July 25, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Jeffrey, Arundel, Farnham, Finter, Braemar and Kilbarry Integrated Renewal - Public Information Session - July 30
The City of Ottawa invites Manor Park residents to attend a public information session on July 30 at 1805 Gaspe Avenue in the main hall to discuss the proposed infrastructure improvement project in the Manor Park community. Through this session, the City of Ottawa will be presenting the detailed design drawings, construction information and expectations, and information regarding proposed sidewalks related to the Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent, Kilbarry Crescent, Finter Street and Braemar Street integrated renewal project in advance of the start of construction in summer 2025. Doors will open at 6 pm to allow time to review the displays before the presentation begins at 6:30 pm. In addition to this meeting, residents can also participate through viewing and commenting on the online documents to be posted on the project webpage in mid-July. Input from Manor Park residents is an important part of the consultation process. Your feedback can be submitted via the online form, by email or by phone to the contact below by August 30, 2025.
- Arundel Avenue, from Farnham Crescent to StLaurent Boulevard
- Braemar Street, from Ava Road to Arundel Avenue
- Farnham Crescent, from Ava Road to north-side dead-end
- Finter Street, from St-Laurent Boulevard to west-side dead-end
- Jeffrey Avenue, from St-Laurent Boulevard to Braemar Street
- Kilbarry Crescent, from Sandridge Road to Ava Road
Who: The engineering firm, Novatech, has been retained by the City of Ottawa to develop design drawings for this project.
Project details are available at ottawa.ca.
Manor Park Sidewalks Survey:
In addition to the public information session, Councillor Rawlson King is inviting Manor Park residents to complete a sidewalks survey at this link.
Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al. Integrated Renewal - Construction Notice - Tentative start the week of July 28
Starting late July, the City of Ottawa will begin pre-construction work in the Manor Park community, such as pre-construction surveys and utility locates, in advance of the construction on the new sewers, watermains and associated road reconstruction work as part of the Jeffery Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al Integrated Renewal project. Construction equipment and materials will be mobilized to the site shortly thereafter. As the project limits are quite large, you may not see work in your neighbourhood until next year.
** This is not the start of full construction, but rather preparatory work to ensure utilities are properly identified before excavation begins. That said, components of the project, including traffic calming measures and sidewalks, are still under consideration.
What: Construction activity related to the installation of new sewers, watermains and associated road reconstruction.
Why: The purpose of the work is to renew the aging infrastructure within the project limits.
When: This work is tentatively planned to begin the week of July 28, 2025. Completion is anticipated by the end of October 2026, weather dependent.
Where: Affected areas within the Manor Park Community include:
- Arundel Avenue, from Farnham Crescent to St. Laurent Boulevard
- Braemar Street, from Ava Road to Arundel Avenue
- Farnham Crescent, from Arundel Avenue to north-side dead-end
- Finter Street, from St. Laurent Boulevard to west-side dead-end
- Jeffrey Avenue, from St. Laurent Boulevard to Braemar Street
- Kilbarry Crescent, from Sandridge Road to Ava Road
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd., to complete the work.
For details, please visit the project webpage at ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue.
Free community fitness class in Wateridge Village - every Sunday
Heritage Ottawa 2025 Walking Tour Season - July 27 to Oct. 5
Explore the history and heritage of some of Ottawa's most interesting neighbourhoods with Heritage Ottawa's knowledgeable tour guides! For tickets and details: shop.heritageottawa.org/en/heritage-ottawa-walking-tours
- Basketball History & Heritage - July 27 at 2 pm. Depart from 151 Sparks.
- Architecture and Engineering along the Rideau Canal - August 3 at 2 pm. Depart from Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane.
- Hog's Back - Beyond the Falls - August 17 at 2 pm. Depart from the Hogs Back refreshment stand.
- Hintonburg: An Early Streetcar Suburb - August 27 at 2 pm. Depart from The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, 20 Fairmont Avenue.
- Art and Nature - Landscapes of Cornelia Oberlander - Sept. 14 at 2 pm. Meet in the north end of Major's Hill Park.
- Island Park Drive - August 21 at 2 pm. Depart from Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island park Drive.
- New Edinburgh - Sept. 28 at 2 pm. Depart from the Fraser Schoolhouse, 62 John Street (Janet Uren will be your guide.)
- Sandy Hill: History and Housing - October 5 at 2 pm. Depart from Église Sacré-Coeur, 591 Cumberland Street.
A Company of Fools Theatre presents The Comedy of Errors - July 26 in New Edinburgh
The Fools are back on tour!! Join A Company of Fools for their 7-week Shakespearean summer marathon, featuring The Comedy of Errors! Be among the first visitors to their Foolish Mushroom Kingdom and prepare to laugh ‘til you fall out of your lawn chair. Here’s where they'll be playing this coming week near Ward 13:
- July 26 - Stanley Park
- July 28 - Strathcona Park
- August 4 - Strathcona Park
- August 11 - Strathcona Park
Vanier BIA AKOUSTIK at St. Charles Market - July 30
Join the Vanier BIA this summer for AKOUSTIK , a FREE outdoor live music event at the St. Charles Market at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. Live music, warm evenings, and local talent—this free outdoor concert series brings the rhythm of summer to Vanier from July to September. Enjoy takeout from your favourite local spots with special AKOUSTIC meal deals! For details and updates, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
- Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm • St. Charles Market
- Dates: July 30 • August 13, 27 • September 3, 10, 17
Free Back-to-School Supplies - until August 1
Rideau-Rockcliffe residents are invited to register to receive back-to-school supplies before August 1 for students in kindergarten to Grade 12. Open to families with postal codes K1K, K1M and some K1G. Register online here.
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - August 2 to 4 & August 30 to Sept. 1
Throughout the weekends of August 2 to 4 and August 30 to Sept. 1, visitors can discover the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and tour the greenhouses and gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on-hand to answer any questions about the history and the role of Canada’s governor general. Rideau Hall is located in Rideau-Rockcliffe at 1 Sussex Drive. Details: www.gg.ca
IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa - August 3 (Road closures coming to parts of Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward)
With Ironman taking place in Ottawa, August, some road closures will be in effect in Ward 13, including Sussex Drive and Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway, during the cycling portion of the event. As part of the ROKA Swim Course, athletes will take on a 1-loop 3.8 km swim in the Ottawa River from Brittania Park, offering ample room for spectators to cheer them on. For the ZOOT Bike Course, athletes will traverse a 2.75 loop course of a scenic 180 km (112-mile) route. This course is completely closed to traffic with mild elevation changes and smooth roads, with iconic landmarks such as Embassy Row and serene landscapes to the east. The HOKA Run Course features a flat 42.2 km (26.2-mile) route that will guide athletes through the bustling city of Ottawa, offering plenty of spectator support. The finish line, set against the backdrop of the Parliament of Canada, promises a memorable conclusion to the day’s race. The event begins on August 3 at 6 am. The timing of the road closures will be made available soon. Details: www.ironman.com/races/im-canada-ottawa/course#bike
St. Laurent Boulevard Fibre Network Installation - Tentative start date August 11
Starting in early August, The City of Ottawa will be undertaking a traffic duct installation project in your neighbourhood. This work is being done to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase the communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.
What: The construction will consist of traffic duct installation within the west sidewalk/boulevard along St. Laurent Boulevard. Installation works will consist of sidewalk removal and replacement as well as directional drilling to install the new duct.
Why: This work is being done to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.
When: The work is expected to begin in early August and be completed by late October 2025.
Where: The work will be conducted within the west sidewalk/boulevard between McArthur Avenue and Ogilvie Road, as well as at the east Transitway Ramp across from the St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, JWK Utilities & Site Services Ltd., to complete the work.
Traffic impacts: To accommodate the proposed works, various lane reductions, and delays are expected. Sidewalk closures along the west side of St. Laurent Boulevard are also expected. Pedestrians will be directed to use the adjacent sidewalk along the east side.
Driveway access: As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress on your street, on-street parking may be restricted. In the event that access to your driveway will be impacted, you will receive 24-hours’ notice and provided with a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.
For more project details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Please be aware that Enbridge Gas will be replacing natural gas pipelines in our ward with a new 16-inch gas main. This work is scheduled to continue October 2025 and will include overnight and weekend work. The traffic management plan requires periodic lane closures along the length of Coventry Road from the Vanier Parkway, around the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, to the intersection of Ogilvie Road and Cummings Avenue. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. During the duration of this work, area residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures, and construction noise. Some customers may experience short-term disruptions to their natural gas service but will be notified of this in advance by Enbridge representatives. Project updates: www.enbridgegas.com
A Fundraising Feast Beneath the Trees
Step into a twilight dream under the canopy of Beechwood’s storied trees, where candlelight flickers, laughter drifts on the breeze, and generosity takes root. Partage Beechwood is no ordinary dinner — it’s a spellbinding evening of food, community, and purpose, hosted by the Vanier BIA alongside Beechwood Cemetery, The National Cemetery of Canada and the Vanier Community Service Centre, with the support of many kind-hearted sponsors. The event takes place August 20 from 5:30 to 10 pm at 280 Beechwood Avenue. Tickets are on sale now.
NCC approves National Capital Core Area Plan
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has published its updated National Capital Core Area Plan, a framework outlining the development strategy for Canada’s national capital over the next 25 years. Three primary strategic objectives form the foundation of the Core Area Plan: orienting development toward waterfront areas to maximize the capital’s natural assets, establishing enhanced public spaces to serve residents and visitors, and improving connectivity to strengthen links between neighbourhoods and key destinations. These objectives are incorporated throughout the plan’s physical concept, which identifies opportunities to utilize waterfront locations, address gaps in the capital’s urban infrastructure, and develop street networks. The plan proposes conceptual projects to address the downtown core while considering climate resilience, economic development, public accessibility, housing, and reconciliation. Over the next year, the NCC will develop specific sector plans based on the Core Area Plan’s objectives and ideas. Concerns have been raised regarding proposed development plans in the Core Area Plan by local residents. Residents can continue to provide input to the NCC through its ongoing public consultation processes as they continue to refine their plans. Details are available at ncc-ccn.gc.ca
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Ottawa Alert public emergency notification system
Join Ottawa Alert powered by Alertable to get alerts about emergencies, urgent situations, and recovery efforts on all your devices including:
- Cell phone
- Home phone
- Tablet
If an urgent situation or emergency happens near you or if there is recovery information to share, you can get an alert on your device. The same information will also be posted on the City’s website and social media pages. Alerts through Alertable are fast, reliable, and easy to hear, see, and read. The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service will use Alertable to send alerts about situations that might affect you. We will not send alerts about the weather or traffic issues.
These notifications can include things like:
- Emergencies that affect a wide area or public safety
- Serious reminders such as clearing snow away from your furnace and dryer vents
- Essential information about emergency shelters or family reunification centres
- Urgent alerts about dangerous situations happening right now
- Vital information to help keep you safe during an active police investigation or a threat to public safety
Other alerts available through the Alertable application
Weather alerts: Environment and Climate Change Canada sends alerts about weather issues. You can get alerts about the weather by adding them when you sign up or by changing your settings.
Alert Ready: Alert Ready sends urgent alerts about threats to life like forest fires or missing children. You can get alerts from Alert Ready by adding them when you sign up or by changing your settings.
Details: ottawa.ca
Sign up for Alertable notifications
Residential Boulevard Gardening Guide
The Residential Boulevard Gardening Guide is a comprehensive guide created to help residents understand their risks, responsibilities and requirements when undertaking a gardening project in the boulevard abutting their property. The Guide is now available in six languages. Whether you already have one or want to install one, it’s important that you understand the rules around boulevard gardens, including the potential risks. Learn more: ottawa.ca
New webpage: Your go-to page for all things Line 1 East!
Ready to explore how Line 1 East will serve your community? Whether you live in the east or anywhere else along the O-Train line, the page has all the key details about the new extension. Check out the Line 1 East Page!
What you'll find:
- Station locations & features — See exactly where each stop connects to your neighbourhood
- Local & city-wide destinations — Discover everything from neighbourhood spots to major city attractions accessible from each station
- Interactive map — Explore the full extension route with clickable stations and detailed information
- How you'll get there — Explore Park & ride options, connecting pathways, pick-up and drop-off zones, plus bike access and bike parking
- FAQs — Get instant answers to the most common questions about the extension
O-Train Line 1 affected by planned integration works - July 26 & 27
O-Train Line 1 service will be affected on some weekends in July as planned integration work continues for the O-Train East extension. The following service adjustments are planned this month:
-
On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27:
- O-Train Line 1 will be fully closed all weekend.
- R1 bus service will run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations.
Every effort is being made to minimize customer impacts while the O-Train East extension testing and commissioning continues through the summer. OC Transpo staff will be at key stations to support customers during their trips. For updates and trip planning assistance, visit octranspo.com.
O-Train Line 2 service adjustments - July 28 to August 2
From July 28 to August 2, after 8 pm, Line 2 train frequency will be reduced for monitoring equipment to be installed near South Keys Station. For details, visit octranspo.com.
Young & Bold Kids CEO Camp for Black and Racialized Youth - July 29, 31 and August 2
Hosted by Jaku Konbit, Young & Bold: Kids CEO Camp is Ottawa’s first culturally-rooted entrepreneurship bootcamp created specifically for Black and racialized youth. Spanning 3 impactful days, youth ages 12–18 will step into their own leadership journey, explore what it means to own a business, and walk away with the confidence and skills to launch something real. Camp dates are July 29, 31, and August 2. To register, please visit this link. For more program details, please visit jakukonbit.com/young-bold-kids-ceo-camp/
Fall recreation programming dates - view programs online July 29
- View online on July 29.
-
Register online for:
- Fall swimming activities August 12 at 9 pm.
- All fall activities August 14 at 9 pm.
Take a look at what’s on offer and register today at register.ottawa.ca
Rain Ready DIY Stormwater Assessment Webinar - July 29
Want to prevent water pooling or flooding around your home? Assessing your home to improve stormwater management is easier than you think! Residents are invited to attend a Rain Ready webinar on DIY Stormwater Assessments. In this Rain Ready Ottawa webinar, you'll learn how to:
- Identify where water flows and collects on your lot.
- Understand how it can impact your home and the environment.
- Choose the most effective stormwater solutions for your conditions.
Join us for this practical webinar to learn how to look at your yard with a new lens! Presentation will be in English and Q and A will be bilingual. Join us for this practical webinar to learn how to look at your yard with a new lens! For details and to register, visit Eventbrite.
10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan Refresh - Survey available until August 1
The City of Ottawa is currently reviewing the City’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (2020–2030), and your input is essential so that it reflects the changing needs of our community. Every municipality in Ontario is required to have a 10-Year Plan and to review and update it every five years. The City’s 10-Year Plan was approved by Council in June, 2020. The mid-point review is underway. The review includes:
- Assessing the current and future housing needs
- Creating objectives and targets to meet the housing needs
- Reviewing how we’ll achieve the plan’s goals
- Determining how we’ll measure progress
Visit Engage Ottawa to find out more and complete the online survey. The survey will be open until Friday, August 1. There will be a virtual webinar and a series of open house events in the fall to provide further engagement opportunities. Visit Engage Ottawa and subscribe to project updates to stay informed.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage and Urban Design Awards
Private Approach Bylaw Review - Residents invited to submit questions
The City of Ottawa is conducting a review and update of the Private Approach By-law, which regulates the construction, use and maintenance of private approaches in the city. A private approach is the part of a vehicle access to private property that is on the City’s right of way (i.e. the portion of a driveway that is on City property). Existing rules for driveways and permits can be found on ottawa.ca/driveways. The updated by-law will set the rules for how driveways cross City land, covering design details, permits and maintenance, while also creating clear direction for walkways. These rules will be consistent with the new Zoning By-law. The City is checking its internal processes to ensure permitting is handled smoothly. Review of the technical aspects of the by-law will continue through the fall. Residents will have an opportunity to hear about the updated by-law and give feedback before staff bring their final recommendations to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in 2026. City staff welcome the opportunity to answer your questions related to this review. Please send questions through the online tool and staff will get back to you.
Now Booking Stormwater Assessments for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Rain Ready Ottawa is inviting applications from multi-unit residential buildings—up to three storeys, excluding basements—for free stormwater management property assessments. Priority will be given to buildings located in the City’s Priority Stormwater Retrofit Area. To apply, the intake form must be completed by someone authorized to represent the property, such as a property owner, manager, Condo Board member, or homeowners association representative. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee an assessment. These assessments will help guide the development of potential future rebates designed specifically for multi-unit properties. While no dedicated rebates exist yet, participating in an assessment does not affect your eligibility for current RRO rebates—some of which may still apply to your property.
Now Recruiting: Power Wheelchair Hockey Players in Ottawa!
Do you know someone who uses a power wheelchair and is looking to get active, have fun, and be part of a team? The Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League (OPWHL) is currently recruiting new players for its 2025–2026 season! Games are held Sunday afternoons at Greenboro Community Centre, and all hockey equipment is provided. No experience necessary – just bring your energy and interest. To learn more or register, visit www.facebook.com/Opwhl or email [email protected].
Committee, Council & City Hall News
City Council meeting updates - July 24 Details:
- Council approved the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Capital Infrastructure Plan, which will guide the development of the City’s transportation system to 2046. The Plan identifies the transit, road, and active transportation investments that are required to support Ottawa’s projected growth and allow for a connected and livable City. The TMP also includes the prioritized list of Council-approved active transportation projects, identifying sidewalk and cycling improvements for the first phase of implementation in the next seven to 10 years. These projects target critical walking and cycling missing links and network expansion opportunities where no other works are planned. They add or upgrade facilities such as bridges, major structures, sidewalks, street crossings, multi-use pathways, bike lanes, and cycle tracks. The Priority Road and Transit Networks include approximately $3.9 billion in City-led capital projects, with $2.3 billion in transit projects and $1.6 billion in road projects. More information on projects can be found in the report.
- Council approved a plan to move the Centre éducatif Pinocchio, a French-language municipal child care centre, from its current location at 111 Sussex Drive to a new facility at 1010 Somerset Street West. The move will create an integrated child care centre within the school to better serve Francophone children and families and align with the City’s mandate for municipal child care centres. The City will use provincial investments and partner with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario to create 57 net new Francophone child care spaces, bringing the total children served at that location to 88.
- Council approved development applications that promise new affordable and below-market rental housing in Barrhaven and Overbrook.
- Council approved buying land for a new civic complex and LRT Station in Barrhaven.
- Council approved updates to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee’s Terms of Reference to strengthen the committee’s mandate and ensure it considers all reports that affect rural areas.
Ottawa Board of Health appoints new Medical Officer of Health Details: ottawa.ca
Planning and Housing Committee meeting updates - July 16 Details: ottawa.ca
- Ottawa Community Housing affordable housing zoning amendment in Barrhaven.
- Official Plan and zoning amendments for a 6-storey apartment building on Presland Road in Overbrook.
- City Council committed to providing home builders enough opportunities to build 151,000 quality market homes by 2031.
Emergency Services News
Have your say on the 2026 Ottawa Police Budget; Survey open until August 5
The Ottawa Police Service Board (OPSB) and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) are inviting residents and stakeholders to provide input on the upcoming 2026 Police Budget through the 2025 Budget Consultation Survey. The Board is seeking feedback from the community to ensure the budget reflects the priorities, expectations, and concerns of those who live and work in Ottawa. All Ottawa residents aged 18 and older are encouraged to participate in the survey, which is expected to take approximately five minutes to complete. Your input will help guide how police resources are prioritized and allocated in the 2026 Draft Budget. To participate in the survey before August 5, visit the OPS survey page and select your preferred language. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca/survey. Have questions? Please email [email protected] or [email protected].
Fire Safety in the Home
There are easy steps to take to prevent a fire from occurring in your home such as,
- smoke alarms
- carbon monoxide alarms
- fire escape plan
- fire extinguishers
Read the fire safety in the home brochure for more information on ensuring your home is as safe as possible from a fire.
Family Fire Escape Planning
Make a family fire escape plan and keep your escape routes free of obstructions. As part of your plan, keep a list and pictures of all your possessions, stored in multiple places, such as online in a cloud or email mailbox, a safety deposit box or with a family member living in a different location.
Practice your plan often, and keep these pointers in mind:
- Stay calm
- Sound a warning
- If you awaken to a smoke-filled room, crawl below the smoke to safety
-
Check the doors with the back of your hand to see if they are warm
- A warm door may mean that there is a fire on the other side; use an alternate exit, if possible
-
Get everyone out
- Wrap children in blankets if necessary
- don't take time to get dressed
- Close the doors behind you as you evacuate to slow down the fire
- If it is safe to do so, turn off all appliances as you leave
- If your hair or clothing catches on fire, smother the flames with a towel, blanket or other thick material, or stop, drop and roll with your hands over your face
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible; if required
- Call 911 from your meeting place
For more information, please contact Ottawa Fire Services at 613-580-2658 or visit ottawa.ca/fire.
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.