March 20, 2026 Newsletter

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March 20, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents: 

What should Beechwood Avenue look like in the future? Now is the time to have your say. The Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Plan has entered its first phase of public consultation, and the City wants to hear from residents, businesses, and visitors about what changes and improvements they would like to see along this important corridor.

The plan will guide future improvements to sidewalks, cycling facilities, lighting, trees, and public spaces. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by providing feedback and completing the online survey available on Engage Ottawa at engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood. The survey will remain open until April 10, and community input at this stage will play an important role in shaping the study.

Beginning with a functional design study, the project will transform Beechwood Avenue into a complete street, integrating transportation improvements, green infrastructure, and placemaking to create a more unified and accessible corridor.

The study is informed by detailed traffic and safety analysis and is examining options such as protected intersections, improved sightlines, cohesive lighting, street furniture, bus stop integration, and potential opportunities to bury overhead hydro. It is also exploring ways to enhance public space along the corridor, including potential opportunities for flexible gathering areas, seasonal programming, and other community uses.

As both a traditional mainstreet and an important transportation corridor, Beechwood must accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, local traffic, deliveries, emergency access, and on-street parking that supports local businesses.

The study is therefore evaluating how best to balance these competing needs within the existing right-of-way while improving safety, accessibility, and the overall public realm. Consideration is also being given to strengthening cycling connections, improving pedestrian crossings, and reducing conflicts between different modes of travel so that the corridor functions more clearly and comfortably for all users.

The functional design is scheduled for completion in late summer 2026, with $1.5 million secured in the City’s 2026 budget to advance the detailed design.

Rawlson King
City Councillor

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Infrastructure Projects and Road Works


de l’Église Street and Blake Street watermain and sewer integrated renewal - Public Open House - March 31

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in public information session on March 31 from 6 to 8 pm at The Bridge Public House in the Rideau Room, at 1 Donald Street, to discuss the integrated watermain and sewer renewal project planned for de l’Église Street, from Montreal Road to McArthur Road, and Blake Street for 172 metres west from de l’Église Street. Preliminary design drawings will be on display and staff will be present to answer any questions and receive comments. There will not be a formal presentation at this open house. Please attend at your leisure. The information materials will be available at this link for review and comments after the open house. Feedback is welcome by April 14. 

What: The project includes watermain and sewer replacements, along with full road reconstruction featuring new pavement, sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and bicycle infrastructure.
Why: The objective of this project is to rehabilitate underground and roadway infrastructure that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
When: Construction is planned to start late spring/early summer 2027, subject to funding, and be completed by summer 2029.Where:
  • de l’Église Street: Montreal Road to McArthur Avenue
  • Blake Street: de l’Église Street to 172 metres west of de l’Église Street

More information is available at ottawa.ca/delEgliseStreet.

 

 

Road closures - Arundel Avenue and Farnham Crescent - until April 24

The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new sewers, watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al integrated renewal project. To facilitate the installation of the works, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of portions of Arundel Avenue and Farnham Crescent as outlined below. Local access will be maintained for the affected roads noted above, notably Farnham Crescent, from the dead end to the cul-de-sac. No other access through the closure will be available.

What: A full road closure of a portion of Arundel Avenue and a portion of Farnham Crescent.
Why: The road closure is required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and the necessary labour, materials and equipment.
When: Starting Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 24, 2026.  The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: Arundel Avenue, at the intersection of Farnham Crescent. Farnham Crescent, at the intersection of Arundel Avenue.Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Details: ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities  

Adult financial literary program for African, Caribbean and Black residents - registration now open

The African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre, located at 610 Donald Street, is preparing to launch its Adult Literacy Program, a free eight-week session designed to help adults build confidence with money and learn practical skills for a brighter financial future. Topics include budgeting, managing credit, savings, employment, and planning for the future. Registration is now open. For details, please visit Facebook. To reserve your spot, please complete this form.

 

 

St. Laurent Complex update - Full operations resume April 7

St. Laurent Complex has been the focus of a significant rehabilitation project involving multiple areas of the facility.

The work includes full replacement of the roof over the pool changerooms, reception area, weight room, dance studio and hallways, as well as a complete renovation of the pool changerooms with new flooring, walls, fixtures, lighting, lockers, ventilation systems, and the addition of cooling to improve user comfort. The upgraded changerooms will now meet current accessibility standards. The project also includes installation of a new chiller system serving the entire complex, new doors and windows at all access points, updated flooring in activity rooms and common areas, and improvements to the facility’s security systems.

Due to the complexity of the roof work, the construction timeline was extended, affecting pool use during the winter session.

The complex, including the swimming pool and changerooms, is anticipated to be fully operational on April 7. Public swims, family swims, lane swims, and aquafit programs are expected to resume at that time, and the spring swimming lesson session is also scheduled to begin that same week. 

 

Ottawa Family Cinema presents Finding Nemo in 3D - March 21

Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo returns to the big screen in stunning 3D at the Ottawa Family Cinema, located at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on Saturday, March 21 at 2 pm.  For details and tickets, visit www.familycinema.ca.

 

 

Eid Celebration in Overbrook - March 21

Overbrook residents are welcome to enjoy an Eid Celebration at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on March 21 from 11 am to 2 pm. Space is limited. First come, first served.

 

 

ACB Centre Free Tax Clinic - Saturdays, March 21 to April 25

The African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre hosts free tax clinics every Saturday from March 21 to April 25, from 10 am to 2 pm, at 610 Donald Street. No appointment needed. First come, first served. Please bring your documents. For details, please email [email protected].

 

 

Vanier Youth Sports Programs begin March 23 + Youth Drop-In and Arts Programs are ongoing

 

The Vanier Community Service Centre's sports program schedule at Assumption School will change starting Monday, March 23.

  • Drop-in multi-sports is Mondays at 6:30 pm for ages 6 to 12,
  • Girls drop-in basketball for ages 11 to 15 is Mondays at 7:30 pm,
  • Pick-up basketball for 16 and older is Thursdays at 8 pm, and
  • Drop-in pick-up soccer for ages 6 to 9 is Fridays at 6:30 pm and for ages 10 to 17 is Fridays at 7:30 pm.

The Centre's Youth Drop-In ARTventures program continues Saturdays at 9:30 am for ages 6 to 12. The Youth Drop-In space for ages 13 to 17 remains open Fridays from 4 to 7 pm. Bus tickets and dinner are included. Both programs are at 270 Marier Ave.

All programs are free, bilingual and open to everyone. However, if a program fills up, priority is given to youth in KIL neighbourhoods and/or those who attend school in Vanier. For program details, please visit cscvanier.com/en/calendrier or email [email protected].

 

 

Mental health and wellness workshops for Black and Racialized Youth - March 24 to June 30

Black and racialized youth ages 14 and up are invited to participate in the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre's Rooted & Rising Workshop on mental health, wellness and identify, every other Tuesday from March 24 to June 30, 5 to 7 pm, at 610 Donald Street. Participation is free. Participants will be credited for volunteer hours. For details and to reserve your spot, visit Eventbrite.

 

 

Let's Talk Dementia presentation - March 25

St. Columba Anglican Church hosts a "Let's Talk Dementia" presentation by The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County to build understanding of dementia and how it affects individuals and their community, and where to find support. The event takes place March 25 at 1:30 pm at the church, located at 24 Sandridge Road. Admission and parking are free, the venue is wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be provided.

 

 

Let's Talk About Dementia presentation for African, Caribbean and Black residents - March 25

The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County will give a "Let's Talk About Dementia" presentation at The African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre, 610 Donald Street, on March 25, from 1 to 2 pm. Admission is free. Details are available on Facebook.

 

 

Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - Jeffrey Hodgson, CPP Investments - March 26

The next edition of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association's Speaker Series will feature Jeffrey Hodgson, Managing Director of Global Stakeholder Affairs at CPP Investments, a professional investment organization that manages $777 billion in the best interests of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries of the Canadian Pension Plan. The event takes place March 26 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road. Details: rockcliffepark.ca

 

 

Celebrating Francophonie Month at the Ottawa Public Library - March 26

Ottawa is home to a vibrant Francophone community, and French plays a vital role in shaping our cultural life. March is Francophonie Month, a time to celebrate the French language, its rich culture, and its diversity. In partnership with the National Film Board, Ottawa Public Library is celebrating the French language through a series of film screenings. 
New Play Highlights Challenges and Joys of Ottawa Seniors - March 26 & 27

The public is invited to attend a new hour-long play by, about, and performed with Ottawa seniors. A Circle Complete, written by Burning Passions Theatre Artistic Producer and director Laurel Smith, is part of the company’s Seniors Sharing Stories project, an arts in the community training initiative which since 2024 has produced works based on input from and featuring community elders who represent Ottawa’s fastest growing demographic. The play asks universal questions: What happens when our parents are reaching end of life? How do we cope when powerful feelings of love, anger, denial and grief arise? How do we get through it with compassion, and even - dare we say it - a sense of humour and joy?
  • Dates: March 26 and 27 with performances at 2 pm and 7 pm
  • Location: Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd., 2nd Floor Drama Room.
  • Wheelchair accessible. Parking is free, and the show is followed by a community talkback with the performers.
  • Tickets are pay what you can (no one turned away for lack of funds). Learn more and reserve tickets at: bptheatre.ca


Newcomer Volunteer Fair - March 27

Volunteer Ottawa hosts a Newcomer Volunteer Fair on March 27, from to 2:30 to 5 pm at The Rideau Community Hub cafeteria, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. The event is designed to support individuals who are new to Canada in building community connections and gaining Canadian experience through volunteerism. This event will bring together a range of community organizations, employment support providers, and volunteer-involving agencies to share information about opportunities, pathways, and resources available to newcomers.  Early registration is encouraged. For details and to register, please visit volunteerottawa.ca.

 

 

Community Coffee Day - March 27 and April 24

Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and more at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. The next two Community Coffee Days are March 27 and April 24, from 2 to 3 pm in Room 124. Hosted by The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and incubator13.

 

 

Free Income Tax Clinic - Now accepting appointments

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard offers a free income tax clinic for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents (area codes K1K, K1M and some K1G) until April 30. Appointments are required and are being accepted at this link. For those with barriers to booking online, please call 613-745-0073 ext. 180. For details, please visit Facebook.

 

 

Flamenco For Food and Fun Project - March 28

Enjoy an evening of passionate music and dance hosted by Sueños Flamencos at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue! Includes a Flamenco presentation by Sueños Flamencos (and students), Mini flamenco lesson: palmas, cante, baile y guitarra (clapping, singing, dancing, and guitar); and Juerga (flamenco party for all). The event takes place March 28 from 6:30 to 11 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission is free. If you are able, please bring non-perishable food items for the Partage Vanier Food Bank and your reusable travel mug for FREE tea! Enjoy an unforgettable night of flamenco music and dance, while giving back to the community. Details: www.newedinburgh.ca

 

 

Free Tax Clinic - March 28, April 11, 18 & 25

Need help filing your taxes? Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard host a free tax clinic on March 28 and April 11, 18 and 25 from 9 am to 12 pm at 233 Montreal Road. Book a timeslot by calling 613-998-1860 or emailing [email protected].

 

 

Vanier Sugar Festival - March 28 & 29

On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, everyone is welcome to the Vanier Sugar Festival. Children and adults alike can enjoy a wide variety of free activities, as well as a few paid activities on site. Richelieu Park will come alive with the sounds and traditions of the sugar season: performances by local artists, a traditional sugar shack breakfast, a lumberjack competition, axe throwing, delicious maple taffy, and much more. The music stage will offer free performances. Details are available on the Festival’s web page. The Vanier Museopark is looking for volunteers for the Sugar Shack Festival. Several shifts are available. Sign up here. 

 

 

Black maternal health, reproductive justice, and collective wellbeing - Conference April 2

Join the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network for a powerful, community-rooted gathering focused on Black maternal health, reproductive justice, and collective wellbeing. This conference brings together Black mothers and birthing people, families, community members, health and wellness leaders, advocates, and partners for a full day of learning, dialogue, connection, and shared action — grounded in lived experience, community voice, and collective care. The conference takes place April 2, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre, 2260 Walkley Road. Admission is free. Registration is required at this link.

 

 

Plant Your Place tree-planting programs - registration now open for city-wide tree distribution; registration for priority areas opens April 8

The Plant Your Place! program returns with two ways to get a free tree:

  • City-Wide Tree Distribution: Open to any City of Ottawa resident. Pick up a free tree and plant it yourself. 16 species to choose from. Registration now open.
  • Full-Service Tree Planting: Available to residents in designated priority areas. Registration opens April 8. In Rideau-Rockcliffe, the designated inner urban priority area is Cummings-Cyrville.

For details and to register, visit www.plantyourplace.ca 

 

 

City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

International Francophonie Day - March 20

Happy International Francophonie Day to all Francophones and Francophiles in Ottawa! Today, we celebrate the vitality and diversity of the French language and Francophone culture in Ottawa and around the world.



Ottawa Film & TV Industry Career Fair - March 21
The Ottawa Film Office is delighted to announce that the 2026 Film, Television, and Animation Career Fair is taking place Saturday, March 21, 9 am to 1 pm, at the Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge. Attend and meet local production companies, animation studios, and other industry professionals to learn about current and future job opportunities and what they look for in new hires. You’ll also be able to chat with post-secondary institutions, associations, unions and guilds about the industry programs, resources, and training they offer. Admission is free. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.


International Film Festival of Ottawa - until March 22

This year’s Festival provides cinephiles with an eclectic mix of films that have won awards and made waves in the international film circuit over the past year. In IFFO’s Official Selection, programmers curated 22 Canadian and international feature films and select a new Canadian short film to accompany each feature screening. For programming information and tickets, please visit www.iffo.ca.



Ottawa Black Film Festival - until March 24
The sixth edition of the Ottawa Black Film Festival takes place until March 24. The OBFF is dedicated to showcasing unique voices in cinema, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the world. With a mission to support the growth of independent filmmaking, OBFF highlights stories that reflect the realities, experiences, and diversity of Black communities worldwide. For details, tickets and passes, please visit ottawablackfilm.com.


Mayor's Breakfast Series - March 24

Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on March 24 from 7 to 9 am at Ottawa City Hall for a morning conversation with Police Chief Eric Stubbs, who will share the latest developments on public safety, policing priorities, and the future of community partnerships in Ottawa. For tickets, please visit Ottawa Board of Trade.



Young at Art - applications accepted until March 26

Young at Art is a professionally assessed art exhibition bringing the work of visual artists between 12 to 19 years of age to local art galleries. Each year since 1996, Young at Art recognizes the creative efforts of young artists across Ottawa. Selected works are eligible for several awards.

    • The Young at Art application is now open. Please refer to How to apply.
    • Deadline to submit: Thursday, March 26 at 1 pm


Spring Cleaning the Capital - Registration opens March 27
Spring is almost here. Registration for the Cleaning the Capital Spring campaign opens March 27, with litter cleanup projects taking place across our city between April 15 and May 31. The online registration form is available on the Cleaning the Capital webpage. Residents are encouraged to review the interactive map prior to registering to view the locations and dates of all registered cleanup projects in their communities. Participants can choose to clean public spaces such as parks and greenspaces, roadsides, shorelines, or even areas around bus stops. Cleanup kits, which include nitrile gloves and garbage bags, will be made available for pickup by registrants between April 2 and May 15 at fourteen City of Ottawa facilities across the city.    


Women 55+ invited to Meet & Greet - March 27
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa hosts an Older Adults Meet & Greet event for women ages 55 and older on March 27 at 219 Argyle Avenue in Room 113. Participants can choose to attend a morning (10 to 11:30 am) or afternoon session (1:30 to 3 pm). Ottawa Public Health will be there to provide information on how to obtain a hearing screening test and to provide resources related to aging well in Ottawa, including details on fall prevention, strength and balance. Please register to attend by filling out this form. Language interpretation support and client accompaniment support will be available for clients who register for the event in advance!


Jaku Konbit's Ujima Job Fair - March 28
Jaku Konbit hosts the next edition of the Ujima Job Fair on March 28, from 12 to 3 pm, at Bayview Yards, located at 7 Bayview Station Road. Details: jakukonbit.com/ujima-job-fair




Community Greening and Gardening Information Session - March 31; intake period is April 7 to May 5
Interested in community gardening, pollinator planting or greening initiatives in your neighbourhood? Apply to start or expand a community-led greening initiative or gardening project. The intake for new or expanded projects on City property is April 7 to May 5. Details: ottawa.ca
  • Intake period for new or expanded projects on City land: April 7 to May 5, 2026.
  • In-person information session: Tuesday March 31st from 6 to 8 pm at the Nepean Sportsplex in Hall A. This information session will provide details about the program and guide applicants through the application process.

Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant - proposed pilot program - Survey now open

 

The City is developing a new pilot program to improve local communities’ ability to prepare for extreme weather events and we’re looking for your input! 

Goal: Build capacity of local community organizations to help them prepare for and recover from extreme weather events.
Objectives: Provide funding to acquire emergency equipment, services and supplies for eligible groups.
Maximum grant per recipient: $50,000.
Eligible Applicants: Local community organizations, including faith-based organizations, community associations, non-government organizations, social service providers, condominium boards, and some registered charities.
Eligible Projects: grant funds to cover equipment, services and supplies.

For details and to complete the survey, please visit Engage Ottawa



Music on Hold program accepting applications until April 1
Music on Hold is a program that brings local music to the City of Ottawa's phone system. When a caller has to wait on the phone, we want them to hear your music! Your music will also be featured on this page, so if a caller likes what they hear, they can connect with you directly. The City of Ottawa is furthering its commitment to providing new opportunities to Ottawa's cultural community, while offering residents an enhanced experience when calling the City. The City wants to help musicians reach a broader audience and to show musicians our appreciation. To apply to have your music featured, please visit ottawa.ca. The deadline to apply is April 1 at 1 pm. 


All about your property: Landscaping Education Guide; Updated Bylaw takes effect April 8

 

Are you a contractor looking to learn about the City's rules related to landscaping? Are you a homeowner preparing for an outdoor renovation project? Whether it is installing a pool, building a fence, adding a new driveway, or beautifying your backyard, the Landscaping Education Guide includes important information to assist you with your landscaping and hardscaping projects. Please note that the guide references the Access By-law, which outlines new regulations for driveways and walkways in the right of way. The Access By-law, formerly the Private Approach By-law, comes into effect on April 8, 2026. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.


 

Community Environmental Projects Grant Program - open until April 10

The Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP) is being offered once again for 2026. The City is now accepting applications. Applications can be submitted from now until April 10. To receive updates related to the program please send your request to [email protected]. This year, the annual budget for the program has increased from $102,000 to $204,000. The additional $102,000 in funds will be specifically directed to projects that support the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan along the themes of waste avoidance, reduction, and reuse. The other $102,000.00 will continue to support a broad range of environmentally sustainable projects.  Project funding has ranged from $200 to $10,500, with an average grant of roughly $3,200. Details: ottawa.ca

 

 

Commemorative Naming nominations - spring intake period open until May 1
The City of Ottawa is now accepting spring nominations for the commemorative naming of municipal assets, including new streets, minor indoor and outdoor assets, major facilities and parks. This is your chance to honour the people, histories, and legacies that have shaped Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs from March 20 to May 1. For details and to apply, visit ottawa.ca.

Emergency Services Updates

SCAM ALERT: Taxi scam returns to Ottawa

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Ottawa Police are warning residents about the return of a taxi-related fraud targeting unsuspecting victims. In these incidents, individuals may ask for help paying a fare with your debit or credit card - offering cash in return. This is a scam and can lead to card swapping and financial loss. If you’ve been targeted or have information, report it to police. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.

 

Ottawa Police Gala - Gala beneficiary application process open until April 3

The Ottawa Police Service is now accepting applications for its 15th annual Gala to be held November 7, 2026, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. The deadline to apply is 4 pm on Friday, April 3, 2026. OPS selects two beneficiaries to support each year. For details and to apply, visit ottawapolice.ca.



Online Reporting for Non-Emergency Incidents Now Easier and More Accessible

The Ottawa Police Service is upgrading its online incident reporting system to make it easier and faster for residents to report non-emergency incidents in multiple languages from their computer or mobile device. This modernized tool allows community members to report incidents like property theft, vandalism, driving-related complaints and the newly added report option for cryptocurrency fraud, a growing concern in the Ottawa area.  

How to use the new Incident Reporting System: Residents can report 13 different types of non-emergency incidents in three quick steps: 

  1. Select the incident type 
  2. Fill out the online form 
  3. Submit and receive confirmation 

It is available in more than 20 languages. Reports are reviewed and assigned for follow-up when needed, helping OPS respond to community concerns and better understand where issues are happening. Live information sessions will be held online, hosted by the Ottawa Police and Rubicon, to introduce the new system to community members and to answer frequently asked questions about online reporting. Online registration for these sessions will begin in the coming weeks at ottawapolice.ca/report. For emergencies or situations involving immediate danger, residents should continue to call 911. For more information, please visit ottawapolice.ca.

 

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