July 4, 2025 Newsletter
July 4th, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
June 28, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
I had a great time celebrating Canada Day early with residents at Ottawa Community Housing's Thompson building. Thank you to all the residents, volunteers and staff, with support from Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa West Community Support, who made this wonderful event happen!
Amazing launch of the award-winning Vanier HUB on Montreal Road this week by the Vanier BIA!
In conjunction with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, my office held an amazing community roundtable in Alvin Heights Park this week. We heard from area residents about how the park and the Manor Park neighbourhood can be improved.
I thanked residents for shopping on their local main street, Beechwood Avenue, last weekend during the Vanier BIA's SummerSun event held at St. Charles Market. The free strawberries were courtesy of the Vanier BIA.
Last weekend, I had the privilege to provide a keynote address at an event focused on nurturing unity through cooperation, hosted by the World Multicultural Festival and the Intercultural Dialogue Institute of Ottawa.
I immensely enjoyed attending the Wabano Igniting the Spirit Charity Gala with my Ottawa-Vanier colleagues MP Mona Fortier and MPP Lucille Collard to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day and our commitment to reconciliation.
Odawa Native Friendship Centre, located in the Rideau Community Hub, unveiled its beautiful new youth mural last week during its Summer Solstice Feast.
I had an amazing time enjoying the massive Wateridge Village garage sale, as well as the fabulous Spring Fling event presented by Canada Lands Company in Wateridge Village last weekend.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Final reminder:
Financial Literacy Certificate Program for ACB Youth - Registration Open
The ACB Wellness Resource Centre hosts a free 8-week Financial Literacy Certificate Program for Youth ages 14 to 21. The course will run from July 2 to August 31 and conclude with a graduation celebration. This is our final reminder to sign up for this summer's free, 8-week summer Financial Literacy Certificate Program designed to empower local youth from ages 14-21! The "Empowering Youth: Financial Literacy Program" will provide students with essential and transformative financial knowledge. The course starts next week, running from July 2, 2024 to August 31, 2024, and will conclude with a graduation celebration. Through dynamic, interactive workshops and a holistic approach, participants will learn how to craft an effective budget, manage expenses, understand credit, manage debt, protect themselves from fraud, and save for their future. This unique initiative will teach students not only to manage their finances but to thrive in an increasingly complex economic landscape. To register, please fill out this form.
Lindenlea Canada Day pancake breakfast - July 1
The Lindenlea Community Association hosts a pancake breakfast for Lindenlea residents on July 1 from 9 to 11 am at the Lindenlea Community Centre, 15 Rockcliffe Way.
Chief Pinesi Day in New Edinburgh Park - July 1
Kichi Sibi Trails, in concert with NECA and the Crichton Community Council, is once again coordinating the July 1st Chief Pinesi Day event (8 am to 2 pm) in New Edinburgh Park (in and around the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse at 203 Stanley Ave.) to honour Algonquin Anishinabe presence in the area. This year, Chief Pinesi Day will be the culmination of the Oka to Ottawa: Pinesi Paddle starting on 25 June. Over 40 paddlers, descendants of Chief Pinesi, Algonquins, other indigenous people and settlers, will reach Governor Bay below Rideau Hall about 11 am, likely with members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards. The Sacred Fire will begin at 8 am led by Doug Comegan. The program will be led by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and will feature drumming, singing and dancing by the Spirit Wolf Singers. Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Councillor Merv Sarazin will MC; Opening prayers will be offered by Kokom Jane Chartrand. In the morning, attendees can take a land tour along parts of the revitalized Chief Pinesi Portage Trails, which were ancient (approximately 8,000 years old) indigenous portage trails between the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. The trail is marked by signs created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg artist Simon Brascoupé. Want to know more about Chief Pinesi and the portage trail? Visit the Kichi Sibi Trails website. For July 1 event details, visit newedinburgh.ca.
Canada Day Fireworks in New Edinburgh - July 1
Finish your July 1 celebrations in New Edinburgh Park with a neighbourhood scale fireworks display close to home. The Park Party begins at 8 pm, and the fireworks are slated to begin at 9:30 pm. 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 (featuring beer from Local Brewery on St. Laurent), 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. Please view the display from the outfield. This event may be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather. For details and updates, please click here.
African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre Canada Day Barbecue - July 1
The African, Caribbean, & Black Wellness Resource Centre happily invites you to their annual Canada Day celebration this 1st of July from 12 to 4 pm. It's going to be a day filled with great food, exciting games, music, and more! Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends, family, and neighbours. The centre is located at 610 Donald Street.
Free Nordic Walk Event - July 3
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for a free special Nordic Walk event on Wednesday, July 3, from 12 to 2pm. Discover the beauty of the Ottawa River pathway with a Nordic Walking activity with Nina Lepage, starting at the NCC River House (501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway).
Afterward, attend a social coffee hour at Café & Bistro where you can learn more about the ecology of the river and the important work of the Ottawa Riverkeeper team. Poles will be provided or bring your own. In case of rain, we'll meet on Thursday, July 4, same time, same place. Please RSVP at [email protected].
Ottawa’s New Older Adult Plan - Consultation July 3
The City of Ottawa is planning for the development of its new Older Adult Plan! In collaboration with the Council on Aging of Ottawa, City staff are consulting with residents and community agencies to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan. You are invited to attend an in-person consultation event to shar your input and learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa. The information you provide will inform the City of Ottawa's new iteration of the Older Adult Plan, which will be launched in 2025.
- When: July 3 – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.
- Where: Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Blvd. in the cafeteria.
There is a limited amount of space, please register here to attend. Your opinion matters. Please take a few moments to complete the survey at engage.ottawa.ca/oap by Sept. 2. For more information, please email [email protected].
Hydro Ottawa Tree Trimming and Power Outage - Overbrook - July 4
Hydro Ottawa, along with its forestry contractor Asplundh Canada, will complete tree trimming work on July 4, 2024 to prevent trees and branches from coming into contact with overhead power lines. A power outage is scheduled as a result of this work and will impact residents on Edith Avenue, Ellis Private, Glynn Avenue, King George Street, Lilas Private, Lola Street, Pommiers Private, Prince Albert Street, Queen Mary Street and Quill Street. A planned power outage will be required to proceed with this work. All affected customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable. Further, notification will be provided if the power outage is to extend beyond the original duration time. In case of adverse weather, the outage may be rescheduled.
Affected streets: Edith Avenue, Ellis Private, Glynn Avenue, King George Street, Lilas Private, Lola Street, Pommiers Private, Prince Albert Street, Queen Mary Street and Quill Street
Date: July 4, 2024
Planned power outage: 8 am to 4 pm
Contractor on site: Asplundh Canada
Total customers impacted: 479
Meet the BGC Ottawa Neighbourhood Ambassadors in Action - July 4, 11, 18 and 25
Join the Neighbourhood Ambassadors team every Thursday in July, from 6 to 7:30 pm, in Ward 13 and 11 parks:
- July 4 - 3 on 3 basketball game - Ogilvie Park at 1059 Ogilvie Road
- July 11 - King of the Court - Cummings Park at 1060 Cummings Avenue
- July 18 - Basketball Skills and Drills - Ogilvie Park at 1059 Ogilvie Road
- July 25 - Soccer! - Trojan Park 901 Trojan Avenue
All activities are weather permitting. For details, please email Jinny at [email protected].
Afrosphere: An Afrobeat(s) Music Experience - July 5
Afrosphere is an immersive block party and live music experience featuring diverse emerging artists, artisans, and delicious food, all coming together to celebrate the impact of Afrobeat(s). This event is part of a documentary series production on the evolution of Afrobeat(s) as a music genre in Canada.
- Date: Friday, July 5
- Time: 5:30 to 10:30 pm
- Location: 1805 Gaspé Avenue
Featuring: Local diverse artisans, food and beverage from Baccanalle, interactive activities, live DJ set from globally recognized Afrobeat musician DJ Dynamiite, who has performed with top charting artists like Davido, Rema and Asake, as well as live music performances by emerging artists KAR33M, T. Chandy, Banggz and more. Join us for an unforgettable evening on a summer night filled with community, celebration and great vibes! For more information and tickets, please visit EventBrite.
Montreal Road Revitalization Project - Public Open House - July 10
The City of Ottawa invites you to attend a Public Open House to view and discuss the proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements to the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River Road. This corner will be the home of the new public art feature entitled Rideau, designed by the international group StudioKCA. Concept plans will be on display for your review and staff will be present to answer any questions. There will not be a formal presentation at this open house. Please attend at your leisure. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
What: Proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements to the southeast corner of Montreal Road and North River RoadWhy: The proposed landscaping and streetscaping improvements are designed to accompany the Rideau and provide a welcoming safe space for public viewing.
When: The Public Open House will be on Wednesday, July 10, between 6:30 and 8:30 pm.
Where: Centre Pauline-Charron, Main Hall, 164 Jeanne-Mance Street
Who: City of Ottawa / Montreal Road Project team, CSW Landscape Architects, City of Ottawa Public Art Program
Renewal of St. Patrick Street Bridge & Porter’s Island Bridge - Open House & Information Session - July 11
Thursday, July 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Lowertown Community Centre, 40 Cobourg Street
The City of Ottawa invites you to attend an upcoming Public Information Session to discuss a reconstruction project planned in your neighbourhood. Through this session, the latest design drawings, proposed schedule, and construction information related to the Renewal of St. Patrick Street Bridge & Porter’s Island Bridge will be on display for your review and staff will be present to answer any questions and receive comments. There will not be a formal presentation at this open house. Please attend at your leisure. In addition to the above meeting, residents can also participate through viewing and commenting on the online documents to be posted at ottawa.ca/StPatrickPorterIsland after the event. Your input is an important part of the consultation process. Your feedback can be submitted by email or by phone to the following contacts between July 11 and July 25, 2024: [email protected] 613-580-2424, ext. 2273 and [email protected] 613-691-1564.
What: To complete a life-cycle renewal of the bridges to extend their service lives; and to carry out active transportation modifications on the St. Patrick Street bridge and approaches for a designated unidirectional cycling facility along both sides of St. Patrick Street, and integration of dedicated cycling connections to adjacent routes.
Why: The existing bridge structures require a major rehabilitation to meet the current code requirements and extend their service lives.
When: The preliminary design phase for the project is complete. The detailed design is expected to be completed by the end of this summer. Construction is anticipated to be carried out from late fall 2024 to summer 2027 subject to funding approval.
Where: St. Patrick Street Bridge is located between the Crichton Street/Vanier Parkway intersection and 50 metres west of Lower Charlotte Street, while the Porter’s Island Bridge is located on Island Lodge Road.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained Parsons to develop the design for this project.
Vanier Museopark Survey - Available until July 15
The Vanier Museopark has launched a survey as part of its 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Help define the future of the organization and ensure that they continue to meet the needs and expectations of our community. The Vanier Museopark is committed to preserving and promoting the Francophone cultural and historical heritage while providing enriching experiences to all its visitors. To do so, they must regularly assess our goals and strategies. This survey is a unique opportunity for you to share your perspectives and actively contribute to our development. Complete the survey by July 15.
Gil-O-Julien Park Fieldhouse - Community Partnership Major Capital Program - Survey open until July 17
A list of proposals being considered for the City's Major Capital Partnership Program is now available for comment on Engage Ottawa. The list includes a proposal for improvements to the Gil-O-Julien Park Fieldhouse in the Overbrook community. Youth Ottawa has approached the City to do some improvements in the fieldhouse such as implementing a commercial kitchen to allow for community meals to be prepared and upgrading the programming space to allow for different programs to be made available to area youth. A feasibility study is underway to determine the needs of the fieldhouse and identify the scope of the work required to improve this facility to best meet the needs of local users. The survey will help to gauge community needs and will remain open for public feedback until July 17.
A Company of Fools presents Macbeth - July 8 to August 24
Prepare to be utterly enchanted as the Company of Fools presents this tale of murder and betrayal with a Foolish twist – an all-female/non-binary cast of witches taking centre stage to charm audiences both young and old in parks across Ottawa. The run time is 90 minutes. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Admission is pay what you can. For more details and the complete schedule, visit fools.ca/macbeth.
Productions in and near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward:
July 8 at 7 pm - Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill - Opening Night
July 15 at 7 pm - Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill
July 20 at 7 pm - Beechwood Cemetery
July 22 at 7 pm - Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill
July 27 at 7 pm - New Edinburgh Park
July 29 at 7 pm - Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill
August 19 at 7 pm - Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill
Summer Music Camp - July 15 to August 9
Bikkurim Music Studios is offering a Music Summer Camp for children and teens, ages 4 to 15, at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. The studio intends to aid children of all backgrounds in this age group in music education. The camp will be packed with lots of artistic things to learn, from the familiar musical instruments: violin, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, guitar, recorder, percussion; to singing (choir), dance, visual arts including indigenous crafts, and games. They'll also get to see a few classic concerts tailored for kids (Bring the Kids! Series) with the Ottawa Chamberfest's festival programming. We have talented and certified teachers and volunteers who will be helping to teach the instructions facilitate the activities at the camp. You can learn more about the summer camp here.
Pints in the Park - July 20
Pints in the Park is the Manor Park Community Council's annual summer community event on July 20 from 2 to 7 pm. Hosting guests, vendors, breweries, musical acts, local restaurants, for an inclusive outdoor community event celebrating local food and beer. The event takes place outdoors on the front lawn of the Manor Park Community Centre at 100 Thornwood Road. All are welcome. Admission is free. For details, please click here.
Road Resurfacing - Rideau Terrace - July 24
Resurfacing of Rideau Terrace between Springfield Road and Acacia Avenue will take place this summer. The City's contractor is tentatively scheduled to mobilize traffic measures to the site beginning July 22. Concrete removals are tentatively scheduled to begin July 24, followed by milling the roadway, granular road base placement, iron adjustments and paving. Dates are weather dependent. Notices will be provided to residents in advance of the work.
Corn Roast and Vendor Fair - July 27
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for a corn roast and vendor fair in New Edinburgh Park at 203 Stanley Avenue on July 27, from 10 am to 1 pm. There will be live music, family activities, fresh local corn and more than 20 vendors.
Logo design contest to celebrate Overbrook bridges - Deadline for submissions is July 28
2025 is the 150th anniversary of Overbrook's first bridge - Hurdman's Bridge. Help Overbrook celebrate bridges in the community by submitting your bridge logo designs. All ages are welcome to enter the contest. Email your logo designs to [email protected] or drop them off at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Designs are due by July 28.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Resident Survey Launches
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is launching its resident survey as part of the large needs assessment they are conducting. This assessment aims to better understand resident needs and challenges, assess resource gaps and access barriers. The survey takes approximately 5-8 minutes to complete and in appreciation, participants will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 20 $50 grocery or Walmart gift cards. The survey will be available all summer and can be filled out online at the following link: Rideau Rockcliffe Resident Survey or in person at the community resource centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. For any questions or assistance in completing the survey over the phone, residents can call 613-745-0073 ext. 209 or email [email protected].
Free Back-to-School Supplies for Ward 13 schoolchildren in need
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Caring and Sharing Exchange are providing free school supplies for children in need from kindergarten to Grade 9 living in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 with a postal code of K1K and in some cases K1M or K1G. For more information, please visit crcrr.org, call 613-745-0073 ext. 123 or register at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/FW33ArANJD Required documentation includes proof of identity for parents and children, proof of address and proof of family income. First come, first served.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Increased Risk of Overdose – Nitazene detected in Ottawa’s Unregulated Drug Supply
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ottawa Police Service, and the Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce are issuing an alert to warn residents about an increased risk of overdose related to the toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. This week, Health Canada detected the first sample of an emerging drug called ‘N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (etonitazepyne)’ in Ottawa. This drug is part of a class of drugs referred to as nitazene opioids and is also known by its street name “Pyro”. Here in Ottawa, the drug was found in unregulated counterfeit Hydromorphone M8 tablets. The white tablets were three sided and labeled with an ‘M’ and ‘8’. Click here for details.
Stay informed, save lives! Sign up for the Stop Overdose Ottawa Alerts. Stay updated on the toxic drug supply and be notified when there is an increased risk of overdose. Learn more and sign up here: StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
Summer 2024 Transit Service Changes
Summer service begins Sunday, June 30, 2024
- 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 and Food Museum) will return.
For details, please visit www.octranspo.com/en/plan-your-trip/service-changes.
Canada Day schedule changes
Canada Day festivities in the Capital
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Here's your guide on National Canada Day celebrations, how to get around, road closures, free transit on July 1, fireworks dos and don'ts and more helpful information for Canada Day in the nation's capital: Canada Day Guide
- The City’s Canada Day webpage has more information on community happenings, pools and splash pads to enjoy, Indigenous events and reflections, fireworks guidelines, changes to City services and how to stay safe as you enjoy your Canada Day: Canada Day 2024
Free Transit Service on Canada Day
➡️Plan your trip using the Travel Planner! Check octranspo.com for the latest on Canada Day schedules.
➡️Book your Para Transpo trips starting June 24.
This is a busy day in our city. No matter where you are headed, give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. OC Transpo will get you there and back home safely. Full details: Canada Day | OC Transpo
Fireworks in Ottawa
Fireworks are allowed to be sold in the City of Ottawa seven business days before Canada Day, however, individuals are only permitted to discharge fireworks on Canada Day, as well as the day before and the day after.
City warns residents about automated speed camera text scam
The City warns residents about a new text message scam that tells the recipient an automated speed camera recorded their vehicle exceeding the speed limit in a school zone and provides a link for immediate payment. If you receive this message, delete it and do not click on the website link. Remember, the City does not send text messages about payments or balances owing, including property taxes, water utility bills, and all provincial offence tickets Protect yourself. If you receive this or a similar text message posing as the City of Ottawa, delete it. Do not click on any links and never provide any personal or financial information.
Parks Maintenance Summer Update: Grass cutting, summer students, special events
City parks play host to a number of events over the year and Parks Maintenance staff work hard to make sure the parks are in great shape ahead of each event.
Grass cutting: The extreme heat has helped slow grass growth and all zone supervisors are reporting they are now caught up after the soggy spring set them back in May.
Summer students: There are 119 summer students working for Parks Maintenance this year to help staff keep up with litter cleanup, grass cutting (with the smaller machines) and trimming. They also paint benches, goal posts and various other park features. Over the last few years, some maintenance work has fallen behind thanks to COVID, and cleanup from extreme weather events, and it is great to have a full complement of students joining staff to help them catch up this year.
Special events: Canada Day is just days away and City parks will host a number of events. The hosting duties don’t end there, though. Parks Maintenance staff are always ready to make sure parks are in great shape before registered events. On top of regular maintenance, staff will make an extra sweep to ensure litter is picked up and attend to repairs of park features. If the event happens to include baseball, crews make sure the diamond is groomed in advance.
How residents can help: City beaches are now open and even though there are waste receptacles in place, we do ask residents to take garbage home with them to help deters birds. More garbage, even in receptacles, attracts more birds. More bird activity reduces water quality and results in more beach closures. We ask residents to take garbage home with them after they visit City parks too.
Notice anything that needs our attention? Please send a service request by emailing or calling 3-1-1. This is triaged to the right personnel in Parks Maintenance and is the fastest way to help staff get the job done.
New Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial Video Available
The Interactive Zoning Tool Tutorial video is now available. This comprehensive video serves as a valuable resource, providing a detailed overview of the Interactive Zoning Map tool.
The tutorial covers the following key aspects:
- How the Interactive Zoning Map tool works
- Examples of the new zones
- An introduction to the Story Map tool
More information on the New Zoning By-law can be found on the City’s Engage Ottawa page. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the City’s Zoning staff at [email protected].
Trees in Trust - Request a tree by July 1
TD Summer Reading Club
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites children of all ages and their families to join the Summer Reading Club 2024, running from June 10 to August 26. This year's program promises a summer full of engaging activities, interactive workshops, and exciting events, all designed to foster a love of reading and learning and prevent kids from experiencing a summer slide in reading and learning. The Summer Reading Club 2024 aims to keep children engaged, learning, and discovering new stories throughout the summer. With a wide range of virtual and in-person events, there's something for every child from 4 to 12 years old. The initiative encourages reading through fun and interactive activities that will inspire young minds to explore the joy of reading, spark their curiosity and build their literacy skills. Throughout the summer, children can also participate in weekly Storytimes, interactive Storywalks, and other displays and activities in branch designed to promote reading and learning. Weekly prizes and a grand prize of magazine subscriptions will be awarded to participants, adding an extra element of excitement. For more information about the Summer Reading Club 2024, visit the OPL website or contact your local branch.
Ottawa Public Library Teen Staycation
Get ready because Teen Staycation is back! Starting the first week of July Ottawa Public Library is bringing teens, aged 13 to 18, seven weeks of vibrant and engaging programs designed to make every day of summer count. Registration for Teen Staycation is now open. From exploring the zero-waste lifestyle to diving into digital storytelling and mastering makeup artistry, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For more information and to stay updated on program details, visit OPL’s website: BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca
Ottawa Public Library Adult Library Challenge
As summer begins to embrace the city, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is delighted to announce a new initiative designed to enrich the community’s sunny days with a literary twist. Starting Thursday, June 20, OPL has launched its first-ever, system-wide adult summer program Stories of Summer: Adult Library Challenge. Whether participants are voracious readers or simply looking for a fun way to engage with the community and get back into reading books, this program offers something for all adults. Bingo cards are central to the Stories of Summer challenge and will be available at all OPL branches as well as on the OPL website. For details, please visit biblioottawalibrary.ca.
Community Garden and Community-led Green Initiatives Review - Survey open until July 7
Are you interested in community gardening or City greening projects? Whether you're a resident, part of a community group, an aspiring gardener, a volunteer, or even if you're not involved in these activities but have opinions about them, we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on community gardens and greening initiatives in Ottawa. The City of Ottawa is reviewing and updating the community garden action plan to create clear processes and supports for community-led green initiative programs on City-owned land. This update is happening collaboratively with City departments, community partners, and with input from community members like you. The results of this survey will help staff to:
- Identify strategic priorities for a new framework for the City’s role in community gardens and Community-Led Green Initiatives
- Identify which actions the City should prioritize
- Identify the demand for and supports to Ottawans to participate in community gardens and community-led green Initiatives on City-owned land
Residents can help plan Ottawa’s transportation future - Surveys open until August 30
The City has launched consultation for the Transportation Master Plan – Part 2. Have your say on the future of transportation in Ottawa by completing the surveys on our project page. The next step in the process, or TMP – Part 2, is to develop the City’s Capital Infrastructure Plan. The Capital Infrastructure Plan will identify the recommended road, transit and active transportation projects and investments to accommodate Ottawa’s expected growth to 2046. Residents are invited to complete online surveys by August 30.
We are looking for your input on:
- Transportation challenges experienced when travelling by car or transit
- Transportation investment priorities
The results of this public engagement will inform the development of the Capital Infrastructure Plan. You are also invited to review the Transportation Trends Report summarizing the 2022 Origin-Destination survey results, and the Needs, Opportunities and Uncertainty Report that discusses the various trends that may impact future travel activity, and the City’s approach to travel demand forecasting to 2046. Both reports can be found on our public engagement page. Questions? Ideas? Email the project team at [email protected].
40 Reasons Camp registration for ages 8 to 16
Prezdential Basketball is offering a new off-season program this year, taking place every Friday for four weeks. The program is to help grade 7/8s with the transition into high school and Grade 11/12s with the transition into post-secondary. The program will be split up into four one-hour workshops.
If you are interested in this FREE program please sign up: https://40rzn.com/camp-day-registration/
Financial Literacy & Career Direction
Mental Health - Strategies & Tools
Cooking & Self SustainabilityFor more information, please visit www.facebook.com/prezdential or email [email protected]
Provide input on the City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan - Consultation opportunities July 3 to 31
The City of Ottawa's Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) is a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). It is a five-year plan to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers across the organization by committing to specific actions and outcomes aimed at making sure people with disabilities can participate in the City's programs, services, facilities, public spaces, information and communication, and employment. The current City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) will expire soon. A project page is available in English and French. This includes all project information and the registration to attend an in-person consultation. An accessible online survey is available Engage Ottawa for input until August 5.
- July 3 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Peter D. Clark Place, 255 Centrum Blvd. in Room 340
- July 9 from 1 to 2:30 pm - virtual on Zoom
- July 17 from 10 to 11:30 am - virtual on Zoom. **A link will be shared with those who register.
- July 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive
- July 31 from 6 to 7:30 pm - virtual in Zoom. **A link will be shared with those who register.
Equity and Inclusion Community Forum - July 18
Recently, the City’s Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development (GREIIRSD) team, with the help of SEASONOVA, an Ottawa-based consultant, conducted a review of three City plans:
- The Anti-Racism Strategy;
- The Women and Gender Equity Strategy; and
- Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Plan.
The long-term goal is to combine these plans into one plan, called the Equity Logic Model. The new plan will help the City to:
- Simplify our actions
- Re-focus our goals
- Make reporting easier
- Ensure we are working towards a unified approach to equity.
The City will host a community forum on July 18, from 9:30 am to 4 pm at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station. The forum will highlight our progress to date and further provide an opportunity to gather feedback from the community in order to implement the plan. To register to this event, fill out the registration form. A report will be presented to City Council in fall 2024.
City of Ottawa fall activities - Upcoming dates
Mark your calendars with these important registration dates for next season:
- Tuesday, July 30: Browse fall activities online.
- Tuesday, August 13 at 9 pm: Register for aquatics programs.
- Thursday, August 15 at 9 pm: Register for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
Have your say: City’s water rate structure review - Deadline is July 31
The City is reviewing how we recover costs to deliver water services that you rely on every day, and we want to hear from you. Deadline: July 31, 2024. Visit Engage Ottawa for the survey.
Share your feedback on Ottawa's green spaces and great places - Survey open until July 31
With over 100 recreational facilities and 1,300 parks spanning more than 4,300 hectares of parkland, Ottawa is full of green spaces and great places for our community to enjoy. We’re currently reviewing the Parks and Facilities By-law and your input is essential to ensure that these spaces and places remain green and great for everyone. Participate in the online survey by July 31 to share your feedback. The Parks and Facilities By-law covers a wide variety of topics. In this review, we want to know your thoughts on public safety, maintaining green spaces, amenities maintenance and equal opportunity. Your feedback will help us manage indoor and outdoor recreational spaces that foster community engagement and provide inclusive, safe and accessible recreation opportunities to all. Visit Engage Ottawa to stay up-to-date on the review and engage with us to shape the future of our parks and facilities.
Nominations open for 13th Annual Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
The City is now accepting nominations for the 2024 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 the Order of Ottawa award webpage. The submission deadline is Friday, September 13 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Emergency Services News
Ottawa Police launch new strategy to improve community safety and well-being in downtown Ottawa
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is excited to announce the launch of its Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Strategy. An important component of the OPS’ Community Policing Strategy, CORE is an action plan focused on reducing crime in specific areas of Ottawa by dealing with the root issues. In these beginning stages, CORE will focus on enhancing public safety in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area. Developed through extensive consultation with local stakeholders and partners, CORE seeks long-term solutions to improve safety downtown. Using an evidence-based approach, CORE will leverage information at hand to allocate services and resources where they are needed most, with sustainable community-led solutions. A central element of the CORE strategy is the Neighbourhood Operations Centre (NOC), located at 50 Rideau Street. Fully operational by Monday, June 3, the NOC will act as a vital coordination hub to enhance police presence and provide a collaborative space to work with our local partners. Visit ottawapolice.ca for more details. For more information on the CORE Strategy and its initiatives, visit ottawapolice.ca/CORE.
Ottawa Police Service presents its 2023 Annual Report
The Ottawa Police Service has issued its 2023 Annual Report, which features community initiatives, achievements, and key statistics. In addition to an overview of the number of calls for service received last year and police response times, the 2023 Annual Report highlights the work OPS members do in partnership with our communities and frontline agencies to prevent and investigate crime and to develop programs and services supporting the safety and well-being of residents and visitors to Ottawa. Ottawa remains one of the largest geographical areas of coverage for any police service, nearly six times the size of the City of Toronto and about twice that of comparable populations in Edmonton and Calgary. In 2023, the OPS launched the Community Safety Data Portal, signifying a significant step towards modernizing policing and enhancing transparency.
Key statistics from 2023:
- Service requests increased by 15%, totaling 427,400. This included about 54,100 more calls through the dispatch system (400,000 total) and around 3,000 additional reports submitted online (27,400 total)
- The rise in requests for service was primarily caused by a spike in non-dispatched 911 calls, triggered by the automatic SOS feature on Android devices. This issue, which led to an unusually high volume of emergency calls, has now been resolved.
- With 48,000 reported Criminal Code of Canada offences (excluding traffic) in the city of Ottawa, the level of reported crime increased by 12% last year.
- The clearance rate for total Criminal Code offences (excluding traffic) remained in line with the previous year’s results (28%).
- Ottawa’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) increased by 5% to 59 points (Violent CSI was in line with the previous year's value; Non-Violent CSI was up 8 percent).
- The volume of reported violent crimes increased by 3% in 2023, driven by assaults, threats, and robberies.
- Property-related offences increased by 13% in 2023 primarily due to increases in the number of thefts (including shoplifting), fraud, mischief, break and enters, and thefts from motor vehicles.
- There were 15 homicide incidents in 2023 with 16 victims. 12 of the occurrences have been solved.
- In 2023, shootings increased by 22% from 60 to 73, and OPS officers seized 81 crime guns.
- The number of collisions on Ottawa roadways increased by 28% to nearly 19,300, while fatalities increased to 27 (up from 23 in 2022).
The report also provides insights into the strategic goals for the coming years, focusing on community trust, crime prevention, and resource optimization. The full report is available at ottawapolice.ca/2023.
Join the Ottawa Police Youth Advisory Committee - Applications due by Sept. 1
Ottawa Police are recruiting for the Youth Advisory Committee! Are you under 24 and interested in sharing ideas and working together with police to help build a safer Ottawa? Apply by September 1! Visit ottawapolice.ca/YAC to apply.
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.
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