February 23, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
As Chair of the Built Heritage Committee, I was excited to celebrate Heritage Day on Tuesday, February 20. Heritage Day provides a chance to recognize the contributions of the many dedicated staff and volunteers promoting heritage conservation and educating the public about our City’s history.
Numerous local historical societies, museums and other heritage advocacy organizations including Capital Heritage Connexion and Heritage Ottawa set up displays in a showcase in Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall this week, where they demonstrated the collective importance of our historic buildings and sites, archives, libraries, museums, commercial main streets or districts, places of faith, industrial areas and natural or cultural landscapes. These organizations demonstrated their commitment to preserve, promote and celebrate our significant historic, architectural, natural and scenic heritage in order to protect and enhance our City’s heritage for our benefit and for future generations.
During Heritage Day celebrations, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe recognized the importance of the theme “Diversity in Heritage - Recognizing the Past, Celebrating the Future” by offering this year’s proclamation to Black History Ottawa.
Established in 1986, Black History Ottawa (BHO) is a registered Canadian charity with a mandate to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of, and carry out research in the history, culture, traditions, and achievements of Canadians of African descent. Their year-round programming includes targeted initiatives such as those focused on the U.N. Decade for Peoples of African Descent (2015-2024) as well as annual Black History Month events and participation in local heritage events such as Heritage Day, Multiculturalism Day, Emancipation Day and the National Remembrance Day ceremony.
Over its nearly 40 years of existence, BHO has collaborated with other heritage and community associations (Jaku Konbit, Caribbean associations, etc.) as well as mainstream institutions (Library & Archives Canada, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Public Library, National Gallery of Canada and school boards) on public education events.
BHO is especially proud of having successfully promoted the annual city-wide observance of Black History Month since 1987 as well as its annual Black Hockey History initiatives in partnership with the NHL and Ottawa Senators. BHO has also collaborated on the production of the documentary film "West Indian Domestic Pioneers" and the implementation of the ground-breaking national Black heritage project "Connecting the Dots" which serves to share common experiences among members of the African diaspora across Canada. Their work with youth across Ottawa includes “Children’s Stories from the Black Diaspora," their Young Community Builders Award as well as various mentorship and education-focused projects supporting Black youth in Ottawa. For more information about Black History Ottawa and to see the many upcoming events for Black History Month in Ottawa please visit their website www.blackhistoryottawa.org. BHO will be unveiling a history tour of Ottawa soon and I invite residents to take advantage of it.
Our shared heritage and histories in all their forms has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. I encourage you to explore how heritage is being celebrated in your community and learn about services offered by local heritage organizations, public programs and special initiatives, as well as professional development and volunteer opportunities. You can learn more about the City’s cultural opportunities at ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/museums-and-historic-sites.
Your Councillor in the Community
I was pleased to attend Volunteer Ottawa's community breakfast fundraiser yesterday morning in Rideau-Rockcliffe along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Rideau River Flood Control Operations
Every year, the City of Ottawa’s Roads and Parking Services team works in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to prepare for its annual Rideau River Flood Control (RRFC) operations and blasting. This unique process that has been in place since the late 1890s, puts our team on the ice – first to clear the snow, then to cut the ice and finally to blast it. These operations are critical to mitigating the risk of flooding in the communities along the Rideau River.
Don’t look now, but spring is on the horizon and operations are officially underway! On February 9, a portion of the Rideau River Flood Control team was mobilized and began preparing equipment and drilling test holes at several locations throughout the river corridor. This winter season has seen less snow, warmer temperatures during the day and frigid temperatures at night, and as a result, our work looks different than in previous years. Despite this, the team has been monitoring the ice thickness and preparing for flood control operations. The preliminary steps have concluded and today, the team is working proactively by cutting keys in select areas where the ice is thicker. To ensure everyone’s safety, we are reminding residents to stay off the ice for the remainder of the winter season.
A unique Rideau River flood control season is upon us
In a normal flood control season, the cutting of the keys would have already been completed and the team would now be getting ready for scheduled ice-blasting. However, we’ve adjusted operations and shifted to a monitoring response model where the team will be on standby prepared to respond to the conditions accordingly. This means they will be keeping a close eye on the rapidly changing ice conditions and the rate at which the river water is flowing, especially near bridges or in areas where the river narrows.
Controlled ice blasting
Although this year’s weather is creating uncharted river conditions, the risk of flooding remains, and blasting may occur. Should an area become at risk, unscheduled blasting operations will be performed to break the ice and allow it to continue its course down the river corridor. If blasting is not required, the team will deploy the amphibious excavator whose role is to break away any ice that remains on the Rideau River. At this time, it’s unsure what the coming weeks will look like and what steps we will need to take next, but it will be different from previous years. For everyone in nearby communities, rest assured, the team is ready to do what is necessary to get the water flowing to mitigate the risk of flooding.
Click here for details.
Manor Park March Break camps - Registration now open
Registration is open for March Break Camp at the Manor Park Community Centre. Now with Robotics & Coding. The camps take place March 11 to 15 for ages four to 10 at the Manor Park Community Centre, 100 Thornwood. Click here for details & registration!
Free Children’s Playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - every Thursday
Children from newborns to four years old and their parents or caregivers are welcome to attend a free drop-in playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 am. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. For more information, please email [email protected].
The Coldest Night of the Year Walk - Feb. 24
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a national walk that fundraises for community organizations like The Ottawa Mission to provide services to the hungry, hurting and homeless. The event brings together corporate sponsors, corporate teams, community groups like schools and churches, and groups of individuals who are passionate about making a difference. On Saturday, February 24, participants meet at the Shaw Centre (right by Rideau Centre) for fun activities and an enthusiastic kick off before a 2km or 5km walk, and gather afterwards for a bowl of Chef Ric’s famous chili. Registration is free and there is no required fundraising minimum. Participants who raise over $150 (or over $75 for those under 18) receive a CNOY toque on event day as a way of recognizing their fundraising efforts. To learn more, register to walk, or donate, please visit: https://cnoy.org/location/ottawadowntown. The site will be open for donations until the beginning of March.
RCMP Musical Ride Open House - Feb. 24
The RCMP is excited to welcome visitors back to their stables for the Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive on Feb. 24, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Musical Ride Centre at 1 Sandridge Road! This event has been an annual tradition in our community since 1996. Bring your family and friends to visit the home of the Musical Ride and meet police officers from the RCMP in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Admission is free but non-perishable food items and cash donations will be collected to support the Ottawa Food Bank. Limited free parking is available on site. Public transportation is encouraged. Easily accessible by OC Transpo Route #7.
To increase routine childhood immunization coverage, Ottawa Public Health is holding immunization clinics in select elementary schools this winter and early spring. Clinics will offer routine childhood vaccinations including the three vaccines typically given in grade 7 at school (human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and meningococcal), along with COVID-19 vaccines. To learn more about what vaccines your child may need, please visit our website at: ParentingInOttawa.ca/Immunization. Clinics will be open to children and youth up to 18 years of age. Those attending the schools as well as children and youth in the surrounding community can attend. Parents and guardians can also accompany their children at the school clinic. No appointment is required. Routine childhood vaccinations will continue to be offered through the Ottawa Public Health Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs and through Community Immunization Clinics located across the city as well. Additional information including clinic locations, dates, times and eligibility is available on the Ottawa Public Health Parenting in Ottawa website.
Road Closure - Columbus Avenue - Feb. 27 to March 1
The City of Ottawa has approved a road closure for Columbus Avenue, between Vera and Sharp, from Feb. 27 to March 1 between 7 am and 5 pm each day. The closure will allow for a contractor to install services at a home on Columbus, which will require roadway excavation. Notification letters have been distributed to surrounding residents and businesses.
The Vanier Sugar Shack is now open
Manor Park Summer Camps - Registration opens March 1
Join in the fun at Manor Park's most popular camp! For children age 4-10 years. Children can expect to enjoy the sports field, multiple climbing structures and swings. Active sports and games will be included along with art, crafts, creative exploration, dramatic play, quiet time and story time. The splash pad and water toys will be available on site! Campers will be enjoying NEW camp themes for 2024! From Camp's Got Talent to Future Olympians, there will be something for everyone this summer at 100 Thornwood Road at the Manor Park Community Centre.
Tax Season Preparation at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre - starting March 4
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's free income tax clinic will be available from March 4 to April 2024. The Income Tax Clinic offers free tax preparation services to low-income members of the community with K1K, K1M and some K1G postal codes. This service helps people eliminate the costs associated with preparing their tax returns, keeps them in good standing with the CRA, and enables them to benefit from the tax credits available to them. You may book an appointment by clicking here. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or 613-745-0073.
Tuesday, March 12 – Centre communautaire Camille-Piché, Embrun (bilingual) Monday, March 18 – RiverRock Inn, Rockland (bilingual) Tuesday, March 19 – Ray Friel Recreation Complex, Orleans (bilingual) Tuesday, April 23 – Hôpital Montfort (bilingual) Thursday, February 19 – André Picard, health columnist at The Globe and Mail Tuesday, April 9 – Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public Health Wednesday, April 10 – Matt Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health
The proposed work includes:
- replacement of 22 poles along the right-of-way
- replacement of the remaining 34 poles along the existing Hydro Ottawa rear-lot easements
- replacement/installation of 11 new anchors for pole line support
Confirmation of the work schedule and additional details about this project will be communicated as they become available.
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - March 27
On March 27 at 8 pm, Cameron Love, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital will give an overview of the exciting plans to develop a new world class hospital and rebuild the future of healthcare for the Ottawa community. The event takes place at 380 Springfield Road. For details, please click here.
Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue - Watermain Replacement - Spring 2024
A development-driven Watermain Upgrade Project is anticipated to start in Spring 2024 on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue.
What - The work consists of the replacement and upsizing of the watermains on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue for a total length of 255m. All private services will be replaced to the property line along with reinstatement of disturbed areas. The watermain replacement is driven by the planned development at 641 Sladen Avenue.
Why - The owner of 641 Sladen Avenue (St-Laurent Academy - Ottawa Private School) will undertake this watermain upgrade work to meet the fire flow demands for a proposed development on the subject property. This upgrade of the existing watermain from 152mm to 200mm with a new fire hydrant will also improve the existing fire flow demands of the school, St-Laurent Academy.
Where - The project limits on Sladen Avenue are from Noranda Avenue to Malartic Avenue, while the project limits on Noranda Avenue are from St. Laurent Boulevard to Sladen Avenue.
More details on construction timelines, traffic management and parking restrictions will be provided in the coming months.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Tapestry presents: Stories from Ottawa’s Chinese-Canadian Community
Stories from Ottawa's Chinese-Canadian Community are on display at the City of Ottawa's central Archives - James K. Bartleman Centre, 100 Tallwood Drive, featuring newly acquired material. These materials highlight community advocacy and promote cross-cultural understanding on Chinese-Canadian media issues, community-police relations, and over 100 years of community history from early immigration to modern-day Chinatown. Drop by the Central Archives Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The display will be available for viewing until March 16. For details, please click here. Learn more about the Tapestry initiative by clicking here.
Increased risk for individuals in close proximity to the inhalation or heating of unregulated fentanyl
Ottawa Public Health has received reports of people feeling symptoms of headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting after being in close proximity to people inhaling or heating what is believed to be unregulated fentanyl. It has been reported that there is a strong smell when the suspected substances have been heated for use. Symptoms appear to start immediately after potential exposure and resolve within 24-72 hours. We are currently seeking samples of suspected substances for further analysis. Ottawa Public Health is issuing this alert out of an abundance of caution to ensure that individuals are aware of this added risk in addition to the risk of overdose. Avoid inhaling drugs indoors and in unventilated/confined spaces. The risk of overdose remains high, and we continue to urge people not to use alone. If you do experience any of these reported symptoms, please see medical care. And as always in the event of a suspected overdose or other medical emergency call 9-1-1. We would ask that if you have experienced these symptoms you bring a sample for drug checking - drug checking services are available at Sandy Hill Community Health Centre [sandyhillchc.on.ca] and Ottawa Inner City Health’s Consumption and Treatment Service [ottawainnercityhealth.ca].
What to do if you find a discarded needle: A message from Ottawa Public Health
ACORN Eco-Tenant Survey for Ottawa renters
Ottawa and Gatineau ACORN ( has developed a new campaign focused on helping tenants mitigate the impacts of climate change in their units, by facilitating their access to, and understanding of retrofits. ACORN has launched an Eco-Tenant Survey to help them get better data on tenant issues related to energy efficiency, climate resilience and mitigation capacities. The data will then be shared with the public and the City. ACORN is hoping to reach as many renters as possible. Their survey can be answered anonymously and is integral to informing their work on tenant rights, retrofits, climate change and healthy homes. Click here for more information and to fill out the survey.
Have your say in the City’s water rate structure review
The City is reviewing how we recover costs to deliver water services that you rely on every day, and we want to hear from you. To ensure fairness and balance costs for water usage with the actual costs needed to maintain our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, we need to periodically look at how rates are being charged. The rate structure will apply six guiding principles to identify opportunities for improvement:
- Fairness and equity
- Affordability
- Transparency
- Financial sustainability
- Supports economic development
- Promote conservation
How to participate: Visit engage.ottawa.ca/rates for more information and to complete the Water Rate Review survey before the end of July 2024. Public consultations will take place until fall 2024. More information on these consultations will be shared in advance and listed on Engage Ottawa. Feedback received will be reviewed and consolidated to inform the review. Final recommendations will be presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee and then Council for their consideration in 2025.
Ottawa Film, TV and Animation Career Fair - Feb. 29
The Ottawa Film Office is pleased to announce that its annual Film, Television, and Animation Career Fair will take place this year on Thursday, February 29, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park. An industry panel, moderated by Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, will kick off the event at 3 pm at the Cineplex Lansdowne, to provide advice and tips to those looking to break into the film and TV industry. Detgails: https://2024OttawaFilmCareerFair.eventbrite.ca.
Recreation and Parks Funding: Community Partnership Minor/Major Capital Programs - Deadlines: March 1 and May 1
The Community Partnership Minor and Major Capital Programs are initiatives designed to implement capital improvements to parks and recreation facilities by partnering with community groups and sharing costs. For more information about these programs please visit the City’s website. Note that the deadline to apply for the Community Partnership Major Capital Program is March 1, 2024 at 3 pm. The deadline to apply for the Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is May 1, 2024.
Have your say on the City of Ottawa's draft Waste Plan - Virtual open house, info sessions and survey
City grants available to non-profit groups for environmental projects
The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2024 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP). CEPGP provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa. The application deadline is Friday, April 5 at 4 pm. Successful CEPGP grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2025. For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to complete an application form, please visit ottawa.ca/cepgp. For more information on CEPGP, please contact Tara Redpath, CEPGP Coordinator, at 613-580-2424 ext. 16822 or at [email protected].
Emergency Services News
Fraud Alert: Can your HVAC save you money?
The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents of the greater Ottawa area about fraudulent calls where someone posing as an investigator offers to inspect your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment to save you money. For details and to learn how to protect yourself as well as what to do if you have received these types of phone calls, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Community Equity Council seeking applicants
The Community Equity Council is seeking applicants with an interest in building stronger relationship between the Ottawa police Service and Indigenous, racialized and faith-based communities in Ottawa. The CEC works within an intersectional framework and is made up of community members, Indigenous Elders and senior members of the Ottawa Police Service. Applications can be submitted online with full supporting documentation. Successful candidates will be required to do a police background records check and sign a confidentiality agreement. For more information about the CEC and a link to the application form, please visit opscommunityequitycouncil.com.
Ottawa Police Service - Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship applications are now open until Feb. 29
Each year, the Ottawa Police Services Board and the Ottawa Police Service, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Ottawa, have the honour of providing the Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship to individuals who identify as women from racialized and/or Indigenous communities who express an interest in joining the Ottawa Police. Apply by Feb. 29. Share with any students you know! Click here for details.