January 27, 2023 Newsletter

January 27, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe

A Message from Councillor King

Councillor King in the Community

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

I was honoured to have seconded a motion by Somerset Councillor Ariel Troster denouncing antisemitism, which saw Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaim January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Ottawa. Please click here to view the video from the recent City Council meeting.

Vanier BIA Annual General Meeting

The Vanier BIA hosted their AGM on Jan. 25. It was a busy night with residents and members of the Beechwood, McArthur and Montreal Road business community. A new board was elected with a few fresh faces coming to the table. The board also approved this year’s budget and presented a new rebrand and their three-year strategic plan. 

Councillor Orientations - Emergency Management and Protective Services

On Jan. 24 I was pleased to attend a Councillor orientation on the City’s Emergency and Protective Services Department and its processes to protect Ottawa residents.

Councillor Orientations - Ottawa Community Housing 

Thank you to Ottawa Community Housing for the important briefing opportunity on Jan. 20 during which Councillors and their staff learned more about the work OCH staff are doing in support of their tenants.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

New Year’s Levee

Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier hosts an Ottawa-Vanier New Year's Levee in collaboration with Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Councillors Stephanie Plante, Tim Tierney and myself on Jan. 29, from 1 to 3 pm at College La Cité.

Enjoy the Capital Pathway this Winter

During the winter, part of the NCC’s Capital Pathway transforms into a network of over 100 km of multi-use winter trails. These free trails are groomed for fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking. Find your trail here.

NCC Bistros are Open for the Winter

The NCC Bistros are now open for the winter at Remic Rapids Park, at Confederation Park and at Patterson Creek Park. Stop by the winter patios for a warm meal or beverage after a cross-country ski or fat bike ride along the winter trail network. Click here for the menus and schedules.

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 Roundtable coming to the Wateridge and Fairhaven communities - Feb. 2

My team and I are bringing my Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable community engagement series to East Gate Alliance Church on Feb. 2 from 1 to 3 pm for the Wateridge and Fairhaven communities.

Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable coming to the Den Haag community - Feb. 2

My Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable community engagement series kicks off in 2023 on Feb. 2. The Den Haag community is invited to drop by 140 Den Haag Drive from 3 to 5 pm, with 3 to 4 pm reserved for Den Haag tenants.

Winterlude 2023

From Feb. 3 to 20, rediscover the joys of winter activities during Winterlude in the Nation’s Capital. 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. For additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget, please visit ottawa.ca/budget or Engage Ottawa.

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.

Share your thoughts on the NCC’s Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park Plan - Survey and Open House

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is launching its second round of consultations on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan. The public is invited to share their thoughts on activity nodes and goals for the park plan. The online survey is available on the NCC’s new engagement platform at PlaceSpeak until Feb. 19, 2023. The public is also invited to drop by the NCC’s community open house on Feb. 15. For more information, 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. For additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget, please visit ottawa.ca/budget or Engage Ottawa.

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

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.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service are working together to ensure City by-laws regarding parking, noise, litter and fireworks, are respected during anticipated events in downtown Ottawa this weekend. Special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown between Friday, January 27 and Sunday, January 29. Residents and visitors are advised to follow posted signage and to park their vehicles accordingly. City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) will have additional officers in the downtown core, ensuring all parking regulations are observed. All vehicles found violating these regulations will be ticketed and towed.

In addition to parking violations, tickets will be issued to any individual or group in violation of any other City of Ottawa By-law, including:

• Unnecessary motor-vehicle or other noise, including speakers

• Construction or installation of structures on City property

• Public urination and defecation

• Open air fires

• Littering

• Lighting and discharging fireworks

There are no traffic closures planned as a result of this weekend’s events although the Ottawa Police Service may impose temporary closures to manage large volumes of traffic if necessary to ensure the lawful flow of traffic or public safety. Drivers should anticipate delays in the downtown core.

There are no changes planned to transit services. Stay up to date on the latest transit information by visiting octranspo.com/alerts, calling 613-560-5000 or following OC Transpo’s Twitter account.

The possibility of this weekend’s events could be cause for stress and worry. For many individuals, healing from past demonstrations is ongoing. The impact of a stressful event can be immediate or delayed and those affected can feel a range of emotions and reactions. Reach out for help, someone is there to talk. Call the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region at 613-238-3311 for services in English or French. This phone line is your connection to mental-health support and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

City of Ottawa and Rideau Transit Group announce agreement

The City of Ottawa and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) are pleased to have reached a settlement that resolves several issues between them and resets their relationship to focus on the delivery of safe and reliable transit service to the people of Ottawa. Through this agreement, the City and RTG will continue to move forward with the goal of improved collaboration and partnership as recommended in the OLRT Public Inquiry Commission Report. For more information, please click here.

March Break Camps and Programs - Registration now open

Registration is now open for the City’s March Break camps and program: bit.ly/3GThPwh 

Take Part in Councillor-led Budget Consultations

Your City Councillors have organized consultation sessions in the coming weeks during which you can share comments and provide input about what the City’s priorities should be and where to find potential savings. Visit Engage Ottawa for the most up-to-date list of sessions. You can find additional resources and documents related to the City’s 2023 budget at Engage Ottawa as well, and at ottawa.ca.

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.

Recruitment period extended for the Ottawa Police Services Board 

Council has extended the recruitment period for the public member of the Ottawa Police Services Board to the end of February 2023. For details and to apply, please click this link.

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.

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.

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. Residents can submit their tree-planting requests at the following link.

Ottawa Public Health News

Routine Vaccination for Children at Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hubs

Routine vaccinations protect people and those around them against diseases like measles and polio, and are required for school and daycare attendance. For children and youth who are facing barriers to accessing routine vaccinations in the community, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is helping them get caught up on their vaccines. In addition to Ottawa Public Health’s Family Vaccination Clinics, four Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs now offer routine vaccinations. All vaccines at these clinics are offered at no cost, and an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card is not required. A reminder to update immunization records by reporting them to Ottawa Public Health. Visit ParentingInOttawa.ca/immunizations.

Weekly Snapshot and Dashboard

Our 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

• Our monitoring indicators continue to paint an encouraging picture of our overall situation, though it’s important to note that while many of our indicators are in decline, there are still high levels of COVID-19 circulating in Ottawa. 
• The layers of protection we’ve all been using throughout these winter months are still helpful in reducing the spread of these viruses. Wearing high-quality & well-fitted masks, staying home when sick & getting your vaccines (flu & COVID-19) help keep you and our community safe. 
• If you have questions about eligibility or intervals for flu or COVID-19 vaccines, or about COVID-19 treatment options, you can find info on our website OttawaPublicHealth.ca, or you can also call us at 613-580-6744 and one of our wonderful nurses would be happy to chat with you. 
• As always, you can find a more detailed breakdown of this week’s monitoring indicators on our dashboard: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport

Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police Service

➤ OPS Statement on the Death of Tyre Nichols in Tennessee

The death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police officers in Tennessee is inexcusable and deeply troubling. The Ottawa Police Service recognizes that Mr. Nichols’ death on January 10 is felt across North America, including Ottawa. We send our condolences and thoughts to all those who knew and cared for Mr. Nichols. Mr. Nichols’ death, like so many before him, is tragic. This tragedy destabilizes communities and undermines trust in police. We join in the calls for justice, and we support the steps being taken to fully investigate the incident and hold the individuals accountable. For the full statement, please click here.

➤ Police Warn of the Dangers of Texting Explicit Images

The Ottawa Police Service is warning everyone about the dangers of texting explicit images on social media platforms and the risk of falling victim to sextortion. OPS receives complaints each week, with victims in all age ranges. Ottawa Police have received approximately 50 reports in the last two months. For details and for safety tips to prevent sextortion, please click here.

➤ Update on preparations for a potential convoy in 2023

We continue to closely monitor the potential for vehicle-based protests happening in or travelling through Ottawa between now and mid-February. Residents and businesses will see an increased police presence from time to time in the downtown core and surrounding areas. Although we are not seeing specific information to indicate that there will be large-scale demonstrations or protests in Ottawa, the potential for some level of protests exists. As such, we will have resources, logistics, traffic, towing and staffing plans in place to address any type of scenario and will not allow the conditions to occur that resulted in the February 2022 convoy. We are constantly assessing the situation, and we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents. We are very aware of and sensitive to community concerns. For details, please click here.

City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates

Meeting Updates & News

Transit Commission - Jan. 27, 2023

• The Transit Commission approved the funding model and business case for the Zero-Emission Bus program at a special Transit Commission meeting. Pending Council approval on February 1, staff will proceed with the implementation phase for facility upgrades, charging infrastructure and the procurement of battery-electric buses. For details on the approval, please click here.

Transportation Committee - Jan. 26, 2023

• The City’s Transportation Committee received an update on the temporary closure of Wellington Street between Bank and Elgin streets, and approved a motion to reopen the street to all traffic. The street would reopen as soon as operationally possible, but no sooner than March 1, to allow time to install traffic infrastructure in the area, including a temporary protected bike lane. 
• The committee also approved its terms of reference for the 2022-2026 Term of Council. The mandate of the committee would not change from the previous term. 
• Reports considered at this meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, February 8. For meeting details, please click here.
  

City Council meeting - Jan. 25, 2023

• City Council approved a proposed settlement agreement with Rideau Transit Group which would resolve a number of issues between the City and RTG. The terms presented to Council during the in-camera briefing are confidential, as they relate to litigation and are covered by solicitor-client and settlement privilege. More information will be provided when the agreement becomes effective.
• Council proclaimed January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to create greater public understanding and awareness of this horrific period in history from 1933 to 1945. 
• Council deferred the funding model and business case for the Zero-Emission Bus program to the Transit Commission for further discussion. A Special Meeting of the Transit Commission was held on Jan. 27.
• Council 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

• Council also extended the recruitment period for the public member for the Ottawa Police Service Board to the end of February 2023.
• For complete meeting details, please click here.

Upcoming Meetings

➤ 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

➤ Ottawa Police Services Board - Feb. 1 at 8:30 am (budget-related)

➤ City Council - Feb. 1 at 10 am

➤ Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee - Feb. 2 at 10 am

➤ Finance and Corporate Services Committee - Feb. 7 at 9:30 am

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.