July 19, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Thank you to everyone who attended the Equity and Inclusion Forum at Bayview Yards this week. The forum highlighted the City's progress to date on the Anti-Racism Strategy and the Women and Gender Equity Strategy as well as the long-term plan to combine these strategies into one plan called the Equity Logic Model. Residents are invited to take a survey regarding this work at Engage Ottawa. The survey will be open until July 22.
Great to join Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier at her Canada Summer Jobs celebration held at the Vanier BIA's HUB this week to celebrate the 350+ jobs secured for area youth!
It was incredible to celebrate the opening of the annual Ottawa Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Cathedral this week, an amazing five-day celebration featuring marvelous Middle Eastern food and entertainment!
I want to say a special thank you to the volunteers from the Overbrook Community Association, Wild Outside Ottawa, the Ottawa Tool Library, Ecology Ottawa and Bird Friendly Ottawa who planted native plants and removed invasive species on the City’s right-of-way at 1 Donald Street last weekend!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Road closure extension - Oakhill and Corona integrated renewal project
The Project Manager for the Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Project, now underway, has advised my office that the contractor, KCE, is making excellent progress. The underground piping will soon be finished and the road reconstruction, which includes asphalt paving, is expected to be complete by the end of August. The closures of Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue will continue until August 30. Carsdale Avenue will need to be closed for a short duration to allow crews to begin the watermain replacement there. The timeline for this work will be shared once details are finalized. My office will continue to share updates as they become available.
- *Non-Perishable Food Items:* We are accepting donations of canned goods, dry foods, toiletry products, diapers, and clothing that can sustain families in need. Drop-offs can be made every Saturday in July (20th and 27th) from 12-2PM at the ACB Wellness Resource Centre, 610 Donald Street.
- *Monetary Contributions:* Financial donations are crucial for purchasing additional supplies and meeting the immediate needs of hurricane survivors. For those wishing to contribute financially, we are accepting e-transfers at: [email protected]
Black History in Ottawa Streets bus tour - every Saturday
A Company of Fools presents Macbeth - July 20 at Beechwood Cemetery
- July 18 - Basketball Skills and Drills - Ogilvie Park at 1059 Ogilvie Road
- July 25 - Soccer! - Trojan Park 901 Trojan Avenue
All activities are weather permitting. For details, please email Jinny at [email protected].
Pints in the Park - July 20
Pints in the Park is the Manor Park Community Council's annual summer community event on July 20 from 2 to 7 pm. Hosting guests, vendors, breweries, musical acts, local restaurants, for an inclusive outdoor community event celebrating local food and beer. The event takes place outdoors on the front lawn of the Manor Park Community Centre at 100 Thornwood Road. All are welcome. Admission is free. For details, please click here.
Hydro Ottawa Pole Replacement and Power Outages - July 21
On July 21, Hydro Ottawa will be replacing electrical poles that will impact customers located on Alesther Street, Donald Street, Dunbrack Street and St. Laurent Boulevard. Residents may notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will occur on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way allowance and Hydro Ottawa easement in rear backyards - a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa to install and maintain its electrical distribution system. Two cranes will be set up to complete this work; one on Dunbrack Street and the other on Alesther Street. A planned power outage is required as a result of this work. All affected customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable.In the case of circumstances beyond our control, the outage may be rescheduled.
Affected streets: Alesther Street, Donald Street, Dunbrack Street and St. Laurent Boulevard
Morin Street Road Works Update
As part of the Morin Street road rehabilitation project, now underway between Cote Street and St. Laurent Boulevard, concrete curb removal work has been completed. Concrete curb placement is scheduled to begin the week of July 22.
Renewal of St. Patrick Street Bridge & Porter’s Island Bridge - Comments due by July 25
The City of Ottawa held a public information session and open house regarding the renewal plans for St. Patrick Street Bridge and Porter's Island Bridge. Residents view and comment on the online documents posted at ottawa.ca/StPatrickPorterIsland. The presentation is available at this link. Your input is an important part of the consultation process. Your feedback can be submitted by email or by phone to the following contacts by July 25, 2024: [email protected] 613-580-2424, ext. 2273 and [email protected] 613-691-1564.
Trojan Park Pop-up Event - July 25
Join me and my staff for my Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event in the Cummings community at Trojan Park, 901 Trojan Avenue, on July 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm. We will be joining the BGC Ottawa (Boys and Girls Club) Neighbourhood Ambassadors for soccer in the park. Drop by my table to chat about City and community issues and to ask questions.
Corn Roast and Vendor Fair - July 27
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for a corn roast and vendor fair with the Beechwood Market in New Edinburgh Park at 203 Stanley Avenue on July 27, from 10 am to 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to this fun-filled family day with over 20 vendors, fun activities for kids, and live music. Come to enjoy the local vendors, eat some free local corn and celebrate summer!
Pop-up parks consultation - New Edinburgh Park - July 27
City staff will be hosting a “pop-up” consultation during the market and corn roast event at New Edinburgh Park on July 27, from 10 am to 1 pm, weather permitting. This is part of a series of pop-ups the City is holding in Ottawa parks. Residents will have the opportunity to speak with City staff about the Parks and Facilities Bylaw review. Staff want to gather park users’ feedback and see how people use the park and its amenities. This review is intended to consider more substantive changes to the bylaw to reflect evolving community and emerging user needs, as well as updates to terminology and administrative changes. The Parks and Facilities By-law addresses a wide variety of topics to ensure indoor and outdoor recreational amenities are used for their intended purpose, are kept in good condition and contribute to the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of these spaces. The key priorities staff aim to address in the by-law through this review are: Public safety, maintaining green spaces, application to amenities, equal opportunity and alcohol in parks. Participate in the online survey by August 2. More details as well as dates and locations of other pop-ups are posted on Engage Ottawa.
Afro-Caribbean Community Market - July 27
Enjoy the Afro-Caribbean Community Market on July 27 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Vanier HUB, located at 271 Marier Avenue. For details, please visit Facebook.
Logo design contest to celebrate Overbrook bridges - Deadline for submissions is July 28
2025 is the 150th anniversary of Overbrook's first bridge - Hurdman's Bridge. Help Overbrook celebrate bridges in the community by submitting your bridge logo designs. All ages are welcome to enter the contest. Email your logo designs to [email protected] or drop them off at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Designs are due by July 28.
Presland Park Pop-up - July 31 (Rain date is August 1) & Survey
Residents living near Presland Park are invited to join me and my team for my Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable drop-in event in Presland Park in the Overbrook community on July 31 from 2 to 4 pm. In case of rain, the event will take place August 1 at the same time. Drop by to enjoy treats and discuss City issues with us. This is an opportunity to share your vision about Presland Park and your ideas for park improvements that would best suit the needs of park users of all ages. Unable to drop by? You are invited to fill out my Presland Park survey at bit.ly/preslandpark. The survey will remain open through the summer months.
Join the Vanier BIA this summer for Akoustik, a FREE outdoor live music event right here in Vanier. It's held at the St. Charles Market at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. Upcoming dates are July 31 and August 14. For details and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.
Collaborative Movements Launch Event - August 3
Join the Collaborative Movements Launch Event on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2 to 5 pm, at Incubator13 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Free Parking Available. This event is a gathering of people and organizations invested in the themes and goals of the Collaborative Movements project. It aims to introduce this collective to the project's details, featuring networking opportunities, presentations, and refreshments. The event will showcase interactive discussions, allowing attendees to explore opportunities to collaborate on the project and understand its scope. Learn about the initiatives shaping our city, connect with local change-makers, and explore how you can contribute to creating communities of care. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Road Resurfacing - Rideau Terrace - New tentative start date: August 5
Resurfacing of Rideau Terrace between Springfield Road and Acacia Avenue will take place this summer. UPDATE: The City's contractor is tentatively scheduled to mobilize to the site and traffic barrels will be put in place beginning the week of August 5. Completion is anticipated at the end of August. Dates are subject to weather. Notices will be provided to residents in advance of the work.
Summer Music Camp - Until August 9
Bikkurim Music Studios is offering a Music Summer Camp for children and teens, ages 4 to 15, at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. The studio intends to aid children of all backgrounds in this age group in music education. The camp will be packed with lots of artistic things to learn, from the familiar musical instruments: violin, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, guitar, recorder, percussion; to singing (choir), dance, visual arts including indigenous crafts, and games. They'll also get to see a few classic concerts tailored for kids (Bring the Kids! Series) with the Ottawa Chamberfest's festival programming. We have talented and certified teachers and volunteers who will be helping to teach the instructions facilitate the activities at the camp. You can learn more about the summer camp here. Registration is ongoing.
Montreal Road Revitalization Project - Submit comments by August 16
If you were not able to attend the City's public open house on July 10 to view and discuss the proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements to the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road, you can learn more about the proposal at ottawa.ca. That link includes the public presentation that was featured on July 10. The corner of Montreal and North River will be the home of the new public art feature entitled Rideau, designed by the international group StudioKCA.
Next steps and schedule in the project are:Rideau-Rockcliffe Resident Survey - Open until the end of August
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre has launched a resident survey as part of the large needs assessment they are conducting. This assessment aims to better understand resident needs and challenges, assess resource gaps and access barriers. Participants will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card of 1 of 20 $50 gift cards. The survey will be available until the end of August and can be filled out online at the following link: Rideau Rockcliffe Resident Survey or in person at the community resource centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. You can also scan the QR code in the poster above. For any questions or assistance in completing the survey over the phone, residents can call 613-745-0073 ext. 209 or email [email protected].
- A traffic-calming study for North River Road between Donald and south of Wright Street in response to traffic concerns. The study aims to recommend local and minor permanent roadway modifications to improve safety and reduce traffic speeds. As part of this, the City has developed a proposed traffic-calming plan. Your feedback on this plan is appreciated. Please fill out the North River Road Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Study survey by September 9 at Ottawa.ca/NorthRiverRoad (or scan the QR code in the poster)
- The City is proposing active transportation improvements such as cycling lanes, sidewalk segments, improved bus stops and intersection improvements along North River Road to improve safety and accessibility, and to encourage cycling and connections to transit stops. Your feedback on this proposed North River Road Active Transportation Facilities plan before September 9 is appreciated: Ottawa.ca/NorthRiverRoad (or scan the QR code in the poster)
Free Back-to-School Supplies for Ward 13 school children in need
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Caring and Sharing Exchange are providing free school supplies for children in need from kindergarten to Grade 9 living in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 with a postal code of K1K and in some cases K1M or K1G. For more information, please visit crcrr.org, call 613-745-0073 ext. 123 or register at this link: forms.office.com/r/FW33ArANJD Required documentation includes proof of identity for parents and children, proof of address and proof of family income. First come, first served.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
OCBN Workforce Development - Intro to skilled trades
The Ottawa Community Benefits Network, in partnership with the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec Building Trades Council, is pleased to provide an introduction to the skilled trades and the opportunity to gain industry recognized certifications in the construction sector. The OCBN will be hosting information sessions in person and virtually. Anyone interested in the trades is welcome to apply. People from diverse communities are encouraged to apply. Information on this program can be found at www.ottawacommunitybenefits.ca/workforce. Please contact [email protected] for more information. This initiative has been funded by a City of Ottawa Community Economic Development grant.
O-Train Line 2 and 4 trial running - an update
On July 18, Transit services staff provided City Council, media and the public with an overview and update on trial running of O-Train Lines 2 and 4. The Technical Briefing can be viewed here. Learn about the next steps, including testing and commissioning, and trial running, to ensure O-Train Lines 2 and 4 are safe, reliable, and ready for riders. Visit ottawa.ca for the full update. During trial running, daily outcomes will be shared at octranspo.com and with Members of Council. Once trial running is complete, an update will be provided to City Council summarizing the results. Once construction is complete, train operating hours have increased, operator training is complete, and the system is sufficiently tested, an announcement will be made on the opening date.
West Nile Virus
Drivers, cyclists and the City: We have work to do
O-Train Line 1 Summer Maintenance - July 15 to 28
• Trains are running in both directions from uOttawa to Blair stations.
• R1 is operating between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. Westbound service is detoured between Bayview Station Road and Parkdale Avenue due to construction on Scott Street. R1 bus stops are not affected by this detour.
• E1 Shuttle Express bus service is operating between Blair Station and downtown seven days a week during all Line 1 service hours
• Outreach staff are located at key Line 1 stations to provide support.
All light rail systems require regular maintenance work on a frequent basis. This work will contribute to the long-term sustainability and reliability of the O-Train Line 1 system. For the complete Memo to Council, visit www.octranspo.com/en/about-us/transparency. For additional information and updates, please visit octranspo.com.
Provide input on the City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan - Consultation opportunities July 17 to 31; Survey open until August 5
The City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) is a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). It is a five-year plan to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers across the organization by committing to specific actions and outcomes aimed at making sure people with disabilities can participate in the City's programs, services, facilities, public spaces, information and communication, and employment. The current City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) will expire soon. A project page is available in English and French. This includes all project information and the registration to attend an in-person consultation. An accessible online survey is available Engage Ottawa for input until August 5.
- July 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive
- July 31 from 6 to 7:30 pm - virtual in Zoom. **A link will be shared with those who register.
Anti-Racism Strategy and Women and Gender Equity Strategy - Survey open until July 22
The City of Ottawa is hosting a survey regarding its Anti-Racism Strategy (ARS) and Women and Gender Equity Strategy. Community members are invited to review the materials and respond to questions posted on Engage Ottawa in order to enable broader input and engagement. The survey is available at this link. The Engage Ottawa page is open until July 22.
Ontario Community Changemakers micro-grant - applications accepted until July 26
Ontario Community Changemakers is a leadership and micro-grant program for people with bold ideas to activate public space, enhance civic engagement and foster social inclusion in their communities. This program, in its fourth year, is open to anyone aged 19 and over. The program is powered by 8 80 Cities and funded by Balsam Foundation. Applications for the 2024-25 program are now open. The deadline is 5 pm on July 26. Click here to apply.
Before or after school Programming - Registration Open
In the Before and After School Programs at the City of Ottawa, children start or finish the day with fun! They play games and participate in sports, be creative with arts, crafts, and cooking, or get a head start on homework. In our programs, children make friends in a safe and dynamic setting. Programs are affordable with competitive rates ranging from $8 to $14 per day, depending on the plan you choose. Sign up for the weekly program or try individual weekday options at participating locations that are perfect for hybrid schedules. Visit ottawa.ca for details and to register.
City of Ottawa fall activities - Upcoming dates
Mark your calendars with these important registration dates for next season:
- Tuesday, July 30: Browse fall activities online.
- Tuesday, August 13 at 9 pm: Register for aquatics programs.
- Thursday, August 15 at 9 pm: Register for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
Have your say: City’s water rate structure review - Deadline is July 31
The City is reviewing how we recover costs to deliver water services that you rely on every day, and we want to hear from you. Deadline: July 31. Visit Engage Ottawa for the survey.
The Parks and Facilities By-law was initially developed in 2004. Minor changes were made in a 2021 update to better meet community needs, accommodate technological advancements and ensure alignment with other updated by-laws. City Council has directed staff to undertake a full review, and we welcome your input. This review is intended to consider more substantive changes to the bylaw to reflect evolving community and emerging user needs, as well as updates to terminology and administrative changes.
The Parks and Facilities By-law addresses a wide variety of topics to ensure indoor and outdoor recreational amenities are used for their intended purpose, are kept in good condition and contribute to the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of these spaces. In our commitment to continue serving the public, the key priorities we aim to address in the by-law through this review are: Public safety, maintaining green spaces, application to amenities, equal opportunity and alcohol in parks.
Participate in the online survey by August 2. Visit Engage Ottawa for more details.
Sewer Use By-Law Review - Survey open until Sept. 6
The City's Infrastructure and Water Services Department is currently reviewing the Sewer Use (By-Law No. 2003-514), which is designed to protect the environment and City infrastructure from harmful substances by monitoring limits on matters discharged into the sewage works and regulating industry compliance. This comprehensive review aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Updates to align to Provincial regulatory changes to O. Reg 267/03 for Biosolids, Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Waste 1992 and new references to the Ontario Building Code Act Reg 129-04 and the Ontario Water Resources Act.
- Changes in industry trends.
- Enhanced language to educate industries on compliance expectations and interceptor maintenance requirements.
- Additional and more transparent compliance tools.
Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to complete the survey by September 6.
New Zoning By-law - Updates to Draft Zoning Map
The first draft of the new Zoning By-law was released on May 31, 2024. Since then, staff and the public have identified errors in the zone codes on the draft Zoning Map. These errors will be corrected and posted prior to the release of the second draft of the Zoning By-law in March 2025. The process for correcting these errors are as follows:
• Staff will identify updates to the Zoning Map on a monthly basis, starting at the end of July 2024.
• The changes will focus on errors and correcting zone codes that are not in conformity with the Official Plan.
• A Change Log will be published each time an updated version of the Zoning Map is published and will be available on the Draft 1 Zoning Map webpage.
• The Change Log will itemize each change made so residents can conveniently check to see what has changed on the draft Zoning Map.
• Each version of the draft Zoning Map will include a date and be archived for future reference.
• Residents who have subscribed for updates about the new Zoning By-law will receive notification that the draft Zoning Map has been updated, with a link to the Change Log.
Staff are aiming to publish an updated version of the draft Zoning Map at the end of July 2024.
New Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial Video Available: The Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial video is now available. This comprehensive video serves as a valuable resource, providing a detailed overview of the Interactive Zoning Map tool. More information on the New Zoning By-law can be found on the City’s Engage Ottawa page. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the City’s Zoning staff at [email protected].
Residents can help plan Ottawa’s transportation future - Surveys open until August 30
The City has launched consultation for the Transportation Master Plan – Part 2. Have your say on the future of transportation in Ottawa by completing the surveys on the City's project page. The next step in the process, or TMP – Part 2, is to develop the City’s Capital Infrastructure Plan. The Capital Infrastructure Plan will identify the recommended road, transit and active transportation projects and investments to accommodate Ottawa’s expected growth to 2046. Residents are invited to complete online surveys by August 30.
We are looking for your input on:
- Transportation challenges experienced when travelling by car or transit
- Transportation investment priorities
The results of this public engagement will inform the development of the Capital Infrastructure Plan. You are also invited to review the Transportation Trends Report summarizing the 2022 Origin-Destination survey results, and the Needs, Opportunities and Uncertainty Report that discusses the various trends that may impact future travel activity, and the City’s approach to travel demand forecasting to 2046. Both reports can be found on our public engagement page. Questions? Ideas? Email the project team at [email protected].
Nominations open for 13th Annual Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
The City is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from the Order of Ottawa award webpage. The submission deadline is Friday, September 13 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Emergency Services New
Join the Ottawa Police Youth Advisory Committee - Applications due by Sept. 1
Ottawa Police are recruiting for the Youth Advisory Committee! Are you under 24 and interested in sharing ideas and working together with police to help build a safer Ottawa? Apply by September 1! Visit ottawapolice.ca/YAC to apply.
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.