August 29, 2025 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
I will defer sidewalks related to the infrastructure renewal project in Manor Park to enable smart planning that reflects future growth.
Integrated renewal projects can be deferred under the Integrated Renewal Policy when technical planning considerations necessitate comprehensive analysis that cannot be completed within project timelines.
Critical underground infrastructure such as sewers, watermains, roadways, and curbs will proceed as scheduled. This decision does not come lightly and is based on extensive community consultation and technical and policy analysis.
Consultation took place over eight months and included public sessions, two community surveys (one from my office and one from the City), and feedback gathered through resident correspondence, surveys and petitions.It is important to note that Manor Park faces an unprecedented convergence of major transportation and land-use changes that will fundamentally alter pedestrian patterns and mobility needs.
Multiple interconnected transportation changes affecting Manor Park require coordinated analysis. These changes include: the future Hemlock Road connection to Wateridge Village, proposed Beechwood Avenue reconstruction, the planned intersection modification at Ava Road, Braemar Street and Eastbourne Avenue, Manor Park Public School area improvements outlined in the Transportation Master Plan, and future Manor Park Secondary Plan implementation.
These collective impacts demand comprehensive evaluation of future pedestrian demand patterns, optimal sidewalk placement, and integration of active transportation infrastructure, specifically in the context of this infrastructure renewal project. That is why I am requesting the City actively applying holistic transportation planning ahead of its infrastructure decisions, specifically concerning this project. Community engagement will remain central to all future planning.
I believe this deferral is a measured decision that balances the City’s active transportation objectives with the unique circumstances of Manor Park. By allowing for comprehensive transportation analysis, we ensure future investments are properly integrated, safe, and aligned with long-term community needs.
My detailed rationale for sidewalk implementation deferral is available online here.
Sincerely,
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Full subsidies available for Rideau Hub theatre classes
There are still full subsidies available for children and youth living in Rideau-Rockcliffe to join Rideau Hub theatre classes offered by the Ottawa School of Theatre at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard! At least two full subsidies remain—and likely more. Spots are open in the following programs:
- Story Drama (ages 7–8)
- Young Musical (ages 6–8)
- Intermediate Musical (ages 11–12)
- Acting on Camera (ages 13–17)
- Drama Play sessions (ages 4-5)
👉 Browse all classes and register here: Rideau Hub Classes
Beechwood Market - Saturdays until Oct. 25
The Beechwood Market, at 203 Stanley Avenue, takes place every Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, until October 25. Details: ottstreetmarkets.ca/our-markets/beechwood-market
BeechFest - Sept. 6
The Beechwood Cemetery presents the Annual Historical Tour as a living library on Sept. 7. Learn firsthand about incredible people and how they shaped history performed by the Ottawa School of Theatre.
- As the actors will conclude at 3:30 pm, we suggest arriving before 3 pm to enjoy the full experience.
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Sunscreen and bug spray
No registration needed! Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Why: This work is being done to enhance communication links to existing traffic signals and increase communication capacity and efficiency to the City’s Traffic Signal System and Traffic Camera System Network.
When: The work is expected to begin the week of September 8 and be completed by late October 2025.
Where: The work will be conducted within the west sidewalk/boulevard between McArthur Avenue and Ogilvie Road, as well as at the east Transitway Ramp across from the St. Laurent Shopping Centre.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, JWK Utilities & Site Services Ltd., to complete the work.
Driveway access: As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress on your street, on-street parking may be restricted. In the event that access to your driveway will be impacted, you will receive 24-hours’ notice and provided with a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.
St. Laurent gas main replacement project - update
Aecon Utilities continues work on the Enbridge Gas St. Laurent Pipeline Replacement project at multiple locations in Rideau-Rockcliffe, Beacon Hill-Cyrville and Alta Vista.
- Cummings Ave between Ogilvie Road and Cyrville Road, as well as Cummings at Labelle
- St. Laurent Blvd. between Belfast Road and Tremblay Road
- Ogilvie Road from Cummings Avenue to the St. Laurent Blvd. intersection
- Coventry Road from the St. Laurent Blvd. intersection to past Vanier Parkway, near the RCMP building
The work involves the installation of a new 16-inch gas main. Much of the work is being done between 7 pm and 6 am in order to avoid major traffic implications.
On September 2, students in the OCDSB returned to school after summer break. At Ottawa Technical Secondary School, Head Chef Graham Anderson and Vice-Principal Matt Armstrong launched a new Free Lunch Program to ensure that all students who don’t have a lunch are provided with one at no cost. After all, a hungry student is just not ready to learn and do their best work. OTSS is asking for support from individuals and businesses in our community to make the Free Lunch Program a success, and to ensure that no student is going hungry. Here is how the program works:
- A $50 donation = a free lunch every day for 1 month
- A $250 donation = a free lunch every day for 1 semester (5 months)
- A $500 donation = a free lunch every day for the whole school year (10 months)
All donations to the Free Lunch Program are tax deductible. All lunches are prepared in the kitchen at OTSS under the supervision of Chef Anderson. The prep work and cooking is done by students enrolled in the school’s Hospitality program who are working towards their high school diploma. If you are interested in supporting the Free Lunch Program at OTSS, please contact [email protected] to get the donation link and to have all of your questions answered. Matt is getting the program started with a donation of $1,000 which will provide 2 students with a free lunch every day for the 2025-26 school year. Thank you for supporting students in your community.
Vanier BIA AKOUSTIK at St. Charles Market - Sept. 10 & 17
Join the Vanier BIA this summer for AKOUSTIK, a FREE outdoor live music event at the St. Charles Market at the corner of Beechwood Avenue and St. Charles Street. Live music, warm evenings, and local talent—this free outdoor concert series brings the rhythm of summer to Vanier from July to September. Enjoy takeout from your favourite local spots with special AKOUSTIC meal deals! For details and updates, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
- Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm • St. Charles Market
- Dates: September 10 & 17
- 5:30 - 7:30 PM - Rock the Block
- 7:30 - 9:00 PM - Outdoor Movie
Ottawa Family Cinema presents The Princess Bride - Sept. 13
The New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale will take place this year on Saturday, September 20 from 8:00 am until 12:00 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 Fieldhouse at 203 Stanley Avenue will be a busy sales centre since the weekly market coincides with the neighbourhood sale. For details, please visit Eventbrite.
Comedy at the Fieldhouse - Sept. 20
Live standup comedy at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse. Join your neighbours on Saturday, September 20, from 8 to 10 pm, for an evening of gut-busting entertainment featuring some of Ottawa’s best professional and up-and-coming comics. Headliner: Brendan McKeigan (Just for Laughs, Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, Sirius XM) Details and tickets: Eventbrite
Author book signing in New Edinburgh - Sept. 20
Matthew Sancton, federal public servant and Ward 13 resident, released a children’s book on August 19. The Ripple Effect: How Small Actions Can Change the World is a rhyming and beautifully illustrated story that shows kids how even the smallest good deed can create ripples that change the world for the better. The book is dedicated to his niece and nephews and it was developed in collaboration with Alyse Mercey, an Ottawa-based illustrator. You can find Matthew at the Beechwood Market (203 Stanley Ave.) on September 20. A copy is also available at the St. Laurent branch of the Ottawa Public Library (515 Coté St.). Further details can be found at: linktr.ee/msancton.
Cleaning the Capital - LeBoutillier Park - Sept. 23
Join us for a park cleanup as part of the Cleaning the Capital campaign! On Tuesday, September 23 Councillor King and his office will be hosting a cleanup project at LeBoutillier Park from 4-6PM. Bring your friends and family for an opportunity to create a cleaner, greener community! Rain date: Thursday, September 25 - 4-6PM
- Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 am – 2 pm
- Sports Field – Rideau Community Hub | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Old Rideau High School
Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa for a free, family-friendly event celebrating aging, movement, music, and community across generations. Enjoy accessible walking/rolling routes, a classic car show, live music, fun activities for all ages, community booths, and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Learn more: walk-of-ages-2025
This year’s theme, New Beginnings, invites Black and racialized women and femmes into a 7-week creative wellness journey that blends artistic exploration with personal growth.
Each week offers something new: from crafting sun catchers and exploring the meaning behind your name, to journaling, movement, and flag-making. Whether you're reconnecting with your creative self or simply looking for a space to be held — this is for you.
Program begins September 27th, 2025
Held in person: 815 St. Laurent Blvd, (Ottawa)
Limited spaces available
Register here: https://forms.gle/rp5rMNssZ6yVojnf8
- New Edinburgh - Sept. 28 at 2 pm. Depart from the Fraser Schoolhouse, 62 John Street (Janet Uren will be your guide.)
Emerging Lives Initiative Introduces the "Business Meets Tech" program
Create, Code and Cash out: Youth Innovation for the Digital Age
Got a tech dream but don't know where to start? Already running a tech business but stuck? No idea yet but curious about the tech world? No matter where you are, Business Meets Tech is your launchpad to success! Learn. Connect. Build. Grow.
Location: Incubator 13 (Room 124), RRCRC, 815 St. Laurent Blvd
Date/Time: September 29, 4-7pm
Cost: free
Registration: https://emerginglivesinitiative.org/BMT/
City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Every school day, the Ottawa Network for Education serves an average of 17,633 students – that’s over 3 million meals and snacks every school year, but now the need is greater than ever. Through the #BreakfastMatters campaign, ONFE aiming to raise $30,000 by October 1 to ensure no child starts their day hungry. And right now, the Senators Community Foundation is matching all donations dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact! Donate today: onfe-rope.ca/breakfast-matters
Black history in Ottawa Streets tours - Saturdays and Wednesdays (Sept. 6 & 10)
Discover Canada’s Black history with the Black History in Ottawa Streets bus tour, available Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, May to October. Upcoming tours are Sept. 6 & 10. Details: Eventbrite
Join us for an evening of education and discussion on beaver management in the City of Ottawa! With presentations by Michael Callahan (Board President and Instructor - Beaver Institute, Inc. and Owner - Beaver Solutions LLC), Brandon Williamson (Land Management Coordinator with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority) and Michel Leclair, expect to gain valuable insight into relevant beaver management processes and how those processes impact our communities and land. This event will also include a discussion period with our speakers as well as City staff. This is a free, in-person event in the main hall at Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre.
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, Main Hall
Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an open discussion to ask questions and engage directly with speakers and City staff. All residents are welcome. Please register here.
The Cultural funding support unit at the City of Ottawa manages programs that support arts, heritage, and cultural activities that highlight the diversity of Ottawa’s communities. The Equity and inclusion in the arts fund aims to reduce barriers and advance artistic expression within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities by providing opportunities for self-expression, capacity building, visibility and celebration. This fund has two categories of project funding available to eligible individuals
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Seed award category: Micro-grant for individuals from Indigenous and equity seeking communities.
- Deadline: September 10 by 4 pm
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Contact: Yasmina Proveyer
- Grow grant category: Project funding for individuals and organizations that are from or support Indigenous and/or equity seeking communities.
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- Deadline: October 22 by 4 pm
- Contact: Marie-Christine Feraud
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Fall Drop & Swap Pop-Up – Sept. 13
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- Heavy blankets
- Winter sporting gear
- Dish sets
- Canning supplies
- Matched Tupperware
- Back-to-school kitchenware and small appliances
- Knitting/crochet supplies
- DVDs, DVD players
- Halloween costumes (kids and adults)
- Children’s winter outdoor clothing
- Holiday decorations (fall/winter/Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa etc.)
O-Train Line 1 service adjustments in September and October
The 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan Refresh - Open houses & info session
The 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan is undergoing a mid-point refresh to assess progress and ensure it continues to meet the community’s changing needs. To get involved, attend a virtual information session, or stop by an open house for an in-person discussion.
Virtual information session
Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 to 8 pm
This session includes a Q&A and plan updates.
Register via Zoom: ottawa-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rtgArmM-TNiNhUnTMZ4elA
In-person open houses
Drop-in, no registration required:
- Wednesday, September 17, 6 to 8 pm, Jim Durrell Recreation Centre
- Thursday, September 18, 6 to 8 pm, Tom Brown Arena
- Thursday, September 25, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, CardelRec Recreation Centre
The City of Ottawa will release the third and final draft of the new Zoning By-law on September 8, 2025. A 28-day public consultation period will follow, ending on October 8, 2025. Residents are invited to learn more about how the new Zoning By-law will shape growth in Ottawa at several upcoming events:
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- Virtual Open Houses: September 17 and September 25
- Statutory Open House (in-person): September 23 at the EY Centre
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No registration required for the in-person Open House. Registration for the virtual events will be available on the new Zoning By-law Engage Ottawa page two weeks beforehand. Additional details—including project timelines and key topics—will be shared in an Information Previously Distributed (IPD) report at the Planning and Housing Committee meeting on September 3.
Fall Volunteer Expo - Sept. 19
It’s time for Volunteer Ottawa’s fall Volunteer Expo! This twice-annual free event is a great way to find a volunteer role. Speak with representatives from dozens of charities and non-profits and learn about their mission and how you could help. Apply to positions right at the Expo or apply later online. Details: volunteerottawa.ca/events/calendar/expo
Friday, September 19, 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave
- The City of Ottawa is exploring a Rental Renovation Licence By-law to ensure tenants are not unfairly displaced under the pretense of repairs or renovations.
- The proposed by-law would require landlords to prove that tenants must vacate for legitimate work, helping to protect housing affordability and stability.
- Public engagement will begin this fall, with final recommendations expected in spring 2026.
Update from OPH
Back-to-school: OPH shares info for children's vaccines
Ottawa Public Health is reminding families to take precautions to help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring their children and youth are up to date with their routine vaccines. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect them from serious illnesses like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles which have been re-appearing in our community. This fall, OPH will be reviewing student immunization records and sending letters to parents and guardians of students born in 2008 and 2018 whose records are not in compliance with the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act. Parents and caregivers can visit ParentingInOttawa.ca/Immunization for more information on routine vaccines, where to get routine vaccines, and how to report routine vaccines to OPH.
Ottawa Police Update
New type of distraction theft targets seniors
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is warning residents of a new type of distraction theft targeting seniors across the city. In these thefts, seniors are being approached by the suspects in public and asked for directions. Once the suspects get close, they place a necklace around the victim’s neck as a “thank you gift.” In the process of giving the necklace, the suspects remove the victim’s jewelry. The OPS has received approximately 70 reports of distraction thefts city-wide so far this year, with 62 of those occurring between April 1 and September 2. This newer variation of this theft has been reported 50 times in 2025, with 20 of those reports filed since June. For details on how to protect yourself, please visit ottawapolice.ca.
