applying temporary repairs to potholes created by the fluctuating temperatures and various weather events.

For residents wishing to report a pothole, please create a service request online.

Snowbank removal operations are expected to resume tonight, and continue throughout the weekend. Crews will be in all areas working on arterial and collector roads, residential streets, business districts, dead ends and cul de sacs that have not yet been completed. 

For details, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.

2023 Community Economic Development Program - Application deadline is Feb. 21

Registered non-profit corporations with at least two years of financial statements are eligible to apply.
Projects must be new, or scaling-up, activity to help targeted historically under-represented populations to overcome identified impediments to their participation in Ottawa’s economy.
Funds will be awarded in April 2023 and must be expended by November 30, 2023. Projects may not commence until funds are received by program recipients.
The City will accept project applications until 4 pm on Feb. 24. For details, please click here.

Synapcity Sessions: Community Food Security - Feb. 22

Join Synapcity and Just Food for this interactive workshop event which will highlight current food security opportunities and examine potential solutions on food access, land access and food waste. The event will speak to Ottawa’s burgeoning Food Strategy that aims to equitably transform food systems at our local level. Attendees will get a chance to learn about current food security initiatives and also share ideas on what’s working in your community. Reserve your seat here.

Feb. 22, 5:30 pm
Atelier Social Innovation Hub, Saint Paul University, 95 Clegg Street

Community Partnership Major Capital Program - Application deadline is March 1

The City of Ottawa's Community Partnership Major Capital Program is an initiative to implement major capital improvements and additions to facilities related to parks and recreation on a cost-sharing basis between the City and community groups.
The project may relate to an asset that is owned by the City, or operated by a community partner who delivers service on behalf of the City or assists the City in the delivery of programs and services.
The funding program applies to major capital programs for new facilities, renovations and expansions. It will only apply to fixed assets. It will not fund other components such as furniture, equipment, feasibility or fundraising studies.
For details, contacts and to apply by March 1, 2023 at 3 pm, please click here.

Black Mental Health Week 2023: Exploring Stigma and Black Mental Health

This year, we invite our community partners to host an event and highlight examining the impact of stigma on the experiences of ACB communities in Ottawa, and finding solutions to normalize the dialogue around mental health and wellness. We’ll be hosting events over the week. For details, please click here. 

In Living Colour: Showing the Creative ACB Experience in Ottawa - until March 3

📷 Photo credit: Phil Renaud/City of Ottawa

A collaboration between the City’s Public Art Program and Black History Month Committee, this art exhibit at Ottawa City Hall showcases artwork created by artists from the African, Caribbean and Black communities in Ottawa.
Admission is free.

Virtual Summer Camp Fair - March 4

Ottawa Rec and Culture’s Inclusive Recreation unit is hosting a virtual Summer Camp Fair for people with disabilities.  There will be several summer camps presenting on March 4 where families/caregivers can choose the presentations they would like to attend.

If you’re interested in attending, please email [email protected]. 

Governor General's Foot Guards - Youth Achievement Awards - Applications due March 10

This year the Governor General's Foot Guards (GGFG) are celebrating their 150th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the regimental family will inaugurate the GGFG Youth Achievement Awards as a means of giving back to the community that has supported them so well for a century and a half. Nominations/applications for four scholarships totaling $19,000 are welcome. The deadline for applications/nominations is March 10, 2023. www.ggfg150.ca/youthawards

 

"No Talent" Drawing Workshop - March 25

People, Words & Change is hosting a fundraiser on March 25, from 10 am to noon, called the "No Talent" Drawing Workshop at Heartwood House with local artist and art instructor Laurie Hemmings. People, Words & Change is a non-profit, charitable organization providing opportunities for English-speaking adults in Ottawa to improve literacy, numeracy or basic computer skills which are essential to working, learning, and living.
One-on-one tutoring is provided free of charge by volunteer tutors to meet the needs and goals of the learners.

 

An Update on the City's High Performance Development Standard

In April 2022, Council approved the High Performance Development Standard to raise the performance of new building projects to achieve sustainable and resilient design.
However, since April 2022, there have been a number of provincial legislative changes including the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23) and the More Homes for Everyone Act (Bill 109).  The new legislation does not impact the City’s authority to implement the High Performance Development Standard through the new Official Plan.
Staff will bring a report to Council in April to revise the Site Plan Control By-law amendments made in July 2022 to align with the new provincial legislation.
The report will include the recommendation for the High Performance Development Standard to come into effect upon Council approval of the by-law amendments. 
If you have any questions about the High Performance Development Standard, please email [email protected].

 

Community Partnership Minor Capital Program - Application deadlines for this year are May 1 and Sept. 1

The Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is an initiative available for minor capital improvements to city-owned parks, recreation and cultural facilities on a cost-sharing basis with community groups. Examples include play equipment, basketball courts, park furniture, tree planting, landscape improvements, minor community facility improvements, etc. Projects on school board land and other public lands that are accessible to the public may also be eligible. The 2023 deadlines to apply are May 1 and Sept. 1. For details, contacts and to apply, please click here.

Indo-Canadian Community Centre

Did you know the Indo-Canadian Community Centre promotes Indo-Canadian cultural heritage, provides support services for seniors and youth, undertakes charitable and philanthropic initiatives and owns and maintains a community centre building for programs and activities. Visit the centre's website to learn more

Ottawa Public Health News

Updated Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction released Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health on Jan. 17, 2023. The report is designed to provide Canadians with current evidence-based recommendations on alcohol-related harms. The updated guidance states that consuming more than 2 standard drinks per occasion is associated with an increased risk of harms to self and others.

• 0 drinks per week — Not drinking has benefits, such as better health, and better sleep.  
• 2 standard drinks or less per week — At this level people are likely to avoid alcohol-related consequences for themselves or others.  
• 3–6 standard drinks per week — People have increases in health-related harms at this level. The guidelines indicate an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.  
• 7 standard drinks or more per week — The risk of heart disease or stroke increases significantly at this level.  
• Each additional standard drink radically increases the risk of alcohol-related consequences.

For more information on resources, programming and treatment on mental health and substance use health, please visit: Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources - Ottawa Public Health.

End of Weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshot

OPH is ending its weekly snapshots. The last versions of the weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels. We will continue to post on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Our Respiratory Virus dashboard will continue to be updated on our main respiratory virus activity webpage: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport .

Key Takeaways

• The downward trends we’ve seen over the past few weeks continue to move in the right direction. It doesn’t mean we can let our guard down, but it is encouraging. 
• It’s still important to use your layers of protection, especially as we move through the winter months.
• Masks, COVID-19 vaccines & boosters, flu vaccines, staying home when sick, they all work. As always, you can find information about eligibility and intervals for flu or COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 treatment options at OttawaPublicHealth.ca

Emergency Services News

➤ Draft 2023 Budget & Public Consultation Opportunities

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) tabled its 2023 Draft Operating and Capital Budget with the Ottawa Police Services Board at a special meeting of the Board on Feb. 1. 

• The OPS wants to hear from residents and businesses about their thoughts on the 2023 Budget. Please consider completing the 2023 Draft Budget questionnaire, located at www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/budget.aspx
• Public delegations and questions from Ottawa City Councillors are welcome at the Feb. 15 OPSB's Finance and Audit Committee meeting starting at 10 a.m. via Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82194776002 [us02web.zoom.us]
• Comments are also welcome at the beginning of the regular meeting of the OPSB on Feb. 27 starting at 2 p.m. via Zoom.

The OPS 2023 Budget is scheduled for approval by the OPSB on Feb. 27, 2023. It will later be reviewed and scheduled for approval by Ottawa City Council on March 1, 2023. A complete copy of the OPS’ 2023 Draft Operating and Capital Budget can be reviewed by visiting ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/budget.aspx. You can also request a copy of the report by emailing [email protected].

➤ Applications now being accepted for Deputy Chief of Police for the Ottawa Police Service

Interested applicants can submit their applications to become a Deputy Chief with the Ottawa Police Service. The Board is currently looking to fill two Deputy Chief positions. Reporting to the Chief of Police are two Deputy Chiefs who each lead the following Commands: Community Policing and Intelligence, Information & Investigations. The opportunities are advertised through the Odgers Berndtson website, the firm retained by the Police Services Board to conduct the search. Applications are due March 6, 2023. 

➤ Council has extended the recruitment period for the public member of the Ottawa Police Services Board to the end of February 2023.

For details and to apply, please click this link.

City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates

Transit Commission - Feb. 9

• Transit Commission approved the OC Transpo 2023 Draft Operating and Capital Budget. The Transit Services 2023 Draft Budget will rise to Council on March 1.
• O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership was at 5.1 million customer trips in December 2022, a significant increase compared to 3.8 million in 2021.
• Para Transpo ridership saw an increase year-over-year and provided 53,900 customer trips in December 2022 compared to 42,700 customer trips in December 2021. 
• The Transit Commission received an update on the root cause analysis of the January 4 to 10 O-Train Line 1 service disruption caused by severe freezing rain. A report is being finalized and will be shared with Transit Commission at a future date.
• OC Transpo launched the procurement phase for the first batch of new electric buses under the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Infrastructure Canada funding agreements. 
• For more details from this meeting, please click here.
  
  

City Council - Feb. 8

• Council approved a motion to reopen Wellington Street to all traffic, as soon as operationally possible, but not before March 1. 
• Council also approved zoning by-law amendments at 535 Chapel, at 1525 and 1533 Goth Avenue, at 4829 Abbott Street East, at 5100 Kanata Avenue and part of 4149 Strandherd Drive.
• Council passed a motion encouraging residents to consider donating to disaster relief resources to help those affected by earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
• Council also approved the Transportation Committee’s terms of reference.
• For details, please click here.
  
  

Finance and Corporate Services Committee - Feb. 7

• The Finance and Corporate Services Committee recommended its draft budget for 2023 to Council for approval.
  • The Committee’s budget for 2023 allocates $663 million for gross operational expenditures. It also includes $2 billion in revenue, primarily from property tax revenue and payments-in-lieu of taxation.
  • The budget outlines key investments in City governance, Office of the City Clerk, City Manager’s Office, Rail construction and planning, Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development and Finance and Corporate Services as well as non-departmental expenditures.
• The Committee adopted its new terms of reference. 
• The Committee also received an update regarding the City of Ottawa’s response to the Public Order Emergency Commission. 
• The budget will be considered for approved as part of a special Council Meeting on March 1. The rest of the recommendations from the Feb. 7 meeting will rise to Council on Feb. 22.
  
• For more meeting details, please click here.
  

Upcoming Meetings

➤ Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee - Feb. 13 at 9:30 am

➤ Built Heritage Committee - Feb. 14 at 9:30 am

➤ Ottawa Public Library Board - Feb. 14 at 5 pm

➤ Planning and Housing Committee - Feb. 15 at 9:30 am

➤ Police Services Board Finance and Audit Committee - Feb. 15 at 10 am

➤ Light Rail-Subcommittee - Feb. 16 at 9:30 am

➤ Audit Committee - Feb. 17 at 9:30 am

For the full 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 streamed live on the RogersTV website.