May 22, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
This afternoon, I was delighted to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, members of the Rockcliffe Park community, donors, volunteers, project supporters, and residents in Village Green Park for the official groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the Centennial Garden revitalization project.
The event brought together many of the individuals and organizations who have spent years helping move this important community initiative forward, including the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, the Rockcliffe Park Foundation, the Centennial Garden Revitalization Committee and Working Group, community donors, volunteers, and City staff.
The revitalization of the Centennial Garden has been a community vision and priority for well over a decade. Throughout that time, local residents and community organizations have continued to advocate for the restoration and enhancement of this important public space, helping shape the project through ongoing collaboration, fundraising, volunteerism, and community leadership.
There was a tremendous sense of pride and excitement throughout the afternoon as residents gathered to celebrate the next chapter for one of Rockcliffe Park’s most recognized and meaningful public spaces. Originally designed by renowned landscape architect and Rockcliffe Park resident Humphrey Carver to commemorate Canada’s centennial in 1967, the Centennial Garden has long served as both a landmark and gathering place within the village.
Today, the garden and surrounding park continue to be valued by residents of all ages, visitors from beyond the neighbourhood, nearby schools, and community organizations. The space also supports programming through the Rockcliffe Park branch of the Ottawa Public Library, reinforcing its role as an important place for gathering, learning, and community connection.
The revitalization project will introduce a number of new features intended to preserve and enhance the garden’s unique character while improving accessibility and usability for future generations. Planned improvements include new benches, accessible pathways, river stone and granite finishes, and mixed native plantings that will contribute to the beauty and ecological character of the site.
One especially meaningful addition to the garden will be a third boulder representing Nunavut. Over time, the garden’s original two boulders came to symbolize Canada’s first two territories, and the addition of a third boulder at the heart of the garden reflects Canada’s evolving story since the space was first created nearly sixty years ago.
This year’s groundbreaking carries additional significance as the Village of Rockcliffe Park celebrates its 100th anniversary. It was wonderful to see so many residents and community leaders come together to celebrate not only the beginning of construction, but also the enduring importance of public spaces that bring communities together.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this project possible. The Centennial Garden revitalization is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through collaboration, volunteerism, generosity, and a shared commitment to community-building.
I look forward to seeing the revitalized Centennial Garden continue to serve as a welcoming and beautiful gathering space for generations to come.
As Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, I work closely with local communities on park and facility investments and improvements to help ensure projects reflect community priorities and align with broader City park and facility upgrades and lifecycle renewal work planned within our communities. Many of these projects are community-initiated and guided through ongoing engagement and consultation regarding where and how investments take place, helping create meaningful opportunities for participatory democracy. Community input is central to this work, and the vision, feedback, and advocacy of residents and community groups continue to directly shape public spaces and community facilities across our ward.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
It was wonderful to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, residents, volunteers, donors, and community leaders in Village Green Park today to mark the beginning of construction on the Centennial Garden revitalization project. This long-envisioned initiative reflects years of community leadership, collaboration, and commitment to preserving and enhancing one of Rockcliffe Park’s most valued public spaces.
I was honoured to provide remarks during the official launch of the "It's a Trap!" Anti-Oppression and Gang Awareness Program expansion at the Vanier Community Services Centre today. The launch marks a significant milestone for North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada as the organization continues its work strengthening youth crime prevention efforts and community partnerships across Ottawa.
I was pleased to attend a charity spring sale in Rockcliffe Park this week. Funds raised will support the Community Food Bank at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Casagugu Foundation for young artists.
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa and amazing local chefs for hosting an exceptional event this week in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park to support Nutrition Blocks, an amazing organization that supports school-aged children facing food insecurity in Ottawa!
It was wonderful to join my colleagues Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard, Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante at the EBO Financial Education Centre Annual General Meeting this week where they received an Ontario Trillium Grant!
It was lovely to attend Boishakhi Mela celebrations last weekend to recognize the Bengali New Year with Ottawa’s Bangladeshi community!
It was lovely to join the Norwegian Ambassador to Canada Her Excellency Hanna Ulrichsen and the Canadian Nordic Society for Norway Constitution Day celebrations in New Edinburgh Park on May 17.
Congratulations to Chris Penton and his team at Ottawa Street Markets who celebrated the fourth anniversary of The Farm Store in Manor Park last weekend!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
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. The Grand Entry begins at noon each day. The Sacred Fire Lighting Ceremony begins at 8 am on Saturday. All are welcome. Please arrive for the lighting by 7:45 am. For details, please visit Facebook.
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.
Community Coffee Day - May 29
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and incubator13 host their next Community Coffee Day on May 29, from 2 to 3 pm, at The Rideau Community Hub in Room 124 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Everyone welcome.
- Receiving food donations
- Sorting and dividing food
- Organizing and storing food
- Supporting Food Bank service days
- Can commit to a reliable weekly shift of approximately 4 hours (or more if interested)
- Are dependable and comfortable working as part of a team
- Are able to remain on their feet throughout the shift (with breaks, of course)
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.
Wateridge Village Community Garage Sale - May 30
The Wateridge Village Community Association hosts a Community Garage Sale on May 30 from 9 am to 12 pm throughout the village, rain or shine. Registrations are still being accepted. For details and to participate, please visit wateridgeassociation.ca/garagesale.
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
Beechwood Market season opening - June 6
Ottawa Street Markets launches the return of its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue on June 6. The market continues every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Manor Park Community Garage Sale - June 6
The Manor Park Community Garage Sale takes place throughout the Manor Park neighbourhood on June 6 from 8 am to 12 pm. The Manor Park Community Council encourages everyone to participate, whether it be on their driveways, lawn, curb, or by setting up on the MPCC Community Centre lawn at 100 Thornwood Road for a small fee. For details and to register, please visit this link.
Vanier Vélo Fest - June 6
Vanier Vélo Fest takes place on June 6 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Vanier HUB, 270 Marier Avenue, featuring a bicycle safety rodeo, music, face painting, activities and a barbecue from 11:30 am to 1 pm, plus giveaways. Free helmets will be available for children aged 4 to 13, from 10 am to 12 pm, first come first served. Rain date is June 13.
Public Works Big Wheels Expo - June 7
Public Works Big Wheels Expo is pumping the tires and getting ready to roll into The Ottawa Stadium, home of the Ottawa Titans, on Sunday, June 7, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm! You can expect to see a garbage truck, a snowplow, a road painting truck, a sidewalk sweeper, a bucket truck and much more. Whether you’re a kid, a truck enthusiast or just a kid at heart, this event is sure to be a hit. Admission is free! So come on down to the Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road. The Ottawa Titans are not playing at home that weekend, but starting at 10:30 am, 100 people will receive free Ottawa Titans Baseball tickets for their game on Tuesday, June 9. This inclusive, family-friendly Big Wheels Expo welcomes all ages and features a dedicated sensory-friendly period from 9 to 9:30 am for those who benefit from lighter crowds. We encourage other visitors to arrive after this time to help ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
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.
New Edinburgh Bottle Drive - June 13 & every second Saturday of each month
Residency: Vanier Artist-in-Residence request for qualifications - deadline is June 26
Are you a professional artist or artist team looking to make a permanent impact? The City of Ottawa invites professional artists or artist teams to submit interest and qualifications for the opportunity to be Vanier’s artist in residence. This community-led initiative is designed to foster meaningful engagement and dialogue with the Vanier community, and the insights gained will inform the creation of a final legacy artwork(s). Deadline: June 26, 2026, 11:59 pm For more information, please visit the Request for Qualifications webpage.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
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.
Crack sealing - Cummings Avenue - spring or early summer
Why: The City of Ottawa will be crack sealing roads as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's roadway network lifecycle.
When: This work is expected to start this spring or early summer. Notification will be distributed prior to the start of construction in the Cummings neighbourhood. Work will take place during the day, evening and night and will involve minor lane interruptions. Weekend work is anticipated for all locations (work will take place at multiple sites across the city) and traffic interruptions may also be experienced due to flagging operations.
Who: The City of Ottawa is in the process of retaining a contractor, to complete the work.
Traffic management: To accommodate the proposed construction, various lane reductions, alternating traffic and/or detours can be expected. Access to local businesses and private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.
Hydro Ottawa pole renewal on McArthur Avenue and De l'Église St - June 1 to Dec. 18
Hydro Ottawa pole renewal on Donald Street and Quill Street - June 22 to July 3
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Traffic and transit impacts for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend - May 23 and 24
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is running through downtown this weekend, from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24. The running event starts and ends at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and involves intermittent lane reductions and closures on Saturday, from as early as 11 am until 9 pm, and on Sunday, from as early as 5 am until 2 pm. O-Train Lines 1 and 2 will start at 5 am on Sunday, May 24 to make it easier for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend runners, volunteers and spectators to get to the downtown core in advance of the marathon. Some OC Transpo bus services will be affected by road closures and event activities. For the complete list of traffic and transit impacts, please visit ottawa.ca.
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
Several City of Ottawa cultural funding programs have fast-approaching deadlines!
- Creation and Production Fund for Artists: May 27
- Capacity Building Program: June 3
- Cultural Facilities Fund - Minor: June 17
- Cultural Facilities Fund - Major: June 17
If you have questions about these programs or would like support with the application process, especially if you are applying for the first time, we encourage you to join a drop-in information session or contact [email protected]. The cultural funding team hosts weekly virtual office hours every Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. These informal, bilingual sessions take place on Microsoft Teams and are open to anyone seeking guidance on cultural funding programs or the online funding portal. You can join using the meeting links found on Information Sessions, or dial 613‑319‑1080 and enter Conference ID 214 581 576.
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.
Hidden Treasures – Giveaway Weekend Returns to Ottawa - Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31
The City is bringing back Giveaway Weekend on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. On these days, residents can place unwanted but usable household goods at the curb for others to take for free. Clearly label items with a “FREE” sign or sticker or use the City's multi-lingual “FREE” poster. Details: ottawa.ca/Giveaway
Get active and celebrate Ottawa 200 - June 6 & 7
Participate in an active celebration of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary by trying various free sporting activities on the weekend of Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. Sports 200 is a city-wide, two-day event hosted in partnership between the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Sport Council. Starting today, residents and their families can visit ottawa.ca/sports200 to view the complete listing of free sporting and recreation activities. Residents will be able to reserve a spot for one or more activities. The event is the same weekend as Doors Open Ottawa so it’s the perfect time to get out, explore your city and have some fun. Visit ottawa.ca/sports200 for full details and reservations. Visit ottawa200.ca to learn more about what’s happening in Ottawa’s big year.
Door Open Ottawa - June 6 & 7
The City of Ottawa is proud to present Doors Open Ottawa, a free annual architectural event that celebrates our community’s built heritage. On June 6 and 7, join the City of Ottawa for the 24th anniversary celebration of Doors Open Ottawa, and pay homage to our city’s history, culture, and stunning architecture! It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect way to discover how Canada’s Capital has become the beautiful city it is today. And don't forget…you can follow and share your #DoorsOpenOttawa experience on Facebook! For disability-related accommodations required to participate fully in this event, please contact us at [email protected] or call 3-1-1.
We want your thoughts: Ottawa Stops Hate Together campaign - info sessions June 16 & 17
The Equity Team is inviting the community to learn more and help shape the Ottawa Stops Hate Together initiative. Two engagement sessions will be held this summer:
- June 16, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 8J8)
- June 17, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:15 pm online through Microsoft Teams
Both sessions are free, open to everyone and accessible. To learn more and to register for this engagement, please visit Engage.Ottawa.ca
Emergency Services Updates
Location: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 8 am to 3 pm