November 10, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The City of Ottawa's Draft Budget for 2024 was officially unveiled this week. This budget is a crucial document that outlines the financial plans and priorities for our city in the coming year. You can access the full details of the Draft Budget 2024 by visiting the City of Ottawa website.
The total operation 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.
As a City, we know we need to invest in housing and housing options, including affordable housing. We also need to improve access to mental health and substance abuse health supports, emergency services, employment services, licensed child care, arts and culture, and parks and recreation. The draft Budget 2024 includes $33.5 million in municipal city homelessness funding which will invest $15.7 million for the housing and homelessness investment plan, provide $8.8 million for housing related benefits, $4.6 million for family and emergency shelters, $3.1 million for other homelessness programs and $1.3 million to support the social housing program. In addition, the City will invest $5 million to support the Integrated Transition to Housing Strategy and $21.8 million in affordable housing as part of the Housing Long Range Financial Plan.
Ottawa is experiencing warmer, wetter and more unpredictable weather. It’s critical that the City prepares for more extreme weather and continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resiliency. In the second year applying a climate lens, Draft Budget 2024 invests $278 million in climate contributions which is an increase of $226 million from Budget 2023. Investments include $188 million towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, $86 million towards building climate resiliency and $5 million in support of the Climate Change Master Plan. It also includes $21.7 million for the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC) Electrical Reliability project, a critical initiative that will build resiliency to power outages expected with increased extreme weather events.
Draft Budget 2024 includes $180 million for zero-emission buses, as well as $63.2 million to protect City facilities, including wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, energy conservation measures, accessibility upgrades and tree planting programs. More trees will be planted to grow and preserve the tree canopy in neighbourhoods with fewer trees.
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. Additionally, $3 million will be allocated to the Energy Management Investment Strategy to implement energy conservation measures in City facilities.
Recognizing the great need for emergency preparedness, the City is also allocating approximately $3 million for weather preparedness, including a Wet Weather Infrastructure Management Plan and flood plain mapping. Draft Budget 2024 also includes more than $1 million to invest in emergency management at the City, including backup generators for emergency reception lodging, as well as capacity building in the Office of Emergency Management.
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. Last week, 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 Budget 2024, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to represent your interests and address any inquiries you may have.
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Yesterday, I voted in opposition to the new $419-million proposal for Lansdowne Park due to my concerns about the plan’s deficiencies, feasibility and long-term financial viability. I told Council that I do not believe what was presented would be financially sustainable for the City due to the sizable addition of new municipal debt without a guaranteed source of revenue generation for debt servicing. You can watch my Lansdowne 2.0 statement on my YouTube channel. I told Council that if we look objectively at the proposal, it is evident that:
- It exponentially increases the City’s debt obligations over the next 40 years.
- It does not aggressively seek funding commitments from senior levels of government to reduce the cost of the project.
- It significantly reduces greenspace.
- It tears down a facility that was renovated just 10 years ago.
- It does not provide adequate transportation planning and transit options.
- And while the recent LRT Inquiry noted in its recommendations that: “Public entities should avoid, wherever possible, introducing complexity into major components of projects” this plan maintains a byzantine financial model that uses property tax uplift to fund revenue shortfalls.
- The report’s financial due diligence also explicitly confirms that Lansdowne 2.0 is not revenue neutral and has no revenue guarantees.
I believe that Lansdowne, as a landmark City destination, requires a best-in-class business model. I do not believe that the new proposal advances such a model. It is an inappropriate investment, especially when we consider the numerous crises that are confronting the City. In my view, the proposal is not in alignment with our City’s immediate priorities, which include providing affordable, efficient and reliable transit, addressing the City’s massive infrastructure deficit, and investing exponentially in affordable housing. Many delegations over the last week emphasized that the Lansdowne 2.0 proposal is not an appropriate or prudent use of taxpayers dollars. I agreed with their assessment and it was reflected in my vote. I want to thank those community members and organizations for their involvement in the Lansdowne 2.0 debate and for their future contributions in upcoming budget deliberations.
Your continued support and involvement in shaping our city's future is appreciated and only together can we build a stronger and more vibrant Ottawa.
Your Councillor in the Community
I had the pleasure of introducing Rideau-Rockcliffe resident Pauline van der Roest to my Council colleagues this week. Pauline is a highly talented mezzo-soprano who performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem at the start of the City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
As the proud child of Vincentian immigrants, I was pleased to join MPP Andrea Hazell and Consul General Fitzgerald Huggins last weekend at a gala celebrating the 44th anniversary of the independence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
It was wonderful to say hello to a Congolese community group here in the National Capital Region that was meeting up at the Overbrook Community Centre last Saturday.
The Eastview Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion participated in an Event of Remembrance on Nov. 4 in Riverside Memorial Park in Overbrook to commemorate our veterans. My thanks to Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for participating and laying wreaths. Special thanks to Rideau-Rockcliffe resident Pauline van der Roest for performing the national anthem and to bagpiper Donald MacDonald.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Remembrance Day Service - Nov. 11
Please join your friends and neighbours at Riverside Memorial Park, 1063 North River Road, on Nov. 11, from 10:45 to 11:30 am for a moment of silence and to pay your respects on Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day at Beechwood - Nov. 11
Military members of the National Capital Region and their families and friends are invited to observe the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, located at Beechwood Cemetery. The event takes place Nov. 11 starting at 10:45 am. All welcome who wish to show their support for the Canadian Armed Forces. For details, please click here.
Autumn Concert - Nov. 11
The Ottawa Woodwind Project, a local group of musicians who play a variety of musical selections, host an Autumn Concert on Nov. 11 at 7 pm at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa, 400 McArthur Avenue. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. For details, please click here.
Our Local 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.
Electric Lawn and Yard Equipment
I recently received an update regarding electric small equipment in Public Works. In the previous term, Council directed that City of Ottawa Public Works commit to phasing out the use of gas-powered lawn and yard equipment when this equipment requires replacement and an electric alternative is available that meets operational needs within both City-owned and contracted services. In keeping with my motion, staff have focused on several components related to small lawn and yard equipment including:
- establishing inventory of Public Works small lawn and yard equipment
- conducting a municipal scan of other jurisdictions electric equipment use
- learning more about charging capacity at city facilities
- piloting electric small equipment
- exchanging information and results with other City Departments
- estimating greenhouse gas emissions of our existing equipment
Now that the growing season has come to an end, staff are reviewing the results of the 2022 and 2023 pilot seasons and plan to bring a report back to Committee and Council in Q1 2024.
Hydro Ottawa Tree Trimming - Nov. 14
Hydro Ottawa, along with its forestry contractor Asplundh Canada, will complete tree trimming work on November 14, 2023 to prevent trees and branches from coming into contact with overhead power lines. A power outage is scheduled as a result of this work and will impact residents on Apple Tree Lane, Chelsea Drive, Meadow Park Place and Plum Tree Crescent. Residents will notice construction equipment and vehicles on site to perform tree trimming in this area. Lane reductions and sidewalk closures may be implemented to ensure the safety of residents and staff. A planned power outage is required as a result of this work. All affected customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable. Further, notifications will be provided if the power outage is to extend beyond the original duration time. In the case of circumstances beyond our control, the outage may be rescheduled.
Affected streets: Apple Tree Lane, Chelsea Drive, Meadow Park Place and Plum Tree Crescent
Date: November 14, 2023
Planned power outage: 8 am to 3 pm
Contractor on site: Asplundh Canada
Total customers impacted: 36
Beechwood Night Market - Nov. 18
Mark Nov. 18, 5 to 9 pm, in your schedule for the Beechwood Night Market at MacKay Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Road. Enjoy market vendors, local craft beer, Ontario wine and live jazz by Peter Woods & Friends, as well as delectable food and drinks. For details, please visit www.ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Ottawa Children's Market in Manor Park - Nov. 18
Winter art showcase - Nov. 18
theSpace is hosting an in-person winter art showcase on Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 pm at 391 McArthur Avenue, as well as a virtual online auction. The studio will be transformed into a gallery to present this year's artwork from new and familiar artists. Enjoy refreshments, meet the artists and purchase a range of unique and festive items. Details: thespaceottawa.ca/art-show
Ottawa Children's Storytelling Festival - Nov. 20 to 25
Captivating Stories: Talented storytellers from Ottawa and all across Canada will weave magical tales, captivating the young minds of children from birth up to 12 years old from Nov. 20 to 25 at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Ottawa Public Library branches and online. Through a diverse range of unforgettable stories, our goal is to ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong love for storytelling and learning. In a celebration of Ottawa's bilingual heritage, the festival will include both English and French tellers. The Ottawa Children's Storytelling Festival is proud to be held in partnership with esteemed organizations such as the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Conseil des Écoles Catholiques Centre-Est, and Consortium Centre Jules-Léger. These collaborations emphasize our commitment to inclusivity, cultural diversity, and the promotion of Indigenous voices. Please click here.
Rockcliffe Park Speakers Program - Nov. 22
The second speaker in the new season of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association Speakers Program is Stephen Poloz.
- Stephen Poloz - “These Turbulent Times". The frank, plain-speaking former Governor of the Bank of Canada and author of ‘The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future’, will speak on the turbulent times we live in. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 8 pm, at Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road. For details, please click here.
Christmas Hamper registration now open for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents - Deadline is Nov. 24
Rideau-Rockcliffe residents in need of some assistance during the holidays are invited to register for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's Lending Hand program to receive a Christmas Hamper or a voucher. Space is limited and registration is required. For details and to register, visit www.crcrr.org and click on the blue snowflake at the top of the web page.
Dates: Every Saturday from Nov. 25 to Dec. 16
Candlelight Remembrance Event - Nov. 26
The 31st annual Candlelight Remembrance Event is an afternoon for people to be supported by a circle of community to honour their grief and commemorate the people in their lives who have died.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 26Join us as we spend meaningful time together to cherish, remember and celebrate our person through ceremony, hope and inspiration. This meaningful event raises funds for BFO Ottawa. 100% of your registration goes towards BFO's unfunded grief support programs. Registration is $50/adult. $10/children under 12 years. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 24 at 4 pm. Click here for details and to register.
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.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Your guide to recognizing Remembrance Day in Ottawa
Remembrance Day in the Nation's Capital - Nov. 11
On Remembrance Day and through Veterans Week, we honour those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Local Ceremonies in Ottawa
There are many local ceremonies taking place across Ottawa this week. For the full list, please click here.
Watch the National Ceremony on TV or online
The 2023 National Remembrance Day Ceremony, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, takes place at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa on Nov. 11 starting at approximately 10:30 am. It will feature a Veterans' Parade and a fly-past. The City of Ottawa will restrict road access around the War Memorial before and during the ceremony. The program for the event is available at this link.
- National Canadian news networks will cover the ceremony live on TV.
- Watch the ceremony live on The Royal Canadian Legion's Facebook page.
Transit information:
- Nov. 5 to 11: Veterans can ride transit for free (OC Transpo, Para Transpo, and STO). Just wear your medals and/or uniform.
- OC Transpo will maintain regular transit service during Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day. However, due to Remembrance Day parades and ceremonies on Nov. 11, several roads will be closed and some routes will be detoured. Use the OC Transpo Travel Planner to plan your trip.
- If you plan on attending the National Remembrance Day Ceremony or will be in the downtown core, be sure to plan ahead. Visit the Alerts page for how to the downtown ceremony and parade and details on detours and road closures throughout the city
- With the 2-for-1 DayPass, two customers aged 13 or older can ride all day on Remembrance Day, and every other Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday. Kids 12 and under ride for free every day.
- At 11 am on Nov. 11, all services will be paused for two minutes of silence. OC Transpo and para Transpo buses will pull over to the side of the road and all trains will be held at station platforms. Click here to learn more.
Advancing Ottawa with Draft Budget 2024
Ottawa’s Draft Budget 2024, tabled Nov. 8 at City Council, invests in advancing Ottawa to be a resilient, affordable and connected city. This year’s budget development process includes various enhancements to improve budget literacy, transparency and make it easier for residents to become engaged, like a new interactive and user-friendly Budget Tool and a Budget Tabling Report that highlights 2024 investments in a more simple, user-friendly manner. The proposed budget will be considered by all Standing Committees in the coming weeks, then considered and adopted by Council on Wednesday, December 6. Please click here for more information. Residents have many ways to continue to have a say about Draft Budget 2024:
- Submit feedback and submit questions through Engage Ottawa.
- Register as a public delegation to make a five-minute presentation at a budget review meeting of any standing committee, board or commission. Visit ottawa.ca/budget to learn about meeting dates.
- Follow and communicate with the City on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), using the hashtag #OttBudget.
- Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).
Register for recreation and culture winter programs
Inclusive Recreation Programming for Fall/Winter
The City of Ottawa is excited to announce that Inclusive Recreation programming for Winter 2024 is available. These classes and activities are tailored to support individuals with disabilities of all ages take part in community recreation. Registration is currently open for Fall programs, and registration for Winter 2024 programs begins Nov. 16. More information and a full list of programs are available for fall aquatics, non-aquatic programs, and PA days.
National Capital Core Area Plan Workshops - Nov. 15
The NCC is updating the National Capital Core Area Plan. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the core area! The NCC wants to hear your thoughts on their long-term plans to help build a capital that is inclusive, picturesque, thriving and well connected. Join the NCC at one of its workshops on Nov. 15. For details, please click here.
- Online session: 11:30 am to 1 pm on Zoom
- In-person session: 5:30 pm to 7 pm at 40 Elgin Street (Urbanism Lab). Email [email protected] to register.
Planning Primer Elective - Heritage Planning - Nov 15 & 23
Date: November 15 (offered in English)
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Date: November 23 (offered in English)
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Location: a Zoom link will be sent to those who register. You can register here for the course. Please send any questions to [email protected].
Help Santa Toy Parade - Nov. 18
The Help Santa Toy Parade will be held on Nov. 18 starting at 11 am. It will take its traditional route starting in front of City Hall on Laurier Avenue, proceeding west on Laurier Avenue, turning south on Bank Street and ending at Lansdowne Park. People looking to put an entry into the parade can “Apply Now." Volunteers are needed and can submit their name using the “Volunteer Now” button. Details: www.toyparade.ca. Donations in the form of new unwrapped toys will be accepted at all fire stations. We will be collecting cash donations along the parade route as well as online at
toyparade.ca. This year we will also be able to take “Tap” donations along the parade route as a “cashless” option.
World Multicultural Festival - Nov. 25
- Live Multicultural Performances
- Live musical performances
- Multicultural Fashion shows.
- Panel Discussion
- Workshops from various cultures
- Multicultural cuisine workshops at the Global Food Village
- Art & Craft Exhibitions from Multicultural communities
- Heritage & Cultural displays
- Networking opportunities,
- And many more surprises.
Ottawa Overdose Response Strategy
Reviewing Ottawa's Heritage Register: Volunteer and Outreach Opportunities
NCC annual public meeting - Nov. 28
The National Capital Commission's 2023 Annual Public Meeting (APM) will be held on Tuesday, November 28, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. 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. Members of the public who are interested in submitting questions in advance can write them in the question box on the NCC's webpage. For meeting details, please click here.
Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in North America. As such, demand for court space is steadily increasing across Ottawa, while tennis continues to be a well-loved sport in our community. The City has identified the need for an outdoor tennis and pickleball strategy, which will ensure that communities across Ottawa have access to both sports. 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 (shared tennis and pickleball lines), 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 the city of Ottawa. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. For more information, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/tennis_pickleball.
GET INVOLVED
Resident feedback is an important part of developing the City’s outdoor tennis and pickleball strategy. Complete the survey at this link to tell the City about your household’s use of the outdoor tennis and pickleball courts in your community. Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require special accommodation, please email [email protected].
Ottawa Police News
- Police warn of potential increase in residential thefts targeting South-Asian communities during Diwali
The Ottawa Police would like to remind families celebrating Diwali to be mindful of the increased potential for break-ins and thefts of valuables during this time of year. For details, please click here.
- Ottawa Police Draft 2024 Budget focused on New Staffing Plan, Operational Stability, Delivering on OPSB’s strategic priorities
The Ottawa Police Services Board would like to invite community members wishing to address the Board on the draft 2024 Ottawa Police budget to its Finance and Audit Committee meeting on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 9:00 am. Media and members of the public can watch the meeting live over Ottawa City Council’s YouTube channel. Those looking to be added to the speakers list are required to register in advance by contacting Randa Ben Guedria at randa[email protected]. Requests must include a written copy of the comments that will be presented and will require approval by the Committee Chair. The deadline to register to ensure staff have sufficient time to compile the speakers list and circulate comments to the Committee is Monday, November 13 at 5 pm. Delegations will have up to five minutes to speak. The Board is also accepting written comments from those who do not wish to speak but would like to provide their feedback. Please email your written submission to randa[email protected] by the deadline of Monday, November 13 at 5 pm.
The 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets were tabled by the Board at a special meeting on November 8. The draft budget documents can be accessed online. The budget will be going before the Board for approval at its November 27 monthly meeting. City Council will be considering the police budget at its meeting on December 6.