May 8, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
I am proud to share that the City of Ottawa was officially recognized this week as a certified Bird Friendly City by Nature Canada. This is a meaningful milestone that reflects years of dedicated work by residents, community organizations, and environmental advocates across our city.
Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City certification program, now in its sixth year, brings together municipalities committed to reducing key threats to birds, protecting critical habitat, and educating residents on how they can make a difference in their daily lives. Birds face serious and growing pressures in urban environments, from window collisions and habitat loss to light pollution during migration. Certification signals that a city is taking concrete, science-based steps to address these threats. Ottawa joins a growing national network of 41 certified municipalities, representing nearly one-third of Canada's metropolitan population.
This recognition would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy and stewardship of Bird Friendly Ottawa and its many partners, including Ecology Ottawa, the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club, Safe Wings Ottawa, and the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library. These organizations have worked collaboratively for years to raise awareness, engage the public, and push for meaningful policy change at the municipal level. Their dedication came to fruition earlier this year when the City of Ottawa's Environment and Climate Change Committee passed a motion of support to submit our application to Nature Canada, a motion that I was proud to move at Committee.
I also want to acknowledge Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh for her early collaboration in supporting community organizations and helping advance this initiative. I was happy to co-host a lunch and learn earlier this Term of Council with Councillor Kavanagh and Bird Friendly Ottawa to explain the positive impact of certification to Members of Council. Bird Friendly City certification is a meaningful acknowledgment of the work already underway to protect biodiversity and strengthen environmental stewardship here in Ottawa.
I want to offer a special commendation to Deborah Doherty, co-chair of Bird Friendly Ottawa, who is a proud Overbrook resident. Deborah has been an extraordinary champion for bird conservation in our community. Her efforts to organize bird-friendly events right here in Overbrook have helped bring residents together around a shared love of nature and a commitment to protecting our local environment. Whether she is leading a bird walk along the Rideau River, hosting a community workshop on making windows safer for birds, or simply inspiring neighbours to pay closer attention to the species passing through our backyards each season, Deborah exemplifies the kind of grassroots civic leadership that makes our ward such a wonderful place to live. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing this certification to Ottawa, and our ward is fortunate to have her. As she so aptly reminds us: "A Bird Friendly City is a People Friendly City."
Councillor Shawn Menard, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, spoke to the significance of the designation in a statement: "Ottawa is proud to be recognized as a certified Bird Friendly City. This designation reflects the strong work already underway across our community to protect biodiversity, support climate resilience, and foster meaningful partnerships with residents and organizations. Thank you to Nature Canada, Bird Friendly Ottawa, and their partners for their leadership and commitment."
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also highlighted what this recognition means for our city as a whole in statement: "Ottawa's natural spaces are a large part of what makes Ottawa such a great city. Supporting our bird population is one way we continue to care for those spaces and ensure they remain healthy for future generations. This recognition reflects years of dedicated work by residents, community groups, and environmental leaders across Ottawa. It is a credit to the people who have taken action to protect local ecosystems and strengthen awareness of the importance of urban biodiversity."
Ottawa's natural spaces are a defining feature of our city and our quality of life in Rideau-Rockcliffe. From the green corridors along the Ottawa River to the urban parks and ravines that thread through our neighbourhoods, these spaces provide essential habitat for birds migrating over the Ottawa River watershed to Canada's boreal forests each spring and fall. It is worth remembering that Ottawa sits along one of North America's most significant migratory flyways. Hundreds of species pass through our region each year, relying on healthy urban ecosystems to rest and refuel on their journeys. Protecting them is not only good for wildlife, it is good for all of us.
Ottawa has been awarded the Intermediate Level certification, and more work lies ahead as we build on this foundation. There are tangible steps every resident can take, from installing window decals to reduce bird collisions to planting native species in their gardens. Small actions, taken collectively, add up to real change. Bird Friendly Ottawa hosts community events throughout the year, including World Migratory Bird Day and the Great Backyard Bird Count. I encourage all Rideau-Rockcliffe residents to get involved and support this important work.
To learn more about Bird Friendly Ottawa and how you can take action to protect birds in your neighbourhood, visit their Web site at birdfriendlyottawa.ca.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
I attended the renaming of Mary Papatise Park in Vanier as well as the Vanier HUB to commemorate Red Dress Day in Ottawa.
It was lovely to attend the launch of Tulipfest this week at Saunders Farm in Munster with Tourism Ottawa, along with Councillor Brown and Councillor Hubley. Drop by and watch the tulips come to full bloom over the next three weeks!
Great to have attended the Somali Hope Foundation’s 16th annual “farewell” gala with Council colleagues last weekend!
Fully enjoyed attending the Jim Logan retrospective exhibition vernissage at SAW Gallery at the Ottawa Arts Court last weekend!
Thank you the 3018 Royal Canadian Army Cadets and community volunteers for planting over 1,000 trees with Councillor Laura Dudas on the grounds of the former convent on St. Joseph Boulevard with support from Trees for Life!
Had a great time exploring New Edinburgh Bike Day 2026 last weekend along with activities at the Fieldhouse and the park!
Thank you to all the volunteers at the Wateridge Village Community Association for leading an amazing neighbourhood clean-up effort last weekend in Eugène Martineau Park!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Beechwood Public Realm Plan - What We Learned Report now available
City staff have produced a "What We Learned Report" following the recent initial public engagement and survey period for the Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Plan. To read the report, please visit the project webpage at engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood. The report and supplemental documentation are available on the right-hand menu under "Documents."
Ottawa Family Cinema, located at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, is closing out an incredible season with a walk on the wild side! Join us Saturday, May 9 at 2 pm for ZOOTOPIA 2 in 3D! For details and tickets, visit www.familycinema.ca.
New Edinburgh Plant Sale - May 9
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea with MPP Lucille Collard - May 9
Please join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 9, from 2 to 4 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road. Enjoy freshly brewed tea, create your own strawberry shortcake, and take part in family-friendly activities, including face painting for kids. Everyone is welcome — and bring your children!
Community Farm Initiative at Rideau Community Hub - May 9
"Shovel-ready" volunteers needed Saturday May 9 & 16 (0800-1200) to help fill raised beds with top soil. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is inviting community members to help get our "community farm" ready for the growing season. Interested? Get in touch with Maddie Leblanc at [email protected]
Ottawa Police Week activities at the Vanier HUB - May 14
The Ottawa Police Service will be celebrating National Police Week from Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 15, 2026. This year’s theme, “Committed to Serve Together,” emphasizes the importance of partnership, collaboration, and meaningful community engagement. National Police Week provides an opportunity for OPS to raise awareness of our services while strengthening the connections we share with the communities we proudly serve. Everyone is welcome to enjoy fun games, a free barbecue, frozen treats and popcorn and meet Ottawa Police officers at the Vanier HUB, 271 Marier Avenue, on May 14 from 4 to 7 pm.
Beechwood Cemetery book launch event - May 14
Everyone is invited to the official launch of Beechwood Cemetery's book! Come celebrate on May 14 from 5 to 7 pm for an evening of conversation, community, and celebration. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments as the authors introduce the book, share insights, and connect with guests. Location: Beechwood Cemetery Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue. For details and to RSVP: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/book-launch
Farm Store anniversary celebration - May 16
The Farm Store celebrates its 4th anniversary with an outdoor market at 1805 Gaspe Avenue on May 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be vendors and food, along with market merchandise, plus live music and and a visit from the Merry Dairy Truck from 12 to 2 pm.
"It's A Trap" crime prevention program launch - May 22
Everyone is welcome to attend North-South Development Roots & Culture Canada's launch of the "It's A Trap" crime prevention program on May 22 from 1 to 3 pm at the Vanier Community Centre, 270 Marier Avenue. The event will feature a panel discussion, "It Takes an Ecosystem: Turning Partnership into Strategy for Crime Prevention." North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada empowers youth and families through education, mentorship, and community programs that build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. The "It's A Trap" crime prevention program aims to educate youth about the criminal life cycle, with a focus on risks and consequences associated with drugs, gang involvement and the sex trade. More information is available here: rootsandculturecanada.org
Almyr Jules at the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse - May 23
Almyr Jules brings soul‑soaked songs to New Edinburgh for one night only, May 23 at 8 pm. Details: www.facebook.com
Overbrook Bike Day - May 23
Overbrook residents are invited to enjoy Bike Day at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on May 23 from 11 am to 2 pm. Come test your skills, learn to fix your bike, talk bike safety, learn bike handling and traffic skills, wash your bike and enjoy some popcorn. Hosted by the Overbrook Community Centre in partnership with the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend - Road Closures - May 23 & 24
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend takes place May 23 and 24. The International Marathon and Half Marathon events on Sunday, May 24 will require road closures along Sussex Drive, Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway to Birch Avenue, Hillsdale Road, Acacia Avenue, Coltrin Road, Minto Place, Buena Vista Road, Lisgar Road and Princess Avenue. For a map of routes and road closures, please visit racepoint.ca. Click 'show closures" and scroll through the timings on the menu on the bottom left.
Parking restrictions will be in effect along the following streets on Sunday, May 24 from 5 am until 2 pm.
- Princess Avenue – both sides – from Sussex to Lisgar
- Lisgar Road – both sides – from Princess to Sir George Etienne Parkway
- Hillsdale Road – both sides – from Sandridge Road to Sir George Etienne Cartier Parkway
- Acacia Avenue – both sides – from Crescent Road to Sir George Etienne Cartier Parkway
- Coltrin Road – both sides – from Acacia Ave to Minto Place
- Minto Place – both sides – from Coltrin Road to Buena Vista Road
- Buena Vista Road – both sides – from Minto Place to Lisgar Road
Odawa Native Friendship Centre PowWow - May 22 to 24
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre hosts the 2026 edition of its traditional PowWow at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on May 22, from 4 to 8 pm, May 23, from 9 am to 9 pm, and on May 24, from 9 am to 5 pm. The event will feature traditional dancing, drumming and food.
Volunteers needed for Race Weekend Hydration Station in Manor Park - May 24
OrKidstra Vanier HUB End-of-Year Concert - May 27
OrKidstra's end-of-year concert series is fast approaching, including a performance at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 485 Donald Street, on May 27 at 6:30 pm. This informal evening will feature performances by our Vanier HUB students, showcasing what they’ve been working on throughout the year. It promises to be a warm and inspiring celebration of music and community. No tickets are required, but donations are welcome!
FREE event: Pocket Theatre - May 27
The Pocket Theatre is back for a second edition! Créations In Vivo and Muséoparc Vanier invite you to experience a unique theatrical performance in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Vanier Sugar Shack. The Patenteuses are back! After a successful first staged reading, they return for a second reading, this time with music! Details: museoparc.ca
- Date: May 27
- Location: Vanier Sugar Shack
- 320 Pères-Blancs Avenue
- Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ottawa Community Housing Foundation bursaries - Deadline to apply is May 31
The 2026 Inspired by Learning bursary program is designed to support 40 post-secondary students living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) households. This initiative aims to remove any financial barriers and push students to pursue their education with more confidence. The bursary applications are open until May 31. For details and to apply, visit ochfoundation.ca/programs/inspired-by-learning-bursary
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Manor Park integrated renewal - road closures - May 4 to Sept. 25
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new sewers, watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent et al integrated renewal project. To facilitate the installation of the works, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of portions of Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent and Kilbarry Crescent as outlined below. More information about this project can be found at ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue.
What: A full road closure of portions of Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent and Kilbarry Crescent.
Why: The road closures are required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and the necessary labour, materials and equipment.
When: Starting Monday, May 4 to Friday, September 25, 2026. The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where:
- Arundel Avenue, from Farnham Crescent to St. Laurent Boulevard.
- Farnham Crescent, from Arundel Avenue to north side dead end.
- Kilbarry Crescent, Ava Road to Arundel Avenue
Enbridge Gas construction - Brittany Drive & Montreal Road
Updates: Overnight work for Montreal from Olmstead to St. Laurent - May 4 to 15 & Overnight work at Montreal and Cummings - May 3 to 14
As part of Enbridge's St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project, which involves the installation of a new gas main, overnight construction is required along a segment of Montreal Road and a portion of Brittany Drive until approximately mid-May, from 7 pm to 5 am, in order to avoid major daytime traffic impacts. Construction is taking place 30 metres south of the intersection of Montreal Road and Cummings Avenue, extending westbound along Montreal Road, continuing approximately 30 metres north on Brittany Drive, and extending further west past the plaza at 548 Montreal Road. Construction noise is expected with the use of a hydrovac, excavator, backhoe and trucks.
As part of Enbridge's gas pipeline replacement project, construction will be required along the length of Brittany Drive between St. Laurent and Montreal from April through June 2026. This will require night and weekend work on Montreal Road, as well as periodic lane reductions or closures along Brittany. Once the work begins along the full length of Brittany Drive, construction will be restricted to daytime hours Monday to Saturday. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. During the work period, local residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures and construction noise. For details, visit enbridgegas.com/stlaurentreplacement, email [email protected] or for construction-related enquiries, email [email protected] or call 1-855-801-2303. Enquiries related to overnight work can be shared with Foreman Frank Zappia by calling 613-551-9809.
UPDATEs:
- Overnight work May 3 to 14 from 7 pm to 6 am is required beginning 30 metres south of the intersection of Montreal Road and Cummings Avenue, extending westbound along Montreal Road, continuing approximately 30 metres north along Brittany Drive and extending further west past the Beer Store plaza (548 Montreal Rd).
- Overnight work May 4 to 15 from 8 pm to 4 am is required along Montreal Road from Olmstead to St. Laurent. Crews will be removing copper cables from a Bell utility holes using a scraper truck. They anticipate being at each location along that stretch for 1 to 2 hours.
Enbridge Gas construction - St. Laurent Boulevard between Sandridge and Brittany - April to September
Enbridge Gas is replacing a natural gas pipeline along St. Laurent Boulevard between Sandridge Road and Brittany Drive from April to September 2026. The next area of focus along St. Laurent will be from Brittany to Hemlock. Weekend and overnight work, from 7 pm to 6 am, will be required to avoid weekday daytime traffic and transit impacts. The traffic management plan requires periodic lane reductions or closures along St. Laurent. Access to area homes and businesses will be maintained. During this work period, area residents may experience traffic detours, sidewalk closures and construction noise related to hydrovac operations, backhoes and trucks. For project information, visit enbridgegas.com/stlaurentreplacement, email [email protected] or for construction-related enquiries, email [email protected] or call 1-855-801-2303. Enquiries related to overnight work can be shared with Foreman Frank Zappia by calling 613-551-9809.
Enbridge Gas is replacing approximately 14.4 km of their natural gas distribution network in the City of Ottawa to ensure the safety and reliability of their pipeline infrastructure. Known as the St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project, the 2026 scope of this project will include work in the Rockcliffe Park and Manor Park communities. As they prepare for construction, you may see construction crews doing some preliminary field work, including digging and then back-filling temporary holes or trenches to safely identify utility infrastructure located in the City’s right-of-way. This preliminary field work will continue for the coming weeks from Monday to Saturday between 7 am to 5 pm. These activities are essential to ensure that subsequent construction can proceed safely and with minimal disruption. Construction work is scheduled from May 4 through July 2026 along Sandridge Road, between St. Laurent Boulevard and Hillsdale Road. This work has obtained all necessary permits and complies with municipal requirements. Areas impacted by this work will be restored. For project information, visit enbridgegas.com/stlaurentreplacement, email [email protected] or for construction-related enquiries, email [email protected] or call 1-855-801-2303.
Underground Infrastructure Installation Project - Vedette Way in Wateridge Village - May 25 to June 8
Hydro Ottawa pole renewal on McArthur Avenue and De l'Église St - June 1 to Dec. 18
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Residents are invited to Para Transpo Talk on May 9 and 29. Para Transpo Talk is a series of customer events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you take Para Transpo. This time, Para Transpo Talk will participate in two community events in May: AdaptExpo on May 9 and the City of Ottawa’s AccessAbility Day on May 29. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Free “Try Artistic Swimming” Sessions - May 11, 14 & 26
- May 11 (5:45–6:30 PM) – Brewer Pool
- May 14 (5:30–6:00 PM) – Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex
- May 26 (5:00–5:45 PM) – Splash Wave Pool
Registration for summer programming - opens May 12 & 14
Tartan and Red Serge - A Canadian Celtic Showcase - May 16
A vibrant celebration of Celtic and Canadian music and dance, featuring artists from across the Ottawa Valley. Experience the stirring sights and sounds of bagpipes, drums, highland dancers, bugles, fiddles, Métis jiggers and Celtic folk music as this unforgettable performance explores the deep musical roots of Canada. Presented by the world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes, Drums and Dancers, this dynamic production brings together exceptional talent, including the Lyons Sisters Métis Jiggers, the MacLeod Fiddlers, the Governor General’s Foot Guards Brass Ensemble, Shabraque-Celtic and the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the National Capital Region. Performances take place May 16 at 3 pm and 7 pm. For tickets, please visit shenkmanarts.ca/en/tartan-red-serge-rcmp
Register for the 2026 AccessAbility Day Event - May 29 - Register by May 22
Please register for the City of Ottawa’s 23rd annual AccessAbility Day event, held each year as part of National AccessAbility Week. This event will be in-person at Ottawa’s City Hall. The morning event will be livestreamed via the City’s YouTube channel. As part of AccessAbility Day 2026, the City is proud to be partnering with Wheelchair Basketball Canada in anticipation of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which will be hosted in Ottawa this fall. In recognition of this partnership, the theme of this year’s AccessAbility Day is Game Changers: Accessible Sport in Action.
Date: Friday, May 29Emergency Services Updates
Location: St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 8 am to 3 pm