Rawlson King

I had a lot of fun with Councillor Plante recognizing seniors wellbeing with awards at the Cite Parkway Retirement Residence in Carson Grove this week.

I attended an insightful presentation by author Kathy Kacer at Manor Park Public School who shared stories of courage, resilience and memory related to the Holocaust featured in her book To Hope and Back.

It was a pleasure to attend the first annual ATU Local 279 Black Caucus Awards of Recognition ceremony with Transit Chair Glen Gower at OC Transpo headquarters today, in honour of Black History Month. Thank you to the union for donating $500 to Jamaican hurricane efforts!

Productive consultation with the Ottawa Police on revitalizing community policing and the new district model. Joined Councillors Bradley, Carr, Dudas and Tierney to hear directly from residents and partners. Effective neighbourhood policing relies on coordination and honest dialogue.

Great to hear from Prime Minister Mark Carney, former House Speaker Greg Fergus and the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine during the Government of Canada’s Black History Month Celebration marking its 30th anniversary, held at the Canadian Museum of History.

Happy this week to attend an open house and information session that outlined the tremendous community impact made by the YMCA of the National Capital Region.

Amazing to join City staff at Ottawa City Hall this week to celebrate the “Pride of Dreams” 2026 Black History Month mural featured on 3 OC Transpo buses, created by artist Jimmy Baptiste to honour Stefan Keyes, Angelique Francis, Charmaine Hooper and Paul Barber.

Honoured to provide opening remarks at Somerset West CHC’s Black History Month event: The Future is Now at Bayview Yards with Councillor Troster. Their dedication to equitable, culturally appropriate healthcare & mental health services for Black communities is truly inspiring.

Happy to attend the annual New Year’s Levee held by Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier in Overbrook last weekend to recognize community collaboration and achievement!

I enjoyed attending Ottawa’s Black History Month landmark opening ceremony last weekend, celebrating our history, community milestones and Black excellence with my Council colleagues!

I had an amazing time at the annual Wateridge Village ice skating party held at Eugene Martineau Park last weekend!

I was honoured to be invited to celebrate Republic Day with the India Canada Association last weekend to commemorate the adoption of the constitution of India and recognize the incredible contributions of the Indo-Canadian community here in Ottawa!

Great discussion with journalism students from Carleton recently alongside Councillor Dudas at Ottawa City Hall! Their sharp questions about City Council leave me optimistic about the future. Thanks Professor Aneurin Bosley!

Very pleased to visit the offices of Jaku Konbit this week to learn about the debut of their new system navigation program designed to create better access and equity in the justice system for local youth.

It was a pleasure to celebrate the heritage and cultural ties between Egypt 🇪🇬 and Canada 🇨🇦 with His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Hafez this week at the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt!

I was happy to drop into Incubator13 at the Rideau Community Hub this week to honour John Verdon’s 25 year contribution to grassroots digital civic engagement and social innovation in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward as the founder and manager of the Lindenlea community listserve.

Attended the National Holocaust Ceremony with many elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps and residents at the National Holocaust Monument this week.

It was great to join other elected officials this week to recognize the incredible contributions of our local businesses on our traditional main streets in both Rideau-Rockcliffe and Rideau-Vanier wards at the Vanier BIA 2026 annual general meeting.

Had an amazing time enjoying the NAC English Theatre presentation of Copperbelt during Black Out Night last week. Thank you to Kondwani Mwase and the rest of the audience engagement team at @CanadasNAC for making cultural programming more accessible in Ottawa!

Very excited to join my Council colleagues for the launch of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary at City Hall this week to hear announcements about investments in arts, culture and entertainment to celebrate the city’s bicentennial!

I was honoured to commemorate Martin Luther King Day in the City of Ottawa this week with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh at the annual ceremony presented by DreamKEEPERS.

I had a great time enjoying World Snow Day in Overbrook last weekend with volunteers from the Rideau Winter Trail, Bird Friendly Ottawa, the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library and Ontario Senator Bernadette Clement last weekend!

Had a great time attending the Odawa Native Friendship Centre’s Annual Mid-Winter Feast at the Rideau Community Hub this week where many community members came to eat, laugh, chat and celebrate the new year!

It was wonderful to join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City Manager Wendy Stephanson and Interim Transit GM Troy Charter at Ottawa City Hall today to present Winston Cumberbatch, the first Black OC Transpo Bus Driver, with a certificate of recognition to honour his service and legacy.

It was great to catch up with the Vanier BIA Board this week at the Clocktower Brew Pub on Beechwood Avenue. Looking forward to celebrating our local businesses at the BIA’s annual general meeting next week!

Councillors had a productive meeting this week with the Ottawa Police Service about its new district model. We heard strong support for preventive services and neighbourhood officers who build trusted relationships in communities. Thank you to all who shared their perspectives!

Infrastructure work happens year-round, not just at budget time. This week I met with Alain Gonthier, GM of Public Works, to discuss priorities I hear from you: traffic and pedestrian safety and other core services. Your input guides my advocacy for our community every day.

Along with many other Council colleagues, I attended the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association annual breakfast on January 16, 2026 to hear Mayor Sutcliffe’s policy address concerning the City’s new housing accelerator plan.

I had an amazing time at the Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration held on December 28, 2025 by Jaku Konbit. The annual celebration is the largest in Canada!

I was pleased to attend and speak at the second annual Khayrhaye Somali Cultural Centre Gala on December 7, 2025 at the Rideau Community Hub. The centre is the only cultural museum dedicated to Somali culture in Canada and is located in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward!