September 26, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
As your Councillor, I'm committed to ensuring that every resident in Rideau-Rockcliffe and across Ottawa has access to safe, affordable, and secure housing. This month brings important developments on three critical housing fronts that deserve your attention.
I'm pleased to see the City moving forward with a Rental Renovation Licence By-law – a crucial tool to protect tenants from unlawful displacement. We've witnessed troubling examples of mass evictions and renovictions right here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, where tenants have been forced from their homes under the guise of necessary repairs, only to see their units re-rented at dramatically higher prices.
The proposed by-law would require landlords to obtain a City-issued licence before issuing eviction notices for renovations. Importantly, they would need to demonstrate that it's genuinely necessary for tenants to vacate during the work. This isn't about preventing legitimate repairs – it's about stopping bad actors from exploiting loopholes to circumvent tenant protections.
The City needs to hear from you. Public consultation is open until October 31st through online questionnaires. Your experiences and insights will directly shape the rules that protect tenants, preserve rental housing stability, and maintain affordability in our community. I encourage every resident – whether you're a tenant, landlord, or concerned citizen – to participate.
This week at the Community Services Committee, where I'm honoured to serve, we approved a strategic plan to refinance mortgages on five Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) properties between 2026 and 2028. This financial move will unlock approximately $133 million for desperately needed capital repairs across our public housing portfolio.
This is smart fiscal management. The refinancing is revenue-neutral for taxpayers, redirecting up to $6 million annually from existing operating subsidies to service the loans without requiring additional funding. Properties right here in Rideau-Rockcliffe have previously benefited from these capital repair investments, and this ensures that vital work continues.
In our current housing crisis, Ottawa's social housing stock represents an invaluable public asset. These 16,502 rent-geared-to-income units – with OCH providing more than 12,000 of them – must remain viable and well-maintained. This refinancing supports energy efficiency improvements and long-term sustainability, ensuring deeply affordable housing remains available for low-income residents who need it most.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Mayor Mark Sutcliffe's pledge to end youth homelessness by 2030. This strategy will bring enhanced collaboration with organizations like the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa and Youth Services Bureau, with investments to achieve this goal to be outlined in the draft 2026 budget.
The focus on early intervention and prevention is exactly right. We know that youth homelessness often becomes long-term adult homelessness, creating cycles that are far more difficult and more expensive to break later. By providing immediate support and stable housing for young people who do become homeless, and working to prevent others from reaching that point, we're investing in our community's future.
These three initiatives represent progress on housing by protecting existing tenants, preserving affordable housing stock, and preventing homelessness before it takes root. A comprehensive approach to addressing Ottawa’s housing challenges will be considered next week when a joint meeting of the City’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee and Planning and Housing Committee examines Ottawa’s newly proposed Housing Action Plan. I look forward to deliberations concerning the Housing Action Plan and examining more details concerning the youth homelessness pledge when the draft City budget is released.
Your Councillor in the Community
Great to have picked up fresh baked bread and spiced crabapple sauce from the Social Harvest social enterprise this afternoon at the Rideau Community Hub during the community coffee event at Incubator13!
It was an honour this week to meet His Excellency Adriatik Kryeziu, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Canada.
It was great to attend the official grand opening of the Sumac Footbridge in Manor Park this week. Thank you to all residents, the community council and association, the National Capital Commission and the generosity of the Aggarwal family who made this new bridge a reality!
Incredible to celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day at Montfort Hospital, the only francophone teaching hospital in Ontario!
Happy Franco-Ontarian Day! This week marked the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag!
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
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
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
- Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 am – 2 pm
- Sports Field – Rideau Community Hub | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Old Rideau High School
Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa for a free, family-friendly event celebrating aging, movement, music, and community across generations. Enjoy accessible walking/rolling routes, a classic car show, live music, fun activities for all ages, community booths, and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Learn more: walk-of-ages-2025
Program begins September 27
Held in person: 815 St. Laurent Blvd, (Ottawa)
Limited spaces available
Register here: forms.gle/rp5rMNssZ6yVojnf8
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - Sept. 28
- New Edinburgh - Sept. 28 at 2 pm. Depart from the Fraser Schoolhouse, 62 John Street (Janet Uren will be your guide.)
Emerging Lives Initiative Introduces the "Business Meets Tech" program - Sept. 29
Create, Code and Cash out: Youth Innovation for the Digital Age. Do you have a tech dream but don't know where to start? Already running a tech business but stuck? No idea yet but curious about the tech world? No matter where you are, Business Meets Tech is your launchpad to success! Learn. Connect. Build. Grow.
Location: Incubator 13 (Room 124), RRCRC, 815 St. Laurent Blvd.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the St. Laurent Library branch - Sept. 30
- Learning & Action Space: Engage with interactive and educational activities centered on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
- Take-home Heart Garden (Sept 22–30): Create paper hearts with wildflower seeds to honour Indigenous lives lost to the residential school system.
- Film Screenings: Indigenous short films from the National Film Board of Canada, on loop 10 am–4:30 pm (Etlinisigu’niet, Les enfants perdus, Sisters & Brothers, Stories Are in Our Bones, Christmas at Moose Factory, The Amendment, Holy Angels).
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada: Canadian Geographic staff will present and guide map-based activities at St. Laurent Branch from 12:30–2:00 pm.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at Beechwood Cemetery - Sept. 30
Everyone is invited to Beechwood Cemetery on Sept. 30, from 2 to 5 pm, to walk the grounds for a 45-minute Reconciliation Tour, where we can learn from key historical figures who were involved in the Indian Residential Schools whilst learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. For the complete schedule of activities and to register, please visit beechwoodottawa.ca.
Sacred Fire at Rideau Hall - Sept. 30
On Tuesday, September 30, from 9 am to 1 pm, Rideau Hall will host a Sacred Fire for the community. The Sacred Fire ceremony will bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together to honour the thousands of lives lost or traumatically impacted by the residential school system. The Sacred Fire will be led by apprentice Fire Keeper Sheldon McGregor, from Kitigan Zibi, and will be open to the public. Beginning with an opening ceremony of approximately 45 minutes, the fire will then be tended to throughout the morning to encourage reflection. Visitors wishing to participate in the opening ceremony are asked to arrive in time for a 9:00 a.m. start. Please note: Photographs are not permitted out of respect for the sacred and ceremonial nature of this event. Details: www.gg.ca/en/visit-us/rideau-hall/events/sacred-fire
Electrical Equipment Replacement and Planned Power Outage - Cummings Avenue - Oct. 1
On October 1, Hydro Ottawa will be replacing electrical equipment that will impact residents on Cummings Avenue. In order to undertake this work safely, a planned power interruption will be 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.
Impacted street: Cummings Avenue
Date: October 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Echoes of Valour: The National Military Cemetery History Evenings - beginning Oct. 2
Inaugural Event – The Battle on the Beach: Padre John Foote, VC and the Raid on Dieppe
- Beechwood Cemetery
- Thursday, October 2 at 7 pm
Experience the Canadian Raid on Dieppe in an entirely new way. Utilizing dramatic monologue and compelling images Dr. Tom Hamilton (DHH Historian, Advisor to the Chaplain General, military chaplain) will take us back in time to the Canadian attack on the Nazi stronghold at Dieppe, France during the Second World War. Hosted with the support of the Department of National Defence, Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH). Admission is free. All are welcome. Register today!
Civic Imagination Lab: Belonging Studio - Oct. 3
Extend your Cycling Season – Register to attend a free workshop in New Edinburgh on Oct. 4
Councillor Rawlson King is excited to welcome the EnviroCentre to the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on Oct. 4 at 3 pm to deliver a free workshop for cyclists looking to extend the cycling season. Delivered by a friendly, experienced cyclist, this in-person workshop will teach you what you need to know to feel comfortable biking year-round. You will learn tips, tricks, and tools to extend your cycling season into the fall, or beyond! Review route planning, techniques, and simple suggestions for winter bike maintenance. The goal of this workshop is to help riders discover opportunities to cycle year-round. To register for the workshop, please visit Eventbrite.
Heat Pump Tour in Overbrook - Oct. 5
Don't miss out on the Tour of Heat Pumps in Overbrook on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9:30 am! Get your questions answered and speak to Ottawa residents about their experience with heat pumps. Sign up for this free event at Eventbrite via the QR code in the poster above!
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.
Repair Café in Vanier - Oct. 18
Beginning the week of September 15, City began installing an Automated Speed Enforcement camera on Donald Street, between Frances Street and Telford Avenue. These enhancements are part of Ottawa’s broader efforts to improve road safety through Automated Speed Enforcement in designated Community Safety Zones and school zones.
What you need to know:
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- Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout construction.
- Sidewalk closure on the south side of Donald Street during the work. A signed pedestrian detour will be in place directing pedestrians to use the north sidewalk.
- Minor traffic impacts expected, including possible delays; businesses and residents have received advance notice via mailed Construction Notices.
- The ASE site is one of several new locations in 2025 proposed under City-approved ASE expansion.
ACORN helps low-income people sign up for financial benefits
ACORN is helping tenants apply for free government benefits. Often these programs are not widely known and require residents to complete application forms to qualify. ACORN is helping tenants apply for free government benefits like the Energy Affordability Program (EAP). Ottawa ACORN's application assistance program helps tenants get needed energy upgrades to their units and start saving money on their electricity and gas bills!
Research Study - Free Online Seated Exercise Program
Physical therapy researchers at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, collaborating with the University of British Columbia, invite people who had a stroke more than 6 months ago and who have walking and standing issues to participate in a FREE online seated exercise study provided via Zoom. The V-PASE exercise program is 1 hour per session, three times a week for 10 weeks. For more information: email [email protected] or call 613-562-6262, ext. 1419.
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Nightlife Office launches Ottawa at Night website
The City's Nightlife Office has launched an Ottawa at Night website showcasing all there is to see and do in the Nation's Capital. Have a nightlife business? Heading out for the night? The website offers a treasure trove of information for businesses and a venues directory where you can find nightlife spots across the city. You can also learn more about making your evening out a safe one.
O-Train Line 1 service adjustments in September and October
- O-Train Line 1 service will be adjusted on specific days until October 5 due to East Extension work and maintenance activities. R1 bus service will operate during impacts to Line 1. Details: octranspo.com
- Planned Saturday, September 27 and Monday, September 29 through to Thursday, October 2 (after 11:30 pm): Service on one platform at some stations. (More detailed information will be provided).
- Planned Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 (all day): Line 1 closed between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations. R1 replacement bus service between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event - Sept. 27
The City of Ottawa is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event on Saturday, September 27 at Conroy Snow Dump Facility, 3100 Conroy Road. Residents are welcome to bring their materials to the event between 8 am and 4 pm. You don't have to wait! Residents are always welcome to use the City’s Waste Explorer to find retailers nearby where they can return many items daily. Details: ottawa.ca/HHW
Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run - Sept. 28
The Ottawa Humane Society’s biggest event for homeless animals takes place Sept. 28 at Lansdowne Park's Great Lawn at 1525 Princess Patricia Way. The site opens at 8 am. Details: joinme.ottawahumane.ca/walkrun
The City of Ottawa will release the third and final draft of the new Zoning By-law on September 8, 2025. A 28-day public consultation period will follow, ending on October 8, 2025. Residents are invited to learn more about how the new Zoning By-law will shape growth in Ottawa at several upcoming events:
In-person Open House
- Date: Monday, September 29
- Location: Ottawa Conference and Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Rd
- Time: 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- No registration required
Comments on the final draft of the new Zoning By-law can be made using the public comment form or by contacting the team at [email protected]. Details: engage.ottawa.ca/zoning
Province launching Flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations for high-risk groups Sept. 22 and 29 and on Oct. 27 for the public
To help prevent serious illness, everyone is encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available as well as RSV immunization for those eligible.
Immunizations for high-risk and priority groups will begin in phases:
- COVID-19 vaccines are available starting the week of September 22
- Flu vaccines will be available starting the week of September 29
- Starting October 27, free flu and COVID-19 shots will be available to the general public at participating pharmacies, some public health units and participating doctor and nurse practitioner offices.
Details: ontario.ca
City of Ottawa schedule changes - Sept. 30
The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of schedule changes and City service impacts for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept. 30
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Observed since 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The day honours the children who never returned home, the survivors of the residential school system as well as their families and communities. This is a day for reflection and for education around the experiences and ongoing impacts of the residential school system. To participate, you can join events happening around the city, including:
- Join the Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill at 3 pm EDT on September 30 or watch the live broadcast on APTN or partnering broadcasters.
- Check out the reconciling history walking tours and other activities at Beechwood Cemetery and downtown Ottawa, organized by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society in partnership with Assembly of Seven Generations.
- Participate in the free virtual education sessions hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and review the latest Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Annual Statutory Report (2025) which tracks progress in advancing reconciliation and supporting Indigenous self-determination.
Support Hospice Care Ottawa - Homes for the Holidays tickets now available
The wait is over… Homes for the Holidays tickets are officially ON SALE! Tour eight breathtaking homes, beautifully decorated for the season, and spark your holiday spirit. Step inside, be inspired, and make this holiday season truly magical. Plus, our beloved Pop-Up Shop is back — and it’s full of festive surprises! Ready to kick off the season in style? Get your tickets today before our Early-Bird pricing is gone! The tour takes place Nov. 14 to 16. For tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Skateboard and Roller Sports Strategy - Survey open until Sept. 30
The City of Ottawa is updating its 2012 Interim Skateboard Strategy, and we want to hear from you! As skateboarding and roller sports continue to grow in popularity, we’re planning for the next generation of skateboard parks—spaces that are safe, inclusive, and fun for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience level. Ottawa’s first skateboard park opened in 1987, and today the City operates 25 skateboard parks across the city. The survey is available until Sept. 30: engage.ottawa.ca/skateboard
The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, together with its members and partners, is launching the Race to End Homelessness — a brand-new run/walk event with 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km options. The goal: to raise awareness, mobilize our community, and bring people together around one essential mission — a future where everyone has a place to call home. Every step taken on October 4 will shine a light on the urgent need for safe and affordable housing, as well as the human stories behind the statistics. Register today: raceroster.com/events/2025/106339/race-to-end-homelessness
The City of Ottawa is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Accessible Ottawa Award. This year, we are introducing the Accessible Ottawa Award to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Ottawa’s businesses, organizations and residents who are dedicated to removing barriers and advancing accessibility throughout our city. You can complete nominations for the award either online or by downloading a nomination form from the Accessible Ottawa Award webpage. The submission deadline is Friday, October 3 at 11:59pm EST.
Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards - Nominations due by Oct. 8
The City of Ottawa celebrates and recognizes the success and economic contributions of local immigrant entrepreneurs through the Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. If you know an immigrant to Canada who embodies extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit and deserves recognition for their contributions to the Ottawa economy, the City is now accepting nominations online until Wednesday, October 8. Nominate a friend, colleague, client, employee or employer who deserves to be celebrated for their contributions.
There are two categories of awards:
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The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award pays tribute to those who have successfully established and grown their businesses through hard work, perseverance and innovation. It recognizes the remarkable contributions of immigrants who have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and have made a significant impact in their respective industries.
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The Youth Immigrant Entrepreneur Award shines a spotlight on promising young newcomers, between the ages of 15 and 25, who have recently embarked on entrepreneurial journeys. It celebrates their passion, creativity, and potential to become future entrepreneurial leaders.
Visit ottawa.ca to learn more about eligibility criteria or to nominate someone today for an Immigrant Entrepreneur Award.
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 City of Ottawa is seeking feedback as it develops a Rental Renovation Licence By-law to prevent tenants from being unlawfully displaced from their rental units under the pretense of repairs or renovations. Sometimes referred to as “renovictions,” the City is seeking to understand the extent of this issue in our community and to explore tools to mitigate it. Among the measures being explored, landlords may be required to:
- 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
Please complete the Engage Ottawa questionnaire, which will remain open until Friday, October 31. Learn more at ottawa.ca.
