September 13, 2024 Newsletter

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September 13, 2024 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

A motion will be considered at next week's Council meeting urging OC Transpo to reconsider its recent cuts to LRT service, citing an unexpected budget surplus and the critical role of service frequency in maintaining and growing ridership. The motion will have my support.

The motion comes in response to OC Transpo's decision to reduce LRT service during daytime and evening hours, a move that has sparked concern among regular transit users. The cuts, particularly during the 9 am to 3 pm and 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm periods, significantly impact students, office workers, and other residents who rely on consistent transit service throughout the day.

The motion emphasizes that service frequency is a crucial factor in determining ridership, affecting both overall trip times and the likelihood of using transit for non-commuting purposes. This perspective aligns with transit experts who stress that reliable, frequent service is essential for encouraging public transit use and reducing car dependency.

The motion seeks to utilize $600,000 derived from a budget surplus identified in the City's tax-supported programs. This unexpected financial cushion, resulting from staff vacancies, increased water consumption, and lower winter maintenance costs, provides an opportunity to reinvest in transit services without additional strain on the City's finances.

However, the issue extends beyond immediate budget considerations to greater structural challenges. Ottawa, unlike other major Canadian cities, receives limited provincial funding for transit operations, leaving the City heavily reliant on property taxes and fares to fund this essential service. This funding model has proven unsustainable, especially in light of post-pandemic ridership challenges.

We know that reducing service or increasing fares will only drive ridership down further, creating a cycle of decline. Instead, we need to rebuild public trust in the transit system by ensuring reliability and expanding service to meet diverse needs beyond just commuter traffic.

As Ottawa grapples with post-pandemic transit recovery, this motion presents a first opportunity to reassess priorities and invest in a transit system that serves all residents effectively.

The coming debate on this motion will inform the wider debate that Council will ultimately have concerning its next budget, which will shape the future of Ottawa's public transit and its role in the City's sustainable development, with implications for both immediate service levels and long-term funding strategies.

During the next budget cycle, it will be important that we explore all options to ensure that we can deliver proper transit service with higher levels of service reliability. Over the past several years, I have heard the desire for improved transit service from many Rideau-Rockcliffe residents.

Service reliability and improved transit service can only be achieved with increased funding. Consequently, I have voted against the transit portion of the City budget consecutively over the past three years because of the inadequacy of funding levels proposed by City staff. If we are intent to improve the passenger experience, it will be important that we have serious discussions as to how we can maintain regular light rail train frequencies, improve service efficiency and reduce bus cancellations. I will remain committed to advocating for on-time, accessible and functional transit service.


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A few weeks back, the AMO 2024 Annual Conference was held here in Ottawa and was attended by over 3,300 participants. The flagship event for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) focused on priorities such as homelessness and the opioid crisis, infrastructure for housing, and the need for a fundamental rethink of the provincial-municipal fiscal relationship.

I  was pleased to attend and participate in a panel discussion concerning diversity in municipal politics as a member of AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project Advisory Group.

As a member of the Advisory Group, I help provide oversight over AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project.

The Healthy Democracy Project Advisory Group provides guidance and advice from those with lived experience, academic and tactical expertise, who have a shared commitment to advancing the health of democracy in Ontario municipalities.

I am proud of the Project’s accomplishments in terms of the recent research it has conducted and released concerning the experiences of diverse candidates running for municipal office in Ontario.

Key findings include:

  1. Motivation: Candidates are driven by desires to increase representation, create policy changes, and make local impacts.
  2. Enablers: Community roots, mentorship, family support, and personal financing are crucial assets.
  3. Barriers: Financial constraints, lack of social capital, discrimination, and accessibility issues hinder diverse candidates.
  4. Proposed Solutions:
    • Support candidates through training, mentorship, and resource provision
    • Shift cultural context via anti-discrimination campaigns and storytelling
    • Advocate for systemic changes in campaign finance, electoral reform, and job conditions

The research highlights the need for concentrated efforts to diversify municipal elected offices in Ontario, as the process is not naturally progressing over time. AMO and its partners have called to implement various prototypes to address these challenges and create a more inclusive political landscape. The report is available for download.

I am pleased that my participation in the Healthy Democracy Project was covered by both CBC Radio and CBC Television.

 

Your Councillor in the Community

 

BeechFest was a tremendous success this year due to all the amazing Beechwood Avenue Vanier BIA merchants, along with the live entertainment! Had fun handing out 700 cobs of corn with Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante and with Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier's staff and Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard's staff. 

 

Delivered remarks as Deputy Mayor at Africa Live Canada’s “Afrofestival” at Mooney’s Bay last weekend, which celebrated the traditions, music, art, and food that makes the African community such an important part of Ottawa.

 

I had the immense pleasure of delivering the keynote speech in honour of International Literacy Day at the Power of Words breakfast fundraiser last week, hosted by the People, Words and Change charity at Heartwood House in Overbrook.

 

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Last week, the Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation, in partnership with Ottawa Fire Services, held a solemn memorial ceremony at City Hall in recognition of our fallen firefighters.

 

I opened LCol William G. Barker VC Park in Wateridge Village last week with representatives from the RCAF Association, 410 Wing, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, Canada Lands Company, Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and many veterans and community residents. 

 

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Pollinator Garden Tour & Edible plant and herb walk - Sept. 14

Join Deborah Doherty, local native plant gardener and co-chair of Bird Friendly Ottawa, and Corrie Rabbe, your neighborhood herbalist and nutritionist from Radical Health, to learn more about the native plants in your neighbourhood. Deborah will chat about native plants in the Donald Street boulevard gardens and how you can grow native plants in your gardens. Corrie will take you on a tour where you will learn about the many common edible and medicinal wild plants, and will identify and teach about local and sustainable plant medicine and food in beautiful Riverain Park. She will share tips and recipes for the safe use of wild plants. The tour and walk are scheduled for Sept. 14 from 9 to 11 am. Meet at the Adàwe Crossing at 1 Donald Street.

 

Vanier BIA Inuit Olympics - Sept. 14

Join the Vanier BIA at the Vanier HUB, 271 Marier Avenue, for Inuit Olympics - a day of competition and traditional games as well as music, activities and a hearty meal. This event takes place Sept. 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. For details and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.

 

FAB Festival - Sept. 14 


Tickets (free admission) are now available for the FAB Festival, a family-friendly event celebrating everyday creativity in our community, taking place Sept. 14 from 10 am to 5 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre is partnering with the Ottawa Family Cinema, which will be featuring The LEGO Batman 3D movie at 2 pm at the Rideau Community Hub. Tickets are available at: fabfest.eventbrite.com

 

Ottawa Family Cinema presents The Lego Batman Movie in 3D - Sept. 14

The Lego Batman Movie (3D) - Sept. 14; 2 pm
The Ottawa Family Cinema launches its fall season with The Lego Batman Movie (3D) at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. A great experience for the whole family! Don't miss this great Lego Batman Movie 3D experience! Cartoons, door prizes, movie quiz are all part of the fun. Batman will be there right from Gotham city! Arrive early to visit the FAB Festival where the Lego Users Group of Ottawa will display their amazingly creative Lego structures.
Visit: www.familycinema.ca/shows/3529.html

 

Wolffdale Crescent Garage & Craft Sale - Sept. 14

Wolffdale Crescent residents are hosting a garage and craft sale on Sept. 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. The rain date is Sept. 15.

 

ASE camera installations in Overbrook & New Edinburgh - New start date: Week of Sept. 16
Automated Speed Enforcement begins April 1 on Abbott Street - Glen Gower | Councillor / Conseiller | Stittsville
My office has been advised that the installation of automated speed enforcement cameras on Queen Mary Street and Crichton Street will begin the week of Sept. 16 - two of 20 ASE cameras being installed across Ottawa in 2024. The work will involve removal and excavation, installation of underground electrical conduit, and backfilling. Any roadway or sidewalks impacted will have granulars placed so they are walkable / drivable by the end of the day. The reinstatement of asphalt and concrete is slated for the end of next week, possibly early the next week. For Queen Mary, the conduit is being installed from the intersection of Queen Mary and Edith, impacting the southeast, northeast and northwest quadrants (in succession) and along the north side of Queen Mary to the camera location about 40m west of Edith. Pedestrians will be signed to use the opposite sidewalk, and workers will attempt to help people navigate the area. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic and flagging personnel. For Crichton, the work is limited to a small area near the bus stop between Beechwood and Vaughan. Pedestrians will be required to use the other sidewalk during the work period. The contractor is planning to maintain two lanes of traffic around this work zone.
Locations for community safety zone speed enforcement cameras are selected by City staff based on criteria that includes collision history, speeding issues, proximity to schools and feedback from the Ottawa Police Service.

The Highway Traffic Act only authorizes the use of Automated Speed Enforcement in designated school zones and community safety zones. A community safety zone is a section of roadway that has been designated through a by-law and recognized under provincial legislation, identifying it as an area where public safety is of special concern (i.e., school areas, parks/playgrounds, excessive speeding, low speed limit compliance, collision history, etc.) A school zone is a section of roadway where reduced speed limits are in effect within 150 metres in either direction of a school property. School zones are designated on roadways that meet certain warrant criteria and are not established at all schools. School areas that are not classified as ‘school zones’ do not have posted speed reductions during school hours but can still qualify for Automated Speed Enforcement when a Community Safety Zone is established that encompasses the school area.

Automated Speed Enforcement is one of many tools used by the City of Ottawa to help reduce speeds and alter driver behaviours with the goal of improving road safety. Automated Speed Enforcement is a system that uses a camera and the corresponding speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. Speed cameras, much like red-light cameras, exist to reduce the risk of collisions. Data from a year-long City of Ottawa pilot study showed that speed cameras had a positive impact on driver speed and safety in school zones:

  • 200 per cent increase in compliance with the speed limit
  • 11 per cent decrease in 85th percentile speed (the speed at which 85 percent of traffic is travelling or below)
  • 72 per cent decrease in drivers traveling at 15 km/h over the speed limit

All revenue generated from tickets issued via the Automated Speed Enforcement program is reinvested into the City of Ottawa’s Road Safety Action Plan program, which uses education, engineering and enforcement to promote road safety for all road users.

 

NCC Parkway Planning and Design Guidelines - Online public engagement

The NCC is developing new planning and design guidelines to better protect and enhance the parkways in the National Capital Region. These guidelines will guide decisions and future projects, ensuring the parkways remain beautiful, functional and safe for everyone to enjoy. Unlike other regional and provincial roads, NCC parkways are designed in harmony with their surrounding corridors, incorporating viewpoints and heritage, cultural, ecological and environmental features. Many NCC parkways are also complemented by adjacent multi-use pathways for everyone to experience and enjoy. Today, the network spans over 90 km, connecting waterfronts, parks and green spaces. Your input is needed to better understand the community’s needs, challenges and vision for the parkways. We invite you to share your thoughts on the vision, guiding principles and supporting policies for the NCC parkway guidelines at our upcoming public consultation. You can participate by completing the online survey until September 30, 2024. Please visit the NCC's website for details. 

 

New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale - Sept. 21

The New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 am until 12 pm. Homeowners, condominium groups, religious congregations, businesses, non-profit organizations and artists are encouraged to hold sales on private property throughout New Edinburgh. The area around the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, located at 203 Stanley Avenue, will be a busy sales centre since the weekly market coincides with the neighbourhood sale. For more details, please visit newedinburgh.ca. 

 

Vanier BIA Orange T-shirt-making day - Sept. 21

Prepare for Truth and Reconciliation Day by coming to the Vanier HUB at 271 Marier Avenue to decorate your own orange T-shirt. Happening Sept. 21 from 11 am to 3 pm.

 

Ottawa Chamberfest Torch Songs - Sept. 22

Join Ottawa Chamberfest for a sizzling evening of Torch Songs featuring Ottawa’s own Julie Nesrallah! The Gala with Julie Nesrallah features an 11-piece ensemble, wine, hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats, plus a silent auction. The event takes place Sept. 22 at 6 pm at the Beechwood Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue. For details and tickets, please visit chamberfest.com or call 613-234-6306.

 

Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge - hybrid information session - Sept. 24 - NEW LOCATION

SAVE THE DATE: The City of Ottawa is undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the renewal of Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge carried a single railway track on the former CP Rail Montreal & Ottawa Subdivision until its abandonment in 1966 and was re-purposed by 1972 to carry only pedestrian and cycling traffic. The bridge provides an important multi-use active transportation link between the National Capital Commission’s Rideau River Eastern Pathway and the City of Ottawa’s Rideau River Western Pathway / Rideau River Nature Trail. In 2018, a detailed condition assessment was completed and concluded that the structure was in overall poor condition, with several components showing significant signs of deterioration. The purpose of the EA will be to identify and evaluate options for bridge renewal or replacement considering different alignment possibilities in accordance with the EA planning process.

UPDATE: A hybrid Public Information Session is scheduled for September 24, from 6 to 8 pm. The in-person session will now take place at City Hall in Jean Pigott Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. There will be a formal presentation. A Q&A session will begin at approximately 7 pm. The presentation material will be on display at the venue and can be accessed on the City of Ottawa website at ottawa.ca. Please provide your comments to the City's project manager, Kosta Karadakis, by emailing [email protected] by Oct. 8.

 

Vanier BIA Akoustic at St. Charles - Sept. 25

Join the Vanier BIA this summer for Akoustik, a FREE outdoor live music event in Vanier at the St. Charles Market, located at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. The final date in the series is Sept. 25, from 6 to 8 pm. For details and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/ZACVanierBIA.

 

 

Homes for the Holidays - Sept. 26

Enjoy the 22nd annul Homes for the Holidays launch event at the Spanish Ambassador's stunning home in the Rockcliffe Park community on Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 pm. This special evening, which is a fundraiser for Hospice Care Ottawa, will feature mingling, wine, hors d'oeuvres and music. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

 

Community Coffee - Sept. 27

Everyone is invited to enjoy the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre's monthly community coffee session restarting Sept. 27, from 2 to 3 pm, at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity for residents and partners to connect, engage in conversations and build a stronger community over a cup of coffee.

 

Creative Expressions for racialized women and femmes - Starts Sept. 28

The much-anticipated Creative Expressions program is back, just in time to welcome the fall season with a sense of renewal and transformation. This annual favourite introduces fresh, inspiring activities that foster sisterhood and creativity. This year's theme, "Roots and Blossoms," is a 7-week journey designed exclusively for racialized women and femmes. Centered on the theme of "Evolution," the program provides a nurturing space for participants to explore personal and collective growth through diverse artistic and cultural expressions. The program begins Sept. 28 from 11 am to 2 pm at The Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard, in Room 220. Space is limited. Registration is required by clicking here. Questions? Email [email protected] This program is exclusively for Black, Indigenous Women of Colour (BIWOC), Femmes, and Newcomer women who identify as part of the BIPOC community.   

 

Afro-Caribbean Community Market - Sept. 28

In collaboration with the Association of Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Ottawa-Gatineau, the Vanier BIA welcomes a group of Black-owned businesses offering crafts, food and fun. The market takes place at the Vanier HUB, 271 Marier Avenue, on Sept. 28 from 12 to 5 pm.

 

New Edinburgh Studio Tour - Sept. 28 and 29


The self-guided New Edinburgh Studio Tour (NEST) takes place annually on the fourth weekend in September: Sept. 28 and 29. Approximately 20 artists, who live or work creatively within New Edinburgh will be opening their studio doors to the public. Locations of the studios will be scattered throughout New Edinburgh and are within walking or biking distance. Admission to the studio tour is free and everyone is welcome. Artwork will be exhibited and available for sale, and live demonstrations will occur throughout the day. NEST offers the public a unique opportunity to encounter professional and emerging local artists in the studios where they work. For more information, please visit www.nestudiotour.ca.

 

National Military Cemetery Clean-Up - Sept. 29 and Oct. 20

The National Military Cemetery Clean-Up 2024 will take place on September 29, 2024, with a second date of October 20, 2024. This day of service and community is a wonderful opportunity for serving members of the military, veterans, family members, and the broader community to come together to clean and care for the headstones at the National Military Cemetery.

Details of the event are as follows:

  • Where: National Military Cemetery
  • When: September 29, 2024, or October 20, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Who: Open to everyone who wishes to show their support for CAF Members, Veterans, and their families
  • Dress: Relaxed attire

This meaningful activity is a chance to honour those who have served and sacrificed by maintaining the dignity and honor of their final resting places. As participants clean the headstones, they’ll also have a moment to reflect on the legacy and bravery of the individuals commemorated here. To get a sense of the significance of this event and the impact of previous clean-up efforts, please watch this short video: National Military Cemetery Clean-Up Video. Those interested can register here: landing.beechwoodottawa.ca/nmc-cemetery-clean-up. This event is co-hosted by the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and the National Military Cemetery, and volunteer hour credits can be provided to all those in attendance.

 

Vote for the Vanier basketball court - Voting deadline extended until Sept. 30
One of three community sports projects in Ottawa has the opportunity to secure $100,000 from the OSEG Foundation, including the vision of establishing a Vanier basketball court. In partnership with Prezdential, a social enterprise that is dedicated to bridging the gap faced by disadvantaged youth in Ottawa, the Vanier basketball court project would create accessible outdoor basketballs spaces that remove barriers to access for youth in this community. Prezdential and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante, with support from the Vanier BIA, my office, the Snowsuit Fund and the Ottawa Basketball Network, are hoping to develop a parking lot behind the Bernard-Grandmaître Arena into a basketball court. Vanier currently does not have outdoor basketball courts from Montreal Road to McArthur Avenue. The project to receive the most votes will secure an OSEG community grant. Please visit osegfoundation.ca to cast your vote before the Sept. 30 deadline. Check out the video here. 


Farmers' Market in New Edinburgh Park 
Enjoy a farmers' market closer to home, in New Edinburgh Park near the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue. Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca. The Ottawa Street Market is also open at the Farm Store at 1805 Gaspe in Manor Park on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 to 6 pm. 


Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Update - Road closures extended until Oct. 15

Project update: Crews are making good progress. All underground piping was completed on Corona and Oakhill. The road base is being prepared on Oakhill and Corona and paving will be done by the end of September, followed by landscaping until mid-October. Oakhill and Corona are scheduled to reopen to vehicles on October 15. On Carsdale, the watermain is being installed and will be complete in the next couple weeks, followed by asphalt paving and landscaping completion by mid-October.

Road closure extension: Given site conditions and ongoing progress, it is anticipated that asphalt paving will be completed by the end of September. The contractor has requested that the roads remain closed for the first two weeks of October so that they can complete the landscaping efficiently.

 

Coventry Road Widening Planning and Environmental Assessment Study - Public Open House - this fall

The City of Ottawa has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) study to assess the need to widen and/or improve Coventry Road between Belfast Road and St-Laurent Boulevard. The EA study will investigate options to improve travel environment for all modes (walking, cycling, transit, autos and trucks) as appropriate. This study will:

  • Analyze the need and justification for widening Coventry Road to four (4) lanes and by identifying existing and future travel demand;
  • Evaluate alternative alignments and options including lane configuration, improved active transportation (pedestrian and cyclist) facilities and access to St-Laurent Transit Station;
  • Assess potential impacts to the social, cultural, and natural environment and identify ways to mitigate impacts;
  • Prepare a functional design including Class ‘C’ cost estimates and details for implementation; and
  • Consult with the general public and stakeholders.

Study Process: The EA study will follow the planning and design process for a Schedule C project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. An Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be prepared at the completion of the study and will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period.

Open Houses: Two Public Open Houses will be held as part of the study. The first open house will take place later this fall. My office will share the details once they are confirmed by City staff. Details will also be updated on the project webpage.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Local human case of eastern equine encephalitis virus is confirmed

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is urging residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites to reduce the risk from eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). OPH has received laboratory confirmation that an Ottawa resident who died of a viral encephalitis in August 2024 tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus infection. According to data available, this is the first confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Ottawa, though it is important to note that EEEV is not a reportable disease in Ontario. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

Secure Bike Parking Lockers are now available

A secure bike storage locker with three lockers visible. The locker is covered in blue and green circular designs and cartoon bicycles.

The City of Ottawa is now offering an innovative new bike parking solution for cyclists travelling in the downtown core. The City's new Secure Bike Parking Lockers, placed at three key destination areas, provide residents and visitors alike with a high quality, secure option for bike storage while they are enjoying all that our city has to offer. Visit ottawa.ca for details.

 

2024 Sidewalk Inspection Pilot
Sidewalk assessments are a legislative requirement under the Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways and must be completed each calendar year. The City of Ottawa then uses the information from the inspections to prioritize and schedule repairs, to be completed in compliance with the Council-approved Maintenance Quality Standards and the Ontario Regulation 239/02 Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (MMS). Typically, as part of the City's regular summer maintenance activities, city crews conduct sidewalk inspections, identify hazards and repair them. Given the geographic size of the city, it can be a challenge to cover the more than 2,600 kilometres of sidewalk network throughout the city while continuing to complete daily maintenance tasks. That is why last year, as part of the pilot project, the City hired an external contractor to perform sidewalk inspections and identify hazards within 7 wards.
Following the completion of their inspections, they provided staff with the data, which staff used to prioritize and begin repairs for the identified hazards. Following the success of last year’s pilot, and the consistency of data that was received amongst those wards that were part of the pilot, Roads and Parking Services have procured a contractor that will complete sidewalk inspections across the entirety of the City in an expanded pilot. Hiring a contractor to complete this work allows City crews to focus their efforts on repairs to the sidewalk network. The hired contractor has numerous staff who will be completing their inspections across the city, to evaluate the current state of the sidewalks, identify potential hazards, and determine any necessary maintenance or repair work required. Each defect is noted with coordinates, applicable notes about the deficiency, including a date and time stamp, and photos as required. This technology provides an efficient and accurate approach to managing inspection points throughout the assessment. Utilizing the same technology, the data is collected in a format that integrates into the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) files. Staff then utilize the data collected to effectively and efficiently review the information collected and prioritize sidewalk maintenance and repairs. The hired contractor began the sidewalk survey pilot project in mid-August and will continue their assessment for an approximate timeframe of 10 to 12 weeks. You may see them out and about! The contractor’s staff will be walking the sidewalk network to inspect and assess the condition of the sidewalks. Each surveyor is equipped with a data collection tablet and integrated GPS receiver. This approach is non-invasive and allows for the network and its users to be unaffected throughout the duration of the data collection.


Draft 2024 Development Charges Amendment Background Study

The City of Ottawa's Draft 2024 Development Charges Amendment Background Study dated August 30, 2024, reflects recent changes made to the list of water and sanitary sewer (wastewater) projects because of the passage of the City’s new Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) in June. The amendment includes updated capital projects, which reflect new timing, costing and scope of work. In addition, the planning horizon has been extended to 2046 from 2031 to align with the City’s Official Plan. The IMP was not available at the time the original 2024 Provisional Development Charges Background Study was approved on May 15, 2024. The City of Ottawa's Draft 2024 Development Charges Amendment Background Study for adjusting the Water and Sanitary (Wastewater) Services rates has been posted on ottawa.ca. The Draft addendum is available here: Draft 2024 Development Charges Amendment Background Study. The amendment has been posted to allow a 60-day comment period, with a report rising to Council on October 30, 2024. For additional information or if you have any questions, please email [email protected]. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca.


Ottawa’s New Older Adult Plan - in-person consultation Sept. 17; survey open until Sept. 30

The City of Ottawa is planning for the development of its new Older Adult Plan. City staff are continuing to consult with residents and community agencies to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan. Ottawa's older adults are invited to an in-person consultation event on Sept. 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Avenue. The information you provide will inform the City of Ottawa's new iteration of the Older Adult Plan, which will be launched in 2025. There is a limited amount of space, please register here to attend. Should you have any challenges using the online form, you can call Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh’s office at 613-580-2477, ext. 17007. Registration will close once we reach our maximum capacity. If you are unable to attend, you can also complete the online survey at engage.ottawa.ca/oap. The survey will be open until Sept. 30. If you have questions about this survey or the new Older Adult Plan, email [email protected].

 

Ottawa International Animation Festival - Sept. 20 to 24

The 2024 Ottawa International Animation Festival, the second largest event of its kind in the world, takes place September 25 to 29 at various venues in downtown Ottawa. From insightful panels and entertaining screenings, to legendary social events like the Toon Boom Boat Cruise and Animators' picnic, the festival offers something for all ages. On September 26, join Ottawa Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos as she moderates a panel on diverse adopted strategies studios to navigate the actual turbulent waters and changes at TAC (The Animation Conference). Interested in pursuing or advancing a career in animation? Don't miss the www.animationfestival.ca/tac/artbiz at the National Arts Centre on September 27 for artist talks and a career fair. High school students and teachers can obtain a free Saturday Day Pass to attend these events. For the festival's full schedule and for tickets and passes, please visit animationfestival.ca.

 

Fall Volunteer Expo - Sept. 20

 

Volunteer Ottawa is holding its Fall Volunteer Expo on Sept. 20 from 3 to 6 pm at the Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue. This is a free, in-person event where you can speak with dozens of local charities about volunteer opportunities. More information and the full list of participating charities are available on the VO website. This is a great event for high school students looking for community service hours, seniors and retirees wanting to stay active, and newcomers interested in getting to know the community. And anyone else interested in volunteering.

 

Major Capital Project Funding applications for cultural facilities - Submission deadline is Sept. 25

The next deadline for the City of Ottawa's Cultural Facilities Fund - Major Capital Projects is September 25, 2024. The Major Capital Cultural Facilities Fund is designed to improve cultural spaces and facilities across the City of Ottawa. It provides eligible cultural organizations with funds for major capital projects, i.e., renovation, construction, restoration projects, purchase of specialized equipment with costs exceeding $60,000, and capital studies (prefeasibility and feasibility). For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

City of Ottawa Youth in Culture Pilot Program - Application deadline is Sept. 25

The next deadline to submit an application for the City's Youth in Culture Pilot Program is Sept. 25 at 4 pm. 

Objectives of the program:

First-time applicants are encouraged to apply. The City will fund projects up to $1,000. For more information, please visit ottawa.ca. 

 

Name the Plow contest - Entries due before Sept. 30
If you could name a snowplow, what would you name it? Children and youth, get your thinking toques on! Between September 9 and 30, submit your favourite snowplow name as part of the City’s Name the Plow campaign! Once names are submitted, City snowplow drivers will draw a final list of names for all of Ottawa to vote on between October 14 and 21! Details: engage.ottawa.ca/name-the-plow


Three-item garbage limit - Effective Sept. 30

The limit comes into effect on September 30, 2024. This will reduce unnecessary waste to the Trail Road Landfill, which will help keep collection and disposal costs low. It will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It applies to residential curbside garbage collection only. There will continue to be no limit to how much residents can set out through curbside recycling and green bin programs.

What is an item? You can put out three types of garbage items. You can have any combination of the accepted garbage items if they stay within the limit. For example, you can set out two bins filled with bags and one broken chair, or two black garbage bags and one bin or container filled with bags, or just three bins.

  • A garbage bag - You can place waste in black garbage bags. Each bag can weigh up to 33 lbs.
  • A garbage container - You can put several small bags in a container up to 140 litres or 33 lbs. Do not put loose items inside.
  • A bulky item - You can put out an item that doesn’t fit in a garbage bag or bin, such as a piece of furniture

Residential Yellow Bag Program - You can purchase City of Ottawa yellow bags if you are unable to meet the garbage limit. We encourage you to consider your waste diversion options before using the program. Bags will be available for sale at the end of September/early October. Find out more about where to purchase the bags at ottawa.ca/garbage.

 

Cleaning the Capital Fall Campaign - Registration open until Oct. 1

Registration is open for the Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign until Oct. 1. Cleanup projects will take place until October 15. Participants can register their cleanup projects by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean. The registration form populates an interactive map with pins that display the location, date, and time of all registered cleanup projects. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags and nitrile gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of 14 City of Ottawa facilities across the city. This fall, based on participant feedback and demand, we have added four new cleanup kit pick-up sites (including two rural pick-up locations). As the new three-item limit for curbside garbage collection will come into effect during this campaign, participants are encouraged to review the instructions and options for proper disposal of collected waste/litter prior to their planned cleanup projects. This information will be communicated to participants via registration confirmation, as well as through ottawa.ca/clean.

Key Fall campaign dates:
September 15 to October 15: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
October 1: Deadline to register
November 1: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports



Share your experience participating in Ottawa’s municipal elections - Survey open until Oct. 3

The City of Ottawa’s Elections Office wants your feedback on a number of topics including your experience participating in the 2022 Municipal Elections (if applicable), election-related communications, accessibility, and voting methods for future elections. The information you provide will help City staff plan future municipal elections in our city. Survey results will be summarized in a report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and City Council in advance of the 2026 Municipal Elections, taking place on Monday, October 26, 2026. The survey will be available until 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 3, and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you are unable to complete this survey online or require an accommodation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, please contact the Elections Office by telephone at 613-580-2660 or by email at [email protected]. Staff are available to assist you from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Emergency Services New

Purchase your tickets for the 13th Annual OPS Gala to be held Nov. 2

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The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce that tickets for the 13th Annual Gala are now available to purchase online. The event, set for Saturday, November 2 at the Shaw Centre, promises an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, and community engagement. This year’s gala will benefit two important organizations that are making significant strides in our community: the Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa and the Multifaith Housing Initiative. The 2024 OPS Gala aims to raise essential funds to support these vital organizations. Tickets can be purchased online for $200 each, or $2,000 for a table that seats 10. You can purchase a corporate table for $2,000, where two seats will be donated to a uniformed OPS member.

 

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 10 am and 8:45 pm.

  • 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.

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Phone: 613-580-2483
Address: 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1