May 30, 2025 Newsletter

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May 30, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

Dear Residents:

This week brought two remarkable celebrations in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward that remind us why preserving and celebrating our community heritage matters so deeply. From the opening of the Rideau River Kiosk in Overbrook to the recognition of Rockcliffe Park as a National Historic Site, these events showcase the power of community dedication and the importance of honouring our shared story.

In Overbrook, we witnessed something extraordinary at Saturday's kiosk opening ceremony. After more than five years of planning and thousands of volunteer hours by the Overbrook Community Association, 45 dedicated community members transformed a vision into reality.

What makes the Rideau River Kiosk so significant isn't just its beautiful riverside location or the historic information it will provide to visitors about Overbrook and the 150th anniversary of the first Hurdman's Bridge. It represents the spirit of community leadership and the belief that every neighbourhood deserves spaces where people can gather, learn, and celebrate what makes their community special.

Today's celebration in Rockcliffe Park offered a different but equally powerful example of heritage preservation. In May 2024, the Government of Canada awarded Rockcliffe Park the National Historic Site of Canada designation. This honour was made possible by the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association who supported the community with their efforts and contributions.

The designation of Rockcliffe Park Historic District as a National Historic Site recognizes not just the physical beauty of McKay Lake and elegant tree-lined streets, but the people who have shaped our national story from this peaceful enclave. From early residents building along the Ottawa River headlands to the diplomatic community strengthening Canada's place in the world, Rockcliffe Park embodies quintessentially Canadian values: respect for nature, thoughtful development, and service to our nation.

Both celebrations highlight a crucial truth: heritage preservation requires active community engagement. Whether it's volunteers dedicating years to a kiosk project or residents working to maintain a community's unique character, our shared heritage depends on people who care enough to act.

These examples underscore the need for stronger heritage protection tools. Municipalities need enhanced legislative authority that allows for the strengthening and restoration of local decision-making in heritage and land-use decisions. Further, municipalities require provincial funding and technical support to help with heritage research and designation processes to address chronic under-resourcing that hampers effective protection, and clear, enhanced enforcement and maintenance provisions to maintain heritage buildings, with clear penalties for “demolition by neglect." By making such investments and legislative changes, the Province can assist municipalities in ensuring the preservation of great communities.

As we move forward, let's remember that great communities are built not just with vision, but with care for the land, respect for history, and dedication to the common good. This week's celebrations prove that when we honour our past while building for the future, extraordinary things happen.

Our heritage isn't just about preserving buildings or landscapes—it's about preserving the spirit of places that define who we are as Canadians.

Rawlson King,
City Councillor

Your Councillor in the Community

Extremely proud today to join the community, the diplomatic corps and Council colleagues in celebrating the official designation of Rockcliffe Park as a National Historic District.

 

 

Great to drop into the inaugural Chez-13 event this week at the Rideau Community Hub where beverages were sold in support of our Ward’s community kitchen!

 

 

On behalf of the City of Ottawa, I was proud to present a certificate to the Francophone Family Heritage Association of Ontario to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

 

Thank you to Wateridge Village residents, Ottawa Police, Ottawa Bylaw, Ottawa Community Housing and the Wateridge Village Community Association for joining me at my Wateridge Village Community Safety meeting this week.


I was proud to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and my Council colleagues on Monday to welcome their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, to Lansdowne Park on the first day of their two-day visit to the Nation's Capital.


It was great to join Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney and Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper at the Multifaith Housing Initiative’s Tulipthon walk at Dow’s Lake last weekend in support of affordable housing.

 

 

I was pleased to join the Overbrook Community Association, along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante last weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hurdman’s Bridge and help unveil the association's heritage kiosk project installed beside the Rideau River.

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

On The Road 4 Mental Health fundraising and awareness walk - May 30 & 31
Greg McPherson, Founder of On the Road 4 Mental Health, will be walking 100-plus kilometres through all 24 wards in the City of Ottawa in 24 hours May 30 and 31, finishing in downtown Ottawa with speakers who will be addressing the mental health and toxic drug crisis. The walk is to raise awareness about the crisis and to bring the message to every ward that this is not a “downtown problem” but rather a crisis that affects people right across the city! The walk will once again be used to raise funds for Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. For details and to donate, please visit otr4mentalhealth.com.


Intergenerational Day celebrations at the St. Laurent Library Branch - May 31

 

Everyone is invited to celebrate Intergenerational Day at the St. Laurent Library Branch on May 31 from 10 am to 1 pm. Festivities will include storytime, games and cake. The branch is located at 515 Coté Street.

 

 

Overbrook Bike Day - May 31
 
Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy Overbrook Bike Day on May 31 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Test your skills, learn to fix your bike, learn about bike safety, bike handling, and traffic skills, wash your bike and enjoy treats. Hosted by staff at the Overbrook Community Centre in partnership with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health. Free safety gear will be available while supplies last. Enter a draw to win a free bike. 



College Circle Community Garage Sale - May 31
The College Circle community hosts a community garage sale on Saturday, May 31 from 8 am to 2 pm. This is a rain or shine event. College Circle is located behind the St. Laurent Complex, off De L’Eglise. Everyone welcome!




Inspired By Learning Educational Bursary - Applications welcome until June 2
Ottawa Community Housing is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Inspired by Learning bursary program designed to support 30 post-secondary students living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) households. This initiative aims to remove any financial barriers and encourage students to pursue their education with more confidence. The deadline to apply is June 2. For details, please visit ochfoundation.ca.

 

 

New sidewalks coming to Overbrook

  

City staff are planning for the construction of new sidewalks in Overbrook 105 metres along the north side of Presland Road to Frances Street and on the south side of both Presland Road and Hardy Avenue from Frances to the existing sidewalk on Bernard Street. Construction is anticipated to start this summer and be completed by this fall. This initiative will complete a missing link in the neighbourhood's pedestrian network, improving walkability to Queen Mary Public School, local parks, the St. Laurent Shopping Centre and bus stops on St. Laurent Boulevard and Lola Street. The new sidewalks will require narrowing the width of the road, which is expected to assist in calming traffic. 

 

Development application - 240 Presland Road

The City of Ottawa received an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application for 240 Presland Road. The site is located on the south side of Presland Road in Overbrook. The applicant is proposing to develop a six-storey affordable rental apartment building with 62 units, 32 parking spaces, 76 bicycle parking spaces, two rooftop amenity areas, and a landscaped rear yard amenity area. More details and the planning applications are now available for review at the City's DevApps webpage. 

 

 

Manor Park Public School Bike Bus - Every Tuesday morning until the end of June
The Manor Park Public School Bike Bus, which was successfully piloted in April, will continue every Tuesday morning until the end of the school year in June. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Meet at 8:05 am at the Pauline Charron cul-de-sac before heading to the school for an 8:20 am arrival. For details or to volunteer, please scan the QR Code in the poster above.

 

Ward 13 information session - Draft New Zoning Bylaw - June 4

Councillor Rawlson King hosts a Ward 13-specific information session on the City's Draft New Zoning Bylaw for Rideau-Rockcliffe community associations and residents on June 4 from 6:30 to 8 pm at 1805 Gaspé Avenue in the Studio Room. The information session will focus on proposed changes in the Draft New Zoning Bylaw impacting corridors, hubs and neighbourhoods. There will be a presentation and map review led by Fotenn, followed by an opportunity to sit with planners from Fotenn for more detailed, one-on-one discussions. Residents are invited to register in advance, however, drop-ins that evening are welcome.

 

 

St. Patrick Street Bridge construction - Overnight work from June 6 to July 7
The contractor working on the St. Patrick Street Bridge rehabilitation project will be working overnight on the bridge between Cobourg and the Vanier Parkway from June 6 to July 7, from 10 pm to 7 am. The work will entail saw-cutting of concrete, traffic line painting adjustments, temporary concrete barrier relocation and jacking of the bridge. Project updates are available at ottawa.ca/StPatrickPorterIsland


New Beginnings, Bold Moves - June 5 celebration

CWCLN is proud to introduce Violet's Voice — a new social enterprise rooted in healing, creativity, and economic empowerment for women navigating difficult life transitions. Join us on June 5th as we gather in the community to celebrate this exciting soft launch. This is more than just an event — it's the start of something powerful. Come for the connection, stay for the impact. We'll kick off Business Exchange Week by spotlighting makers, stories, and possibilities that inspire. Whether you're curious, connected, or just craving good energy — this is for you. The event takes place June 5 from 6 to 8 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, in the cafeteria. RSVP now and be part of the movement: form.jotform.com/250990866070059

 

 

Wateridge Village Community Garage Sale - June 7

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The 2025 Wateridge Village Community Garage Sale will held Saturday, June 7 from 9 am to 12 pm. Rain or shine.

 

 

Wateridge Village Spring Fling - June 7

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Residents of Wateridge Village: Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 3 pm at Alliance Park, 398 Codd's Road, as the Canada Lands Company kicks off the season with their annual Spring Fling event. Happening right after the community-wide garage sale hosted by the Wateridge Village Community Association, the fun continues with an afternoon of celebration for the whole family. Bring along a non-perishable item in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.

 

Doors Open Ottawa - June 7 & 8

Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Canada's capital as we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this incredible event on June 7 and 8 from 10 am to 4 pm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Doors Open Ottawa offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the doors of over 100 significant buildings across the city, many of which are usually closed to the public or charge admission. From embassies and breweries to churches and museums, you'll discover the rich history, culture and stunning architecture that make Ottawa so special. Imagine wandering through a Victorian jail-turned-hostel, or exploring a 1920s garage that's now a bustling community theatre. With a mix of in-person and virtual tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and join us for a weekend of fun, discovery and adventure. The full list of participating buildings is now available. Visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen for more details.

Ward 13 and area - participating venues:
  • 1805 Gaspé
  • Canada Council Art Bank, 921 St. Laurent Boulevard
  • Church of St. Bartholomew,125 MacKay Street
  • Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive
  • Public Works Big Wheels Expo, 300 Coventry Road
  • Vanier Museopark, 320 Des Pères Blancs Avenue

 

Vanier Bike Fest - June 7 (rain date June 14)

Join the Vanier Community Service Centre on June 7, from 10 am to 12 pm, for the 10th edition of the Vanier Bike Fest at the Centre Francophone de Vanier (270 Marier Avenue). Enjoy a morning of fun with a bike rodeo, BBQ, simple bike repairs, and more. The first 100 registered kids aged 4–13 will receive a free helmet! Registration opens at 10 am. In case of rain, the event will be postponed to June 14. Details: vanierbia.com/event/vanier-bike-fest/

 

Beechwood Market returns to New Edinburgh - starting June 7

The Beechwood Market returns to New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, starting June 7 until October 25. Hours of operation will be 9 am to 1 pm. There will be hot coffee, fresh bread, local produce, prepared food, and artisans. Each week will feature a live musician, kids programming (location dependent) and the Community table - a spot to discover local interest groups, services and even the Girl Guides! For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.

 

Public Works Big Wheels Expo - June 8

The Public Works Big Wheels Expo is set to roll into The Ottawa Stadium – home of the Ottawa Titans – on Sunday, June 8, from 9:30 am to 1:30 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 their knowledge on the day-to-day 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 Sussex County Miners at 1 pm! 

 

Discover Your Ward by Bike: Rideau-Rockcliffe - June 11

 Discover Your Ward by Bike: Rideau - Rockcliffe

EnviroCentre, in partnership with Councillor Rawlson King's office, is hosting a cycling tour in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward on June 11 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Learn how to navigate around your own community by bike with this cycling tour. This in-person workshop will take a small group on a guided bike ride through parts of Rideau-Rockcliffe. Along the way, we will stop at different pieces of cycling infrastructure, points of interest, and learn all the skills to start planning your own route. Participants will need to bring their own bikes and helmets, and will be asked to sign a waiver prior to participation. This ride will cover approximately 6.5 kms at a slow pace, and will make use of a combination of separated cycling infrastructure (ex: McArthur Ave), on-road cycling infrastructure (ex: Donald Street), and residential streets (ex: Presland, and de l'Église). This guided bike tour series is made possible in conjunction with Councillor Rawlson King, and with sponsorship support from the Dream Community Foundation and Zibi. Space for this activity is extremely limited. Advance registration is required: LetsBikeRideauRockcliffe.eventbrite.ca



Financial Literacy Workshops - starting June 11
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and incubator13, in partnership with BMO, are hosting financial literacy workshops, starting with the inaugural session on June 11 from 3 to 5 pm in incubator13, Room 123 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Participate in this Everyday Banking workshop and learn how to budget, bank smart, and plan for your future. No experience needed. To register, scan the QR Code in the poster or email [email protected]. 


Tinker, Test, Transform: The Power of Play open house - June 13
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is thrilled to partner with the STEAMakers Guild and other local groups for a show & tell celebrating the magic of tinkering, hacking, creating, and reusing materials and technologies. 
Tinker, Test, Transform: The Power of Play - Friday, June 13, from 4 to 8 pm
Location: Room 124 (Incubator13, RRCRC), Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd.
Cost: Free and family-friendly
RSVP: [email protected]
Details: sites.google.com/view/steamakersguild/tinker-test-transform


Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 Budget Consultation - spring edition - June 26
 
Councillor Rawlson King is hosting an in-person budget consultation for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward residents on Monday, June 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, in the Main Hall of the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. The hall is fully accessible. Doors open at 6 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. City staff will provide a presentation regarding the City's budget process. This is an opportunity for residents to share their ideas and their priorities for the City's 2026 budget, which will be drafted this fall and approved in December 2025. Advance registration is appreciated: Eventbrite

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

How to prepare for emergencies - Book a presentation from City staff

Extreme weather events are happening more often in Ottawa now – like floods, ice storms, snowstorms, extreme heat and cold. You can ‘weather’ these events better if you’re well-informed. To help with that, sign up for the new Ottawa Alert notification system. It’s also important to have some essential items on hand, such as drinking water, backup batteries for your devices and a battery-operated or crank radio. Here’s an emergency kit checklist to help with that.

Workbook: The Are You Ready? workbook is a practical guide to help individuals and families stay safe during emergencies. It provides easy-to-follow worksheets and checklists. The workbook will help you understand your risks, make a tailored plan and build an emergency kit. Download the Are You Ready? workbook PDF

Info session: Do you want to better prepare yourself and your family or community for an emergency? The City’s Office of Emergency Management offers information sessions to help you get started with emergency planning. Group sessions are available covering personal preparedness for households and community preparedness for local organizations.

Information sessions are:

  • In-person, hybrid or virtual
  • 30 to 60 minutes in length
  • Free – there is no cost for this service or to participate

Consider hosting a neighbourhood session as a community-building activity! For more details and to book a personal or community information session, visit the Emergency preparedness education sessions page.

For more emergency preparedness resources, please visit: An emergency can happen at any time – are you ready?

 

 

 

Building Code Services is now digital

Building Code Services introduces a new technology that allows Ottawa residents, builders, and the development industry to submit and pay for all Building Code Services permits and applications from the comfort of their home, office or work site using any mobile device.

The new Building, Planning and Land Development online customer portal is available through My Service Ottawa and provides a paperless process for applicants to apply, upload plans and documents, submit payments, book inspections, and check the application status while saving time on travel. Building Code Services Client Service Centres continue to be available to clients requiring assistance.

The following Building Code Services are now available online:
  • Access to Building Permit Records
  • Compliance Reporting
  • Building Permits and related applications
  • Building Enforcement, Prosecutions, and Inspections
  • Municipal Addressing and Permanent Sign Permits
  • Request for Service (RFS) - Building Code
  • Applications for 911 Blade Signs
  • Municipal Notification Agency and Letter of Approval and for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
Are you ready to get started? Let us show you how. Visit Frequently asked questions | City of Ottawa for more information.


Let's Bike Month 2025 - June

This June, join thousands of Ottawa residents in celebrating Let’s Bike Month 2025! The City of Ottawa has been partnering with EnviroCentre to support this yearly cycling campaign for 16 years! With thousands of participants, hundreds of teams, and dozens of events throughout the month, Let’s Bike Month is one of the largest and longest-running cycling campaigns in Canada.

How to participate this year:

  • Sign up as an individual and start a team to encourage your community to join in!
  • Log your bike rides and see the impact YOU make by choosing to bike!Like or follow Let’s Bike Ottawa on Facebook or Instagram!
  • Share your rides on social media and tag us with #LetsBike2025
  • Join one of the exciting events or workshops! Hurry – some activities require registration and space is limited!

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 prize draws, you just need to have logged a ride during the month of June. You can see a list of prizes and sponsors here! For more information about the campaign, please contact [email protected].


Dream Big. Change The World: A Transformative Leadership Event - June 1

Dream Big. Change The World: A Transformative Leadership Event

Everyone is welcome on Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 pm at the Mosaic Convention Centre, 2465 St. Laurent Boulevard, for an unforgettable afternoon where legacy, leadership, and community come together. This is a transformative leadership event that will inspire hope for our future that supports four powerful organizations—one international and three local—that are changing lives through education, leadership, cultural preservation, and empowerment. All profits from the event will support participating non-profits. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite. Dream Big. Change The World! is all about inspiring and empowering individuals to step into their leadership and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Get ready to be motivated, empowered, and equipped with the tools you need to make a difference. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to dream big and have a way forward to do your part—big or small—to change the world.

 

 

Wonderland Tea Party for Mental Health at CHEO - June 1

Did you know that the past decade’s crisis in youth mental health meant that CHEO saw a 75% increase in teens seeking support and treatment leading to a reorganization of resources? We are working to strengthen services for younger children in need. Please join local community leaders and our fun-loving guests for the 10th annual edition of the Wonderland Tea Party and help this popular event continue to support CHEO’s dedicated treatment programs for patients in need of tailored mental health services – help affected children start their journey towards the wellness that so many of us take for granted. This enchanting afternoon will support CHEO’s pediatric mental health programs, which provide critical care for kids in crisis, those battling eating disorders, and students in our Steps to Success, Centre Ado, and Back on Track school-based programs. Tickets are now available. Click here!

  • Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
  • Time: 1:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Location: Mosaic Convention Centre, 2465 St. Laurent Blvd.

 

Ottawa Fire Services Wake Up! Visits - June 2 to 9

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As part of the spring Wake Up! program, firefighters from Ottawa Fire Services will visit homes across the city June 2 to 9, between 3 and 8 pm on weekdays and 2 and 4 pm on weekends, to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present and working. This is a courtesy call only and all services are provided to residents for free. Residents are not obligated to provide firefighters access to their home. Ontario’s Fire Code requires that homes have a working smoke alarm on each floor and outside each sleeping area. For homes built after January 1, 2015, smoke alarms are also required in sleeping rooms and all smoke alarms must be interconnected and have a visual strobe light. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required outside sleeping areas if the home has an attached garage, a wood stove or a fuel-fired appliance. To learn what is involved in a firefighter home visit, watch the Wake Up! video. Visit ottawa.ca/fire for more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

 

 

There are several ways to review and comment on Ottawa’s new Zoning By-law - open houses June 2 and 3

The City of Ottawa is inviting residents to review and provide feedback on Draft 2 of the new Zoning By-law. Residents are encouraged to review and comment on Draft 2 of Ottawa’s new Zoning By-law on the project’s EngageOttawa page and to attend virtual and in-person open-house events.   

  • In-person open house: Monday, June 2, 6:30 to 8 pm at Ben Franklin Place,101 Centrepointe Drive. No registration necessary
  • Virtual open house: Tuesday, June 3; 6:00 to 8 pm. Registration for the virtual Open Houses is now open. 

For more details on the project, please visit the Engage Ottawa. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the New Zoning By-law project team at [email protected] or use the public comment form. The final version of the new Zoning By-law, Draft 3, will be presented later this year for Council approval.

What’s different in Draft 2?

Most of the differences between Draft 1, which was introduced in April 2024, and Draft 2, introduced in April 2025, are technical in nature. However, after extensive public consultation, four issues in particular are being reconsidered in Draft 2.  

Building heights and density in Neighbourhood Zones

Various approaches to building heights and density are being considered in different areas. Namely:
  • Draft 1 proposed limiting building heights in all N1/N2 zones to 8.5 metres, but R1/R2 zones in the Suburban transect permit heights of 11 metres. Draft 2 proposes three options to resolve this.
  • Draft 1 proposed to replace all R4 zones with N4 zones. However, the R4 zones have density limits whereas the N4 zones do not. A more tailored approach is proposed in Draft 2 which would result in some R4 zones changing to N3 zones with a reduced maximum density.
Communal parking lots in Neighbourhood Zones

Communal parking lots permit unused parking spaces to be used by residents who live nearby, rather than just residents who live in an individual development. City staff, however, want to ensure these are appropriately regulated to achieve the desired intent.  
  • Draft 1 only permitted communal parking lots for planned unit developments (PUDs) – that is, developments with more than one residential building on one lot.  
Height Transition for high-rise buildings in Mainstreet Zones that are next to low-rise Neighbourhood Zones
  • Draft 1 proposed a series of maximum height steps at 6, 9, 18 and 25 storeys, increasing based on distance from abutting low-rise property. In Draft 2, instead of steps, a buffer area of a given depth is proposed to ensure space for adequate transition.  
More information on these options can be found in Document 3 – Overview of Key Issues and Options of the Draft 2 staff report.

What are the next steps?  

Staff will review comments from the public during May and June, and prepare Draft 3 of the new Zoning By-law to be released on September 8, 2025. Public consultations on Draft 3 will continue through to October 3, 2025. The final draft of the new Zoning By-law will be considered at a Joint meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee in December 2025. Council will consider the final draft of the new Zoning By-law in January 2026.  


National Health and Fitness Day - June 7
Cardio and Strength class on a home laptop
June 7 is National Health and Fitness Day. Celebrate the benefits of physical activity by joining the City's free virtual Zumba class at 9 am for an hour of musical movement focused on fun.


My Para Transpo Trip Reminder Notifications - Survey open until June 10

Image - Sign up for Para Transpo trip notifications

OC Transpo launched Para Transpo notifications on March 17, which allows customers to sign up to receive automated notifications of their upcoming trips. Notifications benefit customers by offering them a convenient option for tracking their trips without having to call OC Transpo’s Customer Service Centre. Tell OC Transpo what you think about the new My Para Transpo trip reminder notifications before June 10 at this link.

They want to know whether:
  • The rollout of trip reminders was effective
  • You’re using this feature to its full capabilities
  • The notifications meet your needs

They will use these insights to get a better understanding of what they need to focus on improving.



Draft Climate Resiliency Strategy – 2025 Engagement - Provide feedback by June 30 (Open houses June 12, 14, 16 & 19)

The City of Ottawa is launching the next round of public engagement on Climate Ready Ottawa – our city’s draft climate resiliency strategy – and we want to hear from you! Climate Ready Ottawa is a long-term strategy designed to guide action and investment that will help our city become more resilient to climate change. Developing a climate resiliency strategy is a key project of the Climate Change Master Plan and Council’s Strategic Plan. Addressing climate change requires collective action. Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about how climate change could affect you, your family or business, and steps you can take to be prepared.

Attend one of the Public Open Houses:
  • Thursday, June 12 – Nepean Sportsplex, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturday, June 14 – City Hall, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Monday, June 16 – Ray Friel, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 19 – Virtual Session, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM  Register here.

Visit: engage.ottawa.ca/climate-resiliency to read the background information and provide feedback (deadline June 30, 2025).

 



Help make Ottawa’s landscaping rules clearer - Survey open until June 20
Landscaper Regulatory Review | Engage Ottawa

Landscaping plays an essential role in shaping the look and feel of our neighbourhoods. To ensure that landscaping work is completed safely, responsibly, and respectfully, the City is currently reviewing the landscaping rules and requirements set in various by-laws to consider issues with non-compliance, opportunities for education, and whether new rules may be required to clarify contractor and resident responsibilities. Participate in the online survey on Engage Ottawa to share your feedback. The survey will be open for responses until Friday, June 20.

 

 

Auditor General 2026-2027 Workplan - Public Input Survey until June 30

Auditor General 2026-2027 Workplan - Public Input Survey | Engage Ottawa

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for the City of Ottawa undertakes an annual risk-based assessment to identify audit priorities. The audits selected for inclusion arise through a systematic identification of all areas of significance from an audit perspective and the determination of audit project priorities by assessing criteria relating to risk, important organizational changes, new initiatives, emerging priorities, and other relevant factors. Furthermore, requests from external boards may also be taken into consideration. One of the steps of the OAG’s risk-based assessment process includes consultation with stakeholders. The Auditor General is seeking public input into the areas that Ottawa residents and business owners believe could benefit from an independent audit. The survey will remain active until June 30, 2025. For more information, please contact the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) at [email protected].  You can view the OAG’s current workplan here. To learn more about the OAG please visit the Office’s website at www.oagottawa.ca.  

 

 

City now accepting spring nominations for commemorative naming - until July 2
Révision de la Politique sur les noms commémoratifs | Participons Ottawa
The City of Ottawa is now accepting spring nominations for the commemorative naming of municipal assets, including new streets, minor indoor and outdoor assets, major facilities, and parks. This is your chance to honour the people, histories, and legacies that have shaped Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs from May 21 to July 2, 2025. For more information, visit the commemorative naming page or contact the commemorative naming team by email at namingottawa.ca. 

Emergency Services News

Ottawa Hosts 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships at Carleton University
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The 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships Provincial Games arrive in just a few days, hosted by the Ottawa Police Service. From June 3 to 5, Carleton University will welcome more than 1,100 student-athletes with and without an intellectual disability, along with educators from across Ontario to compete in a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.


Ottawa Police wrap up National Road Safety Week with strong enforcement results

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The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has concluded its participation in National Road Safety Week (May 13–19), delivering a strong message about the importance of safe driving. This year's campaign, themed “Every Road, Every Day, Every One,” focused on reducing injuries and saving lives by addressing key factors behind serious and fatal collisions: impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and seatbelt use. Throughout the week, frontline and traffic officers conducted targeted enforcement at the city's busiest intersections and the results were significant, with a total of 521 offences and warnings. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.

 

District Special Constables pilot already making a difference

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The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is seeing early success from its District Special Constables (DSC) Pilot Project, launched in March 2024 to help ease pressure on frontline officers and improve overall service to the public. DSCs have taken on a range of duties – from helping with mental health hospital escorts and custodial transfers to managing road closures and crime scene security. That support has allowed frontline officers to stay focused on urgent calls, proactive policing and community safety. The DSC pilot is part of a larger effort known as Project Complement—an OPS-wide initiative aimed at easing staffing challenges and modernizing how police work is done. By bringing Special Constables and civilian personnel into more core policing roles, OPS is building a more flexible, modern workforce to meet the city’s changing needs.  Project Complement is made possible through funding and continued support from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. For details, please visit ottawapolice.ca.

 

Make the Right Call 

www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx

When to Call 911:

  • For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
  • You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
  • There is a vehicle collision with injuries
  • Fire or medical emergency

When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.

  • Residential or commercial break and enter
  • Missing person
  • Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
  • Stolen vehicle
  • Assault where no medical attention is required
  • Animal abuse
  • Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported

When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.

  • Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
  • Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
  • Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
  • Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence

When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.

When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:

  • Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
  • Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
  • This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
  • Mischief/Damage to Property 
  • Theft from Vehicle
  • Traffic Complaints 
  • Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
  • Fraud Complaints
  • Hate-Motivated Incidents
  • Add information to an existing report

Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.

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Address: 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1