Home for the High Holidays: Synagogues adapt services for pandemic times
The Jewish High Holiday season is here. But like most things in the times of coronavirus, holiday traditions and celebrations will look very different this year.
Ontario to begin largest flu immunization campaign in ‘Canadian history’
The province will spend $70 million in the country’s largest flu immunization campaign, ordering 5.1 million flu vaccines.
Emmy winner Annie Murphy launched acting life at Elmwood
Annie Murphy, member of Schitt's Creek's cast, won Best Supporting Actress in the comedy category at the 2020 Emmy Awards.
Documentary holds a mirror up to the issue of skin lightening
Since the 1970s, Fair & Lovely has been a popular face cream in many countries around the world. It’s especially well-known in South Asia, and throughout the South Asian diaspora. It isn’t sold directly by the company in Canada, though consumers in this country can obtain the cream from product importers — and sometimes on store shelves. But against the...
‘We trust our students:’ Ottawa universities reopen residences during COVID-19
Dorm living will be different in Ottawa this year as the universities must adhere to public health guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
In the News Monday Aug. 31
5 restaurant workers test positive for COVD-19 in Gatineau Five employees of Shaker Cuisine and Mixologie in Gatineau, Que., have tested positive for COVID-19. The company made the announcement on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon, adding that the employees are self-isolating for 10 days. CBC has more. Demonstrators protest pandemic safety measures Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill Saturday to...
Here’s how we roll: E-scooters in Ottawa
With E-scooter fleets on Ottawa streets, here’s what you need to know about scootering.
Drone-assisted ‘virtual field trips’ offer way to teach science online as universities adapt to pandemic times
Science instructors across the country are having to adapt their hands-on courses and fieldwork for online instruction.
‘Ad Feminam:’ No let up in attacks against female politicians
Catherine McKenna's office was recently the target of a verbal attack. It is just one in a string of misogynist attacks that have happened throughout her political career.
COVID-19 consequences: Reduced air pollution, less waste, fresh insights
More than 20 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally to date. There is no overstating of the scope of the pandemic tragedy for humanity. However, it is also important to recognize that it has resulted in some unexpected environmental benefits — especially when it comes to air pollution and waste management. The World Health Organization estimates that there...
City, housing advocates, landlords launch ‘blitz’ to move renters in need into 100 affordable units by October
The Ottawa Housing Blitz initiative is looking for 100 affordable-housing units from private landlords before October to help people in need of housing in the capital. The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa is working with the City of Ottawa and community partners to match people with rental units and supports.
Pandemic, hot weather, swimming in unfamiliar waters likely behind spike in drownings: safety advocate
There have been five drownings this summer, all in the Ottawa River. One expert says it's time to change the focus on water safety.
‘It’s crucial that we get it right’: Quebec minister says confident in province’s new plan to reopen schools
Mandatory masks, classroom bubbles await Quebec students when they go back to school on Aug. 31, however, not everyone is in favour of this plan.
Ottawa’s big boards release back-to-school plans
Ottawa school boards have provided plans detailing how schools will operate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘A little nervous:’ One passenger’s reaction to flying in Canada during the pandemic
Though flying can still be a stressful experience, there are now more guidelines and safety measures in place to ensure travellers are as safe as possible.
Opioid overdose crisis outstrips COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, frontline workers say
The rules of physical distancing and recommended isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a spike in overdoses across the country. According to drug policy experts and advocates, the opioid epidemic has overshadowed the pandemic while also increasing the risks faced by drug users.
Smaller fields, more biodiversity, research by Carleton professor shows
Lenore Fahrig, a biology professor at Carleton University, has found that dividing large fields into smaller ones helps provide habitat for native wildlife.
‘A Like Vision’: Kleinburg gallery marks 100th anniversary of iconic Group of Seven’s inaugural 1920 exhibition
The Group of Seven's first exhibition was held 100 year ago. To celebrate the anniversary, the McMichael art gallery has put on a special exhibition.
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.
Amid COVID devastation, staffing crisis, ‘unacceptable’ service in Ontario’s long-term care homes persists, survey shows
Ninety-five per cent of respondents in a new survey of long-term care homes in Ontario say they're short staffed and therefore unable to properly care for residents.
Ontario to spend $309M to enhance safety as two million students return to 4,800 schools across province Sept. 8
Ontario will invest more than $300 million as part of their plan to reopen all public elementary and secondary schools across the province starting starting September.
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.
Insect watching during the pandemic: In a standstill world, nature’s transformations offer soulful reassurance
For many Canadians, this summer has been low key and quieter than most. Since travel during the pandemic isn’t really encouraged, many of us are staying closer to home – and that change may present the opportunity to observe things we don’t usually pay attention to.
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.
New air-quality monitoring project aims to help Ottawa residents Breathe Easy
Ecology Ottawa and Sierra Club will follow in the footsteps of the INHALE project in Hamilton and Toronto which aimed to foster air quality awareness.
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.
Farmers across hot, dry Ottawa pray for a weekend of rain to save summer crops
Ottawa is experiencing higher temperatures and lesser rainy days than usual, meaning local farmers are struggling to mantain their crop poduction.
Local childcare centres prepared for Stage 3
Some childcare centres say they feel prepared to increase their cohorts of children from 10 to 15 as of July 27.
Homemade: Ottawa mixologist demonstrates a refreshing cocktail
Local Ottawa mixologist gives a demonstration of how to make refreshing summer cocktail. He also talks all the tips and tricks for making a cocktail at home including how to avoid making some common mistakes.
New nuclear waste guidelines could lead to ‘massive dump’ upstream from Ottawa if approved
New regulation documents for Canada’s disposal of nuclear waste have come under fire from activists and the NDP, and could impact the Chalk River nuclear facility if passed.
Virtual theatre and online cooking class: How hands-on college programs are adjusting
The closure of schools in March and the pandemic’s lasting impact are forcing colleges to adjust their programs. But some of the most hands-on college programs are finding new ways to help students learn.
Unhappy campers protest Liberal government, COVID-19 measures
Since Canada Day, members have of the Canadian Revolution have been protesting against the Liberal government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In focus: Researchers, optometrists stress importance of eye health as online market for glasses grows
Eye experts are expressing concerns over online eyewear consumers not getting regular eye exams.
Police chiefs urge decriminalization of drug possession; policy experts urge faster, broader reform
Despite police chiefs urging the decriminalization of personal drug use, Canadian drug policy experts say that more needs to be done to keep community members safe.
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....
The boundaries of free expression are up for debate in the Age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter
An open letter signed by public luminaries in Harper’s magazine has sparked a lively public discussion on the boundaries and limits on free speech. How do Canadian thinkers respond to this debate?
COVID-19, U Sports’ age cap stripping senior football players of their final season
U Sports age cap strips senior football players of final season.
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,...
Kettleman’s rolling their bagels down Highway 401 to open Toronto location
The first Kettleman's location in Toronto is opening soon. Kettleman’s Bagel Co., an Ottawa favourite, is expanding outside Ottawa for the first time.
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.
Watch: Cooking in Quarantine
Kate and Eden take a trip out to the country to bring you a delicious summer recipe.
COVID-19 is clouding the future of available affordable housing
Statistics Canada released numbers saying spending on residential construction building projects has dropped drastically. What impact is this having on affordable housing?
The paws that refresh: Pups and iced coffee make for a heartwarming patio party
A Carling Avenue Starbucks partners with Ottawa Dog Rescue to raise some cash and spread some love.
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.