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Events and Issues

Events and Issues

Children’s Holiday Party December 2022

Book Sales

The RPRA Library Committee members are drawn from Rockcliffe Park and the surrounding communities of New Edinburgh, Lindenlea, and Manor Park, which this library branch also serves. Since 1997, this committee has organized the Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale with more than 20,000 donated books in 30 categories, along with CDs, DVDs and vinyl. Taking place in the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall, it involves more than 100 volunteers. Buyers come from local communities and as far away as Kingston and Cornwall. Funds raised improve services and programming (especially for children) at the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the Ottawa Public Library and support literacy programs at the OPL. Donated books and AV material are welcomed at the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the OPL during library hours or call for pick-up at (613) 580-2424 ext. 27623.

The RPRA Library Committee organizes Open Houses at the Rockcliffe Park Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. It supports improved services and programming through its Spring Book Sale. It supports the wider Ottawa Public Library literacy programs, liaises informally with the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library and offers support to the OPL at city budget consultation time. To join the library committee, just leave your name with library staff.

Another local literary event is the annual November Rockcliffe Park Book Fair, which takes place at the Rockcliffe Park Public School. These two important book sales represent a great opportunity to contribute to the community and get to know new people.  Both are integrally linked through the collaboration of their volunteers (who often work at both events), the generosity of the wider community and the rich endowment of books.

Spring Clean-up

Every spring, the RPRA organizes a village clean-up to pick up debris along our public spaces, rake leaves and pick up branches. Crews gather at the Community Hall and spread out to all areas of the Village. To volunteer for our annual clean-up, contact secretary@rockcliffepark.ca.

RPRA Movie Nights

In the summer or early fall, the RPRA organizes Movie Night in the lovely and intimate space of the Jubilee Garden.  In August 2017, we showed Mary Poppins.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing

The Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing is held outside the Community Hall every December for residents and neighbours. The Elmwood choir and the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble of the Ottawa Citadel Band accompany the carol sing and a dignitary lights the huge spruce tree behind the community centre. There is usually a fundraising component to the evening, with items donated to a local charity.

Children’s Holiday Party

This popular children’s holiday party features horse-drawn carriage rides, a clown, Christmas crafts, gingerbread house-making, holiday treats and, of course, Santa Claus. If you can help with this event, please check beside the Children’s Christmas Party on the RPRA membership form or send an email to secretary@rockcliffepark.ca.

Dining with the Ambassadors

Dining with the Ambassadors is the Rockcliffe Park Foundation’s principal fundraising event and a celebrated signature spring event. For more than two decades, this biennial event has been bringing neighbours together and raising funds for our community’s programs and events. To find out more, go to ‘events’ at rockcliffeparkfoundation.org.

Speaker Series

The RPRA’s evening speaker events feature distinguished speakers on a variety of topics. The program has been running since 2001. Engaging Q&A periods follow the presentations, followed by tea, coffee and home-made cookies. These talks are held at the Community Hall. The Speakers Series is funded by Rockcliffe Park Foundation grants and admission is free.

Street Parties

A Primer on How to Throw the Perfect Street Party
Manor Avenue street party, 2014.

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than by planning your very own street party? A street party is a wonderful way to meet neighbours old and new, enjoy the outdoors and strengthen our community.

  1. Start by contacting a few neighbours six to eight weeks in advance to see if there is enough interest to organize a street party.
  2. Set up a meeting or divide up a few duties by email.
  3. Determine a budget.
  4. Choose a date, hours of road closure, plus a rain date.
  5. Select a contact person to email the City of Ottawa at specialeventstraffic@ottawa.ca or call 613 580-2424, ext. 28164 to obtain the application for permits for the street closure (this should be done at least three weeks before the event, if not earlier).
  6. Determine the need for table and chair rentals vs. using your own.
  7. Plan food, drinks, decorations, activities and music, according to age of participants.
  8. Send out invitations to everyone affected by the road closure (and beyond, if you like!) at least a few weeks in advance of the party.
  9. Have fun, take photos of the event and consider sending them in to The Rockcliffe News. We’d love to hear about your street party event!

Mary Lapner

NOTE: The RPRA has “Children at Play” signs that you can borrow for your events. Contact us at secretary@rockcliffepark.ca.

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