Meditation on the rise as pandemic stress intensifies
Meditation is an effective tool to mitigate pandemic stress and virtual Ottawa meditation classes are increasingly gaining popularity.
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.
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.
Time to support struggling local businesses
The holiday season is upon us and now more than ever is the time to support local businesses, which, as it happens, is safe and easy, despite the pandemic.
Ottawa food stores balance low-waste mission with customer safety during COVID-19
Low waste grocery stores change protocols to try to produce less waste through single use plastic while containers are banned from some stores due to COVID-19.
Online LGBTQ-friendly business directory helps shoppers feel safe
Dapper and Daring is an online LGBTQ-friendly business directory for the Ottawa area, poised to help shoppers feel safe from discrimination.
COVID is reshaping holiday traditions, shopping
Like many things in 2020, the holiday season will look a little bit different this year as COVID-19 cases continue to hit record highs all across the country.
Businesses, customers lament as pandemic scuttles Ottawa Christmas Market
The Ottawa Christmas Market is cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of this event may impact more than just he holiday spirit in Ottawa, including small business owners who rely on Christmas Markets to sell their products.
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.
Ottawa malls adapt to a new kind of holiday shopping
With current COVID-19 restrictions holiday shopping in Canada’s capital is going to look very different this year.
Ottawa Tool Library reluctantly packs up 2,500-item kit after eviction from City Centre
The Ottawa Tool Library is unexpectedly vacating its home base at the City Centre building near Bayview Station after being evicted by its property management company. The OTL is not publicly funded, relying instead on a membership system that gives participants unlimited access to 2,500 tools and devices and the workshop space needed to work on DIY projects. The library...
Seasonal businesses consider a virtual Christmas as COVID scuttles in-person traditions
With the Holidays right around the corner, Christmas small businesses are potentially opting for COVID-safe virtual options to continue to spread Christmas cheer.
Battered by COVID, Ottawa retailers hope for ‘buy local’ bump during holiday season battle with online giants
Small-scale Ottawa retailers, already struggling to survive crippling COVID-19 restrictions, are raising alarms about pre-Christmas competition with online shopping giants and urging consumers to “buy local.” Because of the pandemic, Canada Post is anticipating delays this holiday season as more people skip in-person and shop online. Earlier this year, because of pandemic shopping restrictions, Canada Post had a weeks-long backlog...
City waives 2021 patio fees, allows road closures in business zones to combat COVID-19’s economic impact
As struggling restaurants brace for a winter of pandemic restrictions certain to curtail customer traffic, the City of Ottawa is exploring ways to help keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. At a Nov. 2 transportation committee meeting, councillors voted to waive patio fees until next year and to allow restaurants in Business Improvement Areas to apply for road closures...
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.
Ottawa’s hard-hit tourism sector faces an uncertain future amid pandemic
Tourism spending in Canada is down, leaving Ottawa's tourism industry in crisis. The city is positioned to lose $1.4 billion in tourism spending in 2020.
COVID and creativity: New businesses spring up during pandemic
As a way to keep productive during quarantine, some Ottawa locals have started their own businesses, seeing success in the second wave.
Many students losing an economic lifeline as restaurant jobs in Ottawa hit hard by COVID-19
Life is tough for Student employees and students seeking work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spooky attractions across Ontario haunted by pandemic rules
How local businesses are adapting to pandemic guidelines in attempt to provide the haunted Halloween experience this year.
Ottawa housing market continues price gains, despite pandemic
Ottawa's housing market has continued to grow during the pandemic and doesn't appear it will slow down soon.
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,...
New stadium lease brings hope of a successful revival of professional baseball in Ottawa
With a new stadium lease, new ownership, and playing in a different league hopes for a professional baseball revival in Ottawa are high
Shopify shuts trend-setting workspace and Ottawa’s downtown real estate market is rattled to core
Shopify leads the retreat from Ottawa's office real estate market. How many will follow their lead?
Tourism in Ottawa may not bounce back from COVID-19 until 2023: expert
Tourism in Ottawa has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, what do businesses in the tourism sector think?
Ottawa golf courses ace the pandemic summer with record high numbers
It’s been one of the few industries in any sector that seems to have benefitted from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the 2020 golf season winds down, a look at how this outdoor activity — relatively easy to keep compliant with public health guidelines — became the go-to recreational outlet for many people.
‘Virtual craft market’ highlights how artisans have adapted to COVID times
Through online shopping and the "Buy Local" city campaign, local Ottawa artisans stay on top despite COVID-19 barriers.
Smaller fields, more biodiversity, research by Carleton professor shows
Lenore Fahrig, a biology professor at Carleton University, has found that dividing large fields into smaller ones helps provide habitat for native wildlife.
Locally, nationally, Canada’s tourism industry continues to struggle during COVID-19 restrictions
Ottawa Tourism has created the #MyOttawa Pass to provide locals with discounts and deals at certain Ottawa businesses. This comes after tourism industry businesses across the country have said they are struggling and Statistics Canada is reporting record breaking decreases in major tourism indicators.
Local childcare centres prepared for Stage 3
Some childcare centres say they feel prepared to increase their cohorts of children from 10 to 15 as of July 27.
In focus: Researchers, optometrists stress importance of eye health as online market for glasses grows
Eye experts are expressing concerns over online eyewear consumers not getting regular eye exams.
Kettleman’s rolling their bagels down Highway 401 to open Toronto location
The first Kettleman's location in Toronto is opening soon. Kettleman’s Bagel Co., an Ottawa favourite, is expanding outside Ottawa for the first time.
COVID-19 is clouding the future of available affordable housing
Statistics Canada released numbers saying spending on residential construction building projects has dropped drastically. What impact is this having on affordable housing?
Part of Bank Street closes to vehicles to boost business, ensure social distancing
A section of Bank Street will join the growing list of Ottawa streets opting to close to motor vehicles to ensure safer social distancing this summer.
In the summer of COVID-19, Canadians are embracing local travel — and giving hope to the tourism industry
WINNIPEG — For many Canadians, summertime is travel time. This year, though — in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic — many people are choosing to stay closer to home. “This year, I’m essentially travelling locally,” said Lauren Brown, a world traveller and Toronto-based blogger who runs DIY Vacation, an online resource with tourism tips for destinations all over the...
ACORN campaign pushes for free internet for low-income Canadians during pandemic
ACORN has been campaigning for free internet for low income Canadians during the pandemic. Who is being impacted and what are some challenges to making this happen?
Pandemic lessons: Ottawa management expert looks into the future of remote work
One Ottawa executive broke down tips she learned about working remotely as well as, her predictions for how this experience will permanently affect the workforce.
A Capital Current Explainer: Benefits for Canadians struggling during the pandemic
The federal government several benefits to assist those who are struggling financial as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's break each benefit down from the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit to the Canadian Emergency Business Account!
‘My Ottawa’ includes a new saving pass for residents to boost local businesses
Ottawa Tourism launches #MyOttawa pass to incite local residents to explore the city in efforts to revitalize the visitor economy.
‘Do I pay the rent, do I take the internet?’ Protesters demand free online service
With the pandemic magnifying the need for internet access, ACORN Toronto rallies for Internet for All and the University of Toronto implements a new service to help students.
Trim time: Ottawa residents finally get their lockdown hair fixed up
Many have already been able to enjoy the satisfaction of a fresh hair cut as salons and barbershops begin to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Struggling small businesses thankful for eviction ban to Aug. 31 but wonder about future
Small business owners are struggling, and the moratorium on commercial evictions may not do much to help.
Ontario dental offices reopen, but ‘it’s not like flipping the switch’
An Ottawa dental clinic is ready for regular procedures during COVID-19, but an Albertan hygienist says returning to normal work isn't simple.
Ottawa tattoo parlours approach reopening with caution
As Ontario enters Stage 2 of the reopening of the provincial economy during COVID-19, the long-awaited announcement that “establishments providing personal care services” can now resume operations — with many restrictions — is being met with a mixed reaction. Personal care enterprises such as hair salons, piercing studios and tattoo parlours can open today. But despite getting the green light...
COVID-19 puts pressure on small businesses in Ottawa
Small business owners are scrambling to adjust to the new normal of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ottawa craft brewery adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic
Stray Dog Brewing company is one of few businesses to prosper during the COVID-19 pandemic. His beer delivery has become a popular service throughout the capital.
Internet providers see demand surge as Canadians hunker down over COVID-19
COIVD-19 is forcing Canadians to stay inside their homes leaving internet service providers with greater demand for their services.
Local Ottawa businesses adapt to COVID-19 closures
Some local business owners say they are facing some very tough choices in the current lockdown in Ontario. Businesses deemed essential by the province include grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, and cannabis retailers among others. This has forced some non-essential business owners to rework their plans to survive during the closures. “I made the decision to cut all nine of my...
Open or shut? COVID crisis forces tough choices for Ottawa restaurants
Ottawa restaurants deal with COVID-19 and pressures to close due to pandemic.
Planking the COVID-19 curve with online yoga classes
Innergy Corporate Yoga is using the online conferencing platform Zoom to stream live classes to clients.
Gas prices in Ottawa at historic lows but expert warns it likely won’t last
Gas prices in Ottawa are at their lowest in more than a decade but it won't help much for those who aren't driving because of the pandemic.