Bracing for impact: Landlords and tenants wonder whether new Ontario law will improve access to rental housing
Experts not sure that Ontario's new law governing landlord-tenant disputes will solve affordability problems for renters.
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.
From Centretown streets to Ottawa River shorelines, “third spaces” grow in the capital
"Street Seats" pilot project and NCC shorelines revitalization work to provide Ottawa residents and tourists with more third spaces.
As coffee prices climb, cafés and consumers have a decision to make
Coffee prices are rising because several factors leaving Canadian consumers juggling choices.
Support for local farmers on the rise even as produce prices at grocery stores fluctuate
Produce prices at the grocery stores are in constant flux. Meanwhile, local farmers' try to keep their prices relatively constant, and seem to be gaining more community support.
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.
University students under ‘stress’ as rent prices increase rapidly
The cost of rent in Canada has risen 5.2 per cent since October 2024, well above the overall inflation rate of 2.2 per cent, Capital Current’s analysis of data Statistics Canada data shows. That is hard to manage for anyone who rents but for university students it can been very difficult. For this cohort, low-cost, short-term rental units are vital....
Families on standby as child care costs plummet, while waitlists hit record levels
Child care is cheaper but that lower price is driving more demand leaving many families waiting for access.
Turning a page? Bookworms taking stock because of rising prices
Rising cost of paper and shipping is forcing up prices for books.
Support agencies hope Ottawa’s food security strategy will ease demand on them
A City of Ottawa food insecurity strategy aims to engage the provincial and federal governments to advocate for better funding for assistance programs.
‘Overdue’ Ontario minimum wage increase keeping workers treading water, employees, experts say
While Ontario has raised the minimum wage rate again, it's really only keeping low-income workers up with inflation and not helping them move forward, experts say.
New $25M housing bond campaign in Ottawa turns neighbours into investors
A new bond will allow residents to invest in two local non-profits to preserve affordable housing.
Ottawa temporarily cuts developer fees as part of the city’s housing accelerator plan
Ottawa is temporarily cutting Community Benefit Charges (CBCs) for developers, lowering fees from four per cent to two per cent of land value in a move to stimulate housing construction.
Some Ottawa Metro stores reduce daily student discount to once a week as food insecurity rises
Some Metro grocery stores in Ottawa are cutting a daily discount for students to once a week as the affordability crisis continues to grow in the capital.
OC Transpo crackdown on fare evasion draws ire of free-transit advocates
An Ottawa advocate for free transit says an OC Transpo crackdown on riders who evade paying their bus or LRT fare is unfairly punishing low-income people who can’t afford to use the city’s troubled transit system. In a report presented recently to the transit committee, OC Transpo detailed the levels of fare evasion in the city and its approach to...
NCC envisions 9,000 homes as Tunney’s Pasture aims to cut federal office space
On a bright winter day, the wind howls across Tunney’s Pasture, the federal government campus envisioned seven decades ago as a way to move federal government buildings some distance from the downtown of the National Capital. In Tunney’s Pasture, the roads are narrow and the campus buildings are far apart. Government employees huddle for a smoke against buildings, while others...
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.
Repair Café showcases circular economy’s role in fighting U.S. trade war
Advocacy groups are urging residents and Ottawa city hall to focus on strengthening the local circular economy — including the voluntary repair and recycling service provided by the Ottawa Tool Library — as part of the community response to the on-going U.S. trade war with Canada. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on many Canadian exports, including vehicles, steel and aluminum,...
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.
More government funding needed for Ottawa food banks, advocates say
Advocates say current levels of funding for food banks and services are no longer enough to address food insecurity in Ottawa.
Some Ottawa restaurants say tax holiday made little difference to their business
While data suggests Ontario’s restaurant industry experienced an increase in dining over the recently implemented tax holiday, some Ottawa restaurant workers say they did not really notice any impact.
Ottawa councillors deny developer request to add units to keep agreed amenity space in high rise
Ottawa’s housing committee turned down a developer’s request to add five more units to a pair of student high rises in the ByWard Market, citing concerns about “quality of life” for residents due to reduced amenity spaces.
Tariffs could worsen Ontario rental market, expert says
Carleton University student Grace Rhodes hasn’t bought new clothes in two years. “I definitely don’t do stuff because I don’t have the money,” said Rhodes, who rents a home with five other students. Rhodes said the “crazy” state of the rental market makes it hard to afford student life and has already quashed her hopes of home ownership. “Absolutely not...
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 to press ahead with study of anti-renoviction bylaw
Ottawa city council approved a motion to research the implementation of a potential renoviction bylaw on Jan. 22. 2025.
Fate of downtown apartment building on hold as Ottawa council considers fate of tenants
Ottawa City Council has delayed a decision on a proposed development at 219-223 Bank St. and 178 Nepean St., requesting that the developer, Smart Living Properties, address concerns about the displacement of tenants. The council called for a “right to return” agreement, ensuring tenants would be allowed to return to the new units at below-market rates. The issue was raised...