May 3, 2024 Newsletter

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May 3, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

The City of Ottawa is expanding its automated speed enforcement program in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

By this summer, the City’s automated speed enforcement system will be installed and operating on Crichton Street, from Vaughan Street to St. Patrick Street, in New Edinburgh and on Queen Mary Street, from Quill Street to Edith Avenue, in Overbrook. 

"Coming Soon" warning signs have been installed this week at both locations and will be in place for at least 90 days prior to the implementation of the new speed cameras to alert motorists of the upcoming installation.

Automated speed enforcement is a system that uses a camera and a corresponding speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. Speed cameras, much like red-light cameras, are designed to reduce the risk of collisions. In Ottawa, speed cameras are currently located in "community safety zones", near schools or parks, where speeding is a risk to our most vulnerable road users: our children.

Data from the automated speed enforcement program demonstrates that the City's speed cameras have a positive impact on driver speed and safety in school zones, which on average includes a 200-per-cent increase in compliance with the speed limit and a 72-per-cent decrease in drivers travelling at 15 km/h over the speed limit. Revenue generated from fines is reinvested into the City's Road Safety Action Plan program, which is focused on education, engineering, and enforcement to promote safer roads. 

Cameras will be active only when the "Municipal Speed Camera in Use" sign is posted at both locations.

When the systems are placed into operation, respective speed limits on both Crichton and Queen Mary streets will be strictly enforced.

***

Last week, I was pleased to attend the grand opening of the new La Maison de l’Est hospice centre and provide a certificate of recognition on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

The eight new beds at La Maison de l’Est will be located within the Cité Parkway Retirement Residence in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward to make it more convenient for families to access end-of-life care in a familiar setting. La Maison de l’Est is building partnerships within the Francophone community to connect families to culturally appropriate palliative care services. This includes recruiting bilingual Francophone health care providers and Francophone volunteers to help deliver services in French, and creating a Francophone hospice palliative care hub that ensures services reflect the Francophone culture.

The Ontario government is investing $2.75 million over two years to support comfortable and dignified end-of-life care close to home for families in the Ottawa region. This regional investment by the Province will support the eight new hospice beds.

 

Your Councillor in the Community

Amazing community support for the Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale where proceeds support both the local branch of the Ottawa Public Library and the wider library system. I was joined at the event last weekend by Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard.

 

Councillor Tim Tierney and I joined the North Gloucester Giants football club for their Cleaning the Capital event at Gil O Julien Park in the Overbrook community last weekend.  


It was great to meet and speak to students at Gloucester High School last week.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

CN Cycle for CHEO - Road closures in Rideau-Rockcliffe - May 5

On Sunday, May 5 CN Cycle for CHEO participants take to the streets to support oncology care at CHEO. As a result of this exciting fundraiser, some streets will be partially closed to vehicle traffic to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This year’s event will be held at the Canadian War Museum and LeBreton Flats with lane reductions/road closures in effect from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at several locations, including in Rideau-Rockcliffe. PLEASE NOTE: Roads may open earlier or later depending on when police services determine it is safe to reopen to regular traffic.

  • Sussex Dr. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Closed Rideau St. to Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy (Rockcliffe Pkwy). Local access to Notre Dame Basilica from St. Patrick St.
  • Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Closed Princess St. to St. Joseph Blvd. Local access to Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Rockcliffe Flying Club from Aviation Pkwy. Local access to Rockcliffe Boathouse from Lisgar Rd.
For more details regarding these road closures as well as traffic routes outside our ward that will be impacted, please click here.


Rats, Wild Turkeys and other critters
Residents are reminded to not leave food out for animals, such as stray cats, pigeons, squirrels, rabbits or chipmunks, as this can attract rats and wild turkeys. This includes food from bird feeders. Please ensure your bird feeders are well maintained and that spillage is reduced, or consider removing the feeder. The first step to deal with rat issues is to contact 311. If the rat issue is on public property, including in sewers, a Service Request will be issued to City staff. If the issue is on private property, 311 staff will issue a Service Request for a Property Standards review from By-Law and Regulatory Services. Bylaw and Regulatory Services administers the Property Standards By-law, which requires that residential and non-residential properties be maintained free of vermin, including rats and rodents. Implementing control measures on one’s own property is the responsibility of the property owner. Ottawa Public Health's website features information on how to protect your property from rats and other rodents. This resource website also features a guide for property owners and tenants. 
With respect to Canada geese and wild turkeys, the growth in the populations of these species has created challenges for farmers, other residents and the City. Although they pose no direct risk to public safety, Canada geese and wild turkeys can cause economic losses, damage and impairment to City open spaces, and lost recreational opportunities and public enjoyment. Wild turkeys are generally not aggressive, but residents are reminded that all wild animals are unpredictable by nature. The size and behaviour of turkeys can intimidate people who may be unfamiliar with them. Many people find turkeys fascinating and amusing, even to the point of feeding them. Human–turkey conflicts are increasing and becoming more controversial. Please do not leave food out for wild turkeys.


Great River Cleanup - May 4

The Overbrook Community Association and Action Sandy Hill invite you to take part in their Cleaning the Capital event on Saturday, May 4, 2024 – 10 am to noon. Meet at Adàwe Bridge near 1 Donald Street in Overbrook then help clean litter from Strathcona Park, and other parks. Rain date: Sunday, May 5, 2024 – 12:30 to 2:30 pm

 

Market at the Farm Store - in Manor Park - May 4
Mark your calendars - on Saturday, May 4th, from 9 am to 1 pm, Ottawa Street Markets host a market at the Farm Store, 1805 Gaspe Avenue. Come enjoy fresh coffee, bread and food! Shop for Mother's Day gifts and treat your pup friends. Lots of free parking on site. The Farm Store will be open as usual. For details, please click here. 

Beechwood Cemetery events May 4, 5, 8, 23 & 26



Vanier Spring Cleaning Event - May 4
Join the Vanier BIA and the Vanier Community Association for a spring cleaning event. Meet on May 4 at 10 am at the Vanier BIA's HUB, located at 271 Marier Avenue. Everyone welcome.


Jane's Walks in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - May 4 and 5
There will be several free guided walks throughout Ottawa and Gatineau the weekend of May 4 and 5, including right here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13. Sign up is required. Click here for details and to register.
  • A guided tour covering Rockcliffe history, nature and sports facilities past and present; May 4 at 10 am. To be delivered in English. Click here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk exploring the Sir-George-Etienne-Cartier Park plan; May 4 at 11 am. This walk will be in English and French simultaneously. Click here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk featuring Montfort Hospital and other Franco-Ontarian landmarks; May 4 at 3 pm. This walk will be in French. Click here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk exploring the Indigenous canoe portage in Rockcliffe Park: Ottawa River to Rideau River; May 5 at 10:45 am. This walk will be delivered in English. Click here. Registration required.
  • Learn about medicinal and edible plants during this walk in Riverain Park; May 5 at 1:30 pm. This walk will be delivered in English. Click here. Registration required.
  • Enjoy a guided walk through the Carson Grove neighbourhood; May 5 at 1:30 pm. This walk can be provided in French and English. Click here. Registration required.
  • A guided walk through the old Village of Rockcliffe Park, McKay Lake and the Caldwell-Carver Conservation Area; May 5 at 2 pm. This walk will be delivered in English. Click here. Registration required.

 

Vanier BIA Wins Prestigious Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Awards
Recognizing Partage Beechwood and the Vanier HUB 
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association recognized the Vanier BIA with the Award of Excellence in Marketing and Promotions for “Partage Beechwood: The Most Exclusive Dinner Party”, and an Award of Excellence in Public Realm Management for the Vanier HUB. A committee of professional peers reviewed, deliberated, and evaluated all entries in the 2024 OBIAA Annual Conference Awards. VBIA Executive Director Nathalie Carrier accepted the award on April 29 in Toronto, which she attended with colleagues from the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.



Donald Street Watermain Repair - Completion Phase to begin in early May

What: The watermain repair work completed in December 2023 involved excavation in the eastbound lane and south boulevard of Donald Street, replacement of a section of watermain, and reinstatement of the road and boulevard. The project is now in the ‘Completion’ phase, during which reinstatement of final paving, concrete curbs, and landscaping will be completed. Two replacement trees will be planted.
Why: The City has a condition assessment program which undertakes to monitor the most critical watermain pipes within the City. Results indicated that a section of the watermain on Donald Street required replacement. The reinstatement work is required following the repair of the watermain.
When: The contractor is recommencing construction in May 2024 to complete reinstatement of final paving, concrete curbs, and landscaping. The work is expected to be complete in spring 2024.
Where: Construction will be on Donald Street from North River Road to 50 metres west of Marguerite Avenue.
Who: The City of Ottawa retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Limited, to complete the work.

Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood will receive a construction notice in advance of the project. For more information about the project, please visit ottawa.ca/WoodroffeVanier

 

Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Update - Road Closures starting May 6

The City of Ottawa is replacing the aging underground infrastructure on Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue as part of the City’s ongoing replacement of critical infrastructure. More information about the project can be found at ottawa.ca/OakhillRoadRenewal
What: Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Road closure signage will be placed onsite. Local traffic access to private properties, in addition to pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period.
Why: The road closures are required to facilitate construction. The objective of this project is to rehabilitate underground and roadway infrastructure that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
When: The road closures will start on May 6 and the road will re-open at the beginning of August.
Where: Oakhill Road (between Beechwood Avenue and Acacia Avenue) and Corona Avenue (between Beechwood Avenue and Acacia Avenue).

My office will be monitoring the road closures to ensure the facilitation of pedestrian and cyclist access.

 

Proposed fibre optic project - Donald Street - May 10

Hiboo Networks has requested the City's permission to perform fibre optic installation work along the City's right-of-way on Donald Street between Vanier Parkway and Beaudry Street starting May 10, 2024. The work would include trenching and bore work, placement of conduit and trace wire, as well as removal and replacement of concrete sidewalk bays. More details will be shared as they become available.

 

Donald Street Fire - community event - May 11

A fire impacting has impacted and displaced residents of an apartment building on Donald Street in neighbouring Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward. In the aftermath of the early morning fire on Thursday, May 2, staff at the Overbrook Community Centre provided support to more than 200 evacuated residents. Multiple organizations and stakeholders are coming together along with the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre to provide support to residents affected by the fire. Everyone is invited to gather on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to 11 am in Ogilvie North Park for assistance, comfort and to drop off donations. Details will be shared in the coming days on the specific items required. Your contributions will make a significant difference helping our neighbours in Ward 11 rebuild their lives. 

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event in New Edinburgh - May 11

My team and I will be hosting a Rideau-Rockcliffe Roundtable event in New Edinburgh Park on May 11 from 10 am to 12 pm. New Edinburgh residents are invited to drop by to discuss City and neighbourhood issues as well as to ask questions about City services. Our event will coincide with the New Edinburgh Plant Sale at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse.

 

New Edinburgh Plant Sale - May 11

The Crichton Community Council invites you to the New Edinburgh Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9 am to 1 pm on the lawn of the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse at 203 Stanley Avenue. For more than 20 years, New Edinburgh residents have purchased their plants on the Fieldhouse’s front lawn the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The Crichton Community Council will be selling a limited number of unique hanging baskets and planters from Les Serres Oli-Ève. For details, please click here.

 

Mother's Day Tea - May 11

Join the African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street for an enchanting High Tea event filled with elegance, laughter, and love on May 11 from 11 am to 3 pm. For details, please call the ACB Centre at 613-801-7426 or email [email protected]. This is more than a tea party. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the centre's cupboard to continue to support the overwhelming need of food insecurity in our community. Get your ticket at this link. 

 

New Edinburgh Parking Survey - open until May 13

My office is seeking feedback from New Edinburgh residents with the goal of understanding preferred parking regulations to enhance overall parking in the community. Your participation in the survey is appreciated by May 13, 2024. Please click here for the survey link. 

 

Sidewalk project - Frances Street 

The City is installing a 1.8m sidewalk along Frances Street.

What: New 1.8m wide concrete sidewalk along the west side of Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street. Road resurfacing will also be completed along the same block.
Why: This work is required to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians.
When: Work began the week of April 15 and is expected to be completed in June.
Where: Frances Street between Queen Mary Street and King George Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Royal Crown Construction, to complete the work.
To accommodate the proposed construction, temporary lane reductions will be required on Frances Street. Access to private properties, including pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period unless otherwise communicated. As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.


Rideau Sports Centre Summer Kick-off Party - May 11
Celebrate the start of the outdoor season with the Rideau Sports Centre at its Summer Kick-Off Party on Saturday, May 11 from 4-7 pm. There will be tennis round robin, food, drinks, and social! Tickets are $30+hst for tennis passholders and $40+hst for non-passholders. They can be purchased online, at the front desk, or by calling the Centre at 613-749-6126. 


Enjoy NCC Weekend Bikedays - May 11 to Oct. 14
Enjoy the Capital on nearly 20 km of car-free roads! Weekends (and holiday Mondays from May 11 to October 14. Click here for details.
  • Sir George-Étienne Cartier | 8 am to 4 pm  
  • Kichi Zībī Mīkan | 8 am to 4 pm  
  • Queen Elizabeth Driveway | 8 am to 8 pm

NEW | Canal parkway bike lanes study. The NCC will launch a study to explore the feasibility of installing bike lanes along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive. Details to come.



Hydro Ottawa project - Donald Street - May 15

My office has been advised that Hydro Ottawa will be conducting work in the City's right-of-way along Donald Street between Brand Street and Telford Avenue from May 15 to June 30. The project involves pole work and open trenching. 

 

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. 

  • The Tartan Ottawa Marathon will take runners through New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park and around Manor Park and beyond. Details about the running schedule and road closures are available at this link.
    • St. Patrick Street between Parent Ave and Sussex Drive 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
    • Sussex Drive between Rideau Street and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
    • Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway between Princess and Aviation Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
    • Princess Avenue between Sussex Drive and Lisgar Road 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
    • Lisgar Road between Rideau Terrace and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
    • Sandridge Road between Birch Avenue and Hillsdale Road: 6:45 am to 12:30 pm
    • Hillsdale Road between Sandridge Road and Cloverdale Road: 6:45 am to 12:30 pm
    • Cloverdale Road between Hillsdale Road and Mariposa Avenue: 6:45 am to 12:30 pm
    • Mariposa Avenue between Cloverdale Road and Glenwood Avenue: 6:45 am to 1 pm
    • Glenwood Avenue between Mariposa Avenue and Maple Lane: 6:45 am to 1 pm
    • Maple Lane between Glenwood Avenue and Lisgar Road: 6:45 am to 1 pm
    • Lisgar Road between Maple Lane and Dufferin Road: 6:45 am to 1 pm
    • Dufferin Road between Rideau Terrace and Stanley Avenue: 6:45 am to 1 pm
    • Stanley Avenue between Dufferin Road and Sussex Drive: 6:45 am to 1:30 pm

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. 

  • Volunteers are needed: 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 by clicking here.

 

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.

 

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Texting scam

The City of Ottawa is warning residents of recent scam text messages seeking payment for alleged speeding infractions under the City’s Automated Speed Enforcement program. Under the legitimate Speed Enforcement Program, tickets are mailed to the registered plate owner of the vehicle. The City does not solicit payments via text messages. If you have received this scam text and provided any personal information, please contact the Ottawa Police Service immediately at 613-236-1222.


May events in the City

Check out the full list for outing suggestions for the month of May. There is SO MUCH to do! Click here for more information.


Rain Ready Ottawa Webinars - May 8 and 14

  • Join Rain Ready Ottawa for an engaging online session with a landscaping professional on permeable pavement on May 8 at 6 pm. Learn how these eco-friendly surfaces can help management stormwater and reduce flooding, protecting our waterways and your home. Information on the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program will also be provided, including an overview of the permeable pavement rebate. This will be the first session in a series of webinars exploring rain ready solutions for your home. Find out more and register. 

  • Join Rain Ready Ottawa for an engaging online session with a landscaping professional on rain gardens on May 14 at 6 pm. The session will cover site selection, plant selection, installation, and maintenance. Information on the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program will be provided, including an overview of rain garden rebates, additional learning opportunities, and resources. This will be the second session in a series of seminars exploring rain ready solutions for your home. Find out more and register.

 

72nd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival - May 10 to 20 
The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II—the only royal personage ever born in Canada. Taking place May 10 to 20 at Commissioner's Park at Dow's Lake, with the opening ceremony scheduled for May 11 at 11 am. Details: tulipfestival.ca

City of Ottawa programs
  • Summer programs are online today: Summer programs are now online to view. Aquatics programs open for registration on Tuesday, May 14 at 9 pm. All other recreation and culture programs open for registration on Thursday, May 16 at 9 pm. You can register for summer camps and Before and After School Programs now. 
  • Tony Graham Youth Workout Pass: Don’t miss the Tony Graham youth workout pass this summer! Teens ages 13 to 17 can use the weight and cardio rooms for free at select facilities in July and August. Orientation sessions are online to view today and open to register on Thursday, May 16. 
  • Free virtual sessions for 50+: If you are 50+, you can now enjoy special virtual programs at no cost. There are creative arts courses, such as drawing and painting and Zen doodling, interactive workshops, and discussion groups including virtual book club. 
  • Join the Junior Waterfront Lifeguard Club: Learn waterfront lifesaving techniques, participate in first aid scenarios and develop leadership skills to fast-track your lifesaving qualifications. Camps are offered in one- or two-week formats at Mooney’s Bay and Britannia Beach for participants aged 8 to 18. Contact [email protected] for more information and register online. 
  • Play Free: Plan your spring and summer with Play Free activities for those 17 and under. From drop-in Saturday swim sessions to free admission to City of Ottawa museums, Cumberland Heritage Village Museum and Billings Estate National Historic Site, you will be sure to find some fun activities for the family. 
  • Young at Art exhibition: Enjoy the incredible artwork of Ottawa’s youth at the Young at Art exhibition held at Shenkman Arts Centre, Salons A and B of Trinity Art Gallery. The exhibition will run until Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - join us in meeting the artists at the vernissage on Thursday, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Award-winning artworks will also be featured online on the Young at Art Instagram account beginning in June
  • Full moon Yoga returns to the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park May 23 at 9 pm. Click here for information.

 

Gloucester 50+ Centre - Spring Bazaar - CANCELLED
The Gloucester 50+ Centre's annual Spring Bazaar and Tea, originally scheduled for May 11, has been cancelled.


BIPOC Youth Job Fair - May 11
The Somali Centre for Family Services is hosting a BIPOC Youth Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 4 pm at Ottawa City Hall! Meet over 30 employers and volunteer recruiters. Register now via this link.


Enjoy Ottawa’s Tulips while Nordic Walking with your local MPP Lucille Collard - May 15
DATE: Wednesday, May 15, 12:30-1:30 pm
SOCIAL HOUR: 1:30 -2:30 pm at Tavern at the Gallery
RSVP: [email protected]. RSVP required
Rain Date – Friday, May 17
Nordic Instruction & Enjoy Tulips: 12:30-1:15 pm
Social Coffee Hour 1.30pm-2.30pm


Crossing Guard of the Year Award - Contest runs until May 17

Nominate your community Crossing Guard for our Crossing Guard of the Year award. The top three guards will receive $500 each, and the three schools that cast the most votes will each win a $300 Canadian Tire gift card! It's win-win! Contest runs till May 17. Nominate your guard here: ottawasafetycouncil.ca/thank-you-ottawa



On The Road 4 Mental Health - May 19 to June 1

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. 


Climate Resiliency Strategy - Survey open until May 21

A collage of multiple photos: - Rural homes destroyed following a tornado- Someone drinking from a water bottle with a blazing sun overhead- A firefighter installs a water pump in a flooded ditch- An uprooted tree toppled over- A broken branch hangs from a tree covered with ice- Snow removal vehicles lined up on a snowy day

You can help shape Climate Ready Ottawa, the City of Ottawa's draft climate resiliency strategy. Visit engage.ottawa/climate-resiliency to review the draft strategy and to share your feedback in a survey before May 21. The series of planned public open houses has been postponed. New dates will be announced soon.



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.

 

Emergency Services News

Community Policing Strategy and District Deployment Model

On April 30, the Ottawa Police Services Board and the Ottawa Police Service hosted a joint technical briefing to provide Ottawa City Council with information on the Service’s new Community Policing Strategy and District Deployment Model, which has a targeted soft launch in early May. 

A key theme from the 2024 Budget community consultation process was the need for greater engagement and officer visibility in communities city-wide, particularly at the neighbourhood level where residents live, work, and play. One neighbourhood’s needs vary significantly from another’s, especially when comparing the needs of urban, suburban, and rural communities. To address these concerns and to help move towards Enhancing Community Safety and Building Trust and Stronger Relationships pillars of the Board Strategic Direction 2027, the OPS is developing a new District Deployment Model that will identify and respond to priorities unique to Ottawa's vast neighbourhoods and communities. The primary focus of the District Deployment Model is to serve each community better and work with City Councillors and their Community partners to resolve issues identified in their Wards. Communities and neighbourhoods will benefit from the transition to a district policing model as they will have more direct, open lines of communication to officers who understand the unique complexities and requirements of individual neighbourhoods, improved access in terms of how the OPS connects with the community, and the ability to participate in how District priorities are identified. The technical briefing can be viewed on Youtube. The Community Policing Strategy and District Deployment Model technical briefing presentation can be accessed here. For more information, please visit ottawapolice.ca. 

Ottawa Police Frontline Traffic Enforcement

Starting May 6, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Frontline will adjust their approach to traffic enforcement throughout the City of Ottawa to align enforcement with the Service’s Community Policing Strategy and District Deployment Model Pilot. As traffic enforcement needs can be different from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, our frontline officers will use community and City Councillor feedback to strategically deploy to problem areas across the city. In addition to community feedback, officers will use information from the Fatal Collision Review Committee, speeding data and patrol observations to inform their enforcement strategies. With the support of the OPS District Traffic Manager, enforcement by frontline officers will increase to focus on communities’ varying traffic concerns. Each quarter, Frontline officers will conduct 18 traffic enforcement initiatives, focusing on themes such as: 

  • Speeding
  • Stunt driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Disruptive vehicle noise
  • Residential-area intersection compliance

In addition to enforcement, educating drivers on safe driving behaviours will be a core component of this new approach. For more information about this initiative, please visit ottawapolice.ca. 

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