November 17, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
I am pleased that several community partnership capital projects were recently approved in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward. The City’s community partnership capital program is an initiative to implement major capital improvements to parks and recreation facilities on a cost-shared basis with community partners. The objective of the program is to develop capital projects that respond to priority needs identified in the City’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. The program is devised to support community initiatives in developing and improving facilities that serve the community and develop cost effective capital projects that leverage funding from multiple sources.
In October, City Council approved in principle a $150,000 contribution towards improvements to the Centennial Garden in Village Green Park. Working in conjunction with the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association (RPRA) and the Rockcliffe Park Foundation, the City will work collaboratively to restore and rehabilitate Rockcliffe Park’s garden to its original state.
Council also approved in principle a $15,000 contribution to the Manor Park Community Council for the establishment of a cross-country ski trailhead at Manor Park’s new community space located at 1805 Gaspe Avenue, the former Historica Canada campus that housed the “Encounters With Canada” program. The community council will work with Ski Heritage East to create a connection to NCC lands, including access gates, seasonal storage, and outdoor seating for the many residents who take advantage of the 40-kilometre, multi-use winter trail that is located alongside the banks of the Ottawa River.
I look forward to working with the community on these projects and look forward to working on other opportunities to improve our parks and provide new recreational opportunities in the Ward.
Your Councillor in the Community
I was happy to extend congratulations to Rideau-Rockcliffe resident Dr. André M. Levesque on his induction into the Order of Ottawa on Nov. 16. He is currently Chancellor of the Order of St. John for Canada and Chief Historian for Beechwood Cemetery. For more information on this year’s recipients, please click here.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Donald Street Watermain Repair Project
My office has been advised that the tender for this project has now been awarded to a contractor. The contractor is scheduled to mobilize on Donald Street as early as mid next week. Completion of the majority of the work is anticipated before end of 2023. The construction completion date is set for spring 2024 to allow for landscaping reinstatement in the spring. Construction work will involve excavation in the eastbound lane and south boulevard of Donald Street, replacement of a section of watermain, and reinstatement of the road and boulevard. The objective of this project is to replace one pipe along the eastbound lane of Donald Street from North River Road to 50 metres west of Marguerite Avenue. A minimum of one travel lane will be maintained during working hours. One travel lane in each direction will be maintained outside of working hours. Please note that it is anticipated that one tree within the right of way will likely need to be removed due to its proximity to the section of watermain being replaced. If removal can’t be avoided, a replacement tree will be planted in spring 2024. We are working with City of Ottawa Forestry to ensure compliance with the Tree Protection By-law (2020-340).
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.
Films at the Fieldhouse: Double Indemnity - Nov. 18
November becomes NOIRvember as the Crichton Community Council screens the Billy Wilder classic film that launched the genre that would later be known as Film Noir. Femme Fatales, snappy one liners, gorgeous black and white cinematography are all here in a film about forbidden love and an almost perfect crime! The film will be featured on Nov. 18 from 7 to 9 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, located at 203 Stanley. Though UNRATED, Double Indemnity is for mature audiences. Admission is free.
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
Get ready to embark on a magical journey as the Ottawa Children's Storytelling Festival returns from November 20 to 25. This eagerly anticipated event that is organized by Ottawa Storytellers and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is a celebration of creativity, language, and culture, will feature a captivating lineup of talented storytellers from Ottawa and across Canada. The Festival, which caters to children aged 3 to 12, their families, friends, and classmates, promises a week filled with delightful storytelling experiences in French and English. The Festival also offers the flexibility of attending events either in person or online, allowing the audience to choose the format that best suits their preferences and comfort levels. The festival will be hosted at multiple locations, including the Odawa Native Friendship Centre and at OPL’s Nepean Centerpointe location. The event will also be accessible online through livestream on the Ottawa StoryTellers YouTube channel as well as OPL’s YouTube channel. For more information visit www.ottawastorytellers.ca or www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
Rockcliffe Park Speakers Program - Nov. 22
The second speaker in the new season of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association Speakers Program is Stephen Poloz. 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 the 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 by Nov. 24. For details and to register, visit www.crcrr.org and click on the blue snowflake at the top of the web page.
Holiday Lights Gathering in New Edinburgh - Nov. 25
Warm up for the holiday season at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse on Nov. 25 from 4 to 8 pm. Holiday lights. Festive music. Snacks to sweeten the palate. Drinks to warm the soul. Carolling 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.
Dates: Every Saturday from Nov. 25 to Dec. 16, 11 am to 1 pm
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.
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. 26City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program - Call for Applications 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 December 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST. 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 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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.
By-law Reviews Web Page Launch
The new By-law Reviews web page has been launched on ottawa.ca by the Public Policy Development Service in the Emergency and Protective Services department. This web page provides key information to the public about the City’s by-law reviews, including a schedule of ongoing or anticipated by-law reviews, high level updates on their status, and information about engagement opportunities and key contacts. This web page was discussed as part of the 2023 to 2026 By-law Review Work Plan report approved last June, and is a component of Council’s overall By-law Review Framework that guides the City’s review of regulatory by-laws in a consistent and efficient manner. The web page will be maintained and updated by the Public Policy Development Service with input from other Departments. Updates will occur on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as required, to ensure information remains accurate and current.
Emerging Community Needs - application for funding stream now open
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: Thursday, December 7, 2023
• Funding available: $500,000
• Applicants will be advised of the results no later than December 20, 2023
For more information and to apply, please email [email protected]. All applications will be assessed through an allocation process. An applicant’s success in obtaining funding depends on the allocation committee’s final evaluation and the funding available in the envelope.
How the City is gearing up for winter
For information about winter weather parking bans, significant weather events and more, please click this link. To be alerted of a parking ban, sign up for winter parking e-alerts, follow the City on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, download the City app or visit ottawa.ca/WinterParking. When clearing snow and windrows from your laneway, please be sure not to overexert yourself and take as much time as you need. Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter? For information on City’s Snow Go and Snow Go Assist Programs, visit Help around the home.
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 began Nov. 16. More information and a full list of programs are available for fall aquatics, non-aquatic programs, and PA days.
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.
Planning Primer Elective - Heritage Planning - Nov 23
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].
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.
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
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Ottawa Police launched Crime Map
The Ottawa Police Service Crime Map (Year-to-Date) is an interactive mapping tool that allows users to filter and query selected crime types by neighbourhood, police division, and other data attributes. Please click here to access the map. To access data related to overdose calls and hate crime open data, please visit the Ottawa Police Service's Community Safety Data Portal.