October 30, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
The proposed Eastern Bridge Project risks fundamentally changing Rideau-Rockcliffe and surrounding east-end communities, bringing thousands of additional vehicles, heavy trucks, noise and pollution into established residential neighbourhoods. In my recent submission to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, I made clear that I remain firmly opposed to the Kettle Island bridge. It is not a priority for our city, does not align with Ottawa's sustainable transportation goals and represents a misallocation of public resources.
I am also disappointed that the impact assessment process was opened during the municipal election, leaving insufficient time for the incoming Council to review the proposal and establish a formal position. Council voted 23 to 2 in favour of a motion I moved, asking the Agency to extend the public comment period to allow the new Council an opportunity to respond. The Agency declined the request, despite the importance of meaningful municipal and public participation in a decision of this magnitude.
The central justification offered for this project is the removal of heavy trucks from King Edward Avenue, a longstanding concern for residents of Lowertown and neighbouring communities. A 2021 study commissioned by the National Capital Commission found that only about 15 per cent of King Edward truck traffic would be diverted by 2050. A bridge built without enforceable truck restrictions would leave most heavy trucks travelling through downtown while adding new traffic to the east end.
According to Public Services and Procurement Canada's submission to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Aviation Parkway, which is closed to trucks today, is forecast to carry between 47,000 and 50,000 vehicles a day by 2050, including up to 2,300 medium and heavy trucks. The proposed changes also include closing Hemlock Road to general traffic, while maintaining access for authorized vehicles only. This would change how residents travel through the area and could redirect traffic onto surrounding neighbourhood streets. These impacts need to be fully understood before any decisions are made.
The health and quality-of-life consequences are serious. The height of the bridge may also push take-offs from Rockcliffe Airport south over homes instead of north over the river, adding aircraft noise over Manor Park and surrounding areas. Across the ward, residents face the prospect of increased traffic, noise, air pollution and years of construction.
The environmental costs cannot be ignored either. Kettle Island is a protected nature reserve holding the largest deciduous swamp in the National Capital Region. Some impacts can be mitigated, but they cannot be entirely avoided or offset.
I am also concerned about cost and the public's ability to judge it. Public estimates have placed the cost of the Kettle Island bridge anywhere between $2 billion and $6 billion, yet the Initial Project Description contains no cost estimate. Residents deserve to know what this project will cost and what other priorities may be displaced. In my view, a sum of this size would deliver far more if invested in public transit, affordable housing and urgent social needs.
Rideau-Rockcliffe's neighbourhoods are distinct, but our concerns about the impact of this project are shared. Ottawa deserves sustainable, community-focused transportation solutions, not a costly and divisive bridge that benefits few at the expense of many.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community

I joined Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, my Council colleagues, Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa's first responders at an event held at City Hall this week reminding all road users that road safety starts with each of us, whether we are driving, cycling, walking or riding a motorcycle. Awareness is crucial as we work together to help prevent serious and fatal collisions on our roadways.

I had an amazing time speaking to the residents at Chartwell New Edinburgh Square last week on National Seniors Day.

Community and military leaders gathered to celebrate the installation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion veterans monument in Veterans' Park in the Wateridge Village community last month. Authorized in 1916, it was the only predominantly Black battalion in Canadian military history. More than 600 men from across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean served in its ranks, supporting the war effort in France despite the racism and discrimination they faced. Black Canadians have served this country for generations, and that tradition continues in the Canadian Armed Forces today. For too long, their contributions went unrecognized in our public spaces. Now, on the former lands of CFB Rockcliffe, there is a permanent place to gather, reflect and learn. Thank you to Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Carter and the Defence Team Black Employees Network, Ken Campbell and Jaku Konbit, Black History Ottawa, the Department of National Defence, City staff and all our partners for making this possible.

I was proud to watch the Ottawa Titans become the 2026 Frontier League Champions this season in front of a full house at the Ottawa Stadium, right here in Rideau-Rockcliffe. The Titans shut out the Evansville Otters 4-0 in Game 4 to capture their first championship in franchise history. Bringing home a title in our city's bicentennial year makes it even sweeter. Thank you to the players, coaches, staff, ownership and every fan who filled the stands on Coventry Road. You've made our community proud.


Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Farmers Market in New Edinburgh - Final market day of the season - Oct. 31
Ottawa Street Markets hosts its final Beechwood Market for the season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Ottawa Family Cinema - Monsters vs Aliens 3D Halloween Party - Oct. 31
Get ready for an out-of-this-world Halloween celebration at Ottawa Family Cinema! Everyone is welcome to Ottawa Family Cinema, located at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, on Saturday, October 31 at 2 pm for a high-flying, 3D big-screen screening of Monsters vs. Aliens, plus a full pre-show event packed with Halloween magic for the whole family. Before the film begins, enjoy a live interactive spooky stage show, followed by an annual kids' costume parade right across the stage where every child in costume gets their moment in the spotlight. To make the afternoon even sweeter, every single child in attendance will receive a special Halloween treat package. Then, slip on your 3D glasses as Earth's quirky monster heroes take on outer-space invaders on the big screen! Costumes are highly encouraged for all ages. Come celebrate Ottawa's favorite family Halloween tradition with us! Learn more at Ottawa Family Cinema.
Rideau HALLoween: Under the Big Top! - Oct. 31
The circus is coming to Rideau Hall this Halloween! Families are invited to enjoy candy, activities and circus performances on Saturday, October 31, from 10 am to noon in the Tent Room. Enjoy spooky music from the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Ballroom from 11 am to noon. Please note: Visitors must pass through security screening. Costume masks must be removed, and costume weapons are subject to inspection. Details: www.gg.ca
Halloween in New Edinburgh - Oct. 31
Celebrate Halloween at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Saturday, October 31! The Crichton Community Council's annual Halloween party takes place from 2 to 4 pm, featuring costumes, crafts, games and activities for young children. Later in the evening, families are invited to stop by the Fieldhouse for trick-or-treating, Halloween movies and treats for children and adults. Washrooms and the water fountain will remain open until 9 pm. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NEfieldhouse
Let's Talk Parkinson's 101 - Nov. 2

St. Columba Anglican Church presents "Let's Talk Parkinson's 101" on Nov. 2 at 1 pm. The church is located at 24 Sandridge Road in Manor Park. Refreshments will be provided.
What's up with waste and recycling?
Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 to 8:30 pm
Everyone welcome. Hear from experts. Bring your questions. Details: newedinburgh.ca
Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Community Gathering - Nov. 5
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) invites community members to its annual Indigenous Community Gathering on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 pm. at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road. This year’s gathering will also celebrate the OAC’s 25th anniversary and highlight Ottawa’s Indigenous community, along with the work being done by the OAC, its partners and member organizations. The event is free, but registration is required and will open closer to the event date. Details: www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca
St. Bartholomew’s Church Bazaar - Nov. 7
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at St. Bartholomew’s Church Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 4 pm. Browse jewellery, books, toys, Christmas decorations, home baking, preserves, knitted goods and more! Stop by the popular Tea Room for hot beverages and homemade treats. Proceeds support the parish and those in need in our community. The church is located at 125 MacKay Street. Details: www.saintbartholomew.ca
Free winter clothing pop-up shop - Nov. 7

St. Columba Church hosts a free winter clothing pop-up shop on Nov. 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. All items are free of charge. Everyone is welcome. The St. Columba Anglican Church Hall is located at 24 Sandridge Road in the Manor Park community.
National Military Cemetery's Annual Remembrance Day Service at Beechwood Cemetery - Nov. 11
Join serving members, veterans, families and the community in a shared act of remembrance and gratitude for an annual Remembrance Day service at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood. Everyone is invited to stand among the headstones of those who served, reflecting on their courage and sacrifice and honouring their legacy. The ceremony takes place Nov. 11 at 10:30 am. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Eastview Legion Remembrance Day parade - 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, with the parade beginning at approximately 1:30 pm and the ceremony beginning at the Cenotaph at 2 pm. Everyone welcome. Following the event, the Eastview Branch is hosting a celebration featuring a light lunch and entertainment, followed by a dance from 3 to 8 pm. For more details, please visit www.rcl462.ca/entertainment.html or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastview.legion.5.
BottleWorks Drive in New Edinburgh - Nov. 14

BottleWorks Ottawa is accepting donations of empty bottles and cans to support youth facing barriers to employment. The social enterprise, operated by Operation Come Home, provides paid employment, skills development and social supports for young people experiencing homelessness. A bottle drive will take place Saturday, November 14, from 1 to 4 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. BottleWorks can also arrange pickups from homes and businesses and can issue charitable tax receipts for eligible donations. Learn more at bottleworks.ca.
Beechwood Night Market - Nov. 14
Enjoy a festive evening at the Beechwood Night Market on Saturday, November 14, from 5 to 9 pm at MacKay Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Street. Discover unique gifts and treasures while enjoying great music, food, drinks and holiday cheer! Details: www.facebook.com
Let's Talk Respiratory Illnesses - Nov. 18

St. Columba Anglican Church will host a presentation on respiratory illnesses on Nov. 18 at 1:30 pm in partnership with Ottawa Public Health. St. Columba is located at 24 Sandridge Road in the Manor Park community. Refreshments will be provided.
Rockcliffe Park Speaker Program - Andrew Cohen - Nov. 18
The Rockcliffe Park Speakers Program welcomes journalist and author Andrew Cohen on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 pm, at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road. A former Washington correspondent for The Globe and Mail, Cohen will discuss “The United States under Donald Trump and the State of America,” examining the impact of Trump's presidency, the November midterm elections and what lies ahead for the United States.
Fall Outdoor Market - Nov. 21

Visit the Fall Outdoor Market at 1805 Gaspé Avenue on Saturday, November 21, from 9 am to 2 pm. Meet local vendors, discover their products and chat with the people behind the items featured in the Farm Store. Details: www.facebook.com/OttawaStreetMarkets
Let's Talk Epilepsy presentation - Nov. 25

Many of us know someone living with epilepsy, but we don't know what that means for them and their caregiver, or how to help. St. Columba Anglican Church will host a "Let's Talk Epilepsy" presentation on Nov. 25 at 1:30 pm. St. Columba is located at 24 Sandridge Road in the Manor Park community. Refreshments will be provided.
Holiday Lights Gathering - Nov. 28

Celebrate the holiday season with neighbours at the Crichton Community Council's annual Holiday Lights Gathering on Saturday, November 28, from 4 to 7 pm, at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. Enjoy festive performances by local choirs, a cozy outdoor fire, ornament making, horse-drawn wagon rides and a special visit from Santa at 5 pm! Hot chocolate and mulled wine will also be available for purchase. New Edinburgh residents are encouraged to bring finger foods to share and non-perishable food donations for those in need. Details: newedinburgh.ca
ANCHOR now has expanded boundaries - check out the new interactive map
The Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) program has expanded its services to new neighbourhoods, including the Byward Market, Lowertown, Sandy Hill, Overbrook, Vanier and Lees Towers. ANCHOR provides a community-led, non-police safer alternate response to mental health and substance use crisis. Individuals experiencing or witnessing a mental health or substance use crisis can call 2-1-1 to access ANCHOR, which is available 24/7 for people aged 16 and older within the service area. The new interactive map makes it easy to check if ANCHOR is available where you are
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Bathgate Park Restoration and Reforestation - Construction underway
Pedestrian Accessibility and Intersection Ramping (PAIR) Project - Queen Mary and Vera - mid-November to spring 2027

- Phase 1 work on St. Patrick Street Bridge was completed in December 2025.
- Phase 2 work on St. Patrick Street Bridge was completed in July 2026.
- Phase 3 work on St. Patrick Street Bridge is on-going and is expected to be completed in late October/early November and start Phase 4 work.
Work on Porter’s Island Bridge has been substantially completed, and the bridge is fully open.
Phase 4 work on the St Patrick Street Bridge begins in late October / early November. The project limits are the St. Patrick Street Bridge and approaches between the Crichton Street/Vanier Parkway intersection and 50 metres west of Lower Charlotte Street; and Porter’s Island Bridge and its approaches located on Island Lodge Road.
Night work: Night work is needed to maintain the schedule of Phase 3 and Phase 4 construction for the St Patrick Street Bridge, which will occur periodically between mid-October and early January 2027, from 10 pm to 7 am. Noise exemptions will be applied according to the City of Ottawa Noise By-law. The use of construction equipment shall not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at the point of reception.Traffic Impacts: Two traffic lanes per direction will be provided on the middle portion of the bridge. The right turn to Vanier Parkway will still be permitted.
Pedestrian and cycling access: The two newly built sidewalks on each side of the bridge will serve as temporary multi-use pathways to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.
For more information please visit ottawa.ca/StPatrickPorterIsland.

Impacted streets: Acacia Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, Commanda Way and Putman Avenue
Project timeline: November 2026
Contractor on site: K-Line Group
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Fraudulent email posing as City sports field and facility allocation
The City of Ottawa has been made aware of a fraudulent email posing as the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department, offering sports teams and groups a special priority offer to reserve sports fields and diamonds for next season. We urge residents to immediately delete the email and do not click on any of the links within the email. There are a few indicators that exposed this email as a scam:
- The sender email is a Gmail account, not a City email account that ends in ottawa.ca
- A link included that is not the City’s official ottawa.ca website
If you believe you have accessed the link and shared any personal or financial information, contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.
New Pay-by-Plate parking kiosks rolling out citywide
The City of Ottawa is modernizing its paid parking system with the introduction of new Pay-by-Plate parking kiosks at on-street parking spaces and City-managed parking lots and garages. The new kiosks will provide customers with an easier and more convenient parking experience. Installation of approximately 660 new kiosks will begin on Monday, November 2 and will take up to five months to complete. The rollout will start with City-managed parking lots. Additional locations across Ottawa will be upgraded through spring 2027. Parking rates and hours of operation are not changing as part of this initiative. To learn more, visit ottawa.ca/parking.
Public-Facing Organizational Chart and Departmental Contacts Now Available on Ottawa.ca
The City's public-facing organizational chart and departmental contacts webpages are now live on Ottawa.ca. This new resource provides residents with a clear view of the City's administrative structure and key staff contacts, making it easier to connect with the appropriate service area, reduce misdirected inquiries, and enhance transparency. The site includes a high-level organizational chart to the department level, as well as contact information for General Managers and their direct reports. It also provides summaries of departmental responsibilities and plain language descriptions of each service area to help residents navigate City services more effectively. This resource complements existing service channels, including 3-1-1, myServiceOttawa, 2-1-1, and dedicated program email addresses, by providing an additional way for residents to access information and support. The directory was designed to balance transparency, information accuracy, privacy considerations, and operational requirements, while also helping to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with publishing detailed employee information, such as phishing, impersonation, and social engineering attempts.
Ottawa Public Health reminds residents to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV this fall
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is encouraging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones this respiratory illness season by receiving recommended vaccines. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available to everyone aged six months and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalization from respiratory viruses. Respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, increase in circulation each fall and winter and can lead to serious illness, complications and hospitalizations, particularly among those at higher risk. During the 2025-26 season, there was a sharp increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations among children, highlighting how quickly influenza can spread and the importance of getting vaccinated early. Details: ottawa.ca
Winter Recreation Registration - Nov. 17 and 19
Get ready for winter! The City of Ottawa's 2027 winter recreation programs will be available to view online beginning Tuesday, November 3.
Registration opens at 9 pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday, November 17: Winter swimming activities
- Thursday, November 19: All other winter activities
Plan ahead and get ready to register for your favourite winter programs! For more information, to browse available programs or to register, visit ottawa.ca.
Emergency Services Updates
Halloween Safety 2026: Tips to keep everyone safe

The Ottawa Police Service is reminding residents to celebrate Halloween safely with a few simple precautions. For trick-or-treaters: Stay with a trusted adult or group, wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, use sidewalks and crosswalks, and have an adult inspect treats before eating them. For drivers: Slow down in residential neighbourhoods, watch carefully for children crossing streets and avoid distractions. For those attending parties: Stay with friends, keep personal belongings and drinks secure, plan a safe ride home and look out for one another. Details: www.ottawapolice.ca
Good Samaritan Scams: Warning About Debit Card Fraud
The Ottawa Police Service is warning residents about scams involving individuals who ask strangers to pay for taxi fares or food deliveries using their debit cards in exchange for cash. During the transaction, suspects secretly switch the victim’s debit card with a similar-looking card and use the stolen card and PIN to withdraw money from their account. Residents are reminded to never allow others to handle their bank cards, shield their PIN when making payments and be cautious of requests to pay for strangers using a debit card. Anyone who believes they have been a victim should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to police. Information can also be shared with the OPS Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. Details: www.ottawapolice.ca
The Ottawa Police Service, in partnership with the Community Equity Council and the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, invites residents to the 11th Annual Human Rights Learning Forum on Thursday, December 3, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, at the St. Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue. This year's theme, From Knowing to Doing: Accountability, Equity and Transformation, will explore ways to strengthen trust, promote inclusion and turn human rights principles into meaningful action. Registration is free. Learn more and register at ottawapolice.ca.
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 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 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.























