May 24, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Drop-in information series - Employment Rights - May 25
Discover essential topics related to employment and workplace rights in our May session! Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network will be hosting an engaging and informative session aimed at providing valuable insight and strategies for navigating various workplace challenges with confidence and empowerment. The session takes place May 25 from 11 am to 1 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Suite 220. This series is for Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour as well as newcomers who identify as part of the BIPOC community. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/fAeYeUbsvzJ7mktM7 Francophone participants are welcome. Whether you're an employee, employer, or simply interested in learning more about workplace rights and responsibilities, this session is tailored to meet your needs. Our guest speaker this month is Ludmilla Jarda, a licensed bilingual lawyer and CWCLN's Legal Affairs Board of Director. With her extensive experience as an adjudicator and litigator, Ludmilla has advised on various legal matters, including employment law, personal injury, and civil litigation. She has handled a wide range of claims, including wrongful dismissal, human rights issues, and negotiated employment contracts.
Odawa 45th annual traditional Powwow - May 25
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend road closures and volunteer opportunities - May 25 and 26
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will include the Ottawa Kids Marathon, as well as 2K, 5K and 10K races on Saturday, May 25. The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon and the Ottawa Half Marathon take place on Sunday, May 26.
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- St. Patrick St. between Parent Ave. and Sussex Dr. 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
- Sussex Drive between Rideau St. and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
- George Étienne Cartier Parkway between Princess Ave. and Aviation Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
- Princess Ave. between Sussex Drive and Lisgar Road 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
- Lisgar Road between Princess Ave. and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
- Sandridge Rd. between Birch Ave. and Hillsdale Rd. 6:45 am – 12:30 pm
- Hillsdale Rd. 6:45 am – 12:30 pm
- Cloverdale Rd. 6:45 am – 12:30 pm
- Mariposa Ave. between Cloverdale Rd. and Acacia Ave. 6:45 am – 12:30 pm
- Acacia Ave. between Mariposa and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:45 am – 12:30 pm
⚠️Please be advised due to route changes for Ottawa Race Weekend, Special Event - No Stopping Zones will also be in effect in areas of Rideau-Rockcliffe, including streets such as Lisgar, Mariposa, Princess, Cloverdale and Acacia.
For details about the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon on Sunday, May 26, including the updated road closure schedule, visit this link.
The race route will be closing the morning of May 26 between 6 and 7 am. If you need to cross the route on race morning, please consider approaching one of the intersections staffed by police. Although there may be some delays once the runners are on the course, the police will try their best to get cars across as soon as possible. During the heaviest runner traffic (8:30 to 11:30 am), vehicles will not be able to cross the route. Emergency vehicles will have access as required. if you must drive during the heaviest runner traffic, it is suggested that you park your vehicle outside the route the night before and walk across the route in the morning. Neighbourhood roads will reopen after the last runners have cleared the section and water stations are removed.
Viewing areas & Hydration & Cheer Stations - volunteers welcome - May 26
- Move 100 will be stationed at the 25K mark on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Station 15
- Core Power with Brazilian Drumming Jam will be at the 35K mark on Lisgar near the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Station 16
- Manor Park: The Manor Park Community Council is organizing a hydration station during the marathon on May 26, from 6 am to 1 pm, at Birch Avenue and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Each year, it takes more than 50 volunteers to fill and serve 20,000 cups of water or electrolyte replacement. And – it’s fun! Perfect for teens, adults or families! Need high school volunteer hours? You can sign up early to volunteer: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/manor-park-community-council/shop/activities/5155876 Station 17
- Sons of Scotland Pipe Band will be stationed at the 30K mark on the parkway near Aviation Parkway. Station 18.
- Jank Brass Band will be performing on Sandridge where it meets Hillsdale. Station 19
- Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club will be at Hillsdale and Cloverdale. Station 20
- Rockcliffe Park: Everyone is welcome to come cheer on the marathon participants at the Rockcliffe Park Foundation's "Colour Me Rockcliffe" cheer station on May 26, from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm, at 1198 Lisgar Road. Make your attire bedazzle, be colourful, be whimsical, be magical! This is a wonderful opportunity for neighbours and local residents to come together and have fun cheering on participants. Station 21
Beechwood Cemetery events May 26
The Beechwood Stroll (West half) - May 26 starting at 1 pm. www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/events/beechwood-stroll-26-may-2024-west-half
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - May 29
The Rockcliffe Park Residents Association continues with its engaging Speaker Series on May 29 at 8 pm. Sean Silcoff, award-winning business journalist and author of The Spectacular Rise and Fall of BlackBerry, will speak on the book he co-authored and which inspired the motion picture BlackBerry. It is the riveting, never-before-told story of one of the most spectacular technological upsets of the 21st century. The Speaker Night takes place at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall at 380 Springfield Road. For details, please click here.
Community Coffee Day - May 31 and June 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, in partnership with incubator13, hosts a Community Coffee Day the last Friday of each month from January to June at The Rideau Community Hub, located at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in Room 124. Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and more. The next coffee days are May 31 and June 28, from 2 to 3 pm. For details, please visit www.crcrr.org.
Beechwood Market in New Edinburgh Park - June 1
Enjoy a farmers' market closer to home, right in the heart of New Edinburgh. The opening date of the Beechwood Market in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, is June 1, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca. The market will continue until Oct. 26.
Manor Park Garage Sale - June 1
New Edinburgh Concerts - June 1
The Crichton Community Council proudly presents two Jeremy Fisher concerts at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse on Saturday, June 1.
- Afternoon Youth Oriented Concert: Doors open at 2 pm. Music at 3 pm. Tickets are available for $25 from: Eventbrite (Jeremy-Fisher-afternoon.eventbrite.ca)
- Evening Adult Oriented Concert: Doors open at 7 pm. Music at 8 pm. Tickets are available for $35 from: Eventbrite (Jeremy-Fisher-evening.eventbrite.ca)
Doors Open Ottawa - Rideau-Rockcliffe locations - June 1 & 2
The City of Ottawa is proud to present Doors Open Ottawa on June 1 and 2, a free annual architectural event that celebrates our community’s built heritage. Over 80 buildings will be offering in-person or virtual tours behind-the-doors, including returning favourites like the Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa Jail Hostel and School of the Photographic Arts Ottawa: Photographic Arts Centre. Several buildings are also opening their doors to the public for the first time, including Chaudière Falls and the cancer research lab at The Ottawa Hospital. This year, explore the theme “Music in our Nation’s Capital” with live performances, talks, music history lessons and more at many of these buildings. In partnership with Ottawa Chamberfest, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this season, Doors Open Ottawa will be organizing unique, engaging and free pop-up concerts as part of the music theme. Visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen to see the full list of participating buildings, schedule of music activities, and download the printable guide.
In and near Rideau-Rockcliffe:- French Embassy in Canada, 42 Sussex Drive, June 1 from 9 am to 5 pm ***Registration will open Tuesday, May 28 at 9 am.
- Church of St. Bartholomew, 125 MacKay Street, June 1 from 10 am to 4 pm
- Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, June 1 and 2, 10 am to 4 pm
- Vanier Museopark, 320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue, June 1 and 2, 10 am to 4 pm
- 1805 Gaspe, June 2, 10 am to 4 pm
- Canada Council Art Bank, 921 St. Laurent Boulevard, June 1, 10 am to 4 pm
- AMBICO, 1120 Cummings Avenue, June 1, 10 am to 4 pm
- Public Works Big Wheel Expo, Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road, June 2, 9 am to 2 pm
Big Wheels Expo - June 2
The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is set to roll into The Ottawa Stadium – home of the Ottawa Titans – (300 Coventry Road) on Sunday, June 2, from 9:30 am to 2 pm. This inclusive event welcomes all ages and offers a dedicated sensory friendly period (for those who benefit from lighter crowds) from 9 am to 9:30 am. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various trucks and equipment utilized by public works professionals, offering both educational insights and hands-on excitement. This is a great opportunity for young people interested in pursuing a career in Public Works to speak with both HR staff and operators. Best of all, admission is free! Public Works and Infrastructure and Water Services teams will be on-hand, sharing our everyday operations, connecting with the communities we serve and promoting the rewards of a future in public works. In addition, starting at noon, event-goers will have a chance to secure free tickets to one of the most family-friendly games in town – that afternoon’s Ottawa Titans baseball game against the Windy City ThunderBolts at 1 pm! For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Burning Passions Theatre takes the stage at the Rideau Community Hub - June 3-5
Burning Passions Theatre presents a new play, A Circle of Care, written by Laurel Smith, in collaboration with the Seniors Sharing Stories theatre troupe. In partnership with the CRC Rideau-Rockcliffe CRC, this project is a seniors-led theatre in the community training project, illuminating the stories of Senior members of our society, their challenges, struggles, joys and inspiration. Performances are June 3 and 5 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard in the second floor drama room. Tickets are pay what you can (minimum suggestion is $10 per person) and are available at the door half an hour before each performance. For details, please visit bptheatre.ca/playing_upcoming.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan - Comments welcome until June 6
In December 2021, the NCC started planning the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park, a 13-kilometre stretch of federal land along the Ottawa River east of downtown Ottawa. The goals of the plan are to:
- promote and protect a healthy natural environment
- foster safe and continuous access to the park and the river
- celebrate the heritage, culture and diversity of the riverfront corridor
- create and promote diverse, balanced and engaging park experiences
To date, two rounds of public and interested party engagement have helped shape the vision and concepts that frame the plan’s recommendations. The NCC now invites the public to comment on the final draft of the plan before June 6 at PlaceSpeak. For more information on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan, or to see the NCC's previous public consultation reports, please visit the NCC website.
Morin Street resurfacing - beginning June 13
As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, road resurfacing will occur along Morin Street to improve this roadway and the overall citywide transportation network.
Why: The City of Ottawa will be resurfacing roads as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's roadway network lifecycle.
When: This work is scheduled to start in early June 2024 and completion is anticipated by fall 2024. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Morin Street will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected.
Where: Work will occur along Morin Street from Côté Street to St. Laurent Boulevard.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Limited, to resurface Morin Street.
Youth Photography Opening Night - June 13
Nominations now accepted for VOscars Volunteer Awards - until June 14
Is there an individual or organization in your community who deserves a big pat on the back for making Ottawa a happier, healthier, more caring city? Recognize their volunteer contributions by nominating them for one of Volunteer Ottawa’s seven VOscars Volunteer Awards. Online submission forms are now available on the Volunteer Ottawa website and will be open until June 14. For details, please visit https://volunteerottawa.ca/events/voscars-awards.
Hydro Pole Replacement - Foxview Place - starting June 17
My office has been advised that Hydro Ottawa will be conducting work in the City's right-of-way along Donald Street between Brant Street and Telford Avenue from May 15 to June 30. The project involves hydro pole work and open trenching.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Emerging Community Need Funding Opportunity - Applications now being accepted
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- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
- Funding available: $300,000
- As part of the City’s commitment to the Anti-Racism Strategy, a minimum of $100,000 of the available funding will be allocated to Black-led initiatives. These initiatives will provide programs and services for Black youth.
- Applicants can apply for a maximum of $30,000 per application.
- This funding is available until the budget is finished.
The Right-of-way (ROW) is a City-owned portion of land that extends from the edge of the road and onto every property. Typically, it extends to the water shut off. You can learn more on ottawa.ca or use the geoOttawa program to help measure the City’s ROW on your property. No permit is required for residential gardening in the ROW. Here are some things to remember if you want to install a garden the right way:
- There is a list of plants that are not permitted in the ROW
- Only soft landscaping and hand-digging gardens are allowed.
- The garden must not interfere with the sidewalk.
- The maximum plant height is 1.0 metres and 0.75 metres for corner lots.
- Hard landscaping materials such as pavers, riverstone, gravel and planter boxes are not allowed.
- Consumables including vegetables, fruit, herbs, nuts and seeds are not allowed.
- You cannot garden within a ditch.
Gardeners are asked to avoid planting invasive species in their gardens, particularly near natural areas. Noxious weeds are invasive species which are quick to reproduce and spread and can often out-compete other species. Wild Parsnip, Poison Ivy, and Giant Hogweed are commonly found in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, woodlots, and in some cases, on rural and residential property. If you decide to take measures to control these plants, regardless of the method used, wear protective clothing and goggles to cover exposed skin and protect your eyes. For more information on how to dispose of invasive species, please go to Waste Explorer | City of Ottawa.
Are you looking for a rewarding career in public transit that offers excellent benefits, a comprehensive pension plan and career growth opportunities? If so, join us for OC Transpo’s Transit Job Fair on Saturday, May 25 at the Greenboro Station Park & Ride from 10 am to 2 pm. This is an all-day, rain or shine, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss! OC Transpo staff will be available to provide information about the application process and answer any questions. Learn from current employees who will speak about what they do and why they love working at OC Transpo. This year, OC Transpo is looking to hire bus operators, licensed mechanics and apprentices, special constables, garage supervisors and more. Check out our jobs page for more details and to apply.
Black Canadian Scholarship Fund - Apply before May 31
The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 to encourage academic excellence and promote community leadership by providing annual scholarships to outstanding young black students in Ottawa. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. Download the application form. For more information, please visit bcsf.ca.
Special Event Bylaws - Survey closes May 31
The City has launched its third survey related to the Review of Special Event By-laws. This survey addresses solid waste reduction and environmental protection. The survey is available here until May 31. The first survey for special events, held during March, asked general questions about special events and demonstrations, to gauge public opinion about how well the City manages these events. The second survey, which just concluded, asked specific questions about accessibility, safety and inclusivity at special events. Resident input is important to the City’s by-law review process. We invite you to complete this survey on special events and the environment, and to follow this project to keep informed of future surveys and to review survey data and analysis as it becomes available.
Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards - until May 31
Do you know someone or an organization who has been a local champion for cycling in our city? The City of Ottawa is once again accepting nominations for the Bruce Timmermans cycling awards! Two awards will be presented in June to recognize outstanding contributions to cycling in Ottawa. EnviroCentre is coordinating the 2024 awards. All nominations are treated as confidential and the deadline for submissions is May 31. Nominate an individual or organization you believe deserves recognition! More information about the Bruce Timmermans awards and a list of past winners can be found on the City’s website.
Let's Bike Month - Starting June 1
June is EnviroCentre’s Let’s Bike Month! With the support of EnviroCentre's core partner, the City of Ottawa, along with other great community organizations and businesses, they are working toward getting more people to ride their bikes! Whether it’s for commuting, running errands, training or just for fun, you can track your rides and see the impact a bike ride can have on our planet. Sign up as an individual or start a team to encourage your community to join in! Log your bike rides and see the impact YOU make by choosing to bike! Join one of their free workshops or events! They will be celebrating all kilometres pedalled and emissions averted at their new community celebration event – Bikes and Bites, June 26, 5 to 8 pm, at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park.
Greg MacPherson will begin his approximately 600km journey in Niagara Fall on May 19, 2024 and will arrive in Stittsville on May 31, 2024. The following day, June 1, he will complete his walk to Major’s Hill Park in downtown Ottawa, alongside his family and anyone who would like to join him. This walk is to bring awareness to the stigma surrounding the mental health and toxic drug crisis and to bring communities together in the fight. Visit otr4mentalhealth.com/finish-line for details about the Ottawa portion of the route and to join them along the way. The walk will be in support of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa.
Ottawa Food Bank fundraising concert and silent art auction - June 2
Mark Evenchick and Melissa Hucul are releasing their new album “This Is My Story” as a Food Bank fundraiser on Sunday, June 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Avenue. Tickets are $25 each . Children under 15 accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Additional information and a link to ticket sales can be found at: www.ottawafoodbank.ca/event/evenchick-hucul-present-their-new-album
Two events: Cargo Bike Show and Tell & Community Screening of Movie at the Mayfair - June 9
On Sunday, June 9 at 11:30 am, For Our Kids Ottawa-Gatineau is hosting a showing of the award-winning film MOTHERLOAD at the Mayfair Theatre. This film captures a new mother’s quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of modern life, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote. The event is a fundraiser for the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation Hop On Bikes program. Tickets are by donation – suggested $10 per person, $5 for students / youth. Special thanks to John Gomes of Royal Lepage Realty, Vélofix, Physio Bike Fitter, Let’s Go Cargo, School Streets Ottawa and Bike Ottawa! Prior to the film, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, drop by the Hopewell Avenue Public School bike racks to check out a wide variety of cargo bikes and chat with their owners about what works for them to make family transportation by bike easy and fun. Learn more: www.forourkids.ca/MOTHERLOAD Visit Eventbrite for tickets.
Global Call for Submissions for the 2025 Global Pluralism Award - Until June 9
Presented every two years, the Global Centre for Pluralism’s flagship Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected. Individuals, private sector actors, academics, civil society and government bodies from around the world are all eligible for the Award. Three Award winners will be selected by an independent, international jury of experts. Each recipient will receive a prize of $50,000 CAD to further their work in support of pluralism. The Award will be presented in the Fall of 2025. Candidate submissions and third-party nominations for the Global Pluralism Award are now open and will be accepted until June 9 via: award.pluralism.ca
Shelter Movers Ottawa - Volunteer, Donate, Seek Assistance, Learn More
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. We collaborate with local businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life free of violence. Established in 2016, Shelter Movers is the only service of its kind in Canada. The Ottawa Chapter was started in October 2017. Moving an average of 17 families per month. Powered by 221 volunteers in Ottawa, and hundreds more across Greater Toronto, Greater Moncton, Montréal, Nova Scotia, Southwestern Ontario, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Beyond moving and storage, we coordinate security personnel, language interpreters and pet fostering services to meet our clients’ needs, all at no cost. They offer three types of moves: urgent exit, escorted move and resettlement move. If you would like to donate in support of this organization and the important work they are doing or to learn more and to volunteer, please visit www.sheltermovers.com/ottawa.
Launch of Community Engagement Survey on Lansdowne 2.0 - Open until June 13
The City has launched a Community Engagement Survey to gather feedback on community consultations related to Lansdowne 2.0. This initiative aims to identify any issues and seek suggestions for improving community consultations on major City projects moving forward. The survey is now live on Engage Ottawa and can be accessed here: https://engage.ottawa.ca/embeds/projects/25667/survey-tools/47053 It will remain open until June 13. Following the closure of the survey, staff will compile the results and report back to Council.
Emergency Services News
Ottawa Fire Services Hiring - Apply by May 26
Apply for an Ottawa Career Firefighter position. Applications are being accepted until May 26, 2024. For more details, please visit jobs-emplois.ottawa.ca/city-jobs.
Fire Service Career Advancement Seminar - May 28
The Allied Firefighters of Canada host a Fire Service Career Advancement Seminar on May 28 from 7 to 9:30 pm on Zoom. Admission is free. Register for the Zoom link by clicking here. Learn how to get into the fire service, about diversity, equity and inclusion and career advancement strategies, tactics and training tips, plus networking. Visit afcapc.com for details.
Survey on the use of in-car cameras - Open until June 3
The Ottawa Police Service is launching a new public survey to seek feedback on the introduction of in-car camera pilot project. The OPS is conducting in-person consultations, but residents are encouraged to complete this short survey to offer their feedback at ottawapolice.ca/video. The survey will close on June 3, 2024. Once we have collected feedback, OPS will launch an initial pilot project to ensure the devices function as expected and identify any issues prior to expanding it Service-wide. This is part of the modernization of our Service with the introduction of our new Digital Evidence Information Management System (DEIMS). DEIMS is part of a program launched by the Solicitor General of Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General’s office to help create common resources for all police services across the province. Vehicles equipped with in-car cameras will also use wireless mics to capture audio when an officer exits the vehicle. Wireless mics are paired to the in-car camera and have a range of 1,000 feet (300 m). When recording, a red flashing light will be visible, as well, every two minutes the wireless mic will beep. Officers will attach the wireless mics to their vest (chest) utilizing a RapidLock mount. The OPS currently operates five vehicles with a three-external mounted camera ALPR system, that solely uses ALPR technology. More information about in-car cameras and ALPRs can be found at ottawapolice.ca/video. We want to thank residents for helping to provide feedback on the launch of our pilot project. If you have questions, you can email [email protected].
New Use of Force Review Panel - Call for Applications - Until June 10
The Ottawa Police Service Community Equity Council (CEC) is looking for community members to join the new Use of Force Review Panel. Applications are due by Monday, June 10, 2024. The Use of Force Review Panel will review Use of Force case files and make specific recommendations on service delivery improvements to address systemic issues (for the police service and possibly other service providers). The Panel will also have a role, with the Community Equity Council, in the annual Use of Force data analysis, recommendations, reporting, and action planning. The Panel has its own Terms of Reference and members of the panel will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and do a background check after being interviewed. People selected for the panel will be compensated for their work with the Panel. Learn more at ottawapolice.ca.
Ottawa Police Diversity Celebration - June 27 - Groups welcome to book a table!
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is thrilled to announce its annual Diversity Celebration on June 27, 2024, from 4 to 6 pm at 474 Elgin Street (Front entrance). This event aligns with Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Welcoming Ottawa Week, highlighting the rich tapestry of diversity in our city. Join OPS in honoring the multitude of cultures that contribute to our vibrant community, featuring music, cuisine, and entertainment generously provided by our diverse communities. We warmly invite all our community partners and media to participate in this celebration. Come and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, paying homage to Ottawa's multicultural community. If you would like to showcase your culture with a display table, kindly click the link below to secure your spot. Space is limited, so act swiftly. Click here to register for a table.