January 16, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
As we begin a new year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to Rideau-Rockcliffe residents for a healthy, positive, and fulfilling 2026. A new year offers an opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to look ahead with optimism to the work still to come.
Many Ward 13 households will have received the 2025 edition of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Householder report, which provides an overview of key accomplishments from the past year, as well as major investments secured for our ward through the City of Ottawa’s 2026 budget. These investments build on ongoing progress to strengthen community safety and well-being, improve transportation, road safety, and transit, expand access to primary care, and continue important equity and anti-racism initiatives across our neighbourhoods.
In 2025, we made meaningful progress across the ward. This included major advances in affordable housing, continued work to improve neighbourhood safety, and investments in parks and community spaces that enhance accessibility and recreation. Important steps were also taken to improve access to care close to home, including the opening of the Ottawa Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 214 Montreal Road and the Rideau YMCA Child Care Centre. We also continued to work closely with community organizations advancing equity and inclusion, such as the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre in Overbrook at 610 Donald Street and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, located at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard.
Looking ahead, the City’s 2026 budget includes significant funding for infrastructure and community facilities in Rideau-Rockcliffe. Projects include major road, bridge, sewer, and watermain renewals; sidewalk, cycling, and traffic-calming improvements; upgrades to parks and recreation facilities; and continued investments in transit and active transportation. The 2026 budget includes approximately $1.5 million to advance the detailed design of Beechwood Avenue. Additional Gateway Speed Zones are coming to Overbrook and parts of Manor Park and Carson Grove this year. And more than $830,000 has also been secured to support planning work for active transportation, transit, and traffic-calming improvements on North River Road.
These outcomes are the result of strong collaboration with residents, community associations, local organizations, and City staff. I remain committed to working together to ensure Rideau-Rockcliffe is well served today and into the future.
Residents are welcome to review the full Householder report on my website. As always, please visit Rideau-Rockcliffe.ca for the latest Ward 13 and City updates.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
Had a great time attending the Odawa Native Friendship Centre’s Annual Mid-Winter Feast at the Rideau Community Hub this week where many community members came to eat, laugh, chat and celebrate the new year!
It was wonderful to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City Manager Wendy Stephanson and Interim Transit GM Troy Charter at Ottawa City Hall today to present Winston Cumberbatch, the first Black OC Transpo bus driver, with a certificate of recognition to honour his service and legacy.
It was great to catch up with the Vanier BIA Board this week at the Clocktower Brew Pub on Beechwood Avenue. Looking forward to celebrating our local businesses at the BIA’s annual general meeting next week!
Councillors had a productive meeting this week with the Ottawa Police Service about its new district model. We heard strong support for preventive services and neighbourhood officers who build trusted relationships in communities. Thank you to all who shared their perspectives!
Infrastructure work happens year-round, not just at budget time. This week I met with Alain Gonthier, GM of Public Works, to discuss priorities I hear from you: traffic and pedestrian safety and other core services. Your input guides my advocacy for our community every day.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update for Jan. 16
If you have a winter-related concern, please call 3-1-1 or email [email protected] and copy my office at [email protected]. All winter operations updates are posted on my website and on the Ward 13 Facebook, X and BlueSky accounts. Subscribe to the City's Winter Weather Parking Ban e-alerts to stay up to date on upcoming winter parking restrictions. Winter updates are also posted to the City's website at ottawa.ca/winter.
Volunteer Income Tax Preparers Required
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is seeking volunteers for their upcoming free income tax clinic. If you are interested in helping bring money back into the community, apply to be a Volunteer Income Tax Preparer today! You can learn more and apply at www.crcrr.org.
- Stop by the Rockcliffe Park branch (380 Springfield) for great programs and collections
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Ward 13 Bookmobile Stops:
- Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street - Thursdays from 2 to 3 pm
- Carson Grove, 710 Carson's Road - Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Ottawa Family Cinema presents Beast & The Beast in 3D - Jan. 17
Enjoy a production of Beauty & The Beast in 3D at Ottawa Family Cinema at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on Jan. 17 at 2 pm. A prince cursed to spend his days as a hideous monster sets out to regain his humanity by earning a young woman's love. Ticket sale proceeds help support low-income families. Save $2 by booking online. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.
Board Game Night at the Sugar Shack - Jan. 20
The Vanier Museopark hosts a special board game night, in partnership with Studio Staja, on Jan. 20, starting at 6 pm. Bring your favourite board games (and your friends!) for a fun, social evening full of laughter, strategy, and friendly competition.
- Registration required.
- Free entry if you bring games, otherwise a $3 participation fee applies, payable onsite.
To register and for details, visit museoparc.ca.
Outdoor rink volunteers needed for Dr. John Hopps Park in Carson Grove
Volunteers are urgently needed to maintain the Dr. John Hopps Park outdoor rink at 300 Den Haag Drive in the Carson Grove community. One person is needed to lead the puddle rink maintenance, however, several people are welcome to help maintain the ice. Prior experience is not required. City staff provide a training session, manual and videos from previous years. Staff provide guidance on rink maintenance operations. Those interested are invited to connect with City staff by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2590.
Seeking volunteers for the St. Paul's Park outdoor rink in Overbrook
Volunteers are needed to support ice operations this winter at St. Paul's Park outdoor rink at 469 Donald Street in Overbrook. Prior experience is not required. City staff provide a training session, manual and videos from previous years. Staff provide guidance on rink maintenance operations. Those interested are invited to connect with City staff by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2590.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Blue and black bin collection changes – who to contact
Responsibility for residential blue and black bin collection and processing was transferred to Circular Materials on January 1, 2026. Their contractor, Miller Waste, is now collecting your blue and black bins. This transition is due to regulations from the Government of Ontario. The City continues to manage garbage, green bin and leaf and yard waste collection. Pease contact Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or [email protected] for questions related to:
- Replacement recycling bins
- Missed collections
- What you can recycle
For any other recycling related questions, contact Circular Materials at [email protected] or 1-877-667-2626. Visit www.circularmaterials.ca for details.
Garbage, green bin and leaf and yard waste: The City will continue to manage garbage, green bin and leaf and yard waste collection. You can continue to contact the City for garbage and organic waste collection services, such as a missed collection.
Make a difference where you live. Become a Waste Reduction Champion.
The City is launching a new Waste Reduction Champion Program to support waste reduction, recycling, and composting in apartments and condos. If you live in a multi-unit condo, townhome complex or apartment building and are passionate about making a difference where you live, then your community needs you! As a volunteer Waste Reduction Champion, you will inspire and support your neighbours to reduce waste, improve recycling and composting habits, and enhance the natural environment around your home. You don’t need to be an expert on waste reduction, just someone who cares. The City will provide full training, tools and ongoing program support. For details and to apply: ottawa.ca
Black Youth Entrepreneur and Innovation Program for 18 to 30 year olds
Jaku Konbit’s Black Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program is a transformative training and mentorship experience designed for aspiring Black entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30. Whether you’re exploring a new idea, launching a passion project, or preparing to scale, BYEI equips you with the tools, networks, and confidence to make your mark in business and beyond. BYEI is a 6-week intensive program offered four times per year that helps youth bring business ideas to life. Through hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, peer collaboration, and access to real-world mentorship, you’ll develop a solid foundation to launch and sustain a successful venture. Visit jakukonbit.com to register for the next session.
OCDSB Kindergarten Registration is Open
Was your child born in 2022? If so, it's time to think about registering for Kindergarten! The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has elementary schools across Ottawa and is holding Kindergarten Information Nights for parents and caregivers to learn more. For details and to register, visit ocdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local OCDSB school. The schedule of upcoming school information nights is available at this link.
City of Ottawa March Break camp registration opens January 20
March Break is coming the week of March 16 and your children won’t want to miss the fun of March Break camps. Check out register.ottawa.ca for our exciting lineup of camps and programs, all offered at affordable prices. March Break camps are open for children and youth aged 4 to 14, with options available in English and French. Be sure to visit the site ahead of the registration period to find your favourites. Registration opens Tuesday, January 20 at 9 pm. Details: ottawa.ca
Alto/High-Speed Rail Corridor - Upcoming Public Open Houses - Jan. 21, 22
Alto, the Crown Corporation responsible for the proposed High-Speed Rail project between Toronto and Quebec City, will be hosting public Open Houses on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22. There are two sessions each day - one from 11 am to 3 pm, and the other from 5 to 9 pm. No registration required. More information available here. Virtual information sessions in English and French are also happening on multiple dates. Registration for the virtual sessions is available here.
OC Transpo 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan Consultations - January 26 & 28; Survey now open
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- January 26 from 1 to 2:30 pm (City Hall)
- January 28 from 6:30 to 8 pm (Virtual)
City of Ottawa Arts Funding Program - Applications due Jan. 28
This funding program:
- Supports the local not-for-profit arts and festival sectors.
- Sparks and supports the creation, production, presentation, exhibition and dissemination of arts within Ottawa.
- Supports the instructional, training and service organizations that foster the development of the arts in Ottawa.
- Supports community-based artistic activities that develop local arts audiences and engage communities through the arts.
- Supports local artists of all disciplines and backgrounds.
Funding Deadline: January 28, 2026. Consult ottawa.ca for more information.
Governor General's Foot Guards Youth Awards 2026 - application deadline is Feb. 1
The Governor General’s Foot Guards presents the GGFG Youth Achievement Awards, featuring four $2,500 awards to youth whose ability, hard work, and perseverance merits special recognition. Email submissions to [email protected] are requested no later than February 1, 2026. Details: www.ggfgra.ca/youth-award
City accepting applications for Ottawa’s community-led greening initiatives and gardening program - deadline is Feb. 3
The City of Ottawa is inviting community groups to submit project proposals under the Community-led Greening Initiatives and Gardening Program. This program allows communities to create or expand gardens and greening projects on City land. Developed to support Ottawa’s environmental, equity and climate goals, the program promotes sustainable public spaces, biodiversity, community well-being and recreation. Projects may include community-led food gardens, pollinator and native plant gardens, rain gardens, ornamental gardens and gardening that reduces the need for irrigation. Other greening initiatives, such as projects that help manage invasive species, may be eligible when connected to a garden or greening project. Applications will be accepted from January 5 to February 3. Details: ottawa.ca
Applications are Open for the 2026 Paint It Up! Mural Program - Info sessions Feb. 3 & 5; Location applications due by March 3
Looking for a way to help deter vandalism and beautify the community while empowering our youth through public art? Look no further than the Paint It Up! program. Paint It Up! is a youth engagement program funded and administered by the City. Through outdoor murals, the program:
- Celebrates and supports local arts and culture
- Enhances Ottawa’s beauty for residents and visitors
- Provides youth with positive, skill-building experiences
Organizations interested in applying can attend a virtual information session on Tuesday, February 3 or Thursday, February 5. Please register on the City’s Paint It Up! page. Before applying for funding through Paint It Up!, applicants must get authorization from the property owner and apply for preliminary location approval for their mural project using the mural application form on the City’s mural program page. Please apply for location approval as soon as possible between Friday, February 6 and Tuesday, March 3.
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.
Enhancements coming to block parties
As part of the Highway Events By-law that went into effect on Jan. 2, 2026, block parties are defined as a closure of one segment of a local or collector road, for a period of one-day or less to host a social gathering for the persons residing on that segment of the road. Here’s what else is new:
- Applications now require 15 days’ notice (down from 28).
- Organizers may include one vendor during their event. A site plan showing the vendor’s placement is required with the application.
- Vendors must follow all City regulations, including the vendor conditions and business license requirements where applicable.
- Events with more than one vendor do not qualify as block parties and are rather categorized as street festivals. Street festival organizers must apply for a Special Event Permit which requires between 30 to 180-days’ notice and will be subject to a Special Events Advisory Team (SEAT) review and requirements. Timelines vary by event.
These changes are designed to make hosting community gatherings easier while ensuring safety and compliance. Details are available at Ottawa.ca.
Complete Your Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Before March 19
It’s Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration time again. Complete your online declaration for the 2025 occupancy year for each residential property that you own before the March 19, 2026, deadline. A $250 late fee applies to all late submissions. Alternate and accessible declaration options available in person and by phone (Monday to Friday, 8a.m. to 4:30p.m.):
- 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.
Learn more about the Vacant Unit Tax at ottawa.ca/vut.
Emergency Services News
OPS to provide text updates and feedback opportunities for emergency and non-emergency callers
