“It’s worrying:” Unemployment rate for young immigrants more than doubles in past year
It took eight months for Abyssinnia Abebe to find a job. Abebe, from Ethiopia originally, is now a permanent resident in Canada. Even with that status, the 20 year old immigrant university student, says she applied to more than 150 jobs within that eight-month period. The struggle to find a job is not a unique problem. Unemployment among immigrants aged...
Ottawa’s new bike locker project spinning its wheels in first few weeks
Ottawa's new Bike Locker initiative is off to a slow start.
Climbing rents in Ontario have tenants feeling stuck
With the cost of rent increasing in an already competitive market, tenants face mounting hurdles to secure shelter that fits their needs and budgets. According to Capital Current’s data analysis from Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), rent prices in Ontario rose by 7.1 per cent in August 2024, compared to the same time last year. The increase for all...
One month later, convenience store booze sales are making many customers happy
How has the booze business been affecting convenience stores?
City Builder: Altea Active is Ottawa entrepreneur Jeff York’s new passion project
Many people know that Jeff York's brother, Jason York, played for the Ottawa Senators, but not everyone knows that Jeff played hockey for Princeton University in the 80's and is now one of the owners of the Ottawa Senators.
GCTC marks half a century of boosting Canadian theatre with an eclectic 50th anniversary season
The Great Canadian Theatre Company is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the 2024-25 season.
City Builder: Renée Amilcar embraces OC Transpo leadership amidst transit turmoil
Renée Amilcar, General Manager of Transit Services at OC Transpo, welcomes the challenges that arise while striving to improve Ottawa's public transit.
City Builder: World Cup athlete Aidan Kirkham balances research and skiing
Aidan Kirkham is an Ottawa native, a PhD candidate and a nordic skier who has competed in the 2024 FIS World Cup and the FISU World University Games in 2019 and 2023.
ByWard vendors finding creative ways to stay afloat after the outdoor market closes for winter
ByWard Market has been the heart of the Ottawa community since its establishment in 1827. As the outdoor market prepares for closure this year, vendors reflect on the declining state of Ottawa's downtown sector.
City Builder: Ottawa lawyer Paul Champ battles for justice and human rights
Paul Champ is an Ottawa-based litigation lawyer focusing on labour, human rights and constitutional law.
A Quiet Crisis: Limits on work taking toll on international students
International students in Ottawa are struggling with mental health issues and financial stress because of a new 20-hour work limit set by the Canadian government, making it hard for them to balance school and high living costs.
Child-care workers frustrated by low pay and long period with no contract
95 child-care workers across four Ottawa day-care centres are fighting for what they say is a living wage.
Trudeau’s support for Ukrainian long-range missile strikes in Russia launches domestic debate
Canadian experts are divided over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent statement of support for the United States and Britain to provide Ukraine the ability to launch missile strikes against military targets deep within Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned such support for Ukraine would draw NATO countries into direct war with his country, which began an illegal invasion of...
Ottawa councillors want more provincial help as police crack down on stunt driving
City councillors are pushing for updated provincial legislation to help police efforts to combat stunt driving
More Ottawa commuters are carpooling, cycling, walking or taking transit as traffic backs up in Ottawa
Since the government’s Sept. 9 return-to-office mandate, Ottawa’s streets have become much more congested, pushing commuters to seek alternatives in order to avoid long delays. As public transit struggles to keep pace and traffic worsens, cycling, carpooling, and walking have come in-clutch as popular solutions among commuters.
Ottawa’s newest poets laureate aim to make their art form more accessible to all
Ottawa has two new poets laureate. Véronique Sylvain, the French poet laureate, and David O'Meara, the English poet laureate, are looking forward to the next 2 years of promoting the poetic arts in Ottawa.
As Ottawa’s film industry continues to grow, more local talent opts to stay in the city
Despite a global pandemic and several industry strikes, the Ottawa Film Office has reported record-breaking profits in 2023.
Ottawa councillors push for review of bylaws amid increase in dog attacks
Some Ottawa city councillors are pushing for better enforcement and a review of bylaws following a reported increase in the number of dog attacks. From 2020 to 2023, the city saw nearly a 20 per cent increase in the number of reported dog attacks, according to statistics provided by city staff in response to an inquiry by Stittsville Coun. Glenn...
ANCHOR away: Centretown alternative crisis hotline sees high community engagement in first six weeks
The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response, or ANCHOR, has already responded to over 100 calls, anticipates demand increasing
City Builder: Cody Coyote is a powerful Indigenous voice on the Ottawa music scene
Ottawa musician Cody Coyote is a prominent city builder, seeking to inspire future generations with his art.
Rideau Centre CAMP Cube experience helps business spread the word to customers
In mid-August, a large, mysterious cube appeared inside the Rideau Centre. Located next to Bento Sushi and tucked underneath an escalator, it attracted a line of curious mall-goers. Some had seen it on Instagram; others had not. Turns out the Cadillac Fairview (CF) CAMP Cube is a futuristic marketing tool that provides shoppers with a sci-fi gameshow experience. It will...
Walking tours on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation offer a window into Canada’s colonial past
The Assembly of Seven Generations is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with guided walking tours to shed some light on Canada's colonial history.
City Builder: Jean-François Bélisle is at the forefront of art in Ottawa and beyond
Jean-François Bélisle is bringing new ideas to the National Gallery of Canada.
Orleans housing development approved in minutes after land deal to save local forest
It took Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee just five minutes to approved a low-rise development project in Orleans, something the local councillor attributes to a community-engaged process and a land-swap deal to save a local woodland.
City Builder: Michael Wood advocates for small business and 911 services in Ottawa
Michael Wood, a professor at Algonquin College and business consultant, is widely recognized in Ottawa for his advocacy for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to improve emergency services across the city.
City Builder: Empress Nyiringango is a musician on a healing journey
Empress Nyiringango is an Ottawa based Rwandan-Canadian singer and song writer who embarked on a "healing journey" in response to genocide.
Orléans arts venue moves diversity to centre stage with new collaboration
The 15th anniversary season at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orléans features a new partnership with Axé WorldFest — an organization that empowers BIPOC artists, newcomers to Canada and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. The initiative reflects the centre’s strengthened commitment to ensuring that its annual lineup of performers includes traditionally unrepresented groups. Born and raised in Brazil and living in Canada for...
Council approves demolition of heritage buildings in Lowertown
Ottawa City Council has approved the demolition of three heritage buildings on St. Patrick Street, which the local community association describes as “the poster children for demolition by neglect.” The decision means that the buildings, at 227-229, 231-233and 235-237 St. Patrick St., just west of Dalhousie, can be torn down and the property redeveloped. City staff supported demolition, noting the...
Ottawa set to slash permitted idling time for drivers
Councillors agreed in an 11-5 vote Sept. 19 to reduce the allowed idling time from three minutes to one, at a first-of-its-kind special joint meeting of the Environment and Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services committees.
City Builder: Emerance Maschmeyer shows the power behind the goalie mask
Learn about Ottawa's popular PWHL goalie Emerance Maschmeyer.
City Builder: Jennifer Stewart’s mission is to make an impact in business and her community
Jennifer Stewart, CEO of Syntax Strategic has built several thriving businesses. Despite being an "accidental entrepreneur," today she is a "serial entrepreneur."
City Builder: City Fidelia is more than the music
City Fidelia’s contributions to the city of Ottawa go further than his musical career.
OC Transpo workers suffering as transit struggles, union leader tells councillors
Members of Ottawa’s Transit Commission got an earful from OC Transpo union leaders Sept. 12, who say that the problems with the system cannot be fixed with more cuts. “Some of our operators are on shifts tirelessly for up to 12 hours, yet really compensated for seven and a half on average,” said Noah Vineberg, president of ATU Local 279,...
Students getting bad deal from OC Transpo, transit commission hears
Ottawa’s Transit Commission heard from student users, fed up with a service that is becoming less reliable, that further cuts will make a bad situation worse. Carleton University Students’ Association Associate Vice-President Aidan Kallioinen told the committee Sept. 12 he has concerns in particular about cuts to off-peak service frequency on O-Train Line 1. “In 2023 alone, our association saw...
OC Transpo workers “stretched to the limit of safety and legality,” says union leader
OC Transpo employees are “stretched to the limits of safety and legality,” ATU Local 279 President Noah Vineberg told a Sept. 12 Transit Commission meeting. This is happening, he added, as the system is having difficulty retaining staff despite increased recruitment efforts. As a result, Vineberg said schedules are “unreasonable,” with operators stretched thin because of the changes. Operators are...
City Builder: Bobby Brown leading way for independent baseball in the capital
Bobby Brown has been leading the Ottawa Titans since 2022. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, thanks to his many years of baseball experience.
City Builder: Neil Saravanamuttoo of CitySHAPES wants Ottawa to reach its ‘terrific’ potential
The economist, CitySHAPES director, and community advocate says Ottawa has "great bones," but needs work to reach standard of a G7 capital
City Builder: Julia Elvidge is changing the investment world for women
Julia Elvidge, a prominent leader in Ottawa’s tech scene, co-founded SheBoot to enhance access to capital for women-led startups. With 30 years in high-tech, she’s known for addressing systemic investment issues and fostering diversity in the industry.
City Builder: Gabrielle Fayant supports Ottawa’s Indigenous youth
Gabrielle Fayant is an award-winning co-founder of the Assembly of Seven Generations, an Ottawa-based non-profit that works to empower the city's Indigenous youth.
Committee approves controversial Stittsville high-rise development over objections of locals
A controversial high-rise development in Stittsville got the green light from Ottawa’s planning committee Sept. 11, despite opposition from many residents and the local councillor, who say the area lacks the infrastructure to support it.
Redblacks recalibrate and regroup after tough loss to BC Lions
After their streak of six games undefeated ended with a game to forget on last Saturday, the Ottawa Redblacks have made some moves that have left many confused. On Tuesday, the team announced the release of star running back Ryquell Armstead. “We want to control our own destiny.” Is a statement often repeated by Ottawa Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce....
Poll shows Canadians fancy Kamala Harris
A new poll from non-profit Angus Reid Institute shows that a sizeable majority of Canadians approve of U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The current vice president will be confirmed in her candidacy for president of the United States next week at the Democratic National Convention. Two thirds of the 1,605 Canadians polled responded they hold favourable views of Harris compared...
‘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...
Most Canadians believe financial cost of hosting Olympics outweighs benefits, survey shows
Although Canadians are very proud of the country’s accomplishments in the Olympics, most don’t want to see Canada host the Games again, new data from the Angus Reid Institute shows. Canada has had an undeniably successful summer games, earning an impressive 23 medals thus far with more to come. Canada’s top achievements in the Paris 2024 Olympics include swimmer Summer...
Lebanese Canadians say Canada needs to do more the help end Gaza war before conflict escalates in Middle East
Lebanese Canadians are raising concerns over the Liberal government’s stance on the Gaza war after Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly urged Canadians in Lebanon to fly home. Several airlines have already suspended service to Beirut as fears over a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified. “If tensions escalate, the situation on the ground may not allow us to...
Review: Cheng2 Duo mark Chamberfest homecoming with heartwarming performance
Ottawa’s favourite piano-cello duo returned for their annual Chamberfest homecoming on Aug 7 at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre for a magical night of music. Silvie and Bryan Cheng made their debut at Chamberfest way back in 2007 at the Rising Stars showcase. This year, they once again returned with a new folk-inspired repertoire, titled Kindred Spirits, exemplifying the spirit of...
Review: Angela Hewitt pairs Mozart and Brahms to great effect at Chamberfest
The Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre was packed on Saturday night when Ottawa’s own world-class pianist Angela Hewitt took the stage for an elegant evening of Mozart and Brahms. The humidity and thunderstorms only added to the dramatic nature of the night. The Officer of the Order of Canada and a Officer of the Order of the British Empire was showcasing her...
Words matter: Seeking asylum in Canada is not illegal
Earlier in June, U.S. President Joe Biden announced measures on migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border that allow authorities to deport or turn them back to Mexico without having the chance to claim asylum. One of Donald Trump’s main campaign agendas is to deport millions of undocumented migrants and prevent others from crossing borders. In recent years, tensions over Quebec’s Roxham Road...
Two-time Palestinian Olympian and Carleton alumnus says Paris games will be his last
The two-time Palestinian Olympian and Carleton University alum Yazan Al Bawwab says the Paris 2024 Olympics will be his last. Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Dubai, the son of a Palestinian refugee, Rashad Al Bawwab, achieved his father’s dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer to represent his country. “I am delighted to be here to represent Palestine and...
Redblacks enjoy a well-deserved bye week break with a strong second place in CFL East standings
The Ottawa Redblacks went into their bye week on a bit of a high. After a win against Calgary at home of July 28, the surprising Redblacks improved their record to 5-2 good for second place in the CFL’s East Division with a game in hand on the rest of the competition, right behind the defending Grey Cup champs, the...