April 17, 2025 Newsletter
April 17, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
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.
Rideau Hall Winter Celebration - Feb. 3
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.
Manor Park Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off - Feb. 3
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.
Rideau Winter Trail Loppet - Feb. 4
Vanier Museopark Summer Camp Registration - Feb. 5
Mark your calendars: registration for the Vanier Museopark's French summer camps begins on Monday, February 5, at 10 am at museoparc.ca/en. Children will be entertained, in French, throughout the summer season, thanks to diversified programming, numerous guests and stimulating outings. On the menu each week: nature excursions, visual arts, educational activities, swimming, and much more.
Age-Friendly Housing Community Conversations - Feb. 6
Older adults are the fastest-growing age group in Ottawa. Many older adults will have different housing needs as they age, especially the need for affordable and accessible options due to changing health and lifestyle. Details are available at this link. Can’t make one of these Community Conversations? Fill out the Age-Friendly Housing Survey.
In Ward 13:
Brittany Park - Le Parc
545 St. Laurent Blvd.
Tuesday, February 6, 10 -11:30 AM
This event will be delivered in English. The COA is hosting a French-language session in Orleans on Feb. 26 from 10:30 am to 12 pm.
The Council on Aging in Ottawa Open House - Feb. 14
Everyone is invited to join The Council on Aging in Ottawa for their open house on Feb. 14 from 1 to 3 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Register in advance to attend at this link.
Overbrook Community Winter Party - Feb. 17
The Overbrook Community Association is hosting a Community Winter Party on Feb. 17 from 1 to 4 pm at the skating rink behind the Overbrook Community Centre at 33 Quill. Come meet your neighbours and enjoy hot chocolate, donuts, crafts, skating and snowshoeing! The rain date is Feb. 24. The OCA is looking for volunteers to help with this event. Please reach out to [email protected] to provide assistance. To ensure there is enough food for everyone, please RSVP your attendance at this link.
Vanier Sugar Shack Tapping Event - Feb. 17
Come launch the new Vanier Sugar Shack's first real sugaring off season with us during our tapping event! On Saturday, February 17, 2024, during the Family Day long weekend, we invite everyone who wants to experience maple tree tapping in an urban forest. Volunteer a few hours with friends and family to ensure we have a remarkable 2024 season to inaugurate the Sugar Shack’s first vintage of maple syrup!
- 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.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Glynn Avenue Closure - Feb. 19 to 25
The City has approved a road closure of Glynn Avenue, from Quill Street to Edith Avenue, from Feb. 19 to Feb. 25, to allow a contractor to install water, storm and sanitary services between 257 and 263 Glynn. Impacted residents will be notified in advance of the closure. Local traffic only will be permitted on Glynn Avenue. Please watch for signs.
Volunteer Ottawa Community Breakfast - Feb. 22
This mid-winter celebration will warm your heart with inspiring stories of Ottawa’s volunteers and the differences they make at charities and non-profits throughout the city. The open house event features a light breakfast, information kiosks about volunteering and prize draws. Ticket sales and donations will directly support Volunteer Ottawa’s programs and services. Get your pay-what-you-can ticket now and be a part of this celebration of Ottawa’s volunteers:
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.
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.
Beechwood Cemetery Foundation hosts a night of history, music and celebration - Feb. 22
Hosted in partnership with the Capital Heritage Connexion, Beechwood Cemetery Foundation hosts a night of history, music, and celebration. Ottawa the Great, A love letter to our City looks to celebrate the history and heritage of our city while sharing interesting tales and moments. Ottawa the Great will feature two historians, Christine Landry Matamoros and David C. Martin who will share the tales of a moment and people in our city’s history. Musician and local historian Paul Weber will provide music before and between the presentations. For details and to register, please click here.
- When: Thursday, February 22 2024, at 7 pm
- Where: Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue
Rideau Hall Skating until March 3
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!
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future. The theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to help shape Canada.
- 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.
The History of Ottawa's Caribbean Community Evening - Feb. 7
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.
Celebrate Black History Month with Ottawa Public Library!
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.
City of Ottawa Archives seeks archival records from the Black community
As part of Black History Month, the City of Ottawa Archives would like to recognize the important contributions individuals and organizations of the Black community have made to Ottawa. Archives staff interested in acquiring archival records documenting the local Black experience in Ottawa. The Archives recently received a generous donation: The Spectrum newspaper from Ewart Walters, Founder and Publisher of the Spectrum and renowned advocate for Caribbean and Black Canadians. Currently, the Archives team is striving to expand the diversity of its holdings through projects like the Tapestry Project. Tapestry is a joint effort between the Friends of the City of Ottawa Archives and the City of Ottawa Archives to build relationships with BIPOC communities to preserve historical records. To donate materials, email [email protected] or for more information about donations, please see the donation guide.
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.
Paint It Up! Mural Program - Application process now open
Paint It Up! is a youth engagement program funded by Public Works and administered by Community and Social Services at the City of Ottawa. Before applying for funding through Paint It Up!, applicants must secure property authorization and apply for preliminary location approval for their mural project through the Mural Application Form on ottawa.ca/mural. Please apply for location approval before Saturday, March 2. Those interested in participating will need to keep two deadlines in mind:
- 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.
City of Ottawa Summer Student Recruitment now open
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
Join Ward 12 Councillor Stéphanie Plante and other special guests at St. Brigid's Well Pub, 310 Saint Patrick Street, on Feb. 11 for a fun-filled afternoon of Drag Bingo with Ottawa Drag Queens Maddie Longlegs and China Doll. Doors open at 1:30 pm. The event is from 2 to 4 pm. All proceeds from the event will support Capital Feis and St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. For tickets and event details, please click here.
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.
Invitation to Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities - Feb. 13
Please join the City of Ottawa for a virtual discussion on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities on Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 pm. The City’s Office of Emergency Management, Accessibility Office and Ottawa Public Health will provide information and resources with a focus on key emergency preparedness considerations for those living with disabilities. The second portion of the session will be a facilitated discussion to learn about the needs, perspectives, concerns and questions shared by attendees, as well as explore opportunities for further collaboration with you.
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
Last year the Governor General's Foot Guards (GGFG) inaugurated the GGFG Youth Achievement Awards as a means of giving back to the community that has supported the GGFGs so well for a century and a half. The objective of these annual awards is to encourage/incentivize deserving youth as they strive to become the model citizens of tomorrow. Details regarding this year's Awards and the nomination/application process may be found at www.ggfgra.ca/general-8 and www.ggfgra.ca/general-5. The GGFGs are seeking nominations/applications for four scholarships totalling $10,000 (4 x $2,500 each). The deadline for applications/nominations is Feb. 15.
Public engagement opportunity for the Commemorative Naming Policy - Survey closes Feb. 16
On February 8, 2023, Ottawa City Council passed a motion to pause the Commemorative Naming Program to allow for a full program and policy review. The review is intended to strengthen the City’s approach to commemoration and outline a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive process that reflects the values of the City of Ottawa. As part of the review process, Ottawa residents are invited to share their ideas and feedback regarding the future direction of the Commemorative Naming Program through the Engage Ottawa platform. The survey will close on February 16, 2024. If you would like to contribute to this process, please visit Engage Ottawa for background information, timelines, the review process, and the survey.
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
Licence Free Family Fishing - Feb. 17 to 19
Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario for free. This means you do not need to buy a fishing licence if you want to fish during these times. The next free fishing weekend is: Family Fishing Weekend (February 17–19, 2024)
The other dates occur later on in the year:
- 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
The City of Ottawa is excited to celebrate Heritage Day with the theme "Diversity of Heritage: Recognizing the past and celebrating the future.
- 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.
Share your feedback on vehicle idling - Survey open until March 15
In 2007, the City of Ottawa took steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by enacting the Idling Control By-law. The City is currently reviewing this by-law and is looking for your feedback on vehicle idling in Ottawa. The City invites residents to share their feedback on vehicle idling and the Idling Control By-law by completing an online survey on Engage Ottawa. The survey will be open for responses until Friday, March 15, 2024. Visit Engage Ottawa for more information about our review of the Idling Control By-law and to participate in the online survey.
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.
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