October 10, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
Recently, Premier Ford announced plans to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across Ontario, calling them a "cash grab." As your Councillor, I'm deeply troubled by this decision—not because of politics, but because the evidence overwhelmingly proves these cameras save lives.
Automated speed enforcement uses cameras and speed measurement devices to enforce speed limits in community safety zones, areas near schools, parks, and high-collision locations where our most vulnerable road users, especially children, need protection. Since the Ontario government granted municipalities authority to use this technology through the Safer School Zones Act in 2019, Ottawa has operated a successful program that has expanded to 60 cameras, with 50 in school zones.
The results speak for themselves. Data from Ottawa's program shows driver compliance with posted speed limits has increased dramatically—from just 16 per cent before camera installation to 87 per cent four years later. That's a 200-per cent increase in compliance and a 72-per cent decrease in drivers traveling 15 km/h or more over the limit. A 2024 survey found that over 80 per cent of Ottawa residents support speed cameras in school zones, and 69 per cent of people who received tickets said it changed their driving behaviour.
This isn't conjecture—it's proven, evidence-based policy protecting our children.
The absurdity of this ban is painfully clear in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward. As an example, a new speed camera was recently installed on Donald Street near both Ottawa Technical Secondary School and St. Michael School—the result of years of advocacy from a former school principal, responding to legitimate safety concerns from parents and teachers. The camera was physically installed a week ago, but the City will not be able to activate it due to the impending provincial ban. After years of community advocacy and investment of public resources, this safety measure will potentially sit idle while students continue to remain at risk from speeding drivers. This camera is one of 13 across Ottawa caught in this limbo—installed but which cannot be turned on because of the province's reckless decision.
The financial consequences are equally serious. Unlike some municipalities, Ottawa allocates 100 per cent of automated speed enforcement revenue beyond operating costs—approximately $29 million annually—exclusively to the City’s Road Safety Action Plan. By policy, these funds cannot be used for the general budget. They fund intersection upgrades, enhanced signage, pedestrian improvements, and other critical safety infrastructure.
If this ban proceeds, Councillors' annual budgets for temporary traffic calming measures will be cut by 50 per cent. Ottawa Police will lose funding for traffic safety work. Projects planned to improve safety around schools will be shelved. And speeding in school zones, already the number one complaint received by Councillors' offices, will likely increase when cameras are deactivated.
Because these changes are unacceptable, I will strongly support Councillor Tim Tierney's motion, which he introduced this week with input from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, my office and many other Councillors, that urges the Province to permit retention of automated speed enforcement cameras exclusively in school zones. If the Province proceeds with the ban, the motion requests a 12-month phase-out period and equivalent provincial funding to maintain the City’s Road Safety Action Plan investments.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has rightly called the Premier’s action provincial overreach. Ottawa residents elected its City Council to make decisions about community safety based on data and community input, not on political considerations.
If you share my concerns, please contact the Premier and your MPP. Tell the Premier that evidence-based traffic safety policy matters and that Ottawa residents deserve to have their voices heard on local safety decisions.
Speed cameras work. The data proves it. The community supports them. We cannot let political posturing override public safety.
Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Commemorating Elsa Lessard: A legacy of service and advocacy
Beechwood Market - Saturdays until Oct. 25
The Beechwood Market, at 203 Stanley Avenue, takes place every Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, until October 25. Details: ottstreetmarkets.ca/our-markets/beechwood-market
Exciting news! The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's new Free Basketball Program with ITG coaches kicks off next week on October 14! It runs every Tuesday until December 2, from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. at 815 St. Laurent Blvd. (Rideau Hub Gym). If you’re 12–18 years old and love basketball (or want to learn!), this is your chance to train, play, and have fun with great coaches. Register here: forms.office.com/r/xeJZENdseN Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long.
Join the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network for a Networking Breakfast of reflection, recognition, and relationship-building as they officially launch their Peer Support Collective and Community of Practice on Oct. 16 at 9:30 am (doors open at 9 am) at The Rideau Community Hub, 615 St. Laurent Boulevard. This gathering brings together facilitators, community leaders, organizational allies, and care workers to uplift the people doing the work, celebrate the impact of culturally grounded support models, and build momentum for what comes next. This event honours the emotional, relational, and often invisible labour behind peer-informed care — particularly in the hands of Black and racialized communities. Whether you are a peer facilitator, clinical or community care provider, non-profit leader, allied health professional, or system partner — your voice matters in shaping this space. We invite individuals with lived experience working in health and healing spaces, those with a personal or professional interest in peer support, representatives from community health centres, non-profit organizations, and clinical providers. Guest speakers will share insights and strategies, and participants will help shape the future of this growing community. This Networking Breakfast is free and open to anyone committed to care work, equity, and peer-informed practice — whether you hold formal roles or informal wisdom, work in community or clinical settings, or are just beginning to explore this path. Register at this link.
Saturday, October 17 at 7 pm
Saturday, October 18 at 2 pm
Repair Café in Vanier - Oct. 18 (Last Repair Cafe of 2025)
Folk Music Festival at St. Charles Market - Oct. 19
Anne Frank – A History for Today - Public Exhibition at Beechwood National Memorial Centre - Oct. 19
Beechwood Cemetery is honoured to host the powerful and internationally acclaimed exhibition “Anne Frank – A History for Today” at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. This initiative is presented in partnership with the Anne Frank House, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, students across the Ottawa Catholic School Board and Beechwood, the National Cemetery of Canada, as part of our shared commitment to remembrance, education, and the promotion of human rights.
Exhibition Schedule on Sunday, October 19, 2025:
- Public Viewing Day is open to all visitors. Attendees can take part in self-guided or facilitated tours. Admission is free.
- Guided tours are from 1:30 pm-4:10 pm and will be lead by students (Gr 11-12) from across the Ottawa Catholic School Board. You must register for the guided tours.
For details and to register for a guided tour, please visit beechwoodottawa.ca/anne-frank-oct-19
Breast cancer screening info sessions for Black and racialized residents - Oct. 22 & 29
In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre is hosting screening information sessions and providing support with booking appointments for Black and racialized residents in Ottawa who do not have a family doctor. The sessions take place Oct. 22 and 29, from 12 to 4 pm at the ACB Wellness Resource Centre at 610 Donald Street. Pre-registration is required at this link.
Details: www.facebook.com/OBMHC
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition welcome’s job seekers, employers, and community members to the OAC 2025 Career Fair on Oct. 23 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Ottawa Convention and Events Centre, 200 Coventry Road. This in-person event has been designed for community and has something for everyone in your family or household. The Career Fair connects job seekers with over 50 employers, including many Indigenous organizations from across Ottawa. The OAC Career Fair is the place to meet potential employers, explore career options, engage in community initiatives and learn new skills by attending any one of the free workshops. The OAC will be offering a free complimentary professional headshot to add to your job-seeking bundle. Details: ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca
Repair Fair - Oct. 25
- Sewing machine repairs to get your gear back in action
- EcoEquitable's monthly fabric sale full of unique finds for your next project
- Scissor sharpening to keep your cutting crisp
- Interactive booths sharing tips on reducing waste
- Saturday, October 25 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Avenue
Halloween Howl in New Edinburgh - Oct. 25
Halloween in the forest - Oct. 25
The Vanier Museopark, in collaboration with the Vanier Optimist Club, invites families to enjoy a spooky stroll through the Richelieu Park forest this Halloween! On Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last), children can take part in fun challenges to collect all kinds of sweet treats. Fun for kids… and grown-ups too! Join us, in Richelieu Park, and don’t forget to wear your costume! *In case of rain, the activity will be moved indoors to the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre. Details: museoparc.ca/en/evenement/halloween-in-the-forest
Basketball for teens at the Overbrook Community Centre
Teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to play basketball at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 7 pm, until Dec. 18.
Child and Youth Zone in Overbrook
Children and youth are welcome to the Child and Youth Zone at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street. Kids ages 8 to 12 are welcome Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 pm. Teens ages 13 to 17 are welcome Monday to Friday from 6 to 8 pm.
Baby Turtle Hatching Season
Baby turtle hatching season continues into October. If you see baby turtles, please help get them to water. Please take note of the location and share the information with the Turtles of Old Ottawa East & South group by emailing [email protected]. For more information, please visit LinkTr.ee/TurtlesOOES or scan the QR code in the poster. The TOOES group is an informal community network protecting local turtles, particularly along the Rideau River, from Carleton University into Overbrook and Sandy Hill.
Free sports equipment now in Ottawa parks
The City of Ottawa is excited to partner with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to bring 50 free, self-serve sports equipment lockers to parks across the city, including in and around Ward 13:
- Carson Grove Park
- Dr. John Hopps Park
- Eugene Martineau Park
- Forbes Park
- Gil O. Julien Park
- New Edinburgh Park
- Optimiste Park
- Overbrook Park
- Riverain Park
- Trojan Park
- Whiterock Park
This new pilot project removes barriers to sport by providing free use of basketballs, volleyballs, frisbees and more. Details: ottawa.ca
Projects and Construction Activities in and around Ward 13
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 pipe replacement 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.
Presland & Hardy Sidewalks - project update for Oct. 13, 18 & 25
The contractor completing the sidewalk works along Presland Road / Hardy Avenue will be mobilizing to the site on Monday, October 13 to keep progressing construction. With regards to weekend work, they will also be working on October 18 and 25 to continue working towards completion. Work is underway to construct new sidewalks in Overbrook 105 metres along the north side of Presland Road to Frances Street and on the south side of both Presland Road and Hardy Avenue from Frances to the existing sidewalk on Bernard Street. This initiative will complete a missing link in the neighbourhood's pedestrian network, improving walkability to Queen Mary Public School, local parks, the St. Laurent Shopping Centre and bus stops on St. Laurent Boulevard and Lola Street. The new sidewalks will require narrowing the width of the road, which is expected to assist in calming traffic.
Electrical Service Upgrade and Planned Power Outage - Chapleau Avenue - Oct. 16
On October 16, Hydro Ottawa will be upgrading the electricity service, affecting customers located on Chapleau Avenue. For Hydro Ottawa to perform this work safely, a power outage is required. Residents may notice increased construction presence throughout the day. Traffic control and lane reductions will be implemented to ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe for residents and staff. Construction activities will occur on the City of Ottawa Road Right-of-Way. A planned power outage will be required to proceed with this work. All impacted customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on their account - and informed by a written notice delivered to their door, if applicable. In the case of circumstances beyond our control, the outage may be rescheduled.
Impacted street: Chapleau Avenue
Date: October 16
Time: 8 am to 2 pm
Streetlighting Upgrade - Roxborough Avenue - Oct. 20 to 28
The City's streetlighting team will be replacing a streetlight pole on Roxborough Avenue beginning Oct. 20. The work will include relocating the power supply, trenching/boring for a 50mm duct, removing existing overhead wiring and replacing a wood pole. The work is expected to be completed Oct. 28, weather pending. No power outages are required. Traffic lanes will be maintained.
Enbridge Gas Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project - Public Information Session - Oct. 22
The existing Rockcliffe Control Station is located near the intersection of Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and Hillsdale Road and it is proposed to be relocated to a location more suited for its continued safe and reliable operation. Enbridge Gas has retained Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) to undertake the environmental study, including a cumulative effects assessment and cultural heritage report, for the Project. Once the study is complete, applications for the Project will be filed with the Ontario Energy Board and Canada Energy Regulator, as required. Subject to the receipt of all approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and be completed by the end of 2027. The Project will include the following components:
- Inlet Pipeline (OEB Regulated): The pipeline’s preliminary preferred route would involve the installation of approximately 400 m of nominal pipe size (NPS) 12-inch steel natural gas pipeline beginning at a tie-in point with the St. Laurent pipeline at the intersection of Hillsdale Road and Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway. The proposed inlet pipeline would travel west on Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway before turning south on Rue Tennis and would terminate within the proposed new station’s footprint within the National Capital Commission (NCC) utility maintenance yard on Rue Tennis.
- New Station (CER Regulated): The existing station will be decommissioned and the new station would occupy an approximately 20 m x 23 m area within the NCC utility maintenance yard on Rue Tennis.
- Outlet Pipeline (CER Regulated): The pipeline’s preliminary preferred route would involve the installation of approximately 350 m of NPS 16-inch steel natural gas pipeline that would travel north from the proposed new station location along Rue Tennis, then east on Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway, and would tie into the existing natural gas infrastructure on the north side of Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.
A public information session will be held to provide residents with an opportunity to review the proposed Project, ask questions, and provide input. Members of the public, regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities, directly impacted stakeholders and other interested persons are invited to participate.
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Date/Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 5 to 8 pm
- Location: Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road
St. Patrick Street Bridge overnight construction work Oct. 27 to Nov. 28
The contractor working on the St. Patrick Street Bridge rehabilitation project will be doing work on the bridge overnight from Oct. 27 to Nov. 28 between 10 pm and 7 am. The work involves jacking the bridge, relocating concrete barriers, traffic control configuration set up which involves grinding and blasting the current traffic lines. The work will require use of a generator, wheeled excavator and a compressor. Project details: ottawa.ca
Fibre Network Installation along St. Laurent Boulevard - construction update
The City of Ottawa continues to install traffic ducts along St. Laurent Boulevard to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase the communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.
What: The construction will consist of traffic duct installation within the west sidewalk/boulevard along St. Laurent Boulevard. Installation works will consist of sidewalk removal and replacement as well as directional drilling to install the new duct.
UPDATE: When: The work is expected to continue into November.
Where: The work will be conducted within the west sidewalk/boulevard between McArthur Avenue and Ogilvie Road, as well as at the east Transitway Ramp across from the St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
Construction is taking place during off-peak periods, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Work will only take place in the southbound direction and a minimum of one lane will be maintained in this direction at all times. For more project details, please visit ottawa.ca. Click here for updates on traffic impacts.
Autumn tree-planting update for Ward 13
The City's Forestry staff intend to plant 71 trees in Ward 13 this fall as part of the fall caliper tree planting program, which began Oct. 1 and continues until mid to late November, weather permitting. This includes tree planting in parks, at City facilities, and along streets through Forestry Services’ lifecycle tree planting programs. This does not include trees planted by other City Services, through developments, City infrastructure construction projects, or by applicants as a condition of tree removal permits. Rideau-Rockcliffe residents can expect to see various tree species planted in Anthony Vincent Park, Gil O Julien Park, Village Green Park, Trojan Park and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park. The remaining trees will be planted in the right-of-way across our ward. Where a tree is scheduled to be planted on City property adjacent to a residence, as part of the proactive street tree replacement initiative or the Trees in Trust Program, residents will receive individual notification in advance of planting. Residents should also expect to see, typically a few weeks prior to planting, utility locate flags and paint on the ground that should not be removed or mowed until planting has been completed.
Integrated renewal: Lebrun, Longpré, Marquette, Michel, des Pères-Blancs and Ste-Monique
McArthur Avenue Watermain & Marguerite Avenue Sanitary Sewer Replacement
A major infrastructure renewal is underway on McArthur Avenue and Marguerite Avenue. The work includes the replacement of aging watermains and sanitary sewers, along with related road and utility work with the intention to upgrade critical infrastructure nearing end-of-life to prevent future service disruptions and support long-term reliability.
What to Expect & Impacts
- Some localized road disruptions are expected during construction, including lane shifts or temporary lane reductions.
- Access to properties and driveways are being maintained wherever possible, though temporary impacts may occur during connection work.
- Work will include reinstatement of sidewalks, pavement, and associated landscaping following utility upgrades.
- Pedestrian routes will be adjusted: signed detours are in place to guide foot traffic safely around work zones, ensuring connectivity across the construction area.
For more details, maps, and updates, visit the City’s public engagement page: ottawa.ca
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Garbage, transit, city services and more – all the holiday impacts you need to know for Monday, Oct. 13.
Extended collection hours during peak leaf and yard waste season
Peak leaf and yard season is almost here. Starting on Tuesday, October 14 waste collection operators have until 8 pm to pick up separately set out leaf and yard waste at the curb. The peak season typically lasts for approximately four weeks but can be longer depending on yard waste quantities and the weather. When it’s not peak leaf and yard waste season, curbside waste is picked up by 6 pm. Details: ottawa.ca
Postal service disruption will impact City paper billing, invoicing and notifications
With the ongoing nationwide postal strike, the delivery of City paper billing, invoices and other notifications will be impacted – including water utility bills, property tax bills, invoices, construction notices and traffic-related infractions. Contingency options are available for residents and businesses. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Council and Committee Updates
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Built Heritage Committee, October 6
Committee approves designating the Ellis House at 2400 Bank Street
Committee recommends no Heritage Conservation District (HCD) study for Wellington Street West
- City Council, October 8
Council approves plan to address Ottawa’s housing crisis
Council moves to next steps for LRT upload
Council approves Ottawa Community Housing Corporation’s mortgage refinancing
St. Laurent Boulevard redesign gets green light
Culture lives everywhere! Have your say with the new Culture Plan survey
The Cultural funding support unit at the City of Ottawa manages programs that support arts, heritage, and cultural activities that highlight the diversity of Ottawa’s communities. The Equity and inclusion in the arts fund aims to reduce barriers and advance artistic expression within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities by providing opportunities for self-expression, capacity building, visibility and celebration. This fund has two categories of project funding available to eligible individuals
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Grow grant category: Project funding for individuals and organizations that are from or support Indigenous and/or equity seeking communities.
- Deadline: October 22 by 4 pm
- Contact: Marie-Christine Feraud
The VOscars Volunteer Awards Gala - Oct. 23
The VOscars is the highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and non-profits. The event celebrates Ottawa’s vibrant volunteer community and gives special recognition to those individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a difference in the community. Come celebrate the helpers with us and enjoy live entertainment, a multi-course meal from Preston Event Centre and of course - the awards ceremony itself! The 2025 VOscars Awards Gala will start at 5:30 PM on Thursday, October 23 at the Preston Event Centre, 523 St Anthony St., Ottawa.
Trick or Treat with the Mayor - Oct. 25
Come to City Hall to trick or treat with the Mayor on Oct. 25 from 5 to 8 pm. Admission is a suggested donation to the Ottawa Food Bank's Baby Basics Program. Details: ottawa.ca
- Obtain a City-issued licence whenever they issue an eviction notice for renovations and repairs
- Demonstrate that it is necessary for the tenant to leave the rental unit to conduct the renovation or repair work