January 17, 2025 Newsletter
January 17, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
March 10, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
As Chair of the Built Heritage Committee, this week I took the opportunity to thank City staff along with members of the heritage community for the incredible effort in making last month’s Heritage Day and Ottawa Heritage Awards a tremendous success. Heritage Day was celebrated with an in-person event on February 21. This was the first time that the City and Capital Heritage Connexion gathered together since 2020 and we are thrilled that the event returned to City Hall. Heritage Day celebrations and activities raise awareness and encourage the preservation and promotion of regionally significant historic, architectural, natural and scenic heritage. This year’s theme was "Recovering and Connecting Ottawa’s Heritage -- Stronger Together"; where the City recognized the unique and unprecedented events of the last few years while also honoring the role that unity plays in the recognition, protection and celebration of our heritage. The event showcased many local cultural organizations who played a key role in keeping us connected in recent times.
Also as part of Heritage Week, the City of Ottawa recognized outstanding contributions to heritage conservation with the 2023 Ottawa Heritage Awards. Eleven projects in various categories were recognized on February 22 at the ByTowne Cinema. The selected projects demonstrate a commitment not only to architectural heritage but also to the preservation of the heritage of our entire city. The impact of these projects will be felt for years to come. Winning projects representing Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward included the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Walk Committee, 189 Stanley Avenue and the Wateridge Village Commemoration Program Handbook. Congratulations! Projects completed between January 2019 and December 2022 were eligible for the awards and the winners were selected by an external jury with expertise in heritage conservation.
I would like to thank City staff, the award winners and nominees, and all the participant exhibitors who made Heritage Week a success. I would also like to congratulate Heritage Ottawa who was selected to receive the mirrors heritage day proclamation in recognition of its steadfast commitment to advocacy efforts into keeping the heritage community connected, and informed to better protect Ottawa’s heritage, despite the pandemic.
On March 8 I attended the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association's Speaker Series evening featuring Thomas d'Aquino marking the publication of his newly published memoir, "Private Power ~ Public Purpose: Adventures in Business, Politics, and the Arts." On March 7 I enjoyed the launch of "My Thali: A Simple Indian Kitchen" cookbook by Chef Joe Thottungal with Anne DesBrisay. Thank you for all that you do for our community. On March 4 I had an incredible opportunity to tour the Rockcliffe Flying Club with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the club's board of directors. I was pleased to attend the launch on March 2 of the Ottawa Safety Council's new RoadSMARTS4Kids program with the Safety Council's executive director Jamie Kwong, CEPEO school board trustee Sonia Boudreault, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillors Tim Tierney and Stephanie Plante. This program is a digital library service helping kids learn road safety in a fun and engaging way. Click here for details.
Fieldhouse Films - A new series launches in New Edinburgh
GoFundMe Campaign for fire-impacted Overbrook residents
At the request of community members, the Overbrook Community Association is leaving its fundraiser, in support of residents who were displaced by the fire on Presland Road, open for a few more days until Sunday, March 12. Click here to learn more or to contribute.
Manor Park - Spring programs and camps
Enjoy a wide variety of programming and events in the Manor Park community, including adult art classes, spring sports for kids, sound baths, summer camps and licensed childcare, children's programs, Hoppy Easter Home Delivery, the Sip & Shop Monthly Market, adult fitness and yoga, and much more. For details please visit manorpark.ca. To register, please click this link.
Trivia Night at the Bridge - April 24
Save the date for Trivia Night at the Bridge – A fundraiser for the Rideau Winter Trail on April 24 at 6:30 pm. This is the first ever trivia night to raise funds for the sustainability of the volunteer-run trail. To be notified when tickets go on sale, email [email protected].
Free Income Tax Clinic - until April 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is hosting a free income tax clinic for residents with a K1K (and some K1M and K1G) postal code from March 1 to April 28, 2023. To register and for details, please visit crcrr.org.
Crime Prevention Ottawa - Requests for Proposals welcome until March 13
CPO's 2023 Request for Proposals is open, and applications are due by 5 pm on March 13. We are looking to fund projects that make Ottawa safer. Up to $600,900 of CPO funds are available in 2023. There are 3 streams of funding:
This year's Request for Proposals is an initial step towards implementing a more equitable and transparent process. CPO is evolving how it funds safety initiatives based on a review of its funding practices led by Mehari Consulting. Please visit CPO's funding page for more information, to download an application form, and to register for the Q&A session.
City of Ottawa Community Environmental Projects Grant Program - Applications due March 31
Are you looking for an opportunity to put your environmental ideas into action? The City of Ottawa is accepting applications for the 2023 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP).
CEPGP provides funding to non-profit organizations interested in undertaking small-scale, community-based initiatives that support an environmentally sustainable Ottawa.
The application deadline is Friday, March 31 at 4 pm.
Successful CEPGP grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2024. For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to submit an application, please visit Ottawa.ca/cepgp.
For more information on CEPGP, please contact Tara Redpath, CEPGP Coordinator, at 613-580-2424 ext. 16822 or at [email protected].
Upcoming Deadline for Cultural Facilities Fund, Major Capital Projects - March 31
The Cultural Facilities Fund - Major Capital program has an upcoming deadline of March 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
This program supports:
- pre-feasibility studies for new capital projects over $60,000
- feasibility studies for more advanced capital projects over $200,000
- purchase of specialized equipment for programming
- renovation, restoration or construction projects for major capital assets
COVID-19 highlighted the need for HVAC and ventilation improvements to reduce airborne transmission in indoor spaces. For the March 2023 deadline, the City will contribute up to 90% of total eligible costs for ventilation improvement projects in public programming spaces.
Newly revised submission requirements include a reduction in required tenant lease duration (from 10 to 5 years) and removal of the requirement for projects under $100,000 to have received previous funding from the City of Ottawa.
Program guidelines are available online.
If your organization is considering a submission, please contact Thomas Radford, Cultural Developer, Cultural Development and Initiatives at [email protected].
The Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is an initiative available for minor capital improvements to city-owned parks, recreation and cultural facilities on a cost-sharing basis with community groups. Examples include play equipment, basketball courts, park furniture, tree planting, landscape improvements, minor community facility improvements, etc. Projects on school board land and other public lands that are accessible to the public may also be eligible. The 2023 deadlines to apply are May 1 and Sept. 1. For details, contacts and to apply, please click here.
March Break Programs at the Ottawa Public Library
Programs for kids aged 4 to 12
The Library is offering a full week of in-person programs in OPL branches to keep kids active and entertained during the school break. “Choose your own adventure!” is the name of the game and there is something for every child to discover the week of Saturday, March 11 to Saturday, March 18: crafts, storytime, music, STEM, dance, games and arts. Some activities require registration and others are drop-in events.
Programs for teens aged 13 to 18
The Library is offering a variety of virtual teen programs from Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17, that will help them prepare for the future, brush up on some important life skills, all while having a great time.
Register now with a valid Ottawa Public Library card, available online or in person. Free for Ottawa residents. All teen programs will be held virtually.
March Break is a time to take a break from the routine. Check out these book suggestions from the Ottawa Public Library.
Snow Removal Operations Update
This winter season, Ottawa has received total of 308.5 centimetres of snow. The City's Roads and Parking Services team recognize that snowbanks encroaching on our transportation network make it difficult to navigate when walking, driving and cycling; please know that crews are working as quickly as they can to provide relief by opening up our network. This week, our crews have been continuing to focus on snowbank removal throughout the City. Since Sunday morning, 124 crews have been deployed to work on snow removal. Please be patient as this work takes time to complete. Teams will also be out addressing drainage issues caused by the melt and treating icy conditions on our sidewalks. Click here for the full update.
As snow removal operations are going on, temporary pothole repairs have resumed. The city has experienced 45 freeze thaw cycles and these fluctuating temperatures make for prime pothole making conditions. Ottawa winters are hard on our infrastructure, and this year in particular, we have seen an increased number of potholes. We will be taking advantage of the mild weather, and residents can expect to see our pothole crews across the City. Since mid-February, more than 170 crews have been on the job and managed to bring this year’s fill total to 23,515 potholes.
For residents wishing to report a pothole, a service request can be created online.
Rideau River Flood Control Operations
Rideau River Flood Control operations are well underway with ice blasting having started March 6. With more blasting possible, stay off the river and away from the banks as these operations can create dangerous conditions. To read more, please click here.
Spring activities
Summer camps and activities
Celebrate Pride at the International Film Festival of Ottawa
The International Film Festival of Ottawa is on until March 19 at the ByTowne, the Ottawa Art Gallery and the Mayfair, showcasing the best of contemporary Canadian and International cinema.
Click here for the schedule and for more details.
New Zoning By-law - Release of Discussion Papers and Surveys
The City of Ottawa is starting consultation on the development of a new Zoning By-law with the release of seven discussion papers, now available on the City’s Engage Ottawa page. These papers address key issues relating to the implementation of the new Official Plan, including:
This release marks the first chance for the public to consult on the implementation of the recently approved new Official plan through the development of a new Ottawa Zoning By-law. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public and will summarize their responses in an "As We Heard It" report in Summer 2023. Consultations on the discussion papers will inform development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city.
For more information, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/zoning.
Updated Transportation Master Plan Part 1 is now posted
We are releasing updated TMP Part 1 materials, refined based on feedback received from residents and stakeholders during TMP Phase 3 Public Engagement. The updated materials include the following:
Part 1 of the TMP Update will be finalized in the coming months as staff prepare to bring forward a report for approval to a special Transportation Committee meeting and Council in April. Thank you to all participants in the TMP Phase 3 Public Engagement. Along with the updated materials, the Document library includes reports on consultation results and changes to the materials following consultation. The next step in the TMP update process is the development of the Capital Infrastructure Plan (Part 2 of the TMP), including additional public engagement on proposed transit and road projects and network investment scenarios.
If you have any questions or would like to provide comments, you can email [email protected].
For more details on the TMP update, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/transportation-master-plan.
City of Ottawa's Women and Gender Equity Strategy
The City of Ottawa is committed to women and gender equity and equality. Learn about the Women and Gender Equity Strategy. Women and gender equity means that women and gender diverse persons are not discriminated against based on their gender.
Celebrating our achievements
Vanier Museopark: Volunteering opportunities Sugar Festival 2023
The Vanier Museoparc is pleased to announce the in-person return of the Vanier Sugar Festival! For details, please visit museoparc.ca/sugar-festival.
Become a volunteer
To donate some of your time to the Festival, please fill out this form.
Vacant Unit Tax Declarations - Walk-In Clinics - March 13 to 16
Are you a residential property owner who has not yet completed their Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration? Not sure how to do it or you don’t have a computer or electronic device to do it online? The City is offering VUT walk-in clinics where City staff will provide one-on-one service to help file your declaration.
No reservations are required, and you just need to bring your roll number and access code found on one of the VUT information letters or your last property tax bill. Click here for clinic details.
These convenient clinics will be held on the following dates and times:
Monday, March 13
Tuesday, March 14
Wednesday, March 15
Thursday, March 16
Remember, if a declaration is not filed – even if it is your principal residence – it will be deemed vacant and the VUT will be applied. The declaration deadline is Thursday, March 16. All declarations will be eligible for an audit, and false claims could result in a fine of up to $10,000.
Learn more about the Vacant Unit Tax at ottawa.ca/vut. Information summary is also available on the website in Arabic, Somali, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish.
Try Rugby Event - March 15
The Ottawa Irish Rugby Club hosts a free 'Try Rugby' event during March Break, open to all kids. The event is Wednesday, March 15, 6 to 7 pm, at the Gloucester Dome, 1662 Bearbrooke Road. Register online for free at ottawairishrugby.com or scan the QR code in the poster.
Ujima Job Fair - March 18
Jaku Konbit’s team of youth leaders will once again deliver the Ujima Job Fair in collaboration with community business partners. The Ujima Job Fair will promote opportunities and resources available to youth and adults seeking employment, volunteer, and entrepreneurial experience in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. The event takes place March 18 from 11 am to 2:30 pm at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W. Click here for more information.
City of Ottawa's Commemoration Policy - hybrid public engagement session - March 20
Capital Heritage Connexion will host a hybrid, bilingual public engagement session on Monday, March 20 in the morning to receive public input and feedback on a draft City of Ottawa Commemoration Policy.
In-person at Ottawa City Hall or online via Zoom, this hybrid session will complete the public consultation and engagement activities for the commemoration policy development project. Ottawa residents will have the opportunity to express their views in facilitated, in-person, break out groups or in online discussion groups. Feedback will be welcome for a period of two weeks following the March 20 session. Further information on this public engagement opportunity, supported through a CDI strategic cultural partnership, can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected].
Applications now open for the 2023 Paint it Up! mural program - until March 22
Looking for a way to help deter vandalism and beautify the community while empowering our City’s youth through community arts? Look no further than the Paint it Up! mural program. The Paint it Up! mural program is done in partnership with Crime Prevention Ottawa.
More than 2,831 youth between the ages of 12 and 25 have participated in the program since it began in 2010. Almost 96 funded murals are now beautifying many areas of the city with local art.
Crime Prevention Ottawa is hosting two virtual information sessions on Wednesday, March 22 at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. You can register for one of these sessions by visiting crimepreventionottawa.ca.
Those interested in participating will need to keep two deadlines in mind:
RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards - Nominations open until March 22
The awards are an annual event that celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of youth who are making our community, and the world a better place. The event itself is a complete celebration of young people.
The awards aim to highlight the dedicated work, courage and achievements of young Ottawans between the ages of 14 and 21. There are seven categories for which nominations are accepted: Arts & Culture, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Strength through Diversity, Take a Stand, Max Keeping for Personal Courage, Academic Perseverance and Service & Caring.
Submit a nomination by March 22, please click here.
In the heart of Ottawa's suburbs is a modernist gem that has fortunately avoided demolition. Designed by Tim Murray's firm, in partnership with landscape architect Peter Coe, it was conceived with a notably rare quality of modernist architecture in Ottawa and featured artwork by Gerald Trottier.
Now in the hands of the Canada Lands Company, the campus is intended to be preserved in concept while integrating the 'missing middle' housing necessary in suburban landscapes. Join Andrew Waldron for his presentation on how a conservation project can be sustainable, integrating a values-based conservation approach, all the while providing more housing in the suburbs. He will take a deeper dive into the history and context of the campus, the project itself, the actors involved, and how it demonstrates that conservation is part of the solution to the housing crisis. The Heritage Ottawa lecture takes place March 22 at 7 pm via Zoom.
For details, please click here.
Heritage Ottawa is recruiting for its not-for-profit board of directors (up to five positions). This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, award-winning organization with a 50-plus year track record of protecting Ottawa’s built and cultural heritage.
Board terms are for one year, with the opportunity for renewal. The start date is May 2023. The average volunteer time commitment is 10 hours per month. Visit Heritage Ottawa Call for Board Members 2023 for more information.
The deadline to apply is March 23.
Gloucester 50+ Seniors Centre - Spring Tea and Sale - March 25
The Gloucester 50+ Seniors Centre is hosting a Spring Tea and Craft Sale on March 25, from 10 am to 2 pm. at 4355 Halmont Drive. There will be a tea room, crafts, baked goods, jewelry and more.
16th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor - March 30
The City of Ottawa invites you to the 16th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor. Mayor Sutcliffe and his special guests from the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA) will welcome members of the Francophone community to a breakfast reception at Ottawa City Hall. This year’s event will focus on the role of Francophone businesses in Ottawa’s economic recovery, while celebrating the RGA’s 40th anniversary in the nation’s capital.
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023
Breakfast Reception: 7:15 to 8 a.m.
Presentations: 8 to 8:45 a.m.
You can watch the presentations at the following locations
➤ Increase in xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply
Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Police Service are issuing an alert to warn residents about an increased detection of xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chief Coroner have issued a notice to public health units to raise awareness about this trend and the increased risk of toxicity. Click here to learn more, including about the symptoms of benzodiazepine toxicity and overdose, and how to respond to xylazine and/or benzodiazepine toxicity.
➤ Routine Vaccinations
The re-emergence of certain vaccine preventable diseases is being seen in parts of the world and is cause for concern. OPH is monitoring the potential emergence of measles, and we are making continued efforts to increase uptake and coverage of routine childhood vaccinations. Thousands of children and youth in Ottawa are missing routine vaccinations that would protect them from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccinations required for attending child care and school should be kept up to date. Parents and guardians can find out if their child is due for vaccination, and which vaccinations have already been reported to OPH, by visiting our website at ParentingInOttawa/RoutineVaccination. If you are travelling outside of Canada, ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations at least six weeks before your trip. Visit our Measles webpage for more information.
➤ Parenting in Ottawa Drop-Ins
If you have questions about your baby’s growth and development or want to know if your child is on track, Ottawa Public Health has drop-in locations across the City. You can speak to a Public Health Nurse about infant feeding, social and emotional development, healthy eating, and more. This program is available to expectant parents and parents or guardians of children up to 6 years of age. Check out our new video on Twitter and Facebook. No need for an appointment, but you can find the drop-in calendar here: ParentingInOttawa.ca/dropins
➤ March is Nutrition Month
Ottawa Public Health has a team of Public Health Dietitians, who play a unique role in supporting our communities to thrive. Dietitians use the science of nutrition to help people and communities meet their healthy eating goals. We work with partners to address issues like food insecurity and to create healthier places, where people live, work and play. Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals who apply their expertise in food and nutrition to support individuals and communities to improve their health. The work of Registered Dietitians in public health is to make the healthy choice the easier choice for everyone. Find a dietitian near you!
➤ Respiratory Virus Dashboard
We will continue to post on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Our Respiratory Virus dashboard continues to be updated every Wednesday on our main respiratory virus activity webpage: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport.
Ottawa Police Service
➤ Statement of support for city council’s declaration of IPV as epidemic
March is Fraud prevention month
➤ Calling all local charities: Apply to be the beneficiary of the 12th annual OPS Gala
➤ Council approves new timeline for developing Zoning By-law
➤ Built Heritage Committee maintains heritage status of Crabtree House
Upcoming Meetings:
For the upcoming meeting schedule and for each meeting agenda, please visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1. Committee and Council meetings are broadcast live on Youtube.
January 17, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
January 10, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
December 20, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.