Transformation of Prince of Wales Bridge into cycling, pedestrian crossing proving popular
Public consultations start on the transformation of the Prince of Wales Bridge into a pedestrian/cycling route with a possibility of cross-country skiing.
Black parents in Peel urging schools to include Afro-Centric books in libraries
A group of Black parents is pushing a Toronto-area school board to combat systemic racism in the selection of library books available to students.
Karsh Award laureate selects three ‘emerging artists’ for 2022 exhibition
By Abigael Lynch Three young, emerging artists in Ottawa will get a chance to showcase their work next year in an Ottawa City Hall show celebrating photography and other lens-based work. The Karsh Award, one of Ottawa’s top art prizes, is presented every four years to a local photographer or other lens-based artist. The emerging artists were chosen by Andrew...
City approves plan to save building’s facade before demolition and rebuild at site facing nature museum
The city gets behind a development in the Centretown Heritage District near the Canadian Museum of Nature.
New exhibition at the Canadian War Museum puts Anne Frank’s story in a wider context
The "Anne Frank - A History for Today" exhibition at the Canadian War Museum held its virtual opening on March 3. The exhibition will be at the museum until April 25.
City recognizes the hidden history in Ottawa’s heritage hydro substations
Five historic buildings were designated as heritage sites. Find out what they mean to the community.
Ottawa council approves expansion of Chateau Laurier
Ottawa city council voted 14 to 10 to approve the design changes to the hotel expansion and issue a heritage permit.
Performing artists profoundly punished by the pandemic, arts groups say
The impact of the pandemic on performing artists has been profound, arts organizations say
Lookahead ’21: Palestinian club at Qatar university plans quiz show, other events to share cultural traditions
The Palestinian Culture Club at Qatar University is showcasing Palestinian culture and history
Ontario’s film and television professionals optimistic and working despite COVID-19
While many businesses are struggling with the financial impacts of COVID-19, film and television professionals are optimistic the industry's decade of solid growth will sustain it.
Audio storytelling rides a wave of pandemic popularity
The pandemic has not slowed the interest in podcasting as a way to engage and interested audience.
Lookahead ’21: Lebanese arts hub hopes to offer in-person, digital classes with fall relaunch
Tony Yazbek, the driving force in promoting Lebanese arts and culture in Ottawa, said he’s hoping for a fall re-launch of programming in updated studio spaces equipped for both in-person and virtual classes. In 1976, at the height of his career as a professional dancer and choreographer, Yazbek left Lebanon because of a civil war that was raging. After settling...
Hazel McCallion’s 100th birthday bash to showcase arts council’s virtual transition during pandemic
When the curtain came down on live performances and other in-person cultural events because of the pandemic, the Mississauga Arts Council immediately switched gears. MAC has been navigating a virtually supportive environment since March 2020 and continues to bring artists and audiences together as best they can. Executive director Mike Douglas says he hopes people will embrace the arts more...
Lookahead ’21: Museum links pandemic, wartime challenges in ‘Make Do and Mend’ workshop series
On Feb. 19, the Canadian War Museum will host the latest in its series of “Make Do and Mend” online events, which were inspired by an exhibition about everyday life during the Second World War and advocate for resourceful, self-sufficient living in 2021. During the LeBreton Flats-based museum’s closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, an online portal called Museum at Home...
The 25th Hour: Hauler turns its creativity to a new way of touring during pandemic
When COVID-19 hit, Celtic band Hauler had to cancel their tour and find new ways to promote their first album.
The 25th Hour: Spreading laughs, not germs
Stand-Up Comedy with Pierre Brault has offered stand-up classes for those looking to break into the art. Now, it serves a new purpose during the pandemic.
Faces of change: Wise Atangana works to empower Black youth
Wise Atangana hopes to open a cultural centre to empower young Black artists in Ottawa.
OK Created: channelling quarantine creativity into a small business
Unable to find a job this past summer due to COVID-19, Carleton student Olivia Kabelin turned her quarantine hobby into a small art business. Here’s a look into that journey.
Still waiting in the wings: Why women and people of colour remain sidelined in Canadian film and TV
While change is starting to happen, too many BIPOC women are still waiting for their turn at leadership roles within the film and television industry in Canada and worldwide.
The show goes on: Ottawa street dancers staying strong during the pandemic
A group of Ottawa street dancers has been adapting to COVID-19 restrictions in its own way since the lockdown was declared in March. This fall, for example, the group released a dance video project on YouTube in which 13 masked dancers performed. Culture Shock is a non-profit dance organization started in San Diego in 1993. Culture Shock Ottawa, founded in...
Night at the museum: How Canada’s history hubs are struggling through the dark days of COVID-19
Museums across Canada are wrestling with the impact of COVID-19 and trying to plan for an uncertain future.
Ottawa fans are doing their part to help Korean boy band BTS dominate the music scene
BTS have been dominating the international music scene, and it's thanks to their dedicated fans.
Latest ‘Lost Ottawa’ book explores the past through shared memories
Lost Ottawa provides a way to talk about shared experiences, memories and changes through photos of the past.
Saying goodbye to the Bytowne underlines importance of supporting small cinemas
Following announcement of its closure, the Bytowne Cinema is proof why we shouldn't take our city's slowly-disappearing gems for granted.
Ottawa artist, musician keeps creating even as COVID-19 threatens his safety
Chris Binkowski recently celebrated his 40th birthday, something few people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy achieve. He is also an artist and musician dealing with COVID-19 from an assited living facility.
Tiny house, big benefits: Living with less can make you happier, research shows
Living tiny is proving to have big benefits. People are choosing the tiny house lifestyle to downsize the space they live in, simplify their life, and live efficiently with less - and it's having a big impact on homeowner happiness.
Lessons from the lockdown: Independent bookshops say they’re ready for holiday shoppers
Two local bookstores say they are better prepared to manage the impact of the pandemic because of the support of the community.
Coming to a computer screen near you: Ottawa film festivals find virtual silver screen lining during pandemic
Film festivals in Ottawa are discovering the challenges and benefits of online screenings as they adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
War Museum exhibit tells personal stories to reveal much about the history of the Second World War
Months after being postponed by the arrival of COVID-19, the Canadian War Museum is marking the 75th anniversary of the Second World War with an exhibit that showcases the experiences of dozens of Canadians during 1939-45 conflict. Forever Changed: Stories from the Second World War was curated by Tim Cook, author and military historian, and is open to the public....
Faces of change: Ottawa photographer Katherine Takpannie uses her camera to raise awareness
Capital Current continues its occasional series profiling some of the people who are making a difference in our community: Katherine Takpannie says her journey with photography started when she was 15. “I have an uncle who gifted me a little point-and-shoot camera, and I had started a project called 365, when you take one photo a day for an entire...
Ottawa artists with developmental disabilities take their creativity online
A unique group of Ottawa artists with developmental disabilities has been working to stay creative through virtual activities since leaving their studio March 13 as a result of the pandemic lockdown.
Faces of change: John Medicine Horse Kelly brings communities together through music
Capital Current continues its occasional series profiling some of the people who are making a difference in our community: John Medicine Horse Kelly has spent the better part of the past three decades working to preserve and revitalize Indigenous culture through music. Nowadays, he works to create bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities at Carleton University. Kelly, from Skidegate, Haida...
Faces of change: Jessica Ruano advocates for the arts community in Ottawa and abroad
Capital Current continues its occasional series profiling some of the people who are making a difference in our community: From theatre to community support to journalism, Jessica Ruano has worked to pave the way for younger artists in Canada and abroad. In 2006, she founded the Ottawa Arts Newsletter in response to what she felt was a lack of local...
Despite heavy COVID-19 losses, movie theatre operators remain hopeful
Despite several months of on-and-off closures and steep drops in revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic, movie theatre operators are optimistic that a pandemic bounce-back could be around the corner.
Remembrance, remotely
In the midst of a surge in second-wave COVID-19 cases, Canadians paused on Nov. 11 to remember the sacrifices of soldiers who died and veterans who survived the First and Second World War, conflicts in Korea, Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions around the world. The pandemic made Remembrance Day 2020 a mostly virtual, physically distanced commemoration — a very different kind...
Pandemic changing way architects are thinking about Ottawa’s new library
How Architects are designing and building our future communities in the COVID era.
Rage rooms and other spaces offer physical, emotional relief in COVID times
An overview of select recreational facilities that offer consumers a safe space to engage in a physical activity while blowing off emotional steam.
Hunt Club community presses Ottawa library board for a branch to end ‘systemic discrimination’
The Hunt Club Community Association's frustration surmounts as OPL board insists they are trying to provide them with equitable library service.
Ottawa pagans prepare to observe a physically distanced tradition on Oct. 31
Samhain, a Celtic holiday from which Halloween originates, normally involves witch balls, parties, and group rituals for Ottawa pagans. Pandemic restrictions mean community members must stay home.
Ottawa theatres in forced intermission because of COVID-19 closures
Not being able to attend live theatre is becoming a major issue for smaller theatre companies.
Bored into beautiful: The pandemic has inspired people to embrace their creative side
Crystal D’Souza was scrolling through Tik Tok to pass the time under COVID-19 restrictions when she was struck with inspiration while watching tutorials on how to frame pressed flowers. She thought it was a cool idea. “I made the first one for my friend Katherine’s birthday and then other friends wanted one and I had a lot of spare time,...
The art of protest: Painting in support of Black Lives Matter
Ottawa artists are painting their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ottawa drive-in concert example of how COVID-19 is reshaping cultural gatherings
A closer look at Ottawa's changing entertainment scene following new COVID-19 restrictions.
Museums seizing digital moment: Funding for virtual skate exhibit highlights pandemic trend
This year's batch of approved projects include an exhibit that will explore one of Canada's most underrated sports: figure skating.
Emmy winner Annie Murphy launched acting life at Elmwood
Annie Murphy, member of Schitt's Creek's cast, won Best Supporting Actress in the comedy category at the 2020 Emmy Awards.
Here’s how we roll: E-scooters in Ottawa
With E-scooter fleets on Ottawa streets, here’s what you need to know about scootering.
‘A Like Vision’: Kleinburg gallery marks 100th anniversary of iconic Group of Seven’s inaugural 1920 exhibition
The Group of Seven's first exhibition was held 100 year ago. To celebrate the anniversary, the McMichael art gallery has put on a special exhibition.
Comic relief: Local comedians happy to be back with live performances under Ontario’s Stage 3 reopening
As comedy clubs begin to reopen during Stage 3 of Ontario's reopening, comedians must start getting used to the new normal when it comes to performing.
The show must go on: The Gladstone will host audiences on a Midsummer outdoor patio
Live theatre will be back on in Ottawa July 29. There have been logistical challenges and creative solutions, but The Gladstone in Little Italy is ready to stage a pandemic-adapted, “socially-distanced live-in-person” production of Midsummer [A play with songs] for a 12-day run on its outdoor patio. Midsummer is an acclaimed 2008 play by Scottish dramatist David Greig, punctuated with...
Museum celebrates women in service during Second World War with exhibition of art by Molly Lamb Bobak
The Canadian War Museum has created a virtual exhibition of war art by Molly Lamb Bobak