February 27, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
This week, the Community Services Committee, on which I serve, took several meaningful steps forward in how our city supports residents experiencing homelessness, addresses community safety, and funds the vital non-profit organizations that serve Ottawa's most vulnerable populations.
One of the most significant decisions we made was approving a redesigned Unsheltered Homelessness Outreach Model that will fundamentally change how our city coordinates support for people living without shelter.
The new model replaces a patchwork of separate outreach programs with a single lead provider responsible for coordinating outreach across the entire city. At its core is a centralized triage and dispatch system, accessible through 3-1-1, that will ensure residents and businesses have a clear and consistent way to report concerns. A key feature of this approach is the use of warm transfers, which are direct, person-to-person handoffs that help individuals connect more smoothly to ongoing housing and health supports, rather than falling through the cracks between services.
This model was developed through extensive engagement with community partners, service providers, and critically, people with lived and living experience of homelessness. Their input made clear that a more streamlined, coordinated system was long overdue. The City will provide up to $6 million in the first year to the selected lead provider, drawn from existing municipal, provincial and federal funding. Centralized dispatch will launch first, with full implementation expected by the end of 2026.
The Committee also endorsed the updated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan following its legislated four-year review. All seven priorities of the plan remain relevant, with residents identifying housing, mental well-being and financial security as their most pressing needs, a reflection of the challenges so many Ottawans continue to face.
The refreshed plan introduces a two-year action-planning cycle so the City can respond more nimbly to emerging issues. One priority has been renamed Neighbourhood Solutions and Community Safety, reflecting a shift toward locally-grounded approaches. The plan also recommends exploring the expansion of the ANCHOR crisis response model and advocates for stable, long-term provincial and federal funding. A new Well-Being in Ottawa dashboard will give residents easier access to data about their communities.
Finally, the Committee received the mid-term review of the Community Funding Framework, which directs $32 million in municipal funding annually to more than 100 non-profit social service organizations. The review confirmed the framework's value while also identifying real pressures including rising demand, staffing shortages, and growing administrative burdens on organizations that are already stretched thin.
In response, the report recommends simplifying eligibility and reporting requirements, introducing clearer equity criteria, improving digital tools, and piloting a new Capacity Building Fund to better support grassroots and equity-deserving organizations. Funding agreements with agencies receiving Sustainability Funding will be extended through 2027 to provide stability during this transition. City Council will consider the Community Services Committee recommendations on Wednesday, March 11. I look forward to seeing these important initiatives move forward.
I am also pleased to share that Council this week passed my motion to support Bird Friendly Ottawa's application to Nature Canada to have Ottawa recognized as a certified Bird Friendly City. Ottawa is exceptionally well-positioned for this designation. Our city sits on the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America's major migratory bird routes, nearly half of Canada's bird species are found in our region, and the Ottawa River is designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Ottawa already meets the criteria for entry-level certification through existing programs and partnerships, including our Bird-Safe Design Guidelines, Wildlife Strategy, Urban Forest Management Plan, and the outstanding community work of organizations like Safe Wings Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre. Importantly, this certification requires no new funding, no new programs, and no policy changes from the City. It is an opportunity to earn national recognition for work our city is already doing, and to join 36 other Canadian municipalities in demonstrating leadership in bird conservation and biodiversity protection.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
Great to join amazing artists Barry Pottle and Laura Taler at the launch of the incredible 2026 Karsh Continuum exhibition at Ottawa City Hall this week!
Honoured to speak at the ACB Wellness Resource Centre in Overbrook this week during its Black History Month celebrations with my colleagues Councillors Stéphanie Plante and Tim Tierney.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Rideau River Flood Control - starting Feb. 28
In February and March, the City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, undertakes ice breaking and clearing operations along the Rideau River during the freshet (when water flow is at its peak) to allow water to flow unrestricted and to alleviate possible spring flooding in flood-prone areas. These operations are critical to mitigating the risk of flooding in the communities along the Rideau River. Ice blasting on the Rideau River will start Saturday, February 28. Ice breaking operations will create dangerous conditions of open water and unstable ice. It is imperative that everyone stays off the ice and away from our workspace. Although the ice surface appears to be frozen, it is unstable due to the ongoing blasting preparations and is unsafe. The frozen river is a very dangerous place, and at no time should anyone be using it for any type of winter activity. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
An Evening of Jazz - Feb. 27
Multifaith Housing Initiative is pleased to share an upcoming concert in partnership with MacKay United Church, featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist Mike T. Kerr. The concert celebrates the release of Mike T. Kerr’s latest album, Late Night Libretto, described as “a jazz guitar love letter to Canada’s live music scene.” He will be joined by special guests Aretha Tillotson, Bruce MacKinnon, and Jared Higgins for what promises to be an intimate and memorable evening of live music. For details and tickets, please visit: www.multifaithhousing.ca
Date: Friday, February 27
Doors open: 7:00 PM | Show starts: 8:00 PM
Location: MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Rd, Ottawa
Tickets: $25
Cause: A portion of proceeds will be donated to Multifaith Housing Initiative
Ottawa Family Cinema presents The NeverEnding Story at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on Feb. 28 at 2 pm. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
Snow Removal Operations - beginning March 1
The Roads and Parking Services team is preparing for its second go-round of selective snow removal operations across the city, with a focus in the Urban Area.
- Work to begin the evening of Sunday, March 1
- Focus on urban residential streets, Business Improvement Areas, business districts and bike lanes, followed by select arterial and collector roadways where snowbanks have significantly increased and restricted the travel lanes.
- The team will be placing temporary ‘No Parking’ signs in snowbanks along the side of the roadway to prepare for snow removal. Residents will know snow removal is taking place when they see temporary no parking signage in their community, and/or line-ups of large trucks with snow being blown into the boxes.
- Residents are asked to observe the posted signage and to remove their vehicles from the roadway as per the signage - this includes vehicles with residential parking permits. Failing to do so may result in your vehicle being towed. Towed vehicles are relocated to an adjacent street where snow removal is not scheduled that day or has already been completed. Residents may call 3-1-1 for assistance in locating their vehicle.
- Staff ask all residents, and especially children, to give the vehicles space to do their work. Please stay a safe distance back.
Black Mental Health Week - launches March 2
Join the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition for Ottawa’s Black Mental Health Week 2026, a week-long series of events dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and strengthening Black mental wellness in our community. The week will include an official launch, community workshops, professional discussions, and a closing celebration, all highlighting this year’s theme: “Substance Use and Suicide: Breaking the Silence.” The event takes place March 2 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry. For details and to RSVP, please visit Eventbrite or the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition's website www.bmhweek.com.
Free Income Tax Clinic - Bookings welcome
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard offers a free income tax clinic for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents (area codes K1K, K1M and some K1G) from March 2 to April 30. Appointments are required and are being accepted now at this link. For those with barriers to booking online, please call 613-745-0073 ext. 180. For details, please visit www.facebook.com/CRCRideauRockcliffeCRC.
Invasive Species and the Richelieu Forest - March 2
The Vanier Community Association’s Beautification Committee invites you to Invasive Species and the Richelieu Forest: A call to action to identify and manage ecologically disruptive plants on Monday March 2, from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Vanier Sugar Shack in Richelieu Park.Guest Speaker: Christina Keys, ecological landscape designer, owner of Cardinal Glen Ecological Landscaping, and member of the Ottawa Valley Buckthorn Network.
- invasive species in the Richelieu Forest
- how to remove and dispose of common invasive plants
- native plants in the forest that can help restore biodiversity
- how to get involved in the VCA initiative to remove invasive species in the forest
Gulf War Commemoration Ceremony - March 3
Everyone is welcome to attend a solemn and significant Commemoration Ceremony on March 3 at 10:45 am marking the 35th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War, a pivotal international conflict that shaped modern Canadian military history. On March 3, 1991, the Gulf War officially ended following a United Nations-sanctioned coalition effort to liberate Kuwait. Over 4,000 Canadian Armed Forces members answered the call, participating in air, naval, and medical operations across the Persian Gulf as part of Operations FRICTION, SCIMITAR, and SCALPEL. All members of the public, veteran community, and military families are welcome. This event is hosted by the National Military Cemetery and in partnership with Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada. Event details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Comedy in New Edinburgh - March 7
Enjoy an evening of comedy featuring some of Ottawa’s best professional and up-and-coming comics on March 7 at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, located at 203 Stanley Avenue. Recommended for ages 16 and older. Doors open at 7 pm. The laughs begin at 8 pm. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Road closures - Arundel Avenue and Farnham Crescent - March 9 to April 17
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new sewers, watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al integrated renewal project. To facilitate the installation of the works, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of portions of Arundel Avenue and Farnham Crescent as outlined below. Local access will be maintained for the affected roads noted above, notably Farnham Crescent, from the dead end to the cul-de-sac. No other access through the closure will be available.
What: A full road closure of a portion of Arundel Avenue and a portion of Farnham Crescent.Details: ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue
Vanier Museopark Soup(e) Splash - March 9
The Vanier Museopark announces the return of the Soup(e) Splash for a 19th edition this year as part of the 2026 Sugar Festival activities!
- WHEN: Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Kiwanis Hall at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
For tickets, please visit this link.
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
You’re invited: Public Engagement Strategy - survey open until Feb. 28
The City’s Public Engagement Strategy hasn’t been formally updated since 2013. In 2025, City staff reviewed the strategy and developed proposed updates. These updates strengthen the City’s engagement framework with refreshed guiding principles, clearer tools, and measurable goals. Together, these improvements will help build deeper trust with residents and support more responsive, equitable, and effective decision‑making. You are invited to review the proposed update to the Public Engagement Strategy and Workbook and share your feedback through the City's survey before Feb. 28.
Para Transpo Talk events - March 2, 3 and 4
Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk events across Ottawa! We’ll be out at the following locations in March:
- Monday, March 2, from 10 am to 5 pm (City Hall main lobby)
- Tuesday, March 3, from 12 pm to 7 pm (Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre, near the Rexall entrance between American Eagle and Purdy’s)
-
Wednesday, March 4, from 12 pm to 7 pm (Carlingwood Shopping Centre, in the
Community Hub)
Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions, and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo. Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events on the Para Transpo Talk webpage.
Plant Your Place tree-planting program - Registration opens March 2
The City’s Plant Your Place! program returns in 2026 with two ways to get a free tree: City-Wide Tree Distribution: Pick up a free tree and plant it yourself. Full-Service Tree Planting: Get a free tree planted for you if you live in a Priority Area for tree planting. Registration opens March 2. Learn more: www.plantyourplace.ca
Ontario Trillium Foundation capital grant - deadline to apply is March 4
Applications for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Capital Grant Program can be submitted until March 4 at 5 pm ET. Capital grants provide funding over one year to help organizations respond to the capital needs of Ontario’s communities, by improving community facilities and physical spaces. For details and to apply, please visit otf.ca.
The City of Ottawa's Fraud and Waste Hotline
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is launching a campaign to raise awareness on the City’s Fraud and Waste Hotline. The Hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It empowers all City of Ottawa employees and members of the public to confidentially and anonymously report any suspected instances of fraud, waste or serious wrongdoing involving City personnel, resources, operations or vendors in a confidential and anonymous manner.
Reports can be made to:
- ottawa.ca/fraudwaste
- 1-866-959-9309
Further details on the Hotline are available on the OAG’s website.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 7
Ottawa's St. Patrick's Day Parade, hosted by the Irish Society of the National Capital Region, takes place March 7 beginning at 12 pm. The parade begins at the Supreme Court of Canada, located at 301 Wellington Street, then heads east on Wellington in front of the Parliament Buildings and on to Sussex Drive. For details and the full parade route, please visit www.irishsocietyncr.com/parade.
Rain Ready Ottawa Multi-Unit Residential Building Rebate - Survey open until March 11
The City is seeking your input to help design a new Rain Ready Ottawa pilot rebate for low-rise, multi-unit residential buildings. The new stream aims to support more retrofit projects that improve the health of Ottawa’s waterways and strengthen climate resilience. Since launching in 2021, Rain Ready Ottawa has supported hundreds of residential stormwater projects, including rain gardens, permeable pavement, and soakaway pits. Now, the program is looking to help larger residential complexes achieve similar results. If you are a resident, board member, or property manager of a low-rise condominium, co-op, rental, or affordable housing building, the City wants to hear from you. Share your feedback through the survey on the Rain Ready Ottawa Engage page by March 11.
- 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.
Starting Monday, March 30, your waste collection day may change due to the City’s new curbside collection contract. All your waste including garbage, organics, leaf and yard waste, and recycling will still be picked up on the same day but about half of Ottawa households will have a new collection day. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Best wishes,
Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King