July 3, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Your Councillor in the Community
It was amazing to attend the Repair Fair at Heartwood House on McArthur Avenue last weekend where skilled menders from EcoEquitable offered free minor repairs to help extend the life of well-loved garments and sewing machines, alongside the Heartwood House thrift sale!
What a pleasure to attend the Somali-Canadian Business Expo at the Hall of Peace last weekend in support of incredible local entrepreneurs!
It was fun to attend the annual CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic last weekend at Carleton University to say “thank you” to the community for its decades of support for Ottawa’s children hospital!
It was wonderful to join Cornerstone Housing for Women last weekend at its annual community BBQ and arts sale at its supportive housing residence in Westboro! Over the past year, residents worked alongside Minwaashin Lodge to create beautiful art and handmade goods!
Enjoyed a tour of the rehabilitation of Saints Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church in Overbrook with parish members during the church’s 13th annual festival celebrating the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
Had fun celebrating Canada Day serving tea and coffee to many residents with my Council colleagues at the Mayor’s Celebration for Seniors breakfast held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre in Overbrook! Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers that made the event possible!
Had an amazing time with my colleague Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard at the 30th Annual Canada Day Breakfast hosted by the Lindenlea Community Association!
It was fun to join neighbours in Rockcliffe Park this Canada Day to celebrate our incredible nation!
Thank you to the Ottawa Titans Baseball Club and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for hosting a special citizenship ceremony to commemorate Canada Day at the Ottawa Baseball Stadium in Overbrook where 50 people took the oath of citizenship to become Canadian citizens!
Very pleased to attend and speak at the Canada Day Community BBQ and Open House hosted by the Assunnah Muslims Association and held at the Mosque of Mercy to celebrate the Muslim community’s volunteerism, service and civic engagement in the City of Ottawa!
Had lots of fun attending the ACB Wellness Resource Centre’s Canada Day BBQ in Overbrook with my colleagues Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier, Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Beacon Hill-Cyrville Councillor Tim Tierney!
Had lots of fun at Eastview Legion Annual Canada Day Celebration where there was food, music and dance, accompanied with much fun and frivolity for the entire community!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
FREE Back to School Supplies!
June 1 to July 31, 2026
Kindergarten to Grade 12
For families living in Ward 13 with a postal code of K1K, K1M and some cases K1G. Registration online only! See poster for computer access details.
Eastern Bridge
The NCC's Board of Directors granted federal approval this week to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) for the planning and design principles of the bridge in the eastern part of the National Capital Region. These principles will provide guidelines to help the project team develop concepts for the future bridge. As the project lead, PSPC will be responsible for identifying and advancing a preferred concept for the new bridge. The design will be submitted to the NCC Board of Directors for approval.
Round 2 of public participation activities to gather feedback on the early design concepts is anticipated in late 2026. As this is a federal project, residents interested in the proposed bridge are encouraged to provide their feedback directly to the National Capital Commission. More information is available at ncc-ccn.gc.ca.
National Core Area Plan (Volume II)
The NCC's Board of Directors approved Volume II of the National Core Area Plan this week. This plan is the principal land-use and design policy document for the most important federal sites within the heart of the National Capital. Volume II provides direction on implementation and monitoring its success in the future. The NCC will work closely with its partners to advance this plan, identify shared priorities and support progress in ways that respect roles, responsibilities and jurisdictions.
As this is a National Capital Commission initiative, residents interested in the plan or its implementation are encouraged to visit ncc-ccn.gc.ca for more information and project updates.
Cool Off This Summer at Ottawa's Beaches, Pools and Splash Pads
Looking for ways to beat the heat? Ottawa's supervised beaches are open daily from noon to 7 pm, and outdoor pools, wading pools, and splash pads are opening across the city for the summer season. Before you head out, check opening dates, hours, and locations for beaches, pools, wading pools, and splash pads on the City of Ottawa's website.
Wading pools in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.
- Alvin Heights Park wading pool - June 29 to August 23
- Optimiste Park wading pool - June 30 to August 23
- St. Laurent Complex Wading Pool - June 22 to August 15
- St. Paul's Park Wading Pool - June 29 to August 23
- Overbrook Park Wading Pool - June 29 to August 22
At certain locations, while the wading pools are being drained, dogs are welcome to splash and play in the remaining water. This usually amounts to about 15 to 30 cm (six to 12 inches) of water. Details: ottawa.ca
In Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
- Overbrook Park wading pool: Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 pm
- St. Paul's Park wading pool: Mondays, from 6 to 6:30 pm
Splash pads in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
- Eugene Martineau Park - undergoing repairs
- Veterans' Park - undergoing repairs
- Wing Officer Willa Walker Park, 305 Lysander Place
- Thornecliffe Park, 45 Provender Avenue
- Dr. John Hopps Park, 300 Den Haag Drive
- Trojan Park, 901 Trojan Avenue
- Cummings Park, 1060 Cummings Avenue
- Whiterock Park, 1245 Matheson Road
- New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue
- Manor Park, 100 Thornwood Road
- Lawson Park, 481 Lawson Avenue
Join the TD Summer Reading Club at the Ottawa Public Library - June 29 to August 22
Teen Staycation: A Summer of Skills, Fun, and Growth: Teens aged 13 and up can look forward to a fun and enriching summer at OPL. Teen Staycation offers a variety of creative and educational opportunities, both online and in-branch, that helps teens develop valuable skills, discover new interests, and thrive. Explore our summer programming for teens!
A Company of Fools presents A Midsummer Night's Dream - June 29 to August 15
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.
Opening night takes place in Strathcona Park on June 29 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Shows continue at parks across Ottawa including in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
- Strathcona on July 6 at 7 pm
- Beechwood Cemetery on July 13 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on July 20 at 7 pm
- Nault Park on July 23 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on July 27 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on August 3 at 7 pm
- Strathcona Park on August 10 at 7 pm
- Stanley Park/New Edinburgh Park on August 14 at 7 pm
For the full schedule and more details, please visit www.fools.ca/a-midsummer-nights-dream-2026
Climate Action Party - July 9
Join CAWI's Caring Cities Initiative and Ecology Ottawa for an evening of community storytelling and art to celebrate residents and communities with the courage to act, learn and imagine a climate equitable, sustainable and caring future. We'd love to celebrate with you. Please RSVP using the form.
Movie Night in the Park - Wateridge Village - July 11
Wateridge Village and area residents are invited to enjoy a free movie night in the park, courtesy of Canada Lands Company. Watch E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on July 11 at Alliance Park, 398 Codd's Road. The festivities begin at 8 pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. The movie will be presented in French with English subtitles. Details: Facebook
New Edinburgh Bottle Drive - July 11
What: Recycling of alcohol containers e.g. wine and beer bottles or cans
When: Sat. July 11, 1:00-4:00 pm and every second Saturday of each month
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.
Bathgate Park - Public Engagement Opportunity - July 11; Survey open until July 14
Councillor Rawlson King invites Carson Grove and area residents to review proposed plans to renew Bathgate Park, including the removal of the deteriorated basketball court, a reforestation initiative featuring a variety of tree species, and the renewal of the park's central paved pathway. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am with a rain date of Sunday, July 12 at Bathgate Park, 724 Bathgate Drive. Drop by to review the concept plan, ask questions, share your feedback and enjoy some treats. Residents are also invited to provide feedback by completing the survey on Engage Ottawa, which will remain open until July 14.
Alvin Heights Park - Public Engagement Opportunity - July 11
Manor Park residents are invited to join Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King for a pop-up event at Alvin Heights Park to learn more about proposed park improvements, including new basketball keys, pool deck upgrades, a new accessible building ramp, new pool deck seating, shade tables, and an outdoor ping-pong table. Drop by to review the proposed concept design, share your feedback, and enjoy some summer treats. The event takes place Saturday, July 11, from 12 to 2 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, July 12. Residents will also have an opportunity to provide feedback through Engage Ottawa. The Engage Ottawa survey link will be added to the project webpage as soon as it becomes available. Click here to check for updates.
Repair Cafe - July 11
A broken item doesn’t have to end up in the landfill. Bring it to the Repair Café on July 11, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue! Skilled volunteers from the Ottawa Tool Library will help repair electronics, textiles, small appliances, furniture and more - all for free. More info at Ottawa.ca/WasteReduction.
Akoustic live music series - July 15 to September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, July 15 through September 23. 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
2026 VOscars Nominations now open! - until July 15
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse Groundbreaking Ceremony - July 18
Wateridge Village residents are invited to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillor Rawlson King for the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 18, at 4 pm at Eugène Martineau Park, 710 Mikinak Road. The event will proceed rain or shine. Come celebrate this exciting milestone for the community as construction begins on a new community hub that will serve Wateridge Village residents for years to come.
Seeking African, Caribbean and Black Women (18+) in Ottawa Diagnosed with Cancer research study
- Identify as African, Caribbean, or Black
- Be a woman
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live in Ottawa
-
Have received a diagnosis of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
- A 60-minute one-on-one discussion about cancer care experiences
- The option to bring a friend, family member, or support person
- A $50 gift card in appreciation of their time
📧 [email protected]
📞 613-737-8899, ext. 73920
Explore Ottawa's National Cemetery: Free Walking Tours at Beechwood - until mid-October
Beechwood Cemetery has announced a new season of free, volunteer-led historical walking tours. Participants can choose from Eastern or Western routes, each offering fascinating stories about prominent Canadians, military heroes, local history, and the evolution of Beechwood as Canada's National Cemetery. Tours are approximately 90 minutes long, wheelchair accessible, and take place rain or shine. Registration is required, and space is limited. Comfortable footwear, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
ANCHOR Crisis Response Expands to Overbrook, Vanier and Downtown Ottawa
Residents in Overbrook, Vanier and downtown Ottawa experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can now access support through ANCHOR (Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response), a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 2-1-1, residents aged 16 and older can connect with trained professionals who can provide crisis support, referrals, well-being checks, or dispatch a mobile crisis response team when appropriate. Residents can call for themselves or someone they are concerned about. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages. For more information, visit ottawa.ca/ANCHOR.
Looking for a Family Doctor?
A group of Ottawa nursing students, medical students, and physicians has created and regularly updates a list of primary care clinics in Ottawa that are accepting new patients. Their mission is to empower Ottawa residents—especially newcomers, underserved populations, and those without a family doctor—to access timely, appropriate primary care through education, navigation support, and community outreach. The resource also includes information on medical laboratories, diagnostic imaging services, publicly funded physiotherapy programs, and Ontario Drug Benefit programs. Visit the online directory to learn more and explore available healthcare resources in Ottawa.
Resources can be accessed here: sites.google.com/view/primary-care-clinics-in-ottawa/home
A list of clinics accepting new patients is available here (updated every 4 to 6 months): docs.google.com
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Electrical Equipment Upgrade Project – Brant Street, Dieppe Street, Donald Street, Lacasse Avenue, Lafontaine Avenue, McArthur Avenue, Moorvale Street, Mutual Street and Olmstead Street - June 29 to Feb. 12
Starting June 29, 2026, Hydro Ottawa will begin upgrading electrical infrastructure on McArthur Avenue, between Olmstead Street and St. Laurent Boulevard. This critical infrastructure is essential for maintaining the long-term stability of the electrical distribution system in the area. The project has an estimated completion date of February 12, 2027. Residents may notice an increased construction presence and traffic control measures, including lane reductions and sidewalk closure, to ensure the safety of residents and crews. Construction activities will take place on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way, in rear yards, and on Hydro Ottawa easements. As this project advances, planned power outages may be required to complete the work safely. Hydro Ottawa staff will conduct this work safely and efficiently to ensure any inconvenience is kept to a minimum.
Impacted streets: Brant Street, Dieppe Street, Donald Street, Lacasse Avenue, Lafontaine Avenue, McArthur Avenue, Moorvale Street, Mutual Street and Olmstead Street
Project start date: June 29, 2026
Project end date: February 12, 2027
Contractor on site: K-Line Group of Companies
St. Paul's Park Fitness Equipment Update
Work continues on the fitness equipment station at St. Paul's Park. The wood fibre base was scheduled for installation by the end of this week. Following a final inspection, the construction fencing will be removed and the top soil and seed along the pathway connection will be topped up.
Enbridge's St. Laurent Replacement Project will continue overnight utility work along Montreal, Cummings, Brittany, St. Laurent. The work begins at 7 pm and continues overnight.
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)
St. Patrick Street Bridge construction update - Phase 3 beginning late June/early July
- Phase 1 work on St. Patrick Street Bridge was completed in December 2025.
- Phase 2 work is ongoing and expected to be completed in late June/early July to start Phase 3 work.
New Sidewalks Proposed for Brant Street and Clarke Avenue - Survey open until July 15
- Brant Street (Donald Street to approximately 40 metres north of Spartan Avenue)
- Clarke Avenue (Claude Street to Cummings Avenue)
Proposed Road Safety Improvements Coming to Ward 13
The City of Ottawa is moving forward with the preliminary design of several traffic calming projects in Ward 13 through the Province's Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF). This funding was provided to municipalities that previously operated Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras and is intended to support permanent road safety improvements at or near former ASE locations. The proposed measures are designed to reduce vehicle speeds, improve driver awareness, and enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users near schools, parks, and community destinations.
Proposed improvements in Ward 13 include:
St. Laurent Boulevard (southbound near Noranda Avenue – Queen Elizabeth Public School)
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
- Upgraded power source for flashing school-zone beacons
Crichton Street – between Beechwood Avenue and Stanley Avenue
- Three sets of speed cushions between Beechwood Avenue and Stanley Avenue
- One set of speed cushions on Vaughan Street between Crichton Street and MacKay Street
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards (subject to approval of additional provincial funding)
Queen Mary Street (westbound near Edith Avenue – Overbrook Park)
- Speed cushions
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
Donald Street (eastbound near Barnaby Private – St. Michael School and Ottawa Technical Secondary School)
- Speed cushions
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
- Upgraded power source for flashing school-zone beacons
As part of this process, Councillor King and his office will continue to work with City staff to ensure these improvements are considered holistically and coordinated with future road renewal and infrastructure projects where possible. The Province requires all RSIF-funded projects to be completed by March 31, 2028.
Why: The City of Ottawa will be crack sealing roads as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's roadway network lifecycle.
When: This work is expected to start this spring or early summer. Notification will be distributed prior to the start of construction in the Cummings neighbourhood. Work will take place during the day, evening and night and will involve minor lane interruptions. Weekend work is anticipated for all locations (work will take place at multiple sites across the city) and traffic interruptions may also be experienced due to flagging operations.
Who: The City of Ottawa is in the process of retaining a contractor, to complete the work.
Traffic management: To accommodate the proposed construction, various lane reductions, alternating traffic and/or detours can be expected. Access to local businesses and private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.
Development Growth Ward Maps - A snapshot of residential development across the city (2025)
The City of Ottawa has released a 2025 Snapshot of Development Growth Ward Maps. The maps show where housing development is proposed across the city. At a high level, the Ward maps show the current and very near future developments that have actual applications or building permits with the City. These developments are at the last stage of planning approvals or are currently building. Residents can expect to see construction of these housing units soon. Each of the ward maps highlights the projects in 2025 that were under review (development applications that were submitted and being evaluated) and projects ready to build (developments that received building permits and can begin construction).
- Projects under review – development applications in the final stages of planning approval
- Projects ready to build – developments that have received building permits and are ready to begin construction
The ward maps complement the City's Housing Approvals Dashboard, a centralized, interactive tool designed to track Ottawa’s residential development activity.
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
OC Transpo Summer Service Changes
OC Transpo adjusts schedules four times a year seasonally. Here are some highlights of the summer service adjustments, started June 28:
- Customer-First Action Plan schedule changes
- Line 4 weekend frequency changes
- Seasonal schedule changes
- Special service to the museums and the beach is back!
- Special service for major events
For details, please visit www.octranspo.com.
Youth ages 11-18 ride free all summer - July & August
- Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult.
- Or if you're riding alone, tap through the fare gate with your Child card.
Support Local with #SmallBusinessEveryDay
July is the perfect time to support the small businesses that help make our neighbourhoods vibrant. From local cafés and restaurants to retailers and service providers, shopping locally helps strengthen our community and supports local jobs. As part of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business' #SmallBusinessEveryDay campaign, residents are encouraged to shop local and show appreciation for their favourite businesses. Between June 29 and July 13, you can also nominate a favourite local business in the Big Thank You Contest for a chance to win cash prizes for both you and the business. Learn more and submit your nomination at SmallBusinessEveryDay.ca.
Skilled Trades Workshop for Black youth - July 15
Skills Ontario invites Black youth to take part in Tools for Success, a hands‑on workshop where participants will learn practical woodworking skills while building wooden beach chairs. This free event includes lunch, a take‑home tool kit, and guidance from skilled mentors. With only 20 spots available and registration on a first‑come, first‑served basis, this is a unique opportunity to gain confidence, build new skills, and explore pathways in the skilled trades. The workshop takes place July 15, from 10 am to 12:30 pm, at Algonquin College. To register, please click this link.
Everyone Outdoors Together - July 18
"Everyone Outdoors Together” is a brand new community-based movement across Canada on Saturday, July 18 that asks us all to step outside at the same time to share a sunset or midnight sun moment - a country connecting with each other and the land we share as when Canadians come together outdoors, we create the conversation we want on health, belonging, resilience and the value of recreation and parks as a necessary public good. Head to everyoneoutdoorstogether.ca to explore how you can get involved this Parks Day, from coast to coast to coast to coast. It costs nothing. It asks only that we all go outside, together, on the same evening.
Healthy Greenspaces: Community Action on Invasive Plants - Survey open until July 20
The City is developing a community-led invasive plant program to help residents and community groups tackle invasive plant species growing in City greenspaces. From now until Monday, July 20, you can share your input via an Engage Ottawa survey on the tools, knowledge and supports you or your community group would need to help protect green spaces in your community.
Emergency Services Updates
Ottawa Police Service Board Approves Next Phase of Body-Worn Camera Deployment
The Ottawa Police Service is moving forward with the next phase of its body-worn camera (BWC) program following final approval from the Ottawa Police Service Board on June 22, 2026. This decision enables OPS to advance a broader rollout of BWCs and associated digital tools after an initial pilot that started in late 2025. The rollout will support delivery of frontline policing to the community, evidence collection, and accountability. For more information and a statement from Chief Stubbs, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Best wishes,