November 1, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
This week, I am proud to have voted in favour of Ottawa's first comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy in a decade. The Strategy was approved unanimously by Council on Wednesday. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive City for all residents.
What sets this Strategy apart is its collaborative, comprehensive approach. Through extensive consultations with over 350 participants from more than 70 organizations, the City has developed a framework that will work to address the root causes of poverty through five essential pillars:
- Food security
- Employment
- Financial security
- Economic development
- Integrated service pathways
I'm particularly proud of the community organizations' contributions to this Strategy. In Ward 13 and Vanier, all local community associations formed a "Community Collective" to advocate for the creation of this plan. Their thoughtful, overarching recommendation was incorporated into the plan: the City must move beyond treating symptoms to addressing the fundamental causes of poverty.
The Strategy adopts a collective impact approach, uniting the City, community organizations, and residents to pursue shared goals. It acknowledges that no single organization or program can solve poverty in isolation – we need coordinated action across sectors guided by those with lived experience.
The Strategy includes several concrete actions that will begin making a difference quickly:
- Increased funding for mentorship programs targeting Indigenous, Black, and racialized youth
- Improved coordination of food security initiatives; and
- Enhanced coordination of tax clinics to help low-income residents access benefits
The $150,000 in one-time funding to support tax clinic coordination is a smart investment, though I believe additional funding should be allocated to help low-income residents access approximately $72 million in currently unclaimed benefits, which can create immediate material improvements in their lives while concurrently improving the local economy.
As the Community Collective has noted, poverty carries significant costs for our City—in healthcare, social services, and lost economic potential. Coordinated action now will improve lives and reduce long-term costs.
The Strategy aligns seamlessly with other City priorities, including our Strategic Plan, Anti-Racism Strategy, and Women and Gender Equity Strategy. It provides a clear roadmap for how we can work together as a community to reduce poverty and create more opportunities for all Ottawa residents.
This Strategy, developed through extensive community consultation, grounded in evidence, and focused on measurable outcomes, represents our best opportunity to make meaningful progress in reducing poverty in our City. It is a significant achievement for Ottawa and deserves our immediate and ongoing support. I am pleased that a plan that the community advocated so hard for has reached fruition.
Your Councillor in the Community
Last week I was deeply honoured as Deputy Mayor to present the 2024 Ottawa Book Awards with Ottawa Public Library Chair, Councillor Matthew Luloff to Sandra Ridley, Huda Mukbil and Sébastien Pierroz. The awards recognizes Ottawa’s rich literary talent and were selected by a jury of peers. Congratulations!
Incredible to help open a new Carty House residence last week in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward with MPP Lucille Collard and Councillor Plante that will provide transitional housing to female refugee claimants and convention refugees.
Lots of fun at the New Edinburgh Halloween Party last weekend!
Had lots of haunted house fun at the Mayor’s annual Treat or Treat Event at CIty Hall last weekend in support of the Ottawa Food Bank’s baby Basics program! Thanks to all who attended and provided support!
Honoured as Deputy Mayor to welcome over 2,000 delegates to The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness conference in Ottawa this week and thank them for their dedication and the frontline experience they bring to the cause. Ending homelessness is everyone’s job!
Enjoyed attending the amazing and well attended annual Halloween celebration and pumpkin giveaway event at the Vanier Hub last weekend with MP Mona Fortier and MPP Lucille Collard.
Enjoy the amazing Haunted House Halloween Safe Zone experience tonight at the Overbrook Community Centre, thanks to the efforts of our incredible neighbourhood youth, City staff, the Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre an Ottawa Community Housing!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Parking restrictions - Provender Avenue - Oct. 21 to Nov. 22
Starting the week of October 21, 2024, Hydro Ottawa is conducting maintenance hole upgrades on Provender Avenue. This project has an estimated completion date of November 22, 2024. Overall, this work will include:
- electrical infrastructure upgrades;
- lane reductions; and
- sidewalk closures at site.
There are no scheduled power outages associated with this work at this time. Residents may notice increased construction presence throughout the project, including construction vehicles.
Impacted street: Provender Avenue
Community Coffee Days are back - Nov. 29
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Incubator 13 have restarted Community Coffee Days. Upcoming dates are Oct. 25 and Nov. 29. Drop by The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard from 2 to 3 pm in Room 124.
Road Closure - Mutual Street - EXTENDED - Oct. 28 to Nov. 6.
The City has received a request for the closure of Mutual Street, between May Street and Église Street, Oct. 28 to Nov. 6 to accommodate excavation, backfilling and service installation at 470 Mutual. The work will include cutting, removal and instatement of asphalt at 470 Mutual. A signed detour will be in effect. Please watch for traffic-related signs. Access to adjacent dwellings and businesses will be maintained at all times. Impacted residents will receive advance notification.
Oakhill, Corona, and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Update - Road Open
Project update: Construction work, including landscaping and asphalt paving, is now complete. Oakhill, Corona, and Carsdale streets are open to traffic as of the end of October.
Development Application - 304-308 Donald Street - Comments due by Nov. 1
The City of Ottawa has received Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Control applications for 304-308 Donald Street in the Overbrook community. The site is located on the southeast corner of the Donald Street and Edith Avenue intersection. The applicant is proposing to develop a three-storey, 31-unit low-rise apartment. Ten vehicular parking spaces, including eight spaces for residents and two visitor parking spaces, and 31 bicycle parking spaces are proposed. A Minor Zoning By-Law Amendment Application is required in order for this project to proceed. Site-specific exceptions to the R4UC Zone of the Subject Site are necessary to provide relief from zoning provisions to; reduce the required number of parking spaces for residents, increase the maximum allowed lot area, and reduce the minimum required corner side yard setback. A detailed Site Plan Control Application is required to facilitate the development on the Subject Site. The proposed development will require the demolition of the existing buildings, modifications to side grading, drainage and landscaping. To review the development applications, please visit the City's DevApps website:
Comments can be submitted by Nov. 1 to the City's file lead, Margot Linker, via the DevApps website at this link.
Comedy at the Fieldhouse - Nov. 2
St. Bart's Bazaar - Nov 2
Please mark your calendars! The St, Bart's Bazaar is coming up on Saturday, November 2, from 12 - 4 pm at 125 MacKay Street. This year we have our usual variety of great items- antiques, gifts, jewelry, books, preserves, baking, attic treasures, toys & games, crafts & knitting, Christmas decorations, works of art and our famous Tea Room with home made sandwiches! Please join us at this well-loved event and find gifts for all the family and yourself as well! Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have things to donate: Linda Assad Butcher at (613) 298-9980 and Liz Heatherington at (613) 745-4677. Your bazaar supports the parish and its outreach initiatives. Last year we supported Belong Ottawa (Centre 454, The Well/La Source), Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, the Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and St. Margaret’s Church in Vanier. For more information, please visit saintbartholomew.ca.
Christmas Bazaar & Chili Lunch - Nov. 2
Free native seed giveaway - Nov. 2
Join the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library to learn about native plant gardening and receive free native seeds for winter sowing. No gardening experience required! The seeds they provide are all native to Ottawa, locally-sourced and support the progressive City ROW and Rain Ready initiatives. Visit the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library at wildflowerseedlibrary.ca for more information about events and to shop for garden signs and magnets – their sole source of funding to help them run their year-long events as they are an entirely volunteer-run organization.
- November 2 from 1 to 3 pm at Saint Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd., Manor Park (Facebook event). Hosted by the Manor Park Community Association Environmental Sustainability Committee and Saint Columba Anglican Church.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Ottawa D Squared Construction and Clean Water Works, to complete the work
Road Closure - Rideau Gate - Nov. 6
Attention all youth!
Don't miss out on summer job opportunities! Many businesses start hiring seasonally as early as December 2024. Let's get ready!
- Update your resume and online profiles
- Research companies and job openings
- Practice interview skills and build confidence
- Learn about job search strategies
If you are a friend, parent, family member, teacher, mentor, take a moment to encourage the young people in your life to take advantage of these resources and get a head start on their summer job search.
Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge Environmental Assessment Study - virtual consultation session - Nov. 6
The City of Ottawa is undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the renewal of Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge carried a single railway track on the former CP Rail Montreal & Ottawa Subdivision until its abandonment in 1966 and was re-purposed by 1972 to carry only pedestrian and cycling traffic. The bridge provides an important multi-use active transportation link between the National Capital Commission’s Rideau River Eastern Pathway and the City of Ottawa’s Rideau River Western Pathway / Rideau River Nature Trail. In 2018, a detailed condition assessment was completed and concluded that the structure was in overall poor condition, with several components showing significant signs of deterioration. The purpose of the EA will be to identify and evaluate options for bridge renewal or replacement considering different alignment possibilities in accordance with the EA planning process.
UPDATE: A virtual public consultation session is planned for Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 pm. Zoom registration details are now available on the City's project website at ottawa.ca/rideauriverbridge. Please register to receive the virtual meeting link if you wish to participate. Presnetation material will be posted on the City's website one day before the meeting. Please provide your comments to the City's project manager, Kosta Karadakis, by emailing [email protected] before November 20, 2024.
Legion's National Remembrance Day Ceremony - Nov. 11
On November 11th each year, Canadians stand in collective Remembrance of all who have fallen in the military service of their country.
The Legion, on behalf of the people of Canada, organizes and conducts the National Remembrance Day service in Ottawa.
Remembrance Day event - Nov. 11
Please join your friends and neighbours at Riverside Memorial Park, 1063 North River Road, on Nov. 11, 2023, from 10:45 to 11:30 am for a moment of silence and to pay your respects on Remembrance Day.
National Military Cemetery's Annual Remembrance Day Service - Nov. 11
An annual ceremony of Remembrance takes place at the National Military Cemetery from 10:45 a.m. on November 11; it will also be livestreamed online. The Annual Remembrance Day Service on the grounds of the Beechwood Cemetery honours all those who have fallen in the service of Canada and all Canadian Forces members interred at the cemetery. A children’s choir will perform.
47 Beechwood Community Consultation - Nov. 12
Residents, business owners and community stakeholders are invited to join me, Councillor Rawlson King, for a community consultation regarding the proposed development for 47 Beechwood Avenue on Nov. 12 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. To register for the meeting link, please click here.
The City has received a zoning amendment application and a site plan control application for 47 Beechwood Avenue (including 12 Douglas Avenue and 5 Springfield Road) located on the north side of Beechwood between Douglas Avenue and Springfield Road in the Lindenlea community. The applicant is proposing to develop an eight-storey, mixed-use building with four commercial at-grade units, 123 residential units, 48 underground parking spaces, 128 bicycle parking spaces and 880 square metres of amenity space (which refers to community rooms, dog wash rooms, a communal terrace and private balconies at the property). The two applications have been posted to the City’s development applications website. The document links are below:
- Site plan control application: devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D07-12-23-0084/details
- Minor zoning bylaw amendment application: devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D02-02-23-0052/details
Information Fair for New Canadians - Nov. 13
Open Mic Night - Nov. 16
Bring your senses to be entertained or your talent to share at New Edinburgh's open mic at the Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave. Admission is free, but donations (to help pay for their new PA system) are appreciated. The kitchen bar will be open offering a variety of refreshments including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Performers have two songs or about 8-10 minutes at the mic. Two microphones, a mixer and speakers are available. Performers can register at the door at 6:00 pm. First come, first to fill the bill. Details: www.newedinburgh.ca/event/open-mic-at-the-fieldhouse
Lending Hand Holiday Exchange Program for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents - Apply before Nov. 21
Live in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward and need extra support during the upcoming holidays period? Online registration for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's annual Lending Hand Holiday Exchange program (for those with K1K, K1M and some K1G postal codes) is open until Nov. 21. Registration is limited. Early registration is encouraged. For information and to apply, please visit the resource centre's website or scan the QR code in the poster or call 613-745-0073, ext. 208.
Wateridge Village Community Association seeks a treasurer
The Wateridge Village Community Association is seeking to fill the board position of Treasurer. If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering with your community association, please contact [email protected]. They are 100 per cent powered by volunteers!
Become a Wateridge Village Community Association member!
Join the Wateridge Village Community Association. Become a member - for free - to receive the most up to date information about your community! It's easy, just click the link: www.wateridgeassociation.ca/join
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Yard Waste Pickup
Yard waste pickup is now extended until 8 pm. If you aren’t keeping your leaves, place them out at the curb in paper leaf and yard waste bags to ensure they get sorted to the right place. Learn more at ottawa.ca.
Yellow bags are now available
Starting Monday, November 4, any garbage above the three-item garbage limit must be placed in a City of Ottawa yellow bag. If the three-item garbage limit is exceeded and yellow bags are not used, one item will be left behind with a courtesy tag indicating the limit. In December, any garbage above the three-item garbage limit that’s not in a yellow bag will be left at the curb.
Yellow bags are now available for purchase from Client Service Centres, select recreation and community centres, as well as Home Hardware stores across the city and the Richmond BMR. Yellow bags are sold in packages of four for $17.60. There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that can be purchased and set out on garbage day. Keep in mind that large bulky items and furniture cannot be bagged.
Reduce your garbage items by maximizing your recycling and composting. There’s no limit to blue, black or green bins and leaf and yard waste.
You can purchase City of Ottawa yellow bags from the following locations:
Retailers
- Beacon Hill Home Hardware, 1934 Montreal Road (located in Ogilvie Square)
- Bridlewood Home Hardware, 90 Michael Cowpland Drive
- Capital Home Hardware, 736 Bank Street
- Elmvale Acres Home Hardware, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard (located in Elmvale Acres Shopping Centre)
- Leitrim Home Hardware, 4836 Bank Street
- Manotick Home Hardware, 1166 Beaverwood Road (located in the Mews of Manotick)
- Morris Home Hardware, 1226 Wellington Street
- Orléans Home Hardware, 470 Charlemagne Boulevard
- Stittsville Home Hardware, 6001 Hazeldean Road
- Trudel Home Hardware, 329 March Road
- Richmond BMR, 6379 Perth Street
Client Service Centre locations
Yellow bags are available at any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre during business hours.
Recreation and Community Centres
- Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre, 1560 Heatherington Road
- Alexander Community Centre, 960 Silver Street
- Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex - Orléans, 1490 Youville Drive
- CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Road
- Carleton Heights Community Centre, 1665 Apeldoorn Avenue
- François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Boulevard
- Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre, 3320 Paul Anka Drive
- Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane
- Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven, 3500 Cambrian Road
- Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
- Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street
- St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street
- Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Drive
Find out more about the three-item garbage limit and the yellow bag program at ottawa.ca/garbage.
Ottawa Public Health recommends that high-risk residents protect themselves against RSV
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that eligible residents at higher risk of severe illness protect themselves against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this respiratory illness season. RSV is a respiratory virus that can be particularly severe in infants and older adults. Immunization against RSV can help prevent serious health outcomes, including hospitalization. Publicly funded immunization is available for infants, high-risk children, pregnant individuals, and eligible older adults. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.
Protect yourself: Get your flu vaccine
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is recommending that residents aged 6 months and older get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible this flu season. OPH is anticipating an active respiratory illness season with influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating in the community at the same time. The flu can cause serious illness and can result in complications and hospitalizations, especially for older adults and young children. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
- Starting October 15, 2024: Participating local pharmacies will begin to offer flu vaccines to individuals at high risk of flu-related complications.
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Starting October 21, 2024: OPH Community Clinics and Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs will offer the flu vaccine for eligible high risk and priority populations who face barriers to access, including:
- Children aged 6 months to under 2 years and their household members (note: children 2 and older are directed to pharmacies for their annual flu vaccine).
- High-risk individuals facing significant barriers to access, such as newcomers without OHIP and children 2 to 5 years of age who have tried to access the vaccine through another provider.
- Starting October 28, 2024: all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work, or go to school in Ontario are eligible for the flu vaccine through local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for everyone.
For more information, please visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth/flu.
- Adults 65 years of age or older
- Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings (e.g., chronic care facilities, retirement homes)
- Individuals who have underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs
- Pregnant individuals
- Individuals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
- Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
Effective October 28, 2024, the updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all residents aged 6 months and older. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Be in the know about contracted snow removal
How are you clearing the snow from your driveway this winter? If you are hiring a snow plow contractor, check out the updated Licensing By-law regulations and know how to avoid a scam: ottawa.ca
Name the Plow campaign
The names for the Name the Plow campaign were officially announced at last week's Transportation Committee. To see the full list of names head to engage.ottawa.ca/name-the-plow
Planned O-Train Line 1 maintenance - until Nov. 3
On specific days between Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, November 3, O-Train Line 1 service will be impacted by planned maintenance. R1 Replacement bus service will run during impacts.
- October 29, and 30: From 11 pm, Line 1 closed between Blair and uOttawa stations.
- October 26 and 27 and November 1 and 2: Full O-Train Line 1 closed all day.
For more details, please visit octranspo.com.
OC Transpo - New Ways to Bus
Trial Running Starting for O-Train Lines 2 and 4 - Daily Reports now available
Winter registration is coming up fast! Mark your calendars with these important registration dates for next season:
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Tuesday, October 29: Browse fall activities online.
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Tuesday, November 12 at 9 pm: Register for aquatics programs.
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Thursday, November 14 at 9 pm: Register for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards - Until Nov. 1
New Zoning Bylaw Workshop - Nov. 5
This fall, join City staff for a series of in-person workshops to discuss Ottawa’s New Zoning By-Law. These workshops are designed to engage the community, gather valuable feedback, and ensure that our new Zoning By-law reflects the Official Plan and the needs and aspirations of all residents. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city!
Final workshop. In-person starting at 6:30 pm
- November 5 – Confederation Education Centre, 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean
For more information, visit: engage.ottawa.ca/zoning
The City has created a 3D interactive map for residents to visualize the existing zoning and be able to compare in a real-world environment in relation to the New Zoning By-law 2008-250. The 3D map is fully immersive; you can visualize the new proposed zoning starting from a bird’s eye view, then you can pan, zoom, rotate, and tilt to visualize the zoning from a street perspective in your neighborhood surrounded by the built environment in 3D. To view the map, please visit ottawa.ca.
The Foundation for Black Canadians (FFBC) has launched a call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund (BPEF). The federal government budget 2021 committed to establishing BPEF, which is dedicated to supporting Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities. FFBC has launched the Black Ideas Grant. Eligible organizations will receive funding for projects that support the fight against anti-Black racism or that work toward improving social and economic outcomes for Black communities in Canada. Maximum funding per project is $200,000. The last date to apply is November 8, 2024. Full details and to apply please click: Black Ideas Grants
Climate Resiliency Strategy - Survey open until Nov. 8
This summer was the hottest on record globally, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Recent weeks have seen severe flooding across Europe and Asia and major hurricanes in the United States.
The City has many programs and policies to prepare for climate change. But with the anticipated more frequent extreme heat events, heavier rainfall and increasingly unpredictable weather, it’s important that we all take action to prepare.
Building on both the Climate Projections and Climate Change Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, the Climate Ready Ottawa draft strategy outlines long-term goals and actions to address the city’s most pressing climate hazards. The draft strategy expands on existing programs while identifying additional initiatives to strengthen Ottawa’s resilience. Developed in collaboration with many City departments, the draft strategy incorporates community input gathered during 2023. We are now finalizing the strategy and developing a short-term implementation plan. There is still time to share your thoughts on resiliency by completing the Climate Ready Ottawa survey - please fill out the survey by Friday, November 8, 2024.
Are you, your organization or group looking to commemorate the legacy of a person who contributed or made an impact to our community? The City has launched its revamped Commemorative Naming Program with the start of its first nomination period, which is open now. The online submission form is now available at ottawa.ca/namingottawa. The deadline is Tuesday, November 12. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.
Funding available - Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund - Deadline to apply is Nov. 15
Black communities in Canada continue to face significant barriers to accessing mental health services and supports. The federal government is accepting proposals to allocate $1 million under the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. Community-based organizations can apply for up to $100,000 to support projects that seek to build organizations’ capacity to develop and deliver programs that promote the mental health of Black people in Canada. For full details and to apply please visit www.canada.ca. The deadline to submit a proposal is Nov. 15.
E-scooters End of Season Survey - Until Nov. 30
The City of Ottawa is seeking public feedback on the Shared Electric Kick Scooter Pilot, following its fifth season. The data collected will be valuable for comparing with previous seasons and will be used to help make recommendations for any potential future season. We invite you to fill out this survey about your experiences with e-scooters, including but not limited to, mis-parking, riding on sidewalks, and sound emission. There is also an opportunity at the end of the survey to provide more general feedback and your personal experience with e-scooters. This survey closes November 30, 2024 and is open to everyone, whether they have used the shared e-scooters or not. Please feel encouraged to share this information through your networks. Any other questions, comments and thoughts can be sent to [email protected].
Heritage Ottawa Workshop - Nov. 28
Do you have mature trees and established gardens you want to safeguard from extreme weather events?
HERITAGE OTTAWA WILL HELP YOU DO THE GROUNDWORK!
WHEN: Thursday November 28, 2024 | 7:00 to 9:00 pm | VIA ZOOM
COST: $50
Extreme weather events are a climate change reality that we will all be facing with increasing regularity. Find out what you can do yourself to mitigate damage, and when professional advice is needed to understand and prepare your property.
Join City of Ottawa Climate Change and Resiliency Services expert Connor Renouf and arborist Ian Laidlaw for this 2-hour online workshop that will cover a range of topics related to how weather impacts the outside of your home, including:
- Design and management of rainwater flow
- What rain gardens and permeable pavements are all about
- Prudent care of trees and shrubs using prep & support systems
Participants are encouraged to bring specific questions pertaining to issues they may be experiencing in their own yards and gardens.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY by CLICKING HERE for payment instructions.
Emergency Services News
Halloween Safety: Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe
With Halloween just around the corner, the Ottawa Police Service wants to remind everyone to stay safe, whether you're trick-or-treating, driving, or celebrating. Here are some tips to ensure that this spooky holiday remains safe for all:
Trick-or-Treaters:
- Be Seen: Make sure kids are visible. Give them flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape.
- Use the Sidewalk: Always walk on sidewalks or paths. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and don’t run between parked cars.
- Stay in Groups: Young children should always be with an adult. Older kids should consider going with friends. Make sure they have a charged phone and a plan in case they get separated.
- Never go inside a house to get treats.
- Always have your treats checked by an adult before eating them.
- Keep pets who may be easily spooked away from the door and trick-o-treaters
Drivers:
- Stay Alert: Be on the lookout for excited trick-or-treaters who may not be paying attention to traffic. Drive slowly, and be ready to stop.
- Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away and focus on the road. Distracted driving can turn a fun night into a dangerous or tragic night.
For more safety tips, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
Scam Alert
The Ottawa Police Service is seeing an increase in scams involving taxi fares. People are being approached by a young person claiming they need taxifare. A taxi driver, or someone pretending to be a taxi driver, is typically parked nearby to make the story seem true. The young person. The young person makes claims about why their payment methods haven’t worked but will offer to reimburse the unsuspecting person with cash if they use their card to pay for the taxi. When the unsuspecting person pays, they do not realize that their card has not been returned to them or has been swapped with someone else’s. The scammers will then use the unsuspecting person’s card until it’s locked.
Purchase your tickets for the 13th Annual Ottawa Police Service Gala to be held Nov. 2
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce that tickets for the 13th Annual Gala are now available to purchase online. The event, set for Saturday, November 2 at the Shaw Centre, promises an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, and community engagement. This year’s gala will benefit two important organizations that are making significant strides in our community: the Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa and the Multifaith Housing Initiative. The 2024 OPS Gala aims to raise essential funds to support these vital organizations. Tickets can be purchased online for $200 each, or $2,000 for a table that seats 10. You can purchase a corporate table for $2,000, where two seats will be donated to a uniformed OPS member.
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 10 am and 8:45 pm.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.