June 20, 2025 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

I'm excited to invite you to join me for an important in-person budget consultation specifically for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward residents on Monday, June 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. We'll be meeting at the Overbrook Community Centre on 33 Quill Street, with doors opening at 6 pm. The venue is fully accessible, and light refreshments will be provided. 

This consultation represents your opportunity to directly influence how your tax dollars are spent and ensure our community's priorities are reflected in the City's 2026 budget. City staff will provide a presentation on the budget process, but more importantly, I want to hear your ideas and priorities for our ward and our city.

The City's budget is more than just numbers on a page—it's the blueprint that determines how money is received and spent to serve you every day. From maintaining our roads and parks to funding transit and emergency services, the budget directly impacts your quality of life. It's your city and your budget, so I encourage you to have your say.

The draft budget will be developed this fall and approved in December 2025.  Councillor-led consultations this year will be held earlier to ensure that public input is more impactful. The budget has two main components: the operating budget that funds daily programs and services you rely on, and the capital budget that invests in new infrastructure and rehabilitates existing assets throughout our city.

If you can't attend our June 23 consultation, I want you to know there are several other ways to get involved. The Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2026 questionnaire closes on Thursday, June 26—please don't miss this chance to provide feedback online. You can also share your thoughts through social media using #OttBudget, phone 3-1-1, or use feedback tools on Engage Ottawa. 

Throughout the budget process, you can continue providing feedback through my office, and from November 12 to December 8, you'll be able to submit questions to City staff and register to make public delegations to Standing Committees. The draft budget will be tabled at City Council on November 12, with final adoption scheduled for December 10.

I should mention that three independent boards—Ottawa Police Services, Ottawa Board of Health, and Ottawa Public Library—also make budget recommendations to Council as part of this comprehensive process.

The draft budget represents Council's commitment to creating an affordable, connected, prosperous and resilient city for all of us. Your participation ensures that Rideau-Rockcliffe's unique needs and priorities are heard loud and clear during this critical planning process. I hope you'll join me on June 23 to help shape our community's future together.  While advance registration through Eventbrite is appreciated, it's not required.

Rawlson King,
City Councillor

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Your Councillor in the Community

Thank you to Rockcliffe Park and area residents for joining me this week for the Centennial Garden community consultation session. A recording of the evening is available on my Youtube channel. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the proposed concept before July 4 at Engage Ottawa.

It was great to attend the Vanier BIA Summer Sun event on MacArthur Avenue with MPP Lucille Collard and MP Mona Fortier and last weekend to promote local business!

Thank you to our local businesses on MacArthur Avenue including YKO Chicken BBQ, Mario’s Food Centre, Louis Pizza and Zaatar & Cheese Bakery who participated in the Vanier BIA Summer Sun event. Shop local!

Great to also attend Vanier BIA Summer Sun events on Beechwood Avenue last weekend and visit businesses including Scoops Ice Cream and Jacobsons.

Great to have been invited to make opening remarks along with Mayor Sutcliffe at the India Canada Multicultural Festival held on Parliament Hill and hosted by Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde last weekend.

It was an honour to attend the unveiling of Ottawa’s Irish Famine Memorial with many Council colleagues at Macdonald Gardens Park last weekend.

Congratulations to Dr. Wisdom J. Tettey on his installation as Carleton University’s 17th President and Vice-Chancellor this week.

It is always a pleasure to drop into the Mayor’s Welcoming Ottawa Week Breakfast each year celebrating our hardworking immigration settlement agencies and the many volunteers who contribute to the success of newcomers to our city.

Had an incredible time at the annual Wabano “Igniting the Spirit” Gala this week in support of essential services for Ottawa’s Indigenous community!

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Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Enbridge pipeline work - beginning the week of June 23

Please be aware that Enbridge Gas will be replacing natural gas pipelines in our ward with a new 16-inch gas main. This work is scheduled to take place beginning the week of June 23 to October 2025 and will include overnight and weekend work. The traffic management plan requires periodic lane closures along the length of Coventry Road from the Vanier Parkway, around the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, to the intersection of Ogilvie Road and Cummings Avenue. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. During the duration of this work, area residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures, and construction noise. Some customers may experience short-term disruptions to their natural gas service but will be notified of this in advance by Enbridge representatives. Project updates: www.enbridgegas.com

 

New Zoning Bylaw comments welcome by June 23

  

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style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you to everyone who joined me for the New Zoning Bylaw information session for Ward 13 residents this week. Residents are invited to submit their feedback to my office before June 23 by filling out the following form: forms.office.com/r/m45RB2rXTr or via the QR code in the poster above. Comments received will be reviewed by my office and will inform any requested changes I will share with staff for consideration for the final Zoning By-law presented to Council. Formal comments are also encouraged to be sent to City staff by June 30. Staff will continue to receive and review public feedback after June 30, but it may not be possible to reflect these comments in the final draft of the new Zoning By-law. For more information on the draft bylaw, please visit Engage.Ottawa.ca/zoning. 

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 Budget Consultation - spring edition - June 23

 

Councillor Rawlson King is hosting an in-person budget consultation for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward residents on Monday, June 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, in the Main Hall of the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. The hall is fully accessible. Doors open at 6 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. City staff will provide a presentation regarding the City's budget process. This is an opportunity for residents to share their ideas and their priorities for the City's 2026 budget, which will be drafted this fall and approved in December 2025. Advance registration is appreciated: Eventbrite

Noise exemption - Sts. Peter and Paul Annual Family Feast - June 26 to 29

The City has received a noise exemption request from Sts. Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church for special event noise associated with announcements and live music at 1161 North River Road on the following dates:

• June 25 and 26 from 6 to 11 pm,
• June 27 and 28 from 4 to 11 pm and
• June 29 from 12 to 11 pm

 

The RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremonies featuring the Musical Ride in the nation's capital, June 26, 27, 28 and 29

Join the RCMP for their Canadian Sunset Ceremonies featuring the Musical Ride in the nation's capital, June 26, 27, 28 and 29 at the Musical Ride Centre, 1 Sandridge Road! This annual event, held to thank the community for their support, offers Canadians and visitors a chance to see the Musical Ride at its home in Ottawa. If you're looking for a truly Canadian experience, come see the iconic Musical Ride – it will fill you with pride! Details: rcmp.ca/en/corporate-information/musical-ride/canadian-sunset-ceremonies

Four family-friendly performances:

• June 26: 7 pm
• June 27: 7 pm  On Friday, June 27, cash and non-perishable food donations will be collected for Ottawa Food Bank.
• June 28: 7 pm
• June 29: 7 pm

Admission is free. Limited free parking available in a field beside the Sir George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway. Public transportation is encouraged. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food vendors will be on site. Pets are not permitted. Arrive early to get a good spot and check out the RCMP and partner booths and food vendors.

Canada Day in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 - July 1

There are a number of community events taking place in our ward this July 1:

Canada Day Community Celebration in Wateridge Village

The Canadian Care & Share Association, in partnership with Ottawa Indian Events and 613 Artistry, are hosting a Canada Day Community Celebration on July 1 from 12 to 6 pm at Eugene Martineau Park at 710 Mikinak Road. This event is designed to bring together diverse communities across Ottawa to celebrate our shared values of unity, diversity, and inclusion through food, music, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment. This celebration will be a great opportunity for residents of Rideau-Rockcliffe and beyond to connect, celebrate, and enjoy a joyful afternoon in a festive atmosphere. Details: facebook.com

Event Details:
Date: Monday, July 1, 2025 (Canada Day)
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Eugene Martineau Park, 710 Mikinak Rd, Ottawa
Entry: Free for all attendees Free food, cultural showcases, and live entertainment

Canada Day at the ACB Centre

The African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre is hosting a Canada Day BBQ Party on July 1 from 12 pm to 4 pm in the parking lot at 610 Donald Street. Halal food and beverages will be available for purchase. Games, prizes, music and face painting will be available for children and youth. Details: www.facebook.com/acbwellnessresourcecentre

Chief Pinesi Day in New Edinburgh 

Participate in Chief Pinesi Day on July 1, from 9 am to 2 pm, in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue. This special day, which is the culmination of an eight-day paddle from Deep River, will feature a Sacred Fire beginning at 9 am, a smudging ceremony at noon, drumming, dancing and singing, a land tour of the Chief Pinesi Portage Trail, and meet and hear from the paddlers about their experiences after they arrive at noon. Details: facebook.com

Canada Day Fireworks and Park Party in New Edinburgh 

The Crichton Community Council is hosting a Good Ol' Canadian Park Party on July 1 from 8 pm to 10 pm in New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue. The festivities will include a fireworks display. Wear your red and white or other colours that celebrate the diversity of our country. Wave your flag. Bring a snack, a blanket and some bug repellant. Visit the licensed kitchen bar inside the Fieldhouse for free frozen treats. A variety of refreshments, as well as some very basic snacks will be available for purchase. A collection of audio and video Canadiana will be played on the playground side of the Fieldhouse. Fireworks will be launched from the gravel infield of the baseball diamond at approximately 9:30 pm. Please view the display from the outfield. This event may be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather. Details: www.newedinburgh.ca

Enbridge work - Belfast and Coventry Station Tie-in - July 1 to Dec. 31

Enbridge Gas is planning to install a gas main tie-in, including a 7-metre pipe, to the existing station at Belfast and Coventry. The work is estimated to begin July 1 and continue until Dec. 31, 2025. 

Enbridge work - Montreal Road and Center Street - July 1 to August 30

Enbridge Gas will be replacing a valve and installing a 4-inch permanent bypass on Montreal Road and Center Street between Hillside Drive and Brittany Drive. The estimated start and end dates are July 1 to August 30.

Rockcliffe Park Centennial Garden - Feedback welcome until July 4

The City is looking for feedback on the proposed Centennial Garden Rehabilitation project located in Village Green Park, 270 Springfield Road, in the Rockcliffe Park community. The proposed concept is available for review at Engage Ottawa. Feedback is welcome by July 4. 

St. Patrick Street Bridge construction - Overnight work until July 7

The contractor working on the St. Patrick Street Bridge rehabilitation project will be working overnight on the bridge between Cobourg and the Vanier Parkway from June 6 to July 7, from 10 pm to 7 am. The work will entail saw-cutting of concrete, traffic line painting adjustments, temporary concrete barrier relocation and jacking of the bridge. Project updates are available at ottawa.ca/StPatrickPorterIsland

St. Laurent Boulevard Transit Priority Corridor Environmental Assessment Study - Comments due by July 10

 

The City of Ottawa has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for the St-Laurent Boulevard Transit Priority Corridor. The Study Corridor is St-Laurent Boulevard from Hemlock Road to Innes Road/Industrial Avenue. The EA study has investigated options to improve transit service efficiency and travel environment for all modes (walking, cycling, transit, autos and trucks) as appropriate along the corridor. Thank you to everyone who attended the open houses this week. The online survey will be available until July 10, 2025. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

Free Back-to-School Supplies - until August 1

Rideau-Rockcliffe residents are invited to register to receive back-to-school supplies before August 1 for students in kindergarten to Grade 12. Open to families with postal codes K1K, K1M and some K1G. Register online here. 

 

 

Swimming at the NCC River House - until Sept. 1

Until September 1, the swimming area is open daily from 7:30 am to sunset. The River House, at 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, offers universally accessible change rooms with showers, lockers (bring your own lock) and a change table, making it the perfect pit stop during a nice bike ride. Details: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/ncc-river-house

 

This summer, discover Ingenium museums with the Canada Strong Pass

 

This summer, the new Canada Strong Pass program is offering free and discounted access for children and youth to cultural and heritage institutions across the country—including right here in Ottawa at all three Ingenium museums. From June 20 to September 2, 2025, the program offers free admission for children and youths under 17, and 50% off admission for young adults aged 18 to 24. The Canada Strong Pass is designed to offer Canadians more opportunities for discovery and to make cultural learning more accessible to families. Locally, this includes free access to all three Ingenium museums, including the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Rideau–Rockcliffe Ward). Visitors will enjoy a range of enriching experiences through the Canada Strong Pass—a gateway to exploring Canada’s rich legacy of science and innovation. This initiative echoes a powerful moment of Canadian unity and national pride that’s resonating around the country. For museums, this is a unique opportunity to act as community hubs and drivers of community engagement. Details: tickets.ingenium.ca/discounts

 

New sidewalks & streetlight replacements coming to Overbrook

City staff are planning for the construction of new sidewalks in Overbrook 105 metres along the north side of Presland Road to Frances Street and on the south side of both Presland Road and Hardy Avenue from Frances to the existing sidewalk on Bernard Street. Construction is anticipated to start this summer and be completed by this fall. This initiative will complete a missing link in the neighbourhood's pedestrian network, improving walkability to Queen Mary Public School, local parks, the St. Laurent Shopping Centre and bus stops on St. Laurent Boulevard and Lola Street. The new sidewalks will require narrowing the width of the road, which is expected to assist in calming traffic. The project will include roadway catch basin adjustments to improve roadway drainage and streetlighting infrastructure repairs and replacements. Completion is expected in fall 2025. The project plans are available at this link. More details about the sidewalk project are available at ottawa.ca.

 

Become or Gain a Chosen Grandma!

Chosen Grandma Ottawa is a community-driven, volunteer initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful, intergenerational connections between senior women and children. This not-for-profit program will match children (ages 5-14), who lack the attention and support of a grandma-like figure, with senior women volunteers (ages 55+) who do not have grandchildren in their lives, or not nearby. Applications are being received from the Vanier and surrounding communities. A very rigorous screening and matching process is carried out by CGO with the volunteer seniors to promote safe, engaging and fun activities for each child. The organizers have extensive background in educational psychology, social work, school administration, community building and careers working with children, youth and grandmothers. For more information, email [email protected] or visit Chosen Grandma Ottawa on Facebook.

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City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Arab Business Festival - June 20 to 22

Enjoy an unforgettable celebration at the Arab Business Festival, where culture, commerce, and community come together! With over 100 businesses, exciting kids’ activities, and live performances, this festival is the ultimate destination for families, entrepreneurs, and culture enthusiasts. The event takes place June 20 to 22 from 10 am to 10 pm at the EY Centre, in Hall 1, 4899 Uplands Drive. Admission is free. Parking is $10 per day. For details, please visit eycentre.ca/event/arab-business-festival-2025.

ByWard Market redesign consultation - feedback welcome until July 16

• Attractive amenities like interactive illumination, a lush tree canopy, and captivating art installations.
• More seasonal events, outdoor markets, and patios.
• A focus on safety, comfort, and walkability to prioritize the visitor experience.

• ByWard Market, 55 ByWard Market Square, inside or outside depending on weather: 
  
  • June 21 from 11 am to 3 pm

Digital mapping tool will improve Ottawa’s traffic infrastructure

You might spot a unique City vehicle driving around Ottawa streets this summer. At first glance, it may look like a regular SUV with a camera and tripod strapped to the roof—and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But there’s much more happening behind the scenes. This vehicle is part of the Mobile Mapping of Traffic Infrastructure Project. It’s a collaboration between multiple City departments and falls under the Digital Twin and Reality Capture program. Having a detailed, up-to-date digital inventory helps City staff plan, install, and maintain traffic assets more efficiently. The data collected will also feed into Ottawa’s Digital Twin—a cutting-edge 3D model of the city that supports smarter planning and decision-making. You can already explore parts of the Digital Twin on Engage Ottawa where it is being used to help develop the New Zoning Bylaw.   The digital twin and reality capture program also helps professionals like planners, architects, and emergency services who use it regularly to support their work. More details: ottawa.ca

Ottawa Stops Hate Together events

The City of Ottawa, along with its community partners, launched a new campaign on March 21, 2025 called Ottawa Stops Hate Together, to rally against hate crimes and promote inclusion. This campaign is in response to a rise in hate and bias-related incidents in the city, and aims to connect communities with the city and its history. Events are taking place as part of the campaign, and all are open to the public at no cost. Registration is now open. Each of these events honour the challenges expressed by the more than 1,200 individuals who participated in the engagement for the Anti-Racism Strategy. The tours are accessible, offered over multiple dates and have bilingual options.

• Unearthing our Roots on Ottawa Routes – Partnering with local organizations who give tours into our City’s history contributed by equity-denied groups.
  • Black History Ottawa – The History in the Streets bus tour of the downtown region. Tours run Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm from May to October. Black history in Ottawa Streets
  • National Holocaust Monument IWalk App – A remarkable way to enhance visits to the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa. Download the app for iOS or Android. For more information and instructions visit IWalk.
  • Chinatown Walking Tour – with artist Don Kwan. Tours run on Saturdays from May to October. Don Kwan's Chinatown Walking Tour
  • Queer History of Ottawa Walking Tour by Fairy Cowboy Toursy – A tour of Ottawa’s Gay Village. Tours run on Sundays from 2 to 4 pm from in July and August. Queer History of Ottawa Tour
  • Indigenous Walking Tours – Jaime Morse hosts Indigenous Walks, a walking tour that tells visitors the Indigenous history of downtown Ottawa. Tours run on Fridays and Saturdays from May to October. Indigenous Walking Tours
• Gendered Islamophobia Book Discussion – This event will be held on June 16 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richcraft Theatre at Shenkman Arts Centre. Registration is required. 

Support The Ottawa Cancer Foundation Through Lemonade Standemonium - until August 31

This summer, kids, families, businesses, and communities across Ottawa are coming together for a fun and meaningful way to support families affected by cancer—by running lemonade stands! Whether you're hosting your own stand or supporting one in your neighbourhood, you’re helping raise critical funds for the programs and services offered by The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Individuals, schools, families and community groups are invited to set up lemonade stands to raise funds for The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards free services for those affected by cancer. This initiative is a great way to bring people together, build youth leadership, and inspire compassion through a simple act. Lemonade Standemonium runs until August 31. For details, please visit support.ottawacancer.ca

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

Rat Mitigation Working Group update

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 Control. Rat 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]. 

National Indigenous History Month events in June 

• 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

Pride 2025 at Ottawa Public Library in June