January 24, 2025 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

After extensive political advocacy, the City of Ottawa announced this week that it will receive $10.5 million in federal funding over two years to address homelessness, part of direct investments distributed to 10 cities. This allocation will support Ottawa's $14-million encampment strategy, developed after the City established an emergency task force in 2023 to address shelter overcrowding and winter safety concerns.

The funding complements $40.4 million already provided to the City from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for refugee housing support. Ottawa's current strategy focuses on expanding shelter capacity through 400 new transitional housing beds. The City has repurposed several properties for temporary housing, including a federal building on Lanark Avenue (with a lease expiring next month), a converted Queen Street office tower, a former convent, and space within a downtown YMCA.

The City also continues to explore additional housing solutions while developing protective measures for existing tenants. This week, Council approved a planned study to examine a potential renoviction bylaw, pending provincial action on the 2023 Residential Tenancies Act.

A renoviction occurs when a landlord evicts a tenant to make major repairs or renovations to a property. Renoviction is a method for landlords, acting in bad faith, to increase rents in areas where housing is in high demand. Renovictions make it near to impossible for tenants to find new housing, especially since affordable rental housing is scarce.

While the provincial legislation that has been passed puts in place protection against renovictions, it has not been enacted by the provincial government, resulting in no enforcement actions against bad faith landlords. Consequently, the City will write to Premier Doug Ford to determine the Ontario government’s intentions surrounding enactment of the legislation. If Ontario does not respond by April 1, Ottawa will proceed with its own study.

The City’s study will investigate legal and practical measures to prevent unnecessary evictions under the guise of renovations. While primary tenant protection authority rests with the province, the City aims to address the impact of displaced residents on municipal housing services. The initiative would combine immediate assistance with long-term planning to address both urgent needs and systemic challenges.

As your City Councillor, I will continue to support an integrated approach towards seeking solutions to homelessness and the provision of affordable housing that leverages partnerships between federal, provincial, municipal, and community organizations. I regularly advocate for necessary funding from senior levels of government to enhance housing affordability and was happy to vote in favour of the exploration of a renoviction bylaw for the City of Ottawa this week.  

I believe that the most impactful strategies for preventing homelessness begin through early intervention while concurrently providing support services. The City must continue to bolster programs that combine expanded housing options with tenant protection measures to create a more stable housing environment. Such initiatives represent ongoing efforts to address urban housing challenges through collaborative governance and community partnership. While significant challenges remain, the combination of federal funding, municipal programs, and planned tenant protections provides a framework for continued progress in addressing Ottawa's housing needs.

Rawlson King, 

City Councillor

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Your Councillor in the Community

It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Wisdom Tettey, Carleton University’s new President and Vice-Chancellor, before he addressed faculty and staff for the first time this week. Congratulations on your appointment and welcome!

The Vanier BIA honoured the innovation, inclusion and longevity of our incredible local small businesses along Beechwood and McArthur avenues this week at its annual general meeting.

An informative and well-attended discussion this week at the Ottawa Civic Tech Meetup held at incubator13 in The Rideau Community Hub. Learn more at this link.

It was great to give the keynote address at the 20th Annual DreamKEEPERS Award Ceremony for Racial Harmony and Human Rights this week on MLK Day and acknowledge amazing award honourees, including Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard.

A large number of community members enjoyed World Snow Day last weekend on the Rideau Winter Trail in Overbrook, with free equipment from the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library and insightful programming from Bird Friendly Ottawa!

During the holiday season, it was highly gratifying to join Ottawa Community Housing Chair Theresa Kavanagh to help serve tenants during community meals in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward!

It was great to visit Councillor David Hill in December in Barrhaven, where we discussed our shared work on the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee, the proposed realignment of Greenbank Road, as well as improvements to the Barrhaven Civic Centre.

I was honoured to speak at the 2024 annual Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration organized by Jaku Konbit in December! The theme for the event focused on uniting to strengthen family and community.

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Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Cold Weather Resources

 

Be winter ready!

• Download the WeatherCAN app to get directly notified of ECCC alerts.
• Get advice and support:
  • Call 2-1-1 to reach Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario (CNEO). CNEO provides social services assistance (e.g., accessing warm clothing, contacts for community outreach services)
  • Call 3-1-1 for information and assistance on helping someone get out of the cold, including transportation to shelter.
  • Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice such as concerns about mental health and wanting to speak with a professional.
  • Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency such as frostbite or hypothermia.
• Visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather to find information on cold weather and resources in our community, including an interactive map of Places to Warm Up in Ottawa.
• Visit www.cneo-nceo.ca/publications-and-lists to find CNEO’s List of Out of the Cold locations (Ottawa) 2024/2025. CNEO also has local social service and support information.

 

Ottawa Family Cinema presents Paddington 2 - Jan. 25

Join the Ottawa Family Cinema at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on January 25 at 2 pm for Paddington 2! Tickets are available at familycinema.ca or at the door.

Lindenlea ice skating party - Jan. 25

The Lindenlea Community Association hosts an ice skating party on the Lindenlea outdoor rink at Lindenlea Park on Jan. 25 from 1 to 2:30 pm. There will be hot chocolate, snacks and music. This event is free to attend and is open to everyone in Lindenlea and surrounding communities.

 

Volunteer tax preparers needed

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is seeking volunteers for their upcoming free income tax clinic. For details and to apply, please visit www.crcrr.org/individualsupport.

 

Free hot meals from the Ottawa Mission food truck

The Mission launched its Mobile Mission Meals food truck project in September 2020 in response to rising hunger as a consequence of the pandemic. They partnered with local community service agencies across the city to help meet the need for healthy meals. Their food trucks travel to our city’s most vulnerable communities to serve people in need. For the full schedule, please visit ottawamission.com/ottawa-mission-food-truck-weekly-schedule 

Rideau-Rockcliffe stops:

• Tuesdays from 11 to 11:45 am at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 194 Prince Albert Street
• Tuesdays from 12 to 1 pm at Donald Court, 251/255 Donald Street
• Wednesdays from 9:45 to 10:15 am at Carson's Community House, 710 Carson Road
• Wednesdays from 2 to 3:15 pm at The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard
• first and third Fridays of the month - 12:45 to 1:15 pm at 1300 Père Charlebois Avenue
• second and fourth Fridays of the month - 12:45 to 1:15 pm at Queen Mary Court, 725 Bernard Street

And in nearby Vanier:

• Fridays from 3:15 to 3:45 pm at the Vanier Community Service Centre, 161 Marier Avenue

NCC Core Area Sector Plan - survey open until Feb. 5

The NCC has started the next stage of consultation for their Core Area Sector Plan renewal process. The core area is the hub of the National Capital Region along the shore of the majestic Ottawa River. It spans two municipalities and two provinces, each with its own administration and its own priorities. It is a wonderful area where you can appreciate Canada’s natural and historical heritage. The National Capital Core Area Plan’s online survey is now live! Share your thoughts on the themes, concept features, sectors, and more from now to February 5, 2025. For more information, please visit ncc-ccn.gc.ca.

Library programs at the St. Laurent library branch - January

Everyone is invited to participate in the St. Laurent Library Branch's January programs. The branch is located at 515 Coté Street. The library is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Friday from 1 to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The branch is closed Sundays. For details, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.

St. Laurent English Book Club: Thursday, Jan. 30 from 10 am to 12 pm featuring Hidden Figures

Adult Drop-in Programs

• Practice English or French in a friendly, relaxed environment. 
  • English Conversation Group: Thursdays at 6:30 pm
  • Groupe de conversation en francais : les mardis 18 h 30 - 20 h
• Knitting & Crochet Club: Tuesdays 1 to 3 pm

Game afternoon (bilingual) - drop-in

• Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm. Come to the library to have some fun and work those brains. Let’s play Scrabble, Mah Jong, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Jenga, card games or chess! 

Children’s Drop-in programs

• Family Storytime in English: Mondays at 10:30 am
• Babytime: Tuesdays at 10:30 am
• Contes en famille (en francais) : les mercredis, 10 h 30
• Homework Club: Wednesdays at 5 pm for ages 6-12

Family Literacy Day (in English): Jan. 27 at 3:30 pm. Celebrate Family Literacy Day 2025 with Honorary Chair Barbara Reid (virtual presenter)! Barbara will be doing a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture. The event is pre-recorded and will be viewed in branch as we follow along to create our own works of art using clay. This event is ideal for families with children aged 6 to 12.

Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub services in Ward 13 - January

Drop by the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub located at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard for employment and social services, Aging Well in Ottawa programming, vaccinations and free dental screenings. For details and the schedule, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca.

Parenting in Ottawa drop-ins in Ward 13 - January

Do you have questions about your baby? Want to know if your child is on track? Do you have questions about your child's growth and development? The Parenting in Ottawa drop-ins are located across Ottawa. Speak with a Public Health Nurse about parenting. 

• Get support for infant feeding and perinatal mental health
• Learn ways to help your child eat healthy and be active
• Make sure your child is on track with their growth and development
• Ask about your child's social and emotional development

The program is available to expectant parents, parents and guardians of children aged birth to six years of age. No appointment necessary. Simply drop-in during the clinic's hours. Clinics are closed on statutory holidays unless otherwise specified. Drop by the St. Laurent Complex on Jan. 26 between 10 am and 12:30 pm or the Vanier Community Services Centre at 270 Marier Avenue on Jan. 28 between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. For more information, please visit www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/dropins.aspx.

New Edinburgh Children's Playgroup - Thursdays 

Thursdays (ongoing)
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Children aged 0 to 4 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 families in your community.  Please bring your own toy and snack for your child. Some warm beverages are available for adults. For more information, please email: [email protected]

 

New Edinburgh Seniors' Social Group - Thursdays 

Thursdays 
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

A weekly opportunity for seniors to connect inside the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse at 203 Stanley Avenue. Join other members of older generations interested in connecting with others of like mind to enhance their social lives. This group meets casually over a cup of tea or coffee and some goodies for conversation and companionship. Activities of the group such as games or walks are chosen by those who attend and may change from week to week. For more information, email: [email protected]

Skating in New Edinburgh Park

December - March (weather dependent)

Fieldhouse Open:

• Monday - Friday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteer hosers, supported by New Edinburgh's paid shovel crew, two outdoor rinks are available for your enjoyment outside the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. The southeast ice (with low boards, nets and lights) is dedicated to game play. The northwest ice (closest to the playground) is dedicated to new skaters. Warm up in the Fieldhouse, which now features a new rubberized floor. For more information, please email: [email protected]

Vanier Museopark's French summer camp registration - begins week of Jan. 27

Mark your calendar: online registration for the Vanier Museopark's French summer camps will beginthe week of January 27, 2025. 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, arts and crafts, educational activities, swimming, and much more! For details and to register, please visit museoparc.ca/activities-and-events/summer-camps.

Community Coffee Day - Jan. 31

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, in partnership with incubator13, hosts their next Community Coffee Day on Jan 31, from 2 to 3 pm, in Room 124 at The Rideau Community Hub, located at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. It's the perfect chance to catch up and chat in person.

 

Manor Park Skating Party & Chili Cook-off - Feb. 1

Join the Manor Park Community Council for this wonderful, outdoor community event! Enjoy skating, bonfires, music and more at 100 Thornwood. The fun takes place on Feb. 1 from 5 to 7 pm. Could you be the 2025 Chili Champ? Submit your entry to this year's chili cook-off to find out! Want to volunteer? Click here!  Everything you need to know is here!

Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration - Feb. 1

Experience the magic of winter at Rideau Hall with your family and friends during a Winter Celebration on February 1, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. An afternoon of free outdoor activities, captivating performances and more than a few surprises will delight young and old alike. Explore the snow-clad grounds of Rideau Hall and discover winter games from all over the world. You can even lace up your skates on Canada’s oldest outdoor skating rink! Take your best photos against the enchanting backdrop of the Governor General’s official residence, or warm up with a tour inside. All activities are free, but visitors are encouraged to pay it forward by bringing gently used articles of winter clothing for the Snowsuit Fund. Walking and public transportation are the best ways to get to Rideau Hall (1 Sussex Drive). A free Winterlude shuttle bus will be running in a loop from downtown to Rideau Hall, with the last bus departing Rideau Hall at 4:30 pm. Presented in partnership with Winterlude and the National Capital Commission. This is a free event. For details, please visit canada.ca.

 

Vanier Museopark Winterlude activities - Feb. 2 & 9

For the first time, the Vanier Museopark will be taking part in Winterlude activities on Sundays, February 2 and 9. There will be a booth from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sparks Street, between Bank and O'Connor streets. Celebrate the joys of winter at their booth, where they will be demonstrating tapping, a crucial step in the production of maple syrup. You can also explore a selection of unique artifacts related to this ancestral practice. They will also present a story around a campfire. 

 

Wateridge Winter Skating Party - Feb. 2

Join the Wateridge Village Community Association for its inaugural Wateridge Ice Skating Party on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2 from 3 to 6 pm, at the Eugène Martineau Park outdoor rink, located at 710 Mikinak Road. There will be music, snacks, fun and skating! Weather permitting. For details and updates, please visit www.wateridgeassociation.ca.

Intro to Improv - Feb. 7 to 28

Come and try improv at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St Laurent Blvd., from Feb 7 to 28, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Improv builds your self confidence, creativity and communication skills. But most of all it is about rediscovering the joy of play. Beat the winter blues, make new friends, and treat yourself to some unforgettable laughs. 18 yrs+  Learn more: improvembassy.corsizio.com/event/673c1f536cb83e2a74a80b67 or check out the Improv Embassy website at www.improvembassy.com.

Special Roundtable Discussion in Celebration of Black History Month -  Feb. 13

In honour of Black History Month, Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier is hosting a special roundtable discussion in collaboration with Burundi We Want on February 13, from 2 to 4 pm, at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue and share insights into the rich history and invaluable contributions of Black communities. All African communities in Ottawa-Vanier are invited. This event provides an opportunity for community members to come together, celebrate, and engage in important conversations about our shared history and future.

Public and family skating at St. Laurent Complex

Drop-in public skating takes place Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at the St. Laurent Complex. Drop-in family skating takes place Sunday afternoons. For details and the schedule, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

Rideau Hall rink schedule

Members of the public are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy the timeless wonder of the Rideau Hall skating rink this winter season. Tucked away on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the skating rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada. Bundle up and come have some fun! 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:

January 10 to March 2, 2025 (weather permitting)

• Monday – Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Last entry at 7:45 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Last entry at 7:45 p.m.

Full details are available on the Rideau Hall skating rink page.

Outdoor Rinks in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe

Volunteers in many Rideau-Rockcliffe communities have been hard at work preparing local outdoor rinks. Before you go, check the status of the ice on the City's Outdoor rinks page. 

• New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue
• Lindenlea Park, 15 Rockcliffe Way
• Village Green in the Rockcliffe Park community, 270 Springfield Road
• Manor Park, 100 Braemar Street
• Eugène Martineau Park in Wateridge Village, 710 Mikinak Road 
• St. Paul's Park in the Overbrook community, 469 Donald Street
• Overbrook Park, 33 Quill Street
• Dr. John Hopps Park in the Carson Grove community, 300 Den Haag Drive
• Cummings Park, 1060 Cummings Avenue

There are also more than 30 City arenas across Ottawa offering drop-in skating sessions – be sure to check the arena’s website for specific opening hours. Children 10 years old and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person 14 years or older at all indoor and outdoor rinks. Children aged 10 and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet at all City indoor arenas. At outdoor rinks, it is highly recommended that all skaters wear a CSA-certified helmet while on the ice. To learn more about helmet safety, visit the Ottawa Public Health website.

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City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

O-Train Lines 2 and 4 are expanding to Saturdays - starting Jan. 25

O-Train Lines 2 and 4 are expanding six days to include Saturdays starting Saturday, January 25. Your commute will remain the same, but now you’ll have the added convenience of Saturday service.

• O-Train Lines 2 and 4 will now operate from 6 am to midnight Monday to Friday and from 6:30 am to midnight on Saturdays.
• Existing bus service will continue to run alongside Lines 2 and 4, providing parallel bus service options for customers. This parallel service, which includes B2 buses, Route 97 and Route 99 will be available for customers every day of the week.
• Travel Planner and Transit App have been updated to help customers plan their trips.
• OC Transpo staff will continue to be at key stations during peak hours to provide support on the new Lines 2 and 4.

More info: octranspo.com/transition

 

Get involved in your city: join a committee or board - Applications due by Feb. 27

• Ottawa Board of Health (1 position)
• Committee of Adjustment (reserves)
• Rogers Centre Ottawa – Board of Directors (1 position and reserves)
• Accessibility Advisory Committee (1 position and reserves)
• Community Safety and Well-being Advisory Committee (2 positions)
• French Language Services Advisory Committee (2 positions, and reserves)
• Planning Advisory Committee (Landscape Architect position) 

These volunteer positions are opportunities for qualified residents to provide their expertise, knowledge and lived experience to advise on the City’s work. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 4:30 pm. For more information or to submit your application, visit the Join a committee or board page. A virtual question and answer session will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 6 pm as part of this mid-term recruitment drive. The information session recording will be available on YouTube after February 6. It will include a brief overview of the recruitment process and the steps to apply. It will also include questions from participants and the answers provided by recruitment staff. Email [email protected] or call 613-580-2424, ext. 28136, for more information.

Administrative Penalty System Hearing Officers – paid, part-time appointments: A concurrent recruitment drive for Administrative Penalty System Hearing Officer is also ongoing. These adjudicator positions are paid, part-time appointments. Visit Become a Hearing Officer on ottawa.ca.to access the online application and more information – including submission deadlines. 

Cold weather, warm pipes. Top tips to keep your pipes flowing.

With fluctuating temperatures and the potential for prolonged cold spells, frozen water pipes can become a concern for some households. As frost penetrates deeper into the ground, it can cover water lines – the underground pipes connecting your home’s plumbing to the City’s watermain – in a frozen block. For tips on how you can protect water service pipes on your property, please visit ottawa.ca.

Batteries: You can help extinguish the hazard

Did you know? Batteries are a leading cause of fires in waste facilities. They are known to start fires in collection trucks and at processing plants. No battery belongs in the garbage – regardless of size or shape – and you can help keep waste collection and processing employees and facilities safe by keeping batteries out of bins. Extinguish the hazard by finding safe disposal options for batteries and other household hazardous waste at Ottawa.ca/WasteExplorer. You can also download the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Your Ideas in Print – The 2025 Awesome Authors Contest is Now Open!

From now until February 28, budding Ottawa writers between the ages of 9 and 18 have the incredible opportunity to enter the 2025 Awesome Authors contest organized by the Ottawa Public Library. Entries are accepted in the following categories: short story, poetry, comic, nouvelle, poésie, and bande dessinée. For the past several years, OPL has added a special touch to the contest with the “book cover” category, which gives youth free rein to illustrate the cover of the anthology of winning entries. For those who are passionate about drawing and illustration, the “book cover” category is an opportunity to showcase their hidden talent. As in previous years, the contest judges—Catherine Austen, Apollo the Child, Amelinda Bérubé, Pierre-Luc Bélanger and Éric Péladeau—will be hosting writing workshops where participants can gain valuable insights into the fundamentals of writing and explore various literary genres. Workshops will be held online and at OPL branches. For more information about the Awesome Authors contest, criteria and other details, visit the Awesome Authors youth writing contest web page. 

OCDSB Kindergarten Registration is Open

If your child is turning 4 in 2025, 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 more information and to register, please visit ocdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local OCDSB school.

Launch of the City's Tree Dedication Program

The Tree Dedication Program, formerly known as the Commemorative Tree Program, is now accepting requests through an online application form. The expanded program now features two streams: Personal Dedications and Community Dedications. With two streams of dedications, the program provides the opportunity to recognize a wider range of events, milestones and accomplishments. Costs include the supply and installation of the tree, watering for three years, a tree tag, and a plaque for Community Dedications. Visit ottawa.ca/treededication for details.

Planning Primer Courses - Jan. 28 & 30, Feb. 5 & 12

• English session: Jan. 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9WVXbKBRRK2DdsHqrVGwEw
• English session: Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 pm on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DvEJ5nURTd6ViMcAmeMGFg
• French session: Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 pm on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hl3YDP_mSCCbJU-umtC4aQ
• French session: Feb. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8u_xM5sCQyKbIDaTMJ4Gew

Winterlude - Jan. 31 to Feb. 17