February 2026 Newsletter
AVCA February 2026 Newsletter
Greetings Alta Vista Community Association Members and Friends.How are you? Did you find ways to have fun in January? It felt like a neverending snow storm inside a deep freezer.
What’s in this Newsletter:
Board & CommitteesMemberships Joining & Renewals
What’s coming for the AVCA in February
Outdoor Rinks
Events Around Alta VistaCommittees at Work
Preparing for the 2026 Alta Vista Market
Meet the 2026 Board:Our Board Volunteers: President: Jen C. (Chairperson)VP: Stephanie (+Administration and Events) and Nathalie (+Greenspace Stewardship)Treasurer: Eric – Secretary: MorganDirectors: John (Website), Michelle (Invasive Species & Land Restoration), Garry (Planning & Transportation), Jennifer LC (Communications & Events), Heather, Anna (Website & Fundraising)
Non-board Committee Collaborators: Lynne – Seniors Watch Alta Vista (SWAV)Our
Next Monthly Meeting: 17 February 2026 2203 Alta Vista dr. Rideau Park United Church 7:00-8:30 p
AVCA Memberships and Renewals:
It is time to renew your annual memberships. We hope you will consider joining the AVCA if you are not currently a member. Individuals must be 18 to join.When you join the AVCA your membership fee contributes to many of the great events that happen in Alta Vista.
Please consider renewing and encouraging your neighbours to become part of the AVCA. AVCA membership fee for the current calendar year is $10.00.
The membership period is from 1 Jan – 31 Dec.Please note: If you made a renewal payment or joined the AVCA between 1 October and 1 Dec you are considered renewed for January.
To apply for membership or renew an existing membership:
1) Send a $10 e-transfer to [email protected]
2) Bring $10 to the next AVCA Monthly Meeting at Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive)
3) Drop off a cheque made out to the Alta Vista Community Association Inc. into the AVCA mail slot (left side, approximately 3rd row from the bottom) at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7L94)
Mail a cheque made out to the Alta Vista Community Association Inc. to Alta Vista Community Association, c/o Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7L9.5)
*New* You can renew or join via our website with your Credit card.
Renew Membership/Join
When joining or renewing via email or in-person, please be sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email. Please note that we will file the email address you send with your request. If you want a different email on file, please provide that with your submission.If you are paying for more than one person, please provide the names of all of the members for whom you are paying.
Why should you join the AVCA?- You will have the opportunity to engage in community driven advocacy.- You will help shape Alta Vista for future generations- Your volunteerism helps events in Alta Vista be successful
What’s coming in 2026 Spring and Summer?
Planning will be starting soon for events in Alta Vista. We are anticipating the following events will return this year:
– Easter- The Alta Vista Market returns in June. We will be looking to have some great entertainment return. –
Canada Day in Alta Vista is a big deal. We hope to see planning and fundraising begin very soon.
– The Awesome Alta Vista Yard Sale will also return in June. Date to be announced.If you have any ideas for events, would like to help fundraise or volunteer, please watch for upcoming announcements.
Outdoor Rinks.Locations: Alta Vista Park 1309 Randall Ave; Sandalwood Park 2850 Sandalwood Dr.
Volunteers: both Outdoor rinks are seeking Volunteers to help keep the rinks open for use. Rink attendants are the most needed.Alta Vista Park Rink: To keep up to date on their schedules for the remainder of the season;you can find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1692292620988946 or by Searching The Alta Vista Outdoor Rink.
Sandalwood Park Rink.: We’re very happy to share that Sandalwood Park rink has a new operator who is hard at work getting the rink ready. They are in need of volunteers to get running, so please reach out to them. You can find them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586743405928 –or—email Marty Carr’s office with the subject line Sandalwood Rink Volunteer and the office will pass on your message.
Events Around Alta Vista
The AVCA Newsletters are published the first day of the month. If you have any events to share that are happening in Alta Vista, please submit your event with any advertisements/posters you have to share to the email address above.
From Coun. Marty Carr’s NewsletterThe Heron Gate Winter Fun Day is coming up on Sunday, February 8th, in Sandalwood Park (2850 Sandalwood Drive) from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. You can look forward to hot chocolate, pancakes, and fun and games for all ages. There will also be sleigh rides in a horse drawn carriage, sponsored by her office.
Riverview Park Winter Carnival
– February 8th You are invited to the annual Riverview Park Winter Carnival for an afternoon of winter fun for all ages! This event will take place at Balena Park (1640 Devon Street) on Sunday, February 8th, from 2p.m. to 4p.m. Enjoy skating on the outdoor rink, a variety of winter games for kids, a shoot-to-win contest with prizes, and opportunities for children to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Warm up by the campfire with chili, s’mores, and hot chocolate, and take time to meet neighbours and enjoy the outdoors together. Hot 89.9 will be on site to help keep things lively.If you are able, you are invited to bring a non-perishable food item in support of Blair Court Community House.
Questions or interested in volunteering? Contact [email protected]
Hawthorne Meadows Family Day Winter Carnival
UPDATED EVENT TIME – February 16thLooking for an exciting event to attend on Family Day? You are invited to the Hawthorne Meadows Family Day Winter Carnival, taking place on Monday, February 16th from 12p.m. to 3p.m. in Hawthorne Park (2139 Tawney Road). You can look forward to the following events:• 12p.m. to 1p.m.: Best dressed dog contest• 1p.m. to 3p.m.: Horse + carriage rides• 12p.m. to 3p.m.: Snowman building contest, snowball target throw, stationary luge, and sled races (kids pull grownups)!• Hot chocolate and baked goods provided by local bakeries will be served all da
Committees at Work
Planning for the Alta Vista Market 2026:
Attention Vendors, Community Organizations, Kids and Family Entertainers!Ottawa Street Markets has notified us that applications will be accepted for the Alta Vista Market beginning in February. If you are a vendor who would like to set up a booth at the market, please contact Ottawa Street Markets via their website. If you are a community based organization and would like to attend the market via the AVCA Community supported booth, please contact the AVCA at our email listed at the start of the newsletter.
You can support the Alta Vista Market all year long by shopping online at Ottawa Street Markets https://www.ottstreetmarkets.ca/
Delivery and Pick-ups available within Alta Vista. Support local businesses to keep the Alta Vista Market returning.
Event Planning Committee Volunteers: Our spring and summer events planning is currently underway. If you have an interest in volunteering with any events hosted by the AVCA, please contact us. We will be creating a list of interested persons to reach out to for events. Jazz in the Park * Canada Day * The Awesome Alta Vista Garage Sale and moreThat’s all for now, Fri
That’s all for now, Friends. Please follow along on our Facebook page where we share updates regularly. And don’t forget to renew your memberships!
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the community this year.Alta Vista Community Association