November 24, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The Draft 2024 Budget, tabled earlier this month at Council, is designed to support Council’s commitment to fund ongoing service operational needs and deliver on the Term of Council priorities as outlined in the 2023-2026 City Strategic Plan. The total operational revenue forecast is $4.6 billion. The total capital budget forecast is $1.2 billion. The City is proposing an overall tax increase of 2.5 per cent. At 2.5 per cent, the average urban homeowner would pay an additional $105 on their annual property tax bill, while the average rural homeowner would pay an additional $86.
This year, the draft 2024 budget development process includes enhancements to improve budget literacy and transparency and to make it easier for residents to become engaged. City staff have designed a new interactive and user-friendly Budget Tool and a Budget Tabling Report that outlines 2024 investments. Notable in the draft 2024 City budget is the $21.8 million investment in affordable housing and $30 million allocated to the social services sector to address the root causes of poverty and increase equitable access to services for residents facing the greatest needs and barriers in our community. The draft budget also allocates $300,000 to advance concrete actions to contribute to making Ottawa an age-friendly community through enhanced City services, facilities and programs that are accessible and responsive to the needs of older adults.
New environmental commitments in the budget include $280,000 for new employees to advance the new tree planting program as outlined in the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan. The plan lays out the City’s commitment to maintain 40 per cent tree cover across Ottawa and includes 26 recommendations to maintain and grow the city’s urban forest. The budget also provides $51.5 million in overall spending on stormwater management and flood mitigation to deal with the increasing impacts of flooding due to increased wet weather due to climate change. The draft budget will also invest more than $62 million for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, ranging from intersection control measures, programs for cycling and pedestrian facilities, network modifications, active transportation, neighbourhood traffic calming, and more. It also includes road safety initiatives in accordance with the approved Strategic Road Safety Action Plan.
The budget further includes more than $300 million for overall integrated road construction and road renewal, storm and surface water rehabilitation, bridges, sidewalks and pathways. The City is also allocating $4.5 million for the evaluation, development and implementation of enhancements to the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan and supporting projects. As Council Liaison for Antiracism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, I am pleased that $120,000 will be specifically allocated to the expansion of Black-led community initiatives, as part of Anti-Racism Strategy commitments. Under the proposed City budget, more resources will be dedicated to support strategic initiatives, including the recently approved Anti-Racism Strategy, along with the Women and Gender Equity, Indigenous Relations and Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Plan.
The City has a strong, diverse economy that is growing. Draft Budget 2024 aims to further reduce red tape and start-up barriers for small businesses, which contribute to our thriving traditional and commercial main streets.
In this proposed budget, more than $50 million will be allocated to Ward 13 investments, which will include:
- More affordable housing funding allocated to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for the 271-unit affordable housing project currently underway at 715 Mikinak Road in Wateridge Village.
- Integrated road-water-sewer construction projects, including Drouin Avenue, Oakhill Road and Corona Avenue in Rockcliffe Park.
- Renewal of Brittany Water Pumping Station in Manor Park.
- Renewal of St. Patrick Street Bridge, over the Rideau River.
- Road resurfacing on Morin Street from Cote Street to St. Laurent Boulevard in Castle Heights and Rideau Terrace from Springfield Road to Acacia Avenue in Lindenlea.
- New sidewalks for Hardy Avenue and Presland Road in Overbrook.
- New pathway lighting for St Paul's Park in Overbrook.
- Lindenlea Community Centre backyard upgrades.
- Feasibility Design Study for Gil-O-Julien Fieldhouse improvements in Overbrook.
- Design and development work for Kishkabika Park, Veteran's Park and William Barker Park in Wateridge Village.
The budget will continue to move through all the standing committees next week before coming back to Council for consideration and adoption on December 6. For more information on the Draft 2024 Budget, including engagement opportunities, please visit ottawa.ca.
I encourage you to take the time to review the budget and provide your feedback. Your input and insights are invaluable as we work to make informed decisions that best serve our community. The public's engagement in this process is essential for creating a budget that aligns with our shared priorities. Previously, I held a Ward consultation as well as a consultation for Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, which are available on my YouTube channel. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Draft 2024 Budget, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to represent your interests and address any inquiries you may have.
Your Councillor in the Community
I was pleased to attend the opening of the World Multicultural Festival on Parliament Hill on Nov. 19 with Ottawa West-Nepean MP Anita Vandenbeld and Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier to provide opening remarks.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Vanier Snowflake Breakfast - Purchase tickets by Nov. 27 at 5 pm for the Dec. 1 event
Small Business Saturday - Nov. 25
S.O.C.I.A.L Event - Nov. 25
Festive Breakfast in New Edinburgh - Nov. 25
Please join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for her Festive Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 25, from 10 am to 12 pm, at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. There will be market vendors and a special guest will be dropping by while you enjoy pancakes, coffee and sausages. Everyone welcome.
Holiday Lights Gathering in New Edinburgh - Nov. 25
Warm up for the holiday season at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Nov. 25 from 4 to 8 pm. Holiday lights. Festive music. Snacks to sweeten the palate. Drinks to warm the soul. Caroling around an outdoor fire. Ornament making. Face painting. Wagon rides to view the Lane lights. A white-bearded man in a red suit all ready to hear gift requests will arrive by horse-drawn wagon at 5 pm. A picture-taking elf with a tripod for your camera will be on hand. For details, please click here.
Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair - Nov. 30
Free Dental Screenings - Dec. 1 and 15
Ottawa Public Health hosts free dental screenings at its Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on Dec. 1 and 15. All ages are welcome. No appointment is needed. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop in between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm and between 1:30 and 4 pm. For details, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca/neighbourhoodhub or call 613-580-6744.
Wikipedia Editing 101 for All - Dec. 2
Lindenlea Chili Dinner & Sleigh Ride - Dec. 2
The Lindenlea Community Association hosts its annual chili dinner and sleigh rides on Dec. 2. The sleigh rides are scheduled from 4:30 to 6 pm and dinner is served from 5:30 to 7 pm. For more information, please click here.
Holiday Night Market - Dec. 2
The Manor Park Community Council and Ottawa Street Markets present their second annual Holiday Night Market on Dec. 2, from 5 to 9 pm, featuring a festive evening of fun, local shopping, socializing, vendors and plenty more! The market will take place at 1805 Gaspe Avenue in Manor Park. Visit with Santa from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. For details, please click here.
Violin Recital - Dec. 8
Everyone is invited to enjoy a Violin Recital hosted by the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's Children, Youth and Family Team on Friday, Dec. 8, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The Centre is located at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard.
Seed Giveaways - Dec. 9
Rideau-Rockcliffe Food Bank is in Need
Last year, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre served more than 27,000 residents. The Centre's Emergency Food Bank and the many services provided by the Centre continue to be a lifeline for many in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13. With the holiday season fast approaching, the Centre invites you to support their vision and to visit www.crcrr.org, where you can make a contribution that will make a tangible difference in the lives of Rideau-Rockcliffe residents.
Elder and Youth Councils in Ottawa-Vanier
Are you a resident of Ottawa-Vanier aged 50 and over? If you would like to join the Seniors' Council and have your voice heard to express your opinions and concerns, please click here.
Calling all young individuals aged 16 to 24 living in Ottawa-Vanier with an interest in politics who want to voice their opinions! We want to hear from you! Click here for details.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - RSVP by Nov. 29
Location: Zoom
Emerging Community Needs Funding - applications accepted until Dec. 7
The Emerging Community Needs funding stream of Community Funding is now open for applications. Emerging Community Needs funding provides one-time funding for initiatives or activities that address a specific emerging need in a community (local priority neighbourhoods or community of common bond) and contribute to community capacity building, well-being, and resiliency. For the purpose of this funding, emerging needs are defined as newly formed or prominent.
• Deadline for application: Dec. 7, 2023
• Funding available: $500,000
For more information and to apply, please email [email protected]. All applications will be assessed through an allocation process.
What does the Rideau Canal mean to you? - Survey open until Dec. 8
The National Capital Commission, Parks Canada and the City of Ottawa have engaged Matrix Heritage to produce a cultural landscape study of the northern section of the Ottawa corridor of the Rideau Canal, from the Ottawa Locks through to Hog’s Back Locks, that outlines its heritage values and character-defining elements. The Rideau Canal Cultural Landscape Study will be a guiding document for the three partner organizations to inform their respective planning, reporting, project development, and review of internal and external proposals for both the lockstation grounds and the lands along the Rideau Canal. A survey is now live and will run until Dec. 8. To fill out the survey, please click here. For more information about the study, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/rideaucanal.
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program - Applications due by Dec. 8
The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is pleased to announce that the RAISE grant program (2023-24) is now open for applications. This expanded program will provide access to business development training, culturally responsive and tailored business coaching, networking opportunities, and a one-time grant of $10,000 to support Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs. If you are an Indigenous, Black or other racialized entrepreneur and own a small business in Ontario that is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, then you may be eligible. Entrepreneurs who have not previously participated in the RAISE grant program are encouraged to apply to access the enhanced offerings. Applications for the program must be submitted on or before Dec. 8, 2023 at 11:59 pm. Visit the RAISE grant program web portal for more information about program eligibility, eligible expenses and what you need to apply. Should you have any questions, contact Monday to Friday, 8:30 .m to 5 pm EST, excluding government and statutory holidays. Call toll-free at 1-888-975-5502 or email [email protected]. Video Relay Service (VRS) for Deaf and hard of hearing persons is available at 437-538-4850.
Mayor's Annual Christmas Celebration - Dec. 9
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will host the Mayor’s 21st Annual Christmas Celebration on Dec. 9, from 2 to 5 pm, at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Admission is with a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. For more information, please click here.
Holiday Events at Lansdowne Park
There are many upcoming festive events taking place at Lansdowne Park throughout November and December. With unique vendors, tasty treats and activities for the whole family, you are sure to have a magical visit. For details, please click here.
City of Ottawa Service Reviews
- Has affordable housing and is more liveable for all (fall 2023)
- Is more connected with reliable, safe and accessible mobility options (winter 2024)
- Is green and resilient (spring 2024)
- Has a diversified and prosperous economy (summer 2024)
NCC annual public meeting - new date: Dec. 13
The National Capital Commission's 2023 Annual Public Meeting (APM) will be held on Dec. 13, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. The event will be livestreamed online with simultaneous interpretation and closed captioning in both official languages. The APM is an opportunity for the Chairperson and the CEO to provide an overview of the NCC’s accomplishments over the past year and an outline of its priorities for the year to come, as well as an occasion for members of the public to ask questions. For details, please visit the NCC's webpage.
Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative - Funding application period open until Dec. 15
Funding up to $105,000 is available to non-profit Black-led and Black-serving organizations under the federal government’s Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI). The National Funders network, which includes Tropicana Community Services, Africa Centre, Black Business Initiative and Groupe 3737, has launched a call for proposals under SBCCI. The application period remains open until December 15. For more details, including links to the National Funders network, visit SBCCI. Funding is done across two streams: Capital Assistance and Capacity Building. Projects may include improving their workplaces and community spaces, purchasing work-related equipment, and undertaking renovations of existing spaces to enhance their functionality.
The City has identified the need for an outdoor tennis and pickleball strategy, which will ensure that communities across Ottawa have access to tennis and pickleball. The strategy will also serve as a reference guide for future management, oversight, and development of all public and club-operated outdoor tennis and pickleball courts. Currently the City operates over 500 outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, including combination courts, single sport courts and municipal membership club courts. Following an evaluation of the current public court model, the strategy will identify a clear direction and delivery model for both outdoor tennis and pickleball across Ottawa.
Virtual Consultation Sessions *Note that registration for each session will be limited to 100 participants.
Session #1: Dec. 12, from 6:30 to 8 pm on Zoom - REGISTER HERE
Session #2: Dec. 14, from 9:30 to 11 am on Zoom - REGISTER HERE
Survey: Resident feedback is an important part of developing the City’s outdoor tennis and pickleball strategy. Complete the survey at this link before Dec. 30 to tell the City about your household’s use of the outdoor tennis and pickleball courts in your community.
Details: For more information, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/tennis_pickleball.
Ottawa Police News
Thefts of vehicles continue in Ottawa; Stay safe and know how to protect your vehicle
The Ottawa Police would like to remind residents to remain vigilant, stay safe, and safeguard their vehicles to avoid being a victim of vehicle theft. More than 1,200 thefts of various vehicles have been reported to police this year, in several different neighbourhoods across Ottawa. This month, there have been 85 vehicle theft reports filed. To counter this growing crime trend, Ottawa Police experts have trained patrol officers on the current trends, and the technologies and methods needed to intercept thefts in progress before they leave the city. The Ottawa Police frontline patrol has made more than 80 arrests this year, and 315 stolen vehicles have been recovered. District investigators have been successful in their prosecutions and will continue to hold offenders accountable in the court of law. Public Safety Warning: Recently, Ottawa thieves have been arrested with weapons in their possession to intimidate vehicle owners who catch them in the act. Items such as a Conducted Energy Weapon (taser), pepper spray and crow bars have been seized. If you see someone attempting to steal your car, please call 911. For your own safety, DO NOT engage the thief. Further to that, if you have the ability to track your vehicle once it has been stolen, do not follow the vehicle. Please call 911 and advise the operator that you have a tracking device on the vehicle. Click here for prevention methods.
Grandparent Scams on the rise
Ottawa Police have seen an uptick in recent Grandparent scams. Please remind your loved ones that the police will never call them asking for bail money to get a family member out of jail. If someone does call and says they are representing a police service like the RCMP or the Ottawa Police, remind your loved one that if they can’t reach you directly, they should look up the police service's phone number and call the police service directly to verify any information. If you can’t find the number, call 2-1-1. Staff at 211 Ontario can help. Ask them to connect you with the actual police service. More information is available at this link.
Human Rights Learning Forum - Dec. 7
The Ottawa Police Service in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution and ForGiving ForRestoring Canada, is pleased to bring you leading experts and community leaders who will share their expert knowledge on the journey of healing for the purpose of restoring trust and building a stronger community together. Registration closes Nov. 30. The Forum takes place Dec. 7 from 8 am to 4 pm. Click here for more information. Click here to register.
Ottawa Police and partners collecting personal hygiene products until Dec. 10 with the Purse Project
The Ottawa Police Service and its partners, Shoppers Drug Mart and Citron Hygiene, are once again inviting Ottawa residents to help them collect personal hygiene products for women. There are several locations where people can drop off donations until Dec. 10. For details, please click here.