November 8, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
As a Library Board Trustee, I am excited that the Ottawa Public Library this week announced the launch of a new community development initiative centered at the St-Laurent branch in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward which will create new library services for our priority neighbourhoods.
The new $68,500 investment in new community development services at the St-Laurent branch represents exciting progress in terms of connecting, consulting, and working collaboratively with residents and community organizations to understand and address neighborhood needs and inform the direction of local library services.
Community development is defined as working with the community to:
- Define barriers to service
- Define solutions to break down those barriers
- Define success measures
- Define partnership opportunities
Under this new approach, the role of library staff changes from being the sole identifiers of needs and services to facilitators of a process to assist community members in identifying and articulating their needs concerning library services.
The St-Laurent branch was identified for the initiative based on the Neighborhood Equity Index (NEI), which is used to evaluate socioeconomic conditions in the city. The Index has designated Overbrook-McArthur as a priority neighbourhood in our city as it requires enhanced social service investment. The Ottawa Public Library will work with our amazing community partners to develop and pilot a community development initiative that enhances literacy and which will help formalize the library's citywide community development framework.
The good news is that there are amazing partners that the Ottawa Public Library can work with in the Overbrook catchment area, including many active residents, volunteers, and the more than 40 social service organizations that are located at the nearby Rideau Community Hub. The initiative creates an incredible opportunity to build innovative programming through authentic, inquisitive, and open-minded relationships with new and long-term community partners. New programming could also potentially be coordinated with other initiatives within the community, subject to budgetary capacity.
As an example, there is incredible work being undertaken around literacy by City staff at the Overbrook Community Centre. The Centre is working to provide more literacy opportunities to children and youth through the Overbrook Book Network, a collective that includes Ottawa Community Housing, in conjunction with Twice Upon a Time, an Ottawa charity that provides free books to local children. Coordination of this amazing effort, with augmented new library programming, along with the Bookmobile’s existing presence in Overbrook could potentially enhance the library's new community development project and would be welcomed enthusiastically by the community.
The promise of this project in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward reflects the excellent progress that the library has made concerning the development of its community development framework. Over the past year, the Ottawa Public Library Board of Trustees formalized its increased commitment to community development through the development of its new strategic directions and priorities for 2023-2028. Library staff also formed a brand-new client experience and community development team and have pursued community development activities in other areas of the city.
As a member of the Library’s Board of Trustees, I am both pleased and impressed with library staff’s approach and the substantive investment that will be made in the community development initiative that will benefit our priority neighbourhoods within the coming year.
Your Councillor in the Community
As Deputy Mayor, it was an honour to provide celebratory greetings this week on behalf of the City of Ottawa to the Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa Carleton (CÉSOC) on the occasion of its 30th anniversary!
Thank you to Rideau-Rockcliffe residents for joining City staff, Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante, Capital Councillor Shawn Menard and me for a virtual information session this week regarding the Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge Renewal Environmental Assessment Study. To view the presentation, for more information and to submit your comments by November 20, please visit Ottawa.ca/rideauriverbridge.
It was great to attend an event at Veterans' House this week in Wateridge Village outlining the federal government’s partnership with Ottawa InnerCity Ministries and Veterans' House Canada to support veterans at risk of homelessness in Ottawa with a $4-million investment.
Happy to present a certificate of recognition this week at Ottawa City Hall to Francis Yell, President of the South Sudanese Community Association of Canada.
As Deputy Mayor, I was honoured to recognize Zambian Independence Day last week at Ottawa City Hall with the High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to Canada, His Excellency Kennedy M. Shepande, along with members of the diaspora, and officials from Global Affairs Canada.
I was happy to give remarks at a gala last weekend celebrating 45 years of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, my ancestral homeland. It was great to see gala organizer, Suzette Small-Weekes, recognized with a 2024 United Way Community Builder Award!
I had the wonderful honour of opening the incredibly well attended St. Bart’s Bazaar in New Edinburgh last weekend.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Your guide to recognizing Remembrance Day in Ottawa
For details about Remembrance Day in Ottawa, please visit ottawa.ca.
For a full list of City of Ottawa schedule changes on Nov. 11, please visit ottawa.ca.
Veterans' Week - Nov. 5 to 11: To commemorate Veterans’ Week, the Poppy Flag will be flown at City Hall and other select facilities from Tuesday, November 5 to Monday, November 11. In addition, all flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Monday, November 11 to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour all Canadians, past and present, who have served their country in time of war.
Indigenous Veterans Day - Nov. 8
On Friday, November 8, please take a moment to honour Indigenous Veterans Day. The flags at all City facilities are lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on this day to honour the important contributions made by more than 12,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans in service to Canada. For details, please visit www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans
RCMP Annual Veterans' Week Memorial Service - Nov. 10
Amicitia France-Canada Remembrance Day Ceremony - Nov. 10
There will be a special ceremony honoring the fallen and celebrating the friendship between Canada and France.
- Date: November 10, 2024
- Time: 2:00 PM
- Location: Amicitia France Canada Monument, Section 27, at the Beechwood Cemetery
The event will feature:
- Wreath Laying Ceremony
- Speeches by Canadian and French Dignitaries
- Musical Performances of National Anthems
- Reading of the Act of Remembrance
- Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
The Beechwood Cemetery looks forward to your presence as we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
National Remembrance Day Ceremony - Nov. 11
On November 11 each year, Canadians stand in collective Remembrance of all who have fallen in the military service of their country. The Royal Canadian Legion, on behalf of the people of Canada, organizes and conducts the National Remembrance Day service in Ottawa. The Legion is pleased to welcome spectators to the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial. The service will begin at approximately 10:30 am. For more information, please visit www.legion.ca/remembrance/remembrance-day/the-national-ceremony. To watch the ceremony online, please visit www.facebook.com/CanadianLegion/
Traffic Impacts on Remembrance Day
If you plan on attending the National Remembrance Day Ceremony or will be in the downtown core, be sure to plan ahead. The following streets will be closed from 7 am to 2 pm on Monday, November 11 due to the ceremony:
- Elgin Street, from Laurier Avenue to Wellington Street
- Wellington Street, from Rideau Street/Sussex Avenue to Bank Street
- Metcalfe Street, between Albert and Wellington streets
- Queen Street, between O’Connor and Wellington streets
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway, between Somerset Street and Laurier Avenue West
Remembrance Day in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - Nov. 11
Everyone is invited to 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.
National Military Cemetery's Annual Remembrance Day Service - Nov. 11
An annual ceremony of Remembrance takes place at the National Military Cemetery on November 11 starting at 10:45 am; it will also be livestreamed online. The Annual Remembrance Day Service on the grounds of 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.
Remembrance Day in Vanier - Nov. 11
To mark Remembrance Day, the Eastview Branch 462 of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting their annual parade from the Legion hall at 294 Cyr Avenue to the Vanier Cenotaph at Hannah and Dagmar for a wreath-laying ceremony. The event takes place Nov. 11 from 1:30 to 3 pm. Everyone welcome. Following the event, the Eastview Branch is hosting a celebration featuring a buffet lunch and live entertainment. The evening dance will feature music by Heart & Soul. For more details, please visit www.rcl462.ca/entertainment.html or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastview.legion.5.
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
Free community dental screenings - November schedule
Ottawa Public Health hosts free community dental screenings at Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hubs across Ottawa. In Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, upcoming dental screening clinics are scheduled to take place at the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street on Nov. 13 and 27 from 1 to 4:30 pm and at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on Nov. 18 and 28 from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 4 pm. All ages welcome. No appointment needed. Available on a first come, first served basis. For details, please visit ottawapublichealth.ca.
Programs at St. Laurent Library Branch - November
English Book Club featuring The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt - Nov. 28, 10 am to 12 pm
Francophone reading club - Nov. 14, 10 am to 12 pm
Free Movie Events in English
- Cruella on Nov. 23 at 11 am
- Casino Royal on Nov. 27 at 6 pm
Free Movie Events in French
- La Testament - Nov. 13 at 6:30 pm
- Papa ou maman - Nov. 23 at 2 pm
Knitting and Crochet Club - Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm
English Conversation Group - Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
French Conversation Group - Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm
Children's Programs - Mondays at 10:30 am
Babytime - Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Homework Club for ages 6 to 12 - Wednesdays at 5 pm
P.D. Day Lego Block Party - Nov. 25 at 2 pm
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. For details, please email [email protected].
Beechwood Night Market at MacKay - Nov. 16
The fifth annual Beechwood Market @ MacKay will run Nov. 16 from 5 to 9pm at Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin. A licensed event, there will be plenty of meal options, live jazz, 20 local vendors and a tarot card reader. For details, please visit Facebook.
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 a new Fieldhouse 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 served to fill the bill. Details: www.newedinburgh.ca/event/open-mic-at-the-fieldhouse
Coventry Road Planning and Environmental Assessment Study - Online Open House Nov. 19
The City of Ottawa has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) study to assess the need to widen and/or improve Coventry Road between Belfast Road and St-Laurent Boulevard. The EA study will investigate options to improve travel environment for all modes (walking, cycling, transit, autos and trucks) as appropriate. Residents are invited to take part in an Online Open House on November 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. This will be the first of two (2) Open Houses planned for the study. The second Open House will be held in the winter of 2025.
Presentation: The Online Open House will include a presentation and members of the study team will be available to discuss the project with you and to answer any questions that you may have. Information to be presented:
- Project background and need
- Evaluation of alternative alignments
- Discussion on the vision for the future of the corridor
- Next steps
Registration: To attend, please register by clicking on this link: Zoom Registration Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require special accommodation, or further information or questions, please contact Lise Guèvremont by emailing [email protected]. For more information about this project, please visit ottawa.ca.
Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge Environmental Assessment Study - comments due Nov. 20
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.
A virtual public consultation session was held Nov. 6 on Zoom. Presentation materials are available at ottawa.ca/RideauRiverBridge. Please provide your comments to the City's project manager, Kosta Karadakis, by emailing [email protected] before November 20, 2024.
National Child Day - Nov. 20
The Vanier Community Services Centre is hosting an event to celebrate National Child's Day on November 20 from 2:30 to 6 pm at the “Carré de la francophonie” (in front of 290 Dupuis St). The first 100 children will also receive gifts.
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.
Vanier Artisans Christmas Craft Sale - Nov. 24
Donald Street at Vanier Parkway cycling safety improvements - Open House - Nov. 25
The Road Safety Action Plan has the objective of improving safety on Ottawa’s roads. As part of the 2022 RSAP, funds were allocated for design improvements to cycling safety at one intersection. A screening process was undertaken to select the preferred location. The screening process focused on the intersections identified in the Cycling Safety Review of High-Volume intersections. The intersection of Donald Street at Vanier Parkway was selected as the preferred location for the funding. This intersection has received an increasing volume of cyclists and pedestrians since the Adàwe Crossing Bridge was completed in December 2015. The intersection is 500 metres from the Adàwe Bridge and Rideau River Eastern Pathway. It is a signalized intersection. The overall purpose of this project is to undertake a preliminary and detail design leading to a construction project. Included in the scope is a protected intersection at Donald Street and Vanier Parkway. Also included is a multi-use pathway between Vanier Parkway and Grant-Toole Way.
City staff will host a public information session and open house on Monday, Nov. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Main Room at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. City staff will be presenting the latest design drawings related to the Donald at Vanier Cycling Safety Improvements project. Staff will be present to answer questions and receive comments. There will not be a formal presentation at this open house. Please attend at your leisure. In addition to the above meeting, residents can also participate through viewing and commenting on the online documents to be posted here after the event. Your input is an important part of the consultation process. Your feedback can be submitted to Project Manager, Bin Wang, via the online form, by email at [email protected] or by calling 613-580-2424, ext. 27595 by December 6, 2024.
Rideau Winter Trail Open House - Nov. 28
Interested in learning more about the Rideau Winter Trail and their plans for the 2024/2025 season? Come join the board members and volunteers during the open house of the RWT at The Bridge Public House, 1 Donald Street, on Thursday, November 28 at 7.30 pm. Please RSVP to [email protected]. For details, please visit Facebook.
Community Coffee Day - Nov. 29
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Incubator13 have restarted Community Coffee Days. The next coffee day is Nov. 29, from 2 to 3 pm. Drop by Room 124 at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard.
Festive Breakfast - Nov. 30
Join me, Councillor Rawlson King, and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for a free Festive Breakfast featuring pancakes and refreshments on Nov. 30, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Heartwood house, 404 McArthur Avenue. Click here for details
Holiday Lights Gathering in New Edinburgh - Nov. 30
Khayrhaye Gala - Dec. 1
Join the Khayrhaye Somali Cultural Centre for a day celebrating the cultural heritage of the Somali community. The Gala Fundraiser will showcase the beauty of Somali traditions, cultural music and a documentary raising funds for Khayrhaye. The event takes place Dec. 1 from 3 to 6 pm at The Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. For details and tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
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
Planned maintenance extended on O-Train Line 1 - Nov. 10
O-Train Line 1 will have an additional temporary closure on Sunday, November 10. Regular O-Train service will resume along the entire line on Monday, November 11.
On Sunday, November 10
- O-Train Line 1 will run between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations all day.
- R1 bus service will run between Rideau and Blair stations all day.
- Shuttle bus service will run between Cyrville and St-Laurent stations, and between Lees Station and Mackenzie King Bridge.
The additional temporary closures will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance to complete required work that will contribute to the overall reliability of the O-Train Line 1 system. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
First Nightlife Council
The City of Ottawa formed its first-ever Nightlife Council. The Nightlife Commissioner Office appointed 12 at-large members selected from more than 500 online applicants. They join representatives from six organizations already actively engaged in Ottawa’s nightlife economy, including the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and Ottawa Tourism. A complete list of all 18 members can be found on ottawa.ca. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.
Spare our air – New idling regulations for Ottawa
As of January 1st, a new Idling Control By-law for Ottawa comes into force
Be idle aware! Help reduce unnecessary idling and promote clean air by following the City of Ottawa’s new regulations. Idling is only permitted for a maximum of 10 minutes in temperatures above 27 Celsius or under 0 Celsius, and a maximum of 3 minutes for all other temperatures.
Some exemptions apply, visit the Idling Control By-law for more information. Report excessive idling by calling 3-1-1.
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. Find out more about the three-item garbage limit and the yellow bag program at ottawa.ca/garbage.
You can purchase City of Ottawa yellow bags from the following locations:
Retailers near Ward 13
- Beacon Hill Home Hardware, 1934 Montreal Road (located in Ogilvie Square)
- Capital Home Hardware, 736 Bank Street
- Elmvale Acres Home Hardware, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard (located in Elmvale Acres Shopping Centre)
- Morris Home Hardware, 1226 Wellington Street
Client Service Centre locations : Yellow bags are available at any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre during business hours, including the Laurier Client Service Centre at 110 Laurier Avenue West. In-person services are available Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
Recreation and Community Centres in Ward 13
- Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street
- St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté Street
Trial Running Starting for O-Train Lines 2 and 4 - Daily Reports available
Winter registration is coming up fast! Mark your calendars with these important registration dates for next season. Browse and register at register.ottawa.ca
- Tuesday, November 12 at 9 pm: Register for aquatics programs.
- Thursday, November 14 at 9 pm: Register for recreation, arts, culture and virtual activities.
- In-person registration begins Wednesday, November 13, for swimming lessons and Friday, November 15, for all other activities. Be sure to check the facility’s business hours before visiting.
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.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the World’s Largest Awareness Ribbon Mosaic - Nov. 13
Join us in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 13, from 10 to 11 am, for an unforgettable event in honour of World AIDS Day, hosted by CANFAR & Gilead. For this GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt, we'll be making the World’s Largest Ribbon Mosaic in downtown Ottawa at Snider Plaza (140 Bank Street). Join us for an intimate unveiling ceremony of this incredible installation followed by a very special performance by CANFAR National Ambassador, Justin Anantawan. We’ll begin the event with short speeches, hot beverages, and the grand unveiling of the World's Largest Ribbon Mosaic installation at Snider Plaza, which will feature nearly 16,000 awareness ribbons to represent ALL Canadians living with HIV (those who are both aware and not aware of their status) and not yet connected to treatment. This is a new world record with a size requirement of at least 25 meters-squared. We'll then close our eyes and stand together while listening to Justin's golden voice as he sings his theme song for this year's World AIDS Day, followed by a special photo op for attendees. Thank you to the Centretown BIA for providing us with the space for this historic world record attempt! Admission is free. Registration is required at Eventbrite.
Funding available - Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund - Deadline to apply is Nov. 15
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, is launching an open call for proposals to allocate $1M 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. The deadline to submit a proposal is November 15, 2024. For full details and to apply please visit www.canada.ca. T
Help Santa Toy Parade - Nov. 16
It’s that time of year when kids everywhere are making their lists and checking them twice. For many children in Ottawa, however, it’s a little different – this year, more than ever. Their hoped-for toy may not be under the tree waiting Christmas morning unless we have your help. The Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association's Help Santa Toy Parade is back on track for 2024 for their 55th year! The parade will be occurring on November 16, 2024 at 11:00 am. The Association is excited to have everyone lining the streets to cheer on Santa as he delivers joy to children everywhere. Give generously to the “Help Santa Campaign” where your donations will go directly to support the important work of CTV and MOVE 100’s Toy Mountain in support of Ottawa's Toy Mountain. Toy Mountain gives toys to local families that might otherwise not be able to have gifts at Christmas. The route will start at Elgin and Laurier where it will head west to Bank Street. At Bank Street it will turn south heading towards Lansdowne Park. For details, please visit toyparade.ca
40th annual Holiday Fundraising Art Sale and Kid's Niche - Nov. 21 to Dec. 8
The Ottawa School of Art ByWard Market Campus and the J.W. Stellick Gallery is pleased to present its 40th Annual Holiday Fundraising Art Sale and “Kid’s Niche” from November 21 to December 8. A vernissage will be held at 35 George Street on Thursday, November 21 from 5 to 8 pm. Sale dates are Thursday November 21 at 5 pm through to Sunday December 8. For details, please visit artottawa.ca.
BEING Studio Snow Day Shop Event - Nov. 24
BEING Studio is a non-profit arts organization that offers studio space and art programs for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Everyone is invited to their annual Snow Day Shop to celebrate the amazing talent and artworks made by artists at the studio. Come join us in support of disability arts in Ottawa! The Snow Day Shop takes place Nov. 24 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bronson Centre, located at 211 Bronson Avenue, in Room 304. For details, please visit Eventbrite.
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.
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].
Ujamaa Market Day - Nov. 30
Jaku Konbit, a registered non-profit community-based organization dedicated to advancing inclusivity and promoting involvement from individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, hosts a Ujamaa Market Day at Tom Brown Arena, 141 Bayview Road, on Nov. 30 from 10 am 6 pm. More than 50 African and Caribbean vendors will be participating. For details, please visit jakukonbit.com.
Options Housing Fundraiser - Dec. 1
Enjoy a hilarious performance of On the Farce Day of Christmas to help raise funds in support of Options Housing. The holiday comedy will be performed at the Ottawa Little Theatre on Dec. 1 at 2 pm at 400 King Edward Avenue. For details, please visit canadahelps.org.
Emergency Services News
Police warn of increase in residential break and enters
Over the past few weeks, the Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit has seen an increase of residential break-ins where investigators believe organized crime groups are responsible. These groups are targeting homes that are accessible from the rear of the property via greenspace, forested areas, trails, and golf courses. They mainly enter through second floor windows or doors using a collapsible ladder that they bring themselves or use the homeowner’s ladder. They have also used patio furniture to gain access to the second floor. This method of entry is all to avoid detection of main floor cameras that many homes have namely, doorbell cameras or perimeter cameras that are pointed toward the ground levels.
Investigators have typically seen:
- At least two suspects involved, wearing all dark clothing (masks, hooded sweatshirts, athletic attire) while carrying backpacks;
- It is believed that they will have parked their vehicles, in some cases, more than a kilometer away then walk to get to their target residence;
- They tend to use stolen or rental vehicles;
- These groups are primarily targeting high end jewelry and currency;
- The break-ins have occurred both in daytime and nighttime hours;
- In some instances, they have thrown pebbles at rear windows as a test to see if anyone is home
The Ottawa Police Service is urging people to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity, if you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. We also recommend that people with jewelry and/or currency use safety deposit boxes, or a very secure safe that cannot be removed from the home. Please be mindful of leaving second floor windows and doors opened or unlocked. Finally, the repositioning or addition of second floor security cameras and backyard cameras is also recommended. 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. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses
Are you a business owner in Ottawa? Protect your business from break-ins by following these crime prevention tips.
Preventing Vehicle Theft
Preventing vehicle theft starts with small but smart steps. Here are some tips on how you can help safeguard your ride:
- Park in well-lit areas or, if possible, inside a locked garage.
- Install a high-quality video surveillance system to monitor your vehicle.
- Always lock your vehicle and activate any security systems.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight or leave your car running unattended.
- Use a steering wheel lock or brake pedal lock as an extra deterrent.
- Store your key fob in a Faraday bag to block signals from potential thieve
Stay vigilant, stay safe and let's work together to prevent crime. Visit opp.ca/AutoTheft for more tips on preventing auto theft.
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.