February 7, 2025 Newsletter
January 31, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
October 29, 2021 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
This week there has been quite a bit of activity at the City. First, the City is working to develop a Municipal Poverty Reduction Strategy and a Food Security Policy. I have developed a position paper on poverty reduction that residents may be interested in reading. On Wednesday, Council approved the New Official Plan in addition to the new Central Library. With the approval of the New Official Plan, it can now make its way to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review. The approval of the new Central Library means that awarding the main construction contract can move ahead this fall. In line with the recently announced easing of Provincial regulations, the City lifted capacity limits for its drop-in recreation and cultural programs.
Many residents may be eager for updates on the Blasdell Avenue bridge which was removed by the NCC this past summer over health and safety concerns. NCC has now confirmed that the bridge is scheduled to be installed in spring 2022. Residents may also be interested in an upcoming webinar on November 16 on the topic of heat pumps. More info on the webinar and instructions on how to sign up can be found in this newsletter. Finally, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre has started its holiday program – Lending Hand. The program is intended to help families and single individuals over the holidays by allowing them to register for gift cards.
City to Develop a Municipal Poverty Reduction Strategy and a Food Security Policy
Councillor Rawlson King is pleased to announce that his advocacy efforts along with community efforts will lead to the ultimate adoption of a Municipal Poverty Reduction Strategy and a Food Security Policy at the City of Ottawa.
Please read my position paper on poverty reduction.
The Poverty Reduction Strategy and Food Security Policy will be part of the efforts surrounding the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Official Plan Approved
Initiated in 2019 and having undergone extensive public consultation, the draft New Official Plan was tabled at the Joint Planning and Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee on October 14th. After hearing from over 80 delegations and engaging in a detailed discussion, the Joint Committee recommended approval to City Council, I was pleased to introduce several motions to revise the draft new Official Plan: https://www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/official_plan_amendments
Council voted to approve the New Official Plan on October 27th, 2021. I was happy to work with Councillor Kavanagh on a motion during the Council meeting to reassess how the tree canopy is calculated by City staff. The motion was eventually incorporated into a Direction to Staff.
The plan is now going to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review.
Now that the New Official Plan is moving towards implementation, staff efforts in education and awareness around the policies of the New Official Plan will continue.
There was an unprecedented level of engagement in the development of the plan. There will also be extensive engagement with residents throughout the Zoning By-Law project, where residents will be able to participate more in the neighbourhood level of zoning review. Stay tuned for upcoming education and awareness activities on the New Official Plan on the project website.
New Central Library Approved
In 2018 City Council approved a budget of $193 million for the facility. This included $104 million for the Ottawa Public Library portion, $71 million for the Library and Archives Canada Portion and $18 million for a City-run underground parking facility.
Through a competitive tender process, PCL Canada submitted the lowest bid to construct the facility. The bid price has resulted in higher construction costs for all partners, and the Committee approved funding authority of $28 million for the Ottawa Public Library portion, $36 million for the City portion and $10 million for the parking facility. Library and Archives Canada has secured the additional funds for their portion.
Council voted to approve the Ottawa Public Library on October 27th, 2021. With approvals, the Project Team will move ahead with awarding the main construction contract and preparing for the start of construction later this fall. Project updates will continue with all stakeholders.
City lifts capacity limits for its drop-in recreation and cultural programs
Starting yesterday, the City is increased capacity limits for its recreation and cultural drop-in activities to reflect the recently announced easing of Provincial regulations. This will give residents more opportunities to get out for a swim, skate, participate in a sporting activity, exercise in a cardio and weight room, and visit a museum or cultural centre.
Residents should note that capacity for most activities will return to pre-pandemic levels, subject to staff availability. The current reservation system will remain in place to provide clients with the opportunity to secure a spot at a preferred time and to make the check-in process faster and easier. Those without a reservation will be admitted when capacity limits allow and will be required to provide their contact tracing information during the onsite registration and screening.
While the capacity limits have been eased, other COVID-safety protocols remain in place for a safe and enjoyable environment:
Full fire-code capacity levels will also be permitted for hall, pool and arena rentals, with the exception of events with dancing which remain at 25 per cent capacity.
The City is pleased to welcome all residents back as we approach late fall and winter activities. Now, you and your family can stay active for your physical and mental health.
Update: Blasdell Bridge
Many residents have contacted my office with their concerns surrounding the removal of a small pedestrian bridge at the end of Blasdell Avenue. While the jurisdiction of this land is with the NCC, my office has continued to seek updates to keep residents informed.
This week, NCC confirmed that the bridge is scheduled to be installed in spring 2022. Although I know that many residents, myself included, were hoping to have the bridge installed before the winter, delays in deliveries and shortages of material have caused the installation timeline to be pushed back.
Despite this small setback, NCC is committed to installing a new bridge at the end of Blasdell Avenue and they have stated that they will update the community as the project progresses. NCC is currently in the planning phase for the project and they continue to be cognizant of the community’s use of the area as an access point.
Webinar on Heat Pumps
Tuesday, November 16
6 pm to 8pm
What is a heat pump and why are they important? Join SMARTNet Alliance and the City of Ottawa as we commemorate the launch of the Better Homes Ottawa website and delve deep into a renewable technology that everyone is talking about: heat pumps. Find out what you need to consider before installing one and how when combined with air conditioning they can be a wiser choice than natural gas furnaces.
RRCRC Presents Lending Hand
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre presents its holiday program - Lending Hand where families and single individuals in the ward can register for gift cards to help them over the Holidays. Please note, the Centre is already accepting calls for registration, and it is first come, first served.
Montreal Road Revitalization
Please find below a two-week update (Monday, October 25 to Friday, November 5) for the Montreal Road Revitalization project. The work activities planned for the next two weeks will include:
January 31, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
January 31, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
January 24, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.