Collaboration and improv key to Ottawa’s only hip hop jam sessions
The booming sound of live music fills Red Bird on Bank Street where Ottawa’s only hip-hop jam session takes place.
Fitness influencers promote risky, unproven fitness products called peptides online — and health experts are ringing alarm bells
Fitness and wellness trends are nothing new to social media. Influencers promote and sell items to their audiences and their messages often convince consumers the products are safe. The latest social media buzz is around peptides being peddled online to buyers looking to build and heal muscles — and experts are warning about risks. Michael Osborn, a university student in...
As welcoming ‘third places’ decline, Rough Draft Events is building a community for young adults in Ottawa
When she started her online stationery business in 2024, Cara Loop never thought she’d become an event planner. Two years later, she’s the creative mind behind a rotating calendar of trivia nights, themed events and affordable craft workshops across Ottawa. Rough Draft Events, founded by Loop, hosts workshops at community-oriented businesses such as Arlington Five, Equator Coffee and Manor Park Brewing (formerly Small and Local Beer co.), with a focus on accessibility and low-cost participation. In a...
Eating local: Restaurants seek the perfect mix of social media presence and influencer content
Food businesses and influencers are using social media platforms to reach new customers.
Natural wine tempting drinkers looking for a healthier option
Natural wine is on the rise in Ottawa offering consumers healthier alternatives.
Meeting the public where they are, a fifth-generation Ottawa butcher shop thrives on social media
The Butchery in Ottawa gaining social media traction is a "big deal" says expert.
Ottawa’s ‘King of Christmas trees’ returns to parking lot of iconic Merivale Dairy Queen
Ottawa's King of the Christmas Trees is back in his kingdom at the iconic retro Dairy Queen parking lot on Merivale.
Sports car owners prepare for winter season amid early snowfall
With snow finally here, Ottawa sports car owners are deciding whether or not they are keeping or storing their cars away this winter.
Social media and personalization drive nail art trends in Ottawa
Across Ottawa, nail art is more than beauty, it’s identity. And one student nail artist is helping define the look.
Handmade ho, ho, ho: Putting a priority on meaningful gifts as budgets tighten this holiday season
As the holiday season approaches and prices rise nation-wide, Canadians are choosing to adapt in creative ways.
Kemptville nights: Goldwyn’s injects some new life into growing community
On Sept. 27, a country-style bar opened in Kemptville's downtown core.
Young people taking risks chasing beauty ideals with Botox, dermal fillers, experts say
Statistics show more youth are getting cosmetic injections because of beauty trends on social media.
Photography program helps people with Down syndrome explore their visual creativity
The True to Life project is the work of photographers Kelly McDonald and Emillie Swain, who have taught photography to students with Down syndrome for roughly a decade.
Unveiling of returned Roaring Lion portrait underlines its importance to Château Laurier, Ottawa and ‘free world’
Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier threw a homecoming party Friday to celebrate the return of a famous Winston Churchill portrait by renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh that was stolen in 2022.
The desert blooms: Old Hull residents welcome the first grocery store in 25 years
The neighbourhood of Old Hull now has it's first grocery store since 1999, and neighbourhood residents are pleased.
City of Ottawa’s new focus on person-centred, long-term care a welcome shift
Francis Dixon says the City of Ottawa’s shift toward person-centred care has enhanced his sense of independence and dignity at Carleton Lodge, a long-term care home by the Rideau River — one of four run by the city. “I can wake up when my body allows, and the staff genuinely care about my needs,” the 87-year-old retired clergyman told Capital...
So far, so good: Person-centred care pilot program in Ottawa long-term care deemed success
Person-centred care is an integrated health-services approach that relies on a variety of factors to strengthen resident comfort and safety.
Dark Fork: Ottawa’s new dining experience ‘pulls out all your senses’
Dark Fork, Ottawa’s first dine-in-the-dark restaurant, invites customers to explore a unique experience.
The 25th Hour: Investing in women’s entrepreneurship
There are more Canadian women entrepreneurs than ever before, yet systemic barriers in funding are still getting in the way of good business. Reporter Nehaa Bimal finds out more about these barriers to success.
The 25th Hour: I make clothes
Young desginer, Hamza Yassin behind the brand Atlas Vestis tells Capital Current about the struggles of entering into the fashion industry in Ottawa.
Rising costs, vet shortages make for tough times for pet owners
Veterinarian shortages have led to a cost increase in for vet costs in Ottawa. Local pet owners struggle to ensure their pets are getting needed care.
Sharing the wealth: The thrill of the find turns thrifters into resellers
Ottawa is seeing a rise of consumers shopping for secondhand and preloved items, on social media and local markets.
Last call approaching for the winter season at Lansdowne’s indoor skateboarding park
Ottawa skateboarders enjoy a winter at the Aberdeen Pavilion, a pop-up skate park in Lansdowne, open free of charge. Organized by Birling skate shop and the city, the inclusive sessions run until March, overcoming winter skate challenges and promoting diversity in the sport. Birling, known for community support, provides a welcoming space for all.
Press ‘paws’ on pet-influencer trend on social media, say animal advocates
Experts are raising concerns about the mistreatment of some pets by those making videos of the animals to gain likes and views on social media.
Winter Market offers welcome escape to ‘tropical oasis’ in Navan
A Navan greenhouse opened up its space to bring local vendors together with residents for a tropical interlude in January.
Award-winning chefs cook up a storm at Canada’s Culinary Championship
The pressure was on as Canada’s Great Kitchen Party hosted the 2024 Canada Culinary Championship at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre Feb. 2-3. The contest featured 10 chefs from across the country who competed for the title of top chef of Canada after placing first in their respective regional competitions. Throughout the two-day event, contestants competed in a series of challenges to...
Inflation has restaurants struggling to pay the bills as costs rise and consumers watch their wallets
The restaurant industry is struggling with rising costs, narrow profit margins and cost-conscious customers.
Many swear by an ice-cold plunge but the health benefits are murky, experts say
As cold plunging has risen in popularity the benefits are being promoted over the risks, but how good for you is the polar plunge after all?
Skincare business booming but rash of doubtful advice online making experts blush
The skincare industry has boomed over the past decade. In Canada, revenues for the sector are expected to exceed $2 billion U.S.
CNIB’s new charter aims to create a more inclusive society for the visually impaired
A CNIB Charter of Rights for children who are blind and low vision could make for a fairer, more equitable society.
As grocery prices continue to rise, this Ottawa Reddit user is helping people find deals
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians have substantially changed their grocery habits, according to a recent survey.
Many Canadians forced to make cuts to holiday gift budget
Although inflation has eased, many Ottawans are tightening their belts as they do their Christmas shopping this year.
City builder: ‘Loud and proud,’ Sally Thomas works hard to bring parity to OC Transpo
Sally Thomas is a "loud and proud" adaptive public transit advocate working to close the disparity between conventional transit and para transit.
Love it or mock it, the pumpkin spice latte defines fall for some coffee drinkers
As students enter midterm season, coffee has become a main form of energy for students, who are sleep-deprived and studying hard. Coffee shops are bustling and students are seen studying all over with coffee cups in hand.
Cyclists take to the streets in Critical Mass ride to demand better biking infrastructure in Ottawa
Dozens of cyclists from all walks of life got together to cruise through the streets of Ottawa and Gatineau on Oct 14, 2023 — an event called Critical Mass ride — to deliver a message to municipal leaders: Make cycling safer.
Barbie, Addams Family and Five Nights at Freddy’s some of Ottawa’s top Halloween costume picks
Expect to see Addams family characters, Barbie, and Five Nights at Freddy's characters among the top costume choices this year.
City builder: ‘Chef Joe’ blazing a culinary trail in Ottawa
Chef Joe Thottungal is a culinary trailblazer who has treated Ottawa to a range of Indian food experiences.
The ‘shoppertainment’ trap: As social media apps blur line between socializing and buying, the risks to users soar
Shopping online through social media platforms is expanding exponentially but it also carries serious risks, experts say.
Zellers returns with nostalgic flair to competitive Canadian discount retail market
HBC's relaunch of the Zellers brand is a bid to compete in the discount retail market. Many Canadians will remember the store but some ask is nostalgia enough?
Project V in photos: Sold-out Ottawa fashion and music show just the beginning
Organizers are thrilled at the turnout and enthusiasm for Project V, an event fashion, music and more.
As infamous Rideau McDonald’s closes, diners plan march to show their love
Infamous McDonald's on Rideau Street will close in April, prompting some residents to march in honours of the notorious eatery.
Greely carnival celebrates 50 years of winter fun and community cohesion
The Greely Winter Carnival celebrated 50 years recently. The carnival has been a staple in Ottawa’s rural south communities. It was introduced in the town of Greely in 1972 and was designed to bring the community together.
In the mix: Dry January and new guidelines stirring debate about alcohol alternatives
With Dry January coming to an end and new alcohol recommendations, some people are reaching for zero-proof drinks.
Make pleasure part of healing, sexologist advises assault victims in campus talk
Assault survivors needs to find a way through their trauma and one tool they can use is pleasure, says a sexologist.
Growing up meant learning to love my curly hair after years of hating it
Capital Current's Maya Riachi has curly hair but taking care of it is tricky. Until she learned how, she writes, she struggled with it.
Experts debate whether porn-fuelled fantasies are driving bedroom violence
Researchers are examining the trend toward more rough sex and some are connecting it to pornography.
Resurgent ’emo’ subculture reminds a troubled world it’s okay to be ‘not okay’
“Emo” is a largely American, music-based subculture that gained traction in the early 2000s, eventually going global, before fading into the background around 2014-2015. It is making a comeback in the wake of the pandemic and Trump.
The 25th Hour: Shiatsu to Soap: Cleansing the Skincare Industry
Debbie Schinzel turned her passion project into an eco-friendly business.
Scar cover-ups: Tackling trauma with tattoos
Ottawa tattoo artist Becky D is helping their clients heal and bring beauty to their scars through tattooing.
One of Ottawa’s biggest vintage flea markets gears up for cooler season ahead
The Ottawa FlyMarket, a popular vintage clothing flea market, looks ahead at its first indoor event of the season.