Ottawa to study ‘bubble bylaw’ that would restrict protests at schools, hospitals and other locations
Despite objections and concerns brought up by some councillors, City Council voted in favour of a study examining whether a ‘bubble bylaw’ is necessary and feasible in Ottawa. The Vulnerable Social Infrastructure By-law would restrict protests outside vulnerable places such as schools, places of worship and hospitals. The proposed bylaw aims to tackle increasing hate in Ottawa. In 2023, Ottawa...
Ottawa students, teachers see positive impact of new cellphone rules
High school classrooms in Ontario sound a little different this year. Instead of the constant tapping of teenagers texting their friends, many phones are stored in students’ lockers, backpacks or pockets. Some students say they welcome the change because it has helped them engage with people, while others find enforcement of the new policy uneven. Jeffrey Zhang, a student trustee...
Sounds of trouble: Canadian orchestras struggle against dwindling audiences, changing tastes in post-COVID era
In February 2023, Rebecca Diderrich’s dream came true: she landed a tenure-track position playing the viola with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra after seven years of playing as an extra with the venerable Central Ontario ensemble. Just eight months later, it all came crashing down. Over email, the KWS abruptly cancelled its season in September, the day before it was set...
Barrhaven is Ottawa’s car-theft hotspot, and residents aim to do something about it
Facing a high rate of car theft, many Barrhaven residents are adding additional security measures to protect their vehicles.
Ottawa’s new ‘nightlife economy’ plan needs more focus on safety, businesses say
Some businesses worry Ottawa's new "nightlife economy" plan doesn’t prioritize the problem of public safety after dark.
City builder: Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah works to protect and advocate for trans and queer youth
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah is a queer Ghanaian-Canadian activist and the executive director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
‘I have started to buy only the necessities:’ Food inflation threatens students’ ability to consume a balanced diet
High food inflation in Ontario has forced students to cut back on essential food groups.