February 14, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
As we celebrate Black History Month this February, I am honoured to share with you both the progress we've made and the important work that lies ahead for our community. This year's theme, "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations," resonates deeply with the initiatives we're undertaking at the City of Ottawa.
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. My speech reminded us that while we celebrate our achievements, we must continue working toward a more equitable and inclusive Ottawa. We also enjoyed beautiful renditions of O Canada and Lift Every Voice and Sing performed by Ottawa’s Heavenly Voices Choir.
Our City continues to demonstrate its commitment to meaningful change. The City's Anti-Racism Strategy, approved by Mayor Sutcliffe and Council in 2022, is now implementing its five-year action plan with 132 concrete actions. Additionally, Council allocated $150,000 in the 2025 Budget to support an Anti-Hate Campaign and various community initiatives focused on improving social and economic equity, particularly for our youth.
This month, you'll notice special Black History Month murals on three OC Transpo double-decker buses, celebrating the theme "Legacies worth preserving, creating and celebrating." There is also a curated exhibition of photographs outside Council Chambers at City Hall, highlighting the contributions of Black residents to Ottawa's history.
I'm also particularly excited to highlight several meaningful developments initiated by the Black community in our city. The Somerset West Community Health Centre, through the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition, has secured $1.67 million from Ontario Health to advance the provincial Black Health Plan in Ottawa. This funding will expand essential services, including increased hiring of Black health professionals and extended clinic hours—a crucial step toward addressing healthcare disparities with the Black community.
I am especially proud to announce a watershed development for our community: the establishment of an independent Ottawa Black Coalition. In May 2024, I met with several Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) organizations that committed to creating this coalition. This unified approach will transform how services are delivered to Ottawa's Black community through shared resources, coordinated programming, and stronger advocacy. The coalition will work toward building community-owned assets, developing sustainable funding models, and creating integrated service delivery hubs that better serve our community's needs. You can learn more about the initiative in this Policy Paper on the Ottawa Black Coalition that my office recently published.
I encourage everyone to participate in the numerous Black History Month events happening throughout our city. The Ottawa Public Library is hosting a special Black History Month event series, and Black History Ottawa has prepared a comprehensive event calendar of events happening in the city throughout February that I encourage you to explore.
As your Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I remain committed to ensuring that every resident can thrive in our city. Black History Month isn't just about remembering our past—it's about actively building a better future for all Ottawa residents.
Your Councillor in the Community
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update for Feb. 14
- There will be blowing & drifting snow today - please be cautious when going out today.
- The City's Significant Weather Event designation remains in effect given the amount of snow we received, the amount of cleanup required & more snow in the forecast.
- Crews are focusing on clean-up today, and addressing bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian islands, corners and cul de sacs.
- Clean-up will take time.
- The winter weather parking ban remains in place until 7 pm tonight.
- Snowbank removal operations will resume once the transportation network is cleared from the recent storm. However, staff are tracking another significant storm heading toward the Ottawa region. Once snowbank removal work resumes, the schedule will be posted on my Facebook page
- All winter operations updates are posted at ottawa.ca/winter and my website.
Snowbank removal operations
Snowbank removal operations began in the urban core, including in Ward 13, the evening of Sunday, February 9 following two back-to-back storms the week of Feb. 3. Crews continued day and night, working in our neighbourhoods, until the recent winter storm arrived Wednesday evening. At that time, snowbank removal was paused so that crews could be redeployed to plow the City's transportation network. Snowbank removal will resume once storm clean-up is complete. Updates for the snowbank removal schedule will be posted to my Facebook page.
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Moana 2 - Feb. 15
African Day on the Hill gala - Feb. 15
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. Young and old, families, couples and friends are invited to come to the Richelieu Park forest 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. For details, please visit museoparc.ca.
- No reservations required: just show up between 9 am and 12 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
- Please bring a wireless drill and charged batteries if you can.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- A quick training session on tree tapping and forest orientation will be offered every hour on the hour.
- Pea soup will be served at the Vanier Sugar Shack after the tree-tapping event to thank our participants for their efforts!
- Limited free parking at Centre Richelieu-Vanier (300, av. des Pères-Blancs). Take the pathway near the library to get directly to the sugar shack.
New Edinburgh Family Day Rink Fest - Feb. 17
- Delicious food
- Fun games
- Inspiring guest speakers
- Opportunities to earn volunteer hours
- Transportation support available, if needed
Ottawa Regional Anti-Racism Education Summit - Feb. 18
As the first in a series of four regional summits across Ontario, the Ottawa Regional Anti-Racism Education Summit will engage educators, parents, students, and community leaders in strategizing actionable solutions to advance equity within K-12 education. Findings from the summit will contribute to a comprehensive report to advocate for provincial policy reform. For more information and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Richelieu Vanier Community Centre, Kiwanis Hall, 300 Pères-Blancs Ave.
Start your day with inspiration and connection at Volunteer Ottawa’s 2nd Annual Community Breakfast! We’re inviting people who love Ottawa’s charities and non-profits to enjoy a continental breakfast, learn about VO’s programs and services, and connect with other people working to make Ottawa a better place for everyone. For more information and for tickets, please visit Volunteer Ottawa’s website.
Where: Rideau Hub Cafeteria, 815 St Laurent Blvd.
On Sunday, February 23 - and following a successful inaugural event last year - the Rideau Winter Trail team will be hosting their second Loppet. Starting in front of the Rideau Sports Centre at 10 am, participants can choose between a 2 km or 11 km loop (non-timed). All ages are welcome to join in the fun. Registration includes snacks, hot drinks - and lots of fun! Participants also get 15% off lunch at The Bridge Public House (in the Rideau Sports Centre), following the Loppet. For more information, and to register, please visit zone4.ca. If you are unsure what a loppet is all about, Cross Country Canada defines it as “a great gathering of skiers who ski on a specifically groomed trail." Details: www.rideauwintertrail.ca/rwt-loppet
Celebrating Canadian Veterans and Their Passions - A Special Series by Beechwood in Partnership with Perley Health - Feb. 25
- Date: February 25, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Beechwood Cemetery
Beechwood, in partnership with the Perley Health Foundation, is proud to launch a new series honouring Canadian veterans and the passions that define their legacies. This series seeks to welcome veterans, share their remarkable stories, and highlight the talents and passions that continue to inspire us all. This inaugural event features WWII veteran and celebrated artist Roland Lalonde. Join us as we explore Mr. Lalonde’s vivid artistic interpretations of his experiences in Europe. Alongside his artwork, Mr. Lalonde will share personal reflections on his journey, providing a heartfelt and inspiring look at the impact of his service and his passion for art. This is more than an art exhibit—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the lives and stories of those who served, fostering a deeper connection to their history and their passions. RSVP Required. To RSVP please click here or for more information or to confirm your attendance via email, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Special Roundtable Discussion in Celebration of Black History Month - New date: Feb. 26
In honour of Black History Month, Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier is hosting a special roundtable discussion in collaboration with Burundi We Want on February 26, from 2 to 4 pm, at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue and share insights into the rich history and invaluable contributions of Black communities. All African communities in Ottawa-Vanier are invited. This event provides an opportunity for community members to come together, celebrate, and engage in important conversations about our shared history and future.
- Up to $10,000 in funding to kickstart their vision
- Mentorship & networking with innovators
- Expert resources to guide them through the process
- Deadline to apply: February 28, 2025
Regional Awards: Up to 200 winners receive $1,000, plus mentorship and learning opportunities.
National Awards: Regional winners can compete for 13 finalist prizes of $1,000 each or one of 5 top awards of $10,000!
Have questions? Reach out to: [email protected] Learn more: ingeniousplus.ca Have an idea and need some mentorship? Contact [email protected]
St. Laurent Library branch programming - February
English Book Club featuring Snow Road Station on Feb. 27 from 10 am to 12 pm
Game Afternoons - Feb. 19 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Play board games and more. (walk-in program)
Drop-in adult programs
- English Conversation Group - Thursdays 6:30 - 8 pm
- Groupe de conversation en français - Les mardis 18 h 30 - 20 h
-
Free movie nights
- Feb. 24 at 6 pm: Avant les rues (in French)
- Knitting & Crochet Club - Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm
Drop-in children's programs
- Family Storytime in English - Mondays at 10:30 am
- Babytime - Tuesdays at 10:30 am
- Contes en famille in French - Wednesdays at 10:30 am
- Homework club for ages 6 to 12 - Wednesdays at 5 pm
Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub services in Ward 13 - February
Drop by the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub located at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard for employment and social services, Aging Well in Ottawa programming, vaccinations and free dental screenings. For details and the schedule, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca.
- The Rideau Community Hub - Feb. 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 am
- ACB Centre - Feb. 19 from 1 to 3 pm
- The Rideau Community Hub - March 12 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
City of Ottawa celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag - Feb. 15
The City of Ottawa will mark National Flag of Canada Day and the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag this Saturday, February 15. To celebrate this day, the City of Ottawa will fly multiple Canadian flags at City Hall, including the flagpole in front of the Heritage Building. Illuminations in red and white are also planned for the Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall and the OTTAWA sign in the ByWard Market. On February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. On the same day in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared
Introducing the new Property Standards Search Tool
The City of Ottawa's newly launched Property Standards Search Tool, located in the Rental Housing section of the City of Ottawa's website, provides residents with the ability to search residential addresses in the city to determine if there have been any property standards violations within the past five years. It is meant to help residents make more informed choices about where to rent. This initiative originated with the Rental Accommodations Study and was approved with the adoption of the Rental Housing Property Management By-law and Rental Accommodation Study Update in August 2020. It has been developed in consultation with and input from ACORN Ottawa, the Eastern Ontario Landlords Organization, and Ottawa Small Landlords Association, in addition to internal departmental partners. Using this tool, residents can search any residential address in the city. Commercial and institutional properties are not included in search results. The tool meets the requirements of privacy legislation. Search results will include a general description of the type of property, such as “Multi-residential building with 50 or more units,” using data from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. Results will display any recorded violations of the Property Standards (By-law No. 2013-416) or Property Maintenance (By-law No. 2005-208) that have occurred in the past five years, including the date, the type of violation and whether the case is open or has been resolved. Please note that this does not include all complaints, only those where a Property Standards Officer has confirmed that the property was in violation and enforcement action was required. No case details or personal information are provided.
Winterlude - Until Feb. 17
Time: 4:30 pm (Doors Open)
Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Hall, Ballroom 100, 144 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON
Dress Code: Formal
Entry Requirements: Valid Government ID or Student ID, (Registration REQUIRED)
This upcoming Family Day weekend, families can fish for free in Ontario without the need to buy a fishing licence or Outdoors Card. If you are fishing for free during the Family Day weekend, all conservation licence catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations and rules still apply. Before you head out, prioritize safety by checking ice conditions with local operators or anglers. Clear blue ice is the strongest, while white or honeycombed ice is weaker. Let someone know your fishing plans and wear proper gear for safety and comfort. For more information, check out what you need to know about free family fishing in Ontario.
Family Day Schedule Changes - Feb. 17
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Family Day holiday on Monday, February 17. Visit ottawa.ca for details.
Family Day Skating Party - Feb. 17
The City of Ottawa and Capital Heritage Connexion are thrilled to invite you to Heritage Day 2025, celebrating with the theme: "Heritage Champions: Crafting a Legacy of Preservation and Innovation." It’s a time to come together and honour the incredible work being done to preserve Ottawa’s rich and diverse history! The event takes place Feb. 18, noon to 2 pm. This is an in-person event at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Admission is free. Come explore the vibrant heritage community of Ottawa! 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. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca. Additional details are available at capitalheritage.ca/heritage-day-2025.
Public engagement and communication review - Survey is available until Feb. 21
The City of Ottawa is refreshing its communications to better serve you. Whether it's through social media, email updates, or public engagement opportunities, staff want to hear your feedback on how they communicate with you. Complete a short survey about how you prefer to hear from us. The survey will close on Friday, February 21. Your feedback will help shape our efforts to improve communications from our central social media channels and newsletters. To complete the survey, please visit Engage Ottawa.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot: www.eventbrite.ca
Join the Zonta Club of Ottawa for The Shawshank Redemption - Feb. 23
Join the Zonta Club as it celebrates its 95th anniversary and support the club's 2025 education awards for women and girls. Enjoy an exclusive preview performance of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ presented by Ottawa Little Theatre & Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada. Get ready to be captivated by this timeless classic brought to life on stage. Taking place at the Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue on Feb. 23 from 2 to 4:30 pm. Doors open at 1:20 pm. The proceeds from this preview performance will support the Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada’s annual education awards and bursaries program for high-school and post-secondary girls and women in the National Capital Region. Tickets are available at zontaottawa.ca.
Recreation Program & Summer Camp Registration Dates
- Thursday, February 27: summer camp registration opens online at 9 pm
Get involved in your city: join a committee or board - Applications due by Feb. 27
- Ottawa Board of Health (1 position)
- Committee of Adjustment (reserves)
- Rogers Centre Ottawa – Board of Directors (1 position and reserves)
- Accessibility Advisory Committee (1 position and reserves)
- Community Safety and Well-being Advisory Committee (2 positions)
- French Language Services Advisory Committee (2 positions, and reserves)
- Planning Advisory Committee (Landscape Architect position)
These volunteer positions are opportunities for qualified residents to provide their expertise, knowledge and lived experience to advise on the City’s work. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 27 at 4:30 pm. For more information or to submit your application, visit the Join a committee or board page. A virtual question and answer session will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 6 pm as part of this mid-term recruitment drive. The information session recording will be available on YouTube after February 6. It will include a brief overview of the recruitment process and the steps to apply. It will also include questions from participants and the answers provided by recruitment staff. Email [email protected] or call 613-580-2424, ext. 28136, for more information.
Administrative Penalty System Hearing Officers – paid, part-time appointments: A concurrent recruitment drive for Administrative Penalty System Hearing Officer is also ongoing. These adjudicator positions are paid, part-time appointments. Visit Become a Hearing Officer on ottawa.ca.to access the online application and more information – including submission deadlines.
Awesome Authors Contest - Submissions due Feb. 28
Until February 28, budding Ottawa writers between the ages of 9 and 18 have the incredible opportunity to enter the 2025 Awesome Authors contest organized by the Ottawa Public Library. Entries are accepted in the following categories: short story, poetry, comic, nouvelle, poésie, and bande dessinée. For the past several years, OPL has added a special touch to the contest with the “book cover” category, which gives youth free rein to illustrate the cover of the anthology of winning entries. For those who are passionate about drawing and illustration, the “book cover” category is an opportunity to showcase their hidden talent. As in previous years, the contest judges—Catherine Austen, Apollo the Child, Amelinda Bérubé, Pierre-Luc Bélanger and Éric Péladeau—will be hosting writing workshops where participants can gain valuable insights into the fundamentals of writing and explore various literary genres. Workshops will be held online and at OPL branches. For more information about the Awesome Authors contest, criteria and other details, visit the Awesome Authors youth writing contest web page.
Community partnership major capital program - Grant applications due 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.
What projects are eligible?
- Major capital projects for new facilities, renovations and expansions that result in the development of fixed assets relating to parks and recreation located within the City of Ottawa.
- 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 deadline date for submitting proposals is March 1 at 3 pm. For more information and to apply, please visit ottawa.ca.
Young At Art - Submissions due by March 6
Calling all young visual artists in Ottawa: step into the spotlight and let your art shine! The City of Ottawa's Young at Art program is a professionally assessed art exhibition that brings the work of talented young visual artists between the ages of 12 and 19 to local art galleries. Selected works are displayed and are eligible for several awards. Submit your artwork by 1 pm on March 6, 2025.
Public Information about Accessibility Features in Parks Survey – Open Until March 6
City parks are important community assets that provide residents with opportunities for leisure, sport and play. Over the last several years, the City has included many enhancements to its parks to make play in our playgrounds more inclusive, and to provide park features that are more accessible for everyone to enjoy. Staff are seeking your input to learn what accessibility features you would like to know about when visiting City of Ottawa parks. Staff also want to know how you would like to access this information. The information you provide will be used to develop options for providing residents with information related to accessibility features in new and existing parks. The survey is open until March 6 at Engage Ottawa.
Vacant Unit Tax property status declarations - due March 20, 2025
Homeowners are reminded to complete their Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration for each residential property they own before the March 20 deadline. A $250 late fee will be applied to declarations submitted after the deadline.
To complete the declaration, visit ottawa.ca/vut:
- Click “Submit your declaration now”
- Log on with roll number and access code (found on last year’s property tax bill or information notices that were sent by email or Canada Post)
Residents registered with My SeviceOttawa can go directly to the declaration from their property tax account. Notices will be sent to property owners in January, with email delivery used whenever possible.
Alternate and accessible declaration options are available.
By phone (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm):
- Call 613-580-2444 and select option 3 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone
- Call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service
- In-person: Visit any City Client Service Centre. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations and business hours.
Grants available for community environmental projects - Deadline is March 31
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program. This grant program provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa. This year’s application deadline is Monday, March 31 at 4 pm. Grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2026. For details about eligibility, the application process, profiles of past projects and to complete an application form, please visit Community Environmental Projects Grant Program
Emergency Services News
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.