I downloaded the ‘COVID Alert’ app: Here’s how it went on the first day
Tracking whether you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 in Canada became a lot easier on Friday. Well, only if you’re in Ontario. On Friday, the federal and Ontario governments launched COVID Alert, the app which notifies users if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days. “Together, let’s limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future...
‘Pop-up’ COVID test sites yield unremarkable rates of infection, Ottawa Public Health says
Mobile testing centres will be put on hold for the time being as Ottawa Public Health ends the pilot program which brought testing to vulnerable communities across the city.
Ottawa finally considers bird-friendly building guidelines 15 years after Toronto, Vancouver
Ottawa City Council is set to approve guidelines for protecting birds, almost 15 years after Toronto and Vancouver adopted their own. This move comes one year after a 2019 report by the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative showed a 30 per cent decline in populations across North America. It’s estimated that 1 billion birds die per year as a...
Ottawa records Ontario’s highest daily total of new COVID-19 cases as young people continue to drive surge
Ottawa saw 25 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday the most in the province today.
Listen: COVID-19 prevents altruistic retired Ottawa nurse from donating kidney
Margaret Lerhe is no stranger to altruistic gestures. She tried saving Corporal Nathan Cirillo's life after he was shot in 2014. Now she wants to donate her kidney, but the pandemic is getting in her way.
As thefts surge, police remind cyclists to lock up and upload
Bike theft is on the rise, and the city is hoping people will register for a program aiming to have their bikes returned to them.
Locally, nationally, Canada’s tourism industry continues to struggle during COVID-19 restrictions
Ottawa Tourism has created the #MyOttawa Pass to provide locals with discounts and deals at certain Ottawa businesses. This comes after tourism industry businesses across the country have said they are struggling and Statistics Canada is reporting record breaking decreases in major tourism indicators.
Comic relief: Local comedians happy to be back with live performances under Ontario’s Stage 3 reopening
As comedy clubs begin to reopen during Stage 3 of Ontario's reopening, comedians must start getting used to the new normal when it comes to performing.
Rugby clubs in limbo, at risk of collapsing as COVID-19 restrictions force sport to play waiting game
With physical distancing restrictions being lifted gradually across the country, rugby clubs in Ottawa are eagerly awaiting a decision about if they'll be allowed to return to play.
Massive three-tower residential project in Little Italy to include coveted grocery store
The fast-growing downtown neighborhood of Little Italy will soon see another major property development after Ottawa council approved plans by Arnon Corp. for three residential towers with 550 units, a ground-floor grocery store and a “large public plaza” at the corner of Preston and Beech streets. Usually big, complex developments have residents lined up to express concerns at committee meetings....
City council votes to suspend Rick Chiarelli’s pay after “disgusting” actions
Ottawa City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to give College Ward Coun. Rich Chiarelli the most severe punishment possible following the release of a report into allegations of sexual harassment. Chiarelli’s salary will be suspended for nine months, a total of about $79,000. A report by the city’s integrity commissioner found that Chiarelli had violated several city policies when, Robert Marleau says,...
City council endorses mandatory mask bylaw
Ottawa City Council has followed up a public health order by passing a bylaw ordering the wearing of face masks in indoor public spaces. The vote was 14 to eight, with dissenting councillors expressing concern that the fines accompanying the bylaw are too steep. The fines would range from $200 for individuals to $400 for stores that break the bylaw,...