Archive 1997-2016
A city council decision that seeks to fund the local arts scene by adding a $2-charge to hotel stays is simply another tax grab, local hoteliers say.
“Why should a businessman from Vancouver have to pay a tax to fund the arts in Ottawa when he’s only here on business,” says Don Blakslee, president of Ottawa Hoteliers Inc.
The race to host the region’s two charity casinos is in the home stretch, and Ottawa city council is still behind the starting gate trying to decide whether to enter.
It appears the winner will be the City of Gloucester, which may win both casinos before the chips are down.
Cliff Gazee knows all too well what it’s like to live in a time when depending on social assistance means barely surviving.
Gazee lost his job as a CBC radio producer about four years ago.
After that, Gazee’s life began a downward spiral. His children’s mother died in an accident, leaving him to take care of a two-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son alone.
Lansdowne Park has entered the second stage of the rest of its life.
Public consultations wrapped up March 27 at the St. Laurent Recreation Complex, the last of five meetings held throughout Ottawa. Now, the three groups from the private sector bidding for the rights to Lansdowne are putting the final touches on their proposals, which will be given to city council in order to make a final decision on the park’s future. The proposals will be submitted on June 8.