March 15, 2024 Newsletter

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March 15, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Barrhaven last week. The City of Ottawa is in mourning from the loss of six people to an unimaginable act of violence and we express complete solidarity with the victims, their families, and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time. No words can adequately express the pain and grief that accompanies such an act of violence. The loss of innocent lives is a profound tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on all who are touched by it.

To demonstrate support for the community, I attended a quiet vigil organized by Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo on behalf of the community last weekend at Palmadeo Park in Barrhaven, where I joined Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, His Excellency Harsha Kumara Havatne Weraduwa, High Commission of Sri Lanka, Barrhaven West Councillor David Hill, Councillors Ariel Troster, Stéphanie Plante, Jeff Leiper, Theresa Kavanagh, Laura Dudas, Steve Desroches, Cathy Curry and Marty Carr, as well as Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod and MPP Joel Harden for a moment of reflection. I laid flowers in memory of the victims on behalf of all residents of Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

In times of darkness, it is important to come together as a community, to support one another, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace, compassion, and understanding. Let us honour the memories of those we have lost by striving to create a world where such senseless violence has no place. May the love and strength of friends, family, and community provide some solace during this incredibly difficult time.

Help and support are available if you have been affected by these events. Ottawa Public Health has advice for dealing with stressful events at www.ottawapublichealth.ca/stressfulevents and help is always available by calling or texting 9-8-8, the national mental health crisis line. Resources are available, if needed, to help you navigate through this tragedy and begin to heal.

We also acknowledge the brave first responders from our emergency services who responded to these horrifying events and who provided support to the community in the hours and days that followed.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Ramadan Mubarak

A dark blue image with four lanterns above, and star symbols at the bottom, with the caption text in the middle saying \

Ramadan Mubarak to Rideau-Rockcliffe's Muslim community. Wishing you joy, health and prosperity this Ramadan.

 

Ottawa New Edinburgh Club summer camps - Registration open

The Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC), located at 504 Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway, is proud to be a part of providing youth an incredible camp experience generation after generation. For 50 years they have been providing the best possible opportunity for each and every camper with a goal to provide a happy, supportive and safe environment for kids to learn, grow and become outdoor adventurers. Check out ONEC's all new Summer Camp website and register today. The club offers tennis, kayaking, sailing and rowing camps. Early Bird rates are available until March 31. Click here for more information.

 

Free Play Group at the Overbrook Community Centre - every Thursday

The Overbrook Community Centre hosts a free play group every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm. The centre is located at 33 Quill Street. There will be toys, fun games and free snacks available. 

 

Free Children’s Playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse - every Thursday until the end of May

 

Crichton Community Council (CCC) – New Edinburgh

Children from newborns to four years old and their parents or caregivers are welcome to attend a free drop-in playgroup at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 am until the end of May. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. For more information, please email [email protected].

 

Free Yoga Classes in New Edinburgh - Every Sunday morning & Wednesday evening

Enjoy free yoga at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, every Sunday, starting March 10, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Classes are also held every Wednesday evening, starting March 20, from 7 to 8:30 pm until the end of May. Unite breath and movement through an asana practice. Join Solmaz Hicks on her yoga journey, that began during the pandemic when she discovered a profound connection between mind, body and spirit. Through her yoga practice she changed the way she deals with stress entirely. You can too! Please bring your own mat. For more information, please click here.

 

Sugar Festival at Vanier Museopark - March 18 to 24

The Vanier Sugar Festival will be held from March 18 to 24, 2024 at Richelieu Park (300, av. des Pères-Blancs). The Sugar Festival is a free family and community event. For details, please click here. 

 

Kenneth M. Molson Lecture: Time Flies - 100 years of the RCAF - March 21

Join the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in commemorating a century of excellence as the 2024 Kenneth M. Molson Lecture celebrates the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial. The event takes place in person and streamed online via Zoom on March 21 from 6:30 to 9 pm. Explore Canada’s aviation history through the lens of the RCAF. Hear from distinguished panelists who will share their lived experience and provide insight into the past, present and future of Canada’s Air Force. Discover what the centennial means to those who have shaped its legacy. The evening will feature a fireside chat with invited guests followed by a Q&A. The evening will be moderated by museum curator Erin Gregory Please note this event will be in English, but for those attending in-person, both live French translation and ASL interpretation will be available. For those online, English or French audio and captions as well as ASL interpretation will be available. For more information, please click here. Registration is required. 

In-person registration

Zoom registration



Community Coffee Day - March 22
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Incubator13 host a Community Coffee Day the last Friday of each month from January to June. The next session is March 22, from 2 to 3 pm, in Room 124 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. For details, please click here. 

Second Annual Vanier 5K - March 24
Join Ward 12 Councillor Stéphanie Plante on March 24 for the second annual Vanier 5K, a fun-filled morning ending at Muséopark’s Sugar Festival. All funds raised from this event will go to Muséopark! Runners and walkers will race through Vanier, including the beautiful Beechwood Cemetery!
  • Check in at 8:30 am. Race begins at 9 am.
  • Tickets $20/person, $40 with meal ticket
  • Visit this link to register or volunteer. Free breakfast for volunteers!

 

Hydro pole replacement project - Oakhill & Corona between Acacia and Beechwood - March 25

Starting the week of March 25, Hydro Ottawa will be undertaking a project involving the replacement of aging hydro poles and equipment that will impact residents located on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue (between Acacia Avenue and Beechwood Avenue). Hydro Ottawa estimates that this project will be completed by April 26, 2024. This project optimizes the construction schedule between the City of Ottawa and Hydro Ottawa, and it reduces construction noise and congestion. It is done ahead of the City's Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Water and Sewer  renewal project.
Overall, this work will include:
  • pole and equipment replacement;  
  • lane reductions, sidewalk, and bicycle lane closures at the site; and
  • tree trimming where required.
Customers will receive a written notice delivered to their door advising them of these upgrades. As this project advances and planned power outages are required to complete the work safely, impacted customers will also receive notices advising them of any interruption to their power supply. Residents and businesses will notice increased construction presence throughout the project, including construction vehicles. Traffic control will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will take place on the easement or City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way allowance - a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa to a portion of a residential property to install and maintain its electrical distribution system. K-Line Maintenance & Construction will be the contractor on site.

 

Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal - May to November

Construction of the Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale integrated road, watermain and sewer renewal project is slated for May to November 2024. This project will require approximately six tie-ins to watermains and sewers on Beechwood Avenue. Each tie-in will be done at a different time. To accomplish each of these tie-ins, one lane of Beechwood will need to be closed for a period of time. Only one lane of Beechwood would be closed and flaggers would direct traffic. City staff are currently working on the schedule and logistics. Updates will be shared.

 

Road Closure - 165 Prince Albert Street - March 26 to April 9

Work will be done in the right-of-way at 165 Prince Albert Street, between Quill Street and Whitton Place, starting the morning of Tuesday, March 26 for the installation of new site services including water, sanitary and storm. Notifications to all nearby residents have been sent. During this time a portion of the road directly in front of 165 Prince Albert Street will be closed. Access to local traffic will be permitted. The duration of the road closure will last from March 26 until April 9. 

 

Dungeons & Dragons at the St. Laurent Complex - March 26 & May 7

Embark on amazing adventures playing Dungeons & Dragons at the St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street. Create your own character and complete a campaign with other players. No prior experience necessary. Supplies will be provided. This program is offered in English. Program dates are Tuesdays 6:15 to 7:45 pm (March 26 to April 30 & May 7 to June 11). For details and to register, please click here.

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Tax Clinic - until April

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's free income tax clinic will be available until April 2024. The Income Tax Clinic offers free tax preparation services to low-income members of the community with K1K, K1M and some K1G postal codes. This service helps people eliminate the costs associated with preparing their tax returns, keeps them in good standing with the CRA, and enables them to benefit from the tax credits available to them. You may book an appointment by clicking here. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or 613-745-0073.

 

Sidewalk Repairs 

As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, sidewalk repairs that began in October 2023 will resume this summer. In the next few weeks, sidewalks will undergo reparations at 7-9 Rideau Gate and at 10 Sussex Drive. For more information about sidewalk repairs, please visit ottawa.ca/constructionmap. Notices to local residents will be delivered approximately one week before construction resumes. The City of Ottawa will be repairing sidewalks as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's sidewalk network lifecycle. Work will involve removal and replacement of concrete panels, iron adjustments. Increased noise levels to be expected in order to facilitate the work. Roads will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic through the site. The sidewalks will be repaired during the day and evening and will involve minor lane interruptions. Weekend work is anticipated for all locations and traffic interruptions may also be experienced due to flagging operations. The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, D-Squared Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Sidewalk project - Frances Street - starting in April

Additionally, in April 2024, the City of Ottawa will begin installation of a new 1.8m sidewalk along Frances Street.
What: New 1.8m wide concrete sidewalk along the west side of Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street. Road resurfacing will also be completed along the same block.
Why: This work is required to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians.
When: This work is scheduled to begin in April 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2024.
Where: Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Royal Crown Construction, to complete the work.
To accommodate the proposed construction, temporary lane reductions will be required on Frances Street. Access to private properties, including pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period unless otherwise communicated. As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.


Montfort Hospital Public Consultations - Until April 10
Montfort, Ontario's francophone academic hospital, Savoir Montfort, a knowledge institute, and Santé Montfort are launching a joint strategic planning process. To this end, we embark on an extensive consultation process at Montfort, in the region, and across the province as part of our provincial mandate, to develop a 2024-2028 strategic plan that will guide us towards Montfort's 75th anniversary. Join the Montfort for public conferences and consultations to reflect on the future of health care, teaching and research in the region, and across Ontario's francophonie. 
Community consultations:
🗓️ Monday, March 18 – RiverRock Inn, Rockland (bilingual)
🗓️ Tuesday, March 19 – Ray Friel Recreation Complex, Orleans (bilingual)
🗓️ Tuesday, April 23 – Hôpital Montfort (bilingual)
Also attend these public conferences, at Montfort and virtually: 
🗓️ Tuesday, April 9 – Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public Health
🗓️ Wednesday, April 10 – Matt Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health
Click here for more information and to reserve your place.


Donald Street Pole Renewal - Proposed for end of March 2024
Hydro Ottawa is planning to replace hydro poles along Donald Street, from Edith Avenue to Telford Avenue, and along Telford Avenue, from Donald Street to Straby Avenue. The proposed construction dates are from March 25 to July 26, 2024.
The proposed work includes:
  • replacement of 22 poles along the right-of-way
  • replacement of the remaining 34 poles along the existing Hydro Ottawa rear-lot easements
  • replacement/installation of 11 new anchors for pole line support

Confirmation of the work schedule and additional details about this project will be communicated as they become available.

 

Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - March 27

On March 27 at 8 pm, Cameron Love, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital will give an overview of the exciting plans to develop a new world class hospital and rebuild the future of healthcare for the Ottawa community. The event takes place at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road. For details, please click here.

 

Women Action Forum - CAWI Caring Cities Initiative - March 27

 

Where: Rideau Community Hub cafeteria at 815 St. Laurent Blvd.
When: March 27 from 6 to 8 pm
What: CAWI Action Forums are large gatherings where we learn about, discuss, and act on issues that matter to women and gender diverse people in Ottawa. This Women’s Action Forum will launch CAWI’s Caring Cities initiative - an approach to 15-minute neighbourhoods, urban planning and policy which will guide CAWI’s work in the coming years. Caring Cities make sure that municipalities are designed around paid and unpaid care work. Join CAWI to learn more about how to apply this intersectional feminist framework to Ottawa and make our city truly a city for all. Register at this link.


Youth Crocheting at St. Laurent Complex - April 4 and May 2

Crocheting for youth: Learn the basics or get a refresher on how to crochet. Learn chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, triple and make your first 'Granny Square'. No experience required. This program takes place Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm at the St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street. Program dates are April 4 to 25 and May 2 to 30. Click here for registration and more details.

 

New Cold War exhibit at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum - Public opening April 5
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum, located in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward at 11 Aviation Parkway, is thrilled to announce an upcoming, permanent exhibition, The Cold War, starting April 5. This volatile period, marked by international tensions, espionage and the threat of nuclear attack, was a time of great technological and social change in the Royal Canadian Air Force, throughout Canada and around the world. Journey through the tumultuous era that defined global geopolitics for just over half a century. Marvel at rare artifacts and iconic Cold War aircraft, engage with interactive displays and discover the personal stories behind the headlines in this thought-provoking and enlightening exhibition. For more information, please click here.

Concerts in New Edinburgh - April 5 and 6

 

The Crichton Community Council (CCC) proudly presents two Jim Bryson concerts at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, one on the evening of Friday, April 5 and a second on Saturday, April 6. Doors open at 7 pm. Music at 8 pm. Tickets are available for $30 from: April 5 Eventbrite or April 6 Eventbrite. Come early to claim a seat, then wet your whistle before the show. Standing room is available at the back of the room, near the bar. Licensed drinks and snacks will be available. Jim Bryson is a National Folk Award nominated Canadian Singer-Songwriter and Record Maker. For more information, please click here.

 

Free tax clinic - April 6, 13 and 27

Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard host free tax clinics by appointment at 237 Montreal Road on April 6, 13 and 27. For details and to make an appointment, please call 613-744-4484.

 

Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue Watermain Replacement - Spring 2024

 

A development-driven Watermain Upgrade Project is anticipated to start in Spring 2024 on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue.

What - The work consists of the replacement and upsizing of the watermains on Sladen Avenue and Noranda Avenue for a total length of 255m. All private services will be replaced to the property line along with reinstatement of disturbed areas. The watermain replacement is driven by the planned development at 641 Sladen Avenue. 

Why - The owner of 641 Sladen Avenue (St-Laurent Academy - Ottawa Private School) will undertake this watermain upgrade work to meet the fire flow demands for a proposed development on the subject property. This upgrade of the existing watermain from 152mm to 200mm with a new fire hydrant will also improve the existing fire flow demands of the school, St-Laurent Academy.

Where - The project limits on Sladen Avenue are from Noranda Avenue to Malartic Avenue, while the project limits on Noranda Avenue are from St. Laurent Boulevard to Sladen Avenue.

More details on construction timelines, traffic management and parking restrictions will be provided in advance of the project.

 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

International Film Festival of Ottawa - March 13 to 24

The International Film Festival of Ottawa, taking place March 13 to 25, showcases the best of contemporary Canadian and international cinema from prestigious film festivals around the world. For tickets and the IFFO 2024 schedule, please visit www.iffo.ca.

 

Register for Cleaning the Capital - Registration opens March 15
The long-awaited spring season is right around the corner and the Cleaning the Capital Spring Campaign will proceed with registration starting March 15, with cleanup projects taking place between April 15 and May 31. Cleaning the Capital is a citywide cleanup that occurs in the spring and fall of every year, bringing Ottawa residents together as a community to help clean litter from our public spaces. Cleaning the Capital is an exciting opportunity for residents to show their civic pride and help maintain a beautiful city. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online form available at ottawa.ca/clean. New feature alert! The registration form populates an interactive map with pins that display the location, date, and time of all registered cleanup projects. Participants can choose from a variety of public spaces to clean, including green spaces and community parks, roadsides, shorelines, or even areas around bus stops. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags and gloves, will be made available for pickup by registrants at one of ten City of Ottawa facilities across the city.
Key Spring Campaign Dates
March 15: Registration opens
April 15 to May 31: Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign
April 22: Earth Day 2024
May 3: Registration closes
June 15: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports

Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway virtual community discussion - March 18

& an Urban Community Walk - March 17

Parkways For People, a local active transportation advocacy group, will be hosting an online community discussion on the future of the Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway on Zoom Monday, March 18 at 7:30 pm. A stimulating discussion is sure to follow short presentations by: Dr. Robert Zarr (connecting outdoor activity and our well-being); Dave Adams (speaking on the birth of urban trails and their stewardship); Sherry Wu (Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library); and the NCC (Parkways custodian). Register on Zoom: KZMtalk.eventbrite.ca 

On Sunday, March 17, there will be an urban walk led by community member Siobhan Kirkland. Meet at Remic Rapids at 2 pm for a two-hour walk along the river path. No registration required.

 

Residents are asked to stay off sports fields and baseball diamonds

Puddles pooling on a wet baseball diamond with footprints leaving deep impressions on the field.

To make sure City sports fields and diamonds are in great condition for the summer, please stay off them until further notice as they could be damaged if used in their current condition. Staff will be monitoring field and weather conditions throughout the spring to determine if an earlier start to the field season is possible. For details, please click here.

Get active this spring and summer with team sports

Men and women playing beach volleyball on a sunny day.

Get in the game and join a City Wide Sports league! Registration is open for the City's basketball, softball, pickleball, beach volleyball & Spikeball® leagues for ages 18+. Rally your friends to join as a team or register individually to be matched with a team. Click here for more information and to register.

Share your ideas for a connected, reliable, safe and accessible Ottawa

There is a great opportunity to improve connections between Ottawa’s many urban, suburban and rural neighbourhoods. Multiple City services are working together to create connections and fill gaps, so that people can safely walk and cycle to the places they need to go. Do you have creative ideas related to this or other City services? Share your ideas at engage.ottawa.ca/ConnectedCity.


Spring Preparedness Operations Update

Street sweeping operations: Street sweeping typically begins as early as the weather will allow, which means temperatures must be above freezing consistently during the day and overnight before operations can fully begin. When the temperature drops below zero, the water City staff use on the road can form into ice, creating dangerous conditions. These operations are an essential part of cleaning up the transportation network and the team has started preparing and testing equipment as well as developing operational plans. As soon as the temperature consistently remains above zero, crews will be ready, and operations will begin. 

How potholes are formed and filled:    

Since January, pothole crews have been working on temporary repairs, over 500 crews have been assigned and filled over 28,500 potholes! This is an increase of 38 per cent compared to last year where the number of potholes filled between January 1 and February 28, 2023, was 17,503. In winter, conditions are not ideal for pothole repairs. The unstable conditions, including ice and water in the holes, as well as the cold temperatures and frequent freeze / thaw cycles, prevents the patch from adhering as well to the roadway making the repair temporary. Products that staff use to repair potholes during the winter months are Cold Patch and Warm Mix asphalt. For residents wishing to report a pothole, a service request can be created online.

To view the above images in a larger format and for the full Spring Preparedness Operations Update, please click here.

 

Ottawa Public Health measles update

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is monitoring the emergence of measles in different parts of the world, including in Canada, and we are making continued efforts to increase uptake and coverage of routine childhood vaccinations. In Canada, measles is less common because of high vaccination rates, but cases can occur after travel outside of Canada. OPH is strongly encouraging all parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on routine vaccinations, especially if they are planning any travel outside of Canada. For more information on measles vaccination, please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.

 

Test your recycling knowledge for a chance to win a full festival Bluesfest pass

An anthropomorphized blue bin, green bin and black bin performing on stage as a rock band while a crowd cheers them on.

Who knew sorting waste could be such a party! Join the Sort and Score virtual waste sorting challenge and you can enter for a chance to win the ultimate summer prize – a full festival pass to Bluesfest! Contest details are available at this link.

 

Help Shape the Ottawa Film Office's Future 

The Ottawa Film Office (OFO) is thrilled to invite you to participate in a series of consultations that will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction for the next three years. Your insights are invaluable, and we encourage your active engagement in this exciting process.

Language Accessibility and Support Measures: Understanding the importance of language preferences, stakeholders will have the option to engage in either of their preferred official languages, English or French, throughout the consultation process.

Digital Consultation: LIVE: We’ve launched a comprehensive digital survey to provide you with a convenient and accessible way to contribute to the development of the Ottawa Film Office's new Strategic Plan. This online opportunity allows you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. You can take part in this survey now in English or French. The survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete, and will be available for you to take until March 19, 2024. Respondents can optionally enter their email address on the survey to win a pair of tickets to the ByTowne Cinema!

Live Consultations Series: Week of March 18: In addition to the digital consultation, we are hosting a series of live sessions available to anyone who wishes to join. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with our team, fostering dynamic discussions that will shape the future of the Ottawa Film Office. The sessions will take place the week of March 18; dates, times, and links to RSVP will soon be posted on our website: ottawa.film/blog/strategic-plan.

 

17th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor - March 21

Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 7:30 – 9 am at Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall

The City of Ottawa invites you to the 17th annual Francophone RendezVous with the Mayor on Thursday, March 21, 2024. On this day, Mayor Sutcliffe will welcome members of the Francophone community for a breakfast reception and networking event at Ottawa City Hall. This year’s event will focus on Ottawa’s francophone and bilingual post-secondary education institutions and their significant economic and cultural contributions to the community. If you would like to attend the event, please complete the registration form.

 

Interim property tax bills due March 21

Residents are reminded of the deadline for interim property tax payments on Thursday, March 21. There are many convenient options to pay your interim property tax bill:
  • Financial institutions – including online or telephone banking
  • City of Ottawa Client Service Centres
  • Online by payment card: ottawa.ca/paytax
  • By sending a cheque to the City of Ottawa
  • Pre-authorized debit plan (future billings)
For more property tax information:
  • Check the property tax brochure included with your bill
  • Call Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Transactions will be recorded.
  • Email [email protected]
  • Visit the City’s website at ottawa.ca/taxes


Vacant Unit Tax declarations due by March 21

 

Residential property owners can complete the Vacant Unit Tax easily online at ottawa.ca/vut. All you need is your roll number and access code, which can be found on either the information email or letter sent to your home, and your property tax bill. If you are registered with My SeviceOttawa, you can go directly to the declaration from your property tax account. Declarations completed after the March 21 deadline are subject to a $250 late fee. All residential property owners must declare, even if it is your principal address.

Alternate and accessible declaration options available
  • Call 613-580-2444 and select option 3 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone
  • Call 613-580-2401 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service
  • Visit your nearest City Client Service Centre. Priority will be given to scheduled appointments. Visit ottawa.ca/csc for locations, hours and to make an appointment.

Civic Events Funding Now Open Until March 28
The Community Funding Civic Events Funding is now open for applications. Civic Events Funding is used to deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities and priority neighbourhoods that:
  • Promote neighbours meeting neighbours in their local, geographic community;
  • Include multiple activities and attractions designed to appeal to residents of a specific priority neighbourhood or population;
  • Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members or priority groups; and
  • Promote equity and inclusion.

Priority populations are those specified in the Community Funding Framework Policy Statement, including Francophones, immigrants, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, older adults, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, racialized people, rural residents, women and youth.  Priority neighbourhoods, are those defined by the Neighbourhood Equity Index. For more information and to apply, please visit Ottawa.ca.

  • Deadline for application: Thursday, March 28 at 5 pm.
  • Total funding envelope: $50,000
  • Maximum funding per agency: $3,000

 

Snow Plow Contractor Licensing Review - Survey open until March 31

The City of Ottawa periodically reviews by-laws to address emerging issues and ensure each by-law continues to meet the needs of the community. Council has directed City staff to review regulations related to snow plow contractors, including the following issues:

  • Noise and nuisance;
  • Illegal snow dumping on private and public property; and,
  • Follow up on permanently allowing metal driveway markers.

For more information on the By-law Review Framework and the current by-laws under review, visit the City’s By-law Review webpage. If you are a member of the public, you can complete the online survey and subscribe to Engage Ottawa for future updates. If you are a snow plow contractor, email [email protected] to receive additional information on industry-specific engagement opportunities and future updates. The survey will be available until March 31 to provide your feedback on regulations for snow plow contractors working on private property. If you are an industry member, the City will be consulting with you in April 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa.

 

Review of special event by-laws - Survey open until March 31

Ottawa is a dynamic capital, with City services supporting over 500 festivals and special events year-round. We are currently reviewing and seeking your feedback on the by-laws regulating special events on City streets and private and public property. We’re also looking for opportunities to support parades, festivals and community celebrations. Participate in the online survey to have your say on special event regulations by Sunday, March 31. With your input, together we can improve special event services and key regulations that will help grow our economy, enrich our culture, and protect our community and environment. Keep an eye on Engage Ottawa this spring for more engagement opportunities focusing on the City’s special event regulations and processes.


City grants available to non-profit groups for environmental projects - Deadline is April 5

The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2024 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, April 5 at 4 pm. Successful CEPGP grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2025. For details on eligibility criteria, the application process, profiles of past projects, and to complete an application form, 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].


#ottmusic helps local musicians share their sound - Applications due by April 5

Image of headphones to promote #ottmusic programs: Music on Hold and City Sounds.

The Music on Hold program plays local music to callers on the City of Ottawa’s phone system (3-1-1) while they are on hold. This year, up to 25 songs will be selected by a committee of musicians and industry professionals. City Sounds is a streamable playlist that showcases the talent and diversity of Ottawa's music scene. Visit ottawa.ca/ottmusic to listen to the 2023 Music on Hold and City Sounds playlists. March is Francophonie Month in Ottawa. We encourage local Francophone musicians and groups to submit their work to help us celebrate the local Francophone music scene. Applications for the #ottmusic programs are open until Friday, April 5. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and Ottawa artists. You can learn more about how to apply by visiting ottawa.ca/ottmusic. 

 

Child Care and EarlyON - Service System Plan Survey open until April 10

A faded image of a child playing with blocks is in the background. To the left is text that reads: \

The City of Ottawa Children’s Services is in the process of updating the local Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan for the next five years (2024-2028). This plan will act as a road map to identify priorities and set-out actions to meet the vision of an accessible, affordable, high quality, equitable and inclusive Early Learning and Child Care system by addressing local needs. What we hear during engagement opportunities, as well as through a review of demographic and service data, will help to establish the strategic priorities for our city to respond and better meet the needs of children and families in Ottawa. It will also ensure a strong foundation for the future as child care and early years initiatives continue to evolve and align with the on-going implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system. As Children’s Services works to update the Service System Plan it is important that we hear from parents, families, and caregivers and those expecting a child. Feedback will help identify community priorities, strengths, challenges or gaps, and areas for action. Your feedback will help ensure we are setting appropriate priorities for the next five years. The survey will remain open until April 10, 2024.

 

Recreation and Parks Funding: Community Partnership Minor/Major Capital Programs - Deadline is May 1

The Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is designed to implement capital improvements to parks and recreation facilities by partnering with community groups and sharing costs. The next deadline to apply for the Community Partnership Minor Capital Program is May 1, 2024.



Have your say in the City’s water rate structure review - Fill out the survey before the end of July

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. To ensure fairness and balance costs for water usage with the actual costs needed to maintain our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, we need to periodically look at how rates are being charged. The rate structure will apply six guiding principles to identify opportunities for improvement:

  • Fairness and equity
  • Affordability
  • Transparency
  • Financial sustainability
  • Supports economic development
  • Promote conservation

How to participate: Visit engage.ottawa.ca/rates for more information and to complete the Water Rate Review survey before the end of July 2024. Public consultations will take place until fall 2024. More information on these consultations will be shared in advance and listed on Engage Ottawa. Feedback received will be reviewed and consolidated to inform the review. Final recommendations will be presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee and then Council for their consideration in 2025.

 

Emergency Services News

New fraud scam targeting local businesses and hotels

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The Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit is warning of a new fraud scheme targeting businesses and hotels in the Ottawa area. The incidents reported all follow the same pattern: a fraudster, usually male, will call the business claiming to be the owner or manager stating that there is an urgent need to pay a bill related to the business. They then direct the employee to gather funds from the register, safe or office and deposit it into a bitcoin machine or to Western Union. Visit ottawapolice.ca for more information.

Calling all local charities: Apply to be the beneficiary of the 13th annual OPS Gala

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The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 1 annual Gala to be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Shaw Centre. OPS invites those who qualify to fill out the application form at ottawapolice.ca/Gala before 4 pm on Friday, March 31, 2024.

 

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Phone: 613-580-2483
Address: 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1