February 17, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The City’s proposed 2023 budget is being considered by all Standing Committees throughout February, then debated and adopted by Council on March 1. Resident input and feedback are integral to the development of the City’s budget. That is why I have held two virtual public consultations, both for Ward 13 residents and members of the Indigenous, Black and racialized communities. The draft Budget 2023 supports Council’s commitment to fund ongoing operational needs and is transitional in nature as the new Council has yet to determine its Term of Council priorities. The City is proposing an overall tax increase of 2.5 per cent based upon Council direction provided last December, which I did not support due to serious social and physical infrastructure gaps confronting the City. At 2.5 per cent, the average urban homeowner would pay an additional $104 on their annual property tax bill, while the average rural homeowner would pay an additional $85.In terms of investments in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, the budget will include $1.8 million to design the Jeffery Avenue-Arundel Avenue-Farnham Crescent integrated road, water and sewer project, which is part of a $12.4-million investment. There will also be an additional $1.8 million to design the renewal of Rue de l’Eglise, part of a $9.5-million investment. The budget will also include an additional investment in the Ottawa Community Housing project on Mikinak Road to continue to the construction of 271 affordable new units, bringing the municipal investment in the project up to $20 million to date. The budget will allocate $440,000 to replace or rehabilitate parks, recreation and cultural facilities, which include improvements to Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park, Hemlock Park and the Lindenlea Community Centre. There will also be $700,000 to build a new park near Coventry Road, part of a multi-year investment of $1.4 million. There will also be new investments to build new parks in Wateridge Village, including Kishkabika Park and William Barker Park. Transit investments in Ward 13 will include $200,000 to renew the upper platform at St-Laurent Station as well as $56,000 to install new accessible bus stop landing pads at several locations along Den Haag Drive and Hemlock Road. Finally, the budget will include $50,000 for improvements to Fire Station 51 in Carson Grove.You can view recordings of the virtual budget consultations my office held at youtube.com/rawlsonking.As budget deliberations continue throughout the month, I will continue to respond to specific resident inquiries about the budget concerning the adequacy of affordable housing investments, as well as optimization of the transit budget to allow for increased capital investments and route optimization. I will work with my Council colleagues throughout the City budget process to attempt to address these resident concerns. Residents should continue to contact my office about budget concerns, but can also continue to provide feedback and questions through Committee delegations, social media (using the #OttBudget hashtag), through 3-1-1 and through the City's feedback tools at Engage Ottawa.
Councillor King in the Community
It was a busy, engaging and dynamic week in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward and around the city. On Feb. 15 I joined Ottawa-Centre MP Yasir Naqvi and youth at St. Pius X High School to celebrate Black History Month. On Feb. 14 I was invited to speak with the Carleton University Ravens Varsity Council. On Feb. 13 I joined my colleagues to welcome MP Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, to City Hall where he announced a third round of support for the Rapid Housing Initiative to create up to 48 new affordable homes in Ottawa. On Feb. 16 I hosted a virtual budget consultation for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents. Thank you to everyone who attended. I appreciated the questions and discussion. On Feb. 12 I enjoyed supporting the Drag Bingo fundraiser in support of St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. My thanks to Councillor Stéphanie Plante for organizing this important benefit. Also last weekend, I attended the Sonic Runway in the ByWard Market which highlighted Indigenous talent. On Feb. 11 I enjoyed an impressive performance of the Ottawa Fringe short play "Why Worry About Their Futures," which was part of the Undercurrents Festival at Arts Court. The Annual Inuit Day Celebration on Feb. 11, hosted by the Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre, featured palaugaq-making, country food, games, throat singing and art and craft vendors. On Feb. 11 I enjoyed seeing the return of the Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall. That same day, my Rideau-Rockcliffe team and I enjoyed serving free hot chocolate to those out on the Rideau Winter Trail and at the Rideau Sports Club in celebration of National Health & Fitness Day. On Feb. 10 I appreciated the chance to visit Matthew House Ottawa's Furniture Bank to learn more about the important work they are doing in support of the community.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Hydro Ottawa maintenance upgrades - St. Patrick Street
Starting the week of February 21, 2023 Hydro Ottawa is initiating a project that includes the upgrade of a maintenance hole located on St. Patrick Street, west of Crichton Street. This project has an estimated completion date of March 7, 2023. Their goal with this work is to maintain the electricity system so they can prevent larger and longer unplanned outages from occurring in the future. Overall, this work will include lane reductions, sidewalk closure and replacement of aging infrastructure. There are no scheduled power outages associated with this work. Residents and businesses may notice increased construction presence throughout the project, including construction vehicles. Traffic control and lane reductions may be implemented throughout the project to ensure that roads remain safe and accessible to residents and staff.
Impacted street: St. Patrick Street (westbound)
Project start date: February 21, 2023
Project end date: March 7, 2023
Contractor on site: Teraflex
Hydro Ottawa - tree trimming and power outage - Rockcliffe Way, Elmdale Avenue and Rock Avenue
Hydro Ottawa, along with its forestry contractor Asplundh, will complete tree trimming work on the below streets on February 23, 2023 as part of their efforts to prevent trees and branches from coming into contact with overhead power lines. Power outages are scheduled as a result of this work and will impact residents on the noted streets. At Hydro Ottawa, we believe that trees are an integral part of the health and enhancement of our community. While trees and electricity seldom mix, we believe they can be good neighbours. When planned responsibly and properly maintained, power outages are reduced by 40 per cent. When trimming, our goal is to remove only what’s absolutely necessary, focusing on trees directly in contact with a power line or within three metres. Our crews are expertly trained in pruning techniques and always do their best to redirect growth away from power lines while making efforts to protect the health of the tree. To achieve this, we comply with the reliability standards and clearance objectives required. Hydro Ottawa works closely with the City of Ottawa’s Forestry Services Department to meet these standards and objectives. All impacted residents will be contacted by phone, email or text and will be further notified by written notice delivered to their door where applicable. Further, notification will be provided if the power outage is to extend beyond the original duration time. In case of adverse weather, the outage may be rescheduled.
Affected streets: Rockliffe Way, Elmdale Avenue and Rock Avenue
Start date: February 23, 2023
Planned power outage: 8 am. to 2 pm.
Contractor on site: Asplundh
Total customers impacted: 15
Good Food Box program
The Ottawa Good Food Box and MarketMobile Community Markets strive to make fruits and vegetables more accessible and affordable for Ottawa community members facing barriers to accessing fresh food. Good Food Boxes can be ordered and purchased online here and can be picked up at a number of locations, including the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Room 122 on Wednesdays, from 2 to 4 pm. For more information, please click here.
The NCC’s Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park Plan - Survey
The National Capital Commission is conducting 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 engagement platform at PlaceSpeak until Feb. 19, 2023.
For more information, please click here.
Pink Shirt Day - Feb. 22
Feb. 22 is Pink Shirt Day - wear pink to help bring awareness to bullying. Go to www.pinksirtday.ca to learn more about Pink Shirt day.
Information on bullying can be found at Parenting in Ottawa and PREVNet.
Invitation to "Ideas, Welcome": Progressive Ideas for Community Well-Being - Hosted by the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre - Feb. 22
You are invited to attend the inaugural session of "Ideas, Welcome", a novel pilot project for engaging citizens motivated by progressive ideas for civic impact. As the session host, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre will provide the space and support for small groups of citizens (10-15) to connect and engage in creative conversations on specific ideas for community benefit and well-being. We believe that small groups of motivated citizens engaged in such conversations can help actualize the potential of ideas for civic good. The inaugural session of "Ideas, Welcome" will be led by civic innovator Dan Monafu and founder of the Project Project Collective. Dan is proposing a project called the “Economic Nutrition Guide” as an imaginative approach for understanding the social and economic impacts of our purchasing behaviours on local communities.You can view Dan's short video to appreciate the potential of this project:Video Invitation:
Session Date: Feb. 22, 2023, 6-8 pm
Location: Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Room 124 (Incubator 13)
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.
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 Street 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.
Taking place on the last Saturday of every month throughout the year, you'll be able to grab a pint/wine, as well as a meal while you check out local vendors.
Produce shopping will be available as well as handmade goods, bread, jewelry, donuts and more. There will be different things to do for the kids as well as outdoor fires.
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 also offers several adult classes and programs that cater to a wide range of interests. Click here for the complete schedule.
Black Women in Leadership - March 12 at City Hall
We are ushering in a new era in celebrating Black Excellence. Leading Ladies Canada is proud to host an International Women's Day event in the heart of the City of Ottawa to make its biggest impact yet. 2023 is the year to change it up and make history by celebrating Black leaders throughout February into March. LLC is embracing equity in its organization by highlighting black leaders throughout various programs. Please join us to celebrate Black Excellence and be empowered by arts, a fashion show with performances by Indashyikirwa Rwanda dance group, various African groups and amazing surprise guests. The event is taking place at Ottawa’s City Hall on March 12, 2023, from 12 to 4 pm.
Funding Opportunities
City of Ottawa 2023 Community Economic Development Program - Application deadline is Feb. 24
Registered non-profit corporations with at least two years of financial statements are eligible to apply. Projects must be a 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.
Crime Prevention Ottawa - Requests for Proposals welcome until March 13 & Info session on Feb. 28
CPO's 2023 Request for Proposals is open, and applications are due by 5 pm on March 13. We are looking to fund projects that make Ottawa safer. Up to $600,900 of CPO funds are available in 2023. There are 3 streams of funding:
- micro grants (up to $15,000, for one-year projects),
- non-renewable grants ($30,000 to $60,000), and
- multi-year systems level/collaboratives (up to $160,000 per year).
This year's Request for Proposals is an initial step towards implementing a more equitable and transparent process. CPO is evolving how it funds safety initiatives based on a review of its funding practices led by Mehari Consulting, which involved gathering feedback from the community and stakeholders. Information session: Feb. 28 at 6 pm. Please visit CPO's funding page for more information, to download an application form, and to register for the Q&A session.
City of Ottawa 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.
City of Ottawa Civic and Commemorative Events Funding - Application deadline is March 10
Civic Events Funding is open to all local not-for-profit organizations, such as community groups and associations. It is used to deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities and neighbourhoods that:
• Promote neighbours meeting neighbours in their local, geographic community;
• Include multiple activities, family entertainment and attractions designed to appeal to residents in a specific geographic neighbourhood/district or ward;
• Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members; and
• Promote equity and inclusion.
Applications will be accepted until March 10, 2023, for events taking place in 2023. For more information, please visit Ottawa.ca. For additional information and questions, 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
City of Ottawa Community Partnership Minor Capital Program - Application deadlines for 2023 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.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Family Day Schedule Changes
Certain City of Ottawa services, such as waste collection, will be operating on holiday schedules on Monday, February 20 due to Family Day. Take note of more holiday schedule changes here.
Special Parking restrictions downtown until Feb. 20
Special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown between Feb. 17 and 20 due to potential protests this weekend.
Increased Ottawa Bylaw and Ottawa Police presence is also planned in the downtown core. Click here for details.
Ottawa’s Draft 2023 Budget - Opportunities for resident feedback
The proposed budget will be considered by all Standing Committees in the coming weeks, then adopted by Council on March 1. Residents have multiple ways to have a say about Draft Budget 2023:
- Visit Engage Ottawa for an up-to-date list of Councillor-led budget consultation sessions.
- Submit your ideas directly to your Ward Councillor.
- Register as a public delegation to make a five-minute presentation at a budget review meeting of any committee, board or commission. Visit ottawa.ca/budget to learn about meeting dates.
- Follow and communicate with the City of Ottawa on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag #OttBudget.
- Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Rural residents call 613-580-2400.
February is Black History Month events - Feb. 22
Throughout the month, you are invited to learn more about African, Caribbean and Black history, culture and art. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library are offering events both in-person and virtually that are open to everyone. Details are available here.
- What Would Ms. Hina Do? Themes and lessons from the novel Scarborough. Allyship, community, in the context of Black History Month. This event will be held in-person at the National Arts Centre on Feb. 22 at 7 pm. For details and to register, visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.
An update from the Vanier Museoparc
The Vanier Museoparc team is unfortunately unable to hold its tapping at the sugar bush on Feb. 18 due to logistical issues.
Stay tuned for details about the 38th edition of the Sugar Festival on April 1 for in-person family-oriented fun. Details: museoparc.ca.
Skate with the Mayor - Feb. 20
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe invites everyone to join him for a free Family Day skating party!
On Feb. 20, between 11 am to 2 pm, at Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, come enjoy skating plus some fun winter activities. No registration necessary.
For more information, please click here.
Celebrate Heritage Day at Ottawa City Hall - Feb. 21
The City of Ottawa is excited to celebrate Heritage Day with the theme ‘Recovering and Connecting Ottawa’s Heritage – Stronger Together.'
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
12 pm
In person at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave.
Local historical societies, museums and other associate groups will be set up in Jean Pigott Hall before and after the Heritage Day ceremony at 12 pm for you to ask questions and plan your next visit!
For event details, please click here.
Special Screening at The ByTowne Cinema - Feb. 22
A Special Scholarship Screening of "Ice Breaker: The 1972 Summit Series" will take place on Feb. 22, 2023 at The ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street. Doors open at 6 pm; words of welcome will take place at 6:45 pm; and the movie will start at 7 pm. Author Gary Smith will be in attendance to sign his best-selling book, Ice-War Diplomat, along with the movie's director, Robbie Hart and producer Peter Raymont. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Deborah Chatsis Scholarship Fund for an Indigenous student to study international relations at Carleton University, as will any book royalties that evening. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or in advance online here.
Microaggressions & Mental Health Workshop - March 1
The Microaggressions Workshop will focus on the impacts of microaggressions on the mental health of African, Caribbean and Black individuals. This presentation will also touch on the importance of self-care as well as how to address microaggressions in the workplace. Finally, resources will be shared pertaining to therapy and support groups. This event is in conjunction with Black Mental Health Week via the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition #BMHW2023
Host: Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network
Event: Microaggression & Mental Health
Time: 6 pm (EST)
Location: Zoom
Presenters:
Zoé Jammes & Celtie Coats - Social Work Student with the University of Ottawa
Black Mental Health Week 2023: Exploring Stigma and Black Mental Health - March 1 to 7
The Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition is hosting several events over the week of March 1 to 7, Black Mental Health Week.
The theme this year is exploring stigma and Black mental health with the 3 events:
Black Mental Health is Everyone's Concern - March 1, 9:00-10:30 am on zoom
Mental Health and Wellness Expo- March 3, 10:00am-2:00pm in person
Ending Stigma Together – March 7, 6:00-7:00pm on zoom
For details, please click here.
Emergency Services News
➤ Statement on Public Order and Emergency Act Commission Report
For the statement, please click here.
➤ Traffic Services Unit conducted enforcement blitz - 86 tickets issued
Please click here for details.
City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates
➤ Audit Committee receives convoy protest audit
Click here for more information.
➤ Planning and Housing Committee approves its draft budget for 2023.
Click here for more information.
➤ Built Heritage Committee passes Notice of Intention to Designate the property at 353 Friel Street under the Ontario Heritage Act.
For more information, please click here.
➤ The Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee approved its portion of Draft Budget 2023.
Click here for details.
Upcoming Meetings
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.
