June 13, 2025 Newsletter

June 13, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.


City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Rat Mitigation Working Group update

Rat Control - Ottawa Public Health

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to control rat populations in Ottawa, the Rat Mitigation Working Group (RMWG) was established in 2023 to bring together key stakeholders to develop and implement effective solutions. The Working Group’s purpose is to coordinate a comprehensive approach to rat mitigation, focusing on education, prevention and control measures. Its goal is to reduce the impact of rat populations across Ottawa. 

Since the initiation of the RMWG, the City has taken proactive steps to assist in controlling rat populations through enhanced public education and resolving Property Standards issues. The Working Group is committed to continuing these efforts in the coming year, including:

  1. New Tool to Report Rat Sightings: an online Rat Sightings Reporting Tool has been developed that allows residents to report rat sightings. Using the new online tool, residents can report sightings, upload photos and provide location details to identify hot spots and support a faster response. Requests submitted through the form will be actioned by the appropriate team.
  2. Proactive Education Efforts: When a service request related to rats is received, By-law and Regulatory Services are the primary responders. Officers not only respond to the address, but also proactively inspect the surrounding area. Officers distribute educational door hangers to nearby homes, providing residents with information on rat mitigation. This educational and proactive approach helps build community awareness and addresses potential issues before they escalate.
  3. Inspection of Food Premises: OPH continues to inspect food premises, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses, as defined by the Ministry of Health. During both routine and complaint-based inspections, Public Health Inspectors confirm applicable rodent control measures are in place for each facility. All education material provided on the OPH Rat Control webpage is regularly reviewed and updated as appropriate. 
  4. Rental Housing Property Management By-law: This by-law was enacted on August 31, 2020, and requires landlords to have an integrated pest management plan, including proactive inspections and tenant education. When responding to property-related service requests related to rats, Property Standards and Zoning officers ensure compliance by mandating that landlords have a rodent reporting number posted and a rodent mitigation plan implemented.
  5. City Facility Maintenance: Recreation, Culture and Facility Services conducts regular cleaning and sanitization of facilities and takes corrective action on building envelopes to deter rats from getting into facilities.
  6. City Park Maintenance: Ottawa is a park-rich city with over 1,000 smaller parks or park-like sites. Public Works staff continue to monitor parks for signs of rats and conduct pest management control activities when needed.
  7. Waste Management: Since the green bin is collected weekly at curbside, and garbage is collected biweekly, disposing of food waste in the green bin is a tactic residents can leverage to reduce food sources on their property and as a result, reduce the potential of rats. In addition, with the Council-approved policy to make organics diversion mandatory at multi-residential properties, properties that previously did not receive Green Bin service are now being onboarded. Multi-residential green bin containers are typically more secure, with tighter fitting lids than garbage containers, providing less access for wildlife.
  8. Construction: Construction-related rat baiting may occur for City projects, at the discretion of the Branch Manager. There is also a focus on maintaining a clean work site and ensuring waste collection is unimpeded during a project.
  9. Sewer Baiting: Infrastructure and Water Services continue to use licensed contractors to undertake sewer baiting when rat activity is detected in the sewer system. This action is restricted to City-owned sanitary sewers and must comply with Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulations, ensuring bait placement is selective to safeguard our ecosystem.

Effective rat management necessitates a collective approach. Residents and businesses are encouraged to learn about and implement rat prevention and mitigation strategies available on the City’s Rat Webpage and Ottawa Public Health Rat ControlRat sightings can be reported via the Rat Sighting Reporting Tool or calling 3-1-1, and any rat-related questions may also be directed to 3-1-1 or [email protected]

 

The final property tax bill payment deadline is June 19

Fingers typing on a laptop keyboard.

Residents are reminded the payment deadline for the final property tax is Thursday, June 19. It’s important to note that a penalty charge of 1.25 per cent for late payment is added the day following the due date and the first day of each month thereafter. For details, visit ottawa.ca.

 

 

A great fit for summer: The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass

A great fit for summer: The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass - Glen Gower |  Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville

This summer, Ottawa's youth have an exciting opportunity to stay active and healthy, thanks to the Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass. Now in its third year, this initiative is part of a ten-year partnership between Tony Graham Automotive Group and the City of Ottawa, aimed at investing in recreation programming for youth across our city. The Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass offers a free weight and cardio-room membership to Ottawa youth aged 13 to 17. This pass is valid from July 2 to August 31, providing a fantastic chance for young residents to engage in physical activity during the summer months. Participating facilities include the St. Laurent Complex in Ward 13. Youth interested in the program can sign up for an orientation session during the month of June. It's a great way to get familiar with the facilities and start the summer on a healthy note. For details, please visit ottawa.ca

 

 

National Indigenous History Month events

June marks National Indigenous History Month—a time for reflection, learning and celebrating the unique and diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
  • Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival – The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is a free, family-oriented event that invites all to celebrate rich Indigenous arts, culture and heritage as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Recognised as an Indigenous arts event with national significance, the festival proudly presents a world-class showcase reflective of the diversity within their own cultures. Admission is free.
    • June 21 and 22 at Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road
  • Learning opportunities from the Ottawa Public Library: The Ottawa Public Library has put together reading lists and organized events to support learning.
  • Assembly of Seven Generation's Summer Solstice Indigenous Market –  Come visit for food, vendors, performances and a fashion show and connect with arts and culture by attending this Indigenous Market.
    • June 20 from 3 to 9 pm; Byward Market Public Market, 55 Byward Market Square
  • Culture Nights at Wabano – Culture Night is held every Monday and open to all interested in learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture. A new experience is provided each week for cultural knowledge sharing and guest presentations.
    • Mondays from 5:30 to 7 pm; Wabano Centre, 299 Montreal Road in the Cultural Gathering Space
  • Collection of resources from the Government of Canada – The federal government has developed a collection of resources to help you learn about the National Indigenous History Month and the history, languages, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. Images to help promote National Indigenous History Month are also available here

 

 

O-Train Line 1 service affected by planned maintenance until June 29

Calendar of full Line 1 maintenance service schedule from June 6 to 29.

On specific days between Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 29, O-Train Line 1 will be partially or fully closed. This is for annual maintenance and work on the O-Train Line 1 east extension.These closures will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to complete required work across the entire line and advance multiple priorities. This work has also been coordinated with Stage 2 project and other city departments to minimize the number of disruptions to O-Train service for customers. OC Transpo staff will be at key stations to support customers during their trips. Customers can use the Travel Planner and Transit app to plan their trips. R1 replacement bus service will run during impacts to O-Train Line 1 to allow customers to continue their trips. For details, please visit octranspo.com.

 

Pride 2025 at Ottawa Public Library 

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is proud to celebrate International Pride Month this June with a vibrant lineup of programs, displays, and events that shine a spotlight on 2SLGBTQ+ voices and stories. Here’s what’s happening this Pride at OPL: 

  • Rainbow Storytimes: Family-friendly story sessions celebrating love, identity, and acceptance. 
  • Author Event - Emily Austin: Join us for an intimate author talk with one of Canada’s rising literary stars (date and registration details coming soon). 
  • The Story Behind the Rainbow: Learn the meaning behind the rainbow and Progress Pride Flags, on display at branches and online. 
  • Curated Booklists: Looking for your next inspiring read? OPL’s Pride Month booklists spotlight powerful stories by 2SLGBTQ+ authors — everything from children's favourites to thought-provoking memoirs. 

Celebrate Pride Month with us: connect, read, learn, and share the love. Details: collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca

 

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