Ottawa struggling to cope with increase in homeless population during pandemic, say city officials
Community members and advocates are calling for more resources in the ByWard and Lowertown regions after a rise in homelessness raised concerns about safety.
Joyful crowd returns to Canadian Tire Centre for Sens’ home opener against Leafs — and Brady brings bonus
Hockey fans returned to the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday evening for the first time since COVID-19 lockdowns shuttered the building, as the Ottawa Senators played their home opener versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Experts call for more resources after Mental Health Act service calls jump during COVID-19
The number of service calls under Ontario's Mental Health Act has jumped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New school year, new classes and new COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 cases are rising, not only in schools but province-wide, generating concerns for students, staff and parents
Ottawa artists express relief as in-person art show returns amid pandemic
Artists showcase their work in person for the first time since before COVID-19. This follows online selling and coping with concerns during the pandemic.
Quebec rodeo festival welcomes visitors for first time since pandemic began
The 53rd edition of the Festival Western de Saint-Tite came to an end last week with strict COVID-19 countermeasures in place.
Capital’s museums not requiring proof of vaccinations – except for dining areas
Many businesses started checking for vaccination on Wednesday as Ontario’s vaccine certificate system came into effect, but Ottawa museums will not be asking for proof of vaccination from visitors entering their exhibitions and galleries.
CityFolk, Bluesfest a ‘kick off’ for Ottawa fall festivals
Live music return to Ottawa with a successful opening weekend at CityFolk followed by a weekend of Bluesfest.
Despite predictions and the pandemic Canadians not voting by mail in great numbers
Despite the pandemic, so far it looks like special ballots will not come close to the five million originally expected by Elections Canada.
Carleton researchers offer a vision for the future of outdoor dining in Ottawa beyond the pandemic
Researchers at Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism came up with outdoor dining solutions for Ottawa restaurants.
Explainer: Breakthrough infections often mild for fully vaccinated individuals, expert says
Capital Current explains why breakthrough infections (COVID-19 infections occur in fully vaccinated individuals) and what the consequences are.
Explainer: Vaccine passports spark debate about a two-tier society
As warnings of a potential fourth wave crop up across Canada, some provinces are opting for vaccine passports to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Canadians looking for flexibility in choice of work locations, survey finds
Angus Reid survey shows Canadians would prefer flexible work locations when returning from COVID-19 pandemic.
Carleton University to require vaccinations for students living in residence, playing sports, music participation
Carleton University will require students to be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine if they are living in residence, or participating in sports and music activities.
Organizations fear Ontario’s investment to reduce surgical wait times will endanger patients because of nursing shortage
Ontario nurses are concerned that the province's plan to accelerate surgeries and testing procedures to clear a pandemic backlog will out patients at risk because of a shortage of nurses.
Ottawa volunteers driven to help eliminate vaccination barriers
Volunteers in the Ottawa community have been working to help eliminate barriers for those booking and getting transportation to their vaccine appointments. On July 26, the city reported that 70 per cent of Ottawa residents over age 18 have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Still, navigating online bookings and language barriers can pose a challenge for vulnerable...
Frustration brewing as border confusion continues for people in Niagara region
Even though Canada will allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit starting Aug. 9, there is still frustration and confusion about who can cross.
Hardest hit and last to recover: Ottawa Tourism launches #Invite2 campaign to help industry recover from pandemic
The #Invite2 campaign encourages locals to invite out-of-town friends and family to Ottawa to help the tourism industry recover from the pandemic.
With a smile? Step 3 of reopening in Ontario is angst ridden for servers
As Ontario enters Step 3 of reopening, servers in restaurants will be facing customers indoors for the first time in months. It's a bit scary.
Pandemic a marathon not a sprint: It’s been a long road for fitness professionals
Gyms in Ontario can open at 50 per cent capacity starting July 16, under step three of the province’s pandemic reopening plan.
Report by McMaster University researchers uncovers why rare blood clots occur after some vaccine jabs
A team of researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Not., have uncovered why dangerous but very rare instances of blood clotting called VITT happens after individuals receive an injection of AstraZeneca vaccine.
The fight against Delta: Next few weeks critical in Waterloo region’s battle with COVID variant
The next couple of weeks are critical for Waterloo region as the Delta variant causes increased infection rates, as the rest of the province reopens.
Organizations work to instill “vaccine confidence” in youth
Ontario organizations are working to combat vaccine hesitancy in youth and instill vaccine confidence.
Cornerstone Housing for Women finds temporary relief after eviction from uOttawa
Cornerstone House for Women gets a temporary solution to their lack of a permanent space e for the people they serve.
Magical mushrooms: Toadstool artist hides sculptures around Ottawa for followers to find
Olivia Wittenburg's handmade toadstool art has allowed locals to get outside and enjoy art. The mushrooms are free for followers to take home.
COVID consequences: Ontario monitoring rare instances of heart conditions linked to mRNA vaccines
Experts say the public shouldn't be discouraged from getting vaccinated after reports of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in a few people who have received mRNA vaccines.
Cornerstone site uncertainty sheds light on pandemic effect on shelters
Cornerstone Housing for Women’s urgent need to find a new site highlights the lack of security and safety vulnerable women and gender diverse people are facing amid the pandemic.
COVID consequences: Pandemic has shifted retirement realities
In a year of missing milestones, retirement has become another casualty of the pandemic. Retirees face psychological, financial and health impacts.
Graduating students, parents disappointed school boards not holding outdoor grads
Some Ottawa high school students and their parents are disappointed at what they describe as a lack of effort on the part of Ottawa’s two largest school boards to hold in-person graduation celebrations despite permission from the Ontario government to do so. With graduation a few weeks away, these students and parents say while the decisions are unsurprising after a...
Food trucks count on customer loyalty as patios and the province reopen
Food trucks have actually survived the pandemic and public health restrictions quite well. Now they face a the reopening and are counting on customer loyalty to continue to thrive.
Road to recovery begins as horse racing allowed to resume in Ontario
Under step one of the provinces reopening, horse racing can resume at Ontario racetracks - without fans in the grandstands.
Ontario campers ‘itching’ to go as province’s parks and campsites reopen
With Step One of reopening Ontario comes campsites, campgrounds, and Ontario Parks being open for use which makes this group of friends very happy.
Ontario puts a priority on hotspots for second doses as evidence shows Delta variant more transmissible, less susceptible to vaccines
Experts speak as to why it's important to prioritize provincial hot spots for second doses of the vaccine - especially in light of the new Delta variant's presence.
Parkdale Night Market has become a welcome ‘lifeline’ for local distilleries and breweries
The line for craft beers and seltzers at Dominion City Brewing Company just kept getting longer as the sun set on the Parkdale Night Market Wednesday. The market has been a staple in Hintonburg since 1924. But the market’s first night market opened last week, giving vendors more opportunities to reach customers. Parkdale now also hosts a variety of local...
Two pandemics later, Rosemount library reopens after major revitalization
The unveiling of the revitalized Rosemount branch of the Ottawa Public Library took place on Zoom Tuesday.
Concern over conservation rising as number of visitors to Ontario parks soars
There is greater concern over the protection of wildlife habitats within Ontario provincial parks as the government makes parks more accessible to a greater number of visitors.
First Person: Getting a dose of COVID-19 vaccine
“Right arm or left arm?” asked Sara Noyes, 26, a nurse at Ottawa City Hall who administered my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on June 2. “Left arm,” I replied. I’m right handed so I’d rather my left side be sore the next day. I sat down next to her, and we chatted briefly about my comfort level with...
COVID-19 pandemic has unmasked anti-Asian racism in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a problem within Canadian society - anti-Asian racism. Data indicates violence has increased in the past year.
COVID consequences: It’s tricky tying the knot during a pandemic
Two brides navigate wedding planning in a pandemic. For the wedding industry, it's been no piece of cake.
Vaccinated older adults hopeful that end in sight for social isolation
As the Canadian vaccination efforts deliver doses to seniors, many are looking forward to socialization after a year of isolation.
Let the games begin: Carleton team creates esports league for Ontario post-secondary students
Carleton University has created an esports league specifically for post-secondary students to flex their competitive gaming skills.
‘Here we go again’: Students saddened, angered by recent outbreaks in university residences
Now over a year into the pandemic, there are still outbreaks reported on university residences, and some students have accepted this reality.