January 20, 2023 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Councillor King in the Community

Rockcliffe Park Residents Association board meeting

There was good discussion and great questions during the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association's board meeting the evening of Jan. 19. Thank you to the Board for having me and for your volunteer efforts in support of your community.

Cycling Connectivity Meeting

On Jan. 16, I had a productive meeting with Councillors Stéphanie Plante and Ariel Troster and City staff on how we can improve cycling connectivity between our three wards. 

Ottawa International Writers' Festival

Pleased to have had the opportunity to listen to our former Governor General, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston, speak regarding his new book about empathy and turning compassion into action at the Library and Archives Canada during an event hosted by the Ottawa International Writers' Festival on Jan. 16.

Rideau Winter Trail

I had an amazing morning on Jan. 15 enjoying the Rideau Winter Trail and then an incredible après-snowshoe at the Rideau Sports Centre! Make sure you take advantage of the amazing outdoor winter activities in Rideau-Rockcliffe.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Snow-Removal Operations in Ward 13

My office is actively and continually monitoring snow clearance and removal operations in Rideau-Rockcliffe, which started this week and will continue throughout next week. All resident concerns are being relayed to City staff for follow-up. You may have seen temporary no-parking signs go up along your street and then come down again without snow being removed. The schedule this week was partly adjusted to allow crews to focus on preparing for the arrival of more snow yesterday and again today (Jan. 19 and 20). While their focus for Thursday night and today (Friday) has been on responding to the changing conditions, snow-removal efforts will resume once they are done responding to this event. Thank you for your patience. 

Ottawa Street Markets - Farm Store

The Farm Store is open for winter hours weekly:

Monday 2-5 pm

Wednesday 2-5 pm

Saturday 9 am-12 pm

The market features an ever-growing range of locally-made, locally-grown, locally-sourced products. The Farm Store is located at 1805 Gaspe Avenue in Manor Park, right across from the RCMP stables. For details, please click here.

Vanier BIA Annual General Meeting

The Vanier BIA will be hosting their AGM on Jan. 25 at 6 pm. They will be recapping their successful year, presenting their new Strategic Plan and also their Rebrand.  New Board Members will also be elected. The meeting takes place at Coworkly at 261 Montreal Road on the third floor. A short reception will follow. Please click this link to register.

NCC Speakers Panel - Exploring traditional architecture in a modern era

This event explores the rise of new traditionalism in architecture and why humans are drawn to these forms. Speakers will present examples of buildings constructed from 1989 to the present, as well as address current critiques of the movement. Happening Jan. 26 at 6:30 pm at 40 Elgin Street on the second floor. Places are limited. Click here to register. A webcast will be streamed live on YouTube.

Rockcliffe Park Speaker Night - Feb. 1

The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts Speaker Night on Feb. 1 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Rd., featuring Andrew Leslie who will be discussing Russia’s War in the Ukraine: What Next? For details, please click here.

Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtables - Feb. 2

My new Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable community engagement series, which launched with a ward-wide Roundtable meet-and-greet opportunity in December, is resuming in February, beginning on Feb. 2 in the Wateridge community from 1 to 3 pm and in the Den Haag community from 3-6 pm. Keep checking my website, Facebook page and Twitter for details.

Winterlude 2023

Winterlude has finally arrived! From Feb. 3 to 20, rediscover the joys of winter activities with family and friends. Click here for more information.

Manor Park Skating Party and Chili Cook-off - Feb. 4

The Manor Park Community Council hosts its annual Skating Party and Chili Cook-off at the Manor Park Community Centre, 100 Thornwood Road, on Feb. 4. The fun begins with exhibition games from 3 to 5 pm, and from 5 to 7 pm there will be food, hot drinks, music, a bonfire, s’mores and skating. Chili Cook-off details are available here. For more event information and to RSVP for the skating party, please click here.

Musical Ride Open House - Feb. 4

In 2023, the RCMP is marking 150 years of service to the public and security of our country. For this major milestone, the RCMP is excited to once again welcome visitors back to their stables for their RCMP Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive as part of Winterlude. Bring your family and friends to visit the home of the Musical Ride and meet police officers from the RCMP in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. The Stables are located at 1 Sandridge Road. The event is Feb. 4 from 10 am to 3 pm. For details, please click here.

Race Equity Budget Consultation meeting - Feb. 9 at 6: 30 pm

In my capacity as the Ottawa City Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I am hosting a virtual Race Equity budget consultation for Ottawa’s Black, Indigenous and Racialized Communities on Feb. 9 at 6:30 pm. Please register for the virtual meeting link. Once you fill out the information fields, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Details will be posted here and on my website. For additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget, please click here and here.

Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall - Feb. 11

After two years, the wait is finally over. The Winter Celebration is back on at Rideau Hall on Feb. 11 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm, as part of Winterlude. The event will feature skating, tours and outdoor activities. For details, please click here.

Ward 13 Budget Consultation - Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm

I am hosting a virtual budget consultation for Ward 13 residents on Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm. Please register for the virtual meeting link. You will receive a confirmation email with the link. Details will be posted here and on my website. For additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget, please click here and here.

Black Expressions showcase during Black History Month - Feb. 18

Join the ACB Wellness Resource Centre for Black Expressions, a special Black History Month event on Feb. 18, from 4 to 7 pm, at 610 Donald Street featuring an art showing, African drummers, guest speakers and a poetry slam. Admission is a $5 donation in support of ACB programs and services. Details: acbwellness.ca

Beechwood Cemetery - Black History Month event - Feb. 23

Exploring Ottawa’s Black History - Past, Present and Future

During Black History Month, Canadians celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country. Many prominent histories of Black Canadians are shared nationally, however, Beechwood is home to many important Black Canadians who have impacted our city. Join us as we share the stories of Ottawa’s Black Community and those buried within our cemetery grounds followed by Councillor Rawlson King sharing his experience at City Hall.

I have been invited to be the featured speaker, providing attendees with an inside look at my journey to City Hall, my first term, major events I have navigated and my re-election.

Join us on Thursday, February 23 2023 at 6:30 pm at Beechwood National Memorial Centre.

Click here for details and to register.

Rockcliffe Park Speaker Night - March 8

The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts Speaker Night on March 8 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Rd., featuring Thomas d’Aquino who will offer personal insights on four decades of private sector leadership at the apex of power with the Business Council of Canada. For details, please click here.

Ottawa Public Health News

Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hubs

Ottawa Public Health's Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hubs offer free, drop-in services at a number of locations, including 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13:

➤ COVID-19, flu and school-based vaccines,

➤ dental screenings,

➤ mental-health, addictions and substance-use health, and

➤ employment and social services.

For details, please click here.

National Non-Smoking Week - Jan 15 to 21 

This week (January 15-21) marks the 46th annual celebration of National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW), which provides an opportunity to encourage people who smoke to consider joining thousands of others as they take their first steps to becoming smoke-free. Counselling and medication, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like the patch, is the best support we can recommend to anyone trying to quit. Here are a few services and supports that Ottawa Public Health recommends:  

• Telehealth Ontario provides no cost and confidential smoking cessation service 24 hours, seven days a week. For help to quit smoking, residents can call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.  
• Residents can also sign-up online and get free NRT patches and gum mailed to them by joining STOP on the Net | Nicotine Dependence Services (nicotinedependenceclinic.com) or the Community Program | Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (ottawaheart.ca) by calling 1-888-645-5405 or by emailing [email protected]. 
• For OHIP covered tailored quit plans and one-on-one support in a nurse led clinic, residents can register with the Quit Smoking Program by calling 613-696-7069 or emailing [email protected] 
• Your neighbourhood Community Health Centre (CHC) and many Family Health Teams (FHT) in the community also offer quit smoking counselling and/or no cost nicotine replacement therapy; while doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists can prescribe quit smoking medications.  

What about vaping as a cessation aid?  

There is a lack of evidence that using vapour products as a smoking cessation aid is effective. If a person does decide to use vaping products to quit smoking, counselling can help. They can reach out to one of the services listed above. For more information about other resources to help Ottawa residents quit smoking, please visit Ottawa Public Health’s website at www.ottawapublichealth.ca/quitsmoking.   

Weekly Snapshot and Dashboard

OPH’s weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Check out the dashboard displaying information about respiratory virus activity: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport 

Key Takeaways

• While our indicators are indeed showing a decrease since last week, which is encouraging, there are still high levels of respiratory viruses circulating in the community. Please visit our dashboard for more detailed data: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport 
• Every layer of protection matters, especially during these cold winter months. And every action helps reduce the risks of these viruses continuing to spread. It all still matters. 
• Every single person who wears a high quality, well-fitted mask in public settings makes a difference. Every person who stays home when sick, every person who gets their flu vaccine, every person who gets their bivalent COVID-19 booster(s)…they all make a difference. 
• While we’re on that, we’d like to acknowledge & thank every single one of the hundreds of thousands of Ottawa residents who’ve come out to receive their COVID-19 booster dose(s). Thank you for helping to protect each other. 
• If you have questions about eligibility or intervals for flu or COVID-19 vaccines, or about COVID-19 treatment options, you can find answers on our website OttawaPublicHealth.ca, or you can call us at 613-580-6744 & one of our wonderful nurses would be happy to chat with you.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Annual Frozen Water Pipes Service Notice

The City of Ottawa provides clean drinking water to more than 950,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The water is delivered through more than 3,200 kilometres of underground pipelines. Depending on location and 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. Please click here for more information. If you require immediate assistance or need to report a frozen water service on behalf of a resident or a business, please contact the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1. 

Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program open and accepting applications

A reminder that the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program was recapitalized last year and is open to applications. It offers a low-interest, 20-year loan from the City to finance energy efficiency and climate adaptation retrofits for homes and rental properties. Applicants are eligible to receive a loan of up to $125,000 and can still take advantage of rebate programs such as the new Home Efficiency Rebate Plus.

Get up to $10,000 in energy efficiency rebates from Home Efficiency Rebate Plus

Enbridge Gas and the Canada Greener Homes Grant have partnered to provide rebates towards eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps and renewable energy systems. The co-delivery of the program allows eligible residents to access the benefits of both programs through a single application and a streamlined process regardless of their home heating fuel type. Before you start any renovation work, you must complete a home energy assessment with a Registered Energy Advisor. An additional rebate of $600 is available to offset the cost of the home energy assessment. Visit the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus website to see the rebates you are eligible for along with a list of Registered Energy Advisors. Note – if you have already applied for the Canada Greener Homes Grant you may be eligible for additional rebates through the new Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program as long as you haven’t completed your post-retrofit energy assessment before January 1. Find out more in the frequently asked questions.

Tree-Planting Requests for fall 2023

The City’s Forestry Management Branch is currently planning and scheduling tree plantings for fall 2023 in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, including replacements for those downed on City property in the derecho storm on May 21, 2022. Trees are available from the City of Ottawa by request on a first-come, first-served basis. The City is currently accepting new requests for its fall 2023 tree-planting season. Please call 3-1-1 to submit a request.

Free wildflower seeds from Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library

The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library is offering free wildflower seeds by mail on a first come, first served basis. Check out what’s available and details on how to order at wildflowerseedlibrary.ca

Infrastructure Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund invests in ZEBs

The City of Ottawa is one step closer towards its goal of a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The Treasury Board of Canada has approved a $350-million grant through Infrastructure Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund. For details, please click here.

Join a City Committee or Board - Applications due by Jan. 23 at 4:30 pm.

Make a difference in your community by providing your unique voice and expertise as a volunteer member of a City of Ottawa committee or board. The deadline to apply to most boards and committees is Jan. 23 at 4:30 pm. For details and to apply, please visit bit.ly/3VJHcG3.

March Break Camps and Programs

Browse March Break camps and programs with the City of Ottawa’s new registration platform: bit.ly/3GThPwh Get your wish list ready for registration night on Jan. 25 at 9 pm.

The City of Ottawa is looking to fill part-time recreation and culture positions

Share your love of creative arts or fitness and become a part-time instructor. Visit bit.ly/3X7Rjox to find out more about exciting new part time job opportunities in recreation and culture.

Fusion Landscape Professional Training - Deadline to register of Feb. 6

The City of Ottawa, through its Rain Ready Ottawa program, has partnered with Landscape Ontario to offer Fusion Landscape Professional Training. The Fusion Landscape Professional program provides designers and contractors with the tools and knowledge to promote and provide landscapes that utilise lot level stormwater management and enhance the environment. Focused on enhancing skills in landscape design, construction and maintenance, this program will help participants meet the needs of a variety of clients, while increasing the sustainability of our communities. By becoming a certified FLP, you are opening the door to new business opportunities and keeping up to date with an evolving landscape industry. FLP certified landscapers can help their clients take advantage of City of Ottawa rebates of up to $5,000 for eligible landscape work.

Virtual Ottawa Training Seminar: Feb. 21-24, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Training will be delivered in English by a bilingual instructor.

Deadline to register: Feb. 6

Cost (covers full certification process): $650 + HST per participant. *Landscape Ontario members operating in the City of Ottawa are eligible for subsidized training at a cost of $150+HST.

For more information and to register visit horttrades.com/fusion.

Virtual Public Planning Primers - Feb. 7 and 15

These sessions will provide the public with an overview of the legislative and policy basis under which land-use planning decisions are made, the way policy documents are amended and how to make a development application. 

Feb. 7, 1-4 pm on Zoom

Feb. 15, 6-9 pm on Zoom

Registration will open in the coming weeks here.

Additional Links:

Development information for residents | City of Ottawa

What's happening in your neighbourhood | City of Ottawa

New Official Plan | Engage Ottawa Page

Provincial Legislation affecting Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development | Engage Ottawa Page

New Zoning Bylaw | Engage Ottawa page

2023 Community Economic Development Program - Now open for project grant funding applications

Registered non-profit corporations with at least two years of financial statements are eligible to apply. Projects must be new, or scaling-up, activity to help targeted historically under-represented populations to overcome identified impediments to their participation in Ottawa’s economy. Funds will be awarded in April 2023 and must be expended by November 30, 2023. Projects may not commence until funds are received by program recipients. The City will accept project applications until 4 pm on Feb. 24. For details, please click here.

New Legislation Overview - Virtual Open House - March 7

Topics will include Bill 109, Bill 23, the Official Plan, and the impact Provincial legislation will have on planning-related matters. This session, scheduled for March 7 at 6:30 pm on Zoom, is open to the public and will provide a high-level update on the City’s review of the impacts of Provincial legislation and an overview of how the City is adapting as a result of these changes. Register to attend here.

Vacant Unit Tax Declarations

Complete your Vacant Unit Tax declaration in just a few quick steps. A declaration is required for each property that you own, even if it is your principal residence: bit.ly/3Gw6nFF

Deadline: March 16.
The City has set up declaration options for residents who require accessibility related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices – like computers, tablets and other hand-held devices:

• Call Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 and select option 3 to complete a declaration over the phone, or to book an in-person appointment at the Mary Pitt Centre at 100 Constellation Drive.
• Call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. The service uses internet and mobile phone technologies to connect the caller with real-time sign language interpretation.

For details, please visit ottawa.ca/vut.

Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police Service

➤ 2023 Budget Directions & Timetable 

To be discussed at the Ottawa Police Services Board meeting on Jan. 23. Please see the meeting schedule below for details.

City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates

Meeting Updates & News

Planning and Housing Committee - Jan. 18

• The City’s Planning and Housing Committee approved a zoning amendment to facilitate a mid-rise development with 326 apartments near Tenth Line Road. 
• The Committee also approved zoning in the City View community, where two two-storey semi-detached homes are proposed northeast of Granton and Bassano avenues. 
• Recommendations from this meeting will rise to Council on Jan. 25. Click here for details.

Built Heritage Committee - Jan. 17

• The City’s Built Heritage Committee, which I chair, approved its terms of reference for the 2022-2026 Term of Council.
  • The Committee would report directly to Council as it is no longer a sub-committee of the Planning and Housing Committee. If a heritage report is accompanied by a planning application, however, the two reports would be considered both by the Built Heritage and Planning and Housing committees.
  • The Committee would be made up of five Councillors and four public members and will deal primarily with matters related to the Ontario Heritage Act. Councillor members will include one member from the Planning and Housing Committee, one from the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and at least one Councillor whose ward encompasses a Heritage Conservation District. The public members would be appointed by Council and must have appropriate heritage experience. At least one public member must live within a Heritage Conservation District.

• The Committee also approved applications to alter three heritage properties, including:
  • Alterations, an addition and a new garage at 280 Thorold Road,
  • Efforts to restore heritage attributes lost at 187 Billings Avenue as a result of earlier work,
  • A two-storey addition and changes to existing porches at 245 Sylvan Avenue.

• Recommendations from this meeting will rise to Council on Jan. 25. For details, please click here.

Upcoming Meetings

➤ Ottawa Police Services Board - Jan. 23 at 4 pm. This meeting will be live streamed over Ottawa City Council’s YouTube channel.

➤ City Council - Jan. 25 at 10 am

➤ Transportation Committee - Jan. 26 at 9:30 am

➤ Ottawa Board of Health - Jan. 30 at 5 pm

➤ Planning and Housing Committee - Jan. 31 at 9:30 am

➤ Ottawa Public Library Board - Jan. 31 at 5 pm

For a list of upcoming Committee and Council meetings and to access the meeting agendas, please click here. Watch or listen to meetings in progress or access the video or audio of past meetings on YouTube or on the City’s agendas and minutes web portal. Regular City Council meetings are also broadcast live on RogersTV Cable 22 and live streamed on the RogersTV website.