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,...
Most of Ontario, including Ottawa, in Stage 3 of reopening on Friday
Stage 3 will see most businesses and workplaces reopening and larger indoor and outdoor gathering sizes.
City beautification projects one key to saving habitat for native bees
The city is reviewing their plans on how to best help pollinators. Experts are calling for a focus on native bee species and preserving their habitat.
Part of Bank Street closes to vehicles to boost business, ensure social distancing
A section of Bank Street will join the growing list of Ottawa streets opting to close to motor vehicles to ensure safer social distancing this summer.
Special event for frontline health workers kicks off Ottawa Art Gallery reopening to public
The Ottawa Art Gallery is reopening the the public on July 9, with new safety measures in place to protect visitors and staff.
Super Felix Brothers: Gatineau author — and mom — addresses sickle cell anemia, diversity in her storytelling
GATINEAU — When Nahomie Acelin and Ronald Felix discovered two of their three sons had sickle cell anemia it would have been natural for them to focus on the negative. But they chose a different way of coping with the diagnosis. “We made a family decision last summer that, instead of complaining, we will talk about (the diagnosis) and turn...
Remote rituals: The Jewish community is sustaining faith, upholding sacred traditions during the pandemic
In a pre-pandemic world, eight-day-old Theo Rapkin would have had his bris ceremony in a Montreal synagogue, surrounded by friends and family, his parents and a rabbi. There would have been prayers and a brunch. The bris — formally known as the brit malah, or the “covenant of circumcision” — is a ceremony performed on the eighth day of a...