May 29, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
Last week on May 22, I had the honour of joining North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada for the launch of "It's A Trap," a community-led crime prevention program designed to protect our young people from the realities of gang recruitment, drug involvement, and online exploitation. This initiative represents exactly the kind of grassroots leadership that our community needs, and I am proud to support it.
"It's A Trap" is built on a simple but powerful premise: that young people who understand the true consequences of the criminal life cycle are better equipped to make safer choices. The program connects at-risk youth with community advocates and mentors who bring lived experience with the justice system, offering honest, unvarnished insight into where those paths truly lead.
This trauma-informed approach, grounded in neuroscience and real-life mentorship, addresses the root causes of youth vulnerability rather than simply reacting to its symptoms. For a long period of time, the program was initially based at the Rideau Community Hub in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, serving as a vital anchor for youth outreach in our community.
As your Councillor, crime prevention has been a central focus of my work. I have long believed that mentorship is one of our most powerful tools in this effort. In my remarks at the launch event last week, I noted that: "Peer pressure is real, and when the loudest voices in a young person's life are pulling them toward risk, the presence of a trusted mentor can make all the difference. Mentors do not just offer advice; they offer an alternative vision of what is possible." Programs like "It's A Trap" formalize that relationship and give it the structure and reach it deserves.
The program recently secured $162,300 in provincial funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant, which is being used to expand outreach into local schools, grow digital awareness through the "It's A Trap" podcast, and build infrastructure to support youth facing online exploitation. This investment is a recognition of what North-South Development has built and a signal that this work can grow.
"It's A Trap" stands alongside other outstanding, Black-led crime prevention initiatives in Ottawa, including the Jaku Konbit Black Justice Navigation Program, as proof that when communities are given the space and resources to design solutions that fit their own needs, the results are transformative. We must continue to invest in and champion this kind of community-generated leadership.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
I attended a public information session at the Overbrook Community Centre this week during which residents had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming expansion of the ANCHOR (Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response) program to Overbrook in June. Thank you to the Overbrook Community Association for attending. ANCHOR provides mental health and/or substance use crisis support and dispatches skilled crisis response workers and, once the expansion launches, will be available by calling 2-1-1.
It was a great honour and privilege to welcome Perparim Rama, Mayor of Kosovo’s capital city Prishtina, to City Hall this week as part of an official visit to Ottawa!
I had a wonderful time at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre PowWow, which was held at the Rideau Community Hub last weekend! A special thank you to Ottawa Public Health for attending!
I had an amazing time participating in a roundtable discussion held by Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier, focused on health for men and boys last weekend as part of the federal Men and Boys’ Health Strategy.
It was fun to join Prime Minister Mark Carney, Joseph Cull and the rest of the neighbourhood to cheer on marathoners in Rockcliffe Park during the 2026 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend!
The community was happy to host Overbrook Bike Day last weekend at the Overbrook Community Centre, which featured a bike rodeo, provision of safety gear, bike maintenance and free bike giveaways! Thank you to the Centre, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health for hosting!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
St. Paul's Park update
Work continues on the installation of fitness equipment at St. Paul's Park in the Overbrook community. As of last week, the sod has been planted and the fitness equipment is expected to be installed within the next couple of weeks.
Financial Literacy Program for Black and Racialized Adults - May 30 to June 27
The African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre, located at 610 Donald Street, hosts a Financial Literacy Program for Black and racialized adults ages 21 and older, starting May 30, from 9 am to 2 pm. The program has been condensed into an engaging five-week course. If you are unable to attend the first session, you are welcome to join the second week. For details, please email [email protected] or call 613-749-9222 or visit this link.
What participants can expect to learn:
- Buying a home and understanding mortgages
- Building and understanding credit
- Navigating the Canadian tax system
- Understanding employment income and expenses
- Planning for long-term financial stability
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.
Wateridge Village Spring Fling - May 30
Canada Lands Company invites Wateridge Village and area residents to enjoy the annual Spring Fling event on Saturday, May 30, from 1 to 3 pm, at Alliance Park. Join your neighbours for an afternoon of live entertainment, activities and fun! Non-perishable food bank items will be collected in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Upcoming tour of Beechwood Cemetery - May 31
The tours of Beechwood Cemetery are led by trained volunteers and focuses on local history and notable features and sections within this National Historic Site. The western tour is scheduled for May 31 at 1 pm. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca/foundation/events
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
Mayor's Canada Day Celebration for Seniors - tickets available starting June 1
The Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors event will take place on Wednesday, July 1, from 8 to 10:30 am in the Overbrook community at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road. Tickets will be available to the public as of 12:00 am EST on Monday, June 1 by calling 613-580-2470 or by emailing [email protected]. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two tickets per person. Tickets are required for entry and to claim door prizes. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available to couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2026. Please email [email protected] to inquire. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
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 ages 4 to 13, from 10 am to 12 pm, first come first served. Rain date is June 13.
Second annual Mixed Soccer and Basketball Tournament - June 7
Teens ages 12 to 14 are welcome to participate in the second annual mixed basketball and soccer tournament on June 7 from 2 pm to 7 pm at Samuel-Genest French Catholic High School, 704 Carson's Road. Scan the QR code in the poster for details and to register. General admission for participants is $20. Admission is free for spectators.
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.
Butterfly Memorial Event - June 7
On Sunday, June 7 at 3 pm, the Ottawa community will come together to experience The Butterfly Memorial Event, by BFO-Ottawa, to remember loved ones. The event begins with a remembrance ceremony in the non-denominational, Sacred Space inside the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. It features music and inspirational speakers. For those who register in advance, their loved one’s photo or name will be displayed on a large screen. After the ceremony, everyone will move outside to share a symbolic release of live painted lady butterflies. For details and tickets, please visit www.canadahelps.org. All proceeds will support BFO's grief support programs.
New Edinburgh Bottle Drive - June 13 & every second Saturday of each month
Spring Gardening Talk - May 24
The Lindenlea Community Association hosts a special presentation by Melanie Ouellette, founder of the Ottawa Wildlflower Seed Library, on May 24, from 1 to 3 pm, at the Lindenlea Community Centre, 15 Rockcliffe Way. Details: www.lindenlea.ca
Wateridge Village Cultural Mosaic Festival - June 20
The Wateridge Village Community Association hosts a Cultural Mosaic Festival on June 20, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Alliance Park. Enjoy music, live performances, activities, shopping and much more.
Flamenco in Lindenlea - June 27
Lindenlea residents are welcome to enjoy a Flamenco dance performance at Lindenlea Park, 33 Rockcliffe Way, on June 27 from 3 to 4 pm. Admission is free. Non-perishable food donations are welcome in support of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Food Bank. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Lindenlea Community Centre, at 15 Rockcliffe Way. Details: www.lindenlea.ca
Saints Peter and Paul Greek Melkite Catholic Church Annual Family Feast - June 24 to 28
Saints Peter and Paul Greek Melkite Catholic Church, located at 1161 North River Road, will hold its annual Family Feast celebration. The event is free and will feature traditional Lebanese music, family-friendly games and a variety of food, treats and refreshments. The Church welcomes all Rideau-Rockcliffe residents and the event is open to all community members in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Free parking and shuttle service will be available. For details, please visit Facebook.
- Wednesday, June 24 - 5 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday, June 25 - 5 pm to 11 pm
- Friday, June 26 - 5 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday, June 27- 4 pm to 11 pm
- Sunday, June 28 - 11 am to 11 pm
RCMP Sunset Ceremonies - June 25 to 28
The RCMP's Canadian Sunset Ceremonies return featuring the Musical Ride in the nation's capital, June 25, 26, 27 and 28, starting at 7 pm each day! This annual event offers Canadians and visitors a chance to see the Musical Ride at its home in Ottawa at the Musical Ride Centre RCMP Rockcliffe Stables, 1 Sandridge Road. Admission is free. Pets are not permitted. Arrive early to get a good spot and check out the RCMP and partner booths and food vendors. Details: rcmp.ca
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 at 11:59 pm For more information, please visit the Request for Qualifications webpage.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Proposed Road Safety Improvements Coming to Ward 13
The City of Ottawa is moving forward with the preliminary design of several traffic calming projects in Ward 13 through the Province's Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF). This funding was provided to municipalities that previously operated Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras and is intended to support permanent road safety improvements at or near former ASE locations. The proposed measures are designed to reduce vehicle speeds, improve driver awareness, and enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users near schools, parks, and community destinations.
Proposed improvements in Ward 13 include:
St. Laurent Boulevard (southbound near Noranda Avenue – Queen Elizabeth Public School)
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
- Upgraded power source for flashing school-zone beacons
Crichton Street – between Beechwood Avenue and Stanley Avenue
- Three sets of speed cushions between Beechwood Avenue and Stanley Avenue
- One set of speed cushions on Vaughan Street between Crichton Street and MacKay Street
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards (subject to approval of additional provincial funding)
Queen Mary Street (westbound near Edith Avenue – Overbrook Park)
- Speed cushions
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
Donald Street (eastbound near Barnaby Private – St. Michael School and Ottawa Technical Secondary School)
- Speed cushions
- Thermoplastic pavement markings and symbols
- Speed display boards
- Upgraded power source for flashing school-zone beacons
As part of this process, Councillor King and his office will continue to work with City staff to ensure these improvements are considered holistically and coordinated with future road renewal and infrastructure projects where possible. The Province requires all RSIF-funded projects to be completed by March 31, 2028.
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
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
CANCER SCREENING: What tests you need, and how to get screened even if you don’t have a family doctor
Cancer screening helps to find cancers earlier when survival is better and treatments are less intensive. In Ontario, there are organized screening programs for four kinds of cancers: cervical, breast, colon and lung. Check out the table to see what screening might be advised for you.
If you have a primary care provider (PCP), they can ensure that your cancer screening is up to date. If you don’t have a PCP, you can access cancer screening through the one-of-a-kind Champlain Screening Outreach program, a collaboration between The Ottawa Hospital and the Champlain Regional Cancer Program. Champlain Screening Outreach’s “Super Screener” Nurse Practitioner Meredith Wilson supports patients throughout the screening process. She performs virtual consults helping individuals understand their eligibility and orders any recommended screening tests. You can book online with the Super Screener at: www.ottawahospital.on.ca, call or scan the QR code in the poster. Let’s get screening!
West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease in Ottawa
Ticks and mosquitoes can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus in Ottawa, especially during the warmer months. Protect yourself and your family by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, checking for ticks after being outdoors, and removing standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding. If you find a tick that may have been attached for more than 24 hours, speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. Learn more: Ottawa Public Health – Insects, Animals and Bites
Celebrate Spring into Spring!
Spring into Spring is an event that encourages students to walk, wheel, or use other fun travel methods on their way to school or around their neighbourhood. By choosing to active travel, children and adults can get to know their communities and neighbourhoods, develop lifelong habits and keep their school zone safe! Enjoy the quality time you get to spend with your family as you travel to school together! Check out this poster for activity ideas to celebrate Spring into Spring.
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
Lemonade Standemonium - June 1 to August 31
This summer, kids, families, businesses, and communities across Ottawa are coming together for a fun and meaningful way to support families affected by cancer — by running lemonade stands between June 1 and August 31! Whether you're hosting your own stand or supporting one in your neighbourhood, you’re helping raise critical funds for the programs and services offered by The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. For more information, to donate to a stand or register a stand, please visit this link.
Let's Bike Month is this June!
This June, join thousands of Ottawa residents by participating in Let’s Bike Month, one of the largest and longest-running cycling campaigns in Canada. Let’s Bike Month will be giving away thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes to participants throughout the month of June, JUST for riding their bike. To be entered into the EnviroCentre's prize draws, you just need to have logged a ride during the month of June.
Pedal Poll - June 2 to 7
Pedal Poll is an annual community-science project engaging hundreds of volunteers across Canada as they count road and path users to evaluate the state of micromobility in our communities, get a “snapshot” of what micromobility looks like in communities across Canada, and build the case for more and better infrastructure. The 2026 poll is taking place over 5 days between June 2 and 7, and registration is now open to pick your spot! Learn more and sign up at velocanadabikes.org/pedalpoll. Data from previous years is also available on the webpage.
Upcoming cultural funding deadlines - June 3 & 17
Several City of Ottawa cultural funding programs have fast-approaching deadlines!
- 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.
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.
O-Train Line 1 capacity returns June 8
Full O-Train Line 1 capacity will return on June 8, 2026. For customers this means that starting on Monday, June 8:
- Double-car trains will be in operation on weekdays
- With the increased capacity, frequency will be every five minutes during peak periods
- On weekends, single-car service will continue
For the full update, please visit octranspo.com.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority's 60th anniversary Community Day - June 13
After 60 years of conservation, that’s the kind of party the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority likes to throw – and the entire community is invited to join in. On Saturday, June 13, from 9:30 am to 3 pm, the RVCA will host a free, family-friendly day of activities at its Manotick office, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive – including two thrilling Birds of Prey shows from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy. For details, visit rvca.ca.
Ottawa Multicultural Week Launch - June 14
Everyone is invited to enjoy the launch of Ottawa Multicultural Week on June 14, from 2 to 5 pm, at City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West.
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 Avenue)
- 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
Nominations are open for the Ottawa Famous 5 Awards - deadline is July 3
Famous 5 Ottawa will recognize women, female-identifying and gender-diverse individuals who are making a difference in our community through leadership, courage, mentorship, and trailblazing work. Four individuals and one youth (up to age 35) will be honoured as part of the 97th anniversary of the Women are Persons Case. Nominations are due by July 3 at 5 pm. To nominate yourself or someone else, visit: Famous5Ottawa.ca or email [email protected].
Emergency Services Updates
