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.