January 23, 2026 Newsletter

  1. Ward
  2. Newsletters
  3. January 23, 2026 Newsletter

January 23, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

Table of Contents

  1. A Message from Councillor King
  2. Your Councillor in the Community
  3. Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 
  4. City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

 

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents: 

Over the past several months, I have heard from hundreds of residents across Rideau-Rockcliffe about cancelled buses, long gaps in service, and unreliable commutes. People relying on routes like the 6, 7, 12, 15, and 18 have told me about waiting 30, 60, even 90 minutes in the cold, watching “out of service” buses drive past them, missing work, missing exams, and scrambling to find expensive Ubers they can’t afford. Parents have written to me about being late to pick up their children from school and daycare. Others have told me they were left stranded at unsheltered stops in winter conditions. I want to start by saying this clearly: I hear you, and I sincerely apologize for the frustration and hardship this is causing. Being late to work because your bus didn't show up is unacceptable, and I understand how disruptive this is to your day and your livelihood. 

For many residents, transit is not optional. It is an essential service. When it fails this often and this unpredictably, the consequences are real: missed work, unsafe situations for people left waiting in the cold, and enormous stress for families trying to get children to school and parents to jobs. I know from many of your messages how much the ongoing service failures are affecting your daily lives, and I want to acknowledge how serious and unacceptable this situation has become.

Many residents have asked me about responsibility for these service failures. Let me be clear: OC Transpo management is responsible for the day-to-day transit operations in Ottawa. As your Councillor, my role, and that of City Council, is to provide oversight, hold management accountable, and ensure adequate resources are in place for reliable service.

Council has been pressing OC Transpo management to treat this as the crisis it is. Most recently, in December 2025, Council approved a historic investment of $433 million in the 2026 Budget specifically to improve transit reliability, including fleet upgrades, maintenance systems, and infrastructure improvements. This was a direct response to the declining service quality residents have experienced and represents a very significant increase in funding aimed specifically at addressing these failures.

On January 9, 2026, OC Transpo management issued a formal apology and comprehensive action plan, publicly acknowledging the scale of the problem. In their memo to Council, they stated plainly: "This does not meet our service standards and we feel for our customers at this time." Management has now put forward an action plan focused on stabilizing the fleet, accelerating repairs, and restoring reliability.

According to OC Transpo management, three main factors are impacting bus availability. First, our aging fleet requires more extensive maintenance work, keeping buses out of service longer than newer vehicles would need. Second, OC Transpo faces an industry-wide shortage of licensed mechanics, creating a backlog of buses awaiting repairs. Third, supply chain issues have delayed the delivery of new zero-emission buses that were meant to replace older vehicles. These challenges are compounded by winter weather and traffic congestion, which put additional stress on the available fleet.

I also want to ensure residents are aware of a new issue affecting O-Train Line 1. This week, Council was advised of a newly identified mechanical issue involving cartridge bearing assemblies on some trains, known as “spalling,” where metal surfaces inside bearings begin to flake and degrade over time. Out of an abundance of caution, and following advice from the City’s independent safety consultant, the City has issued a safety order requiring that any trains with higher-mileage bearings be removed from service until those components are replaced.

As a result, Line 1 is temporarily operating with a mix of single-car and double-car trains while maintaining the same frequency which may mean crowding at peak times.

This issue is separate from previous bearing problems, and RTG has been directed to conduct a full root cause analysis. The City is also holding RTG to the requirements of the project agreement and the safety management system, and will continue to work with its independent safety consultant to ensure trains are only returned to service when it is safe to do so. OC Transpo and the City have been very clear: Safety is their priority.

This is another example of the deeper structural problems in our transit system that come from years of underinvestment, deferred maintenance, and a fleet pushed beyond its limits. Fixing this properly is exactly why Council has now committed unprecedented funding to rebuilding reliability from the ground up.

I recognize these explanations don't help residents get to work on time today. The reality is that residents like you are bearing the cost of systemic underinvestment in transit over many years, and improvements will take time to materialize. None of this fixes things overnight, and I fully appreciate how unsatisfying that is when you're dealing with the impacts every single day.

I also want to acknowledge that Para Transpo users and riders with disabilities are being hit especially hard by these service failures. For many residents, there is no fallback option when transit doesn’t show up. Fixing reliability must improve both conventional transit and Para Transpo, and I am continuing to press management on both.

I also want residents to know the City is beginning consultations this month to develop the next OC Transpo Accessibility Plan, as required under the federal Accessible Canada Act. This plan, which will take effect in June 2026, must be built in direct consultation with people with disabilities and will guide how barriers are identified, removed, and prevented across the system. Public consultations will take place both in person and online. This work is important and necessary but I want to be clear that planning for the future does not replace the urgent need to fix reliability now. I encourage residents who rely on transit and Para Transpo to participate in these consultations so their lived experience directly shapes the next plan.

If you experience ongoing issues with specific routes, please don't hesitate to contact my office. Your reports help me identify problem areas and apply targeted pressure for improvements. That information is still important in our ongoing follow-up with management which will include technical briefings with staff. If you have reached out to our office, thank you for your persistence.

Rawlson King
City Councillor

Your Councillor in the Community

It was great to join other elected officials this week to recognize the incredible contributions of our local businesses on our traditional main streets in both Rideau-Rockcliffe and Rideau-Vanier wards at the Vanier BIA 2026 annual general meeting.


Had an amazing time enjoying the NAC English Theatre presentation of Copperbelt during Black Out Night last week. Thank you to Kondwani Mwase and the rest of the audience engagement team at the National Arts Centre for making cultural programming more accessible in Ottawa!


Very excited to join my Council colleagues for the launch of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary at City Hall this week to hear announcements about investments in arts, culture and entertainment to celebrate the city’s bicentennial!


I was honoured to commemorate Martin Luther King Day in the City of Ottawa this week with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh at the annual ceremony presented by DreamKEEPERS.


I had a great time enjoying World Snow Day in Overbrook last weekend with volunteers from the Rideau Winter Trail, Bird Friendly Ottawa, the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library and Ontario Senator Bernadette Clement last weekend!

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Winter Operations Update for Jan. 23

Snow removal operations continue!

Over the coming weeks, the focus will continue to be on snow removal from urban residential streets and select arterial and collector roads across the city, including here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward. This will be followed by operations in Business Improvement Areas, business districts, and bike lanes where snowbanks have significantly increased and are restricting travel lanes.

Please watch for posted No Parking signs - this includes vehicles with residential parking permits. Failure to comply may result in vehicles being towed. Towed vehicles are relocated to a nearby street where snow removal is not scheduled that day or has already been completed.

Snowbank removal schedules for Ward 13 streets are posted on Councillor King’s Facebook page as they become available. Schedules are typically shared a few hours before the start of the overnight shift and reflect both overnight and daytime operations for the following 24-hour period.

 

If you have a winter-related concern, please call 3-1-1 or email [email protected] and copy the Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 office at [email protected]. All winter operations updates are posted on my website and on the Ward 13 Facebook, X and BlueSky accounts. Stay one step ahead of winter parking bans and sign up for the Winter Parking Alert newsletter! Get timely updates and know when bans are coming so you can park with confidence all season long. Winter updates are posted to the City's website at ottawa.ca/winter.

 

 

Please place garbage, recycling, and organic collection bins in your driveway and not on the road or sidewalks. Residents can sign up to receive City of Ottawa reminders and service alerts for their waste collection day by email or phone call at ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar or can download the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices to confirm their collection day. Please note: Although recycling collection will still appear in the weekly Ottawa Waste Collection Reminder from the City of Ottawa, it is now managed by the Province of Ontario. If residents experience any issues with recycling collection, they can contact Miller Waste at 1-888-852-2374 or [email protected]. General questions about the recycling program can be directed to Circular Materials.

 

Registration is officially open for BGC Ottawa’s March Break and Summer Day Camps

From action-packed March Break programming to six weeks of summer fun, BGC Ottawa Day Camps offer kids ages 6-12 a place to learn, play and grow in a safe, supportive environment families across our community trust. To register for March Break Day Camps from March 16 to 20 or for Summer Day Camps from July 6 to August 14, please visit www.bgcottawa.org/day-camps.

 

Ottawa Family Cinema presents The Wizard of Oz - Jan. 24

Enjoy a production of The Wizard of Oz in 3D at Ottawa Family Cinema at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on Jan. 24 at 2 pm. OZ comes to life in this beautifully restored 3D version of one the most beloved family classics of all time! In this charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado's path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. Save $2 by booking online. Tickets on sale now at familycinema.ca or at the door.

 

Open Mic at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - Jan. 24
Bring your senses to be entertained or your talent to share at New Edinburgh’s open mic at the Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Open Mic at the Fieldhouse takes place Jan. 24, from 7 to 10 pm. Performers can register at [email protected] or in person at 6 pm. First come, first to fill the bill. 

 

Lindenlea Listserv - 25 Years of Community Connection - Jan. 27
Join us at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre for a fireside chat in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Lindenlea Listserv, featuring its founder and manager, John Verdon, and RRCRC Civic Innovation Fellow, Max Peacock. 
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27
Time: Doors open 6:30 pm. Starts at 7 pm until 8:30 pm.
Location: Room 124 (Incubator 13) at the Rideau Community Hub (815 St. Laurent Blvd)
Cost: Free to attend
RSVP: luma.com/vzmmi6ax

 

The Great Passage: A Conversation on Death & the Afterlife in the World’s Faiths - Jan. 28
2025October04-1448
The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation hosts guest speaker Dr. Joseph Rogers for a 45-minute presentation and discussion on death and the afterlife in the worlds faiths. The event is scheduled for Jan. 28 at 7 pm at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. For details and to register, please visit beechwoodottawa.ca.


New Year's Levee reception - Feb. 1
Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier hosts her New Year's Levee reception on Feb. 1 from 3 to 5 pm at The Bridge Public House, 1 Donald Street.

 

Rockcliffe Park Speakers Series - Feb. 4
The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts the next edition of its Speakers Series on Feb. 4 at 8 pm featuring Alex Neve, a visiting and adjunct professor in international human rights law at the University of Ottawa and Dalhousie University, and a Senior Fellow with the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Member of the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. He was Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada’s English Branch from 2000 to 2020. He is a lawyer, with a Master’s Degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex. Alex Neve is an Officer of the Order of Canada and was also the 2025 CBC Massey Lecturer, addressing the theme Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World, which will be on sale in the foyer. The event takes place at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road. Details: rockcliffepark.ca

 

Black Futures in Focus - Virtual Black Community Town Hall - Feb. 7
Councillor Rawlson King, who serves as Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, invites Ottawa’s African, Caribbean, and Black communities to Black Futures in Focus, a virtual town hall taking place during Black History Month. This session will focus on funding opportunities, entrepreneurship supports, and resources available to help Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) organizations and Black entrepreneurs grow and thrive. Participants will receive practical information about grants, programs, and supports across government and community systems, with time for questions and dialogue. This town hall is intended for Black entrepreneurs, small business owners, leaders of B3 organizations, and community members interested in learning more about available opportunities.
Event details:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
1 to 3 pm
Virtual (Zoom) 
French-language questions will be supported via chat or live interpretation.
Registration is required: Please click here or scan the QR code in the poster.

 

Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall - Feb. 7
This year's Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall takes place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12:30 to 4 pm. All activities are free of charge. Don't forget to bring your skates. Details: gg.ca/en/visit-us

 

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.

 

Summer Camp registration for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum now open

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is pleased to collaborate with Sonart Music School once again to offer weekly Music and Aviation Summer Day Camps at the Museum, from July 6 to August 21, 2026. This collaborative camp with Sonart Music School combines art and science, featuring music lessons, aerodynamics demonstrations, outdoor fun, and a final concert by the campers. Available for ages 5 to 12. Details: ingenium.ca/aviation

 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend

Graphic with a blue background with snowflakes and a pictogram of a frozen thermometer is on the left side.

Frigid Arctic air will be sweeping into the Ottawa region on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24. Dress warmly, in layers, covering any exposed skin before going outside and seek shelter indoors from the cold. Residents can find an interactive map of places to warm up online and are encouraged to monitor the weather by downloading the WeatherCAN app.

Supports for people at risk

Certain groups are more vulnerable to cold-weather injuries including: infants, children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and people who work outdoors. Service providers who work with these populations are encouraged to assess and adjust their programming and activities as necessary to help prevent cold-related injuries. There are many services available to help people experiencing homelessness:

  • Emergency sleeping spaces in Ottawa shelters
  • The Salvation Army’s 24/7 Outreach Van, which encourages people to come in from the cold, provides transportation to shelters, and distributes essential winter supplies
  • Drop-in centres that offer supports such as showers, program activities, peer support, and housing supports

Call 3-1-1 to get referred to the best available shelter or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the cold.

Call 2-1-1 anytime to find out how to access drop-in centres, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs, winter clothing, financial assistance with utilities and a list of Out of the Cold locations with free meals, snacks and drop-ins.

Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance, such as for hypothermia.

More information is available at ottawa.ca.

 

Ottawa’s 200th anniversary will feature a year of investment in arts, entertainment and fun

A year’s worth of innovative programming and collaborations were unveiled at the official launch event to celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary. The City has launched three Ottawa 200 grant programs, with a total of $750,000 to be distributed through signature funding programs:

  • Ottawa 200 Artist/Creator Grant Program, in collaboration with the Ottawa Art Gallery and Arts Ottawa to support artist/creator-led projects and organizations that will mentor and showcase emerging artists/creators. 
  • Ottawa 200 Civic Events Funding Program to support cultural and community non-profit-led events that are free to the public and suitable for all ages.
  • Ottawa 200 BIA Activation Grant, to be distributed across Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas (BIA) to support the purchase of Ottawa 200 promotional materials for Ottawa 200 events.

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

Ottawa Bluesfest unveiled its evening lineup for a special Ottawa 200 day on Sunday, July 19 featuring The Guess Who, The Sheep Dogs and Elisapie. Free and family-friendly daytime programming will be announced in March.

 

 

OC Transpo 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan Consultations - January 26 & 28; Survey now open

 

The City is creating a new OC Transpo Accessibility Plan. It is a three-year plan that includes ways in which OC Transpo will work to reduce or eliminate barriers people with disabilities face within our public transit programs, services and facilities over time. To draft the 2026-2029 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan, we are looking for accessibility-related feedback on OC Transpo’s services including conventional bus and rail services, as well as Para Transpo specialized services. See the Engage Ottawa page to find out about the multiple ways you can give feedback, including via consultations in person and online, an online survey and a community toolkit to host your own consultation session. Please note that the online survey is now open.
Public consultations will take place at these times:  
  • January 26 from 1 to 2:30 pm (City Hall)
  • January 28 from 6:30 to 8 pm (Virtual) 
For details and to register and fill out the survey, please visit engage.ottawa.ca.

 

City of Ottawa Arts Funding Program - Applications due Jan. 28

Cultural Funding Information Sessions 2020 | Engage Ottawa

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.

 

Lunch and Learn - Peak Grid Load and Battery Energy Storage - Jan. 29

CAFES, in partnership with Invest Ottawa, invites you to join them for a free Lunch and Learn on Jan. 29, from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road, with experts in the field of peak grid load and battery energy storage! The lineup of expert speakers will be addressing how electricity grids are built around peak demand and how battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly used by utilities and large energy users to manage peak load, improve resilience, enable electrification and local economic development. Details and tickets: Eventbrite

 

Winterlude - Jan. 30 to Feb. 16

Experience the best the Canadian winter has to offer at Winterlude, a highlight of the season in Ottawa-Gatineau. With three weekends full of discoveries and traditions, there is something for everyone. Prepare to be astonished by stunning ice sculptures, immerse yourself in the heritage of Canada’s diversity through shows, exhibitions and play around in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom. Urban sites, museums and special events present seasonal programming as well as opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture. Most activities are free and take place in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. There’s so much to see and do at Winterlude! Check out Ottawa Tourism's official Winterlude guide and the Canadian Heritage Winterlude website to learn more about the programming as well as volunteer opportunities.

 

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 until February 3. Details: ottawa.ca

 

 

Drag Bingo Community Fundraiser - Feb. 8

Drag Bingo Community Fundraiser -Collecte de fonds communautaire Bingo Drag

A family-friendly fundraiser in support of Capital Feis/St Brigid's. Join Ward 12 Councillor Stéphanie Plante and other special guests for a fun-filled afternoon of Drag Bingo with Ottawa Drag artists Zak Zinya - Mr. Capital Pride! and DLo Vtton on Feb. 8 from 2 to 4 pm at St. Brigid's Well Pub. All proceeds from the event will support Capital Feis and St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. Details and tickets are available at Eventbrite.

 

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.

 

 

Grant Writing Workshop and Information Session - Feb. 18 & 19; Register by Feb. 9

The City of Ottawa and the Government of Ontario host a grant writing workshop and information session, one in English on Feb. 18 and the other in French on Feb. 19, both from 8:30 am to 3 pm, at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road. Registration is required by Feb. 9. Hosted in partnership with the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Government - Regional Services Branch, this event is your opportunity to learn effective strategies for writing successful grant proposals, funding opportunities, and connect with other organizations. Gain practical tips on addressing community needs and crafting compelling funding proposals. This session is designed specifically for non-profit organizations. For details and to register, please visit this link or scan the QR code in the poster.

 

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.

 

Nominations Open for Forty Under 40 - due by March 7

We want to hear from you! Nominations are now open for the 2026 Forty Under 40 awards

Now in its 29th edition, Forty Under 40 is the most sought-after business awards for young business leaders in Canada's National Capital Region. Its 1,000+ recipients include some of the region's most successful and community-minded executives. The Forty Under 40 awards program is jointly organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade. Forty Under 40 nominations are now open! The deadline to submit is March 7, 2026. For details, please visit fortyunder40.smapply.io. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

 

 

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. 

Latest posts

More — Newsletters

Connect with us

Email:
Phone: 613-580-2483
Address: 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1