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 charities ‘concerned but hopeful’ as funds drop during COVID-19
Ottawa's charities are not immune to the economic impact of COVID-19. Decreasing fundraising revenue may affect their ability to provide support.
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.
Cumberland’s Franco-Ontarians worried merger with Osgoode ward would hurt their culture and language
The City is examining six proposals for ward boundary reviews, all of which will impact Cumberland's Francophone community.
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.
The way we roll: E-scooter pilot project ready to wrap – for now
How the e-scooter pilot project has been received so far in Ottawa
Halloween’s pumpkin problem: Anti-waste advocates urge end to doorstep-to-landfill horror show
Although pumpkins are grown as a food source, most will be thrown away this Halloween. Several organizations are working to tackle this pumpkin problem.
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.
Acquittal of Ottawa police officer in death of Abdirahman Abdi draws reaction from across Canada
The acquittal of Ottawa Police Const. Daniel Montsion of three charges from the death of Abdirahman Abdi four years ago is drawing reaction from across the country. Montsion was found not guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in by Ontario Court Justice Robert Kelly, who said he was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Montsion...
COVID consequences: Ottawa-area animal sanctuaries short staff, funds
Limited funding for sanctuaries during COVID-19 means a lack of access to volunteers and staff, as well as food, medicine and supply shortages.
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
The death of Joyce Echaquan: ‘Indigenous people know it’s not unique’
Joyce Echaquan’s tragic death and the racist verbal abuse she faced while receiving medical treatment has shocked many Canadians, but her experience is far from an isolated incident, say Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders alike. “Indigenous people know it’s not unique,” said Lorraine Whitman, head of the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Acknowledging that, four senior federal ministers convened a virtual...
Faces of change: Richard Sharpe wants sustainable policies to counter anti-Black racism
Richard Sharpe is a first-generation Canadian looking to make a long-lasting impact on the Black community both here in Ottawa and across the nation.
A new chapter for the Ottawa Public Library during the pandemic
Ottawa Public Library has a role in the Ottawa community and has to continue making changes and improvements to meet the emerging needs of the community.
Faces of change: Peter Sloly’s complicated first year as Ottawa Police Chief
Peter Sloly's first year as Ottawa's first black police chief was full of contention and the prospect of change.
Faces of change: Sahada Alolo is building bridges to tackle systemic racism in Ottawa Police
As co-chair of the Community Equity Council, Sahada Alolo is working to close the gap between marginalized communities and Ottawa police.
15,000 City of Ottawa employees getting a lesson in Indigenous history and culture
This launch is an impactful step, for learning how to build better relationships, according to the City's diversity and inclusion specialist.
Proposed LRT extension could displace low-income Nepean residents
As the city discusses plans for Stage 3 LRT extensions, residents of a Nepean apartment building are concerned about the possibility of evication.
Faces of Change: Amira Elghawaby fights for labour rights – and voices often overlooked
Journalist and human rights advocate, Amira Elghawaby speaks on her career and platform in a multicultural Canada.
Faces of Change: Abdirizak Karod works to unite Black people in Ottawa
Abdirizak Karod is a mentor and community leader, who has continued to support the Somali community in the face of budget cuts.
Faces of change: Helen Hirsh Spence hopes to energize an aging Ottawa
Capital Current is profiling people who are making a difference in our community in the series Faces of Change. At 71, Helen Hirsh Spence takes pride in many things: a degree from Dickinson College, a successful career in education and becoming the self-appointed CEO of her own organization. Still, what Hirsh Spence feels proudest of is her age. After living...
Faces of change: Chloe Halpenny fights for a universal basic income
Chloe Halpenny advocates for a for a universal basic income, feminism and more.
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.
Faces of change: John Woodhouse pushes for mobility justice in Ottawa
For children, seniors, and people with mobility issues, navigating the City of Ottawa is not always safe. Volunteer, John Woodhouse is working to create a more accessible and walkable city.
Faces of Change: Body Ngoy wants to draw a fresh picture of Black Canadians
Body Ngoy, a prominent figure in Ottawa's Black community, details how his experiences shaped both the comic book author and proud Black Canadian man he is now.
Faces of change: Davy Sabourin reflects on the first virtual Capital Pride
Davy Sabourin, Capital Pride’s Chairperson on the Board of Directors reflects on the first-ever virtual Capital Pride Festival.
Faces of change: Heidi Langille is creating allies by celebrating Inuit culture
According to Heidi Langille, an urban Inuk and dedicated mother, one of the best ways to create allies is through the celebration of culture.
Faces of change: Louisa Taylor helps newcomers navigate 2020, COVID-19
This Ottawa refugee advocate is working to ease newcomers into a post-COVID Canada.
Perfect weather driving massive crowds to apple orchards, forcing managers to tighten COVID rules
Apple picking season has successfully kicked off, but massive crowds and lack of masks pose problems.
Home for the High Holidays: Synagogues adapt services for pandemic times
The Jewish High Holiday season is here. But like most things in the times of coronavirus, holiday traditions and celebrations will look very different this year.
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.
‘Pop-up’ COVID test sites yield unremarkable rates of infection, Ottawa Public Health says
Mobile testing centres will be put on hold for the time being as Ottawa Public Health ends the pilot program which brought testing to vulnerable communities across the city.
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 boundaries of free expression are up for debate in the Age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter
An open letter signed by public luminaries in Harper’s magazine has sparked a lively public discussion on the boundaries and limits on free speech. How do Canadian thinkers respond to this debate?
The paws that refresh: Pups and iced coffee make for a heartwarming patio party
A Carling Avenue Starbucks partners with Ottawa Dog Rescue to raise some cash and spread some love.
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?
Remote rituals: The Jewish community is sustaining faith, upholding sacred traditions during the pandemic
In a pre-pandemic world, eight-day-old Theo Rapkin would have had his bris ceremony in a Montreal synagogue, surrounded by friends and family, his parents and a rabbi. There would have been prayers and a brunch. The bris — formally known as the brit malah, or the “covenant of circumcision” — is a ceremony performed on the eighth day of a...
Ottawa’s queer community moves online for Pride 2020 festival
Due to COVID-19, Ottawa's Pride celebrations will mostly take place online in 2020.
‘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.
‘We’re going as fast as we can’: Etobicoke businesses, public facilities embrace reopening
Peel Region and the City of Toronto's Stage 2 reopening allows more businesses to open and community centres to begin outdoor activities.
Ottawa Fringe steps onto a digital stage
Ottawa Fringe organizers have announced they will hold this year’s festival virtually. How are organizers and participating artists adapting to the performing arts in the time of COVID-19?
Canadian Museum for Human Rights under fire for systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2S+ community
Pride Winnipeg is re-evaluating its relationship with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights after accounts emerged that the museum hid LGBTQ content upon request.
Watch: Bagpipers give seniors in the Glebe reason to dance
Bagpiping brothers are using their imagination and their music to help seniors cope with the isolation caused by the pandemic.
Ottawa Board of Health declares racism a public health issue, Black leader applauds ‘important gesture’
In the wake of the Ottawa Board of Health recognizing racism as a public health issue, community organizers who work at the intersection of race and health reflect on the way forward.
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.
Close Knit: Traditional skills now part of the fibre of the queer community
Members of the LGBTQ community are turning to fibre arts to express themselves.
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...
Large gathering at Alberta legislature continues anti-racism conversation
EDMONTON — Up to 15,000 protestors gathered in the Alberta capital on Friday night for an anti-racism protest sparked by the death of a Black American man who died after his violent arrest by Minneapolis police. Demonstrations condemning police brutality have been occurring across the U.S., Canada and around the world in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Fight...
Greening the Official Plan: activists push city to add environmental values
Activists are determined to push City Council to ensure that green values are part of the Official Plan that will govern development for the next 25 years.