‘A lose-lose situation’: Upcoming closure of Somerset supervised consumption site weighs heavily on the community
Problematic drug use likely to increase with loss of Somerset West's supervised consumption site, say community members
Young immigrants finding it tougher to land a job than their Canadian-born counterparts
After uprooting his life in Saudi Arabia and relocating to Canada, Omar Hussein spent two years of his teenage life handing out resumes anywhere he could. Hussein arrived in Canada with his family in 2018 at 15. By 2020, 17 year old Omar got his a permit and was ready to search for work. Hoping to find a source of...
Climbing rents in Ontario have tenants feeling stuck
With the cost of rent increasing in an already competitive market, tenants face mounting hurdles to secure shelter that fits their needs and budgets. According to Capital Current’s data analysis from Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), rent prices in Ontario rose by 7.1 per cent in August 2024, compared to the same time last year. The increase for all...
One month later, convenience store booze sales are making many customers happy
How has the booze business been affecting convenience stores?
Ottawa councillors want more provincial help as police crack down on stunt driving
City councillors are pushing for updated provincial legislation to help police efforts to combat stunt driving
In wake of changes to alcohol market, Ottawa brewers urge province to consider dedicated shelves for their beer, incentives and tax cuts
In the wake of the LCBO strike settlement, Ottawa breweries say they welcome Ontario’s plan to allow grocery and convenience stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, saying it is an encouraging, but long orverdue move for the local market. But without financial incentives for small breweries, dedicated shelves for local products in sales outlets and a re-evaluation of...
Convenience store owner praises liberalizing alcohol market in Ontario
When Premier Doug Ford announced plans to allow Ontario convenience stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, Biruk G. Medhin received the news with enthusiasm and optimism. For 30 years, Medhin has run the A&M Confectionary in Ottawa’s Heron Park neighbourhood. He told Capital Current he had worked closely with community members in the past to sign a petition...
Neo-Nazi organization run by Canadian teens promotes racial violence, watchdog group says
In a recent report, the Canadian Anti-Hate Network is drawing attention to a small, but growing neo-Nazi group in Canada that has emerged onto social media platforms and is apparently run by teenagers. The group is an offshoot of an organization founded in the U.S. in 2013 as the Atomwaffen Division. There are now active cells in Canada, the United...
New survey shows Doug Ford’s approval down as rumours of early election swirl
New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows a three-point decrease in Ontario premier Doug Ford’s approval rating, now sitting at 31 per cent, the lowest among the premiers along with New Brunswick's Blaine Higgs.
No quick fix: Invasive species, fires and a warming climate hamper trees’ ability to capture carbon
Over the last decade, governments in Canada have announced various efforts to boost and conserve these vital forest populations. However, nvasive species, forest fires, and extreme weather are interfering with trees’ ability to sequester carbon dioxide.
As LSAT becomes more accessible; some hope legal profession will too
As the LSAT becomes more accessible, there's hopeful anticipation for increased inclusivity within the legal profession.
Skywatchers in Ottawa, across Ontario prepare to (safely) watch total eclipse
People across southern Ontario are gearing up for Monday's solar eclipse.
Data shows how rare incidents like Barrhaven murders are in Ottawa
The community's reaction to the Barrhaven killings shows how rare and shocking incidents like these are in Ottawa. Data on murder rates in Ottawa backs this up.
Impact of toxic politics may deter women from running for office, say experts
Concerns surrounding diversity in elections are rising because of psychological harassment and toxicity rising in municipal governments.
Concern about security and organized crime as vehicle thefts soar in Ottawa
Capital Current analyzes the concerning rise in car thefts in the city, as well as the measures the police force are taking.
Enforcement overhaul: Ottawa Police Board members set to study how to recognize systemic racism and more
Members of the Ottawa Police Service Board are set to undergo new provincial training on topics like multiculturalism and systemic racism.
Raising the Roof supporters sleep in cars, buy toques to ease homelessness
Toque Tuesday (Feb. 6) was a night for supporters of Raising the Roof, a national charity aimed at easing the homelessness, to experience what life is like on the streets.
Some immigration consultants for international students say federal cap on visas necessary to bring order to system
While students and learning institutions are concerned about the visa cap, one industry feels it is necessary to combat serious issues.
Ottawa Humane Society sounds alarm over proliferation of abandoned puppies
With the end of the pandemic, people are not buying dogs from breeders and puppies have now been crowding animal shelters in recent months.
Ontario renters struggle as inflation soars
Capital Current breaks down the rise in rent prices.
Price is sending Ottawa couples to Gatineau for a new home, expert says
Prices of homes are affecting first-time home buyers and renters as Ottawa residents are looking to cut costs.
Rise in workplace injuries indicates trouble for healthcare workers in Ontario, WSIB data finds
An analysis of data from the Ontario Workplace Safety Insurance Board obtained through a freedom-of-information request indicates trouble for healthcare workplace safety as the number of accepted workplace compensation claims for healthcare workers jumped more than 60 per cent between 2020 and 2022. This is the most significant increase among all occupations that made claims during the same period.
Cannabis prices are low, even though inflation is high
Unlike just about every product, the price of recreational cannabis is actually falling. Experts say it's because of lower demand than expected and too many stores.
Expanding services across the city may help ease ByWard Market’s overdose crisis, advocates say
Advocates for local addiction programs have raised concerns that clustered shelters and social services in ByWard Market may pose more harm than good for those living with substance use disorders. Alongside these concerns, they call for the city to spread these facilities more across the municipality to address the current overdose crisis better.
To buy or not to buy: Young Canadians face tough choices on home ownership
Today, many factors determine a young person’s likelihood of purchasing a house in the future. They’re facing more difficulties in being able to afford a down payment, resulting in fewer young people thinking they will one day become homeowners.
Experts welcome high tech and AI in wildfire response but say coordination, resources on the ground are key
As some regions make strides in implementing AI to predict wildfires, experts emphasize the need for more coordination and resources nation-wide.
Two Ontario towns will decide in 2024 whether to accept a massive graveyard for nuclear waste
Canada is looking to find a permanent solution for its millions of nuclear fuel bundles, but Canadians must first be convinced it is safe for them, the environment and future generations.
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.
Ottawa massage therapists work to ensure patients feel empowerment and trust
Patients should be feel empowered. That's the message from Dave Eibner and other Ottawa registered massage therapists.
Public health data shows food service inspection failures are rising in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health food inspection data has been showing an increase in food safety infractions throughout the city.
Hate on the rise: Ontario sees increase in police-reported crimes
Toronto and Ottawa police hate-crimes statistics show rise of uttered threats and hate crimes as a whole in Ontario.
Shrinking supply of farmland may be deterring potential farmers
Rising farmland prices is posing a threat to new and young farmers.
City to try out new sidewalk machines in a collective push to reduce road salt use
The city will pilot new sidewalk machine salt controllers this winter. Others are pushing to reduce salt usage, due to its ecological damage.
Ottawa’s emergency shelter task force is only a “band-aid,” says shelter CEO
The task force's first move was to shut down the Heron Road Community Centre for five months and turn it into an emergency shelter.
New colouring book helps people have fun while learning about the human brain
A new colouring book offers an accessible way to learn about the human brain and the importance of keeping it healthy.
Delayed start: Even though it’s bad for us, dropping the annual time change is on hold
Ontario passed a law to end the annual time change but the province needs New York State and Quebec to do the same for it to come into effect.
Self-storage business booms in Ottawa and small condos may be a factor
Storage unit employees in Canada’s capital region say they have seen a 'huge demand' for self-storage rental units from residents.
Despite hot start in Central Canada Hockey League, Smiths Falls Bears aren’t satisfied
This year's version of the Smiths Falls Bears is on a mission to capture the Bogart Cup, something they just missed last season.
CHEO says it’s prepared for a bad respiratory illness season, with ER visits rising
This respiratory illness season is predicted to be similar to the last where a surge of multiple different respiratory illnesses pushed the limits of the health-care system.
Proposed cap on numbers won’t solve housing crisis, say international students
International students say any cap on their numbers won't solve the housing crisis and will hurt Canadian universities dependent on their tuition fees.
Volunteer groups flock together to save two birds of prey
In July of 2023, three local volunteer organizations came together to save a hawk and an owl and released them back into the wild.
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.
Inflation drives food bank use in Ottawa to critical levels
Ottawa food banks are facing growing demand as food prices soar across the country.
Surge in COVID-19 infections sparks call for more measures to protect those in Ottawa’s long-term care homes
The anticipation of a new surge of COVID-19 is causing some family members of people living in long-term care to call for change.
Minimum wage increase takes toll on small businesses in Ottawa
Some small businesses are struggling to adjust to the minimum wage increase amid inflation and lasting COVID-19 impacts.
Honouring the past: The National Naval Reserve Monument repaired and rededicated
In a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Naval Reserve, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada rededicated the National Naval Reserve Monument at HMCS Carleton in Ottawa on Oct. 14.
Touched by art: Legally blind Ontario painter makes tactile paintings to enhance the experience for all
Legally blind artist, Lynda Todd, presents paintings you can touch in an exhibition called Tap: Please Touch
‘I have started to buy only the necessities:’ Food inflation threatens students’ ability to consume a balanced diet
High food inflation in Ontario has forced students to cut back on essential food groups.
Working it out: Ontario youth struggle to find jobs as unemployment rates rise
Young Ontarians are struggling to find work in the province's tight labour market.
Disability advocates expose gaps in NCC River House’s accessibility
Audit reveals gaps in the NCC River House's accessibility. Advocates say this reflects a broader struggle in the city.