February 2, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Snow Removal Operations
Snow removal operations have been underway in Rideau-Rockcliffe and across Ottawa in recent weeks. Please watch for the temporary No Parking signs that are placed in snowbanks identified for removal. My office is provided a list of streets scheduled for clearing for the next 24 hours, which we share on my Facebook page each day when Ward 13 streets are listed. Progress is dependent on weather and operational demands and the schedule can be adjusted as these factors change. If your street requires snow removal, please email my office at [email protected] or call us at 613-580-2483.
The public is invited to attend Winter Celebration on February 3, from 12:30 to 4 pm at Rideau Hall. Once again, this event is officially part of Winterlude. All activities are free of charge. Click here for more details about this event.
The two Manor Park rinks come alive with hockey games and pleasure skating during the Manor Park Community Council's annual Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off. On the first Saturday in February, the party opens with our 'Manor Park Winter Classic' exhibition hockey games between local teams. Following the games, families take to the ice to build up an appetite for the Chili Cook-off entries, hot dogs and s'mores! Glowing bonfires keep everyone toasty, while twinkling lights overhead in the trees and a light snowfall make the Skating Party the perfect outdoor family event! Featuring an appearance by Riley the Raccoon, the Ottawa 67’s Mascot!
Saturday February 3 2024 at the Manor Park Community Centre, 100 Thornwood Road
3 - 5 pm - Manor Park Winter Classic Exhibition Hockey Game
5 - 7 pm - Skating Party (food, hot drinks, skating, music and bonfires)
To participate in the Manor Park Winter Classic Exhibition Hockey, please email [email protected]. ENTER THE 2024 CHILI COOK-OFF! Could you be the next Chili Champ? The Morales family won in 2023, view their winning recipe here.
- DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 17, 9 am to 12 pm;
- MEETING POINT: in front of the Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue – Use the parking lot at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre);
- Registration is not required.
EVENT: Community Breakfast for Volunteer Ottawa
VENUE: Rideau Hub Cafeteria, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. (free parking)
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 2024
TIME: 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Register before February 16th on the Volunteer Ottawa website.
- When: Thursday, February 22 2024, at 7 pm
- Where: Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Members of the public are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy the historical Rideau Hall skating rink this winter season. The Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building, is available for visitors to warm up and lace up their skates. The public is invited to visit the skating rink for free during the following hours:
Until March 3, 2024 (weather permitting)
- Monday – Friday, 5 – 8:30 pm. Last entry at 7:45 pm.
- Saturday – Sunday, 12 – 8:30 pm. Last entry at 7:45 pm.
- Please note that the skating rink will be closed on Friday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 30.
Full details are available on the Rideau Hall skating rink page.
Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library - Overbrook location
The Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library is an initiative of the National Capital Region Equitable Recreation Network, a federally-registered not-for-profit organization. The Library's mission is to respond to barriers experienced by racialized and marginalized communities to nature-based experiences, land-based programming, outdoor recreation, and the associated mental and physical health benefits derived from time outside. Visit ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary.com for more information. If you have gear to donate, please click here.
Locations and Hours of Operation:
- Main location: 877A Boyd Avenue. Tuesdays from 2:30 to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Winter pop-up location: the Overbrook Community Centre at 33 Quill Street. From January 7 to the end of March. Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Shoe Drive and Charity Games - Feb. 3
Come watch charity basketball games on Feb. 3 beginning at 1:30 pm at the Capital Courts Training Centre at 265 Centrum Blvd. in Orleans. Players and spectators are asked to bring a pair of new or gently used basketball or running shoes to be donated to The Agnes Zabali Boys & Girls Club of Kamengo, Uganda. Financial donations are also welcome.
February is Black History Month!
- For local Black History Month events and activities, please visit blackhistoryottawa.org.
- Black History Month information and resources: Government of Canada
- National Film Board collection of films by award-winning Black filmmakers, creators, and allies of the Black community.
Date: February 7 at 7 pm
Join Dave Tulloch, guest speaker for this evening series as he looks back at how people from the Caribbean have made Ottawa their home over the past seven decades, making the transition from sandy beaches to some of the coldest winters in the world, and coming together to form one of the city's most vital and vibrant communities. This presentation will take place on Zoom. Register at this link. Everyone welcome. There is no admission fee. For more information, please click here.
Join Ottawa Public Library (OPL) in honouring the legacy and impactful contributions of the Black community locally and worldwide. The Library is hosting events and has a diverse collection of resources, which aims to explore the historical significance and contemporary influence of the Black community. OPL invites all to discover Black history in person or online. All events are free of charge, embracing inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.
On February 8, at 7 pm - 8:30 pm: Join us at 101 Centrepointe Drive to hear from author Kai Thomas in conversation with Jamaal Amir Akbari - learn more about his debut award winning novel, In the Upper Country.
On February 15 at 7 - 8:30 pm, join OPL for a French event at 515 rue Côté with author Blaise Ndala in conversation with Marie-Célie Agnant and let yourself be transported into a literary world while discussing his novels.
Both of these one-hour events will be followed by 30 minutes of book signings and a “meet & greet” with the audience, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the author. While these take place in person, they will also be live-streamed on OPL's YouTube page. To attend the in-person portion of the author events, please register in advance via OPL’s website. These author events are made possible thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association.
In addition to OPL hybrid events, various library branches will be screening thought-provoking Black films, offering a cinematic journey through history and culture. Showtime details will be available on OPL’s program and events listing. Sampling books – and that means eBooks, audiobooks, eAudiobooks as well as physical books – from OPL’s collection is always a great way to discover the history of Afro-Canadians' and their contributions to our cultural life. For fresh reading suggestions, check out the booklists for adults, teens and kids alike linked on OPL’s on BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
2024 African Day on the Hill GALA - Feb. 10
Join the African Canadian Association of Ottawa for an exciting in-person event on Feb. 10 from 6 to 11:30 pm at Collège La Cité - Edifice EXENTRICITÉ Building, 801 Aviation Parkway. The 2024 African Day on the Hill is all about celebrating African culture, diversity, and unity. Get ready to be inspired by thought-provoking speeches, vibrant cultural performances, and sumptuous African cuisine. This event is a platform for Africans and allies to come together, enjoy the evening, and make a positive impact. For tickets and details, please click here.
Experience Winterlude 2024 - Feb. 2 to 19
Winterlude is the can’t-miss winter event in Canada’s Capital Region! From February 2 to 19, Ottawa and Gatineau will be bustling with a host of indoor and outdoor activities that showcase Indigenous culture, Canadian diversity and significant anniversaries. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or prefer to take in a show or exhibit, Winterlude has you covered with more than 200 activities. For the full calendar of events, please visit canada.ca. Additional details are available at Ottawa Tourism.
Ride the Sno-Bus for free during Winterlude!
Going to Winterlude this year in the Nation’s Capital? Ride the Sno-Bus for free to several official Winterlude sites.
Winterlude Sno-Bus Schedule
On Elgin Street at Sparks Street and Jacques Cartier Park North
- February 3 and 4, 10 and 11, and 17 and 18, from 10 am to 5:30 pm
- Monday, February 19, from 10 am to 2:30 pm
STO Sno-Bus Schedule
Between Robert-Guertin Park and Ride and Jacques-Cartier Park North
- February 3 and 4, 10 and 11 and 17 to 19 from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Hop on a Sno-Bus on Elgin Street at Sparks Street. Look for buses signed "Sno-Bus" at bus stops marked by Sno-Bus signs. On February 3 between 12 pm and 4:30 pm you can catch an OC Transpo shuttle between Queen Street (at Metcalfe) to Rideau Hall for the Rideau Hall Winter Celebration. OC Transpo fares apply to regular service. Kids 12 and under ride free. A 2-1 DayPass is available on weekends and on Family Day for $11.75 a day. For details, please click here.
Celebrate Winter Walk Month!
Each year, the first Wednesday of February is Winter Walk Day! This year it’s officially on February 7, 2024, and you can choose to celebrate on the day or for the whole month. Walking to school in the winter can be a fun activity for kids, bringing all the benefits of active transportation. Enjoy the quality time you get to spend with your family as you travel to school together! Check out this poster for activity ideas to celebrate Winter Walk Month. envirocentre.ca/school-active-transportation
New online property tax and assessment look-up tool
The City is improving residents' access to information through the new Online Property Tax and Assessment Look-Up Tool that launched today. Residents can search for a property by municipal address or roll number to view the property's assessment value and property tax value for the current and previous year. This is public information and no private information such as the owner’s name, mailing address, school board support, or any occupant or tenant information will be accessible. With the introduction of this new tool, users can now self-serve and access this information online, from anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This tool is now available at Ottawa.ca/taxes. Users may continue to visit the City Hall Client Service Centre to view the Roll Books in person if preferred for assessment information.
- You must submit your location for approval by Saturday, March 2 via the mural application form.
- The complete application will need to be submitted by Thursday, April 4.
If you know a student who’s interested in an employment opportunity with the City this summer, please let them know online applications are being accepted until February 29. The Summer Student Employment Program is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, explore career paths, showcase skills and enhance academic goals. Before applying, students should check out ottawa.ca for eligibility requirements, important information and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
2024 Community Economic Development Funding Program - Applications accepted until Feb. 9
Drag Bingo Community Fundraiser - Feb. 11
Register for spring recreation and cultural activities and 2024/25 before and after school programs
Browse spring swimming lessons, general recreation and cultural activities and before and after school programs for 2024/25 on register.ottawa.ca.
- Register for spring swimming lessons starting Tuesday, February 13 at 9 pm.
- Register for all other non-aquatic spring recreation and culture programs starting Thursday, February 15 at 9 pm.
- Register for before and after school programs for 2024/25 starting Thursday, February 15 at 9 pm.
Topics include:
-
Preparing for emergencies
- Making a plan
- Preparing a kit
- Staying connected
Please register online before 4 pm on Feb. 12. A zoom link will be shared with registrants the evening before the event. For more information, please click here.
Governor General's Foot Guards Youth Achievement Awards 2024 - Deadline for applications/nominations is Feb. 15
Public engagement opportunity for the Commemorative Naming Policy - Survey closes Feb. 16
Ottawa Humane Society webinars - Registration discount available until Feb. 16
Whether you have an anxious pooch or a fearful feline, our webinar series: Anxiety and Pets: The Essentials will give you all the answers you need to build a healthy, happy future with your pet. Get practical, science-based information for pet owners and pet professionals to better understand stressed out, anxious pets and learn how to better understand and help our furry friends. Sign up for all three sessions for only $90, or customize your learning and sign up for one webinar for $35. Register before Feb. 16 for 15 per cent off with the discount code EARLYBIRD!
- Paws and Reflect: Unraveling the Language of Stress in Pets, Wednesday, March 13 at 6 pm
- Anxiety: The Whole Story, Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. EST
- Leaving with Love: Navigating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, Wednesday, March 27 at 6 pm
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 11–12, 2024)
- Father’s Day Weekend (June 15–16, 2024)
- Family Fishing Week (June 29–July 7, 2024)
City of Ottawa Heritage Day 2024 - Feb. 20
- Tuesday, February 20, 2024; 12 pm to 2 pm
- Free event
- In person at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave.
The Heritage Showcase: Come explore the many heritage organizations and groups that make Ottawa’s heritage community like no other! 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 visit ottawa.ca/heritageday.
Applications for Doors Open Ottawa 2024 are being accepted until Feb. 23
Applications for Doors Open Ottawa 2024 can be submitted until Friday, February 23 at 5 pm! Contact [email protected] to recommend a building or sign up your building to participate by submitting this form.
Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest - Deadline is Feb. 23
The Ottawa Public Library is calling all young writers to participate in the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest, a fantastic opportunity to showcase your storytelling prowess and join a community brimming with creativity and passion! If you have a thing for storytelling, drawing or writing, 2024 might be your year to become an awesome author.
About the Contest:
- Dates: The contest is now open, with submissions accepted until February 23, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
- Eligibility: Open to Ottawa residents aged 9-18 (who have not completed high school) and holding a valid library card. Submissions from outside residents with a non-resident card (family membership) are also welcome.
- Categories: Participants can enter in one of seven categories - short story, poetry, comic, nouvelle, poésie, bande dessinée, and book cover.
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. Note that the deadline to apply for the Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is May 1, 2024.
Complete the Vacant Unit Tax declaration by March 21
The Vacant Unit Tax declaration is online. Complete it by March 21. Alternate and in-person options are available. For details, please visit this link.