June 6, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
Today, the City’s Auditor General released a comprehensive review of the City's supportive housing system that should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. After investing nearly $47 million over three years, the report found that we're not getting the results our most vulnerable residents deserve—and the consequences are rippling throughout our entire housing system.
The audit revealed a harsh truth: our current approach is failing the people who need us most. While we've successfully built supportive housing units, we're operating with fundamental structural problems. Federal and provincial governments provide capital funding to build facilities, but then leave municipalities scrambling to find the $1.5 million needed annually to actually operate each 50-unit building. This reactive, crisis-driven approach is unsustainable and unfair to both residents and taxpayers.
But here's what particularly concerns me as your representative: the problems aren't confined to supportive housing. Ottawa Community Housing, our social housing provider, increasingly serves tenants who need mental health support, addiction counselling, and life skills assistance—but they receive no additional funding to provide these critical services.
In recent years, we've seen a significant rise in tenants facing complex challenges in maintaining independent living. Factors such as persistent mental health issues, substance use, and the impacts of aging have contributed to increased personal and community safety concerns, higher use of emergency services, and, for some, the risk of falling back into homelessness.
I want to acknowledge Ottawa Community Housing's innovation in developing a "complex care housing strategy" to help tenants maintain independent living. We must remember that as a landlord, our social housing agency does not have a specific mandate to provide wraparound services. Their proactive approach must be commended as it recognizes the changing needs of our housing portfolio and represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking we need more of.
However, OCH and other providers require more resources as the human cost has been devastating. When tenants don't receive adequate support, we see increased emergency service calls, property damage, conflicts between neighbours, and ultimately, evictions that push people back into homelessness. This isn't just a housing failure—it's a systemic breakdown that costs all of us, both financially and morally.
I want to thank the Wateridge Village Community Association for their advocacy on these issues and their thoughtful presentation to the Audit Committee. Community voices like theirs are essential in helping us understand the real-world impacts of policy decisions.
We need to be honest about what successful tenancies require. Housing alone isn't enough when someone is dealing with complex trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges. These residents need wraparound supports—case management, health services, life skills training on a 24/7/365 basis—to maintain their housing and rebuild their lives.
The solution requires action at every level of government. We need the federal and provincial governments to recognize that their capital investments are meaningless without corresponding operating and health funding. We cannot continue to expect municipalities to absorb these costs while simultaneously demanding we balance budgets.
As your representative of a ward with a large proportion of social housing, I will continue advocating for the funding and resources our communities need. The audit's recommendations provide a roadmap for better coordination, fairer access, and consistent service standards that I'm committed to seeing implemented.
Every person deserves stable housing with appropriate support. When we fail to provide them, we don't just abandon our most vulnerable neighbours—we create costly cycles of crisis that burden our entire healthcare, justice, and social service systems.
The audit has shown us what's broken. Now we must find the political will to fix it. Our residents' dignity—and our community's future—depends on getting this right.
Rawlson King,City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
It was great to attend the Vanier BIA meetup at Sachi’s Cafe and Bistro on Beechwood Avenue this week to recognize the local merchants that add to the vitality and sustainability of our area’s traditional mainstreets!
It was amazing to connect with so many at this year's Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference. Ottawa was well-represented and it was fantastic to network with Councillors from across Canada, sharing ideas and collaborating for the future of our municipalities!
I had the pleasure of visiting students at Manor Park Public School this week to share first-hand experiences of being an elected municipal official and the importance of local government in building our community. Thanks to CIVIX Canada and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for coordinating this opportunity.
Congratulations to the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network for launching Violet's Voice at the Rideau Community Hub this week, a new social enterprise rooted in healing, creativity and economic empowerment for women navigating difficult life transitions!
I was pleased to recently speak with the 1834 Fellowship during their monthly meeting. The Fellowship is dedicated to supporting African, Caribbean, and Black youth across Canada who are interested in civic leadership and elected office.
Great turnout at my Ward-specific information session in Manor Park this week focused on the City’s new draft comprehensive Zoning Bylaw.
I was pleased to meet with Habitat for Humanity CEO Sara Cooper this week to discuss housing opportunities in the Ward and present her with a certificate of recognition for their hard work and success with their ReStore. Habitat ReStores sell donated, new and gently-used home furnishings, appliances and other renovation materials at a fraction of the original price.
It was a pleasure to thank Greg McPherson, founder of On The Road 4 Mental Health, last weekend for raising awareness of the mental health and toxic drug crisis affecting Ottawa through his 100 km walk through all 24 wards of the City!
It was great to see many youth attend Overbrook Bike Day last Saturday, hosted by the Overbrook Community Centre, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Ottawa - Air Quality Health Index - Special Air Quality Statement
Wildlife smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. Details: weather.gc.ca
At-Risk Population:
- Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.
- Find out if you are at risk
General Population:
- Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Collection Calendar correction
The City of Ottawa is aware that some households received an incorrect Collection Calendar regarding garbage, recycling and green bin pickup scheduling. The City is working quickly with its partners to correct this. Correct calendars will be re-sent to affected residents. For the most accurate and up-to-date waste collection schedule, visit: Ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar or download the ReCollect app. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
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.
New Zoning Bylaw comments welcome by June 23
New sidewalks 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.
Development application - 240 Presland Road
The City of Ottawa received an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application for 240 Presland Road. The site is located on the south side of Presland Road in Overbrook. The applicant is proposing to develop a six-storey affordable rental apartment building with 62 units, 32 parking spaces, 76 bicycle parking spaces, two rooftop amenity areas, and a landscaped rear yard amenity area. More details and the planning applications are now available for review at the City's DevApps webpage.
Enjoy an evening of passionate music and dance hosted by Sueños Flamencos at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse!
Program:
– Welcome
– Flamenco presentation by Sueños Flamencos (and students)
– Mini flamenco lesson: palmas, cante, baile y guitarra (clapping, singing, dancing, and guitar)
– Juerga (flamenco party for all)
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: 203 Stanley Avenue
Time: Doors open at 6 pm
Admission: NO FEE! But if you are able, please bring:
- Non-perishable food items for the food bank
- Your reusable travel mug for FREE tea!
Enjoy an unforgettable night of flamenco music and dance, while giving back to the community. Your food donation will help support those in need in Vanier. Details here.
Manor Park Community Garage Sale - June 7
The Manor Park Community Garage Sale will feature many Manor Park households as well as St. Columba Church on Saturday, June 7 from 8 am to noon.
Wateridge Village Community Garage Sale - June 7
The 2025 Wateridge Village Community Garage Sale will be held Saturday, June 7 from 9 am to 12 pm. Rain or shine. For a map of participating vendors, please visit Facebook.
Wateridge Village Spring Fling - June 7
Residents of Wateridge Village: Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 3 pm at Alliance Park, 398 Codd's Road, as the Canada Lands Company kicks off the season with their annual Spring Fling event. Happening right after the community-wide garage sale hosted by the Wateridge Village Community Association, the fun continues with an afternoon of celebration for the whole family. Bring along a non-perishable item in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Canada's capital as we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this incredible event on June 7 and 8 from 10 am to 4 pm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Doors Open Ottawa offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the doors of over 100 significant buildings across the city, many of which are usually closed to the public or charge admission. From embassies and breweries to churches and museums, you'll discover the rich history, culture and stunning architecture that make Ottawa so special. Imagine wandering through a Victorian jail-turned-hostel, or exploring a 1920s garage that's now a bustling community theatre. With a mix of in-person and virtual tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and join us for a weekend of fun, discovery and adventure. The full list of participating buildings is now available. Visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen for more details.
- 1805 Gaspé
- Canada Council Art Bank, 921 St. Laurent Boulevard
- Church of St. Bartholomew,125 MacKay Street
- Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive
- Public Works Big Wheels Expo, 300 Coventry Road
- Vanier Museopark, 320 Des Pères Blancs Avenue
Beechwood Market returns to New Edinburgh - starting June 7
The Beechwood Market returns to New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, starting June 7 until October 25, 9 am to 1 pm. There will be hot coffee, fresh bread, local produce, prepared food, and artisans. Each week will feature a live musician, kids programming (location dependent) and the Community Table - a spot to discover local interest groups, services and even the Girl Guides! For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Vanier Bike Fest - June 7 (rain date June 14)
Join the Vanier Community Service Centre on June 7, from 10 am to 12 pm, for the 10th edition of the Vanier Bike Fest at the Centre Francophone de Vanier (270 Marier Avenue). Enjoy a morning of fun with a bike rodeo, BBQ, simple bike repairs, and more. The first 100 registered kids aged 4–13 will receive a free helmet! Registration opens at 10 am. In case of rain, the event will be postponed to June 14. Details: vanierbia.com/event/vanier-bike-fest
Public Works Big Wheels Expo - June 8
The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is set to roll into The Ottawa Stadium – home of the Ottawa Titans – on Sunday, June 8, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. This inclusive event welcomes all ages and offers a dedicated sensory-friendly period (for those who benefit from lighter crowds) from 9 am to 9:30 am. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various trucks and equipment utilized by public works professionals, offering both educational insights and hands-on excitement. This is a great opportunity for young people interested in pursuing a career in Public Works to speak with both HR staff and operators. Best of all, admission is free! Public Works and Infrastructure and Water Services teams will be on hand, sharing their knowledge on the day-to-day operations, connecting with the communities we serve and promoting the rewards of a future in public works. In addition, starting at noon, event-goers will have a chance to secure free tickets to one of the most family-friendly games in town – that afternoon’s Ottawa Titans baseball game against the Sussex County Miners at 1 pm!
Hydro Ottawa Pole Replacement and Planned Power Outage - King George Street - June 10
On June 10, 2025, Hydro Ottawa will be replacing electrical poles that will impact residents on King George Street. You may notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will occur on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way - a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa to install and maintain its electrical distribution system. A planned power outage will be required to proceed with this work. All impacted 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.
Impacted street: King George Street
Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Total customers impacted: 17
Poets Laureate Events - June 10 and 18
Discover Your Ward by Bike: Rideau-Rockcliffe - June 11
EnviroCentre, in partnership with Councillor Rawlson King's office, is hosting a cycling tour in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward on June 11 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Learn how to navigate around your own community by bike with this cycling tour. This in-person workshop will take a small group on a guided bike ride through parts of Rideau-Rockcliffe. Along the way, we will stop at different pieces of cycling infrastructure, points of interest, and learn all the skills to start planning your own route. Participants will need to bring their own bikes and helmets, and will be asked to sign a waiver prior to participation. This ride will cover approximately 6.5 kms at a slow pace, and will make use of a combination of separated cycling infrastructure (ex: McArthur Ave), on-road cycling infrastructure (ex: Donald Street), and residential streets (ex: Presland, and de l'Église). This guided bike tour series is made possible in conjunction with Councillor Rawlson King, and with sponsorship support from the Dream Community Foundation and Zibi. Space for this activity is extremely limited. Advance registration is required: LetsBikeRideauRockcliffe.eventbrite.ca
Vanier Hub End-of-Year Concert - June 11
Fresh from our recent performance for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, experience the award-winning magic and music of OrKidstra at our free End-of-Year Concerts on June 11 at 6:30 pm at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 485 Donald Street. Performed by our talented Vanier Hub students, this 75-minute concert will feature a joyful and jazzy selection of music and our 2025 Graduation Ceremony! For details, please visit orkidstra.ca.
Dr. Alexander Caudarella, head of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, will discuss: Drug Crisis: How Did We Get Here? Where Do We Go? during the next edition of the Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series on June 11 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall 380 Springfield Road. A specialist in substance use with a wealth of front-line experience, Dr. Caudarella will describe the increasingly dangerous world of drugs and the search for a way forward to improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs and alcohol. Details: rockcliffepark.ca
What: The preparation work will involve cleaning and inspection of the sewer. The Contractor will return at a later date to perform sewer rehabilitation using a Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) lining process. CIPP rehabilitation minimizes the impact of construction by repairing the existing sewer without having to dig. The CIPP method of construction is less disruptive and can be completed quicker than traditional construction techniques.
Why: Rehabilitation is required due to the age and condition of the existing infrastructure.
When: Sewer cleaning and inspection work in preparation for rehabilitation is expected to begin on June 12, 2025. The preparation work will take place over several months but will only require
a few days on each street. Please note this work is weather dependent. A subsequent notification letter will be distributed to impacted residents in advance of the start of sewer liner installation to provide further details.
Where: The sewer being rehabilitated is located on Vaughan Street between Putman Avenue and Bertrand Street.
- June 14, 11 am to 1 pm, on Beechwood Avenue at the St. Charles Market, 135 Barrette Street
- June 15, 11 am to 1 pm, on McArthur Avenue at the Fresh Co Plaza, 320 McArthur Avenue
Summer Sun is a weekend celebration of community, culture, and local love — brought to life by the Vanier BIA. This vibrant street-side event invites residents and visitors to explore two of Vanier’s main commercial corridors: Beechwood Avenue and McArthur Avenue. Over the course of two days, each street comes alive with free family-friendly activities, music, local vendor specials, and more — all designed to spotlight the incredible businesses that make these neighbourhoods unique. More than just a summer gathering, Summer Sun is a feel-good reminder to support local, explore your neighbourhood, and shine a little local love right here in Vanier. Details: vanierbia.com/summer-sun
You're Invited: Consultation on the Future of Centennial Garden
Councillor Rawlson King invites Rockcliffe Park residents to a hybrid consultation session on Tuesday, June 17, from 7 to 8:30 pm in person at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road, or online on Zoom. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available. This evening event will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed vision for the restoration of Centennial Garden in Village Green Park. Hear directly from your Councillor, City staff, and representatives from the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, the Rockcliffe Park Foundation, and the Centennial Garden Working Group. If you are unable to attend in person, please register to receive the Zoom link: CentennialGardenZoom. We look forward to your participation and input.
This June, Ottawa Public Library invites people of all ages to engage, reflect, and celebrate National Indigenous History Month through enriching programs and resources. Join the Library in honouring the cultures, diverse histories, and vibrant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. OPL is proud to offer programs that highlight Indigenous voices and perspectives, from acclaimed authors and community leaders to storytellers and knowledge keepers.
Featured Events:
- L’histoire oubliée avec Michel Jean (French event)
On June 19, from 7 to 8 pm, at St-Laurent Branch (515 Côté), join award-winning Innu author and journalist Michel Jean as he discusses his bestselling novel Kukum and the often-overlooked history of residential schools and Indigenous resistance.
- An Evening with Phyllis Webstad
On June 26, from 7 to 8 pm, at Library and Archives Canada (395 Wellington Street), Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day and CEO of the Orange Shirt Society, will share her powerful story and ongoing work to educate the public about the legacy of residential schools. A moving and informative event that encourages dialogue, reflection, and a commitment to reconciliation.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with OPL at Wesley Clover Parks during the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, on Saturday, June 21. Stop by OPL's mini-Bookmobile, where you’ll find a handpicked selection of books and resources on Indigenous cultures and history. Visitors can browse, borrow, or sign up for a Library card, and connect with Library staff to explore OPL’s Indigenous collections and services. Details: collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/celebrating-indigenous-voices
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.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
O-Train Line 1 service affected by planned maintenance in June
On specific days between Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 29, O-Train Line 1 will be partially or fully closed. This is for annual maintenance and work on the O-Train Line 1 east extension.These closures will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to complete required work across the entire line and advance multiple priorities. This work has also been coordinated with Stage 2 project and other city departments to minimize the number of disruptions to O-Train service for customers. OC Transpo staff will be at key stations to support customers during their trips. Customers can use the Travel Planner and Transit app to plan their trips. R1 replacement bus service will run during impacts to O-Train Line 1 to allow customers to continue their trips. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Pride 2025 at Ottawa Public Library
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is proud to celebrate International Pride Month this June with a vibrant lineup of programs, displays, and events that shine a spotlight on 2SLGBTQ+ voices and stories. Here’s what’s happening this Pride at OPL:
- Rainbow Storytimes: Family-friendly story sessions celebrating love, identity, and acceptance.
- Author Event - Emily Austin: Join us for an intimate author talk with one of Canada’s rising literary stars (date and registration details coming soon).
- The Story Behind the Rainbow: Learn the meaning behind the rainbow and Progress Pride Flags, on display at branches and online.
- Curated Booklists: Looking for your next inspiring read? OPL’s Pride Month booklists spotlight powerful stories by 2SLGBTQ+ authors — everything from children's favourites to thought-provoking memoirs.
Celebrate Pride Month with us: connect, read, learn, and share the love. Details: collections.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/celebrate-pride-library-june
New Administrative Penalty System
The City of Ottawa’s new Administrative Penalty System (APS) and on-street parking permit system are now live. The new Administrative Penalty System changes how the City administers and conducts reviews of parking tickets, transitioning from the existing Provincial Offences Act (POA) courts.
Parking Tickets: If you receive a parking ticket on or after June 4, 2025, it will be administered through the new system. You can find instructions on how to pay for or request a review on these tickets, as the process has changed. If you received a parking ticket on or before June 3, 2025, the payment and review process will be conducted through the Provincial Offences Act (POA) court. Please visit ottawa.ca for more information on how to pay or request a review. For more information on the Administrative Penalty System and how it works, please visit ottawa.ca/APS.
Learn what you’ll find in the Economic Development Dashboard
The City has a new Economic Development Dashboard. The dashboard provides a one-stop shop for information on the local economy with an extra focus on downtown. At the click of a button, you can access numbers that help tell the story of Ottawa’s economic health.
Data appears under four main headings:
- Labour Force
- Real Estate
- Livability
- Downtown Focus
Dig just a little deeper and you can access everything from employment and vacancy rates for the entire city, right down to the number of patio permits issued downtown. There are more than two dozen points of data. Information sources include the City of Ottawa, Statistics Canada, the Ottawa Real Estate Board, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and others. The dashboard replaces the statistics we used to provide quarterly to subscribers of the City of Ottawa Economic Development Update.
My Para Transpo Trip Reminder Notifications - Survey open until June 10
OC Transpo launched Para Transpo notifications on March 17, which allows customers to sign up to receive automated notifications of their upcoming trips. Notifications benefit customers by offering them a convenient option for tracking their trips without having to call OC Transpo’s Customer Service Centre. Tell OC Transpo what you think about the new My Para Transpo trip reminder notifications before June 10 at this link.
They want to know whether:- The rollout of trip reminders was effective
- You’re using this feature to its full capabilities
- The notifications meet your needs
They will use these insights to get a better understanding of what they need to focus on improving.
Draft Climate Resiliency Strategy – 2025 Engagement - Provide feedback by June 30 (Open houses June 12, 14, 16 & 19)
The City of Ottawa is launching the next round of public engagement on Climate Ready Ottawa – our city’s draft climate resiliency strategy – and we want to hear from you! Climate Ready Ottawa is a long-term strategy designed to guide action and investment that will help our city become more resilient to climate change. Developing a climate resiliency strategy is a key project of the Climate Change Master Plan and Council’s Strategic Plan. Addressing climate change requires collective action. Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about how climate change could affect you, your family or business, and steps you can take to be prepared.
Attend one of the Public Open Houses:- Thursday, June 12 – Nepean Sportsplex, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday, June 14 – City Hall, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Monday, June 16 – Ray Friel, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday, June 19 – Virtual Session, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Register here.
Visit: engage.ottawa.ca/climate-resiliency to read the background information and provide feedback (deadline June 30, 2025).
Landscaping plays an essential role in shaping the look and feel of our neighbourhoods. To ensure that landscaping work is completed safely, responsibly, and respectfully, the City is currently reviewing the landscaping rules and requirements set in various by-laws to consider issues with non-compliance, opportunities for education, and whether new rules may be required to clarify contractor and resident responsibilities. Participate in the online survey on Engage Ottawa to share your feedback. The survey will be open for responses until Friday, June 20.
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
Auditor General 2026-2027 Workplan - Public Input Survey until June 30
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for the City of Ottawa undertakes an annual risk-based assessment to identify audit priorities. The audits selected for inclusion arise through a systematic identification of all areas of significance from an audit perspective and the determination of audit project priorities by assessing criteria relating to risk, important organizational changes, new initiatives, emerging priorities, and other relevant factors. Furthermore, requests from external boards may also be taken into consideration. One of the steps of the OAG’s risk-based assessment process includes consultation with stakeholders. The Auditor General is seeking public input into the areas that Ottawa residents and business owners believe could benefit from an independent audit. The survey will remain active until June 30, 2025. For more information, please contact the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) at [email protected]. You can view the OAG’s current workplan here. To learn more about the OAG please visit the Office’s website at www.oagottawa.ca.
Emergency Services News
Elder safety in focus: Ottawa Police spotlight abuse prevention
As Senior Month begins, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is encouraging older adults and their families to stay alert and informed. Following this year's theme, “Working for Seniors”, the OPS is highlighting programs and initiatives aimed towards improving seniors’ well-being and safety. With fraud tactics growing increasingly sophisticated, elder abuse continues to be a concern; the OPS emphasizes the importance of awareness and education to prevent further harm. The most frequently reported incidents include financial crimes and physical abuse, targeting seniors. The OPS has seen a total of 578 reported incidents of physical abuse and 412 cases of financial abuse against seniors and vulnerable adults over a five-year period. Abuse can take many forms, and physical abuse—often inflicted by caregivers—is a commonly reported form of elder abuse.
Check out the following resources to stay informed, prevent fraud, or access support in caring for seniors in your life:
- Utilize resources like 211: This free helpline connects individuals with support, including financial assistance, social services, and accurate information. If you’re unsure whether the information you’re receiving is correct, call 211.
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: If you suspect you have been a victim of financial fraud, take immediate action. Freeze your bank account, call TransUnion to put an alert on your credit and then file a police report. Learn more about fraud prevention by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and read more about scams and tips to protect yourself.
- A Friendly Voice: Call 1-855-892-9992 for a toll-free, confidential “warm line” for older adults aged 55 and above living in Ontario.
- Respite Care: If you are a caregiver supporting seniors with health conditions associated with aging or disabilities, you can take a break to maintain your own well-being, with the help of this program.
For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
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.