Debate delayed on fossil fuel ad ban as city targets ‘greenwashing’ instead
Members of the city’s finance and corporate services committee have delayed debating a staff recommendation against banning fossil fuel advertising on municipal property. Instead, staff outlined a plan in a memo presented to the committee on June 3 to ensure ads on city property would comply with new provisions under the Federal Competition Act targeting misleading environmental claims, also known...
Algonquin elder still ‘frustrated’ by explorer Champlain’s prominence at renaturalized Kìwekì Point
The effort to preserve two 80-year-old elm trees in the recently rehabilitated Kìwekì Point reminded designers of one thing not reflected much in the national capital’s downtown landscape: that we are living in relationship to nature. “Those two trees are probably the main reason for how the pathway system for the park actually worked itself out,” said Garry Meus, a...
City begins grappling with projected $10.8-billion infrastructure gap by 2035
City councillors at a finance and corporate services committee on Tuesday debated how the city should close a projected $10.8-billion infrastructure gap over the next 10 years. As required under provincial legislation from 2017, the city presented asset management plans across 12 infrastructure areas, including drinking water, transportation and solid waste services, creating a “snapshot” of the projected deficit. “We...
Veterans lead ceremony marking 25 years of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Canadian veterans led a May 28 ceremony at the National War Memorial to mark the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the country’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On the day of the anniversary, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Canadian military officials, veterans representing the Royal Canadian Legion and hundreds of local residents gathered for a solemn ceremony honouring the unknown...
Groups call for 24-hour bus lanes along Bank to ease congestion, improve safety
When Ottawa Council recently approved plans to include surrounding streets in a major study of transportation options along Bank Street, advocates for public transit, cyclists and pedestrians dismissed the move as a waste of time. Instead, they argued, an obvious solution to the congestion and safety issues — 24-hour bus lanes — should be implemented urgently. The Bank Street Active...
Pilot program allowing alcohol consumption in parks heading to council
Ottawa residents of legal drinking age appear likely to be allowed to crack open a cold one in a city park this summer — but not without a few restrictions. On Tuesday, councillors on the city’s community services committee approved plans for a pilot program that would permit alcohol consumption in select parks as part of a revamped Parks and...
King Charles and Queen Camilla mingle with ‘thrilled’ Lansdowne royal watchers
What might have been a sleepy Monday afternoon at downtown Ottawa's Lansdowne Park was transformed into a historic spectacle as King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their first public appearance in the nation's capital during their 2025 royal visit.
Afrobeats jazz quintet aims to bring people and music together in a happy blend
The John Dapaah Quintet is sharing their unique fusion of African music and jazz with Ottawa this summer. “With every song we do, we try to mix it up in a sense. We kind of throw a popular song in there that the audience might not be expecting,” said John Kofi Dapaah, director and pianist of the quintet. “An example...
Report by uOttawa Student Union urges city to address off-campus housing crisis
The University of Ottawa Student Union has released its 2024-2025 Student Housing Report, which highlights the challenges facing students who live in off-campus housing and urges the City of Ottawa to do more to address the crisis. The UOSO gathered survey data from 420 students to learn more about the costs of housing and their living conditions. The results paint...
City waters down proposed ban on smart-consumption monitoring devices
The City of Ottawa is aiming to strengthen regulations around smart-consumption monitoring devices on water meters, which could include working with the private company Alert Labs. On Tuesday, members of the city’s environment and climate change committee discussed changes to the Water Bylaw, which regulates municipal water services. A report released on May 8 outlined a potential ban on renters...
City’s e-scooter program set for spring rollout with new rules, expanded service
Ottawa residents will soon see e-scooters roll out across the city once again for the spring and summer, but this time with 24-hour availability and in more neighbourhoods. City council has unanimously approved a five-year extension for the scooters on Ottawa roads. Additionally, councillors supported continuing to contract Bird Canada and Neuron Mobility to manage e-scooter rentals from April 30...
Advocates call for sustainable climate solutions in wake of federal election
As some vote as still being counted in the federal election, environmental advocates are highlighting a gap between public concern about climate change and the need for action, emphasizing the need for more effective communication and stronger proposals from all federal parties to bridge this divide. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll indicated that nearly 70 per cent of Canadians...