March 3, 2023 Newsletter

On Wednesday, Council adopted the 2023 Budget, a transitional "placeholder" plan that supports Council's commitment to fund ongoing operational needs by maintaining residents' services as Council begins determining its priorities for this new Council term.

Under this year's budget, the average urban homeowner will see their property tax bill rise by $104. The urban water fee is going up $38, and the police levy is increasing by $17.

City staff spent countless hours over the past few months developing a financial plan designed to increase transit affordability, respond to climate change, conserve our environment, and enhance community safety. Consequently, I supported several measures in this budget, including a transit fare freeze, an annual $5 million commitment to implement the City's climate change plan, and $52 million in new climate investments. The budget also included measures to hire 14 new paramedics. The budget included an additional $1.5 million for affordable housing, creating $16.5 million in total capital funding for this year.

As Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I was also pleased that an additional $400,000 was allocated in the Budget for equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives to aid in adopting the City's Anti-Racism Strategy, Women and Gender Equity initiatives and Indigenous relations.

Challenging areas of the budget that I could not support included the $401 million police budget and the capital portion of the transit budget. I did not support the police budget as I believe more police budget efficiencies need to be found and redirected to social services, which will reduce the need for continued "beyond-inflationary" expansion of police service budgets. While I supported a motion to take $500,000 of identified efficiencies from the police budget and redirect it to mental health services, that motion unfortunately failed. I also did not support the transit capital budget as permanent cuts to OC Transpo have been detrimental to bus and ParaTranspo service levels.

I was pleased, however, that Council passed a motion I moved concerning Route 17 bus service during budget deliberations on Wednesday that directs OC Transpo staff to assess the financial feasibility of restoring that peak-period, peak-direction transit service to Wateridge Village based on the current population, current and future rates of transit ridership, and funding available within the approved 2023 transit operating budget. The motion directs staff to work with my office to confirm the financial feasibility of the proposed new service and subsequently to confirm implementation. 

Since Budget 2023 is a transitional plan, I supported the budget as a whole with the expectation of a substantive change for future budgets in the 2022-2026 Council Term. Consequently, I supported a successful motion from my colleague, College Ward Councillor Laine Johnson, to study the feasibility of multi-year budgeting to better link Term of Council priorities with operational and capital expenditures. I also introduced a successful motion to study the development and use of a Municipal Price Index, which would accurately measure the impact of inflation on the municipality. Based upon my office's numerous public consultations on the Budget and resident correspondence, it will be my continued goal to advocate and secure more dollars for affordable housing, parks and infrastructure investments for the Ward.

To learn more about the 2023 Budget, I encourage you to visit ottawa.ca, where you will find a high-level summary, along with a section called Understanding your City Budget, that outlines what this plan means for Ottawa residents and City services.

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.

The Museoparc is actively looking for volunteers to help during the Festival. About 100 individuals are needed to lend a hand.

You will find attached a poster and a bilingual document with more information about our volunteer opportunities. The link volunteer registration form: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/festival2023

Free Income Tax Clinic - March 1 to April 28

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is hosting a free income tax clinic to 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.

We are ushering in a new era in celebrating Black Excellence. Leading Ladies Canada is proud to host an International Women's Day event in the heart of the City of Ottawa to make its biggest impact yet. 2023 is the year to change it up and make history by celebrating Black leaders throughout February into March. LLC is embracing equity in its organization by highlighting black leaders throughout various programs. Please join us to celebrate Black Excellence and be empowered by arts, a fashion show with performances by Indashyikirwa Rwanda dance group, various African groups and amazing surprise guests. The event is taking place at Ottawa’s City Hall on March 12, 2023, from 12 to 4 pm. Please visit Eventbrite for tickets.

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Funding Opportunities

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:

1. micro grants (up to $15,000, for one-year projects),
2. non-renewable grants ($30,000 to $60,000), and
3. multi-year systems level/collaboratives (up to $160,000 per year).

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 Civic and Commemorative Events Funding - Application deadline is March 10

Civic Events Funding is open to all local not-for-profit organizations, such as community groups and associations. It is used to deliver family-friendly events in local Ottawa communities and neighbourhoods that: 

• Promote neighbours meeting neighbours in their local, geographic community; 

• Include multiple activities, family entertainment and attractions designed to appeal to residents in a specific geographic neighbourhood/district or ward; 

• Promote community well-being by welcoming all community members; and 

• Promote equity and inclusion. 

Applications will be accepted until March 10, 2023, for events taking place in 2023. For more information, please visit Ottawa.ca. For additional information and questions, please email [email protected].

 

Governor General's Foot Guards - Youth Achievement Awards - Applications due March 10

This year the Governor General's Foot Guards (GGFG) are celebrating their 150th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the regimental family will inaugurate the GGFG Youth Achievement Awards as a means of giving back to the community that has supported them so well for a century and a half. Nominations/applications for four scholarships totaling $19,000 are welcome. The deadline for applications/nominations is March 10, 2023. www.ggfg150.ca/youthawards

City of Ottawa Community Environmental Projects Grant Program - Applications due March 31, 2023

The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2023 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program, which 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. For more information, please click here.

 

City of Ottawa Community Partnership Minor Capital Program - Application deadlines for 2023 are May 1 and Sept. 1

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.

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City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Rideau River Flood Control Operations

Every year, the City of Ottawa’s Roads and Parking Services team works in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to prepare for its annual Rideau River Flood Control operations. The annual operations are carried out before spring in an effort to mitigate the risk of flooding in communities that abut the Rideau River. These operations are officially underway. For details, please click here.

 

March is Kidney Health Month

This is an important time of year to highlight the impact of kidney disease and raise awareness of kidney health in communities across the country. People living with kidney disease fight a lifelong battle, and The Kidney Foundation’s mission is to support those affected every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment – with trusted educational resources and peer support programs. This March, we are inviting Canadians to #MakeYourMark on kidney disease by sharing the Kidney Foundation of Canada's campaign on social media and by making donations to the Foundation's campaign page at www.kidneyontario.ca.

 

Black Mental Health Week 2023: Exploring Stigma and Black Mental Health - March 1 to 7

The Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition is hosting several events over the week of March 1 to 7, Black Mental Health Week.
The theme this year is exploring stigma and Black mental health with the 3 events:
Ending Stigma Together – March 7, 6:00-7:00pm on zoom
For details, please click here. 

 

 

Virtual Summer Camp Fair - March 4

Ottawa's Rec and Culture’s Inclusive Recreation unit is hosting a virtual Summer Camp Fair for people with disabilities. There will be several summer camps presenting on March 4 where families/caregivers can choose the presentations they would like to attend. If you’re interested in attending, please email [email protected]. 

City of Ottawa spring and summer programs March 6 and 8

Spring activities

• Browse spring activities on register.ottawa.ca.
• Register for spring learn to swim and other aquatics programs on Monday, March 6 at 9 pm
• Register for all other spring programs on Wednesday, March 8 at 9 pm

Summer camps and activities

• Browse summer camps and activities on register.ottawa.ca starting Tuesday, March 21
• Register for summer learn to swim and other aquatics programs on Monday, April 3 at 9 pm
• Register for summer camps and all other summer programs on Tuesday, April 4 at 9 pm

New Legislation Overview - Virtual Open House - March 7

Topics will include Bill 109, Bill 23, the Official Plan, and the impact Provincial legislation will have on planning-related matters. This session, scheduled for March 7 at 6:30 pm on Zoom, is open to the public and will provide a high-level update on the City’s review of the impacts of Provincial legislation and an overview of how the City is adapting as a result of these changes. Register to attend here.

 

Carbon Neutrality in Ottawa - March 8 webinar

March 8, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Online - Register at this link

The world continues on its way to energy transition, and it is crucial that the building sector plays its part and adapts in order to mitigate the impact of continued carbon emissions. Since it is responsible for approximately 40% of all emissions, reducing emissions from building operations is of significant global importance. How do we get there in the National Capital Region? This one-day hybrid workshop will bring together experts from the City, federal government and utilities, developers, contractors, owners, operators and design consultants, who will discuss their successes and the challenges encountered. in implementing the low-carbon projects needed to drastically reduce emissions from building operations. It will review the strategies applied by the public and private sectors and will address the thorny issues of financing, controlling capital costs and life cycle cost.

 

Ontario Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking regulation - March 9 webinar

Tackling Ontario’s Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) regulation and the City’s benchmarking program. Manage or own a building that’s more than 20,000 square feet? Get ahead of the curve with Ontario’s Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) regulation and the City’s benchmarking program. As Ontario works towards a clean, reliable and affordable electricity system, the requirement to participate in EWRB now includes buildings with smaller square footage. Start the year off by complying with the provincial regulation.

Panelists: Trevor Freeman, P.Eng, CEM, LEED AP, Supervisor, Key Accounts, Hydro Ottawa
Marie Hanchet, Project Manager, Environmental Program | Climate Change and Resiliency Unit, City of Ottawa.

This 1-hour webinar will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. EST.Click here to register.

This webinar is available only in English. Should you need assistance in French, please contact us at [email protected].

 

Vanier Museopark: Volunteering opportunities Sugar Festival 2023

The Vanier Museoparc is pleased to announce the in-person return of the Vanier Sugar Festival! Here is a link to our dedicated page should you’ve missed it: https://museoparc.ca/sugar-festival.

We are actively looking for volunteers to help during the Festival. Volunteer registration form: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/festival2023

 

St. Patrick's Parade and Party - Cancelled  

The St. Patrick’s parade, scheduled for March 11, 2023, has been cancelled due to a lack of volunteers and funding.

 

Vacant Unit Tax Declarations - Deadline is March 16

Complete your Vacant Unit Tax declaration in just a few quick steps. A declaration is required for each property that you own, even if it is your principal residence. The deadline to submit declarations is March 16. The City has set up declaration options for residents who require accessibility related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices – like computers, tablets and other hand-held devices:

• Call Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 and select option 3 to complete a declaration over the phone, or to book an in-person appointment at the Mary Pitt Centre at 100 Constellation Drive.
• Call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. The service uses internet and mobile phone technologies to connect the caller with real-time sign language interpretation.

For details, please visit ottawa.ca/vut.

 

Ujima Job Fair - March 18

Jaku Konbit’s team of youth leaders will once again plan and 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. 
March 18 from 11 am to 2:30 pm at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W. Click here for more information.

 

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival - Registration is now open

Planning for the 2023 Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is well underway and will be taking place on the first weekend of summer, June 22 to 25, on the Rideau River in the natural setting of Mooney’s Bay.
Registration is open. For details, please click here.

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Emergency Services News

Ottawa Police Service

➤ OPS Traffic Services conducts downtown enforcement - 297 tickets issued.
Click here for the press release.

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City of Ottawa Committee and Council Updates

Meetings from March 6 to 10 

Ottawa – For a complete agenda and updates, please sign up for email alerts, visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1. For more information about how to watch or participate in individual meetings, please consult the specific meeting’s agenda at ottawa.ca/agendas.

 

Built Heritage Committee – Monday, March 6 at 9:30 am

• Designation of the Crabtree House, 559 Lang’s Road under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
• Applications to alteration to 233 Argyle Street and 330 McLeod Street, properties designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act as part of the Centretown Heritage Conservation District
• Heritage permits issued through delegated authority, 2022
• Status update – Built Heritage Committee inquiries and motions for the period ending February 17, 2023

 

Finance and Corporate Services Committee – Tuesday, March 7 at 9:30 am

• Status update – Finance and Corporate Services Committee inquiries and motions for the period ending February 24, 2023
• City representation and delegate attendance at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conferences
• 2021 Business Improvement Area and Sparks Street Mall Authority – Annual reports and audited financial statements
• Declaration of surplus land - 2060 Lanthier Drive and transfer to Ottawa Community Lands Development Corporation
• Brownfield grant application – 2 Montreal Road and 3 Selkirk Street

Ottawa City Council – Wednesday, March 8 at 10 am

Ottawa Police Services Board Finance and Audit Committee – Thursday, March 9 at 10 am

• 2023 Annual Audit Plan

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.