July 10, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Your Councillor in the Community
Honoured this week to attend the launch of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the Official Irish Residence in Rockcliffe Park with His Excellency John Concannon, the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, and Orléans West-Innes Councillor Laura Dudas.
I was pleased this week to join business leaders for the Ottawa Board of Trade’s Business on the River networking event, held in celebration of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary!
Thanks to the Den Haag Ottawa Community Housing tenant champions for volunteering and sharing your incredible baked treats with your neighbours at your Canada Day BBQ this week!
Congratulations to the African Canadian Association of Ottawa for holding its Multicultural Festival last weekend in Brewer Park, which featured live music, arts and culture, food and drink, drumming and dance along with an extensive vendor market!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Bathgate Park - Public Engagement Opportunity - July 11;
Survey open until July 14
Councillor Rawlson King invites Carson Grove and area residents to review proposed plans to renew Bathgate Park, including the removal of the deteriorated basketball court, a reforestation initiative featuring a variety of tree species, and the renewal of the park's central paved pathway. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am with a rain date of Sunday, July 12 at Bathgate Park, 724 Bathgate Drive. Drop by to review the concept plan, ask questions, share your feedback and enjoy some treats. Residents are also invited to provide feedback by completing the survey on Engage Ottawa, which will remain open until July 14.
Repair Cafe - July 11
A broken item doesn’t have to end up in the landfill. Bring it to the Repair Café on July 11, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue! Skilled volunteers from the Ottawa Tool Library will help repair electronics, textiles, small appliances, furniture and more - all for free. More info at Ottawa.ca/WasteReduction.
Alvin Heights Park - Public Engagement Opportunity - July 11;
Survey open until July 31
Manor Park residents are invited to join Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King for a pop-up event at Alvin Heights Park to learn more about proposed park improvements, including new basketball keys, pool deck upgrades, a new accessible building ramp, new pool deck seating, shade tables, and an outdoor ping-pong table. Drop by to review the proposed concept design, share your feedback, and enjoy some summer treats. The event takes place Saturday, July 11, from 12 to 2 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, July 12. Residents are also invited to provide feedback through Engage Ottawa before July 31: engage.ottawa.ca/alvin-heights-park-renewal
New Edinburgh Bottle Drive - July 11
What: Recycling of alcohol containers such as wine and beer bottles or cans
When: Saturday, July 11, 1 to 4 pm and every second Saturday of each month
Where: New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue
Why: Recycling rules changed in January. To help recycle alcohol containers, social enterprise BottleWorks is coming to New Edinburgh every month to collect empties. A charitable initiative, BottleWorks employs youth who face barriers to employment.
Movie Night in the Park - Wateridge Village - July 11
Wateridge Village and area residents are invited to enjoy a free movie night in the park, courtesy of Canada Lands Company. Watch E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on July 11 at Alliance Park, 398 Codd's Road. The festivities begin at 8 pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. The movie will be presented in French with English subtitles. Details: Facebook
A Company of Fools presents A Midsummer Night's Dream - Beechwood Cemetery July 13 & New Edinburgh Park August 14
Pack your picnic blankets and prepare to sail away as a Company of Fools brings you to the shores of the Greek islands! This year the Fools are setting Shakespeare’s most famous comedy against a backdrop inspired by seaside revelry, moonlit dances, and the toe tapping energy of your favourite 70’s disco (you may feel an inexplicable urge to clap along, and we encourage you to follow that feeling!). A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a tale of love, magic, and mischief. Shows continue at parks across Ottawa including in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
- Beechwood Cemetery on July 13 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on July 20 at 7 pm
- Nault Park on July 23 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on July 27 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on August 3 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on August 10 at 7 pm
- Stanley Park/New Edinburgh Park on August 14 at 7 pm
For the full schedule and more details, please visit www.fools.ca/a-midsummer-nights-dream-2026
Presland Park Picnic - July 14
The Overbrook Kids and Youth Action Group is hosting a free community picnic for Overbrook residents in Presland Park on July 14 from 4 to 7 pm. The rain date is July 16. The event will feature music, popcorn, cotton candy, food and games.
Akoustic live music series - July 15 to September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, July 15 through September 23, from 6 to 8 pm. Twenty-one artists. Ten Wednesdays. One summer-long soundtrack of folk, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between — free and outdoors. Everyone welcome. For the full schedule, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
July 15: Alyana performs at 6 pm and OK Naledi takes the mic at 7:10 pm.
2026 VOscars Nominations now open! - until July 15
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse Groundbreaking Ceremony - July 18
Wateridge Village and area residents are invited to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillor Rawlson King for the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 18, at 4 pm at Eugène Martineau Park, 710 Mikinak Road. The event will proceed rain or shine. Come celebrate this exciting milestone for the community as construction begins on a new community hub that will serve Wateridge Village residents for years to come.
Capital Pop-up Cinema - July 18
This event on July 18 begins with a guided historical walking tour at Beechwood Cemetery at 7 pm followed by an outdoor screening of Romeo + Juliet at 8:30 pm. Bring a blanket and arrive early for a good spot. Before Capital Pop-Up Cinema presents Romeo + Juliet, join Beechwood Cemetery for a unique guided walking tour exploring the real-life love stories of couples who helped shape Ottawa and Canada. Inspired by the themes of Romeo and Juliet, this tour explores how love, partnership, and shared purpose can transform communities and leave lasting legacies. Admission is free and registration is not required. Concession snacks will be available for purchase, and chairs can be rented. Details: capitalpopupcinema.com/romeojuliet
Manor Park Pints in the Park - July 25
The Manor Park Community Council hosts its 7th annual Pints in the Park event on July 25, from 2 to 7 pm, at the Manor Park Community Centre, 100 Thornwood Road.
BEER. FOOD. MUSIC. All here in Manor Park. An adult-focused, family-friendly event that features the amazing local breweries, restaurants and makers in Ottawa. Join the MPCC this July for truly the best annual outdoor party in Manor Park. Cool down with ice cold craft beers, and satisfy your hunger with one of our local restaurant vendors. Stay the whole afternoon and socialize with friends and neighbours. Bump elbows with old pals and catch up while playing a lawn game or watching the kids climb the play structures! Non-alcoholic drinks, freezies, ice cream, pop, etc., will be available for sale. All event proceeds are invested back into the community through the Manor Park Community Council. Admission is free. All are welcome to this rain or shine event. Details: Manorpark.ca and on Facebook. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please visit this link to sign up.
New Edinburgh Corn Roast - July 25
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for her annual New Edinburgh Corn Roast on July 25, from 11 am to 1 pm, at New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue. The free event will feature fresh local corn and cake, live music, local artisans and artists, face-painting and more.
Forbes-Cummings Community Celebration - August 8
Save the date for the second annual Forbes-Cummings party on Borthwick and Gardenvale streets and in Trojan Park, 901 Trojan Avenue on August 8, from 2 to 6 pm. The rain date is August 9. Enjoy live music, games, activities and a community barbecue at no cost. Non-perishable food donations for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Emergency Food Bank are welcome. Volunteers are needed. For details and to sign up, please email [email protected] or call 613-745-0073, ext. 116.
ANCHOR Crisis Response Expands to Overbrook, Vanier and Downtown Ottawa
Residents in Overbrook, Vanier and downtown Ottawa experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can now access support through ANCHOR (Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response), a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 2-1-1, residents aged 16 and older can connect with trained professionals who can provide crisis support, referrals, well-being checks, or dispatch a mobile crisis response team when appropriate. Residents can call for themselves or someone they are concerned about. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages. For more information, visit ottawa.ca/ANCHOR.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Work on Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue along St. Laurent Boulevard from Lemieux Street to Donald Street. Overnight work is required in this location in order to avoid major daytime traffic impacts. This will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, a backhoe and heavy trucks. (Overnight contact is Mitchell Moses: 613-266-1914)
Canada Post Community Mailbox Program - update
Canada Post has advised that over the coming years, it will convert nearly four million addresses that still receive door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes. This change is part of their plan to renew and modernize the national postal service so they can continue to meet the evolving needs of Canadians in a financially sustainable way. Addresses with postal codes K1B, K1G, K1H, K1J and K1K have been selected for conversion from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes in late 2026 or early 2027.
Here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, the conversion areas include Overbrook, proximity to the St. Laurent Complex, Manor Park, the Forbes-Borthwick-Trojan-Cummings community, Wateridge Village, the Quarries and Carson Grove.
UPDATE: Community mailboxes will be installed by Canada Post beginning this fall. Property owners adjacent to proposed locations are targeted to receive notices from Canada Post regarding proposed locations on August 7. Customers will be notified by mail of the date on which their delivery will switch and they will also receive mailbox keys.
Canada Post is the responsibility of the federal government. Our office will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
St. Paul's Park Fitness Equipment Now Open
The new fitness equipment at St. Paul's Park is now open and ready for the community's enjoyment, featuring seven exercise stations with a series of push-up bars, a long bench, double pull-up bars, step benches, six hurdles, parallel bars and a 10-foot stone climbing boulder. The fitness area also features information panels, bicycle parking, new pathway connections, seating and newly planted trees. The construction fencing has been removed from around the site and will soon be collected by the contractor. City parks maintenance staff and the contractor will be working to improve the condition of the grass nearby.
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse - construction update - Site mobilization to begin July 13
Construction will soon begin on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse in Eugène Martineau Park at 710 Mikinak. The contractor is scheduled to start mobilizing to the site and preparing the work zone on July 13. Site works and excavation are anticipated to begin July 20. The above images illustrate the aerial view of the fieldhouse design as well as the construction location, west of the outdoor rink and parking lot. Project updates will be shared here as new information becomes available. For more information about the future fieldhouse, please visit Engage Ottawa.
New Sidewalks Proposed for Brant Street and Clarke Avenue - Survey open until July 15
- Brant Street (Donald Street to approximately 40 metres north of Spartan Avenue)
- Clarke Avenue (Claude Street to Cummings Avenue)
St. Patrick Street Bridge construction update - Night work July 15 to Oct. 1
Why: Night work is needed to maintain the schedule of stage 3 construction for the St Patrick Street Bridge. Noise exemptions will be applied according to the City of Ottawa Noise By-law.
What: The work will include concrete removal on the St. Patrick Street Bridge. The use of construction equipment shall not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at the point of reception.
When: The night work will occur periodically between July 15 and October 1, 2026, from 10 pm to 7 am, subject to weather conditions.
Where: The work will occur on the St. Patrick Street Bridge and approaches between the Crichton Street/Vanier Parkway intersection and 50 metres west of Lower Charlotte Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Clearwater Structures Inc, to complete the work.
Overnight Construction Notice – Montreal, Cummings, Brittany, St. Laurent - ongoing
Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue overnight utility work along Montreal, Cummings, Brittany, St. Laurent. The work continues overnight, and will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, backhoe and heavy trucks. The overnight operations are required to avoid major daytime traffic implications.
Locations:
- Beginning 30 metres south of the intersection of Montreal Road and Cummings Avenue, extending westbound along Montreal Road, continuing approximately 30 metres north along Brittany Drive, and extending further west past the Beer Store plaza (548 Montreal Road). (Ward 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- On St. Laurent Boulevard from Brittany Drive to Montreal Road, extending 30 metres north of Brittany Drive, 30 metres west on Dunbarton Court, and 30 metres south of Montreal Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- Starting 30 metres east of the Brittany Drive and St. Laurent Boulevard intersection, continuing north along St. Laurent Boulevard between Brittany Drive and Hemlock Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Frank Zappia – 613-551-9809)
Enhancing Ottawa’s public EV charging network
The City of Ottawa continues to align its net-zero vision with the practical realities of urban living. To support the community-wide transition to electric vehicles, the next round of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is now fully operational. New chargers have been installed in several key municipal locations, including two Level 2 chargers at the Riverain Park parking lot at 400 North River Road, as well as four Level 2 chargers and one Level 3 charger at City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. Envari Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Group, is proud to support the City from planning to completion, providing the drive to ensure Ottawa remains a resilient and environmentally responsible leader. For details, visit hydroottawa.com.
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Community information hubs opening for residents impacted by the July 1 extreme weather event
The City is opening information hubs for residents that were impacted by the extreme weather event on Wednesday, July 1. Staff will be onsite to answer questions and provide information on programs, resources and safety.
- Ottawa Public Library - Beaverbrook - 2500 Campeau Drive
- Ron Kolbus Centre - 102 Greenview Avenue
- Ottawa Public Library - Centennial - 3877 Old Richmond Road
- Nepean Sportsplex, Entrance 1 - 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
- Ottawa Public Library - Emerald Plaza - 1547 Merivale Road
Resources and information for residents impacted by the July 1 storm
City crews are continuing to respond to reports of tree, road and infrastructure damage. Information is now available for residents looking to dispose of waste and storm debris. To learn more, please review the tabs under “In this section.” Flood safety reminder: Debris, waste and other contaminants may be present in flood waters. Please avoid walking through the water where possible and keep children or pets on dry surfaces. If you have a non-urgent request, please submit a report online to help 3-1-1 prioritize calls relating to storm response. For more information and resources, please visit ottawa.ca.
Ottawa.ca features public health guidance related to the extreme weather event, including information on mold exposure, safe clean-up practices, and other health considerations associated with flood recovery.
Additional Resources for Homes with Basement Flooding
For any homeowners who were affected by flooding due to a sewer surcharge after the July 1st storm, the below information may be of assistance:
- Compassionate Grant program - Flooding rebates and grant | City of Ottawa - The Compassionate Grant provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners and tenants affected by flooding due to a sewer surcharge event.
- For any resident who may not already have a backflow valve in their home, you may be eligible for rebates through the City’s Residential Protective Plumbing program, which provides financial assistance to qualified property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves.
- Information can be found here on the Overview - Backflow Prevention Program webpage. The purpose of this program is to prevent the backflow of potentially contaminated water from buildings considered severe and moderate hazard risks to the City's drinking water system
How to dispose of storm-related waste
If you were impacted by the storm and heavy rainfall on Wednesday, July 1, you have a few options to dispose of any excess waste. Storm-related materials will either be collected during regular garbage pickup or as a separate storm-dedicated collection, depending on resources. If your waste is left behind, please leave it at the curb as it will be collected later. For more information about how to dispose of storm-related waste and other storm-related information, visit ottawa.ca.
Take transit to Ottawa Bluesfest and avoid traffic impacts
Ottawa Bluesfest is ready to rock at LeBreton Flats, with concerts from Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19. Residents and visitors travelling in the area can expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity throughout the festival. Travel on OC Transpo is free for event ticketholders. Customers can travel on all buses, trains and Para Transpo up to three hours before and two hours after the event on the date their Ottawa Bluesfest pass is valid. Simply show your wristband or pass to the bus or Para Transpo operator or use the video-chat function on ticket machines at O-Train stations to request access through the fare gate. OC Transpo staff will also be present at key locations throughout the festival to provide complimentary fare gate access to customers who present a valid Ottawa Bluesfest ticket. Regular fares will apply on July 19 from noon to 4 pm during the afternoon of free programming for Ottawa 200. For more information and a full list of street closures and parking restrictions, please visit ottawa.ca.
Building more housing and stability in a challenging market
As housing pressures grow, the City is responding with practical solutions to build more homes and strengthen stability. Guided by the priorities of this Term of Council and backed by significant investments, Ottawa is making progress toward becoming the most housing-friendly city in Canada. Visit ottawa.ca for details.
Youth ages 11-18 ride free all summer - July & August
- Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult.
- Or if you're riding alone, tap through the fare gate with your Child card.
Young & Bold Kids CEO Camp for Black youth - July 14 to 18
Jaku Konbit is hosting its 3rd Young & Bold Kids CEO Camp for Black youth ages 12 to 18. This hands-on entrepreneurship program will help participants develop business, leadership, and financial skills while receiving mentorship from local entrepreneurs. The camp takes place July 14 to 18 at 211 Bronson Avenue. Space is limited. To register, please visit this link.
Skilled Trades Workshop for Black youth - July 15
Skills Ontario invites Black youth to take part in Tools for Success, a hands‑on workshop where participants will learn practical woodworking skills while building wooden beach chairs. This free event includes lunch, a take‑home tool kit, and guidance from skilled mentors. With only 20 spots available and registration on a first‑come, first‑served basis, this is a unique opportunity to gain confidence, build new skills, and explore pathways in the skilled trades. The workshop takes place July 15, from 10 am to 12:30 pm, at Algonquin College. To register, please click this link.
Rain Barrel Fundraiser
The Chatelaine Villages Community Association in Orleans is hosting a rain barrel sale with home delivery beginning the week of July 18 and continuing daily until complete. The rain barrels are being delivered to people's homes and anyone in the Ottawa area can have it delivered to their home. Through the City of Ottawa’s Rain Ready Ottawa program, you may be eligible to get a rebate of up to $750 to help you redirect your downspout and add a rain barrel using a downspout diverter. For more details, review the program applicant guide. Rebates are not guaranteed. Please read the Rain Ready Ottawa Applicant Guide closely for the eligibility determination process. For more information about the rain barrel fundraiser, please visit rainbarrel.ca/chatelainevillages or Facebook.
Everyone Outdoors Together - July 18
"Everyone Outdoors Together” is a brand new community-based movement across Canada on Saturday, July 18 that asks us all to step outside at the same time to share a sunset or midnight sun moment - a country connecting with each other and the land we share as when Canadians come together outdoors, we create the conversation we want on health, belonging, resilience and the value of recreation and parks as a necessary public good. Head to everyoneoutdoorstogether.ca to explore how you can get involved this Parks Day, from coast to coast to coast to coast. It costs nothing. It asks only that we all go outside, together, on the same evening.
Healthy Greenspaces: Community Action on Invasive Plants - Survey open until July 20
The City is developing a community-led invasive plant program to help residents and community groups tackle invasive plant species growing in City greenspaces. From now until Monday, July 20, you can share your input via an Engage Ottawa survey on the tools, knowledge and supports you or your community group would need to help protect green spaces in your community.
Ottawa Tamil Fest - July 25
Everyone is invited to enjoy Ottawa Tamil Fest on Saturday, July 25, from 9 am to 9 pm, at Clarke Fields Park, 93 Houlahan Sreet, Barrhaven. This vibrant community event is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Tamil community in Ottawa. Featuring live cultural performances, traditional cuisine, local businesses, and family-friendly activities, the Ottawa Tamil Fest offers a unique opportunity for all residents to experience and engage with Tamil culture. Details: ncrta.ca/event/ottawa-kondattam-tamil-fest-2026
Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan
The City is getting ready for an expected increase in traffic this fall as federal employees increase their in-office presence, regular traffic patterns return post-summer, and students resume at all levels throughout the region. To help people manage where they need to go, pending Council approval, the City has developed a plan to enhance transit, manage traffic, expand parking options and make it easier to choose other ways of getting around. The focus is on practical, targeted actions to help reduce congestion, improve travel choices and keep people moving. For tools and information to help you plan your commute and stay up to date as the plan is rolled out, please visit the project page.
Emergency Services Updates
- Ride in bike lanes or on the shoulder, not on sidewalks (fines apply)
- You must be 16+ to ride
- Helmets are required under 18 (encouraged for all riders)
- Use a bell or horn, and turn on your white front light and red rear light at dusk
- One rider per scooter, no passengers
- No riding on NCC pathways or in the ByWard Market
- Never ride distracted or impaired
Drivers: stay alert. Slow down, give at least 1 metre of space, and watch for vulnerable road users.