Special Edition Newsletter - Feb. 12, 2025
February 12, 2025 Special Edition Newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
January 19, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
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 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 visiting 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
Find out when a winter parking 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.
World Snow Day in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 - Jan. 21
Everyone is welcome to come snowshoe and/or bird watch on the Rideau Winter Trail near 1 Donald on World Snow Day, Jan. 21, from 12 to 3 pm, by the Adàwe Bridge and the Rideau Sports Centre at 1 Donald Street. The Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library and Bird Friendly Ottawa will be on the trail lending out snowshoes for adults and children as well as binoculars. Volunteers will be there to show you how to use the snowshoes, binoculars and help identify birds.
Elementary School Immunization Clinic - Jan. 23
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 our website at: 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. Additional information including clinic locations, dates, times and eligibility is available on the Ottawa Public Health Parenting in Ottawa website.
Ottawa Public Health hosts an elementary school immunization clinic in Ward 13:École élémentaire catholique Montfort, 350 Den Haag Drive
Tuesday, January 23, 3:30 - 7 pm
Free Children’s Playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - every Thursday
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. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. For more information, please email [email protected]
Soirée Quiz Night - Jan. 26
Vanier Museopark hosts the next Soirée Quiz Night featuring a Francophone World Quiz by the Alliance française d’Ottawa team.
Theme: The Francophone World
When: January 26, 5 to 7 pm
Where: Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue)
Details here.
Register here.
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
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
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 Pères-Blancs Avenue for beverages, music, food and fun. Everyone welcome. Entry is free.
St. Laurent Boulevard Pole Replacement - Jan. 28
Hydro Ottawa will be completing a a project that involves replacing three critical electrical poles on St. Laurent Boulevard. In an effort to minimize traffic disruption in the area, the road closure will take place on Sunday, January 28, from 7 am to 5 pm. To safely complete this project, Hydro Ottawa has coordinated with the City of Ottawa to temporarily close St. Laurent Boulevard for approximately 150 metres north of Montreal Road. Once the work has been completed, St. Laurent Boulevard will reopen to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Temporary detour signs directing traffic and pedestrians away from the construction site will be in place. There are no scheduled power outages impacting multiple customers associated with this work. The one customer who will experience a power outage has been notified in person. Homes and businesses in the area will receive a written notice advising them of this work. Residents will notice increased construction presence during the day, including a crane. Hydro Ottawa staff and contractors will conduct this work safely and efficiently, ensuring that any inconvenience is minimal. In case this work must be postponed, the alternate work date is Feb. 4.
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - Jan. 31
Building an Inspiring Capital
Reflecting the mandate of the National Capital Commission (NCC) – to build a great Capital for Canadians – CEO Tobi Nussbaum will speak to a number of exciting NCC projects, plans and initiatives that are driving an ambitious agenda towards achieving that vision, and address local issues.
Wednesday, January 31, 8 pm, at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, located at 380 Springfield Road. For details, please click here.
Rideau Hall Winter Celebration - Feb. 3
The public is invited to attend Winter Celebration on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 12:30 to 4 pm at Rideau Hall. Once again, this event is officially part of Winterlude. All activities are free of charge. A free Winterlude shuttle bus will run in a loop from downtown (intersection of Metcalfe and Queen Streets) to Rideau Hall every hour between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with the last bus departing Rideau Hall at 4:30 pm. Once the list of activities is available, it will be posted here.
Noise exemption: The City has received a request for a noise exemption for the grounds of Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, on Feb. 3 from 8 am to 5 pm. As part of Rideau Hall's annual Winter Celebration, a live band typically performs on the grounds to offer entertainment to event attendees. This is usually folk, easy-listening style music, and performed with minimal amplification during the event hours (12:30 pm to 4 pm). Other than a potential sound-check just prior to the event start time, noise should not be an issue outside of the event hours.
Manor Park Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off - Feb. 3
Enjoy a skating party and chili cook-off, including exhibition hockey games, chili, hot dogs, s'mores, bonfires and an appearance by Ottawa 67's mascot, Riley the Racoon. Taking place Feb. 3 at 100 Thornwood Road in Manor Park.
- 3 - 5 pm - Manor Park Winter Classic Hockey
- 5 - 7 pm - Skating Party & Chili Cook-Off
Could you be the next Chili Champion? Enter the chili cook-off to find out! See the winning recipe from 2023 HERE!
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.
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].
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.
Manor Park is hiring rink attendants, skating lesson instructors and seeking volunteers
Be a part of a great Canadian Winter tradition - outdoor rinks! The Manor Park Community Council is looking for outdoor enthusiasts to help build and maintain their skating rink this season! Plus instructors for Skating Lessons! Ideal candidates love skating, working outside and are not afraid of a little snow shoveling. Rink attendants are responsible for rink building, maintenance, including shoveling and flooding of the ice. Please send your expression of interest and resume to Melanie Proulx, Recreation Supervisor: [email protected]
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.
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 complete or 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.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Black History Month launch - Jan. 27
Join Black History Ottawa, a registered Canadian charity, for the kickoff to Black History Month 2024 with an unforgettable opening ceremony celebrating a rich heritage and culture. Taking place on Jan. 27 from 2 to 4:30 pm at the National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive. The event is free to attend. For more information and for tickets, please click here.
Kindergarten Registration at the Ottawa Catholic School Board!
If your child was born in 2020, it's time to register them to start Kindergarten in September 2024. Registering is Easy: Simply complete the online registration form and upload your documents. If you have questions, please email our Admissions team at [email protected], and they will be happy to help. Take a Peek Inside your Classroom: We have virtual 3D tours of our Kindergarten classrooms. No need to wait — visit your child's class today!
Annual Frozen Water Pipes - Service Notices
The City of Ottawa provides clean and safe drinking water to more than 950,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The water is delivered through more than 3,200 kilometers of underground pipelines. Depending on location and the installation year of a water service pipe, some are not buried as deeply or properly insulated as others, meaning they are at risk of freezing at this time of year. Approximately 2,000 Ottawa homes and businesses may be impacted by frozen water service pipes. Resident notification process: During typical winters in Ottawa, some homes and businesses experience a frozen water service pipe that prevents water from reaching their internal plumbing. To minimize the risk of water service interruption, as many as 2,000 customers may proactively receive Frozen Water Service Warning – Run Water Notification letters. The City will issue notices to customers who have previously experienced a frozen water service pipe and have not had the service replaced at a lower level, using a phased notification process. The first notice was mailed on January 9. Click here for more information and to learn how to prevent frozen water service pipes.
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].
Registration for Planning Primer - Jan. 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 23, 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 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.
Recreation Passes - Public Consultations and Survey - Jan. 29
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, Jan. 31. You can also participate in a public consultation session to share your feedback. Due to popular demand, the City has added another virtual consultation session on the new memberships and admissions model on Monday, Jan. 29, from 1:30 to 3 pm. Register to attend at this link.
2024 Community Economic Development Funding Program - Applications accepted until Feb. 9
- creating jobs
- creating businesses
- developing entrepreneurship and employability skills
- lower-income youth
- new Canadians
- racialized communities
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 the following websites 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.
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.
Become a Hydrant Hero
This winter, consider becoming a hero – a Hydrant Hero! Hydrant Heroes help City of Ottawa crews by keeping 1.5 metres clear around their neighbourhood hydrant. Students can even get community involvement hours! For more information, please click here.
Ottawa PC Users' Group & Ottawa Public Library - Free Presentations
The Ottawa PC Users' Group is partnering with the Ottawa Public Library to give free presentations on a variety of computer and photography-related topics. For full descriptions and to register, please click this link. Keep checking back for updates. All presentations are given in English
Nominate a Snow Angel
Do you know a Snow Angel who deserves recognition? A Snow Angel is a neighbour or friend that has volunteered to help you, or someone you know who is elderly or has a disability, by clearing snow or ice from their driveway, steps or walkway. Nominate a Snow Angel before March 31 at this link or call 3-1-1. For more information about the Snow Angel Program, please contact [email protected].
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.
Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program
The City of Ottawa is eager to support Ottawa property owners in making their homes more affordable, resilient and comfortable in 2024. The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program has had early success in doing so with over 150 completed projects since its launch in late 2021. Through the Program, all Ottawa homeowners can get a low-interest loan equal to 10 per cent of the current value of their home (up to a maximum of $125,000) to cover the cost of home energy improvements and climate adaptation measures. You can combine the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program with other available energy efficiency rebates and incentives such as the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, through which applicants can get up to $10,000 in rebates. You can learn more about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program and apply today at betterhomesottawa.ca. Contact [email protected] should you have any questions.
Make the Best Call
Emergency Services News
Ottawa Police Service
Demonstrations - Roles, rights and responsibilities
The Ottawa Police Service continues to work to ensure a safe environment for hundreds of demonstrations held in Ottawa each year. Cooperation between the Ottawa Police Service, By-law and Regulatory Services and some demonstration organizers has been constructive, but challenges persist. Phave seen some recent disruptions that have impacted public safety, property, and local businesses. For the full statement, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Ottawa Police warning the community about Fraudulent Liens and Mortgages
The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit would like to warn the community about fraudulent Liens on personal property (known as Notice of Security Interest-NOSI) and Mortgages that may be occurring in the Ottawa Area. Police have received information that individuals may be attempting to defraud unsuspecting homeowners in the City. To learn more about this scam, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
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January 31, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
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