February 6, 2026 Newsletter

Ottawa Public Library programming in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13

• Stop by the Rockcliffe Park branch (380 Springfield) for great programs and collections. 
  
  
• Visit the St. Laurent branch (515 Côté) to see what’s happening near you.

Overbrook Community Association board meeting - Feb. 10

Join the Overbrook Community Association on Feb. 10, from 7 to 9 pm for their next board meeting. It will take place at the Overbrook Community Centre in the craft room. Come and share your thoughts and ideas on how the OCA can improve the neighborhood!

Beechwood Foundation presents "Ottawa the Great - The Bytown Museum" - Feb. 12

Step into Ottawa’s past with an evening at the Bytown Museum, the city’s oldest community museum, dedicated to preserving the stories of Bytown’s early days. Founded in 1917 and housed in Ottawa’s oldest stone building (1827), the museum offers a unique window into the city’s origins. On February 12, from 6:30 to 8 pm, the Beechwood Foundation hosts a special talk by Chloe Dennis, Exhibition and Collections Manager, at 280 Beechwood Ave. Chloe will explore the museum’s role in preserving Ottawa’s early history — from the building of the Rideau Canal to the events that shaped Bytown’s early years. To learn more and register, visit: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/thebytownmuseum

Lindenlea Family Day event - Feb. 14

Community maple tree tapping - Feb. 14

Every year, the Vanier Museopark seeks the help of the community to take part in an essential step in the production of maple syrup at its sugar shack: maple tree tapping. The Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in Canada! Young and old, families, couples and friends are invited to come to the Richelieu Park forest, about 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa, to tap sugar maple trees in the traditional way: drilling holes in the trees, inserting spigots and hanging buckets to collect maple water, the tree’s sweet sap. Details: museoparc.ca

Date : Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time : 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location : Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Ave.)
Cost : Free

Opening of the Sugar Shack for maple season - Feb. 15

The Vanier Sugar Shack is getting ready to kicking off the 2026 maple season! It will opening for its first customers on Sunday, February 15, at 9 a.m. Located less than 5 km from downtown Ottawa, the Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in the country. Opening hours during the 2026 maple season: February 15 to April 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sugar Shack is open Wednesday through Sunday:

• No reservations required on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Reservations required for groups (15+) from Wednesday to Friday

The Vanier Sugar Shack is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the season. It will also be closed during the Sugar Festival and the week before (from March 16 to 29, 2026). Details: museoparc.ca

Artemis II: Celebrate Canada’s Moon mission - Until Feb. 16

From February 2 to 16, 2026*, from 9 am to 5 pm, join the Canada Aviation and Space Museum as we mark Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s historic journey to the Moon on the Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years. Countdown to the launch with hands-on demonstrations that explore orbits, craters, and the mechanics behind this incredible mission. Take on the Canadarm challenge, explore lunar photos and 3D models in the Moon gallery, and hunt for key elements of Hansen’s mission patch throughout the museum. This interactive program gives visitors of all ages a chance to celebrate Canada’s role in space exploration and witness history in the making. *Please note: Mission launch dates may change, and the program will adjust accordingly if the launch is postponed. This program is included with museum admission. Details: ingenium.ca/aviation

To watch the launch live, join the Canadian launch event livestreamed on the Canadian Space Agency’s Facebook account and YouTube channel (available in both official languages, with simultaneous interpretation).

Road Closure - Glynn Avenue - Feb. 17 to March 2

Glynn Avenue from Sharp Street to Vera Street will be closed from Feb. 17 to March 2 to allow a contractor to connect new site services. Area residents and businesses will receive advance notification. Local traffic only will be permitted on either side of the work zone.

Black History Month Tennis Tournament Finals - Feb. 22

Celebrate Black History Month with an exciting, high-energy indoor tennis event that brings together elite competition, community, and culture on Feb. 22 at 3 pm at the Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald Street. The Black History Month Afro-Caribbean Indoor Tennis Team Tournament, hosted by Ottawa Loves Tennis, features four teams named in honour of iconic Black trailblazers: Team Arthur Ashe,  Team Nelson Mandela, Team Harriet Tubman, and Team Viola Desmond. This unique team-based tournament blends adult competition and high-performance junior play in a fast-paced, spectator-friendly format. Players compete for their teams across multiple matchups, creating nonstop energy and momentum throughout the weekend. Admission is free. To RSVP, please visit Eventbrite.

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, 2026 
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

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Celebrating Black History Month in Ottawa

February marks Black History Month, a dedicated time to celebrate the contributions of African, Caribbean, and Black communities to the history and rich cultural fabric of our city and country. This year’s theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations - From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Black Canadians and to honour today’s trailblazers, visionaries and changemakers. Throughout February, there will be many opportunities to come together, learn and recognize the impact that African, Caribbean and Black communities have made in our community. Some celebrations and activities include:

• Ottawa Archives photo displays throughout Jean Pigott Place at City Hall, beginning Monday, February 9 until Monday, February 23
• Digital posters featured across the city, including at City Hall
• “Pride of Dreams” mural on three OC Transpo buses
• Ottawa Public Library events and programming
• Additional events hosted by Black History Ottawa

Beyond this month, the City of Ottawa remains committed to identifying and removing systemic barriers within its policies, programs, services and spaces to ensure full participation, inclusion and belonging for all residents. This commitment is reflected in the City’s first Anti-Racism Strategy, approved by Council in June 2022. The strategy envisions an Ottawa where everyone feels safe and supported, and where people, regardless of racial or ethnic background, can access the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

Black History Month event listings

For a complete lineup of Black History Month events taking place in Ottawa during the month of February, please visit blackhistoryottawa.org/black-history-month-2026.

Build. Buy. Believe. The Role of Black Entrepreneurs in Building Our Future - Feb. 24

Invest Ottawa, in partnership with Wesley Clover International and the Kanata North Business Association, will host the third annual celebration of Black innovators, founders, entrepreneurs and businesses building Canada's economy and community today and tomorrow. This year’s edition of Building Our Future titled Build. Buy. Believe explores the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in Canada’s Build Canada movement. This special in-person event, taking place on Feb. 24 from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, will feature a roundtable with key ecosystem leaders, followed by an audience Q&A and collaborative discussion. The event will also include a marketplace featuring Black-owned and Black-led businesses. Admission is free. For details and to reserve your spot, please visit Eventbrite.

Drag Bingo Community Fundraiser - Feb. 8

City of Ottawa spring recreation program registration opens Feb. 10 & Feb. 12

Whether you’re into team sports, spin classes, board games, dance, cooking, swimming, drawing, yoga, science or any other activity that keeps your body and mind active, there’s something for small children to older adults at register.ottawa.ca. Activities will be available to view online starting Tuesday, January 27, with registration opening at 9 pm on Tuesday, February 10 for aquatics and 9 pm on Thursday, February 12 for all other programs. In-person registration takes place the day after online registration, during business hours.

Ottawa Career Fair and Training Expo Canada - Feb. 12

Winterlude - Until Feb. 16

Experience the best the Canadian winter has to offer at Winterlude, featuring three weekends of ice sculptures, shows, exhibitions, Snowflake Kingdom, and events across Ottawa and Gatineau. Many activities are free. Details and programming: Ottawa Tourism and Canadian Heritage. Ride the free Sno-Bus shuttle on weekends and Family Day to travel between Winterlude event sites.

Heritage Day celebration - Feb. 17

The City of Ottawa invites residents to Heritage Day 2026, celebrating with the theme: "Voices of a City: Celebrating Two Centuries of Collective Histories and Local Heroes in Ottawa.” This free, in-person event takes place Feb. 17 from 12 to 2 pm at City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. More than 50 local historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations will be featured in Jean Pigott Hall before and after the official ceremony at noon. You’ll have the opportunity to meet heritage professionals and volunteers, ask questions, and plan your next cultural adventure. Join the Cultural and Heritage Programs and Spaces Branch, in partnership with Capital Heritage Connexion, to embrace, explore, and celebrate the rich heritage of Ottawa on Heritage Day and throughout the year. Celebrate Heritage Week from February 16 to 22, with activities and events that showcase Ottawa's diverse and vibrant cultural history. For details, please visit ottawa.ca and heritageottawa.org.

Repair Café - Feb. 21

Solid Waste Services is excited to announce the start of the 2026 Repair Café series. The series will be kicking off on Feb. 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, located at 102 Greenview Avenue. Repair Cafés aim to reduce landfill waste by fixing items, teaching new skills, and building community. Ottawa Tool Library’s fixers and menders will be sharing their knowledge and skills around fixing everything from darning socks to re-wiring kettles. There will be free repairs of electronics, clothing, small appliances, jewelry, and more! At the same time, community members can learn new skills, enjoy coffee and snacks, and bring their children along too for some family friendly activities. For more information visit, Ottawa Tool Library. For details, please visit ottawatoollibrary.com/programs/repair-cafes.

Enjoy an exclusive preview performance of Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Feb. 22

Don’t miss out on an exclusive preview performance of ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ with Ottawa Little Theatre and the Zonta Club of Ottawa on Feb. 22 at 2 pm. It’s going to be a killer show that you won’t want to miss. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.

The Library in partnership with Library and Archives Canada invites you to take part in a compelling series of public programs that spotlight the vital role intellectual freedom and civil discourse play in democratic life and public libraries. 

• Talking to Each Other: The Importance of Civil Dialogue in an Era of Division | Tuesday, February 24 at 7 pm | Cumberland Branch
  Join acclaimed author and journalist Sébastien Pierroz for an engaging evening exploring freedom to read through the lens of a local writer-journalist. (French event)

• Thinking Out Loud Together: Why Civil Discourse Matters More Than Ever | Wednesday, February 25 at 7 pm | Library and Archives Canada
  Hear from celebrated author and public intellectual Randy Boyagoda as he examines why open, respectful discourse is more important than ever—and how libraries help make it possible. 

Ottawa 200 - Funding Programs - Deadlines: Feb. 25 & 27

A year’s worth of innovative programming and collaborations were unveiled at the official launch event to celebrate Ottawa’s 200^th anniversary. The City has launched the following Ottawa 200 grant programs:

• Ottawa 200 Artist/Creator Fund
  The Artist/Creator Grant Program, is a one-time funding stream within the existing Arts Funding and Creation and Production Fund for Professional Artists Programs offered by the City of Ottawa in celebration of Ottawa 200: the 200th anniversary of Bytown. The stream was developed in partnership with the City of Ottawa’s Cultural Funding Support Unit, Arts Ottawa and the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG). This initiative encourages artistic expression that explores the people, stories, lands and legacies that define Ottawa. Artist/creator-led projects may take the form of visual arts, performing arts, media arts, or interdisciplinary practices, including community co-creation, temporary public installations and activations under the Ottawa 200 theme of “Celebrate Together”.
  Application Deadline: February 25, 2026  Learn more and apply!
  
  
• Ottawa 200 Civic Events Funding Program
  Civic Events Funding is available to Ottawa-based non-profit organizations to implement  family-friendly events and activities that bring Ottawa residents together to celebrate civic pride and community connection, between April and December 2026, as part of Ottawa 200. This one-time funding program opportunity is offered in collaboration with the Community and Social Services Department’s Social Development & Funding Branch to support the production of community events that are free to the public and encourage events that reflect Ottawa’s cultural diversity and history.
  Application Deadline: February 27, 2026  Learn more and apply!

Further details about each grant and Ottawa 200 can be found on the City’s website: ottawa.ca

City of Ottawa Summer Camp registration opens Feb. 26

Get ready for the summer months and plan the school holidays with the City of Ottawa. Registration opens on Thursday, February 26 at 9 pm. In-person registration starts the next day. Find camps for every interest: ottawa.ca

Coldest Night of the Year - Feb. 28

The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there. Join us on February 28, 2026 - across the country, close to home! Funds raised during one of the downtown portions of the event support The Ottawa Mission, which has been serving those who are homeless, hungry and vulnerable by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills since 1906. For details, to donate in support of a participating team or to take part in the event, please visit cnoy.org/location/ottawadowntown

Your input matters: Tell us how we can improve the City's public engagement strategy - by Feb. 28

In June 2025, Council adopted a motion to strengthen public engagement by prioritizing equity, accessibility, and accountability. Informed by lessons learned and evolving best practices, the City has proposed updates to the Council-approved 2013 public engagement strategy to better reflect the evolution of public engagement and how the City engages with residents today. You are invited to review the proposed update to the Public Engagement Strategy and Workbook and share your feedback through our survey before Feb. 28. Your input will help shape a more meaningful, effective and inclusive approach to public engagement.