COVID consequences: No barks, all financial bites for pet boarding businesses in Ottawa Valley
Pet boarding services in the Ottawa Valley have fewer pets and more difficult decisions to make during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ontario’s frontline health-care workers seek support amid epidemic of anxiety, burnout
Frontline health-care workers in Ontario say they feel abandoned by government as they struggle with increased stress and workloads during the pandemic
These tired eyes: Pandemic seems to be sparking an epidemic of weakened vision
The pandemic is forcing people indoors and onto computer screens which in turn is leading to vision problems associated with 'computer vision syndrome.'
In the virtual spotlight: Dance crews adapt to Carleton’s COVID-era showcase
The Carleton University Dance Club weather the challenges of the pandemic's online format as they prepare for their upcoming virtual showcase.
Good trick: Magicians in Ottawa and beyond have learned how to deal with the pandemic
Ottawa-based magicians are transforming their careers during a year of COVID-19.
Around the Bay road race celebrates its 127th birthday — with a virtual version
North America's oldest running race is going online this year, allowing runners to run the race anywhere in the world, between March 25 and April 25.
City’s Paint It Up! program embarks on a ‘totally COVID’ year
Paint It Up! Ottawa is gearing up for its first full-year venture amid COVID-19.
Bargain hunting group stretches dollars for charity even during the pandemic
As charities and non-profits in Ottawa continue grappling with an increased need for their services during the pandemic, Boom! Savings! — described by its founder as a “charitable shopping group” – has carried on with its mission to shop for discount items to help meet those needs.
On the frontlines: Under-represented women among hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 has impacted many Canadians, women are among the hardest hit considering their representation in frontline work and being at home.
Viral video of Queen’s student defying COVID-19 public health travel restrictions sparks online controversy
Queen's University student posts viral anti-COVID-19 travel restrictions video on Instagram sparking outrage and support.
Garden centres geared up for another pandemic planting surge
Garden centres saw a surge this time last year because of the pandemic. Since the Ontario government has declared garden centres will remain open during the stay-at-home order, they are seeing an increase in demand, again.
On the road again: Canadian trucker finds border crossing easier even despite COVID-19 restrictions
As they provide an essential service, Canadian commercial truck drivers continue to navigate COVID-19 restrictions as they are brought forward.
City of Ottawa to bring ads into O-Train stations to rebuild revenue
The City of Ottawa's transit commission looks to advertisements as a way of easing the financial stress on OC Transpo during COVID-19.
Hamilton area home prices soar during COVID-19 pandemic
Realtor Stacey Keric believes the effects of the pandemic will have a lasting effect on the market in the city
Virtual health care has become a lifeline during pandemic and likely beyond: experts
Pharmacies and other healthcare providers are going virtual to provide accessible healthcare for Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been good for us to learn how to adapt:” Religious leaders reflect on the second Holy Week under lockdown
Religious leaders find silver linings and deep meaning as they celebrated holy days during the lockdown.
Post-secondary students hoping for a rebound in the summer job market
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue across Canada and beyond, many students are hoping this will mean the summer job market will be less terrible than it was in 2020. Although the number of students hired this year has rebounded slightly, employment among young people is still far lower than it was before to the pandemic. According to a survey by Statistics...
Vaccinating Ottawa’s homeless population poses unique problems
As the vaccine rollout proceeds in the city, Ottawa Inner City Health is leading the charge to get vaccines into the arms of the homeless population. This group was initially scheduled for shots in the second phase of vaccination but city officials moved them up the queue after outbreaks spread through six shelters earlier this year. The challenge now is...
The 25th Hour: The TikTok Hockey Guys
Lawson McDonald and The Hockey Guys are posting on their growing TikTok account. Spreading positivity within their own team bubble and to their followers during COVID-19.
The 25th Hour: Life after hockey
Carleton Ravens forward, Dakota Odgers, sees COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a life changing decision.
The 25th Hour: Peace of clay
A Carleton graduate student sculpts small clay dishes to relax and connect with friends.
The 25th Hour: Putting through the pandemic
Professional golfer Yente Van Doren has been using golf as a method to maintain a good mental health throughout the pandemic.
Party time: Event planners adapting to the changes caused by COVID-19
With a pandemic, physical distancing restrictions, and most of life moving online, event planning and entertainment businesses have made some big changes this year.
Despite pandemic, Ottawa library branches connecting with patrons — one database at a time
The Ottawa Public Library has experienced some positives since the pandemic began, including an increase in users.
COVID crisis adds new challenges for mother coping with child’s sickle cell disease
One family with a child with sickle cell disease shares challenges of living with serious illness, and how COVID has affected their situation.
Coping with COVID: Canadians are taking up hobbies to reduce stress during pandemic
As many Canadians are isolating at home, they have taken up some hobbies to deal with the added stress from the pandemic.
Ottawa’s drag queens have kept their art alive during COVID-19
Ottawa's drag queens have used the pandemic to practice and improve their art form and to test out online performance.
Pandemic pressures: COVID-19 restrictions cause concerns about development of young children
The isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has experts looking into it's effects on young children, just learning to socialize with peers. Experts have noted increased anxiety and behavioural problems amongst children during this time.
Some light in dark times: Photographer’s body-shaped candles promote positivity
Charlie Baze is a boudoir photographer from Kitchener Waterloo, Ont., recently launched an online business selling body-shaped candles to compensate for the lost income caused by the pandemic lockdown.
Atlantic travel bubble a barrier to family for students from region living in rest of Canada
The Atlantic travel bubble will reopen April 19. But for students from the region living in the rest of Canada it remains a barrier to being with their families.
COVID-19 is causing a “perfect storm” shadow pandemic of eating disorders
Hospitals across Canada are seeing a surge in demand for eating disorder treatment. Learn why here.
Pandemic compounding mental health concerns on both sides of the psychologists’ table
Many people's mental health has worsened due to COVID-19, but how are mental health workers fairing?
Ottawa camps pivot to provide programming in April after Ontario postpones March Break
March Break camps in Ottawa have pivoted and will run from April 12-16 in light of the Ontario government's postponement
Pandemic puzzler: 2020 was a strange but prosperous year in Ottawa real estate
At the start of the pandemic a year ago, real estate sales were expected to suffer but in fact the Ottawa real estate market has continued to thrive.
Hope rekindled as skiing returns to recently reopened Ottawa-area hills
After what has been largely a lost year for many activities in the Ottawa region because of the pandemic, the recent return of downhill skiing has been an uplifting sign of hope being restored. The Ontario government allowed hills to re-open Feb.12, and the ski hills are hoping to make up for lost time. “If we can stay open through...
Federal leaders mark the bitter anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic
Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau marks March 11 as a day to commemorate those who lost their lives and were affected by COVID-19.
Third wave of COVID-19 on horizon on anniversary of Ottawa’s first case
Mar. 11 marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Ottawa, now one year later residents are preparing for a possible third wave of cases.
Road trip realities: Van dwellers adapt to the pandemic world
Some Canadians have taken to the road in homemade vans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic at the market: Positivity keeps vendors going during uncertain times
Life during the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, including small business owners trying to stay open amidst the ever-changing rules.
Project aims to better understand older women’s health — including impact of COVID-19
Research foundations in Canada are teaming up to raise awareness on women's health after survey finding shows Canadian's minimal understanding
Pandemic challenges charity and the families with sick children it helps
Children's charity volunteers discuss empathy amidst the challenges of COVID-19
A system turned upside down: Immigration process faces growing backlog during pandemic
The efficiency of processing immigration applications has deteriorated dramatically because of COVID-19, and it is affecting prospective immigrants as well as the future of the Canadian immigration system.
Pandemic highlights need for more Canadian-based breeding for guide dogs
COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on Canadian guide dog organizations' funds and dog supplies.
University students and faculty call on Ontario government for adequate funding and support
Both students and faculty of universities in Ontario are concerned with the quality of their education during the pandemic
Why are young adults reporting more COVID-19 cases? It’s complicated
Although reported COVID-19 cases in the young adult population are the highest in all age groups, experts say this can be explained by socioeconomic factors.
Students who joined GameStop investment craze take stock of their experience
Student investors reflect on their wins and losses from their GameStop investments.
For students learning online at home, sleep disruption caused by screen time is making life even tougher
People are spending more time in front of their screens now than ever before, but how is this impacting our sleep?
Stuck in football purgatory, CFL rookies have adapted to an off-season like no other
When the pandemic wiped out the 2020 CFL season, it left rookies in a tough spot. Since then, they've been preparing to return to the field.
Small business adjusting while building community
Small businesses have had to adjust because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A local Ottawa business called Oat Couture had to adapt in many different ways because of lockdown measures. This photo essay was produced in the fall of 2020 and gives an in-depth look at the changes that the business had to make.