February 21, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
I want to share some important updates about the investments and progress we're making across our ward. As your City Councillor, my mission remains focused on building safe, affordable and healthy communities through improved infrastructure, traffic safety, and poverty reduction initiatives. You'll be receiving a detailed householder report by way of Canada Post this week that outlines all of these accomplishments and nearly $30 million in investments.
One of our major accomplishments is securing funding for critical road safety improvements. We're moving forward with a comprehensive safety study along Beechwood Avenue in 2025, which will examine traffic conditions and sidewalk connectivity from the Vanier Parkway to Beechwood Cemetery. The City has also approved traffic-calming measures along North River Road and Donald Street, with construction expected in 2026, as well as a protected intersection at Vanier Parkway and Donald Street.
In New Edinburgh, a number of investments have been made at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse. City staff have installed accessible washroom doors and fresh anti-slip flooring, with plans to install room partition dividers and acoustic panels to improve the facility's operations. The community will also benefit from the upcoming $400,000 investment in the St. Patrick Street Bridge renewal project, which will enhance cycling connections and improve pedestrian safety.
Wateridge Village residents will see significant investment with $1.8 million allocated for a new fieldhouse in Éugene Martineau Park.
Meanwhile, in Manor Park, work will begin on replacing junior play equipment and adding new amenities at Hemlock Park, with $90,000 secured from the Ward 13 Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Fund.
The Rockcliffe Park community will receive a $150,000 contribution toward the Village Green project, working in collaboration with local residents and the Rockcliffe Park Foundation to restore and rehabilitate this historic space.
In Lindenlea, we've completed a $55,000 project that created a new accessible backyard at the Lindenlea Community Centre.
Overbrook residents now benefit from two new benches along Donald Street as well as significant infrastructure improvements secured in the City's 2025 budget, including a $1-million investment for integrated road, sewer, and watermain work on Vincent Massey Avenue and $3 million for infrastructure work on Prince Albert and Queen Mary streets.
At the broader community level, I'm proud to report that through the City's approved Poverty Reduction Strategy, we've allocated $30.8 million to support more than 100 non-profit social service agencies. Additionally, our Anti-Hate Community and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives received $150,000 to support vital community initiatives.
These investments reflect our commitment to improving quality of life across all neighbourhoods in Rideau-Rockcliffe. From traffic calming to park improvements, from community centres to infrastructure upgrades, we're working to ensure every part of our ward receives the attention and resources it needs to thrive.
I encourage you to review the detailed householder report you'll receive this week for more comprehensive information about these and other initiatives. As always, please visit rideau-rockcliffe.ca to stay informed about ongoing developments in our community.
Your Councillor in the Community
It was wonderful to attend Volunteer Ottawa’s 2nd Annual Community Breakfast today at the Rideau Community Hub. The event allowed many people from Ottawa’s non-profit sector to meet and have informal discussions.
Great to attend the Heritage Day celebration and showcase at City Hall this week with many of my Council colleagues. The event recognized many heritage champions who are crafting a legacy of preservation and innovation.
Great to drop into the Lindenlea Family Day Party on Monday!
I enjoyed an amazing visit to the New Edinburgh Rink Fest during Family Day!
Lots of fun attending the Family Day Skating Party at City Hall!
It was absolute magic to attend Black Out Night at the National Arts Centre during 2025 Black History Month last weekend, featuring an incredible theatrical performance of “Controlled Damage”, which tells the story of Canadian hero Viola Desmond.
I had the pleasure last weekend to briefly drop by the St. Lucia Independence Gala, held in Overbrook and organized by the St. Lucia Ottawa Association.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update for Feb. 21
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Supervisors continue to monitor the transportation network. The focus remains on sidewalks and snow removal .Crews are working 24 hours a day on restoring the transportation network and snow removal. There is still a lot to accomplish, but the team is making progress, and their hard work is paying off. Your continued patience and support are appreciated, as a complete cleanup will take weeks.
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The sidewalk network remains snow-packed, and the team is working nonstop to restore them; however, they currently do not meet the City’s Maintenance Quality Standards. Crews have been using blowers to widen and clean up the sidewalks and on the weekend are expected to fully transition to blade attachments. They will continue to plow/scrape the remaining snow and apply materials to help restore them. Meanwhile, work continues cleaning up bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian island and corners.
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Staff expect the transportation network will be restored and align with the City’s Maintenance Quality Standards at the end of this weekend. As such, the Significant Weather Event will be lifted at 7 am, Monday, February 24, and winter operations will return back to normal.
- All winter operations updates are posted at ottawa.ca/winter and my website, and are also summarized on my Facebook page.
Snowbank removal operations
- Crews continue their work, day and night, on snow removal operations throughout the City.
- Since Monday night, crews have removed more than 90,000 cubic metres of snow using over 300 semi-trailers and 900 dump trucks to haul it to six snow storage facilities across the city. To put that into perspective, the amount of snow removed would fit into the Aberdeen Pavilion and then some—and staff are just getting started!
- Due to the sheer volume of snow and size of the snowbanks, snow removal operations are taking longer than usual.
- Snowbank removal operations resumed earlier this week across the City. Updates for the snowbank removal schedule, when Ward 13 streets are included, are posted to my Facebook page.
The City encourages you to be a hydrant hero this winter and keep your local hydrant clear of snow. Clearing 0.5 meters around a hydrant maintains access for our firefighters and helps them keep you, your family and your community safe. Contractors are reminded to not pile snow over or against hydrants when clearing pathways and driveways in the winter. If you are unable to clear the hydrant on your property, please call 3-1-1.
Receive your Hydrant Hero certificate! Hydrant Hero Certificate Request Form
Students can also request confirmation of their community involvement hours by contacting [email protected].
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Moana 2 - Feb. 22
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
Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable - Feb. 23
Join me, Councillor Rawlson King, and my staff for my next engagement opportunity on Feb. 23 from 10 am to 12 pm in front of the Rideau Sports Centre at 1 Donald Street. My team and I will be joining volunteers with the Rideau Winter Trail during their second annual Loppet event. Drop by for treats and to let us know how we can assist you with municipal issues.
Leadership & Career Day - Feb. 25
The Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO) invites youth, community members, and stakeholders to Leadership & Career Day on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Rideau Community Hub. This event is a great opportunity for youth to connect with career resources, job opportunities, and funding for youth-led projects.
Event Highlights:
✔ Explore City of Ottawa youth summer job opportunities
✔ Learn about the Youth Leadership Grant
✔ Gain valuable work experience and skill development
Details:
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Cafeteria
Admission: Free & open to the public
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].
Hydro Ottawa electrical service upgrade and power outage - Acacia Lane and Coltrin Place - Feb. 26
On February 26, 2025, Hydro Ottawa will be transferring the electricity service to the new electrical infrastructure, affecting customers on Acacia Lane and Coltrin Place. In order to undertake this work safely, a planned power interruption will be required. Residents may notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will occur on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way allowance and Hydro Ottawa easement.
Impacted streets: Acacia Lane and Coltrin Place
Date: February 26, 2025
Time: 9 am. to 3 pm
Total customers impacted: 2
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]
Community Cofee Day - Feb. 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's next Community Coffee Day is Feb. 28 from 2 to 3 pm in Room 124 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. Everyone welcome.
With the approach of tax season, Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier is hosting free tax clinics to help Ottawa-Vanier residents prepare their tax returns. The tax clinics will take place on the following Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at 233 Montreal Road. For more information, please contact the constituency office at [email protected] or by calling (613) 998-1860.
- March 1
- March 15
- March 29
- April 12
- April 26
Oakhill Road One-Way Proposal – Comments welcome by March 3
The City of Ottawa is considering converting Oakhill Road to one-way travel from Acacia Avenue to Beechwood Avenue to improve safety at the intersection of Oakhill and Acacia. Your feedback is essential in shaping this decision. Share your thoughts by participating in the engagement process here: engage.ottawa.ca/oakhill-road-to-one-way The deadline to submit comments is March 3.
- Explore the world of Pokemon - Ages 5-8 - In English on Mondays from 6 to 6:45 pm and in French on Mondays from 5:15 to 6 pm
- Painting and drawing - In English on Mondays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm and in French on Thursdays from 4:45 to 5:45 pm
- Play School programming - Ages 3-5 - Saturdays from 9 to 11 am. March 29 to May 31
Emergency Food Bank is looking for volunteers
Are you looking to get involved in your community? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of your neighbours in need? Sign up to become a Food Bank volunteer at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre! One 4-hour shift per week. Please note that a 3-month time commitment is required
St. Laurent Library branch programming - February
English Book Club featuring Snow Road Station on Feb. 27 from 10 am to 12 pm
Drop-in adult programs
- English Conversation Group - Thursdays 6:30 - 8 pm
- Groupe de conversation en français - Les mardis 18 h 30 - 20 h
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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
- The Rideau Community Hub - March 12 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Freedom to Read Week
From February 23 to March 1, 2025, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is inviting everyone to celebrate Freedom to Read Week, devoted to highlighting the essential role that libraries play in defending intellectual freedom. This annual campaign prompts Canadians to consider the value of unfettered access to information and ideas—a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. OPL is dedicated to promoting literacy, preserving open dialogue, and offering a diverse collection of materials that encourage readers to explore, question, and engage with multiple perspectives. For a list of events marking this important week, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. To read banned books, visit OPL’s book sanctuary: Book Sanctuary | Ottawa Public Library. For more details about Freedom to Read Week at OPL, visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
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.
City Wide Sports leagues: Hit the courts and diamonds this spring
Join a City Wide Sports league. Whether it’s on sand, a court or a diamond, City Wide Sports has something for you. It’s a great and fun way to stay active with new or old friends. Individual and team registrations are now open on register.ottawa.ca for a variety of mixed and women’s leagues for ages 18 and up. The deadline for many is Friday, May 23. When registering, you join an existing team or set up your own team. League schedules, standings and leaderboards are available online throughout the season for easy planning and tracking. Options include mixed and women's beach volleyball leagues, women's pickleball leagues, and women's softball leagues. The mixed Spikeball® league runs from the beginning of July to mid-August at Mooney’s Bay Park. Registration opens in May. Men’s and women’s hockey leagues run from October to February. Registration opens in August.
Summer Camp Registration opens Feb. 27
Summer camps are affordable and offer children and youth, ages 4 to 14, a wide variety of activities and themes in a safe, fun, and supervised environment. Camps are offered in English or French. Check out register.ottawa.ca for a wide variety of themes, activities, and interests at affordable prices. Registration is Thursday, February 27 at 9 pm. Details: ottawa.ca
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.
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.
Draft Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy released - Comments welcome by March 4
The City of Ottawa’s Recreation and Facilities Department has released the Draft Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy for public review. The strategy is the product of extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of partners, including municipalities across Canada, residents, municipal membership tennis and pickleball clubs and local sport associations. Input from partners shaped the direction of the strategy and guidelines have been designed to reflect and balance the priorities of each group.
Key Considerations:
- Outdoor Court Minimum Standards
- Pickleball Noise Mitigation
- Outdoor Court Equity, Diversity and Access
- Outdoor Public Court Equipment/Infrastructure
- Outdoor Public Court Conditions of Use
Residents are invited to share feedback regarding the Draft Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy by email to [email protected] by March 4, 2025. It is anticipated that the strategy will be finalized in Q2 2025.
Civic Events Funding application process opens March 5
Starting March 5, community organizations can apply for Civic Events funding. Civic Events funding helps support family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities. It will prioritize events that are directed towards equity-denied populations and priority neighbourhoods. A total of $50,000 is available, with an eligible maximum amount of $3,000 per event and funding provided one-time per organization, per year. To learn more about the Civic Event fund, including eligibility, timelines and how to apply, visit the City of Ottawa website. For questions and inquiries on this funding process, contact [email protected].
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.
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.
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
Ottawa Police launches the 2025 Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship Award
The Ottawa Police Service is now accepting applications for the 2025 Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship Award. Established in 1993 in memory of former Ottawa Police Chief Thomas G. Flanagan (1989-1993), this annual $2,000 scholarship supports Indigenous and racialized women pursuing post-secondary education with aspirations of a career in policing. Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2025. Click here for more information about the 2025 Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship.
Tow truck non-compliance results in 168 charges laid
Since January 1, 2025, the Ottawa Police Service has been conducting tow truck compliance checks to ensure adherence to the Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act (TSSEA), Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Police checked tow truck operators, drivers, and vehicle storage facilities for compliance, resulting 168 charges against multiple companies and drivers. The main goal of this operation was to keep the public safe and protect consumers by making sure tow truck operators and drivers followed the rules. Key issues covered included showing information clearly, obtaining consent for services, and respecting inspection guidelines.
The towing enforcement team’s efforts demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding residents from unlawful towing activities," stated Acting Inspector Dave Merkel. "We will continue enforcing regulations that address public safety and accountability in the tow industry.” The Ottawa Police Service will continue to enforce towing industry compliance. If you need a tow, know your rights Know your rights when getting a tow | ontario.ca. If you have a towing complaint, you can submit it to the online portal Landing Page | TVSO. Businesses and drivers should be aware of their legal responsibilities under the TSSEA, CAIA and HTA.
Are you interested in a career with the Ottawa Police Service?
The Ottawa Police Service is hiring for numerous roles, including:
- New and experienced officers
- HR Advisor
- HR Marketing Specialist Manager
- Technology Adoption
- Police Communicator
- Business Continuity Analyst
Visit Ottawapolice.ca/careers for more information!
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.