The Arctic is alive and some rare extinct rhino fossils tell us how
It has four toes, rather than the usual three. It is around one metre tall, small, like a carnival pony. And it has no horn. Some 23 million years ago, the creature roamed the High Arctic, crossing between North America and Eurasia — a feat researchers previously thought impossible. “It” is a recently discovered, extinct rhino. Epiatheracerium itjilik, the Arctic...
OC Transpo steps back from its electric-bus plan
City staff can now, once again, consider purchasing diesel and diesel-electric buses after a recent motion at the transit committee.
Environmental groups support Ottawa’s landfill purchase, but caution more needed on waste diversion
Some advocates call the purchase of a new landfill in Ottawa environmentally beneficial as the city develops a new waste management plan.
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...
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.
Ottawa eyes purchase of landfill site in Carlsbad Springs despite local opposition
Ottawa City Council will consider buying a landfill site in the city’s south-east after the proposed purchase was approved by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee.
Warming weather delays fall colours in Gatineau Park this year — and beyond, expert says
Fall Rhapsody was delayed by warm weather, says a University of Ottawa scientist, but drew crowds when the leaves began to change in October.
Fish out of water: What happens when the Rideau Canal is drained for the winter?
When Parks Canada lowers the water level of the Rideau Canal for winter, some fish move to deeper water, while others become bird food.
Ottawa’s climate strategy prioritizes infrastructure, communities and vulnerable residents
As the city's plan to make Ottawa more resilient to climate change, one message seems to be emerging: that everyone needs to pull together to achieve success.
Ottawa landfill volumes are down thanks to garbage limits, councillors hear
City councillors welcomed the news that Ottawa’s garbage limits are reducing the amount of waste going to the city’s landfills but some raised concerns about rising reports of illegal dumping.
Many Ottawa Valley residents unhappy about glyphosate spraying
A recent aerial-spraying campaign using the herbicide glyphosate prompted the emergence of a citizen-based action to oppose such spraying campaigns in the Ottawa Valley and Ontario.
‘We let this happen’: Ottawa seniors fight for climate action
Ottawa seniors are turning up the heat on climate action by demanding change for the future.
Crossing the line? Proposed protest bylaws threaten advocacy, climate activists say
Proposed bubble bylaws including in the City of Ottawa threaten the right to free speech, activists say.
Giving a dam for 50 years: Canada’s relationship with its national animal
The beaver has been an official symbol of Canada for 50 years, but we don't treat them with the respect that deserve, experts say.
Sarah Dobbin makes waves with marathon swim in support of Ottawa Riverkeeper
Sarah Dobbin had never swum more than 25 kilometres when she tackled a 50-kilometre swim from Parliament Hill to Wendover to fundraise for Ottawa Riverkeeper.
Battery project highlights clash between city’s energy goals and local concerns
A massive energy storage facility to be located in rural west-end Ottawa was recently approved by city council, but remains a contentious project among locals in the area. The planned $650-million Battery Energy Storage System is to be built along a power transmission line off of Marchurst Road between the villages Dunrobin and Carp, northwest of Kanata. It’s the second...
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...
Green groups alarmed as city explores ‘waste-to-energy’ incineration project
This spring, as the City of Ottawa reviews its options for the future management of municipal waste, officials will explore a controversial proposal to build a waste-to-energy incinerator. Local environmental groups are concerned about the emissions and toxins that could be produced by an incinerator and argue the facility would incentivize overconsumption instead of encouraging greater waste reduction and higher...
New plan scraps proposal to turn ‘People’s Park’ in Old Ottawa East into four-lane highway
The City of Ottawa is no longer considering building a freeway that would have run through an expansive greenspace along Lees Avenue next to Springhurst Park, often referred to as the “People’s Park.” The open space in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood across from the Lees LRT station has been slated for development as a highway corridor since 1966. This...
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...
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,...
The Beaver turns 50 as a Canadian symbol: Why we should give a ‘dam’
Before Canada became analogous with our beloved beer, hockey, and maple syrup, there was another emblem that captured the nation's heart and spirit 50 years ago: the beaver.
Watershed watchers issue flood alerts along swelling Rideau, Ottawa rivers
Flood season has arrived in the Ottawa Valley and conservation officials are warning local residents to prepare for the springtime swelling of the national capital’s waterways. After record-breaking mild weather — including a high of 16.3 C on March 16, the highest temperature for that date in Ottawa — heavy snowmelt and rain are rushing over frozen ground and gushing...
U.S. withdrawal from Paris Agreement may disrupt Canada’s climate push, but shouldn’t stop it, experts say
As wildfires raged across California in January, U.S. President Donald Trump lit a match on his country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change with one of his first executive orders. The move came as the World Weather Attribution, an international research consortium that tracks the impacts of global warming, says elevated carbon emissions in Earth’s atmosphere have intensified...
Councillors welcome plan to make Ottawa’s vehicle fleet zero-emission
City councillors welcomed Ottawa’s latest Green Fleet Strategy, which staff predict could drop greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from city vehicles 93 per cent by 2040, compared with 2012 levels. The strategy aims to move the City of Ottawa vehicle fleet, including ambulances, fire trucks, cars, and snowplows, to low carbon and zero-emission options by 2040. This is aligned with the...
As Canada’s big banks leave Net-Zero alliance, young people think about alternatives
The move by Canada’s biggest financial institutions to walk away from the UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance has many Gen Z young people pondering a breakup with their bank, though some admit that the convenience is a major stumbling block.
Reports of illegal garbage dumping jump raising concerns for councillors
Following the start of a three-item garbage limit per household in the fall 2024, Ottawa city councillors have raised concerns over the rise in illegal dumping reports and who is responsible for managing the excess garbage.
At Petrie Island, a community maximizes survival odds for imperiled baby turtles
With Friends of Petrie Island gathering often-imperiled eggs around the island and Ottawa Riverkeeper hatching them safely in the NCC River House’s science lab, hundreds of baby turtles are already defying their odds of survival before even hitting the water.
Kebaowek First Nation benefit concert raises $14K to help fight nuclear waste facility
Members of the Kebaowek First Nation are buoyed by a successful concert fundraiser they say will help them continue their fight against a proposed nuclear waste facility that would be located near the Ottawa River.
Talking turkeys: Development bringing the big brown birds into more contact with humans
While the turkey population is stable, there's a reason Ottawans are seeing them more often.
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.
Ottawa homeowner dismayed to find high levels of radon, a potentially deadly gas
A 2024 Health Canada statistic showed that radon exposure may result in as many as 3,200 deaths annually, more than car accidents (1,898), carbon monoxide (300) and fire (109) deaths combined.
Ottawa’s new garbage restrictions could have gone further, say waste reduction advocates
Ottawa's new three-item garbage limit aims to extend the life of the Trail Road Landfill but has divided residents. Some say it's too restrictive, while others fear it may lead to illegal dumping or difficulties for larger households.
Invasive buckthorn: Ottawa volunteers call for more support to remove it from local parks
Sharon Boddy and Nora Lee are working to remove invasive buckthorn from Ottawa's forests.
‘Amazing sight to see’: Amid climate upheaval, Ottawa storm chaser shares passion for observing tornadoes up close
Extreme storms have fascinated Ottawa’s Andrew Macklin his entire life. Whether it’s a brewing thunderstorm or a full-fledged tornado, Macklin always wants to get a front row seat to the action. “My grandparents lived on a big hill overlooking Lake Ontario,” Macklin said. “I would sit in my grandfather’s lap and watch lightning every summer night. That really sparked my...
City council adopts new solid waste plan
City council has passed a solid waste management plan that will extend the life of the Trail Road Landfill.
New wildlife management plan for Ottawa will offer more protection for local beavers
Council to vote n new wildlife management plan for City of Ottawa.
Senate passes new bill tackling environmental racism
The Canadian Senate announced the passing of Bill C-226 that will address environmental racism and justice in Canada.
Waste not: City slaps new limit on garbage items for curbside collection
City of Ottawa has approved a new three-item limit on garage for collection at the curbside starting Sept. 30.
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.
The Ottawa River in focus: Speaking up for our embattled urban waterway
Capital Current explores how local residents interact with the Ottawa River and whether these interactions are sustainable for the future of this essential environment.
Swimming in rough seas: The quest for a sustainable seal harvest continues
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued a new report showing a dramatic rise in the number of seals.
Researchers test strategies to sustain ice on Skateway in warmer Ottawa winters
Researchers from Carleton University are working with the NCC to find ways to keep the Rideau Canal Skateway open in the face of a warming climate.
A big bite: Tick populations expected to surge after Ottawa’s mild winter, balmy spring
Warmer winters are causing populations of ticks to expand in the Ottawa area bringing a risk of infection including Lyme disease.
Conservative rally to ‘axe the tax’ previews federal vote over carbon price
WTF? “Where’s the funds?” That’s what federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says Canadians need to ask about the April 1 increase in the national price on carbon under the Liberal government’s centrepiece policy to fight climate change. Conservative supporters at a recent “Axe the Tax” rally at the Infinity Convention Centre in in the city’s south end were part of...
Toxic trouble: More oversight needed on ubiquitous ‘forever’ chemicals, say researchers
Researchers say that everyone has been exposed to toxins at some point in their life. One of the most commonly found sets of toxins are called PFAS, a set of toxins that can be found in nearly every product and the environment.
Uplifting awards: Ecology Ottawa to celebrate the Earth — and those leading fight to protect it
Ecology Ottawa awards will be announced on April 22, Earth Day.
Fatal flight path: Safe Wings displays terrible bird carnage from glass collisions
Safe Wings brings out a display of birds killed in collisions with the windows of Ottawa.
Early open-air fire ban shows climate change effect in Ottawa, say observers
A series of brush fires across the region that forced firefighters to douse burning vegetation in recent weeks led the Ottawa Fire Services to impose an open-air fire ban on March 24.
Environmental groups call for windfall tax on ‘excess’ oil and gas profits
Environmental groups are calling on the federal government to levy a windfall profits tax on the profits gained by oil and gas companies since the Russian war on Ukraine began two years ago.