September 20, 2024 Newsletter

A Message from Councillor King

This week, I was disappointed following the narrow 13-12 defeat of a motion to reconsider recent cuts to OC Transpo's LRT service. The motion, which sought to utilize a small amount of the City's current budget surplus to restore service frequency, was seen by most Rideau-Rockcliffe residents as a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in Ottawa's transit system.

This vote represented a missed opportunity to address the immediate needs of our transit users and to signal the City's commitment to a robust, reliable public transportation network. During the debate, I emphasized that service frequency is fundamental to maintaining and growing ridership, particularly for students, office workers, shift-workers and residents who rely on consistent service throughout the day. I also highlighted the broader implications of this decision, noting the unsustainability of Ottawa's current transit funding model and the need for strategic reinvestment.

By failing to pass this motion, I believe the City risks perpetuating a cycle of service cuts and declining ridership. Our focus should be on rebuilding trust and expanding service to meet diverse needs, not on short-term cost-cutting measures that ultimately harm our city's long-term sustainability and livability.

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This week, I also opposed the 2025 City Budget Direction, which included a maximum 2.9-per-cent increase to property taxes for most City operations, excluding transit.

For years, the City has kept tax increases artificially low. The cumulative tax increases for the City of Ottawa over the past decade have been significantly lower than other major Canadian cities. While our lower increases may sound good on paper, the reality is that it has left us with chronically underfunded core services.

I hear the complaints all the time from residents: an expanding waiting list for affordable housing, increasing homelessness, crumbling streets and sidewalks, deteriorating park equipment, lack of life-cycle renewal for recreational facilities, deferred public works projects and unreliable transit service.

This 2.9-per-cent cap will only exacerbate the problem as it does not account for inflation, population growth, or the increasing demands on our City services. While the number might look good in headlines, it fails to address the real needs of our community and the strategic priorities the City has set for itself in its Term of Council Priorities.

Building an affordable City requires investment. By placing an arbitrary cap on the Budget Direction, we hamper our ability to provide essential services and infrastructure improvements.

Only by adequately investing in our city will the City be able to address the complaints we hear from residents day after day about the declining and degraded quality of our amenities, services and infrastructure.

I believe the budget process should first involve City staff examining and determining our actual needs, determine the required service levels, and then assess our residential and commercial tax rates. The current approach follows an inverse process which sets a target without determining the level of investment required to maintain our amenities, services and infrastructure.

I would acknowledge, due to affordability, that residents cannot be subjected to an exponential increase in property tax. However, I relayed to my Council colleagues during debate that most residents "acknowledge that we don’t live in Oz, we live in Ottawa. They don’t want the streets paved with gold, they’d just be happy with asphalt.”

Because the Budget Direction lacked a realistic assessment of the resources required to invest in our core services which represents a recipe for continued deterioration of our services and infrastructure, I opposed it. Despite its approval by the majority of Council, I will continue to pursue work with City staff to develop the economic assessment tools necessary to ascertain the proper levels of investment required to both improve our transit system and core services, so that we can engage in meaningful debate about property tax increases and other sources of revenue to ensure we properly invest in our city.

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This week, the City’s committees on Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services and Environment and Climate Change approved an updated Idling Control By-law. As a member of Environment Committee, I supported the by-law at the joint committee, which aims to reduce vehicle idling and the resulting harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.  

The maximum idling time would be reduced from three minutes to one minute per hour, in line with best practices from Natural Resources Canada and other Ontario municipalities such as Toronto, Kingston and Burlington. When it is colder than zero degrees Celsius or warmer than 27 degrees Celsius, the maximum idling time would be five minutes per hour.  

Additionally, the Committees directed staff to install signs along high-traffic corridors throughout the city, encouraging drivers to reduce unnecessary idling. If every Ottawa driver reduced daily idling in their personal vehicle by two minutes, it would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by about 31.2 million kilograms a year. That’s the equivalent of removing 6,780 vehicles from Ottawa roads, and saving about $20 million in fuel costs per year.

The by-law would offer exemptions when idling is necessary for health, safety and proper vehicle function, such as when powering mobile workshops, maintaining temperature for medical reasons, and assisting emergency services. Public transit vehicles would be exempt from the by-law, but other City vehicles would be subject to its requirements. The new rules would come into effect on January 1, 2025.  

 

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Your Councillor in the Community

The St. Laurent Shopping Centre last week hosted “Art for Heart,” a free paint series in support of Kids Help Phone. The series offered art classes for participants to learn valuable art skills from the Ottawa School of Arts and obtain support for mental health.

On Sept. 17, I attended the Ottawa Community Housing Champion Table on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, who serves as Chair of Ottawa Community Housing's Board of Directors.

 

I enjoyed the Fab Fest at the Rideau Community Hub last weekend which celebrated community creativity and innovation!

 

 

I provided a keynote address last week at Invest Ottawa's Bayview Yards about the challenges and benefits of artificial intelligence, examining issues of inclusiveness and accessibility, regulation and power dynamics.

 

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Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities 

Canada Amy Run - Road closures in Ward 13 - Sunday, Sept. 22

On Sunday, September 22, the 17th annual Canada Army Run is taking place throughout Ottawa’s downtown core, including a number of communities in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13. Road users should plan for additional travel time on their trip or take different routes. Parking restrictions will be in effect along the entire route. Please refer to on-street posted signage. Vehicles parked in temporary no-stopping zones will be removed from the roadway. Transit Service: Buses along the event route will be detoured due to street closures. For more details, please visit ottawa.ca. View the route map at this link.

 

Intermittent lane reductions, ramp closures and detours at Smyth and Riverside - Starting Sept. 23

Starting Monday, September 23 until late fall, work will begin on the Smyth Road Cycling Safety Improvements project which will provide improved cyclist safety and cycling connectivity along Smyth Road from Riverside Drive to east of the Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus intersection. This work will also include modifications to the Riverside Drive on/off ramps at Smyth Road. To facilitate construction, intermittent lane closures between 9 am and 3 pm, and after 6 pm can be expected on Smyth Road from the Riverside Drive on/off ramps to 100 metres east of the Transitway. The Riverside Drive on/off ramps will be closed intermittently overnight and/or on weekends to complete work safely. Access to the Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus will be maintained at all times via the entrance off Riverside Drive. Alternate exit/entrance to Riverside Drive during the ramp closures are via Pleasant Park Road or Hospital Link Road. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

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 Family Cinema presents Despicable Me 4 in 3D - Sept. 21

Join the Ottawa Family Cinema tomorrow, Sept. 21, at 2 pm for DESPICABLE ME 4 (3D). Synopsis: Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run. Tickets available at www.familycinema.ca or at the door! 

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.

 

Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal Updates - Beechwood lane closure Sept. 28

Project update: Crews are making excellent progress. The base asphalt has already been paved on Corona and the base asphalt on Oakhill will be completed Monday, Sept. 23 The final paving on Beechwood at Corona and at Oakhill is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. The work will take approximately half a day. One lane of Beechwood will be closed at a time with flagging personnel present to direct traffic. Remediation of driveways and landscaping will be underway over the next few weeks. Oakhill and Corona are anticipated to reopen in mid-October and the landscaping is also expected to be completed by then.

 

ASE camera installations in Overbrook & New Edinburgh - New updates

Crichton location: The underground work was completed on Crichton just over a week ago. Next steps include camera installations by the vendor, site reinstatements by the contractor in the next week or two, cabling and electrical disconnect equipment installation by the City’s internal traffic signals group, which is being scheduled for early to mid-October, coordination of the Electrical Safety Authority and Hydro Ottawa connecting the power. Once the power is on, the camera will then enter a testing phase. The current estimate for activation and enforcement is late October.

Queen Mary location: Installation is scheduled to begin the week of September 23, focusing on the area from the intersection at Edith Street. The work will progress through the southeast, northeast, and northwest quadrants in succession, extending along the north side of Queen Mary to the camera location, approximately 40 meters west of Edith in front of Overbrook Park. The installation process involves several stages. First, the City has obtained a contractor for removal and excavation, installation of underground electrical conduit, and reinstatement of any impacted roadway, sidewalks and landscaping. Following this, the City's Traffic Signals staff will install an electrical panel and cabling, and coordinate with Hydro Ottawa for power. Finally, the camera vendor will install the camera and perform testing ahead of commissioning. The current estimate for activation and enforcement is by the end of this year. 

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.

 

Ice rink volunteers needed in Wateridge Village

The Wateridge Village Community Association is seeking volunteers for the outdoor rink that is planned for Eugene Martineau Park. Without your help there can be no ice. Email [email protected] if you can assist.

 

Youth Design Workshop for kids - Sept. 25

Ottawa Architecture Week events include a Youth Design Workshop in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward on Sept. 25 from 4 to 6 pm at 710 Carson's Road in Unit 102. Register by emailing [email protected] or call 613-745-0073 ext. 121. Admission is free. The workshop is a 2-hour hands-on design challenge to explore this year's theme (Vacanc(IT)y) through architecture, facilitated by an architect. Architectural models will be created from curated materials symbolic of the theme. This session has been tailored for youth ages 8-12. For more information about this workshop or other Ottawa Architecture Week events, please visit this link.

 

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.

 

Manor Park Rock the Block - Sept. 27

ROCK THE BLOCK is back! Gather up your family, friends and neighbours - and head over to the Manor Park sports field at 100 Thornwood Road on Friday, September 27 at 6 pm. Come hungry and enjoy one of our local food vendors for dinner! Get ready for an evening of FUN and enjoy outdoor games, face painting, local community displays, vendors, food & drink, ice cream & popcorn, annual pie contest, music, and more! Bring your camping chairs, cozy blankets and stay for the outdoor movie @ 7:30 pm. Want to enter the pie contest? Details coming to MANORPARK.CA.

 

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 New Edinburgh Artists’ Studio Tour (NEST) returns September 28 and 29, from 10 am to 4 pm. Explore twelve locations in the New Edinburgh neighborhood, with free admission and parking. Enjoy unique art, live demonstrations, and meet local artists. A brochure with tour details will be available at local businesses. 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.

 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at OPL - Sept. 30

On Monday, September 30, seven branches of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will be open for the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday was created to publicly commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools--a vital component of the reconciliation process.  Additionally, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day started by Phyllis Webstad to encourage education and recognition of the residential school system. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind.  To support OPL clients in learning more about, and understanding, this aspect of Canada’s history, the following OPL branches are open from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday, September 30: 

St Laurent, 515 Côté Street  

Beaverbrook, 2500 Campeau Drive   
Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line Road   
Greenboro, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive   
Main,120 Metcalfe Street  
Nepean Centrepointe,101 Centrepointe Drive   
Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern Drive   

 

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. 

NCC Parkway Planning and Design Guidelines - Online public engagement until Sept. 30

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. 

Vanier Museopark Soirée Quiz Night - Oct. 4

The Vanier Museopark is thrilled to return with a new edition of Soirée Quiz Night! Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate quiz champion? If so, get your friends together and join us for Soirée Quiz Night at the Vanier Sugar Shack! It is the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a friendly bilingual competition.

• What: Soirée Quiz Night
• When: Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Theme: Politics· Where: Vanier Sugar Shack (320 des Pères-Blancs Avenue) *Please use the parking at Centre Richelieu-Vanier*
• Cost: Free to play!· Registration is mandatory: places are limited (19 years and over).
• Grand Prize: All the honours... AND a gift pack of maple products from the Vanier Museopark!

EVENT TIMING· Doors open at 5 p.m.· Quiz starts at 5:45 p.m. (45 minutes)· Prize-giving and end of the evening at 7 p.m.

THEME: The political quiz will be created and hosted in partnership with Mona Fortier and myself. We will test your knowledge by covering municipal, provincial, federal, and even international politics throughout the evening. Gather together and challenge your knowledge while exploring politics from every angle! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Farmers' Market in New Edinburgh Park - every Saturday until Oct. 26

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. 

 

Old Railway Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge - hybrid information session - Rescheduled to October

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 will be scheduled for sometime in October. Details will be shared once they are finalized. Information about the EA is available at ottawa.ca. 

 

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.

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City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities 

Saved by the beep! Wake Up and check your alarms with Ottawa Fire Services

As part of the fall Wake Up! program, firefighters from Ottawa Fire Services will visit homes across the city next week to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present and working. Ontario’s Fire Code requires that homes have a working smoke alarm on each floor and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required outside sleeping areas if the home has an attached garage, a wood stove or a fuel-fired appliance. From Monday, September 23 to Monday, September 30, uniformed firefighters will:

• Visit select residential areas during a two-hour period between 3 and 8 pm on weekdays and 2 and 4 pm on weekends.
• Offer to inspect and test alarms.
• Install smoke alarms and provide new batteries.
• Share information on fire safety and home escape planning.
• Leave fire safety information in the mailbox if no one is home.

This is a courtesy call only and all services are provided to residents for free. Residents are not obligated to provide firefighters access to their home. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.

Bird-Friendly Building Walk - Sept. 24

• Date: September 24, 2024 
• Time: 12 to 1:00 pm 
• Start Location: Ottawa City Hall (the first building in Ottawa to receive a Bird-Friendly retrofit)
• Tour Highlights:
  • Explore nearby buildings while our knowledgeable guides from Safe Wings Ottawa and Bird-Friendly Ottawa share insights on bird-safe features and potential hazards.
  • Conclude the tour at 200 Kent, where we’ll see the city’s latest and largest Feather-Friendly installation!

Franco-Ontarian Day with a flag raising - Sept. 25

The City of Ottawa will host a flag raising ceremony on Wednesday, September 25 in honour of Franco-Ontarian Day and the 49^th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag. This year’s event will be hosted by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in collaboration with ACFO Ottawa. In addition to the flag raising, a proclamation will be presented to formally declare the day as Franco-Ontarian Day in Ottawa. Residents are invited to attend the event. Standing room is available with accessibility accommodations, and paid parking is available underground at City Hall. Location: Ottawa City Hall, Heritage Building (Elgin Street Entrance). In case of rain, inside City Hall at Jean Pigott Place. Time: 8:30 to 9 am

New Zoning Bylaw Workshops

This fall, join City staff for a series of in-person workshops to discuss Ottawa’s New Zoning By-Law. These workshops are designed to engage the community, gather valuable feedback, and ensure that our new Zoning By-law reflects the Official Plan and the needs and aspirations of all residents. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city! 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Display Board Exhibition – dive into the basics of zoning and key concepts of the proposed By-law. This is your chance to ask questions and get informed.
• Roundtable Discussions – engage in intensive discussions on various topics with planners and fellow residents.

Five opportunities to participate: All in-person workshops will start at 6:30 pm.

1. October 1 – Ray Friel Recreation Complex
2. October 8 – John G Mlacak Community Centre
3. October 15 – Fred Barrett Arena
4. October 22 – City Hall
5. November 5 – Confederation Education Centre

For more information about the in-person workshops, visit: engage.ottawa.ca/zoning

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.

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:

• To support youth aged 18 to 30 working towards professional careers in arts, culture and heritage
• To empower youth to identify needs and gaps in their career development, and support their project goals
• To support activities that address the priorities identified in the Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture in Ottawa (2013 - 2018)

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

Comedy for a Cause: Greg Morton Comedy Show - Sept. 28

Ottawa’s New Older Adult Plan - survey open until Sept. 30

To create the new Older Adult Plan, City staff are consulting with residents, community agencies, and City staff to determine the priorities and structure needed to facilitate the implementation of a new plan. Staff are seeking input to learn about what it is like for older adults living in Ottawa, helping to inform the City of Ottawa's Older Adult Plan. The new strategy will be launched in 2025. Please complete the survey, which will be open until September 30, 2024. For details, please visit Engage Ottawa. 

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.

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.

National Senior's Day event - Oct. 1

October 1 is National Seniors Day!  The day honors the rich contributions of older adults in society. The City values their experience, wisdom, and their important roles in our community. This year, the City is hosting a virtual celebration to raise awareness about ageism.  Author and activist, Ashton Applewhite will be the keynote speaker. Ashton’s experience as a public speaker includes events at community centers, universities, and a TED Talk. The event takes place Oct. 1 from 10 am to 12 pm on Zoom. For more information, contact Lisa Lafontaine at [email protected].

NCC Board of Directors meeting - Oct. 1

Join the NCC at 40 Elgin Street for the next public meeting of the NCC Board of Directors. Space is limited. First-come, first-served. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you can watch the live webcast on YouTube. The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 from, 9 to 11 am. For details, please visit the NCC website.

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

The Black History in the Streets Tour is still going strong. Join Black History Ottawa on Saturdays from now until October 2024 for a deep dive into the histories of Black Canadians in our great capital city. Given that the last two tours of the season take place on October 12, make sure you reserve your seat as soon as possible by registering at www.blackhistoryottawa.org. Tickets/Billets: blackhistoryottawa.org

 

Nominations are now open to honour Ottawa’s immigrant entrepreneurs before Oct. 21

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 Monday, October 21. Visit ottawa.ca for details.

Nominations are open for the 2025 Ottawa Heritage Awards - Until Nov. 1

The City of Ottawa recognizes outstanding achievements in heritage conservation with the Ottawa Heritage Awards. The application period for the 2023 to 2024 awards is now open. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 1, 2024. Visit ottawa.ca for more details.

Province of Ontario Community Emergency Preparedness Grant

The Ontario government is expanding its support for local emergency readiness with a second round of funding for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant for 2024-25. This new $5 million investment will help equip municipalities and organizations with essential resources, equipment and training to better prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. Applications are open until October 31, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET. Join a virtual information session to learn about the grant and application process. Next dates are Sept. 21, Oct. 2 and 10. For more information and to apply, please visit ontario.ca.