October 24, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Your Councillor in the Community
Amazing to join renowned Metis artist Christi Belcourt this week at the launch of JOY, her specially designed blanket created in collaboration with MINI TIPI, a local Indigenous company.
Great to join many volunteers, non-profit and charitable organizations, along with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and my Council colleagues at the Volunteer Ottawa “VOscars” Awards Gala last night to celebrate Sam Laprade receiving a lifetime achievement award!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Outdoor rink volunteers urgently needed for Presland Park in Overbrook
Volunteers are urgently needed to maintain the Presland Park outdoor rink in Overbrook this coming winter. One person is needed to lead the puddle rink maintenance, however, several people are welcome to help maintain the ice. Prior experience is not required. City staff provide a training session, manual and videos from previous years. Staff provide guidance on rink maintenance operations. Those interested are invited to connect with City staff by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-580-2590.
Beechwood Market - Oct. 25
The last Beechwood Market of the season is Oct. 25, from 9 am to 1 pm, at New Edinburgh Park , 203 Stanley Avenue. Details: ottstreetmarkets.ca/our-markets/beechwood-market The Farm Store at 1805 Gaspe and Online Market are open all year long. The Farm Store is open Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Repair Fair at Heartwood House - 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
Breast cancer screening info session for Black and racialized residents - Oct. 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 next session is Oct. 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
St. Bartholomew's Church Bazaar - Nov. 1
St. Bartholomew's Church Bazaar takes place Nov. 1 from 12 to 4 pm at 125 MacKay Street in New Edinburgh. There will be attic treasures, home baking, books, gifts, Christmas decorations, jewelry, toys, knitting, preserves, and the famous tea room!
Rockcliffe Park Public School Book Fair - Nov. 7 to 9
Every fall, the Rockcliffe Park Public School gym transforms into a massive pop-up bookstore. This isn’t magic, but rather a phenomenal effort on the part of our school community and many valued volunteers from the wider community. Throughout the year, donation drives, collection nights, sorting parties and finally the all-hands-on-deck sale setup result in three days of fabulous deals on gently used books for readers of all ages – and tasty food at the Book Fair Café! This year's Book Fair takes place from Nov. 7, from 10 am to 9 pm, Nov. 8, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Nov. 9, from 10 am to 4 pm, in Queen Julianna Hall, 360 Springfield Road.
- Exhibitions featuring local makers, artists, and innovators
- Interactive workshops and hands-on activities
- Family-friendly entertainment and performances
- Community kitchen workshops
Projects and Construction Activities in and around Ward 13
Hydro ductbank on St. Laurent Blvd. between Dunbarton and Montreal
Hydro Ottawa is installing a hydro ductbank on St. Laurent Boulevard between Dunbarton Court and Montreal Road between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15. The work requires core drilling an existing utility hole, open trenching of a concrete-encased duct structure, installing a new precast utility hole, open trenching a concrete-encase duct structure across St. Laurent Boulevard to Brittany Drive.
Presland & Hardy Sidewalks - project update for Oct. 25
The contractor completing the sidewalk works along Presland Road / Hardy Avenue will be mobilizing to the site on October 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.
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 working 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, and traffic control configuration setup, 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. 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. The work is expected to continue into November. 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.
Aecon Utilities continues work on the Enbridge Gas St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement project at multiple locations in Rideau-Rockcliffe, Beacon Hill-Cyrville and Alta Vista. The project is near completion with restoration (resurfacing) for Coventry Road in the coming weeks. More than half of the pipe replacement will be completed by mid-November. Lane reductions and temporary road closures/lane closures, pedestrian and cyclists rerouting will continue as is. To address road conditions, the City and the Councillor's office has asked for more frequent street sweeping.
- Cummings Ave. between Ogilvie Road and Cyrville Road, as well as Cummings at Labelle
- Michael Street from Belfast to Labelle
- St. Laurent Blvd. between Belfast and Tremblay
- Ogilvie Road from Cummings Avenue to the St. Laurent Blvd. intersection
- Coventry Road from St. Laurent Blvd., past the Vanier Parkway towards the RCMP building
- Belfast between Lagan Way and Michael Street
- Tremblay Road at Avenue K intersection
The work involves the installation of a new 16-inch gas main. Much of the work is being done overnight from 7 pm to 6 am in order to avoid major traffic implications during peak travel periods.
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.
The underground watermain and sewer work will be completed this fall. Final pavement and sidewalks will be reinstated in spring 2026. For more details, maps, and updates, visit the City’s public engagement page: ottawa.ca
Enbridge Gas construction - Mart Circle - beginning Nov. 3
Enbridge Gas is planning to install a gas main extension on Mart Circle between Blasdell Avenue and St. Laurent Boulevard. The estimated start date is Nov. 3 and the estimated completion date is Nov. 10. The work will involve installing one- and two-inch gas main pipes.
Hydro Ottawa duct structure installation - Blair Road - Nov. 10 to 14
Hydro Ottawa will be installing a new underground duct structure along the east side of Blair Road between Ballard Drive and Mackenzie Drive from Nov. 10 to 14. Excavation will be done by hydrovac.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
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
Ottawa Public Health alerting residents of measles exposure locations
Ottawa Public Health is investigating a cluster of confirmed measles infections, involving five Ottawa residents who are all related. For the list of possible exposure locations and steps to take if you were exposed, please visit ottawa.ca.
New online tool for Ottawa's small businesses
If you are starting or buying a small business, or looking for ways to grow your business, the City of Ottawa Small Business Navigator is a new one-stop shop to find the tools and resources you need. You can find answers to the questions you didn’t even know you were supposed to ask. Small business owners are encouraged to check back regularly with the Small Business Navigator for updates in information and resource partners.
Urban Design Guidelines for Low-Rise Infill Housing - Virtual public meeting Oct. 29
The City of Ottawa is developing new comprehensive Urban Design Guidelines for Low-rise Infill Housing. The guidelines will reflect the policies and directions set out in the Official Plan. The new guidelines will help improve how low-rise housing fits into Ottawa’s neighbourhoods. For details, visit Engage Ottawa. Register to attend a virtual public meeting on Oct. 29 at 6 pm.
Ottawa Public Health Aging Well in Ottawa Fall Health Fair - Oct. 29
Ottawa residents ages 55+, caregivers, family members, support workers and anyone looking to learn more about aging well in our community is invited to Ottawa Public Health's Aging Well in Ottawa Fall Health Fair - a free, one-stop shop event for older adults and caregivers to connect with over 30 local health, social and community organizations offering services, resources, and support. No appointment needed, just come by to say hello and get services and resources.
When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- 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
Culture lives everywhere! Have your say with the new Culture Plan survey
Upcoming City of Ottawa swimming and winter recreation registration dates
Fall may have just started, but it’s never too early to start planning for winter. Mark your calendars with the following registration dates:
- Tuesday, November 4: winter programs are visible online.
- Tuesday, November 18 at 9 pm: online registration for swimming activities.
- Thursday, November 20 at 9 pm: online registration for all other winter activities
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Online platform: The session will be held virtually on Zoom
Registration: Click here to register
- education, awareness and appreciation;
- historical research, exhibits, publications, visitor services or documentation;
- professional heritage services and activities;
- facility operations and collections management; and/or
- preservation of heritage assets.
Ottawa City Council adopted a series of urban design guidelines in 2007–2008, covering everything from individual facilities (e.g., gas stations) to broader areas like Mainstreet corridors. These guidelines support the City’s planning and development review processes and are used by staff, developers, community groups, and residents. Currently, there are no guidelines specific to mid-rise buildings (5–9 storeys). This project will create a comprehensive set of design guidelines for mid-rise buildings to help implement the Official Plan and guide the design of buildings, driveways, parking, landscaping, and adjacent streets. Participate in the survey before December. Attend a virtual public meeting Nov. 17 at 6 pm. Register here. More details at Engage Ottawa.
City now accepting commemorative naming fall applications - until Dec. 2
The City’s Commemorative Naming Program is now accepting fall applications to nominate people, histories and legacies that have helped shape Ottawa’s community. The nomination period runs from October 21 to December 2. Commemorative naming can be applied to various municipal assets, such as new streets, indoor and outdoor amenities, major facilities and parks. The next application period will take place in the spring from March 20 to May 1, 2026. For more information, visit the commemorative naming page or contact the commemorative naming team by email.
Emergency Services News
Homicide Investigation - Meadow Park Place
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating the death of a 21-year-old man in the 400-block of Meadow Park Place in the Manor Park community. On October 22 at approximately 8:13 a.m., officers arrived on scene and located the deceased man. The death of 21-year-old Joshua QIYUK has been determined to be a homicide as the result of a stabbing. Homicide Unit investigators would like to speak with anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have dashcam footage and was travelling on the Aviation Parkway between 7:00 p.m. on October 21 and 7:00 a.m. on October 22. Investigators are also looking to speak with anyone who observed pedestrians on the Aviation Pathway in the area between Hemlock Road and Montreal Road during that time. The Homicide Unit can be reached at 613-236-1222, at extension 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.There will continue to be a police presence in the area for approximately the next week.
Warning to the public about gold investment scams
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) continues to warn the public about gold investment scams after an elderly Ottawa couple lost $460,000. In gold investment scams, criminals use pop-up messages that look like they are from trusted sources on the victims’ computers, convincing them that their online financial information has been stolen. Once the suspects have gained the victims’ trust, they convince them to buy gold and then arrange to pick it up, leading to significant financial loss. The victims are told not to tell their family or bank. For more details about these scams, visit ottawapolice.ca.