May 15, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
On April 26th, I had the privilege of joining the community at the Rockcliffe Library Spring Book Sale for a special occasion: the naming of the Jane Dobell Community Hall in honour of one of Ottawa's most dedicated public servants.
Jane Dobell was, in every sense of the word, a builder. Not the kind who constructs buildings, but the kind who constructs community. She was the kind of person who shows up, rolls up their sleeves, and quietly transforms the institutions and neighbourhoods around her through decades of sustained, selfless effort. Her story is a powerful reminder of why public service matters.
Jane's contributions touched virtually every pillar of civic life in Rockcliffe Park and beyond. She served for many years as a councillor for the Village of Rockcliffe Park before amalgamation, bringing to that role the same dedication and care she showed in every aspect of her community involvement. As a champion of French immersion and public education, she helped shape how generations of children learned. As the founder of the Rockcliffe Park Public School Book Fair and the Spring Book Sale, she built beloved community traditions that continue to generate meaningful funds for Rockcliffe Park Public School and the Ottawa Public Library, investments in literacy and learning that will outlast any single generation.
She served as a former school board chair, and as the founding president of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, she helped give residents a collective voice in the decisions that shape their neighbourhood. For all of this, she was recognized as an Order of Ottawa recipient, one of the City's highest civic honours. And yet, for all of her formal accomplishments, what people remember most about Jane is simpler and more profound: she was a neighbour, a mentor, and a friend.
Jane Dobell's life illustrates something I believe deeply: public service is not about titles or recognition. It is about showing up, consistently, generously, and with a genuine commitment to something larger than yourself. In a world that often measures success by personal achievement, Jane chose a different measure. She measured her success by the strength of her community's institutions, by the children who had access to books and learning, by the neighbours who felt heard and supported. That is the essence of public service. We are all the beneficiaries of people like Jane, people whose contributions we may never fully see or understand, but whose work quietly holds our communities together.
Though Jane passed away in 2025, her legacy is very much alive. It lives in the institutions she helped build, in the volunteers who carry forward the traditions she started, and now, in the community hall that bears her name, a space dedicated to the gathering, learning, and connection that Jane championed throughout her life. In 2024, I was honoured to recognize Jane's contributions with a certificate co-signed by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Standing at the Spring Book Sale this past April, surrounded by the community she nurtured, I was reminded that the most meaningful recognition we can offer someone is not a certificate or a plaque. It is the continuation of the work they started.
To Jane's family, friends, and the volunteers who carry her spirit forward: thank you. And to all residents of Rideau-Rockcliffe: I hope Jane's story inspires each of us to ask what we can contribute to the community we share.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
Enjoyed attending a wonderful Mother’s Day Tea at Rockcliffe Park Community Centre held by Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard! It was a joy to celebrate our community’s moms alongside Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier and Councillors Tim Tierney and Stéphanie Plante.
Honoured to have attended the Civic Call by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, Princess of the Netherlands, and her husband Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven, at Ottawa City Hall last week.
It was a pleasure to celebrate the unveiling of the new Rockcliffe Park Library and Community Centre sign this week with the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, especially as the community marks its 100th anniversary this year!
Ottawa Police held their annual Police Week event this week at the Vanier HUB, which also included the Ottawa Fire Service and St. John Ambulance.
Congratulations to the Carleton Ravens Men’s Basketball Team who were honoured by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the City of Ottawa this week for their latest championship win!
I had fun exploring the well attended inaugural Object/Project Art Book Fair held at Carleton University’s Dominion-Chalmers Centre last weekend!
It was great celebrating Mother’s Day last weekend at the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre in Overbrook with Councillor Laura Dudas. What a wonderful afternoon with the community!
Thank you to the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association for undertaking your annual community cleanup last weekend!
Enjoyed the wonderful tradition of purchasing a planter at the New Edinburgh Plant Sale, held by the Crichton Community Council, and talking with residents last weekend!
I had a blast attending the sold out Ottawa Titans home opener at Ottawa Stadium in Overbrook last week!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
More City parks to get three-stream bins
The City is expanding its three-stream waste diversion program to an additional 48 parks in 2026, including Manor Park and Eugene Martineau Park. Last year, the program expanded to New Edinburgh Park and in 2024 to Overbrook Park. In addition to garbage, the service provides recycling and compost options to residents while enjoying our public spaces. Three-stream waste stations include clearly labelled bins for garbage, recycling, and organics, making sorting easy and consistent with the system residents use at home. Once the bins are installed, all former waste cans will be removed.
This expansion is part of Ottawa’s Parks Waste Diversion Strategy, which will see three-stream waste collection added to roughly 350 existing parks between 2026 and 2029. New parks that meet the criteria will start with three-stream waste bins in place moving forward. Organics service will also be added to about 120 off-leash dog parks beginning in 2027 — and yes, plastic dog waste bags belong in the organics bin.
Ottawa parks gear up for spring – with return of free sports equipment lockers
As warmer weather returns, Ottawa’s parks are getting ready for another season of play, with a little extra help. This spring, free sports equipment lockers are set to reopen in select City of Ottawa parks, giving residents easy access to borrow balls and gear just steps from their favourite courts and fields. The lockers are part of an ongoing pilot project launched last fall by the City of Ottawa in partnership with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. This initiative aims to lower barriers to play and invites everyone to get back into the game. Participating parks in and around Ward 13 include Carson Grove Park, Eugene Martineau Park, Forbes Park, Gil O. Julien Park, New Edinburgh Park, Overbrook Park, and Riverain Park. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Overbrook Neighbourhood Yard Sale - May 16
Overbrook residents will be hosting a community yard sale on May 16 from 8 am to 12 pm. Participating streets are between McArthur Avenue and Donald Street.
Farm Store anniversary celebration - May 16
The Farm Store celebrates its 4th anniversary with an outdoor market at 1805 Gaspe Avenue on May 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be vendors and food, along with market merchandise, plus live music. The Merry Dairy Truck should arrive between 11 am and 12 pm. In addition to the whole party, Plant-a-Patch will host their second seedling sale from 9 am to 2pm. Offering vegetable, herb and flower seedlings
Community Farm Initiative at Rideau Community Hub - May 16
"Shovel-ready" volunteers needed Saturday, May 16, from 7 to 11 am, to help fill raised beds with top soil. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is inviting community members to help get our "community farm" ready for the growing season. Interested? Get in touch with Maddie Leblanc at [email protected]
Unveiling of the Inuit Sacred Spiritual Symbol - May 19
On Tuesday, May 19 at 10 am, the Beechwood Cemetery hosts a a significant national moment of remembrance and recognition. In partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and Indigenous community leaders, the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation will host the Unveiling of the Inuit Sacred Spiritual Symbol (Qulliq) at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. This ceremony marks an important step forward in ensuring that Inuit members of the Canadian Armed Forces are honoured in a way that reflects their cultural identity, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. The Qulliq, a traditional Inuit lamp, symbolizes light, warmth, and continuity, values deeply connected to service, resilience, and community. Location: Sacred Space, Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue. For details and to register: beechwoodottawa.ca
Spring Sale fundraiser - May 21
A spring sale fundraiser takes place in Rockcliffe Park at 296 Buena Vista Road on May 21 from 2 to 6 pm. There will be some lovely cotton dresses from India, pashminas in many colours and exquisite baroque pearls and jewellery with mother of pearl as well! A portion of the proceeds will support the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre food bank and the Casagugu Foundation for young artists. Refreshments will be served.
Odawa Native Friendship Centre PowWow - May 22 to 24
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre hosts the 2026 edition of its traditional PowWow at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on May 22, from 4 to 8 pm, May 23, from 9 am to 9 pm, and on May 24, from 9 am to 5 pm. The event will feature traditional dancing, drumming and food.
Centennial Garden groundbreaking ceremony - May 22
Rockcliffe Park residents are invited to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Councillor Rawlson King for the Centennial Garden groundbreaking ceremony on May 22 at 4:30 pm at Village Green Park. The event will mark the start of construction to rejuvenate the Centennial Garden, located at the heart of the park.
"It's A Trap" crime prevention program launch - May 22
Everyone is welcome to attend North-South Development Roots & Culture Canada's launch of the "It's A Trap" crime prevention program on May 22 from 1 to 3 pm at the Vanier Community Centre, 270 Marier Avenue. The event will feature a panel discussion, "It Takes an Ecosystem: Turning Partnership into Strategy for Crime Prevention." North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada empowers youth and families through education, mentorship, and community programs that build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. The "It's A Trap" crime prevention program aims to educate youth about the criminal life cycle, with a focus on risks and consequences associated with drugs, gang involvement and the sex trade. More information is available here: rootsandculturecanada.org
Almyr Jules at the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse - May 23
Almyr Jules brings soul‑soaked songs to New Edinburgh for one night only, May 23 at 8 pm. Details: www.facebook.com
Overbrook Bike Day - May 23
Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy Bike Day at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on May 23 from 11 am to 2 pm. Come test your skills, learn to fix your bike, talk bike safety, learn bike handling and traffic skills, wash your bike and enjoy some popcorn. Hosted by the Overbrook Community Centre in partnership with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend - Road Closures - May 23 & 24
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend takes place May 23 and 24. The International Marathon and Half Marathon events on Sunday, May 24 will require road closures along Sussex Drive, Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway to Birch Avenue, Hillsdale Road, Acacia Avenue, Coltrin Road, Minto Place, Buena Vista Road, Lisgar Road and Princess Avenue. For a map of routes and road closures, please visit racepoint.ca. Click 'show closures" and scroll through the timings on the menu on the bottom left.
Parking restrictions will be in effect along the following streets on Sunday, May 24 from 5 am until 2 pm.
- Princess Avenue – both sides – from Sussex to Lisgar
- Lisgar Road – both sides – from Princess to Sir George Etienne Parkway
- Hillsdale Road – both sides – from Sandridge Road to Sir George Etienne Cartier Parkway
- Acacia Avenue – both sides – from Crescent Road to Sir George Etienne Cartier Parkway
- Coltrin Road – both sides – from Acacia Ave to Minto Place
- Minto Place – both sides – from Coltrin Road to Buena Vista Road
- Buena Vista Road – both sides – from Minto Place to Lisgar Road
Volunteers needed for Race Weekend Hydration Station in Manor Park - May 24
Upcoming tours of Beechwood Cemetery - May 26 & 31
The tours of Beechwood Cemetery is led by trained volunteers and focuses on local history and notable features and sections within this National Historic Site. The eastern tour takes place May 26 at 10:30 am. The western tour is scheduled for May 31 at 1 pm. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca/foundation/events
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - Journalist Ron Graham - May 27
The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association hosts its next Speaker Series evening on May 27 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road, featuring journalist and author Ron Graham. Based in Toronto, Ron Graham has written extensively over many decades on Canadian politics, history, religion, business, and culture. His books include One-Eyed Kings, God’s Dominion, The French Quarter, The Last Act: Pierre Trudeau, the Gang of Eight, and the Fight for Canada. In addition to his own writings, he edited two volumes of memoirs by Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien; The Essential Trudeau, with Rt. Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau; and the autobiography of Hon. Bill Graham. On May 27, he will be speaking about his most recent book, The Coutts Diaries: Power, Politics and Pierre Trudeau 1973-1981, described by former Liberal MP John English as “The best Canadian political diary that exists”. Copies of The Coutts Diaries will be available for sale at the event. Details: rockcliffepark.ca/2026/04/05/speaker-night-may-27-ron-graham
OrKidstra Vanier HUB End-of-Year Concert - May 27
OrKidstra's end-of-year concert series is fast approaching, including a performance at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 485 Donald Street, on May 27 at 6:30 pm. This informal evening will feature performances by our Vanier HUB students, showcasing what they’ve been working on throughout the year. It promises to be a warm and inspiring celebration of music and community. No tickets are required, but donations are welcome!
FREE event: Pocket Theatre - May 27
The Pocket Theatre is back for a second edition! Créations In Vivo and Muséoparc Vanier invite you to experience a unique theatrical performance in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Vanier Sugar Shack. The Patenteuses are back! After a successful first staged reading, they return for a second reading, this time with music! Details: museoparc.ca
- Date: May 27
- Location: Vanier Sugar Shack
- 320 Pères-Blancs Avenue
- Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
College Circle Community Garage Sale - May 30
The residents of College Circle are holding a community garage sale on Saturday May 30, from 8 am to 2 pm, behind the St. Laurent Complex. This is a rain or shine event.
Ottawa Community Housing Foundation bursaries - Deadline to apply is May 31
The 2026 Inspired by Learning bursary program is designed to support 40 post-secondary students living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) households. This initiative aims to remove any financial barriers and push students to pursue their education with more confidence. The bursary applications are open until May 31. For details and to apply, visit ochfoundation.ca/programs/inspired-by-learning-bursary
A Taste of Ireland Garden Party - In support of Cornerstone Housing for Women - June 7
A Taste of Ireland Garden Party in support of Cornerstone Housing for Women is back again this year at the Irish Ambassador's Residence, 291 Park Road, on Sunday, June 7 from 2 to 5 pm. Enjoy delicious Irish fare provided by Thyme & Again, complimentary beer provided by Big Rig Brewery, wine provided by The Vine Agency, and bubbles, a stunning fashion show organized by Sukhoo Sukhoo Khooture, a silent auction, and much, much more! To purchase your ticket, please click here.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Development Growth Ward Maps - Snapshot 2025
The City's Planning, Development and Building Services Department has provided Council with a visual snapshot of residential development activity across the city by ward. Staff have now developed ward-specific maps using that data and the City’s Digital Twin to provide an integrated view of development activity. The City collects data on the development approval process, particularly planning applications and building permits, as part of the Housing Approvals Dashboard. Staff have now developed ward-specific maps using that data and the City’s Digital Twin to provide an integrated view of development activity.
The maps present a point-in-time view of residential development permitting activity that occurred in 2025, broken down by ward. This geographic perspective on residential application data provides insight into the development pipeline, including the scale of potential units and the locations across the city where development activity is expected to occur in the short to mid-term. The Rideau-Rockcliffe map is available at this link.
As a point-in-time view, not all projects shown will proceed to construction, as timelines and outcomes may change based on market conditions and other factors. The maps reflect development activity in the planning and construction ready pipeline and are not a measure of completed housing. The maps will be updated annually to support tracking changes in development activity across wards. Later this summer, an updated version of the Housing Approvals Dashboard will integrate these maps into the ward information tab. Until that time, these maps are available on Ottawa.ca.
Sidewalk replacement work
What: Concrete sidewalk will be rehabilitated.
Why: The Sidewalk Renewal Program will be addressing immediate repair needs to help improve conditions for pedestrians.
When: Starting late next week, Redline Construction will begin removals and replacement of sidewalk segments in Ward 13. The work is expected to be completed within approximately 2-3 weeks once it has started. Affected homeowners and business owners will receive notices early next week.
- Gulf Place between #623 and #971 on the north side
- Montreal Road between Den Haag Drive and LeBoutillier Avenue on the south side in front of LeBoutillier Park
- Montreal Road just east of the intersection at Aviation Parkway on the south side
- Montreal Road at Desloges Private
Underground Infrastructure Installation Project - Vedette Way in Wateridge Village - May 25 to June 8
Environmental Assessment work - Lawson Park in Overbrook - May 29
The City's Environmental Remediation Unit will be conducting an environmental assessment for due diligence purposes in Lawson Park in the Overbrook community on May 29, between 7:30 am and 5 pm though the work is expected to take about a half day. The work mainly includes borehole drilling, monitoring well installation, and soil and groundwater sampling at various locations. Two boreholes will be drilled in the southeast corner of the park and soil samples will be collected by hand-held devices in the northwest corner of the park. Construction noise is expected. Caution tape will be in place around the drilling equipment.
Hydro Ottawa pole renewal on McArthur Avenue and De l'Église St - June 1 to Dec. 18
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Transit Committee receives update on OC Transpo’s action plan to improve transit services
- Restoring O-Train Line 1 capacity
- Improving preventative bus maintenance and putting new vehicles into service
- Making Para Transpo more flexible for customers
- Improving system-wide safety, cleanliness and employee presence
- Hosting customer townhalls
- Introducing new reporting and performance metrics
- Completing the LRT upload to the Province of Ontario and reinvesting $85 million into transit
- Growing non-fare revenues through enhanced digital advertising
- Developing a 10-year capital investment plan
- Establishing an integrated workforce strategy
- Engaging transit employees to become the top transit employer in Canada
OC Transpo shared that some double-car trains began operating on O-Train Line 1 on Thursday morning. This marks progress to restore normal peak period capacity on Line 1. Full Line 1 service capacity is expected to resume by mid-June. The timing for the trial running of the East extension will continue to be evaluated based on increasing vehicle availability. An update was shared on the bus fleet and maintenance activities. OC Transpo is moving towards a preventative maintenance model, and this summer will focus on targeted vehicle refurbishments, decommissioning old buses, and the onboarding of more Zero Emission Buses and new 60-foot buses. This work will help prepare the fleet for peak customer demand in September and the winter season. The Committee also heard about the launch of the new Community Visibility Team, a Special Constable Unit initiative to increase visible patrols across the transit system. During weekday daytime hours, Special Constables in high-visibility vests will patrol on foot and by bike to enhance presence and visibility. While their primary focus is proactive engagement, they will also address issues and conduct enforcement when needed. For the complete update, please visit ottawa.ca.
Jaku Konbit Youth Mentoring Program - May 16
Jaku Konbit hosts a Youth Mentorship Program on May 16 from 2 to 4 pm at the Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue, in Room 222. Special guest will be Bethlehem Kebede, a dedicated lead therapist. Visit jakukonbit.com or scan the QR code in the poster above for details. Jaku Konbit is a registered non-profit community-based organization that assists African and Caribbean individuals, families, and anyone seeking to engage in economic and civic pursuits in Canadian society.
Victoria Day schedule changes - May 18
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for the Victoria Day holiday on Monday, May 18. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
NCC Weekend Bikedays
From now until October 12, the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and a section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be reserved for active use on weekends. The NCC welcomes residents and visitors alike to enjoy these scenic corridors for cycling, walking and rolling throughout the summer months. By providing car-free access, these parkways make it easier than ever to explore the region’s iconic waterways. In 2026, NCC Weekend Bikedays will run from May 9 to October 12, on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays. Click here for the schedule and routes.
A vibrant celebration of Celtic and Canadian music and dance, featuring artists from across the Ottawa Valley. Experience the stirring sights and sounds of bagpipes, drums, highland dancers, bugles, fiddles, Métis jiggers and Celtic folk music as this unforgettable performance explores the deep musical roots of Canada. Presented by the world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes, Drums and Dancers, this dynamic production brings together exceptional talent, including the Lyons Sisters Métis Jiggers, the MacLeod Fiddlers, the Governor General’s Foot Guards Brass Ensemble, Shabraque-Celtic and the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the National Capital Region. Performances take place May 16 at 3 pm and 7 pm. For tickets, please visit shenkmanarts.ca/en/tartan-red-serge-rcmp
An Historic Ottawa Moment - Support Roy Allen during Ottawa Race Weekend - May 23
Ottawa resident, Roy Allen, is 100 years old. On May 23, he’s about to do something no Canadian his age has ever done before: walk a 5K in an official race at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Roy’s walk celebrates active, healthy aging and raises funds in support of local Ottawa seniors’ organizations. Learn more or support Roy here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/roy-100-for-seniors
Free “Try Artistic Swimming” Sessions - May 26
Register for the 2026 AccessAbility Day Event - May 29 - Register by May 22
Please register for the City of Ottawa’s 23rd annual AccessAbility Day event, held each year as part of National AccessAbility Week. This event will be in-person at Ottawa’s City Hall. The morning event will be livestreamed via the City’s YouTube channel. As part of AccessAbility Day 2026, the City is proud to be partnering with Wheelchair Basketball Canada in anticipation of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which will be hosted in Ottawa this fall. In recognition of this partnership, the theme of this year’s AccessAbility Day is Game Changers: Accessible Sport in Action.
Date: Friday, May 29
Residents are invited to Para Transpo Talk on May 29. Para Transpo Talk is a series of customer events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you take Para Transpo. Para Transpo Talk will participate in the City of Ottawa’s AccessAbility Day on May 29. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Emergency Services Updates
Safer roads start with all of us
As warmer weather returns and more people take to Ottawa’s roads, pathways, and neighbourhoods, the Ottawa Police Service is reminding all road users that safety is a shared responsibility. Warmer months often bring an increase in high-risk driving behaviours, including speeding, stunt driving, and distracted driving. These behaviours put everyone at risk and continue to be a key focus for enforcement and education efforts across the city. At the same time, there is a noticeable rise in vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and those using mobility devices, as well as seasonal transportation options like e-scooters. All road users have a role to play in keeping each other safe.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to share the road. This includes giving at least one metre of space when passing cyclists and e-scooter users, and remaining attentive in areas with increased pedestrian activity. E-scooter riders are expected to follow the same rules of the road as cyclists by riding in bike lanes or on the road where permitted, not on sidewalks, and avoiding distracted or impaired riding. Wearing a helmet and using proper lighting and safety equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
The Ottawa Police Service will continue targeted enforcement and education initiatives throughout the summer, focusing on high-risk behaviours and areas of concern. Residents are encouraged to do their part by driving safely, staying aware, and reporting dangerous driving when it occurs.
Location: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 8 am to 3 pm