November 14, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Table of Contents
- A Message from Councillor King
- Your Councillor in the Community
- Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
- Projects and Construction Activities in and around Ward 13
- City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
- Emergency Services News
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
The City of Ottawa tabled its Draft 2026 Budget at City Council this week, proposing a $5.2-billion operating budget and a $1.9-billion capital budget focused on emergency services, infrastructure, transit, and affordable housing.
The draft budget proposes an overall net property tax increase of 3.75 per cent. For the average urban and suburban homeowner, this translates to an additional $166 per year in property taxes. When combined with a $47.30 increase for water rates and an additional $24 for solid waste services, property owners would see a total increase of $237.30 annually. Rural homeowners would pay an additional $93 per year in property taxes under this proposal.
The 3.75 per cent property tax increase includes an eight-per-cent increase in the transit levy and a five-per-cent increase to the Ottawa Police Service's budget. The police budget increase represents one of the largest funding increases for the service in the City's history, with the Ottawa Police Service receiving $18.3 million in additional funding through the 5 per cent police tax levy increase. For the average homeowner, the police budget increase would contribute approximately $20 to $21 of the total $166 property tax increase. The police budget will grow from $447.5 million in 2025 to $484 million in 2026, representing 9.2 per cent of the City's net budget.
Draft Budget 2026 proposes significant investments in emergency response capacity. The budget includes $3.3 million to hire 23 new paramedics and additional by-law and regulatory services personnel. An allocation of $3.6 million would replace breathing devices for firefighters, while funding for 25 new Ottawa Police Service officers is included to enhance community safety.
The budget also proposes $700,000 to accelerate the expansion of the Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) program in 2026. Additionally, $1.6 million is allocated for ByWard Market streetscaping renewal to support revitalization efforts and improve safety and economic activity in this key district.
The proposed $1.92-billion capital budget includes substantial investments across multiple categories. Road infrastructure represents a significant priority, with $135 million allocated for roadway resurfacing and preservation. These investments would bring total road resurfacing funding during this Term of Council to $533 million - a 50-per-cent increase over the previous term.
Sidewalk rehabilitation would receive $25.4 million, contributing to total sidewalk investments of $65 million during this Term of Council, representing a 77-per-cent increase compared to the previous term.
Water infrastructure improvements include $87.2 million for wastewater treatment renewal at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre, $12.7 million for the Storm and Surface Water Rehabilitation program, and $3.6 million for the Rural Ditching program.
The draft budget proposes investments in priority transportation corridors identified in the recently approved Transportation Master Plan, including Carp Road ($20.4 million), Greenbank Road re-alignment ($56.1 million), Brian Coburn Boulevard widening ($3.1 million), and Stittsville Main Street extension ($1 million).
Additional capital allocations include $75 million to maintain community centres and parks, $59.6 million for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, $39 million for new parks and park improvements, $9 million for the Climate Change Master Plan, $3 million for enhanced winter operations, $2.3 million for tree planting, and $1.9 million in one-time funding for the 200th anniversary celebration for Bytown and the ByWard Market.
The OC Transpo operating budget is proposed at $938.7 million for 2026, which includes funding to operate the O-Train Line 1 extension to Trim Station, introduce on-demand transit services, maintain service reliability, and support safety and security initiatives. The capital budget includes $47.6 million to renew and replace the OC Transpo fleet, including the introduction of zero-emission battery-electric buses.
The draft budget proposes a 2.5-per-cent increase in transit fares. Under this proposal, an adult monthly bus pass would increase by $3.50 to $138.50, while a senior pass would increase by $1.50 to $59.75. Single-ride adult fares paid by Presto or debit/credit would increase by $0.10 to $4.10, while cash fares would be $4.15.
The draft budget proposes $23.25 million to support the construction of approximately 350 affordable housing units in 2026, including projects such as phase two of Rochester Heights and the Multifaith Housing initiative at LeBreton Flats. This would bring total capital investments in affordable housing during this Term of Council to $105 million - 133 per cent more than the previous term's investment of $45.2 million.
Additional social supports include an increase of $2.8 million in annual social housing investment, $2.18 million for essential health and social supports for vulnerable residents, $400,000 towards the Youth Homelessness Action Plan, and $476,000 for food security initiatives.
Residents are encouraged to share their views as the budget undergoes review by Standing Committees before final consideration by Council on December 10, 2026.
I will be hosting two budget consultation sessions:
- November 17: Ward-specific consultation session via Zoom.
- November 25: Open consultation session for all Ottawa residents within Black and racialized communities. The hybrid session will be held in-person at Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue, and also online via Zoom.
Residents may also provide input by contacting my office, registering as a public delegate to present at Standing Committee meetings, or engaging on social media using #OttBudget.
Additional budget information, including the full Draft Budget 2026 report and the forthcoming Budget Explorer tool, is available on the City's Draft Budget 2026 webpage at engage.ottawa.ca/budget2026.
Sincerely,
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community

Congratulations to Sunshine Tenasco for bringing the annual Pow Wow Pitch Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to Bayview Yards this week to celebrate collective impact and success of First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses!

Honoured to participate in the annual Remembrance Day Parade with the Eastview Legion and lay a wreath at the Vanier Cenotaph. Lest we forget.

Extremely honoured to have laid a wreath with Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante on behalf of the City of Ottawa during Remembrance Day ceremonies at Beechwood National Military Cemetery. Lest we forget.
Honoured to present a wreath from the City of Ottawa to Veterans House Executive Director Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Alan Mulawyshyn at the Andy Carswell Building in Wateridge Village this Remembrance Day!

Honoured to attend the annual Remembrance Day breakfast hosted by the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters’ Association with other elected officials at Fire Station 24 this week!

Had fun browsing the Indigenous art market during the Indigenous Women’s Conference & Celebration held at St. Laurent Centre last weekend in Overbrook!

Honoured to tour Fire Station 56 on Coventry Road in Overbrook last weekend to thank our firefighters for their incredible dedication and service to our community!
It was fun to shop at the annual Book Fair at Rockcliffe Park Public School last weekend!

Congratulations to Indigenous multidisciplinary artist Tania Willard for being awarded the 2025 Sobey Art Award grand prize last weekend at the National Gallery of Canada!

It was great to attend the third edition of Girls and Boys Who Brunch with Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard over the weekend, hosted by the ACB Wellness Resource Centre and held at Ottawa Technical Secondary School in Overbrook!

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Winter Operations Update for Friday, Nov. 14
Hurricane Melissa Relief Drive - every Saturday until Dec. 6
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Donating essential items such as non-perishable food, hygiene products, and clothing;
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Sponsoring shipment or transportation costs; or
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Spreading the word within your networks.
Free Winter Clothing Pop-Up Shop - Nov. 15
St. Columba Anglican Church is hosting a free winter clothing pop-up shop. Need winter clothing? Everyone is welcome to shop for free. The event takes place Nov. 15, from 10 am to 1:30 pm at the St. Columba Anglican Church Hall, 24 Sandridge Road in the Manor Park community. The hall is on OC Transpo Bus Route #7. For details, please call 613-749-5103 or email [email protected].
Beechwood Night Market at MacKay Memorial Hall - Nov. 15
Experience the best of local food, craft beer and wine at the Beechwood Night Market @ MacKay! On Nov. 15 from 5 to 8 pm, drop by MacKay Memorial Hall at 39 Dufferin Road in New Edinburgh for an unforgettable evening! Satisfy your taste buds with the best local food, Clocktower craft beer, and wine while supporting local artisans. Enjoy groovy jazz music as you sip your drink at the market. Don't miss out on this lively indoor event!
Rideau-Rockcliffe 2026 Budget Consultation - Nov. 17
Rideau-Rockcliffe residents are invited to join Councillor Rawlson King for a virtual presentation and discussion on the City's 2026 Draft Budget. The event takes place Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 8 pm on Zoom. To register to receive the meeting link, please visit this link.
Wateridge Village Community Association Annual General Meeting - Nov. 18
Join the Wateridge Village Community Association for their Annual General Meeting and special guest speakers on November 18 at 7 pm. The meeting will be on Zoom. To register to attend, please visit this link. Details: wateridgeassociation.ca
Celebrate National Children’s Day and the Vanier Hub Reopening - Nov. 20
On November 20, the Vanier BIA will be celebrating National Child Day and the official launch of the Vanier HUB — a new exterior gathering space in Vanier, created by and for the community. For details, please visit Facebook.
Thursday, November 20 | 3:30pm – 6:00pm In case of bad weather, this activity will be postponed.
Vanier Hub, 267 Marier Avenue and Carré de la francophonie, 290 Dupuis Street
- Dance Workshop
- Crafts
- Photo booth
- Music
- Gifts
- Cotton Candy
- Food
- Exhibitions featuring local makers, artists, and innovators
- Interactive workshops and hands-on activities
- Family-friendly entertainment and performances
- Community kitchen workshops
The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) will be in Manor Park on November 22, hosting a free native seed giveaway! Join the OWSL to learn about the benefits of native plant gardening, take in a winter sowing demonstration, and pick up free native seeds.
- Saturday, November 22, 1-3 pm: St. Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd. (Facebook event)
Visit the OWSL website for more information about weekly seed giveaways this fall, to see the seed catalogue featuring over 300 native species, and to shop for garden signs and magnets. Can't make it to the in-person seed giveaways? Online seed orders will open on December 26, 2025, on the OWSL website and the OWSL will mail you seeds for free.
Overbrook Community Safety Meeting - Nov. 24

Free Festive Breakfast - Nov. 29

Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante host a festive breakfast on Nov. 29, from 10 am to 12 pm, at Centre Pauline-Charron, 164 Jeanne Mance St., in Vanier. Everyone is welcome to enjoy freshly made pancakes, real maple syrup, and a special visit from Santa Claus!
Cost: Free
Requirement: Athletes should be comfortable swimming 25 m and in deep water without assistance.
When/Where: Tuesday, December 2 - Splash Wave Pool 6 to 6:30 pm
Register: www.gocapitalasc.ca
Snowflake Breakfast for the Partage Vanier Food Bank - Dec. 5
20 years of pancakes, smiles, and solidarity! Don’t miss the 20th Snowflake Breakfast happening on December 5th — a joyful gathering for a cause that brings us all together: supporting the Partage Vanier Food Bank.
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 7am–10am
Centre Pauline-Charron, 164 Jeanne Mance St, Vanier
Get your tickets now and come celebrate with us! You can purchase them at the Centre Pauline-Charron or on the event website, www.snowflakebreakfast.com.
Santa is coming to Overbrook - Dec. 6

Overbrook residents are invited to the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on Dec. 6, from 11 am to 2 pm. Have your free photo taken with Santa. Enjoy free pizza, face painting, popcorn, music and more.
Beechwood Candlelight Service - Dec. 7
You are invited to participate in Beechwood’s Christmas Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm. A special way to remember loved ones, our service features a non-denominational candlelight memorial service with carols and a tree-lighting ceremony. Beechwood is happy to welcome back the Ottawa University Choir to lead the carols. A non perishable food item for the Food Bank would be appreciated. Our event is outdoors, please dress warmly. Registration is not required. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Outdoor rink volunteers urgently needed for Presland Park in Overbrook
Volunteers are urgently needed to maintain the Presland Park outdoor rink in Overbrook this coming winter. One person is needed to lead the puddle rink maintenance, however, several people are welcome to help maintain the ice. Prior experience is not required. City staff provide a training session, manual and videos from previous years. Staff provide guidance on rink maintenance operations. Those interested are invited to connect with City staff by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2590.
Projects and Construction Activities in and around Ward 13
- Winter Shutdown Date: Construction operations are currently anticipated to continue through early December 2025. At that time, the Contractor will suspend operations for the winter season.
- Current Status: The bulk of the primary construction work is expected to be complete before the winter shutdown.
- Spring Finalization: Crews will need to return briefly in the spring of 2026 to finalize the remaining reinstatement works (e.g., permanent paving, concrete and landscaping).The Contractor will actively monitor all temporary reinstatement works throughout the winter months to ensure public safety and accessibility are maintained.
Update - St. Laurent Complex Rehabilitation Project

Roof replacement work is underway at the Don Gamble Community Centre / St. Laurent Complex, with roof demolition currently in progress. The project includes full roof rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades to changerooms and the reception area, new fixtures and lockers, updated chiller and ventilation systems, new main entrance doors, and refreshed lobby flooring. Due to the complexity of the roof work, the construction timeline has been extended, affecting pool use during the Winter session. The work is projected to be completed by March 2026. The City is working with the contractor to identify ways to expedite the schedule. To ensure continued access to aquatic programs, additional sessions are being added at the nearby Splash Wave Pool., 2040 Ogilvie Road, with more than 600 new registration spots available when Winter registration opens this month.
Manor Park integrated renewal construction - weekend work
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 advance the project ahead of upcoming inclement weather, the contractor has begun weekend work. More information about this project can be found at ottawa.ca/ArundelAvenue.
What: Construction activity related to the installation of new sewers, watermains and associated road reconstruction.
Why: To maintain schedule due to more inclement weather, facilitating the renewal of the aging infrastructure and reinstatement of the road base prior to winter shut down.
When: Weekend work began the weekend of November 1, 2025. Weekend work will take place as needed, dependent on scheduling, weather and changing conditions, until the winter shut down.
Where: Finter Street, from St. Laurent Boulevard to the dead end. Kilbarry Crescent, from Arundel Avenue to Sandridge Road.
St. Laurent Gas Main Replacement Project – Update for Nov. 21 to Dec. 2
Aecon Utilities continues work on the Enbridge Gas St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement project at multiple locations in Rideau-Rockcliffe, Beacon Hill-Cyrville and Alta Vista. The project is near completion with restoration (resurfacing) for Coventry Road in the coming weeks. More than half of the pipe replacement will be completed by mid-November. Lane reductions and temporary road closures/lane closures, pedestrian and cyclists rerouting will continue as is. To address road conditions, the City and the Councillor's office has asked for more frequent street sweeping.
- Cummings Ave. between Ogilvie Road and Cyrville Road, as well as Cummings at Labelle
- Michael Street from Belfast to Labelle
- St. Laurent Blvd. between Belfast and Tremblay
- Ogilvie Road from Cummings Avenue to the St. Laurent Blvd. intersection
- Coventry Road from St. Laurent Blvd., past the Vanier Parkway towards the RCMP building
- Belfast between Lagan Way and Michael Street
- Tremblay Road at Avenue K intersection
The work involves the installation of a new 16-inch gas main. Much of the work is being done overnight from 7 pm to 6 am in order to avoid major traffic implications during peak travel periods.
Road Closure - Queen Mary Street - Dec. 1 to 12
A contractor will be installing new site services, including water, sanitary and stormwater, at a property on Queen Mary Street, beginning the morning of Dec. 1. A road closure is required between Marion Avenue and the Vanier Parkway. The duration of the road closure will last approximately from the morning of December 1 through to December 12. Notifications have been provided to nearby residents.
Dagmar Infrastructure Renewal Project - Community Information Sessions - Dec. 4
Hydro Ottawa is embarking on an essential infrastructure renewal project that extends into both Rideau-Vanier and Rideau-Rockcliffe wards. Hydro Ottawa will be undertaking the multi-year, multi-phase Dagmar Infrastructure Renewal project to replace aging equipment and upgrade our electricity distribution system. This work is localized specifically within the North Vanier area and is an essential requirement to help meet growing electricity demand while improving overall system reliability. This initiative is one of the many projects they are prioritizing as a core component of Hydro Ottawa’s commitment to modernize its entire electricity grid. These proactive, sustained investments across our service territory ensure Hydro Ottawa can provide a reliable and ultimately more sustainable electricity supply for all of their customers.
As part of the Dagmar Infrastructure Renewal project, Hydro Ottawa will:
- upgrade a total of 291 electrical poles
- install 120 new electrical transformers
- install approximately 15 kilometres of overhead primary and secondary conductors
- install new underground duct work and 2 kilometres of new underground primary conductors
Work is scheduled to commence in January 2026 and has an estimated completion date of December 2027. As this project advances, customers will be further notified should a planned power outage that impacts their residence or business be required to complete work safely. Over the coming days, customers who will be impacted by this project will also receive these details.
Hydro Ottawa will be holding two virtual community information sessions on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Please join us at one or both of the sessions to learn more about the project and speak directly with members of the team as we complete this important work.
Afternoon information session
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 12:15 to 1 pm
Registration: hydroottawa.com/dagmar
Evening information session
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 7 to 7:45 pm
Registration: hydroottawa.com/dagmar
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Traffic impacts for Kichi Zìbì Mìkan weekend closure - Nov. 14 to 17
As part of the Stage 2 O-Train extension project, the Kichi Zìbì Mìkan will be fully closed in both directions from Carling Avenue to Island Park Drive from Friday, November 14 at 11:30 pm until Monday, November 17 at 5:30 am. For detour information, please visit ottawa.ca.
Stay Protected: COVID-19, Flu and RSV Vaccination Available Near You
As we head into the colder months and respiratory illness season, it’s crucial to stay protected against COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and its partners are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to these vital vaccines. Here’s what you need to know about vaccine eligibility, rollout, and where to get your vaccines.
- COVID-19 Vaccines OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine
- Flu Vaccines OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu
- RSV Immunization OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RSV
Older Adult Plan & Invitation to join Older Adult Plan Roundtable

The City of Ottawa has released the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030. This is the fourth version of the Plan since 2012. It builds on past efforts and focuses on making Ottawa a supportive community where everyone can age with choice and dignity. The Plan was shaped by input from residents during public consultations and developed in collaboration with community agencies. It was approved by City Council in November 2025. The new version has a stronger focus on working with community partners to help make a bigger, more lasting impact. Read the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030.
To help guide the Plan's progress, the City is creating an Older Adult Plan Roundtable. This group will include City staff, community partners and older adult residents. We are currently seeking five volunteer older adults to join the Roundtable. A selection process will be used to ensure fair and equitable representation. If you are interested in applying to volunteer for the Roundtable, please complete the application form on Engage Ottawa.
Changes coming to automated speed enforcement
The use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras has been repealed by the Province of Ontario under Bill 56 – Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025. The change will take effect November 14, 2025. Automated speed enforcement cameras will continue to be used in Ottawa in school zones and community safety zones as usual until that date. Any infractions incurred by motorists prior to November 14 will still be processed and vehicle owners will be required to pay the fine, even if it arrives after the repeal date. Details: ottawa.ca
Ottawa City Council adopted a series of urban design guidelines in 2007–2008, covering everything from individual facilities (e.g., gas stations) to broader areas like Mainstreet corridors. These guidelines support the City’s planning and development review processes and are used by staff, developers, community groups, and residents. Currently, there are no guidelines specific to mid-rise buildings (5–9 storeys). This project will create a comprehensive set of design guidelines for mid-rise buildings to help implement the Official Plan and guide the design of buildings, driveways, parking, landscaping, and adjacent streets. Participate in the survey before December. Attend a virtual public meeting Nov. 17 at 6 pm. Register here. More details at Engage Ottawa.
Winter activities - Registration opens Nov. 18 and 20
You can prepare for the wonderful winter months ahead by browsing and favouriting next season's activities at register.ottawa.ca. Registration begins at 9 pm on Tuesday, November 18 for swimming activities and at 9 pm on Thursday, November 20 for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
Free lecture - Thomas Seaton Scott; Canada's First Chief Architect - Nov. 19
Enjoy a free virtual lecture hosted by Heritage Ottawa on Zoom on Nov. 19 at 7 pm. The varied career of Thomas Seaton Scott (1826-1895) includes his formative years in Britain, a grand tour of Gothic architecture in Italy and Germany, the design of railway stations for the Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific, and numerous churches—including St. Bartholomew in Ottawa. His 10 years as Chief Architect at Public Works (1871-1881) saw a brief flourishing of Second Empire style and his personal responsibility for buildings such as Ottawa's Drill Hall, the West Block Mackenzie Tower, completion of the Library of Parliament, the Parliament Hill Summer House, and the first Supreme Court. Pre-registration is required by clicking here. For details, please visit HeritageOttawa.org.
Help Santa Toy Parade - Nov. 22
The Help Santa Toy Parade is back for its 56th year! The parade will be on November 22 at 11 am, departing from Ottawa City Hall on Laurier Avenue West. Give generously to the Help Santa Campaign where your donations will go directly to support the important work of Ottawa's Toy Mountain, which gives toys to local families that might otherwise not be able to have gifts at Christmas. There will be a new parade route this year starting on Queen Elizabeth Driveway near the Cartier Drill Hall, proceeding south on Queen Elizabeth Driveway and ending at Lansdowne Park. To volunteer, donate or for more details, please visit toyparade.ca.
Upcoming Webinar: Eastern Ontario Native Seed Partnership - Nov. 24

The Eastern Ontario Native Seed Partnership hosts a webinar on Monday, November 24, from 12-1pm (ET). The webinar, "Native Seed 101", will be presented by Jenny Fortier, Founder and CEO of Northern Wildflowers Inc., and the Chair and a founding member of the Native Seed Producers of Canada. Join Jenny for an interactive session designed to boost your confidence in navigating the native seed world. Together, we’ll explore how native seed is produced, priced, and selected, we'll share resources to help with planning seed-based restoration projects, best practices for working with native seed producers, and what to look for in seed mix design and sourcing. Participants will gain practical insight into how to make more informed choices related to seed-based restoration projects. Learn more and register for the webinar here.
City of Ottawa Youth Forum - Nov. 24
Youth and young adults age 15 to 25 are invited to a Youth Forum at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road, on Nov. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event is free. Come join City staff and their partners at Bayview Yards for an exciting event where your voice matters! This forum is all about you and your city. Share your ideas, thoughts, and dreams for the future. Let's come together to make a difference and shape the future of our city. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with other young leaders and be a part of something big. Registration is required. Spots are limited. To learn more, get involved, and find other events in your community: engage.ottawa.ca/youth-social-development
Ecology Ottawa's Second Annual Youth Summit - Nov. 29
Ecology Ottawa is hosting its annual Youth Summit on November 29 at 9:30 am at Richcraft Hall, 1125 Colonel By Drive, bringing together youth aged 16 to 23 from across the city to connect, learn, and lead on local environmental action. The Summit will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities for young people passionate about climate, sustainability, and community change. This is a great opportunity for youth to get inspired, build leadership skills, and contribute to a greener Ottawa. Spaces are limited, so please only register if you intend to attend. Interested participants can learn more and register at Eventbrite.
OC Transpo Customer Satisfaction Survey - Open until Nov. 24
OC Transpo is taking part in an international customer satisfaction survey by the International Bus Benchmarking Group. This survey is conducted every year by transit agencies around the world. The results provide information that helps transit agencies improve their services. The survey includes questions about reliability, security, ease of use and other service factors. It takes approximately five minutes to complete. All responses remain anonymous. The survey will be available until November 24. Fall Customer Satisfaction Survey | OC Transpo
Small Business Saturday - Nov. 29
Small Business Saturday is November 29! Did you know that 66 cents of every dollar you spend at a small business stays in the community? This holiday season let’s support local entrepreneurs who keep Ottawa strong. Details: www.smallbusinesseveryday.ca/home
E-Scooter 2025 End of Season Survey - open until Nov. 30
The 2025 e-scooter pilot season will end by November 15. As in previous years, the end-of-season survey is now available on the City’s website here: End of Season Survey. This survey, which closes November 30, is open to everyone, whether you have used the shared e-scooters or not.
Location: 110 Laurier Avenue, City Hall, starting in Jean Pigott Place and proceeding to Marion Dewar Plaza
City accepting commemorative naming fall applications - until Dec. 2
The City’s Commemorative Naming Program is now accepting fall applications to nominate people, histories and legacies that have helped shape Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs until December 2. Commemorative naming can be applied to various municipal assets, such as new streets, indoor and outdoor amenities, major facilities and parks. The next application period will take place in the spring from March 20 to May 1, 2026. For more information, visit the commemorative naming page or contact the commemorative naming team by email.
Applications now open for the Province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention grant program - Applications due Dec. 11
The Ontario government is taking action to protect communities and combat hate incidents by investing an additional $12.75 million in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP). The grant helps faith-based and cultural organizations implement safety measures, including security guards, building upgrades and surveillance cameras to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure. Applications for the AHSP grant are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply by Dec. 11 at 5 pm. The grant provides up to $10,000 to community organizations to improve or implement new measures to protect their spaces from hate-related incidents. Details: www.ontario.ca
Eligible organizations include:
- Religious and spiritual communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples and churches)
- First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations
- Cultural groups (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, Black, Asian and other diverse organizations)
- A complete list can be found at Ontario.ca/AHSP
"Fortune" Solo Exhibition by An Nguyen - Until Jan. 19
The exhibition "Fortune" shares An Nguyen’s personal story leaving war-torn Vietnam and living in Canada as an immigrant Canadian woman, mother and artist. It also commemorates 50 years since the fall of Saigon (April 30, 1975) and Project 4000. She hopes this show celebrates the achievements of the Vietnamese community and offers audiences a greater insight into Asian culture. An specializes in acrylic paintings and curating art events. Her paintings depict beauty rooted in traditional Asian celebrations and customs, reframing female Asian stereotypes and motherhood expectations. Her exhibition can be viewed at the Atrium Art Gallery at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, until Jan. 19. Details: www.annguyenartist.com
Emergency Services News
Public safety warning: High-Risk Offender now living in the Rideau-Vanier area
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) would like to inform the public that 64-year-old Christopher WATTS, who has been deemed a high-risk offender since 2015, is now living in the Rideau-Vanier area. The OPS believes that WATTS poses a risk to the community, particularly women, including those under 18 years of age. WATTS must abide by a Long-Term Supervision Order (LTSO) and a probation order with several conditions. The OPS's High-Risk Offender Management Unit deemed WATTS poses a high risk of reoffending or breaching his terms. WATTS will be monitored by the Correctional Services of Canada and the OPS High-Risk Offender Management Unit. Anyone who is aware of potential breaches to WATTS’s conditions should not approach him, but rather, contact the Ottawa Police Service High-Risk Offender Management Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 4395 / [email protected] or 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. For details: www.ottawapolice.ca
Residential break-and-enters - Residents urged to be vigilant
The OPS Break and Enter Unit is investigating a series of residential break and enters that have occurred throughout the city in recent days. Investigators believe that the recent criminal activity is related to an organized crime group and is therefore releasing photos of the suspected involved vehicle as well a suspect photo. The vehicle is observed to be a silver Dodge Ram pick-up truck. The suspects have been entering homes during all periods of the day through the front door. Investigators are urging residents to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity or if the vehicle or suspects are seen. If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, at extension 4533.
Draft OPS Budget focused on service, district policing -- includes multi-year efficiencies plan
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) tabled its 2026 Draft Operating and Capital Budget to the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) today – a spending plan that continues to advance the Board’s Strategic Priorities, focusing on service delivery and community safety, staffing stabilization, and district policing. Visit ottawapolice.ca for details.
Ottawa Police deploy body-worn cameras
The Ottawa Police Service is now deploying 30 Axon Body Worn Cameras. Members of the Crisis Intervention Team and designated Sergeants on the frontline will be among the first to be equipped with these body-worn cameras. All equipped officers have completed comprehensive training on activation, usage, privacy, data retention, and public disclosure methods. This is the first step toward broader adoption. We anticipate expanding the use of body worn cameras throughout the Service in 2026–2027, as part of the OPS' ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and strengthening public trust. For more information, visit ottawapolice.ca/video.
A Decade of Compassion: Helping Women in Ottawa through the Purse Project - Donations welcome Nov. 22 to Dec. 14
Citron Hygiene Warehouse
2855 Swansea Crescent, Unit 150
Ottawa Police Stations
474 Elgin St. (8 am - 6 pm)
3343 St-Joseph Blvd. (9 am - 6 pm)
211 Huntmar Dr. (9 am - 6 pm)
Shoppers Drug Mart Locations
174 Bank St.
702 Bank St. (Unit 700)
1080 Bank St.
181 Greenbank Rd.
3781 Strandherd Dr.
- pads and tampons
- body and face wash
- shampoo and conditioner
- deodorant
- toothpaste and brushes
- shaving products









































