February 13, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
February is Black History Month, and this year holds special significance as we celebrate multiple historic milestones in our nation’s capital.
We mark 30 years since Canada officially recognized Black History Month, 10 years since Ontario did the same, and an incredible 40 years since the founding of Black History Ottawa, the organization that has been the cornerstone of our community’s celebrations.
This week, City Council officially recognized Black History Month and as Council Liaison for the City’s Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I made formal remarks along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, which can be viewed here.
At the beginning of February, I also joined fellow Council members and City staff at Black History Ottawa’s annual opening ceremony. The event was a beautiful celebration featuring vibrant performances, music, and the unveiling of new commemorative stamps and coins. It reminded me why this work matters so deeply.
As the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, who championed the creation of Black History Month in Canada, recently reminded us: recognition matters profoundly because it says to every child that Black stories are not marginal but are central to Canadian history and worthy of celebration: not just in February, but 365 days a year.
Our community is alive with celebration this month. A highlight is the “Pride of Dreams” mural by Ottawa artist Jimmy Baptiste, now featured on three OC Transpo buses travelling across our city. The mural honours local legends including award-winning journalist Stefan Keyes, Canadian blues musician Angelique Francis, celebrated athlete Charmaine Hooper, and the iconic Barber Street sign commemorating Paul Barber.
City of Ottawa Archives is featuring photo displays at Jean Pigott Place in City Hall, digital posters are featured citywide, and Ottawa Public Library is hosting events and programming throughout the month. Black History Ottawa and other organizations continue to organize additional celebrations. I encourage you to participate!
But recognition of achievements without action is hollow. That’s why Council has taken meaningful steps to social inclusion through our Anti-Racism Strategy, with 132 actions focused on employment equity, housing, economic development, health outcomes, and youth opportunities.
During recent budget deliberations, Council provided direction to staff to secure sustainable, multi-year provincial funding for anti-hate and belonging initiatives. We’re also continuing our support for the Ottawa Stops Hate Together campaign with $150,000 in funding.
Last weekend, I hosted "Black Futures in Focus” – a virtual town hall bringing together Black entrepreneurs and community leaders with representatives from all levels of government. We heard clearly that resources are available: grants, entrepreneurship supports, and people ready to help. Organizations like The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, the Association of Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Ottawa-Gatineau, and the African Development Network are doing incredible work supporting our community’s economic empowerment.
On the health front, Somerset West Community Health Centre and the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre provide culturally affirming mental health care and wellness supports. The ACB Centre, located in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, recently graduated more than 120 students from its successful financial literacy program, many of them new immigrants and youth.
Yet, we must be honest: inequalities persist. Black entrepreneurs remain underrepresented, and too many Black Canadians face food insecurity and housing precarity. This is why our continued advocacy to senior levels of government for equitable per-capita funding for Black-led social service organizations in Ottawa and eastern Ontario is so critical.
This Black History Month, let’s celebrate the brilliance of our African, Caribbean, and Black communities while committing to the ongoing work of building a more equitable Ottawa; not just in February, but every day of the year. Take the opportunity to participate in an event or shop at a local Black-owned business.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
Community maple tree tapping - Feb. 14
Every year, the Vanier Museopark seeks the help of the community to take part in an essential step in the production of maple syrup at its sugar shack: maple tree tapping. The Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in Canada! Young and old, families, couples and friends are invited to come to the Richelieu Park forest, about 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa, to tap sugar maple trees in the traditional way: drilling holes in the trees, inserting spigots and hanging buckets to collect maple water, the tree’s sweet sap. Details: museoparc.ca
Date : Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time : 9 am to 12 pm
Location : Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
Cost : Free
Lindenlea Family Day event - Feb. 14
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Wicked For Good in 3D at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on Feb. 14 at 2 pm. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
New Edinburgh Family Skate Day - Olympic Edition - Feb. 15
Join the Crichton Community Council for a day of winter fun at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse on Feb. 15 from 10 am to 4 pm. The event will feature a bake sale, raffle draw and the Canada-France men's hockey game will be on the big screen from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm. The outdoor rink will be open to all for skating and hockey. There will be a hockey skills challenge from 1 to 3 pm. For details, please visit www.newedinburgh.ca.
Great Backyard Bird Count - Feb. 15
UOttawa students invite everyone to join them for the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 15 from 2 to 4 pm, for a bird walk along the river. Knowledgeable guides will show use how to use binoculars and E-BIRD to contribute to Citizen Science. Meet at the Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald.
Opening of the Sugar Shack for maple season - Feb. 15
The Vanier Sugar Shack is getting ready to kicking off the 2026 maple season! It will opening for its first customers on Sunday, February 15, at 9 a.m. Located less than 5 km from downtown Ottawa, the Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in the country. Opening hours during the 2026 maple season: February 15 to April 19, 2026, from 9 am to 2 pm The Sugar Shack is open Wednesday through Sunday:
- No reservations required on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Reservations required for groups (15+) from Wednesday to Friday
The Vanier Sugar Shack is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the season. It will also be closed during the Sugar Festival and the week before (from March 16 to 29, 2026). Details: museoparc.ca
Road Closure - Glynn Avenue - Feb. 17 to March 2
Glynn Avenue from Sharp Street to Vera Street will be closed from Feb. 17 to March 2 to allow a contractor to connect new site services. Area residents and businesses will receive advance notification. Local traffic only will be permitted on either side of the work zone.
March Break programming - Registration opens Feb. 17
The Vanier Community Services Centre is offering programming for children ages 6 to 12 and teens ages 13 to 17 during March Break from March 16 to 20. Registration opens Feb. 17 at 8 am. Priority will be given to those who live in area code K1L and/or attend schools in Vanier. For details and to register, scan the QR Code in the poster or visit cscvanier.com.
New Edinburgh Open Mic at the Fieldhouse - Feb. 21
Bring your senses to be entertained or your talent to share at New Edinburgh’s open mic at the Fieldhouse on Feb. 21 from 7 to 10 pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Performers can register at [email protected] or in person at 6:00 pm. First come, first to fill the bill. Details: www.newedinburgh.ca
Rideau Winter Trail Loppet - Feb. 22
Black History Month Tennis Tournament Finals - Feb. 22
Celebrate Black History Month with an exciting, high-energy indoor tennis event that brings together elite competition, community, and culture on Feb. 22 at 3 pm at the Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald Street. The Black History Month Afro-Caribbean Indoor Tennis Team Tournament, hosted by Ottawa Loves Tennis, features four teams named in honour of iconic Black trailblazers: Team Arthur Ashe, Team Nelson Mandela, Team Harriet Tubman, and Team Viola Desmond. This unique team-based tournament blends adult competition and high-performance junior play in a fast-paced, spectator-friendly format. Players compete for their teams across multiple matchups, creating nonstop energy and momentum throughout the weekend. Admission is free. To RSVP, please visit Eventbrite.
Black History Month celebration - Feb. 26
The African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street hosts Black Expressions, a Black History Month celebration. Taking place on Feb. 26, from 5 to 7 pm, this evening will feature powerful performances, great cultural food, games, prizes, and community tables. For details, please visit Facebook.
An Evening of Jazz - Feb. 27
Multifaith Housing Initiative is pleased to share an upcoming concert in partnership with MacKay United Church, featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist Mike T. Kerr. The concert celebrates the release of Mike T. Kerr’s latest album, Late Night Libretto, described as “a jazz guitar love letter to Canada’s live music scene.” He will be joined by special guests Aretha Tillotson, Bruce MacKinnon, and Jared Higgins for what promises to be an intimate and memorable evening of live music. For details and tickets, please visit: www.multifaithhousing.ca
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Doors open: 7:00 PM | Show starts: 8:00 PM
Location: MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Rd, Ottawa
Tickets: $25
Cause: A portion of proceeds will be donated to Multifaith Housing Initiative
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Family Day Skating Party - Feb. 16
Family Day schedule changes - Feb. 16
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Family Day holiday on Monday, February 16. Details: ottawa.ca
Heritage Day celebration - Feb. 17
The City of Ottawa invites residents to Heritage Day 2026, celebrating with the theme: "Voices of a City: Celebrating Two Centuries of Collective Histories and Local Heroes in Ottawa.” This free, in-person event takes place Feb. 17 from 12 to 2 pm at City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. More than 50 local historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations will be featured in Jean Pigott Hall before and after the official ceremony at noon. You’ll have the opportunity to meet heritage professionals and volunteers, ask questions, and plan your next cultural adventure. Join the Cultural and Heritage Programs and Spaces Branch, in partnership with Capital Heritage Connexion, to embrace, explore, and celebrate the rich heritage of Ottawa on Heritage Day and throughout the year. Celebrate Heritage Week from February 16 to 22, with activities and events that showcase Ottawa's diverse and vibrant cultural history. For details, please visit ottawa.ca and heritageottawa.org.
Repair Café - Feb. 21
Solid Waste Services is excited to announce the start of the 2026 Repair Café series. The series will be kicking off on Feb. 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, located at 102 Greenview Avenue. Repair Cafés aim to reduce landfill waste by fixing items, teaching new skills, and building community. Ottawa Tool Library’s fixers and menders will be sharing their knowledge and skills around fixing everything from darning socks to re-wiring kettles. There will be free repairs of electronics, clothing, small appliances, jewelry, and more! At the same time, community members can learn new skills, enjoy coffee and snacks, and bring their children along too for some family friendly activities. For more information visit, Ottawa Tool Library. For details, please visit ottawatoollibrary.com/programs/repair-cafes.
Enjoy an exclusive preview performance of Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Feb. 22
Don’t miss out on an exclusive preview performance of ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ with Ottawa Little Theatre and the Zonta Club of Ottawa on Feb. 22 at 2 pm. It’s going to be a killer show that you won’t want to miss. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Build. Buy. Believe. The Role of Black Entrepreneurs in Building Our Future - Feb. 24
Invest Ottawa, in partnership with Wesley Clover International and the Kanata North Business Association, will host the third annual celebration of Black innovators, founders, entrepreneurs and businesses building Canada's economy and community today and tomorrow. This year’s edition of Building Our Future titled Build. Buy. Believe explores the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in Canada’s Build Canada movement. This special in-person event, taking place on Feb. 24 from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, will feature a roundtable with key ecosystem leaders, followed by an audience Q&A and collaborative discussion. The event will also include a marketplace featuring Black-owned and Black-led businesses. Admission is free. For details and to reserve your spot, please visit Eventbrite.
The Library in partnership with Library and Archives Canada invites you to take part in a compelling series of public programs that spotlight the vital role intellectual freedom and civil discourse play in democratic life and public libraries.
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Talking to Each Other: The Importance of Civil Dialogue in an Era of Division | Tuesday, February 24 at 7 pm | Cumberland Branch
Join acclaimed author and journalist Sébastien Pierroz for an engaging evening exploring freedom to read through the lens of a local writer-journalist. (French event)
- Thinking Out Loud Together: Why Civil Discourse Matters More Than Ever | Wednesday, February 25 at 7 pm | Library and Archives Canada
Hear from celebrated author and public intellectual Randy Boyagoda as he examines why open, respectful discourse is more important than ever—and how libraries help make it possible.
Ottawa 200 - Funding Programs - Deadlines: Feb. 25 & 27
A year’s worth of innovative programming and collaborations were unveiled at the official launch event to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary. The City has launched the following Ottawa 200 grant programs:
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Ottawa 200 Artist/Creator Fund
The Artist/Creator Grant Program, is a one-time funding stream within the existing Arts Funding and Creation and Production Fund for Professional Artists Programs offered by the City of Ottawa in celebration of Ottawa 200: the 200th anniversary of Bytown. The stream was developed in partnership with the City of Ottawa’s Cultural Funding Support Unit, Arts Ottawa and the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG). This initiative encourages artistic expression that explores the people, stories, lands and legacies that define Ottawa. Artist/creator-led projects may take the form of visual arts, performing arts, media arts, or interdisciplinary practices, including community co-creation, temporary public installations and activations under the Ottawa 200 theme of “Celebrate Together”.
Application Deadline: February 25, 2026 Learn more and apply! -
Ottawa 200 Civic Events Funding Program
Civic Events Funding is available to Ottawa-based non-profit organizations to implement family-friendly events and activities that bring Ottawa residents together to celebrate civic pride and community connection, between April and December 2026, as part of Ottawa 200. This one-time funding program opportunity is offered in collaboration with the Community and Social Services Department’s Social Development & Funding Branch to support the production of community events that are free to the public and encourage events that reflect Ottawa’s cultural diversity and history.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 Learn more and apply!
Further details about each grant and Ottawa 200 can be found on the City’s website: ottawa.ca
City of Ottawa Summer Camp registration opens Feb. 26
Get ready for the summer months and plan the school holidays with the City of Ottawa. Registration opens on Thursday, February 26 at 9 pm. In-person registration starts the next day. Find camps for every interest: ottawa.ca
Your input matters: Tell us how we can improve the City's public engagement strategy - by Feb. 28
In June 2025, Council adopted a motion to strengthen public engagement by prioritizing equity, accessibility, and accountability. Informed by lessons learned and evolving best practices, the City has proposed updates to the Council-approved 2013 public engagement strategy to better reflect the evolution of public engagement and how the City engages with residents today. You are invited to review the proposed update to the Public Engagement Strategy and Workbook and share your feedback through our survey before Feb. 28. Your input will help shape a more meaningful, effective and inclusive approach to public engagement.
Ontario Trillium Foundation capital grant - deadline to apply is March 4
Applications for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Capital Grant Program can be submitted until March 4 at 5 pm ET. Capital grants provide funding over one year to help organizations respond to the capital needs of Ontario’s communities, by improving community facilities and physical spaces. For details and to apply, please visit otf.ca.
Emergency Services Updates
The 2026 Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship Award is now accepting applications - until Feb. 28