October 6, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
The City continues to make capital investments in community housing.
Last week, the City’s Community Services Committee approved refinancing the mortgages of five Ottawa Community Housing properties, generating $41.3 million to be reinvested in capital repairs and energy efficiency improvements for community housing.
The mortgages would be renewed through Infrastructure Ontario at fixed, long-term rates of 4.67 per cent for 30 years. Since 2012, the City has refinanced 55 Ottawa Community Housing mortgages through Infrastructure Ontario, generating more than $168 million in capital funds for repairs to supplement other funding sources and ensure that Ottawa’s social housing stock moves towards a better state of repair.
Earlier in September, Council approved a 2023 capital spending plan for more than $75.7 million to create new affordable housing through partnerships with housing providers, stabilize projects under development and acquire a property for use as supportive housing. The funding includes about $66.6 million in 2023 funding commitments from all levels of government, plus an additional $9.1 million in reallocated City funds. Commitments include:
- $24.1 million in provincial funding to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation to support construction of 271 affordable units in three buildings at 715 Mikinak Road in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward,
- $2.1 million to the Nepean Housing Corporation to build a three-storey apartment building with 31 affordable units at Dunbar Court,
- $18.5 million in federal funding to the Ottawa Salus Corporation to build 54 supportive housing units at 56 Capilano Drive,
- $7 million for a contingency budget to support projects currently under development and that require additional funding,
- $21.2 million to acquire a property to be developed as supportive housing, to help transition people experiencing homelessness out of the shelter system and into permanent housing.
The 2023 spending plan will help fund new, permanent affordable housing units – bringing the total number of units in Ottawa either under development or in pre-development to 1,787. In addition, the report recommends a spending plan for the full term of Council, until 2026. Those commitments include:
- $32.4 million to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation to support the construction of 273 units in phase two of the Rochester Heights project, now in the late stages of pre-development,
- $15 million to the Multifaith Housing Initiative to support the construction of a 133-unit affordable rental project in LeBreton Flats,
- $2.7 million to the Ottawa Salus Corporation to complete the final six supportive housing units at 56 Capilano Drive
In September, the City’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee recommended approval for the City to acquire 1245 Kilborn Place to serve as a future supportive housing community hub.
As a City, we will continue to work with senior levels of government to increase our investments in community housing, and as City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe, I will continue to pursue greater equity and affordability in housing within the Ward.
Your Councillor in the Community
I attended the Canadian Mental Health Association's 70th anniversary open house event on Oct. 4 to acknowledge the need for mental health resources for all.
I attended the Enbridge Gas public consultation regarding the St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project on Oct. 3. Provide your views and input about the project at this link.
My thanks to Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs for meeting with me at City Hall on Oct. 3 to discuss Ward 13 and City policing and safety needs. I look forward to my ridealong through Ward 13 with the Chief in the coming weeks.
It was wonderful to celebrate and recognize the launch of Caribbean Heritage Month with a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at SAW Gallery on Oct. 1.
I attended the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at Beechwood Cemetery on Sept. 30 led by the Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G), and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
I experienced an amazing Orange Shirt Day tour of downtown Ottawa led by the Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G) last weekend.
On Sept. 29, I visited the Otinichick: Taken multimedia touring exhibition addressing the legacy of the Indigenous residential schools, day schools, the 60s Scoop and failed child welfare policies at the Wabano Centre.
I enjoyed the butterfly open house last week at the Carleton University greenhouse as a proud Carleton University alumni. The Biology Butterfly Show continues until Oct. 8. Click here for details and to reserve your viewing timeslot.
I celebrated National Seniors Day on Sept. 29 with Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier, Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante to mark the establishment of the Ottawa-Vanier Seniors Council and the City’s Seniors Day proclamation with Council Liaisons for Older Adults, Kanata South Councillor Allan Hubley and Bay Councillor Theresa Kavanagh.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Final weekend for Beechwood Market
This Saturday, Oct. 7 marks the end of the season for the Beechwood Market. Drop by 9 am to 1 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. The Farm Store at 1805 Gaspe Avenue in Manor Park will continue to operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Or shop online at www.ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Be Safe, Be Seen campaign - Drop by your local fire station for reflective bands and flashing lights
Throughout October 2023, Ottawa Fire Services will be distributing reflective bands and flashing lights at select fire stations throughout Ottawa. Please note that even within times listed below, should all station personnel be responding to an emergency call, items will be unavailable. Thank you for your understanding. On October 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 from 4 to 6 pm, the following urban area stations in and nearby Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 will be open to distribute the safety items:
- Station 13 – 530 King Edward Avenue
- Station 57 – 220 Beechwood Avenue
Click here for more details.
When: This work is scheduled to begin in late September 2023 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-October 2023.
Where: The PXO will be constructed on the north leg of the North River Road/Stevens Avenue intersection. Work will involve removal and replacement of sections of sidewalk along North River Road, asphalt and landscaping reinstatement, signs and pavement markings.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Mopri Construction, to complete the work.
Mothers Walking for Mothers - Oct. 7
McArthur Avenue Resurfacing - starting week of Oct. 9
Seniors' Information Fair - Oct. 11
The Gloucester 50+ Centre hosts a Seniors' Information Fair on Oct 11 from 9 am to noon at 4355 Halmont Drive. Admission is by a non-perishable donation for the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard. Please click here for details.
Third reinterment service for Barrack Hill Cemetery to be held at Beechwood Cemetery - Oct. 12
Rideau Street westbound closed Oct. 13 to 15
The westbound lanes of Rideau Street will be closed from 7 pm on Friday, Oct. 13 until 7 pm on Sunday, Oct. 15 to allow for the dismantling of a crane at 245 Rideau Street. A signed detour will be in place:
- Turn right on King Edward Avenue
- Turn left on York Street
- Turn left on Cumberland Street
- Turn right on Rideau Street
Motorists travelling southbound on King Edward Avenue to access Highway 417 will be directed along the signed detour:
- Turn left on St Patrick Street
- Turn right on the Vanier Parkway
- Use the appropriate ramp to access Highway 417
Indigenous Storytelling: “Stories Told Are a Culture Shared” - Oct. 14
Beechwood Avenue lane closures - New dates: Oct. 14 and 15
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Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan (winter 2024)
- Work is underway to guide the conservation, enhancement and sustainable management of the parklands surrounding the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. The NCC is planning a third round of public and stakeholder consultations later this year— stay tuned! Click here for more information.
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Virtual budget consultation for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13 residents
- Monday, Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 8 pm
- Register here to receive the Zoom link.
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In-person race equity budget consultation for Ottawa's Black, Indigenous and racialized communities
- Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 6:30 to 8 pm
- Ottawa Black Business Alliance, HUB 235 at 235 Montreal Road
About the Vanier BIA: Vanier is the most unique neighbourhood in Ottawa with over 400 businesses representing more than 40 different cultures. It sits on the outer east end of the downtown core. More than a single shopping district, the Vanier BIA includes three main streets, each with their own distinct personality that reflects our diversity. Modern Vanier is diverse, and continuing to bloom into an economic and cultural hub where the richness is found in the contrasts of culture and various styles. Vanier is a diverse neighborhood with many hidden gems, from colourful murals to vibrant gathering spaces, from iconic long-lasting businesses to budding new shops and cafés.
Upcoming sidewalk repair projects:
As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, sidewalk repairs will begin in October 2023 shutdown for winter, and will continue until summer 2024. In the next few weeks, sidewalk repairs will occur in a number of wards across the city. In Rideau-Rockcliffe, work will occur at the following addresses:
- 7-9 Rideau Gate
- 10 Sussex Drive
What: Work will involve removal and replacement of concrete panels, iron adjustments. Increased noise levels to be expected in order to facilitate the work.
Why: The City of Ottawa will be repairing sidewalk as preventative maintenance aimed at extending the City's sidewalk network lifecycle.
When: This work is expected to start in October 2023 and completion is anticipated by fall 2023. The road will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic through the site.
Where: Work will occur at various locations across the city. The sidewalks will be repaired during the day and evening and will involve minor lane interruptions. Weekend work is anticipated for all locations and traffic interruptions may also be experienced due to flagging operations.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, D-Squared Construction Ltd. to complete the work.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Lansdowne 2.0
- November 2, 2023 - Joint Finance and Corporate Services and Planning and Housing Committee
- November 6, 2023 - Built Heritage Committee
- November 10, 2023 - City Council
- A report of the construction procurement model
- Event Centre Site Plan
- Issue the Request For Offers (RFO) for mixed-use towers
- Construction Procurement tender price
For more information please visit the project webpage here.
Ottawa Public Health Update - Children’s Vision Health Month
October is Children’s Vision Health Month and OPH has plenty of vision health promotion activities happening now and throughout the year. OPH has a role to highlight the importance of eye health and encourage parents to take their children and youth to a local optometrist. This month, close to 20,000 vision health postcards will be distributed to junior and senior kindergarten students in 225 schools across Ottawa. Factsheets will be distributed to schools and posted on strategic school bulletin boards. This information will help parents, teachers and school staff identify students who might have vision problems, and how to make an appointment with an optometrist. On Thursday, Oct. 19, Dr. Joshua Smith will be the guest optometrist for a Vision Health Day on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page. We will share information addressing Amblyopia (lazy eye), the use of drops for children and OHIP eye exam coverage. Check out the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page on Oct. 19 to join in the discussion. Remember, if you have children aged 19 years and younger, a valid OHIP card will cover the cost of a full examination with an optometrist. Book an appointment today!
Ottawa Public Library wants to hear from you!
Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration - Applications accepted Oct. 9 to Dec. 8
Request for Input! A proposed amendment to streamline the City of Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law - Survey open until Oct. 10
In June 2022, Council directed staff to consult with the public on amending the Tree Protection By-law to reduce the size of Distinctive Trees in the suburban area of Ottawa from 50 to 30 cm in diameter measured at breast height. This change would bring the tree by-law permitting rules for the suburbs in line with those for the inner urban area of Ottawa. We are requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until Oct. 10. For more information on the City’s Tree Protection By-law, please visit www.ottawa.ca/treebylaw. Thank you in advance for your continued support and care of the City’s trees and forests!
City of Ottawa Repair Café - Oct 14 at City Hall
Antisemitism Conference - Oct. 16 and 17
Antisemitism is very much alive, thriving in Canada as it is around the world. It manifests not only in the streets but also in the virtual world. It’s time to show that we have seen enough, heard enough, and had enough. We need to face it, and we need to fight it. Join hundreds of members from the Canadian Jewish community and its allies on October 16 and 17 at the Shaw Centre for Antisemitism: Face It, Fight It, organized by CIJA, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, and Jewish Federations across Canada. At the conference, we will unite our voices and empower ourselves to show up, speak up, and step up against Jew-hatred. Join engaging panel discussions about antisemitism, online hate, activism, and politics with a wide array of experts, including many opportunities to network with community members, thought leaders, ethnic and faith community leaders, and public office holders. Learn more and register at www.fightit.ca.
Heritage funding program - Oct. 24 at 4 pm - Details here.
Trick or Swim or Skate Tickets - Now Available!
Blood and plasma donors needed
There are not enough blood and plasma donors in Ottawa to ensure patient need will keep being met long-term. Please book a same-day donation appointment and help make a difference. Patients can’t wait. If you are unable to donate today, consider donating in the days and weeks to come. Please book your appointment as soon as possible with Canadian Blood Services at blood.ca.
Community Capital Funding stream now open
- Funding available: $200,000.00
- Maximum funding per agency: $50,000.00
- Applicants are advised of the results: Within 30 business days after the deadline for application.
Ottawa Police News
- Ottawa Police warning about series of break and enters targeting Asian/South Asian home
- Ottawa Police announce Project Safe Trade
- 466 Metcalfe Street (visitors’ parking lot behind 474 Elgin Street police station)
- 211 Huntmar Drive (Kanata police station)
- 3343 St-Joseph Boulevard (Orleans police station)
When buying and selling items, here are some other safety tips to consider:
- Do not invite the other party to your home to complete the trade.
- When meeting for the trade, we recommend you bring a friend and meet in a public place with extensive lighting and video surveillance, like a shopping mall, but preferably a Safe Trade spot at a police station.
- Meet during daylight hours if you’re planning to meet in person. Any last-minute changes to the location should be considered a red flag. We recommend you walk away from the exchange rather than go to a second location.
- Avoid vacant parking lots or properties when you meet with the other party.
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The Ottawa Police Services Board wants your input on its Draft Strategic Plan!
At a special meeting on October 6, the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) presented its Draft Strategic Plan for the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The plan will guide the priorities for the OPS over the next three years. As part of the OPSB and Service’s commitment to continuous community engagement, and following initial community outreach, the OPSB is now looking to re-engage residents and other stakeholders to ensure the draft strategic plan and priorities are reflective of the feedback previously received. Please take a moment to provide your feedback by completing this survey. The deadline to complete the survey is October 16, 2023. The feedback will be incorporated into the final strategic plan, to be considered by the Board for approval at its November 27 regular meeting. The survey is being released in English and French. If you wish to obtain a copy of the survey in a different language that you can send to us by mail once completed, please email [email protected].
- Ottawa Police urges caution with door-to-door contractors
The Ottawa Police Service’s Fraud Unit is warning residents to proceed cautiously with any door-to-door contractor sales after receiving an increase in the number of reports from residents. The high-pressure sales pitch typically is for very expensive work, including foundation repair, which can cost upwards of $100,000. Money is asked for upfront, and in most cases the work is started but never completed, leaving the homeowner to foot the bill to clean up and complete the job. If you need help determining whether something is a scam or not, you can always contact our partners at Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario by dialling 2-1-1. Click here for details.
City Council and Committee News
- Built Heritage Committee - Tuesday, October 10 at 9:30 am
- Ottawa Public Library Board - Tuesday, October 10 at 5 pm
- City Council - Wednesday, October 11 at 10 am
- Transit Commission - Thursday, October 12 at 9:30 am