June 26, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Your Councillor in the Community
Thank you to everyone who dropped by the City's open house at the St. Laurent Complex on Wednesday to learn more about new sidewalks proposed for Clarke Avenue and Brant Street. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback through the project website and survey by July 15.
Had an amazing time at the Cultural Mosaic Festival hosted by the Wateridge Village Community Association last weekend, sponsored by local-area businesses!
It was wonderful to join the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association and the Rockcliffe Park Foundation at a joint reception this week which honoured Canada Day!
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.
Saints Peter and Paul Greek Melkite Catholic Church Annual Family Feast - June 24 to 28
Saints Peter and Paul Greek Melkite Catholic Church, located at 1161 North River Road, will hold its annual Family Feast celebration. The event is free and will feature traditional Lebanese music, family-friendly games and a variety of food, treats and refreshments. The Church welcomes all Rideau-Rockcliffe residents and the event is open to all community members in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Free parking and shuttle service will be available. For details, please visit Facebook.
- Friday, June 26 - 5 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday, June 27- 4 pm to 11 pm
- Sunday, June 28 - 11 am to 11 pm
RCMP Sunset Ceremonies - June 25 to 28
The RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremonies return featuring the Musical Ride in the nation's capital, June 25, 26, 27 and 28, starting at 7 pm each day! This annual event offers Canadians and visitors a chance to see the Musical Ride at its home in Ottawa at the Musical Ride Centre RCMP Rockcliffe Stables, 1 Sandridge Road. Admission is free. Pets are not permitted. Arrive early to get a good spot and check out the RCMP and partner booths and food vendors. Details: rcmp.ca
Flamenco in Lindenlea - June 27
Lindenlea and area residents are welcome to enjoy a Flamenco dance performance at Lindenlea Park, 33 Rockcliffe Way, on June 27 from 3 to 4 pm. Admission is free. Non-perishable food donations are welcome in support of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Food Bank. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Lindenlea Community Centre, 15 Rockcliffe Way. Details: www.lindenlea.ca
Repair Cafe - June 27 (time updated: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
Let’s keep usable items out of the landfill. The Repair Fair is back June 27 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue.
- Textile mending area - free minor repairs by skilled menders
- Sewing machine repair - free troubleshooting and tune-ups
- Fabric sale - donated textiles and unique finds
- Thrift sale - including OC Transpo Lost & Found items
Drop in and repair, reuse, repeat. Visit Ottawa.ca/WasteReduction for more info!
Collège La Cité Emergency Lockdown System Testing in Carson Grove - June 28
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
Overbrook Pool opening day - June 29
The pool at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, opens for the summer season beginning June 29.
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
Canada Day Community BBQ at the ACB Centre - July 1
The African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre hosts a family-friendly celebration bringing together residents of all ages for an afternoon of community, culture, and connection. Guests will enjoy music, games, prizes, and face painting for children in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both Canada Day and the diversity of our community. The event takes place on July 1 from 12 to 4 pm at 610 Donald Street.
Canada Day pancake breakfast in Lindenlea - July 1
Lindenlea and area residents are invited to enjoy a Canada Day pancake breakfast on July 1 from 9 am to 11 am at the Lindenlea Community Centre, 15 Rockcliffe Way. Tickets are $6 per person or $15 per family and are available at the door.
Canada Day Festivities at the Eastview Legion Branch - July 1
The Royal Canadian Legion Eastview Legion Branch hosts Canada Day celebrations under the big tent on July 1 from 12 to 10 pm at 294 Cyr Avenue. The festivities will include barbecued burgers and hot dogs for affordable prices, live music by Groovin Unison Band & Kameleon, refreshments, fun and games, prizes and gifts.
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
Bathgate Park - Public Engagement Opportunity - July 11;
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 once the public consultation period launches. The webpage link will be shared once it is available.
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
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)
Hydro Ottawa pole renewal on Donald Street and Quill Street - until July 3
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 - June 28
OC Transpo adjusts schedules four times a year seasonally. Here are some highlights of the summer service adjustments, starting 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.
Cornerstone's Free Community BBQ and Art Sale - June 28
Are you looking for a unique arts and craft sale in Westboro this June? Join Cornerstone Housing for Women for their annual Community BBQ & Arts Sale at their Princeton Supportive Housing Residence in Westboro. Everyone is welcome! Come enjoy a free BBQ and shop one-of-a-kind hand-made items created by residents who have experienced homelessness and now a place to call home. Over the past year, residents have worked alongside our good friends at Minwaashin Lodge to create beautiful art and handmade goods. For many residents, art has been an important part of healing and rebuilding their life after trauma.
When: Sunday, June 28 – 12 to 4 pm
Where: 373 Princeton Avenue, Westboro
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.
Plan your travels ahead on Canada Day
Getting around downtown on Canada Day will be complicated with numerous road closures and parking restrictions, especially near Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada and LeBreton Flats. Plan your route ahead of time and expect delays. If you’re planning on seeing the fireworks downtown, be sure to arrive as early as possible. Events sites and areas with views of the fireworks usually fill up quickly and travel options will be limited due to road closures and transit impacts in those locations. Details: ottawa.ca
Canada Day schedule changes - July 1
The City would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Canada Day holiday on Wednesday, July 1. Visit ottawa.ca for details.
Canada Day transit service
OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across Ottawa. Service is free all day on the O-Train, buses and Para Transpo, presented by LiUNA Local 527&527A. OC Transpo will offer a special service with extra trips on busy routes throughout the day and into the evening. Para Transpo will be offering extended service until 3 am. The Para Transpo drop-off and pick-up location is next to the Group Entry for the War Museum on Vimy Place. Para Transpo will operate a holiday service on Canada Day. All regular bookings will be cancelled automatically. Customers can book trips with My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000. Para Transpo customers can also text 57272 (5-PARA) to live text with Customer Service Representatives for information and cancellations. For details, visit octranspo.com.
National Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa - July 1
The capital will be livelier than ever on Canada Day with performances, fireworks and an electric atmosphere. For details about the national noon ceremony, national evening show and the Tim Hortons Canada fireworks, please visit www.canada.ca.
Knights of Columbus Canada Day Barbecue- July 1
The Knights of Columbus, Council 13781, host their annual Canada Day Barbecue on July 1 from 11 am to 5 pm at Notre Dame Cathedral, 385 Sussex Drive, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks and more. Everyone welcome.
Nominations are open for the Ottawa Famous 5 Awards - deadline is July 3
Famous 5 Ottawa will recognize women, female-identifying and gender-diverse individuals who are making a difference in our community through leadership, courage, mentorship, and trailblazing work. Four individuals and one youth (up to age 35) will be honoured as part of the 97th anniversary of the Women are Persons Case. Nominations are due by July 3 at 5 pm. To nominate yourself or someone else, visit: Famous5Ottawa.ca or email [email protected].
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
Arrest made in series of break-and-enters targeting local businesses
The Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit has concluded a months-long investigation into a series of break and enters affecting businesses in the Vanier and Overbrook areas. The investigation began on February 1, 2026, and focused on incidents occurring through June 1, 2026. Across 20 incidents, several businesses were targeted, including some that were victimized more than once. A 45-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody. The accused is currently facing a total of 61 Criminal Code charges, including multiple counts of break and enter, mischief, possession of break-in instruments, and breaches of his probation. This work was supported by several OPS units, including the Vanier Neighbourhood Resource Team, Canine Unit, Forensic Identification Section, Crime Analysis Unit, and Frontline Patrol officers. Their combined efforts were instrumental in identifying the suspect and advancing the investigation. The man is scheduled to appear in court on June 29th.
The OPS continues to prioritize property crime enforcement and encourages business owners and residents to report suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Anonymous tips are accepted by Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
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.