June 16, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
City Council this week approved a new policy to reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill, that will work towards meeting provincially mandated diversion targets and increasing participation in recycling and green bin programs. The new policy will allow residents to put out three garbage items every two weeks:
- A garbage item can be a garbage bag, a 140-litre container or bulky item. Households can put several smaller bags in containers up to 140 litres.
- There will continue to be no limit to how much residents can set out through curbside recycling and green bins.
Currently, 85 per cent of households are setting out three or fewer garbage items bi-weekly; consequently this recommendation focuses on the remaining 15 per cent of Ottawa households and aims to drive up their diversion efforts.
I told Council during the debate that Ottawa must continue to seek changes to its residential waste collection to reduce garbage tonnage and increase waste diversion.
The City has allowed a limit of six garbage items since 2007, which is not sustainable, based upon the City's landfill capacity and provincial policy. The Province has set a 70 per cent reduction and recovery target for food and organic waste for municipalities by the end of this year. The Province also has set a target for phasing out all food and organic waste from landfills by 2030. To achieve these targets, 58 per cent of waste needs to be diverted to recycling programs.
For over a decade, the implementation of the green bin program and shift to bi-weekly garbage collection only resulted in a 12 per cent increase in waste diversion. To encourage the full use of diversion programs, an adjustment of the maximum number of garbage items permitted at the curb was necessary.
That is why I indicated during the debate that I would vote in favour of any initiative that reduces the amount of waste that is picked up curbside. This is why I first voted for the failed motion that would have reduced waste items to two items, along with voting in the affirmative for the successful three-item compromise.
Under the new policy, City staff will also look into leveraging its existing yellow bag program to permit residential properties receiving curbside collection flexibility to purchase and set out additional bags. Council also approved a third-party review of its waste-diversion data to ensure staff has the best possible information to support decisions for its Solid Waste Master Plan.
This policy is part of a multi-pronged approach to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal and extend the life of the Trail Waste Facility landfill, which could reach capacity in 13 to 15 years. The City will consider medium- and long-term options, including alternative technologies, as part of the draft Solid Waste Master Plan this fall.
Staff will report back to Council with an implementation and communication plan before the new program begins, no later than Q2 2024. I was pleased that my re-introduced motion, which was focused on providing enhanced education to residents about the changes to the City's curbside waste collection policy and direction to City staff to undertake a more robust campaign concerning waste diversion, was successful. The future report will include strategies to address challenges and mitigate risks, and a comprehensive plan to guide residents through the change.
Council also received an update on the transition to the new provincial blue box program, in which producers will be responsible for collecting and processing recyclable materials from eligible sources. The City will transition to the new program beginning on July 1, 2023, with the transition period ending on December 31, 2025. The City has negotiated an agreement with Circular Materials Ontario to continue collecting recyclables on producers’ behalf throughout the transition period and residents will see no change to their usual curbside recycling service.
Your Councillor in the Community
Thank you to everyone from the Overbrook and Eastway Gardens communities for joining Councillor Marty Carr and I during our virtual development townhall the evening of June 15.
On June 12, I joined James Beard Award-nominated food author extraordinaire Nicole A. Taylor for an amazing Ottawa Public Library author talk focused on Juneteeth 2023 at Afrotecture in the ByWard Market. That same evening, I was honoured to meet Mark Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and Michelle Miller, co-host of CBS Saturday and national correspondent for CBS News at U.S. Ambassador David L. Cohen's Residence in Rockcliffe Park to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth.
Last weekend, I enjoyed an amazing tropical fusion party organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association held in Vanier.
There was also much carnival fun to be enjoyed last weekend in Overbrook. Also last weekend, it was nice to see Prezdential Basketball at the Lowertown Celebration. On June 10, I attended the Rockcliffe Park Spring Children's book Sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Ottawa Public Library.
Last week, I was honoured to attend the installation of Claudette Commanda as the University of Ottawa's first Indigenous Chancellor.
Why: The sidewalk is in need of renewal due to overall physical condition and substandard width.
When: Construction will start late June 2023 and be completed by the end of July 2023.
Where: Den Haag Drive from Carson’s Road to 200m east of Carson’s Road (north side and partial south side).
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, D Squared Construction Ltd., to complete the work
The construction is within the City’s right of way. Residents and businesses can expect construction traffic and activity along Den Haag Drive. The road will remain open to traffic. Accesses from Den Haag Drive to the adjacent commercial and industrial property at 400 Den Haag Drive may be individually closed during construction, however, an alternate access will remain open. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained along Den Haag Drive at all times during construction. Access to all existing bus stops in/near the work zone will be maintained at all times during construction. For more information, please click here.
Road Rehabilitation Works in Rideau-Rockcliffe - May to September
As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, road resurfacing will occur in the following locations.
Please note that our office has requested that, if possible, water trucks conduct more frequent pass-throughs in road construction zones to help manage dust levels. Construction crews will also monitor work zones for increased dust. We thank everyone for your patience and understanding while this important work is completed. If there are concerns, please contact the appropriate City Project Manager.
- Clarke Avenue from St. Laurent Boulevard to Claude Street - May 25 to early July
- Donald Street from Vera Street to Alesther Street - May 25 to early September
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Crichton Street from Dufferin Road to Beechwood Avenue and from Charles Street to Keefer Street - This work was expected to start the week of May 29 and completion is anticipated by summer 2023.
- Springfield Road from Beechwood Avenue (OR 44) to Maple Lane - Work was anticipated to begin the week of May 29. Completion is expected by summer 2023.
- McArthur Avenue from Lafontaine Avenue to St. Laurent Boulevard - July 10 to October
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And in nearby Ward 12:
- Belisle Street from McArthur Avenue north to the dead end - July 31 to late August
- Eastwood Place from McArthur Avenue west to the dead end - August 10 to late September
The roads will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic. The City has retained contractor R.W. Tomlinson to complete the work.
2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards
The VOscars Volunteer Awards is the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and nonprofits. The event celebrates Ottawa’s vibrant volunteer spirit and gives special recognition to those individuals, organizations, and businesses who have made a difference in the community. The 2023 VOscars Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, October 26 at the Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street, Ottawa. Winners will be announced live during the Gala. The nomination period has been extended! Do you know someone who deserves special recognition for their gifts of time and talent? Submit nominations for the 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards before Friday, June 23 at 5 pm. For details and to submit a nomination, please click here.
Youth Leaders Needed from Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13
Ottawa Youth Engagement (OYEC), a collaboration between Youth Ottawa, The City of Ottawa and CHEO's YouthNet, aims to bring together a team of dedicated youth leaders (ages 15-24) from across the National Capital Region. The goal is to identify issues that are important to young people, amplify youth voices in municipal decision-making processes, and increase youth engagement across Ottawa. They believe that by involving multiple municipal leaders and community-based organizations, they can maximize the impact of this youth leadership group and contribute to positive change in our city. Complete the application process here: www.youthottawa.ca/programs/oyec
Overbrook resident Ron Davies' play, Transitions, will be produced at the 2023 Ottawa Fringe Festival. Winner of the 2023 Hamilton Fringe New Play Contest, Transitions is a family drama about change. Family members from three generations – an ailing grandfather, a beleaguered mother and a transgender teen – struggle to understand each other's life changes ... and to deal with their own. Performances take place at the Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., from June 16 to 24. The play runs 55 minutes. Tickets at $12 (plus $3.00 for a Fringe pin) will be available through the Ottawa Fringe Festival site at ottawafringe.com. For more information about the play, visit transitionstheplay.ca or follow Overbridge Productions on Facebook, and Instagram. For more information about Ron Davies, visit ron-davies.ca or email [email protected].
Films at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - June 17
The Crichton Community Council presents a tribute to silent film comedy at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on June 17 at 7:30 pm. For more information, please click here.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
The Vanier Museopark has released a book, Chroniques d'Eastview : Recueil d'histoires orales de Vanier, a collection of oral histories from Vanier.
- For over 10 years, the Vanier Museopark team interviewed people who grew up in Eastview, as Vanier was known before 1969, to gather their stories.
- By publishing them, the Museopark hopes to perpetuate, in its own way, the rich oral heritage of the Vanier neighbourhood.
- Available in French only.
- Written by Yanick Labossière, curator of the Vanier Museopark, and illustrated by Alena Krasnikova.
- Foreword by Gisèle Lalonde and published by Éditions David.
- Paper format available at the Museopark gift shop and in bookstores ($20).
- Electronic format available here ($13,99).
The book can be picked up at the Vanier Museopark.
The Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Nomination Period Open
The City is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from Ottawa.ca/orderofottawa. The submission deadline is Friday, September 8 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Y Mind- Free Mental Health Program for Youth
The YMCA National Capital Region hosts Y Mind, a free 7-week program that offers support for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Cohorts are catered to either teens (13-17 years old) or youth (18-30 years old). Programs are offered online and in-person and there is no cost to participate. The next session for 18 to 30 year olds begins July, 4, 2023. The next in-person session for the teen program begins in September 2023. More information can be found at: Mental Wellness Programs | YMCA of the National Capital Region. For details, please email [email protected].
Childhood immunizations for kids+families without a primary care practitioner
We know that the past few years have made it difficult for families to keep up with the routine vaccines needed to protect children and youth from disease and to keep them healthy. In response, the Population and Public Health Working Group of the Kids Come First Health Team joined together to connect children and youth to the care they need. The Kids Come First – Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign is here to make it easier for children and youth in the region to catch up on routine vaccines. Families, caregivers, and patients are now able to start booking routine vaccine appointments using the Kids Come First Clinic Flow booking page!
To book an appointment, your child or youth:
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Lives and/or goes to daycare or school in Ontario;
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Is due for recommended vaccinations;
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Does not have a family physician or pediatrician or a Primary Health Care nurse practitioner (PHC-NP)* or cannot easily access see their family physician, pediatrician, or PHC-NP.
Note that an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card is not required to book an appointment.
Volunteer Foodbank Delivery Drivers Needed
Gopher-It Cares is recruiting volunteers. Can you help your community by volunteering as a Food Bank Delivery Driver? Volunteer delivery drivers are needed to pickup food hampers (boxes) from local food banks for delivery to community members who are unable to physically pick up their boxes. Volunteer shifts are contactless, flexible and rewarding. Weekly signups mean you choose your schedule! Volunteering with Gopher-It Cares is a fantastic way to help fight food insecurity in your own community. Volunteer opportunities are short (1-2 hours), flexible around your schedule, and most locations are entirely outdoors! Click here for information on registration and training. Questions? Contact us!
June is Let's Bike Month in Ottawa
Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass
Lansdown 2.0 - Coffee chats every Wednesday
Join City of Ottawa staff for a virtual chat with the Director of Lansdowne 2.0. Ask questions and share your thoughts about this important project. Coffee chats take place every Wednesday from noon to 1 pm, starting June 14. Register here.
Construction Season is Here
Construction season is ramping up and progress is being made on projects across the city! To learn how the City of Ottawa is investing in infrastructure to build a better Ottawa for everyone to enjoy and to see a few projects nearing the finish line, please click here.
The City of Ottawa’s Trees and Forests Outreach and Engagement Strategy – Request for Input
The City is in the process of developing a dedicated Trees and Forests Outreach and Engagement Strategy, as directed by the Council-approved Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). We are requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be live for the month of June 2023. This is an opportunity to provide valuable information that will help shape this strategy and allow you to better support Forestry-related initiatives that matter the most to you and your community. The strategy will highlight new and existing outreach and engagement initiatives as well as the development of communication, education, and action plans to support these activities. The request for input survey is open to all Ottawa residents, community groups, community associations, private organizations, and private businesses. Visit https://engage.ottawa.ca/forestry-strategy to learn more about the UFMP, the recommendation guiding the City’s Trees and Forest Outreach and Engagement Strategy and access the request for input survey.
Cultural Funding Framework Review - Survey
The City of Ottawa wants to hear from you! Interested in arts, heritage and culture in Ottawa? Let us know how the City can better support culture. Visit Engage Ottawa for more information and to fill out the survey.
Free Community Events at Lansdowne and City Hall in June
Free community events at Lansdowne Park and City Hall are back. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to mark your calendars and come on down to Lansdowne Park and City Hall! For details, please click here.
- Chamberfest City series at City Hall
- Full Moon Yoga on the Great Lawn
- Sunrise walks at the Horticulture Building
- Free bike check-ins at Lansdowne Park
- Drop-in indoor roller skating at Aberdeen Pavilion
- City of OM Festival
- Fiesta Cubana Fest 2023
- Escapade Music Festival
- Farmers' Market
- Salsa
Have your say on the Climate Resiliency Strategy - June 19
Ottawa’s climate is changing. Overall, Ottawa will become much warmer and wetter over the coming decades, with more extreme heat days, heavy rain and extreme weather events like severe winds, floods or winter storms. The City is developing a Climate Resiliency Strategy to guide how Ottawa can prepare for and respond to the anticipated impacts of changing climate conditions. The Climate Resiliency Strategy is one of eight priorities of the Climate Change Master Plan. There are several opportunities for you to contribute your ideas to help design the strategy.
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- Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about climate trends and risks and share your ideas through a virtual comments board.
- Join the virtual community dialogue on June 19. Register here.
- Participate in person at one of the community dialogue sessions being organized by Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) and community associations with support from the City.
- Organize your own climate conversation with your friends or neighbours. Contact [email protected] for resources to help.
Anti-Racism Strategy Townhall - June 20
Learn about the City's Anti-Racism Strategy at a special townhall on June 20 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Alexander Community Centre, 960 Silver Street. Register to attend by clicking here.
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival - June 22 to 25
The 2023 Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival will be taking place on the first weekend of summer, June 22-25, on the Rideau River in the natural setting of Mooney’s Bay. The 2023 regatta is a premier race on the North American dragon boat calendar and is a Dragon Boat Canada Race Series. Participants from all backgrounds, ages, abilities and skill levels will have the opportunity to compete in a diverse range of community, corporate and competitive divisions. The races attract teams from throughout North America including teams from Florida, Montreal, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Vermont, Wisconsin and more. This year is full of fantastic festival foods featuring everything from smoked meats to cool treats. The Festival returns with free all ages concerts from headliners Dear Rouge, Tim Baker and Bedouin Soundclash. Every year, both the public and participants enjoy the free all age shows in addition to highlights from Success Dragon Lion Dance, RCAF Pipes & Drums, Chinese Canadian Children’s Choir of Canada and so much more including a massive playground for the young and young at heart. For festival details, please click here. Volunteers are needed. To volunteer, please click here.
Ottawa Jazz Festival - June 23 to 30
The Ottawa Jazz Festival has a full lineup of musical talent at multiple venues around the City. For the complete schedule, please click here.
Indigenous Night Market - June 23
Friday, June 23 from 5 - 9 pm
Indigenous foods, vendors, and film screening on William Street Pedestrian Way. In collaboration with Asinabka, the annual Indigenous film and media arts festival in Algonquin Territory. For details, please click here.
ByWard Night Market - June 24
Saturday, June 24 from 5 - 9 pm!
Liven up your Saturday night with a taste of local treats, drinks, and the city’s hottest artist! William Street will be lined with vendors and public seating, #shopsmall thanks to the night market sponsor, Amex Canada. Catch @blackmoses305 and @lord_oshowz setting the scene with live performances on George Street Plaza. For details, please visit this link.
OC Transpo Summer Service Changes - Effective July 2
Summer service begins July 2, 2023. Click here for details.
Highlights
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- School service will be removed for the duration of the summer.
- Weekend and holiday service to summer destinations (Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Petrie Island, and the Canada Agriculture Museum) will return.
- NCC Weekend Bikedays continues on weekends and holiday Mondays.
2023 TD Summer Reading Club at Ottawa Public Library - July 3 to August 18
The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is organizing a season filled to the brim with free summer activities for kids in Ottawa. From July 3 to August 18, kids aged 4 to 12 from all over the city are invited to join the Summer Reading Club in person at OPL branches or online – from home or anywhere. They will find Storytime, arts and crafts, dance, games, tech and science activities, music, special guests and more! OPL has all kinds of fascinating projects and pursuits to keep kids engaged and learning all summer long. Click here for details. Registration for the 2023 TD Summer Reading Club and all associated activities opens on June 12. Parents should mark their calendar and sign their kids up for their favourite activities as soon as registration opens. They can find all this summer’s events on the TD Summer Reading Club event list or on the Kid Zone page.
GO Capital Artistic Swimming - Summer Camps in July
Emergency Services News
Seventh Annual Ottawa Police Diversity Celebration
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce that it will host its annual Diversity Celebration on Tuesday, June 20, from 4 to 6 pm at 474 Elgin Street. The OPS Diversity Celebration is held in recognition of Canadian Multiculturalism Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and as part of Welcoming Ottawa Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity in our city and the richness of cultures that make up Canada’s mosaic. All members of the public and media are invited to attend this event. For details, please click here.
City Council and Committee News
For meeting agendas, please visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1.
For information on how to participate in individual meetings, please consult the specific meeting’s agenda at ottawa.ca/agendas.
To watch the meetings on Youtube, please click here.
Upcoming meetings:
- Light Rail Sub-Committee - June 19 at 9:30 am
- Board of Health - June 19 at 5 pm
- Environment and Climate Change Committee - June 20 at 9:30 am
- Accessibility Advisory Committee - June 20 at 6 pm
- Planning and Housing Committee - June 21 at 9:30 am
- Transportation Committee - June 22 at 9:30 am
- Ottawa Police Services Board Complaints Committee - June 23 at 2 pm
- Ottawa Police Services Board - June 26 at 4 pm
For recent Council and Committee news, please click here.