March 5, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
I was happy to work with Mayor Sutcliffe to proclaim May 2023 the first Black Business Month in the City of Ottawa. I read the proclamation on behalf of the Mayor at the second annual Ottawa Black Business Expo held last week at the EY Centre on Sunday, April 30, 3023 in my capacity as Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives. Attending the Expo were myself, Ontario Senator Bernadette Clement and Councillor Jessica Bradley, representing Gloucester-Southgate Ward. At the event, I had the opportunity to speak about the accomplishments of Black entrepreneurs, and of their hard work and dedication. I said in my remarks that “the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our city are immeasurable." I also thanked all the City’s Black entrepreneurs. I told them that their “achievements inspire us to all dream big and to work hard to make a positive impact on this city." I told them that “Their success is our success,” and I was proud to stand with them to celebrate their accomplishments. The event featured more than 120 vendors this year and aims to double the number of vendors next year.
During the proclamation ceremony, I acknowledged that there is more work to be done to ensure entrepreneurs from the African, Caribbean and Black communities have an equal opportunity to succeed. I told the Ottawa Business Journal that running a small business comes with “massive” financial risks: “Not many of us go to sleep at night with that type of concern, but all the people in this room do. I think, at a minimum, what we can do is patronize their businesses, we can buy their services, we can tell them we support them and, at the government level, we can link people to services that are available,” such as government grant and bank loan opportunities and other financial tools. You can read the article here: obj.ca/ottawa-black-business-expo-returns-bigger-and-better
Both Montreal Road and MacArthur Avenue, two out of three of Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward’s traditional main streets, have many businesses operated by Black and racialized residents. I encourage you to visit and shop at these establishments to ensure the viability of our local businesses. I will also continue to work with partners such as the Vanier Business Improvement Area (Vanier BIA) and the Ottawa Black Business Alliance to enhance the sustainability of these businesses and help improve the overall business climate.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre hosts Ministers Bibeau and Fortier
The 5th intake of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund is open! The LFIF offers between $15,000 and $120,000 in support to non-profits for equipment and infrastructure that can strengthen local food systems. Apply by May 31, 2023. MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, visited the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community resource Centre with Rideau-Vanier MP Mona Fortier, to announce $10 million for a new phase of the this fund. During their visit to Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, located in Rideau-Rockcliffe, Minister Bibeau and Minister Fortier toured the facility and learned about the organization's support of community food security in Ottawa. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre received a total of $71,502 through past phases of LFIF to purchase a refrigerated vehicle and vertical growing racks and towers. These community projects have allowed the organization to increase food production, while also improving distribution to community members.
Stanley Avenue Watermain Replacement & Resurfacing Project - late April/early May
On May 2 I conducted a walkabout of the route with City staff and representatives from the Crichton Community Council and the New Edinburgh Community Alliance. Staff have arranged for more frequent street sweeping once construction is underway.
Preliminary work is now underway and full construction will begin in May. This work is being conducted to replace the watermain infrastructure and full depth replacement of the road.
What: The Stanley Avenue Watermain Renewal and Resurfacing project will involve the replacement of watermains, water service lines, roadway, sidewalk, and streetscape/landscape treatments within the City’s right of ways.
Street improvements will include speed humps, AODA upgrades (TWSI and depressions), sidewalk widening, and new signage as required for the improvements.
Why: The existing watermain and road infrastructure is aging and needs to be replaced.
When: The construction will commence in late April/ early May 2023, subject to weather conditions, and will run through to the end of 2023.
Where: Construction activities will occur along Stanley Avenue from Sussex Drive to Union Street, with some work occurring between Union Street and Queen Victoria Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained contractor, Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd., to complete the work.
For details, please click here.
Public invited to Rideau Hall to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III - May 6 and 7
On May 6 and 7, the public is invited to take part in free activities at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Among the various activities offered, visitors can tour the residence, grounds and greenhouses; view recordings of the Coronation service taking place in London and the Canadian celebration in Ottawa; listen to musical performances by members of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces; watch the Governor General’s Foot Guards perform the Relief of the Sentries (every hour, from 1 pm to 5 pm); and learn more about the role and history of the Crown in Canada. Throughout the weekend, Rideau Hall will be illuminated in emerald green to mark this historic event, as will the Peace Tower and other federal buildings in Canada’s Capital Region. Please click here for the full schedule of activities.
Jane’s Walk - May 6 and 7
Join Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau May 6 and 7 to stroll and learn about history, celebrate culture, and connect with community. Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by the late urbanist, activist, and journalist Jane Jacobs. Pre-registration is required for walks during the 2023 festival and capacity will be capped. Visit janeswalkottawa.ca for the festival schedule and to sign up as a participant for specific walking tours. For details and the full schedule, please click here. Walks are free but some require advance registration.
- Ottawa historian Glenn Clark leads a walk through Rockcliffe Park, one of Ottawa's earliest parks. Meet at the Rockcliffe Lookout on May 6 at 10 am.
- Corrie Rabbe leads a Medicinal and Edible Plant Walk on May 7 at 1:30 pm. Meet at the east end of the Adàwe Crossing near the Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald Street, in Overbrook.
- Rob Collins will introduce you to eight memorials on Green Island on May 6 starting at 2 pm. Meet at the Artillery Memorial on Green Island.
- Nearby Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, enjoy a walk led by Mario Bélisle at the Museoparc in Vanier. Discover the site and learn about the changes of the last four centuries and the richness of our culture and maple syrup. Starts May 6 at 5 pm at 300 Des Pères Blancs devant le centre Richelieu-Vanier. This walk will be in French.
- On May 6 at 11 am enjoy a walk in French led by Christine Ambroise and Sébastien Lemay. Learn about mysterious legends of forests and rivers and enjoy storytelling, singing, theatrical play and humor accompanied by instruments.
Wards 12, 13 and 14 Transit Townhall - May 10
The results are in! Join Councillors Stephanie Plante, Ariel Troster and me to review the results of our transit-use survey for those who live or work in Wards 12, 13 and 14 and discuss what more can be done to have a reliable transit service we can trust. The virtual townhall is scheduled for May 10 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Please register for the meeting link by clicking here.
Free Dental Screenings at the Rideau Community Hub - May 12 and June 9
Ottawa Public Health hosts free dental screenings at its Neighbourhood Wellness Hubs. Drop by the Rideau Community Hub in Room 101 at 815 St. Laurent Blvd. on May 12 and June 9, between 10:30 am and 4:14 pm. Looking for a dentist? Need help accessing dental care? Interested in a free dental screening at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs? Click here for more information or call the Ottawa Public Health Dental Information Line at 613-580-2424 ext. 23510.
New Edinburgh Garden Day and evening Fieldhouse Film - May 13
The Crichton Community Council in New Edinburgh invite you to New Edinburgh Garden Day on Saturday, May 13 from 9 am to 1 pm at New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue. The event will feature a garden sale and a speaker series on the Fieldhouse lawn.
Cap off the evening with the film classic, Little Shop of Horrors, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. Click here for more Fieldhouse Films details.
Rockcliffe Park Public School's 100th Anniversary - May 13
Throughout the months of May and June, Rockcliffe Park Public School will be celebrating our 100th anniversary. On May 13, 2 to 5 pm, the RPPS School Council will be hosting a High Tea in the Jubilee Gardens at Rockcliffe Park. Community members, alumni, and former staff welcome!
Click here to RSVP.
Manor Park Community Council Spring Sports for Kids - May 13
The Manor Park Community Council hosts its Spring Sports for Kids! Sessions will start with skills & drills designed to meet your child's age and skill level, all while promoting physical literacy. Skills and drills will transition quickly into games, games, games! All MPCC sports programs for children are proudly co-ed and welcome players from all neighbourhoods, abilities, and skill levels. We hope you’ll get active with us outside this spring in Manor Park.
Starting May 13, 2023; 100 Thornwood Road
Visit manorpark.ca for details and to register.
MacKay United Church Women's Unit hosts a special event regarding intimate partner violence/femicide - May 24
On Wednesday, May 24 at 7 pm, authors of The Castleton Massacre, Sharon Cook and Margaret Carson, will discuss femicide, using the context of their family's tragedy with a question and answer session following the presentation. The Castleton Massacre was listed as one of Canada's best non-fiction books in 2022 by the Globe and Mail. Margaret Carson, a young child at the time, escaped the killing by running away from the family home and hiding in a ditch. The event is free. All are welcome. It will be held in person at 39 Dufferin Road, and also streamed live at this link.
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Series - May 24
May 24 at 8 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, 380 Springfield Road.
Former curator of both contemporary and modern art at the National Gallery for 21 years, and author of “Women at the Helm” about the first three women directors of the gallery, Diana Nemiroff was one of the signatories to a public letter that launched a media storm over the recent turmoil that has engulfed the gallery. She will bring her deep experience and sharp mind to a talk about the past, present, and future of this iconic institution. For details, please click here.
Ottawa Marathon Cheering Station - May 28
Climate Resiliency Community Workshop for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents - May 30
Noise Exemption Permit Application- May 31
The Ottawa Riverkeeper has applied to the City of Ottawa for a noise exemption for a fundraising event at the River House at 501 Sir-George-Etienne-Cartier Parkway the evening of May 31. The gala will host an estimated 350 guests and live music and speeches are planned. There is the potential to exceed standard noise levels.
Overbrook’s Rideau River centennial kiosk project
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Ottawa Public Health Update for May 4
For the most recent update from Ottawa Public Health, please click here.
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Red Dress Day (May 5) - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples
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National Mental Health Week
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Perinatal Mental Health: Supporting New and Expectant Parents
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Respiratory Virus Dashboard
City considers new curbside garbage policy to divert waste from landfill
The City of Ottawa is considering a new policy to change curbside garbage collection to a partial pay-as-you-throw program. This new policy will be considered for approval at the Environment and Climate Change Committee on June 5. To reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill and increase participation in recycling and Green Bin programs, the City is considering a new policy to change curbside garbage collection in Ottawa to a partial pay-as-you-throw program. In a briefing to Members of City Council on May 4, staff presented an overview of the recommended policy, which the Environment and Climate Change Committee will consider on Monday, June 5.
For more information and to read the full report, please click here.
Release of 2022 Severe Weather Event/Derecho After-Action Review Report
At the March 30, 2023, Emergency Preparedness and Protective Service Committee meeting, Councillor Johnson directed staff “to make the comprehensive after-action report for the May 2022 Derecho/Severe Weather Event publicly available.” This report is based on the knowledge, experience, and insights of City employees who were directly involved in coordinating response and recovery efforts for the May 2022 ‘derecho’ storm. Visit this link for the report: 2022 Severe Weather Event/Derecho After-Action Review report.
OC Transpo Bus Route Review
Supporting OC Transpo customers on Twitter
Starting May 1, OC Transpo has replaced its @OCTranspoLive Twitter account with @OC_TranspoHelps, a new account focused on customer service that is managed by customer service agents who are empowered to quickly respond to inquiries and support customers during their trip. Specific trip information will not be published on Twitter. Visit octranspo.com/alerts for detours, route changes, and cancelled trip information.
Film, Television, and Animation Career Fair - May 10
The Ottawa Film Office is pleased to announce that after a four-year hiatus, its popular Film, Television, and Animation Career Fair is returning to Lansdowne Park! Join us on May 10 from 4 to 8 pm in the historic Horticulture Building to meet local companies and industry professionals working in the screen-based media sector. Attendees will also have the opportunity to chat with local post-secondary institutions, associations, unions and guilds to learn about industry programs, resources, and training.
This free event is geared to anyone interested in exploring a career in film and television, including:
- Secondary and post-secondary students, recent grads;
- Current crew members looking for new opportunities;
- Professionals working in a different industry and interested in transitioning to an exciting new career in Ottawa's growing film and television industry.
Please register at OttawaFilmCareerFair.eventbrite.ca
Synapcity Sessions is back, this time spotlighting Ottawa’s Tree Canopy. Joined by CAFES Ottawa, Forêt Capital Forest, Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital and Treefest Ottawa, this session will feature the work that is being done to preserve and ultimately grow Ottawa’s Tree Canopy. Hear about neighborhood campaigns, awareness raising initiatives, tree planting initiatives, forestation issues, greenspace campaigns and more. The event will feature presentations, break out sessions and a panel discussion. Click here to reserve your spot.
The Canadian Tulip Legacy is a nationally registered charity that commemorates the sacrifice of more than 7,500 Canadian soldiers in the liberation of the Netherlands while celebrating the only royal personage ever born on Canadian soil, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, and the resulting gift of tulips from the grateful Dutch to all Canadians. More than one million tulips in Canada’s national capital region are planted and cared for by the National Capital Commission, Canada’s official gardener. This tulip tradition has lasted since the end of the Second World War and has grown into the largest public tulip display on the planet. The Canadian Tulip Festival presents this stunning floral showcase to the world, inviting guests from across the globe to experience Canada’s Capital every spring. Click here for details.
NCC Weekend Bikedays are back starting May 13
Every weekend from May to October, the NCC reserves some of its parkways in Ottawa for active use. Whether you’re biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller, this program is for you! These car-free roads are a great way to experience the beauty of the National Capital Region in a fun, safe, and environmentally friendly way. Click here for the routes and schedules.
The Queen Elizabeth Driveway active use program is also back. Click here for more information.
Mother's Day Flower Fun Run in support of the Canadian Tulip Legacy - May 14
Don’t just tip-toe, RUN through the tulips! Experience a run like no other – through the heart of the Canadian Tulip Festival. On May 14, it’s The Somersault Mother’s Day Fun Run at the Dows Lake Pavillion at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Enjoy the beautiful colours all around you on a closed-course race suitable for everyone from first-timers to advanced runners. For the schedule and more details, please click here.
Nominate your Favourite Crossing Guard
Not all heroes wear capes … some wear high visibility vests! May 17 is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Ottawa! Nominate YOUR local Crossing Guard today by visiting: https://www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/thankyou/
Lansdowne 2.0 - Public Realm/Urban Park Consultation - May 17
Don't miss this opportunity to help shape the future of Lansdowne Park! Register for the City's Public Realm/Urban Park virtual engagement on May 17 at 6 pm. Please click here to register for the meeting link.
OAG’s Give to Get Art Auction 2023 - May 18
For more than 20 years, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) has welcomed attendees for the Give to Get Art Auction, an annual fundraising event in support of local art, artists, and the OAG’s public exhibitions, permanent collection, and community programming. This prominent annual event will take place on Thursday, May 18, between 5:30 and 8:30 pm, in the ultramodern Alma Duncan Salon on the third floor of the OAG (10 Daly Avenue). For details, please click here.
City of Ottawa budget survey - open until May 24
The Beechwood Stroll - May 28
The Beechwood Cemetery Stroll is a free, family-friendly guided historical tour through Beechwood, the National Cemetery of Canada. Tours are given on the last Sunday of each month, rain or shine, and begin at 1 pm. Tours start from the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, located just off our Beechwood Avenue entrance. For more information, please click here. To register for the May 28th tour, please click here.
Join us in celebrating the 20th annual AccessAbility Day, presented by the City of Ottawa in collaboration with the Canadian Accessibility Network and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada – National Capital Region. Our three organizations are proud to bring you a Canada-wide discussion on accessibility policy, featuring top institutions, public administration leaders, and civil society advocates. As we come together to celebrate National AccessAbility Week, we invite established and emerging accessibility champions from all across Canada to participate in this rich and informative gathering. This year's theme is "Developments in Accessibility Legislation and Policies at the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Levels," offering a timely and engaging discussion on key accessibility issues. Don't miss your chance to join this important dialogue on shaping the future of accessibility in Canada.
When: Wednesday May 31, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 pm (EDT)
Location: Virtual Event over Zoom
Please join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who will deliver the Proclamation of AccessAbility Day in Ottawa. This will be followed by a variety of engaging speakers who will share their perspectives on the topic, including a keynote speech from Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer.
Please register online.
The Ottawa Public Library has a number of new job postings available for full-time, part-time, and casual positions. Learn more about OPL as an employer: biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/jobs-ottawa-public-library Visit this link for the OPL job board and be sure to keep checking back as more postings are being added.
The Canadian Tulip Festival Needs Volunteers
This year the Canadian Tulip Festival is partnered with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve to celebrate their Centennial Anniversary. When you support the Festival you help celebrate the RCNVR and Canadian veterans. This historic Canadian Festival has always relied on the kindness and generosity of its volunteers. To learn more about the various ways you could help and to register to volunteer, please click this link.
Share your ideas on how we can all build our resilience to the impacts of climate change
Ottawa is expected to get much warmer and wetter over the coming decades, with more very hot days, intense rainfall and extreme weather events. Preparing for climate change will require everyone to take action to protect ourselves and our environment. Ottawa's Climate Change and Resiliency Team is looking for your feedback on how we can all prepare for some of the key climate impacts:
Your ideas will be used to inform the City’s Climate Resiliency Strategy. To share your ideas visit the Climate Resiliency Strategy page on Engage Ottawa.
City Council and Committee News
For meeting agendas, please visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1.
For information on how to participate in individual meetings, please consult the specific meeting’s agenda at ottawa.ca/agendas.
To watch the meetings on Youtube, please click here.
- Built Heritage Committee - May 9 at 9:30 am
- Ottawa Public Library Board - May 9, 5 pm
- Accessibility Advisory Committee - May 9, 6 pm
- City Council - May 10, 10 am
- Transit Commission - May 11, 9:30 am