September 29, 2023 Newsletter

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September 29, 2023 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

A Message from Councillor King

September 30th marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).  First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. It is intended to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families, and communities. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the painful legacy and ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you are encouraged to take the time to learn and reflect on the meaning of this day. It is a chance to ask what individuals and organizations can do to advance Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation.
Learning and commemorating the truth about our collective history from a First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous perspective is a vital part of the reconciliation process. At a local level, consider participating at one of the many National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities taking place on Parliament Hill at 1 pm, as well as at the Ottawa Public Library, including a film festival as well as attending reconciliation events at Beechwood Cemetery.

The City of Ottawa acknowledges that it is built on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, whose peoples have lived on this territory for millennia. The City of Ottawa values its partnership with the Host Anishinabe Algonquin Nation and honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, their knowledge, traditions and contributions to this land, past and present.

There are many Indigenous organizations in Ottawa committed to supporting Indigenous residents across all areas of life, including: childcare and children’s services, youth programs, supports for women and children, healthcare, employment, education assistance, counselling, housing and more. We are grateful for the Indigenous partnerships we have, which are helping us better understand the issues facing Indigenous residents and allowing the City to contribute to the provision of services and programs in a way that is helpful and meaningful. The City remains committed to strengthening our partnerships with Indigenous communities as we move forward on the path of reconciliation.

To commemorate the day, all flags at all City of Ottawa facilities, including the Survivors’ Flag in front of the Heritage Building and on Marion Dewar Plaza, will be flown at half-mast from sunrise on September 30 until sunrise on October 1. Illuminations in orange are planned for the Heritage Building at City Hall and the OTTAWA sign in the ByWard Market.

Your Councillor in the Community


Great to have attended Franco-Ontarian celebrations at City Hall this week with my Council colleagues. 
Immensely enjoyed the Arab Business Festival celebrating small and local business at Collège La Cité on September 23rd
Great to celebrate the grand opening of Eugène Martineau Park in Wateridge Village with the community along side my colleagues Mona Fortier and Lucille Collard on September 23rd 
 It was a pleasure to see artists Pat Carbonneau, Jennifer Kelly, Martha Nixon and Beth Stikeman displaying their incredible respective artworks during the New Edinburgh Artists’ Studio Tour on September 24th

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

New Pedestrian Crossover Coming to North River Road/Stevens Avenue intersection 
Beginning in late September 2023, the City of Ottawa will begin constructing a pedestrian crossover in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13.What: Pedestrian crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross the road, where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons. More information on PXOs is available at this link.

Why: This work is required to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians.
When: This work is scheduled to begin in late September 2023 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-October 2023.
Where: The PXO will be constructed on the north leg of the North River Road/Stevens Avenue intersection. Work will involve removal and replacement of sections of sidewalk along North River Road, asphalt and landscaping reinstatement, signs and pavement markings.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Mopri Construction, to complete the work.For details, please click here. 

Crack Sealing in Ward 13 - Now Underway
 
The Contractor for the 2023 Crack Sealing program is working along two streets within Ward 13 over a period of 10 days starting Monday, Sept. 25. The locations and approximate dates are below:
  • Coventry Road between Vanier Parkway and St. Laurent Boulevard. - Work at this location was planned to begin on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 and take approximately 5 working days to complete.
  • North River Road between Donald Street and Selkirk Street. - This work will begin immediately after completion along Coventry and should only take 1 to 2 working days.
The work is a moving operation and will be completed during off-peak hours for Coventry Road. Traffic will be controlled by flagging personal and at least one travel lane will be maintained at all times at both locations.  Who:     The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, D-Squared Construction Ltd. to complete the work.
Rock the Block in Manor Park - Sept. 29
Gather up your friends and neighbours and head to 100 Thornwood for this free Rock the Block event on Sept. 29. Come hungry and enjoy one of the local food vendors for dinner! Or skip to dessert and grab a slice of pie from the pie baking contest entries! Stick around for games, glitter tattoos and an outdoor movie starting around 7:30 pm! Don't forget your camp chairs and blankets! 5:30 pm: Food, drinks, live music, games, glitter tattoos, vendors, community displays, ice cream, pie baking contest and more! 

8 pm: Outdoor movie! Pie Baking Contest at Rock the Block: Do you have what it takes to become Manor Park's newest Pie Baking Champion? Start testing out your recipes! Bakers will submit their pies to the MPCC prior to Rock the Block starting time. Pies will be judged by a panel of prestigious judges. Click here for more information.


National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Ottawa Public Library - Sept. 30
Beaded orange shirt on paper wall background
On Saturday, Sept. 30, seven branches of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will be open for the public to learn more about the impact of the residential school system, which an estimated 150,000 Indigenous children from across Canada were forced to attend. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important occasion to reflect upon the ongoing trauma faced by the Indigenous community, as the last residential school closed as recently as 1996. In or near Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13, visit the Main library branch at 120 Metcalfe Street or drop by the St. Laurent branch at 515 Côté Street, from 10 am to 5 pm.  OPL will offer programs and resources for all age groups on Sept. 30 and in the lead up to that day. Please click here for details.


Youth Performance and Artist Program in Rideau-Rockcliffe - Registration Now Open
Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Ottawa School of Theater are excited to get this brand-new Youth Performance and Artist Program off the ground in the heart of Ward 13.EXPLORE YOUR PERFORMATIVE AND ARTISTIC TALENTS
  • Acting, movement and voice workshops taught by actor Cassandre Mentor
  • Tickets to 2 plays for the group to attend together
  • The chance to meet local theatre professionals.
  • Judgement-free zone for youth age 14+
  • Fridays 4:30-6pm, 815 St. Laurent Blvd (former Rideau High-School)
  • October 6 to December 15
Please note advance registration is required. Click here for details. 

Renewal of St. Patrick Street Bridge: Noise By-law exemption - Oct. 1
To support the design of the St. Patrick Street Bridge renewal, overnight geotechnical drilling will start on Oct. 1, 2023. The work will be carried out between 7 pm and 7 am for approximately 1 week.
What: Geotechnical drilling will be carried out in support of the design of St. Patrick Street bridge renewal.
Why: One traffic lane must be closed to facilitate drilling activities. Due to hours restrictions for work requiring lane closures on St. Patrick Street, this work will be carried out at night. Noise exemptions will be applied according to the City of Ottawa Noise By-law.
When: The night work will start on October 1 and occur between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am for approximately 1 week.
Where: St. Patrick Street Bridge is located on St. Patrick Street between Vanier Parkway and Cobourg Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa contractor, Thurber Engineering, will complete the work.
For details, please click here.


CIBC Run for the Cure - 1200 Montreal Road - Oct. 1
Ottawa-Gatineau - CIBC Run for the Cure
The 32nd annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure returns to Ottawa on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 9 am. Ottawa residents of all ages can choose to run, walk or roll either 5k or 1k. The event is pet friendly, and there will be fun activities for families available. By participating in the Run, you’re investing in hope for those affected by breast cancer. To ensure everyone’s safety, all public health guidelines and recommendations will be observed. Participation can also be virtual if preferred by registering at My Run. Anywhere. Any Way. With 1 in 8 women expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, breast cancer affects us all. Join the Run today to save lives tomorrow. Learn more and register today at CIBCRunForTheCure.com. Please note: the City has received a noise exemption application for this special event, that will include announcements and live music at 1200 Montreal Road - National Research Council of Canada on Oct. 1 from 7 am to 5 pm.

Enbridge Public Information Session - St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project - Oct. 3
The St. Laurent Pipeline System is a critical part of Enbridge Gas’ natural gas distribution network in the National Capital Region. It directly and indirectly supplies natural gas to approximately 165,000 customers in Ottawa and the surrounding area, including in Gatineau, Quebec. Some of these customers, such as hospitals, provide critical services that depend upon reliable energy sources for their daily operations. Enbridge Gas is taking decisive action to enhance the safety and reliability of its pipeline infrastructure by replacing and decommissioning specific portions of its St. Laurent pipeline system. These portions are currently located along St. Laurent Boulevard in Vanier and Ottawa South. The St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement Project will involve the installation of approximately 13 km of new 6-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch extra high-pressure (XHP) steel pipeline segments as well as approximately 8 km of 2-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch diameter intermediate pressure (IP) polyethylene pipeline segments. Enbridge Gas originally applied to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for approval of this work in March 2021. In its Decision and Order issued in May 2022, the OEB urged Enbridge Gas to conduct further testing and provide additional physical evidence of the pipeline’s condition. Enbridge Gas has completed an intensive analysis and safety evaluation of the St. Laurent Pipeline System and has determined that an immediate replacement is the most prudent option to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas service. If approved, construction may begin in 2024.

Enbridge will host a public information session on Oct. 3, from 5 to 8 pm at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 Des Pères-Blancs Avenue. The public is invited to drop in to learn about the project, ask questions and speak with Enbridge staff. For details, please visit www.enbridgegas.com/StLaurentReplacement.


City of Ottawa Youth Job Fair - Oct. 5 in Overbrook and Oct. 19 in Vanier
Youth are invited to learn about part-time positions. Bring your resume to the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, on Oct. 5 from 6 to 8 pm, or the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 Des, 300 Pères-Blancs Avenue, on Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 pm. 


Free Community Dental Screenings at The Rideau Community Hub - Oct. 6 and 20
Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs logo
Ottawa Public Health hosts free community dental screenings at The Rideau Community Hub in Room 101 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard on Oct. 6 and 20 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 to 4 pm. Click here for more details.


Beechwood Avenue lane closures - Oct. 7 and 8
There will be lane closures along a portion of Beechwood Avenue, between Loyer Street/Douglas Avenue and Commanda Way/St. Charles Street, to connect the santiary sewer service to the new building at 78 Beechwood Avenue. On Oct. 7, from 7 am to 7 pm, the westbound lane will be closed. Construction personnel will be on site to direct traffic. On Oct. 8, from 9 am to 6 pm, the eastbound lane will be closed. Construction personnel will be on site to direct traffic. On each day, traffic will be maintained both ways by means of flagging.


Mothers Walking for Mothers - Oct. 7
Put on your running shoes and register to walk with us on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Mama Imara's first annual walk supporting the Amani Family Centre midwifery clinic in Kampala, Uganda! The walk starts off at 10 am from Strathcona Park, along the Ottawa River to New Edinburgh Park and back (5 km). Every day, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to childbirth and pregnancy. Mama Imara is a Canadian not for profit organization, providing financial support and leadership to midwifery-led clinics in rural and slum communities. Our partnership with Amani Family Centre in Kampala, Uganda means that your donations go straight to the mothers who need it. Your participating is directly helping to save lives of mother's and babies! Register to walk or sponsor a walker. For details, please click here.
Oakhill, Corona and Carsdale Integrated Renewal - Open House - Oct. 17
As part of this project, the City of Ottawa will renew the following infrastructure:
  • Separate the combined sewer (into a new sanitary sewer and new storm sewer), replace the watermain, add traffic calming features, and complete full road reconstruction on Oakhill Road (Acacia Avenue to Beechwood Avenue). 
  • Separate the combined sewer (into a new sanitary sewer and new storm sewer), add traffic calming features, and complete full road reconstruction on Corona Avenue (Acacia Avenue to Beechwood Avenue). The watermain does not require replacement. 
  • Replace the watermain and resurface the road on Carsdale Avenue (Acacia Avenue to Black Maple Private). 
  • Asphalt resurfacing on the paved laneway between Carsdale Avenue and Green Avenue.
Project timingDesign: February 2023 to spring 2024
Construction start: summer 2024
Construction completion: summer 2025A public open house will be held at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 380 Springfield Road, on Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Information boards will be on display and project staff will be available to answer questions. For details please click here. 

Road Rehabilitation Works in Rideau-Rockcliffe
 
As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, road resurfacing is taking place in the following locations.
  • Clarke Avenue from St. Laurent Boulevard to Claude Street - Work is completed
  • Donald Street from Vera Street to Alesther Street - Top lift asphalt complete. Landscaping ongoing expected to be completed by Sept. 29.
  • Crichton Street from Dufferin Road to Beechwood Avenue and from Charles Street to Keefer Street - Work is completed.
  • Springfield Road from Beechwood Avenue (OR 44) to Maple Lane - Work is completed.
  • McArthur Avenue from Lafontaine Avenue to St. Laurent Boulevard - Concrete work ongoing. Milling overnights Sept 19 & 20, followed by iron adjustments/driveways and top lift asphalt expected second week of October.
  • And in nearby Ward 12:
    • Belisle Street from McArthur Avenue north to the dead end - Minor concrete remains. Milling Sept 18 & 19. Base course asphalt expected Sept. 22 followed by iron adjustments/driveways. Top lift expected Oct. 10.
    • Eastwood Place from McArthur Avenue west to the dead end - Minor concrete remains. Milling completed Sept 18. Base course asphalt expected Sept. 22 followed by iron adjustments/driveways. Top lift expected Oct 10.
The roads will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. Traffic control personnel will direct traffic. The City has retained contractor R.W. Tomlinson to complete the work.

Notice of Sewer Cleaning Activity
 
Water Services is projected to perform routine sanitary sewer cleaning in Rideau-Rockcliffe and Rideau-Vanier. Please refer to the following link for Scheduled Streets by Ward. For more information on wastewater collection, please visit ottawa.ca or contact 3-1-1.

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Climate Resiliency Strategy - Submit your ideas before Sept. 30
The City has received many great ideas for how individuals, communities and the City can prepare for the impacts of climate change. Thanks to everyone who has provided their input. All the ideas shared will be used to inform the draft Climate Resiliency Strategy.

Some of the top ideas so far include:
  • Increase the tree canopy by planting more trees, protecting existing trees and replacing downed or dead trees
  • Increase the amount of greenspace and plant more native plants and pollinators
  • Bolster electricity grid infrastructure to reduce the risk of power outages during extreme weather
  • Preserve wetlands and prevent development on floodplains
  • Create covered sidewalks, bike lanes and transit stops
  • Share more information about how to take action and prepare for climate change
If you haven't yet shared your ideas, don’t worry, there’s still time. The ideas page will remain open until the end of September. Visit the Climate Resiliency Strategy Engage Ottawa page to learn more and share your ideas.
Cleaning the Capital Fall Campaign - Registration open until Oct. 1
Registration for this year’s Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign is now underway for cleanup projects taking place between September 15 and 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, showing which locations have been chosen for cleanup projects. Cleanup kits, which include garbage bags, recycling bags, and gloves, will be made available for pick-up by registrants at one of ten City of Ottawa facilities across the city. Organize a cleanup project with your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues and help keep the City of Ottawa clean and green.
Register your project by October 1.Key Fall campaign dates:
August 15: Registration begins
September 15 to October 15: Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
October 1: Deadline to register
October 31: Deadline to submit online cleanup reports
Upcoming Deadlines for City of Ottawa Cultural Funding Programs
Equity and inclusion in the arts fund - Oct. 4 at 4 pm. Details here.

Heritage funding program - Oct. 24 at 4 pm - Details here.

Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration - Applications accepted Oct. 9 to Dec. 8
The Heritage Planning Branch, Planning Real Estate and Economic Development Department, has changed the application period for the Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration. The program offers funding to property owners of designated heritage buildings to undertake restoration and rehabilitation work. Applications for 2024 heritage restoration projects will now be accepted from Oct. 9 to Dec. 8, 2023. If you would like to learn more about the Heritage Grant Program, please visit Built Heritage Funding Programs | City of Ottawa. Questions can be submitted by email to [email protected].
Request for Input! A Proposed Amendment to streamline the City of Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law - Survey open until Oct. 10
In June 2022, Council directed staff to consult with the public on amending the Tree Protection By-law to reduce the size of Distinctive Trees in the suburban area of Ottawa from 50 to 30 cm in diameter measured at breast height. This change would bring the tree by-law permitting rules for the suburbs in line with those for the inner urban area of Ottawa. City staff are requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until Oct. 10, 2023. For more information on the City’s Tree Protection By-law, please visit ottawa.ca/treebylaw.

City of Ottawa Repair Café - Oct 14 at City Hall
Throw it away? No way! In honour of Circular Economy Month, the City of Ottawa is sponsoring a free Repair Café on Saturday, October 14, from 10 am to 2 pm, at City Hall (Jean Pigott Place), 110 Laurier Avenue West. Repair Cafés are an international concept with the goal of reducing landfill waste, teaching new skills, and building community!  This event is hosted by the Ottawa Tool Library. Volunteers will be ready to help repair your items and share their expertise around everything from darning socks to re-wiring kettles. Come and learn more about the Ottawa Tool Library and waste reduction, while saving an item from the landfill! Visit ottawa.ca/wastereduction for more. 
Enter the Get Rain Ready Contest for a chance to win a rain ready project for your home! 
Become rain ready for your chance to win a rain garden, soakaway pit, or professional landscape design for your property! All you need to do is submit proof of you taking action at home and becoming rain ready by redirecting your downspout or installing rainwater collection. Easy actions like these can have a significant impact on how ready your property is, and our city is for rain. Plus, by taking these actions, you’ll contribute to making Ottawa’s waterways healthier. Contest winners will be announced in mid-October, with first prize installation in Spring 2024. For more details on the contest and how to enter, visit Ottawa.ca/rain.

Community Capital Funding stream now open
Capital Funding is intended for capital improvements to City owned, agency owned or long-term leased properties. Funding will be provided in collaboration with social service agencies on a cost-sharing basis. The 2023 Capital Funding priority will be centered around addressing the needs of food security. For more information, please visit Ottawa.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].
  • Funding available: $200,000.00
  • Maximum funding per agency: $50,000.00
  • Applicants are advised of the results: Within 30 business days after the deadline for application. 
Get involved in Draft Budget 2024!
A graphic with Ottawa City Hall is in the background. Four photos to the right of the graphic represent different City priorities.Text says: Draft Budget 2024. Have your say!
You will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to inform the City’s draft budget for 2024. Resident feedback is integral to the development of the City’s budget. It’s your city and your budget, so have your say! Visit the Engage Ottawa Budget 2024 page today to complete a survey so we can first hear from you on your budget priorities. The survey will close at the end of October and the results will be posted on Engage Ottawa. For more details, please visit the Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward website.I will again be hosting a budget consultation opportunity for Rideau-Rockcliffe residents as well as a race equity budget consultation for Ottawa's Black, Indigenous and racialized communities. Stay tuned for those details.

Better Homes Ottawa - Survey Open
The City of Ottawa is developing the Better Homes Ottawa Portal. This online tool will allow Ottawa homeowners to learn about their home’s, estimated energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and steps they can take to reduce their utility bills. The launch of the Better Homes Ottawa Portal is scheduled for Q2 2024. The City of Ottawa is welcoming feedback on this tool. Please complete this short survey to provide your thoughts. For more information, please click here.
Have Your Say – City of Ottawa Electric Vehicle Strategy
Electric Vehicles | Engage Ottawa
The City of Ottawa’s Climate Change and Resiliency team is collecting input to inform the personal electric vehicle strategy that will be considered at Environment and Climate Change Committee. Electric vehicle uptake in condos and rental properties has been slower than that of single-family dwellings. A variety of barriers exist for those living in condos and rental properties that make it more challenging to switch to an electric vehicle. We want to hear what those are to better support the adoption of electric vehicles of all kinds, for all residents. Please click here to access the survey.

City Council and Committee News

For meeting agendas, please visit ottawa.ca/agendas or call 3-1-1.For information on how to participate in individual meetings, please consult the specific meeting’s agenda at ottawa.ca/agendas.To watch the meetings on Youtube, please click here.Upcoming meetings:
  • Finance and Corporate Services Committee - Tuesday, October 03, 2023 @ 9:30 AM
  • Planning and Housing Committee - Wednesday, October 04, 2023 @ 9:30 AM
  • Police Services Board Policy and Governance Committee - Thursday, October 05, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
  • Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee - Thursday, October 05, 2023 @ 10:00 AM
  • Ottawa Police Services Board - Friday, October 06, 2023 @ 10:00 AM
For recent Council and Committee news, please click here.
Best wishes, Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe
https://www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/

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