July 31, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
Knowing who to call can make all the difference when someone needs help. Whether you need a City service, community support, health advice or emergency assistance, contacting the appropriate service helps ensure you receive the right response as quickly as possible while keeping emergency resources available for those facing life-threatening situations.
My office regularly receives inquiries from residents who are unsure where to turn for assistance. Whether the concern involves a municipal service, a neighbour experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, someone experiencing homelessness, a medical issue or a public safety concern, knowing which service to contact can make a meaningful difference.
With the recent expansion of ANCHOR (Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response) east to St. Laurent Boulevard, the City and its community partners have developed a new Know Who to Call resource to help residents quickly identify the appropriate service when support is needed. The guide includes information about ANCHOR, which provides a community-based response to eligible mental health and substance use crises.
ANCHOR currently operates within the following boundaries: the Ottawa River, Beechwood Avenue and Hemlock Road to the north; St. Laurent Boulevard to the east; Carling Avenue, Highway 417 and Lees Avenue to the south; and Island Park Drive to the west.
The guide also includes important contact information for services available to all Ottawa residents, making it a valuable resource whether you live in, work in or travel through the ANCHOR service area.
Here are a few important numbers to keep handy. I encourage you to print or save this information for future reference. You never know when you may need it yourself or when you may be able to help someone else access the support they need.
- 9-1-1 – For life-threatening emergencies, crimes in progress, fires, medical emergencies and suspected overdoses.
- Ottawa Police Non-Emergency: 613-236-1222 – Report non-emergency police matters such as suspicious activity, break and enters, missing persons, stolen vehicles, assaults not requiring immediate medical attention, and motor vehicle collisions without injuries.
- Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU): 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 – Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for reporting incidents that are no longer in progress, including public alcohol or drug use, disputes or harassment, thefts, property damage, traffic complaints and other eligible police reports. Outside PRU hours, callers will hear options to redirect their call as appropriate.
- 3-1-1 – City of Ottawa services, including road and park maintenance, by-law concerns, waste collection and other municipal services.
- 2-1-1 – Community and social services, including housing, food, financial assistance, newcomer services and community supports.
- Health811 (8-1-1) – Free, confidential health advice from registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 9-8-8 – Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or text.
- ANCHOR (2-1-1) – A community-based response to eligible mental health and substance use crises within ANCHOR's service area, providing an alternative response focused on connecting individuals with appropriate community supports.
I encourage you to review the Know Who to Call guide and consider keeping it somewhere easy to find for future reference. Even if you never need these services yourself, you may one day be able to help a family member, friend, neighbour or someone in our community access the right support.
For additional information, visit the Contact and Health and Public Safety sections of my website, where you'll find emergency preparedness information, public safety resources, links to important City and community services, and a convenient 3-1-1 reporting section. You'll also find my office's Emergency Services Update at the end of this newsletter, which features additional Ottawa Police contact information, reporting options and emergency resources.
I also encourage you to follow my office on Facebook, X and Bluesky, where we regularly share emergency updates, community safety information and important service notices, as well as ward updates.
As always, if you're unsure where to start, my office is here to help connect you with the appropriate City department or community resource.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
I was pleased to attend the inauguration of Herbert and Estelle Brown Park in Sandy Hill this week. It was an honour and privilege to second Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante’s motion to rename the park after such important Ottawa entrepreneurs and community builders.
I was honoured to provide opening remarks at the Black Males in Excellence Conference in the RBC Foundry space earlier this month at Bayview Yards.
Nice to see hundreds of people drop into VegOttawa Fest at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre in Overbrook last weekend!
Had a lovely time at Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard’s annual summer corn roast in New Edinburgh Park last weekend talking to many residents, along with my colleagues Beacon Hill-Cyrville Councillor Tim Tierney and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante!
Congratulations to both MyLook Vision Care in Manor Park and the East Ottawa Compounding Pharmacy in Wateridge Village for establishing new businesses in our communities and for your sponsorship of neighbourhood events!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Wheelchair basketball at St. Laurent Complex
The St. Laurent Complex, located at 525 Côté Street, is offering wheelchair basketball as a drop-in activity on Saturdays from 9 to 10 am from June 29 to September 7. The program is open to people of all physical abilities. Participants must supply their own wheelchair. Information about the drop-in process, including fees and payment options, is available on the City’s Drop-in Activities webpage.
Farmers Market in New Edinburgh - Saturdays until Oct. 31
Ottawa Street Markets continues its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - August 1 to 3 & Sept. 5 to 7
Throughout the weekends of August 1 to 3 and Sept. 5 to 7, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit the private gardens and Palm House, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general. Details: www.gg.ca
Ironman Canada Race Day - Road Closures and Traffic Impacts in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - August 2
Ironman Race Day takes place Sunday, August 2. The race begins at 6 am with a 3.8-kilometre loop in the Ottawa River from Brittania Park, followed by a 180-kilometre fully closed-road bike course and ending with a 42.2-kilometre run.
Closures on Sunday, August 2: Road closures are expected to start as early as 3 am on Sunday, August 2. Roads will be reopened to traffic once participants complete that section of the course. Some roads may be closed until approximately 1 am on Monday, August 3.
- Sussex Drive (New Edinburgh)
- Rockcliffe Driveway
- The full length of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard and back
Alexandra Bridge will be closed in both directions from 6 am on Sunday, August 2 to 6 am on Monday, August 3.
To view the bike route map, please visit www.ironman.com/races/im-canada-ottawa/course#bike Details: ottawa.ca
A Company of Fools presents A Midsummer Night's Dream
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:
- 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
Lindenlea School Supply Drive - August 4 to 7
The Lindenlea Community Association is collecting school supplies to assist the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre! Supplies can be dropped off at the Lindenlea Community Centre, 15 Rockcliffe Way, on the following dates:
- August 4 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- August 5 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- August 6 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- August 7 - At Movie in the Park! - Lindenlea Park at dusk (rain date August 8)
Details: www.lindenlea.ca
Akoustic live music series - Until 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.
Upcoming performances:
- August 5: The Roscoe Brothers perform at 6 pm and the Vanier Playboys take the stage at 7:10 pm.
- August 12: Enjoy performances by Vicki Brittle at 6 pm and the Shawn Tavenier Band at 7:10 pm.
- August 26: Edra Silva performs at 6 pm, and Mikhail Laxton's 613 Soul performs at 7:10 pm
Lindenlea Movie in the Park - August 7
Lindenlea and area residents are invited to join the Lindenlea Community Association for their annual summertime Movie in the Park on August 7 at dusk in Lindenlea Park. Zootopia 2 will be on the big screen. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Snacks will be provided. Admission is free. The rain date is August 8. Details and updates: www.lindenlea.ca
Beechwood Avenue Public Realm - Engagement Opportunities - August 8 & 11; Draft function design available for review in early August
The City's Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Team is inviting residents to join them for upcoming public engagement opportunities to learn more about the vision for Beechwood and to review the draft functional design, which will be available on the Engage Ottawa project page in early August: engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood
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August 8, 9 am to 1 pm - New Edinburgh Farmers' Market at 203 Stanley Avenue - The Public Realm Team will have a table for people to drop by and talk about the design with them.
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August 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm - Drop-in Open House at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue
Summer Bottle Drive in New Edinburgh - August 8 & every second Saturday
Save your empties for a good cause!
What: Recycling of alcohol containers, such as wine and beer bottles or cans
When: Every second Saturday of each month. The next collection is August 8, from 1 to 4 pm
Where: New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave.
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.
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.
MP Fortier's Community BBQ - August 15
Join Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier on Saturday, August 15, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Vanier HUB, located at the corner of Montreal Road and Marier Avenue, for her annual Community BBQ. Bring your family and friends, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together. There will be great food, fun activities, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community.
Royal Scottish Dancing in New Edinburgh Park - August 16
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa is hosting an afternoon of dancing in New Edinburgh Park east of the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on August 16 from 1:30 to 4 pm. They will be dancing some of their favorites as well as some simple dances to engage spectators. This will be the final event celebrating their 60th dance year. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Ottawa Branch, provides classes at all levels throughout the city, and hosts monthly socials, an annual ball, workshops and dance demonstrations. Details: www.rscdsottawa.ca/branch-events
Join Writers Collective of Canada at Re/Writing Connection! - August 18
The Writers Collective of Canada hosts a spoken word event on Tuesday, August 18 in Rockcliffe Park. Re/writing Connection is an opportunity for local WCC writers to share magnificent stories, which have emerged from WCC workshops, with the broader community. WCC writing workshops ignite the power of authentic voice, spark powerful connection and change lives. Our program reaches a diverse range of voices and communities, many traditionally underserved and underheard. Libraries are among the most accessible spaces in which communities can be brought together through art-making. WCC is currently partnering with over 25 public libraries across Canada, where we offer free open writing workshops. With the support of a TD Ready Commitment grant, Re/writing Connection will take place at public libraries celebrating the brave voices that have been empowered through writing with others. Please join the WCC on Tuesday, August 18 from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Rockcliffe Park library branch, 380 Springfield Road. Details: wcc-cec.org
Overbrook Day - August 21
The Overbrook Community Association invites Overbrook residents to enjoy Overbrook Day festivities on August 21, from 4 to 7 pm, in Overbrook Park, 33 Quill Street. The celebration will feature music, prizes, face painting, games and activities, a free community barbecue and more! End the day by enjoying a Movie Night in Park after dark, courtesy of Ottawa Community Housing, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Overbrook Community Centre. The rain date is August 28.
Volunteers are needed the day of the event. Those interested are welcome to contact the Overbrook Community Association by emailing [email protected].
Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard's Corn Roast & Vendors Fair - August 22
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for her annual Corn Roast and Vendors Fair on Saturday, August 22, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Optimist Park at 43 Ste-Cécile Street in Vanier. Enjoy fresh local corn, family activities, free swimming, and live musicians. It will be a fun-filled event with something for everyone! Bring your family and friends for a fantastic community gathering.
Community Coffee Day - August 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre hosts a Community Coffee Day on August 28 from 2 to 3 pm at the Rideau Community Hub in Room 124 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and more - at not cost!
End of Summary Park Party - New Edinburgh - August 29
The Crichton Community Council is inviting New Edinburgh residents to an End of Summer Party the evening of August 29 in New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, featuring a barbecue, beer, non-alcoholic refreshments, music, face painting, a bouncy castle and field sports. Details and updates: newedinburgh.ca
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Centennial Garden Construction - Beginning the week of August 4
Site preparation is scheduled to begin the week of August 4 for the restoration of the Centennial Garden in the Village Green in the Rockcliffe Park community. Most construction is expected to take place during August, weather depending. This community-led project, more than 10 years in the making, will restore the garden originally designed by Humphrey Carver in 1967 to commemorate Canada's Centennial. The restoration includes improvements to the pathways and the inner circle, new benches, native plantings, and the addition of a third boulder representing Nunavut at the heart of the garden.
Topographic Survey on Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue
Over the next few weeks, Stantec will be conducting topographic surveys on various street segments in Overbrook west of the Vanier Parkway. Area residents will receive notification letters.
WHY: This field work is the first step in creating a proposed design to support the renewal of Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue.
Fire Station 56 - Window Replacements & Exterior Repairs - Beginning July 28
Overbrook Fire Station 56, at 275 Coventry Road, will undergo exterior wall repairs and window replacements. Construction is scheduled to begin July 28 and be completed by this fall, weather permitting. Construction is limited to the Fire Station building and should not impact nearby residents. The station will remain operational throughout the work period.
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.
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse - construction update
Construction has begun on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse in Eugène Martineau Park at 710 Mikinak Road. Site works and excavation are underway. For more information about the future fieldhouse, please visit Engage Ottawa.
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)
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)
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.
Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project – Updated Pipeline Proposal - Comments due by August 18
Enbridge Gas has announced a change to the proposed Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project. Due to a design change, the proposed natural gas inlet pipeline along Hillsdale Road has been extended from approximately 400 metres to 858 metres to connect the new control station to the St. Laurent replacement pipeline. The proposed control station and outlet pipeline approved by the Canada Energy Regulator remain unchanged.
An updated Environmental Report is being prepared, and Enbridge Gas is inviting residents, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to review the changes and provide feedback. Comments will be accepted until August 18 and can be submitted by email to [email protected]. Comments received after that date will also be considered where possible as project planning continues.
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Recovery in action: Support for residents recovering from the extreme weather event
Recovery takes time, and no one has to navigate it alone. Supports are available to help residents through the recovery process. Whether you need financial assistance, help replacing essential items, guidance on rebuilding, or support navigating available services, help remains available
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy - first three weeks of August
On Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the first three weeks of August, the Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy (formerly known as the Casino Lac-Leamy Sound of Light) presents four hours of special entertainment at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Québec. Enjoy pyromusical shows of international calibre, open flame culinary experiences, experiential paths, artistic creations and much more. The fireworks are launched from a platform in the majestic Ottawa River, directly below the museum. The full schedule is available at feux.qc.ca/en/home-2026.
Heritage Ottawa Waking Tours - August 1 & 3
Heritage Ottawa is celebrating Colonel By Day weekend with a new walking tour on August 1 and 3 at 2 pm. The tour departs at 1 Rideau Street on the canal side of the Chateau Laurier. For tickets and to reserve your place, visit heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season.
Celebrate Ethiopian Culture and Storytelling - August 2
Families are invited to a free community event celebrating Ethiopian culture, storytelling and wildlife on Sunday, August 2, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Tom Brown Hall, 141 Bayview Station Road. Enjoy a storytime with Ethiopian-Canadian author Yohanan Demeke, arts and crafts, games, prize giveaways and more. Each family will receive a complimentary copy of Adventures of Adey: In the Simien Mountains while supplies last. The event is presented by the Jua Centre for Girls Sustainability Leadership, the Teret Teret Parents Association and funded by the City of Ottawa.
Colonel By Day schedule changes - August 3
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Colonel By Day holiday on Monday, August 3.
Taking transit? On Colonel By Day and every Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday, take advantage of the 2-for-1 DayPass, where two customers, 19 years of age or older, can ride all day for $12.25. Purchase the 2-for-1 DayPass at any ticket machine or from your bus operator.
Until August 31, 2026, pre-teens and youth age 11 to 18 ride for free on OC Transpo buses, trains, and Para Transpo. Kids 10 and under can ride for free every day on OC Transpo buses, the O-Train and Para Transpo. Details: ottawa.ca
Colonel By Day - August 3
Celebrate the Bytown Bicentennial with the Bytown Museum and Capital Heritage Connexion at Colonel By Day 2026 on Monday, August 3, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane. Enjoy free museum admission, costumed interpreters, family-friendly bicentennial programming, and screenings of Two Wars, Three Watersheds, A Slew of Surveys & A Canal. Admission is free. Tickets are not required. Details are available on Eventbrite.
Celtic Cross Ceremony - August 3
The Irish Society of the National Capital Region hosts the annual Celtic Cross Ceremony on August 3 at 2 pm, commemorating the estimated 1,000 workers and their families who died while building the Rideau Canal. The monumem is near Lock #1, below Major's Hill Park and the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Details: Facebook
Para Transpo Talk: August 4 to 6 & 11 to 13
Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk events across Ottawa on August 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13! Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo. Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events
Event dates and locations
- Tuesday, August 4 | 10 am to 5 pm | City Hall, Main Lobby (security screening required for entry)
- Wednesday, August 5 | 11 am to 6 pm | Hurdman Station, Main Entrance
- Thursday, August 6 | 11 am to 6 pm | Richcraft Community Centre, Main Lobby
- Tuesday, August 11 | 11 am to 6 pm | Dovercourt Recreation Complex, Lobby
- Wednesday, August 12 | 11 am to 6 pm | Place d'Orléans, in front of American Eagle
- Thursday, August 13 | 11 am to 6 pm | Tunney's Pasture Station
Household Hazardous Waste Event at the Innes Snow Dump - August 8
The City is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste event on August 8, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Innes Snow Dump, 2170 Mer Bleue Road. For details and for a schedule of additional events, please visit ottawa.ca/HHW
OC Transpo customer information sessions - until August 25
Learn about upcoming OC Transpo service enhancements and speak directly with General Manager Rick Leary and staff at a series of customer information sessions taking place across Ottawa this summer. At these sessions, staff will engage with residents and discuss how the Customer-First Action Plan will improve the customer experience and outline the major service enhancements that will support the expected increase in ridership this fall. You will have the opportunity to speak with staff to ask questions and share your comments on how OC Transpo can continue to improve your transit experience.
- Tuesday, August 11 from 6:30 to 8 pm, Nepean Sportsplex
- Thursday, August 13 from 6:30 to 8 pm, *Zoom webinar*
- Wednesday, August 19 from 7 to 8:30 pm, Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex
- Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8 pm, John G. Mlacak Community Centre
Please register on Engage Ottawa to confirm your attendance. Advance registration is required for the Zoom webinar. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Fall registration reminder - August 11 & 13
View fall activities, PA Days and winter camps online on Tuesday, July 28 and register for fall swimming activities Tuesday, August 11 and all fall activities Thursday, August 13. Financial assistance is available through the Ottawa Hand in Hand program to help eligible residents participate in recreation and cultural activities.
Mayor Sutcliffe's Annual Community BBQ - August 15
Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for his annual community BBQ on Saturday, August 15, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata at 4101 Innovation Drive! The BBQ will be available until 2 pm or while quantities last. Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled summer afternoon. Enjoy a barbeque lunch, treats, and many fun activities! This event is in support of the Kanata Food Cupboard. While admission is free, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item (per person) or make a monetary donation on-site in support of this worthy cause. While donations are appreciated, they are not required to attend. For details and to register, please visit ottawa.ca.
Odyssey Theatre presents Theatre Under the Stars - until August 16
Odyssey Theatre's 40th anniversary of Theatre Under the Stars presents Mirandolina in Strathcona Park until August 16, with evening performances Tuesday to Sunday at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. For details and tickets, please click here.
Ottawa Capital Pride - August 22 to 30
Enjoy Capital Pride festivities August 22 to 30. The Capital Pride Street Festival takes place August 29 & 20 on Bank Street, 12 to 8 pm each day. The festivities conclude with the Capital Pride Parade. Join more than 200 groups, 11,000 participants, and more than 150,000 attendees at Ottawa’s largest parade. Show your pride and celebrate on Sunday, August 30 at 1 pm in Centretown. For the full lineup of Capital Pride events and programming, visit capitalpride.ca.
Emergency Services Updates
Sexual assault investigation: police seeking witnesses
Update: The OPS Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section continues to investigate the sexual assault that occurred on July 28 in the area of Truro St. and Carpenter Way. Residents may notice an increased police presence as officers conduct proactive patrols, engage with the community, and support the ongoing investigation. Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who has dashcam, doorbell or security camera footage from the area, even if the footage does not appear significant.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section (SACA) is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the city's east end and is asking for the public's assistance. At approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 28, a woman was walking on a paved pathway in the area of Truro Street and Carpenter Way, and while pushing a child in a stroller, she was approached by an unknown man. The suspect, who was armed with a knife, sexually assaulted the woman before fleeing the area. The victim was transported to hospital, where she is receiving support. The suspect is described as:
- White male
- Approximately 40 years old
- Medium build
- Dark beard
- English-speaking, with no noticeable accent
- Wearing a black hoodie with front pockets and brown shoulders and sleeves
- Faded blue jeans
- Brown tennis-style shoes
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area of Truro Street and Carpenter Way (see map) at approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 28 to contact police. Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who has dashcam, doorbell, or security camera footage from the area.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477or online at crimestoppers.ca.
Several recent sexual assaults, including stranger-based assaults, under investigation
The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section is investigating several sexual assaults reported in recent days, including incidents involving victims who were approached or attacked by people they did not know.
Based on the information available at this time, investigators do not believe the incidents are connected. Each case continues to be investigated on its own facts and evidence. However, the circumstances of some of the reported assaults are concerning, and residents are being encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious behaviour.
Among the active investigations is the July 28 sexual assault of a woman who was walking on a pathway near Truro Street and Carpenter Way. The woman was approached by an unknown man who was reportedly armed with a knife. The suspect sexually assaulted her before fleeing the area. Investigators have released a description of the suspect and continue to seek witnesses and information. More details are available here.
The Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section is also investigating other recently reported sexual assaults, including stranger-based incidents. Some of these investigations have resulted in arrests and charges, while others remain ongoing. The charges have not been proven in court.
“These are concerning incidents, particularly those involving victims who reported being approached by someone they did not know,” said Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson. “Our investigators are working to identify those responsible and advance each investigation. We are asking members of the public to remain attentive, look out for one another and report suspicious behaviour.”
The Ottawa Police Service encourages residents to consider taking reasonable personal-safety precautions, particularly when travelling alone or through isolated areas. Some options could include choosing well-lit and populated locations, letting someone know your anticipated route or arrival time, and contacting police when a person or situation causes concern.
Police recognize that responsibility for sexual violence rests solely with the person who commits it. These safety suggestions are provided to allow residents to make informed decisions and is not intended to suggest or imply that victims are responsible for preventing an assault.
Anyone with information about the incident detailed is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5944.
If you are a victim or survivor of sexual violence, resources are available. Victims and survivors can access confidential local resources for support and counselling. Support is available regardless of whether you choose to report to police.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
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 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 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.