March 28, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
I was pleased to attend the inaugural Ottawa Inuit Community Engagement Session hosted by Ottawa Public Health, in partnership with local Inuit organizations, at The Rideau Community Hub in Ward 13 on March 28. The event was an opportunity hear from Inuit community members to learn about their experiences accessing health, mental health, addiction treatments, housing and safety in Ottawa.
I attended the Ottawa Food Bank's event marking its 40th year of serving our community on March 27 at their Bantree location. The Ottawa Food Bank provides food for 112 member agencies across our city, ranging from downtown shelters and small community food banks to multi-service centres and school meal programs. During the event I had a chance to see Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier, Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi and Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr.
I attended the March 27 launch of the City for All Women Initiative's Caring Cities program, a policy framework that will guide CAWI's advocacy, research, and civic engagement for years to come. The caring city concept includes physical infrastructure as well as social, cultural, and environmental aspects of urban life. It adds an intersectional feminist lens to policy frameworks such as 15-minute neighbourhoods and transit-oriented development. I joined Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the event, held at The Rideau Community Hub in Ward 13.
Hydro pole replacement project - Oakhill & Corona between Acacia and Beechwood - Until April 26
Road Closure - 165 Prince Albert Street - Until 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.
Fibre optic installation - Provender, Burma and Rothbury - Starting April 1
Bell Canada has applied to the City for permission for fibre optic installation along the right-of-way on Provender Avenue, Burma Road and Rothbury Crescent. The anticipated construction dates are proposed for April 1 to May 1, 2024. The project would include open trench work, directional boring, and placement of new Bell conduit. Affected residents will be notified once the project details are confirmed.
Sidewalk Renewal & Repair Projects
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
Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable - in Manor Park - April 3
Electrical Pole Replacement and Power Outage - Morin St. and St. Laurent Blvd. - April 3
On April 3, 2024, Hydro Ottawa will be replacing an electrical pole that will impact customers located on Morin Street and St. Laurent Boulevard. In order to perform this work safely, a power outage is required. You will notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will take place on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way – a legal right of access for Hydro Ottawa for the purpose of installing and maintaining its electrical distribution system. A planned power outage is required as a result of this work. All affected customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable. In the case of circumstances beyond our control, the outage may be rescheduled.
Affected streets: Morin Street and St. Laurent BoulevardNew Cold War exhibit at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum - Public opening April 5
Concert in New Edinburgh - April 6
The Crichton Community Council (CCC) proudly presents Jim Bryson in concert at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Saturday, April 6. Doors open at 7 pm. Music at 8 pm. Tickets are available for $30 from: 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.
- 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
Beechwood Spring Market @ MacKay - April 13
Enjoy the Bubbles & Blooms Spring Market at MacKay Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Road. This special event, hosted by the Beechwood Market, is scheduled for April 13 from 2 to 6 pm. There will be Beechwood Market Vendors, delectable food and drinks, local flowers, a mocktail bar, live music and art lessons. For details, please visit Facebook or email [email protected].
Overbrook Eid Celebration - April 13
All Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy an Eid celebration on April 13 from 5 to 8 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. There will be a meal, music, children's activities, prizes and more. Spaces are limited. First come, first served.
Smart Aging Workshop - Taking Charge of your Emergency Preparedness - April 16
The Council on Aging in Ottawa hosts an Emergency Preparedness Workshop for aging adults on April 16 from 10 am to 12 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Room 217. Participants will consider the history of natural disasters, the risks for seniors, and how to prepare themselves for potential disasters including winter storms, heat waves, floods, power outages, pandemics and more. For details, please click here.
Overbrook Community Association AGM - Join the board! - April 16
Attention Overbrook Neighbours! Ready to make a difference in your community? Join the Overbrook Community Association! The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 7 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. The OCA is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join the board. You can also join the meeting online Please register for the meeting link by clicking here. Everyone welcome. If you would like to join the board, please fill out this brief expression of interest form. Don't miss out on this chance to shape the future of Overbrook! Join your neighbours at the AGM and learn how you can get involved.
So Chic Charity Fashion Show & Luncheon - April 27
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.
Proposed fibre optic project - Donald Street - May 10
Hiboo Networks has requested the City's permission to perform fibre optic installation work along the City's right-of-way on Donald Street between Vanier Parkway and Beaudry Street starting May 10, 2024. The work would include trenching and bore work, placement of conduit and trace wire, as well as removal and replacement of concrete sidewalk bays. More details will be shared as they become available.
Coventry Road Widening (Belfast Road to St-Laurent Boulevard) Environmental Assessment Study
The City of Ottawa has initiated a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study and Functional Design for the widening of Coventry Road between Belfast Road and St-Laurent Boulevard following the 2023 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The proposed road widening is intended to address both present and future travel demand, encourage a modal shift toward sustainable transportation, and address the revitalization and equity-related goals of the Building Better Revitalized Neighbourhoods (BBRN) Initiative, which aims to improve the health, vibrancy, and livability of priority neighbourhoods. Consultation activities for the study will include targeted engagement with key stakeholder groups, as well as two Public Open House events where the study team will present findings and obtain feedback on existing conditions, alternative solutions and designs, results of the evaluation process, and the recommended plan. Indigenous Communities, consultation group members and the general public will be invited to provide feedback for incorporation into the planning and design of this project. The first Public Open House is tentatively scheduled for Q2 2024, at which time the alternative solutions will be presented for stakeholder input. The second Public Open House is tentatively scheduled for Q3 2024, at which time draft recommended designs and demonstration plans will be presented for stakeholder input. For more information, please visit the project page on Engage Ottawa.
Key Dates
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 from 11 am to 12:30 pm and every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm. Unite breath and movement through an asana practice. Join Solmaz Hicks on her yoga journey which 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. Practice times are subject to change. For updates, please visit www.newedinburgh.ca/events.
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 in New Edinburgh - every Thursday morning
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. This is an informal and unstructured opportunity to socialize with other children in your community. Please bring your own toy and snack for your child. Some warm beverages will be available for adults. The Crichton Community Council is seeking a volunteer parent/caregiver coordinator so that this initiative can continue past April 15. To learn more, please [email protected].
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Easter weekend schedule changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes and City service impacts on Good Friday, March 29 and Easter Monday, April 1. For details, please click here.
International Day of Pink - April 10
Celebrate a day filled with empowerment, authenticity, and the amazing power of unity. On April 10, 2024, let's celebrate visibility in all its forms - being seen, acknowledged, respected, and listened to. It's about standing tall and embracing our true selves. Because there is nothing more beautiful than being who you truly are. Let's stand united against injustices, raising our voices for those who need them most. Wear pink, use our campaign resources, and spread the message of visibility everywhere. For details, please click here.
Request for Input on Ottawa’s tree planting programs! - 1st survey open until April 15
The Tree Planting Strategy has been launched and the City needs your input! The strategy is the feature project under the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan for this Term of Council. It will focus on how Ottawa can achieve its urban canopy cover target of 40% over time. It will shift the City’s tree planting approach from reactive to proactive and it will use the City’s canopy cover data for neighbourhoods to prioritize tree planting in areas of Ottawa that need it the most. The first step is a review of the City’s existing tree planting programs. Through a series of surveys, staff are gathering information on existing tree planting programs and ideas for future programming. Your feedback is needed! The City is requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until April 15, 2024.
City-wide Street Sweeping Operations
Spring is here! It’s that time of year when Roads and Parking Services shifts their focus to cleaning up our communities from the mess the winter leaves behind. This was a unique winter season that we haven’t seen in Ottawa’s history, but everyone is ready to enjoy longer days, warmer temperatures and springtime activities. To prepare, an important part of our spring maintenance activities is street sweeping operations to ensure that areas such as sidewalks, roads and the cycling network are clear of debris. Today, we are happy to announce that city-wide street sweeping operations will fully commence next week! City-wide street sweeping operations take place in suburban and rural neighbourhoods. More information about our street sweeping operations is available on Ottawa.ca/springmaintenance.
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
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.
Snow Angel Program - Nominations close March 31
Mayor for a Day - Deadline to apply is April 5
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
Solar Eclipse - April 8
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Moon’s orbit will position it directly between the Earth and the Sun, causing a solar eclipse. While other areas will experience a total eclipse, in Ottawa the eclipse will not be total -- the maximum will be approximately 99 per cent occurring for two to three minutes starting at 3:25 pm. Because there is no total eclipse in Ottawa, there is no safe time to look at the Sun without appropriate eye protection. It’s important to keep your safety in mind during this event. You can visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SolarEclipse to learn more about staying safe during the eclipse.
Child Care and EarlyON - Service System Plan Survey open until April 10
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.
Ottawa's 3rd Black Business Expo - April 14
Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying atmosphere of Ottawa’s 3rd Black Business Expo at the Shaw Centre! This is not your average event; it’s a celebration of diversity, entrepreneurship, and culture, bringing together more than 100 vibrant and dynamic vendors from the Black community. The event is on April 14 from 10 am to 6 pm at Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive. For details and tickets, please click here.
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.
Emergency Services News
Community Safety and Policing Act comes into effect April 1
In December 2023, the Province announced sweeping changes to the law governing policing in Ontario with Bill 68, Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) that included 30 proposed Regulations that apply and extend to municipal police service. The new Bill, scheduled to come into effect on April 1st 2024, will replace the current Police Services Act (1990) and will focus on addressing community safety, enhancing police oversight, modernizing policing, and establishing consistent mandated training requirements. For details, please click here.
Ottawa Police to partner with CPF to support our community
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Capital Prosperity Foundation (CPF) to support families in need within our community for the next three years. Last year, the CPF (formerly the Capital Integral Charitable Foundation (CICF)) approached the OPS to form a partnership. This partnership was based on the OPS’ proximity to the CPF’s intended beneficiaries – families in need. For details, please click here.
Calling all local charities: Apply to be the beneficiary of the 13th annual OPS Gala by March 31
The Ottawa Police Service is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 13 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.