Citing popularity of River House, Dow’s Lake, NCC opens two more swim sites
Two new swimming docks opened in July on both shores of the Ottawa River, giving visitors additional places to cool off in the water. One is located on the shoreline at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, while the other is directly across the river at East Wharf, near the Rideau Canal locks at the foot of Major’s Hill...
Riverkeeper panelists say ‘swimmability’ emerging as key quality-of-life indicator in major cities around the world
The head of the Ottawa Riverkeeper advocacy group says it’s time to change the public’s longstanding perception that the Ottawa River isn’t clean enough to swim in. Riverkeeper CEO Laura Reinsborough — who also holds the title “Riverkeeper” — hosted a recent panel discussion at the NCC River House that highlighted how a city’s “swimmability” is emerging as a key...
Ottawa’s love of shawarma on display with inaugural festival, record sandwich
The smell of garlic sauce and grilled meat filled York Street on June 7 as thousands gathered in the ByWard Market for Ottawa’s inaugural Shawarma Fest, a day-long celebration of one of the city’s most recognizable foods. Visitors lined up for shawarma wraps, watched live performances and cheered on a Guinness World Record attempt as organizers sought to cement Ottawa’s...
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.
Ottawa cricket players welcome plan to build six new pitches across the city
The city of Ottawa is planning to build up to six new cricket pitches to meet demand. Players and clubs are excited to see the continued growth of cricket on Ottawa.
Ottawa’s first Brazilian bakery seeks to be a cultural hub
Ottawa has just gained its first Brazilian bakery. "That's Bananas" seeks to be a cultural hub serving authentic Brazilian food for Ottawa's Brazilian community.
Just Food is sprouting food sovereignty in Ottawa
Urban agriculture in Ottawa is building skills, strengthening communities, and reshaping local food systems beyond the grocery store.
Ottawa entrepreneurs test demand for New York-style bagels with pop-ups
Small business Baci's Bagels is bringing New-York inspired bagels into the capital city. The couple behind it talks about their plans and popular bagel pop-ups.
As coffee prices climb, Ottawa roaster works to keep cups affordable
Gord Fitzpatrick has had seen the spike in coffee prices first hand. “This is the highest the prices have been,” said the owner of Kafia International Coffee and master roaster. “It peaked around September or October and has dipped slightly, but still high.” Fitzpatrick imports “green bean” coffee, the unroasted crop bought from wholesalers that finds its way to local...
Now approved in Canada, controversial purple tomato set to debut in stores
A genetically modified purple tomato, developed by California-based Norfolk Healthy Produce, has been approved for sale in Canada and is expected in grocery stores in the coming months. The purple variety is a typical cherry-type tomato with extra anthocyanins, the natural pigment that also makes blueberries blue. The additional anthocyanins in the purple tomatoes are thanks to two genes from...
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.
How’s your New Year’s resolution? Gym owners have ideas for keeping on track
People start the new year full of plans to keep their resolutions, only to see their resolve crumble by late January.
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.
Clothing prices fall, but experts say fast fashion’s human and environmental costs are rising
The fast fashion industry may allow consumers to pay less for clothing, but the production of these garments results in lower quality, perpetuates unethical labour practices and damages the environment, experts say. Countries such as Bangladesh have hosted fast fashion factories for two decades. The industry is also underpinned by online sites such as SHEIN and Temu and chain stores such...
It’s mainly because of the meat: Rising prices are changing how Canadians shop
Rising prices for meat are shifting the choices presented to Canadian consumers.
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.
Gas prices remain high compared with other costs, leaving Ottawa residents scrambling to cope
Despite overall inflation falling, gasoline prices are still consistently higher than all other essential goods in Ontario, putting financial strain on Ottawa residents.
Closed since 2021, Mooney’s Bay Hill could reopen for winter use, based on new city report
The city is considering a redevelopment of Mooney's Bay Hill for winter use. One option would see $3.1 million reconstruction for expanded use.
Ottawa public charging station use surging despite slumping EV sales
Ottawa residents are using public charging stations for their electric vehicles (EVs) more often. Meanwhile, Canada’s overall EV sales dip for the first time in years.
Turning a page? Bookworms taking stock because of rising prices
Rising cost of paper and shipping is forcing up prices for books.
Sunday surprise: Churches in Ottawa seeing slight increase in Gen Z worshippers
More Gen Z individuals are going to church now. Capital Current explores the development.
Restaurant critic Peter Hum has an appetite for food, jazz, travel and family history
Capital Current introduces people who have had an impact on the city. Who is he? Peter Hum is the Ottawa Citizen’s restaurant critic. He will serve an eight-week stint as resident chef at 1 Elgin restaurant early in 2026. From Vienna to Peru, then from Hong Kong to mainland China, Hum is travelling this month, eating and writing about food along...
Kemptville nights: Goldwyn’s injects some new life into growing community
On Sept. 27, a country-style bar opened in Kemptville's downtown core.
As Starbucks shuts Ottawa locations, coffee drinkers turn to local cafés for a better experience
As Starbucks shutters nine Ottawa locations amid declining sales, local coffee lovers are finding comfort and community in the city’s independent cafés.
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.
Sharing plates and conversation: Revello Williamson fuels connection through food reviews
Learn more about an Ottawa-based food reviewer who spreads laughter and joy one review at a time.
Ottawa’s multicultural cuisines: How immigrant restaurants shape the city
Immigrant restaurants and cooking classes are redefining Ottawa’s culinary identity and that matters as intolerance rises.
Some Ottawa businesses see strong summer rebound as tourists return in force to the capital
Ottawa saw a surge in tourism this past summer with July and August setting records.
Jessica Traina curates what Ottawa has to offer
Jessica Traina has turned a way to explore Ottawa into a career as an local content creator, sharing guides and tips with thousands of followers.
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.
City gives $30,000 boost to accessibility makeover at conservation area to let those with disabilities enjoy nature
The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation has received a $30,000 grant from the City of Ottawa to begin an expansion of its Nature for All project creating better access to the Baxter Conservation Area for people living with disabilities . The project’s first phase saw construction of a boardwalk across a marsh to allow people using wheelchairs or walkers — as...
Trade war tactics: Outdoor markets highlight value of buying local
Ottawa Street Markets founder shares why buying Canadian is important during the U.S.- Canada trade war.
Growing food may soon be allowed alongside Ottawa roads if council approves
Ottawa residents may soon be able to grow food on city-owned property near roads, if a motion passed by the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee is adopted by full council. If the motion amending a bylaw is adopted, it would allow fixed planters placed half a metre away from the sidewalk and 1.5 meters away from the road on streets without...
One in four struggle to afford food: How Ottawa’s Parkdale Food Centre is managing demand
The Parkdale Food Centre is barely able to keep up with the demand as amid rising food prices.
Making ends ‘meat:’ How an Ottawa deli is managing rising costs
For Paolo Di Rienzo, slinging hearty sandwiches and homemade cannolis has been the name of the game for decades now. Di Rienzo’s Deli and Grocery, on the corner of Beech Street and Champagne Avenue in Little Italy, has been a staple for many since 1973. Despite being a fixture of the authentic eats in Ottawa for more than 50 years...
Ottawa’s pothole problem: the city’s need for road renewal
For years, pothole complaints have been one of the most filed complaints in Ottawa. But this year, the number has drastically gone down. Why is that?
Ottawa EV drivers navigate shift to battery-powered vehicles as charging infrastructure slowly improves
Ottawa is getting greener by shifting to no fuel emission vehicles. EV drivers say the battery range on their electric vehicles can be worrisome.
Traffic calming project doesn’t please everyone on one Ottawa street
Some say it's inconvenient for the neighbourhood, while others expressed frustration with the way the city held consultations about the plan.
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.
City Builder: Wendy Leung helping communities access surplus food with Foodsharing Ottawa
Who is she? Wendy Leung is the volunteer executive director of Foodsharing Ottawa. The organization collects surplus food from local businesses and distributes it to people in need. What is her background? Leung’s background combines biochemistry, regulatory affairs and public health, with experience in business development and digital services. “I love connecting the dots across various fields and using what...
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.
After 50 years in business, Mountain Orchards’ co-founder has no regrets
Mountain Orchard celebrates its 50th season this year. Co-owner Shelley Lyall tells Capital Current about the highs and lows of the last 50 years.