June 13, 2025 Newsletter
June 13, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
January 12, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Happy New Year! As you know, Ward Councillors in the City of Ottawa have many responsibilities. When elected as your Ward 13 Councillor in 2019, I committed to being responsive to your needs and to represent the concerns and priorities of all residents. My primary role is to ensure that resident issues are addressed in a timely manner and resolved fairly. As one of the members of Ottawa City Council, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of residents are heard when important decisions are made that affect the lives of many. These decisions involve everything from dealing with planning and development issues to deciding how best to spend hard-earned property tax dollars. Much of my time is spent meeting residents – in person, by phone or in virtual meetings – to better understand our local concerns.
As one of 25 members of Ottawa City Council, I have responsibility over the administration of the City of Ottawa and am responsible for turning community needs into municipal services including social services, affordable housing, parks and recreation, policing, water, transit, garbage and recycling, sewers, fire and paramedics. I am committed to ensuring the voices of Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward residents are heard when important decisions are made. When I am not dealing with Council issues or meetings with residents, much of my time is spent working as a member of numerous committees and boards in the City. It’s often these committees and boards that provide valuable advice and recommendations to Ottawa City Council, and provide another opportunity to hear from residents.
For the 2022-2026 Council Term, I was appointed Chair of the Built Heritage Committee and serve on the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, Environment and Climate Change Committee, and the Community Services Committee. I am also appointed to the boards of Ottawa Public Health, the Ottawa Public Library and Quartier Vanier BIA. I also serve as Council Liaison for the City’s Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, leading the implementation of the City of Ottawa's Anti-Racism Strategy.
As always, I continue to encourage you to reach out to my office on matters of policy. You can contact my office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 613-580-2483. You can report issues concerning City services and by-law by e-mailing [email protected] and copying our office at [email protected] for tracking and follow-up. You can also report issues with City services online on our Web site at www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/311. Emergency services are always available by dialing 9-1-1, City services are accessible by calling 3-1-1, social services are available by calling 2-1-1, and non-life threatening police issues can be reported by calling 613-236-1222.
To view the above image in greater detail, please visit my website.
Your Councillor in the Community
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update
- A winter storm warning is in effect with 15-25 cms of snow expected. A lot of snow will be falling quickly, beginning this evening and overnight. Strong winds of 70 km/h are also in the forecast.
- Non-essential travel should be avoided.
- All available City resources will be deployed around the clock.
- Clean up will take time as the snow is expected to be wet and heavy
- A winter weather parking ban has been called for Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 am to 7 pm.
Details: ottawa.ca/winter
Winter Operations in Ward 13
To view the above image in more detail, please refer to the Health & Public Safety section of my website.
The City has several channels available to help you report winter maintenance-related requests and accessibility concerns. Non-urgent requests, such as those that can wait for the next business day, may be reported on Ottawa.ca. Here are some quick links:
Reporting issues: Once a winter weather event has passed, should you become aware of an issue on the City-maintained transportation network, submit a Service Request by calling 3-1-1, emailing [email protected] or online here.
Updates: For more information on the City's winter operations, please visit ottawa.ca/winter.
Winter Weather Storm Parking: Roads and Parking Services has been working closely with their partners in Parks Maintenance and Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services to expand the number of available parking alternatives during a winter weather parking ban for the 2023/24 season. For this season, 18 additional parking lots are being piloted to determine their level of use and success in consideration for permanent implementation for use during winter weather parking bans. In Ward 13, the following lots are available:
- Dr. John Hopps Park – 300 Den Haag Drive
You can be in the loop for when a ban is called by signing up for the winter parking mailing list: eSubscriptions sign up form | City of Ottawa
For more information about City of Ottawa winter operations, please visit Ottawa.ca/winter. No access to the web or need to report a concern that requires immediate attention? Please call 3-1-1 or TTY 613-580-2401. The City of Ottawa is pleased to provide the Canada Video Relay Service (VRS) for people wishing to contact the City. Callers using VRS are connected with a sign language interpreter who provides real time interpretation for telephone calls. To reach the City of Ottawa through VRS, please dial 613-580-2400. For more information or to use this service, please visit the Canada Video Relay Service webpage.
Elementary School Immunization Clinic - Jan. 15
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (675 Gardenvale Road)
Monday, January 15; 4-7 pm
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 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. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for updating Ottawa Public Health every time their child gets a vaccine. Parents can view and update their child’s record with Ottawa Public Health using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool. They can also send a copy of their child’s record using the CANImmuize App. For more information on ways to report immunizations to Ottawa Public Health, visit Ottawa Public Health’s updating your child's record page. 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.
Free Children’s Playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - starting Thursday, Jan. 18
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, starting Thursday, January 18. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. For more information, please email: [email protected]
Rockcliffe Park Library Branch programming - Jan. 18
Join the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Jan. 18 from 1:30 to 3 pm to meet Artist Wendy Feldberg who will present this fascinating overview of making inks from local plants, some basic recipes, examples of botanical inks used in her art and artist books and references for further exploration. Wendy, whose career has spanned over 60 years, is a member of the West End Artist Studio Tour and also a member of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, now located at Carleton University. After the presentation, participants are invited to a Q and A, to try the palette of inks hands-on, and to a ‘show and tell’ about her art. This is an English adult event. Registration is required as space is limited. For more information and to register, please visit Making botanical inks presentation by Artist Wendy Feldberg | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)
Craig Cardiff Concert in New Edinburgh - Jan. 26
The Crichton Community Council presents Craig Cardiff in Concert on Jan. 26 at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue. Doors open at 7 pm. The performance begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 and are available through Eventbrite. Licensed drinks and snacks will be available.
Wateridge Village Winter Book & Fun Fair - Jan. 27
Join the Wateridge Village Community Association for a fabulous day celebrating community at the Wateridge Village Winter Book & Fun Fair! Their annual holiday event is returning in a new form: a book fair with a side of crafts, cakes, and a chance to connect with neighbours and friends. The event takes place Jan. 27 from 11 am to 3 pm at East Gate Alliance Church, 550 Codd's Road.
📚Books for all ages
🎙️Storyteller performance
🛍️ Local artisans
🤫 Silent auction
✂️ Kid crafting table, hot cocoa, and treats
Association volunteers can't wait to celebrate the season with you! For more information and to let them know you will be attending, RSVP here.
🛍️ Local artisans
🤫 Silent auction
✂️ Kid crafting table, hot cocoa, and treats
Association volunteers can't wait to celebrate the season with you! For more information and to let them know you will be attending, RSVP here.
2024 New Year's Levee - Jan. 28
I will be joining Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier, Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard, Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante and Beacon Hill-Cyrville Councillor Tim Tierney in co-hosting a New Year's Levee on Jan. 28 from 2 to 4 pm. Drop by the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre at 300 Des, 300 Pères-Blancs Avenue for beverages, music, food and fun. Everyone welcome. Entry is free.
Ottawa New Edinburgh Club - Winter season programming starts in January
The Ottawa New Edinburgh Club is continuing to offer its winter programming for 2024. Check out their Winter Programming site and keep an eye out for regular skiing, skating and snowshoeing offerings + special featured events like skating at Rideau Hall and on a special ice rink that winds its way through the forests of Quebec
Outdoor community rinks
If you are looking to enjoy one of the four refrigerated rinks in the City, make sure to check online before heading out. Outdoor rink preparations are underway in many of our neighbourhoods around Rideau-Rockcliffe. For the community rink closest to you, take a look at the City of Ottawa's interactive skating rink map. Status is not online for community rinks. Rink locations in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward include:
- New Edinburgh Park outdoor rink at 203 Stanley Avenue
- St. Ambroise Park outdoor rink at 120 Landry Street in Vanier
- Optimiste Park outdoor rink at 43 Ste. Cécile Street in Vanier
- Lindenlea Park outdoor rink at 15 Rockcliffe Way
- Village Green Park outdoor rink at 270 Springfield Road in Rockcliffe Park
- Richelieu Park outdoor rink at 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue in Vanier
- Manor Park outdoor rink at 100 Braemar Street
- Overbrook Park outdoor rink at 33 Quill Street
- St. Paul's Park outdoor rink at 469 Donald Street in Overbrook
- Presland Park outdoor rink at 369 Presland Road in Overbrook
- Cummings Park outdoor rink at 1060 Cummings Avenue in Gloucester
- Dr. John Hopps Park outdoor rink at 300 Den Haag Drive
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.
Rideau Sports Centre - Summer Camp Registration Now Open
Registration for summer camps at the Rideau Sports Centre, located at 1 Donald Street, is now open. Get ready for the best summer ever! Give your kids the gift of an extraordinary summer filled with laughter, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. Picture them engaging in thrilling sports activities, discovering hidden talents, and creating unforgettable memories. Spaces are LIMITED, and demand is high, so don't wait! Secure your child's spot now. Whether they're hitting on the tennis court, scoring goals on the soccer field, or making a splash in the pool – this summer promises endless FUN! For details, please click here.
Sledding Hills
As the snow falls, keep an eye on Ottawa.ca for sledding hill advisories. Please sled only at designated hills and take safety precautions, including observing hill conditions and wearing a helmet. Take a look at the City’s list of its sanctioned sledding hills before heading out.
OCDSB Kindergarten Registration Now Open
If your child is turning 4 in 2024, you can now register for Kindergarten at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). In January and February, OCDSB elementary schools across Ottawa will be holding Kindergarten Information Nights to allow parents/caregivers to learn more about the program and school. For more information and to register your child, visit: ocdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local OCDSB school. For the schedule of local school Kindergarten Information Nights, please visit this link.
Donald Street Pole Renewal - Proposed for March 2024
Hydro Ottawa is planning to replace hydro poles along Donald Street, from Edith Avenue to Telford Avenue, and along Telford Avenue, from Donald Street to Straby Avenue. The proposed construction dates are from March 25 to July 26, 2024.
The proposed work includes:
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.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
OC Transpo increases weekday capacity on O-Train line 1
Starting Jan. 8, OC Transpo has increased weekday capacity on O-Train Line 1 by returning to double-car train service on every trip. Trains are operating approximately every five to six minutes. The return to double-car train weekday service is made possible by a new measure that adds pins to the restraining nut on the axle hubs. This was proposed by Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom at the September Transit Commission meeting and is expected to extend the life of the wheel hub assemblies on the vehicles while continuing to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the fleet. RTG has completed analysis and testing of the nut pinning solution, and OC Transpo and Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) are satisfied that safety requirements have been met. Alstom and RTG are now applying it to the wheel hub assemblies on the trains. This added measure allows for the immediate return to double-car train service during weekdays on O-Train Line 1. Single-car train service will continue to operate on weekends to meet current ridership levels. For additional information please visit octranspo.com.
Play Free drop-in activities are back with more in 2024
Children and youth of Ottawa can now participate in the 2024 lineup of Play Free activities. These free drop-in activities include gym sports, swimming, museums and skating. These free programs allow more children and youth to participate in City programs and appreciate the associated health and social benefits of these activities. The City of Ottawa also offers financial support through the Ottawa Hand in Hand participant subsidy program.
Mark your calendars for March break and summer camps - Registration begins Jan. 16
For children aged four to 14, the City of Ottawa will be offering a variety of March break and summer camps. For 2024 summer camps, Ottawa residents will receive a 10 per cent discount on the City’s most popular Ottawa Adventure and Energy camps. Registration begins on Jan. 16 at 9 pm at register.ottawa.ca.
Additional registration dates:
Spring Aquatics: February 13 at 9pm
Spring Programs: February 15 at 9pm
Recreation Passes - Public Consultations and Survey
A new model for City of Ottawa recreation admissions and membership passes is in the works and we want to hear your thoughts! The new model groups activities into three cost categories and would apply to drop-in admissions, multi-visit passes and membership passes. Watch the My Rec Pass video and visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about the new model. Have your say by completing the online survey until Wednesday, January 31. You can also participate in a public consultation session to share your feedback:
Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30 to 8 pm Thursday, January 18 from 10:30 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30 to 8 pm Thursday, January 18 from 10:30 am to 12 pm
Monday, January 22 from 6:30 to 8 pm
- Virtual meeting on Zoom
Registration for Planning Primer - Jan. 18 and 23
The Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department offers the Planning Primer Program to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process.
- January 18, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm
- January 23, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm
Location: a Zoom link will be sent to those who register. To join one of the sessions, please register here. Please send any questions to [email protected].
Ottawa Police Services Board recruitment - Applications due by Jan. 19
The City is recruiting one resident to be a Citizen Appointee to the Ottawa Police Services Board, for a three-year term. This volunteer position is an opportunity for a qualified resident to provide governance and oversight to the Ottawa Police Service. For more information or to fill out and submit the online application form, visit the Join a committee or board page. Alternate application formats are available upon request. Email [email protected] or call 613-580-2424 ext. 28136 for more information. To be considered, applications must be submitted by Friday, January 19 at 4:30 pm.
Youth Basketball Program - Register before Jan. 20
The TLC Project is hosting a fundamental basketball league for kids and youth ages 7 to 16. The league aims to encourage and engage youth through basketball and self-development. There will be two age divisions of 7-11 and 12-16. The cost is $120 per child or $900 per team. Registration is required by Jan. 20. Games take place every Sunday from 5 to 7:45 pm at the Boys and Girls Club Taggart Park Family Clubhouse at 1751 Heatherington Road in Alta Vista Ward. For details, please call 613-879-2638 or email [email protected].
Ottawa Indigenous Student Career Fair - Jan. 25
You are invited to take part in the Ottawa Indigenous Student Career Fair on January 25, from 1 to 5 pm, at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, 299 Montreal Road.The Ottawa Indigenous Student Career Fair (OISCF) is a cross-campus initiative organized by Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cite College, and the University of Ottawa! These campuses are home to approximately 3,000 Indigenous learners, and many are seeking employment opportunities, whether that is part-time as they study, summer internships, or full-time as they approach graduation. Recent graduates are welcome, so bring your friends! Whether you study criminology, construction, social work, or journalism, we invite you to attend and learn about the many opportunities available to you! Refreshments and transportation will be provided. For more information, please click here.
Application process for the 2024 Community Economic Development Funding Program open until Feb. 9
- creating jobs
- creating businesses
- developing entrepreneurship and employability skills
- lower-income youth
- new Canadians
- racialized communities
Commemorative Naming Program policy review - Survey open until Feb. 16
Over 350 streets, parks and facilities across Ottawa bear the names of individuals who made extraordinary contributions to the city and its residents. The current Commemorative Naming Program has been in place for the past 20 years. The City is seeking your input to modernize a policy that aligns with Ottawa’s values. To get involved, complete an online survey on Engage Ottawa to share your feedback on the Commemorative Naming Program and help shape a revised policy that will contribute to Ottawa’s legacy for generations to come. Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to participate in the Commemorative Naming Program policy review. The survey will be open for responses until Friday, February 16, 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.
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