‘Retail therapy’ is not real therapy in a dark COVID winter
The upcoming season can seem like a drag. With winter, the pandemic and not being able to visit family and friends, you may be feeling down. You are not in this alone.
COVID-19 restrictions are causing a surge in cannabis sales and changing consumer habits in Ottawa
Learn how COVID-19 restrictions are causing a change in local cannabis retail sales and consumer habits.
Ottawa’s Jewish women closer than ever during pandemic
Jewish women in Ottawa support each other during the pandemic through a variety of community events.
COVID consequences: Ottawa mosques adapt in-person prayers and virtual services
The Ottawa Mosque and the Mosque of Mercy (Masjid ar-Rahmah), invite the Muslim community to attend in-person prayers and online services and programs.
COVID is reshaping holiday traditions, shopping
Like many things in 2020, the holiday season will look a little bit different this year as COVID-19 cases continue to hit record highs all across the country.
Ottawa’s online students brace for the isolation of a long winter
The isolation of online learning during the pandemic is have a negative impact on the mental health of students.
Lessons from the lockdown: Independent bookshops say they’re ready for holiday shoppers
Two local bookstores say they are better prepared to manage the impact of the pandemic because of the support of the community.
Ottawa malls adapt to a new kind of holiday shopping
With current COVID-19 restrictions holiday shopping in Canada’s capital is going to look very different this year.
Coming to a computer screen near you: Ottawa film festivals find virtual silver screen lining during pandemic
Film festivals in Ottawa are discovering the challenges and benefits of online screenings as they adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
National student group ‘distraught’ by gaps in support announced in federal economic statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivers the 2020 fall economic statement as the government continues to focus on guiding Canadians through the pandemic.
Blood donors needed over the holiday ‘season of giving’ despite pandemic
The holidays are the season for gift-giving but ironically many forget to give the gift of life by donating blood.
Ottawa artists with developmental disabilities take their creativity online
A unique group of Ottawa artists with developmental disabilities has been working to stay creative through virtual activities since leaving their studio March 13 as a result of the pandemic lockdown.
Pandemic putting the brakes on public transit use for some
As winter arrives, public transit numbers may not significantly increase.
Tracking COVID-19: Dec. 1
The prime minister said today that Canada will not agree to lifting a ban on non-essential travel with the United States until the coronavirus outbreak is significantly under control around the world. The Liberal government is preparing legislation to begin implementing the fall economic statement. As such the measures could trigger a confidence vote and the toppling of the government. Justin...
COVID consequences: Ottawa’s Syrian community acutely affected by education, language barriers during pandemic
Syrian refugee community aren’t getting sufficient education or the language practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hindering their efforts to acclimatize to life in Ottawa.
Ontario moves to make daylight savings the only time — eventually
A brief look at Ontario's new Bill 214, passed Nov. 25, seeking to permanently make daylight saving time the standard for the province.
Faces of change: Renée Michaud works to connect people during the pandemic
Local artist and entrepreneur Renée Michaud has adapted her community-based art events to keep people connected during the pandemic.
As COVID-19 drags on, traffic collisions are way down but dangerous driving may be up
Business closures and working from home during COVID-19 has reduced traffic across Ontario. How is this impacting road safety for Canadians?
Despite heavy COVID-19 losses, movie theatre operators remain hopeful
Despite several months of on-and-off closures and steep drops in revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic, movie theatre operators are optimistic that a pandemic bounce-back could be around the corner.
Faces of change: Nathalie Maione uses furniture to fight for inclusion
Nathalie Maione's charity Helping With Furniture furnishes the homes of international and domestic immigrants in Ottawa. They go far beyond furniture in their fight for inclusion.
Seasonal businesses consider a virtual Christmas as COVID scuttles in-person traditions
With the Holidays right around the corner, Christmas small businesses are potentially opting for COVID-safe virtual options to continue to spread Christmas cheer.
Carleton’s sidelined soccer players frustrated by scuttled season, COVID-19’s physical, mental impact
Carleton University men and women's varsity soccer team has been significantly impacted throughout the season due to the pandemic - and the mental health of some of their players has also taken a toll.
Ribbons of remembrance: Ottawa church dedicates COVID tree to honour victims, soothe community’s grief
A small tree beside a church in the Glebe has been transformed into a memorial for local victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of pale blue ribbons — the colour of the disposable masks so commonly worn since the global health crisis began in the spring — flutter among the tree’s branches, each knotted strand dedicated to an Ottawa resident...
City waives 2021 patio fees, allows road closures in business zones to combat COVID-19’s economic impact
As struggling restaurants brace for a winter of pandemic restrictions certain to curtail customer traffic, the City of Ottawa is exploring ways to help keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. At a Nov. 2 transportation committee meeting, councillors voted to waive patio fees until next year and to allow restaurants in Business Improvement Areas to apply for road closures...
In The News: Monday, Nov. 16
An overview of the top news stories on Monday, Nov. 16.
In The News: Monday, Nov. 9
A quick look at some of the top news stories both locally and internationally as of Monday, November 9.
Post-secondary students hoping for tuition break as ‘virtual learning’ continues
Post-secondary students all across Ontario have now experienced online schooling and the question still remains, will tuition fees ever be lowered?
COVID-19 risks, safety protocols challenge hospices providing end-of-life care across Ontario
COVID-19’s uprooting across all healthcare practices in Ontario has caused protocols to be reimagined. Challenges to hospice care across the province include restriction on visitors and personal protective equipment barriers for both residents and staff.
Rage rooms and other spaces offer physical, emotional relief in COVID times
An overview of select recreational facilities that offer consumers a safe space to engage in a physical activity while blowing off emotional steam.
Ottawa’s hard-hit tourism sector faces an uncertain future amid pandemic
Tourism spending in Canada is down, leaving Ottawa's tourism industry in crisis. The city is positioned to lose $1.4 billion in tourism spending in 2020.
Driver safety at heart of $6M plan to install Plexiglas barriers on OC Transpo buses
Permanent operator barriers are a topic of discussion for transit commissions in many major Canadian cities as assaults against drivers have been on the rise.
Students fear for their mental health as COVID-19 winter isolation measures loom
The first COVID-19 lockdown took its toll on peoples' mental health. Many fear that further lockdowns during winter will be even worse.
Cooking for a Cause Ottawa shows what the power of good food can achieve
A food security initiative that was started due to COVID-19, hopes to continue operations into 2021.
COVID and creativity: New businesses spring up during pandemic
As a way to keep productive during quarantine, some Ottawa locals have started their own businesses, seeing success in the second wave.
Pandemic Pets: Consider the consequences when you adopt, experts say
Amid the pandemic the demand for pets has increased, but post-pandemic conditions may pose problems for these furry companions.
Ottawa charities ‘concerned but hopeful’ as funds drop during COVID-19
Ottawa's charities are not immune to the economic impact of COVID-19. Decreasing fundraising revenue may affect their ability to provide support.
COVID-19 restrictions have Ottawa residents looking outdoors to stay healthy
With Gyms in Ottawa shut again because of COVID-19 restrictions, many Ottawa residents will have to consider outdoor activities to stay fit this fall and possibly through the winter.
Many students losing an economic lifeline as restaurant jobs in Ottawa hit hard by COVID-19
Life is tough for Student employees and students seeking work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spooky attractions across Ontario haunted by pandemic rules
How local businesses are adapting to pandemic guidelines in attempt to provide the haunted Halloween experience this year.
Scientists warn of more pandemics as the buffers between humans and animal break down
Discarded masks are just the beginning of the environmental consequences of COVID-19. The intersection of humans and the environment — at a time when the disappearing buffer between people and animals is being blamed for this and expected future pandemics — is challenging sustainability in the context of this global public health emergency.
Ottawa housing market continues price gains, despite pandemic
Ottawa's housing market has continued to grow during the pandemic and doesn't appear it will slow down soon.
Ottawa theatres in forced intermission because of COVID-19 closures
Not being able to attend live theatre is becoming a major issue for smaller theatre companies.
COVID consequences: Ottawa-area animal sanctuaries short staff, funds
Limited funding for sanctuaries during COVID-19 means a lack of access to volunteers and staff, as well as food, medicine and supply shortages.
In The News: Friday, Oct. 16
The forecast today is for a high of 10ºC and a low of 6ºC. Environment Canada says there is a chance of showers throughout the day. Minor hockey leagues put on ice for 28 days The Nepean Minor Hockey Association has postponed leagues in Ottawa as a result of modified Stage 2 restrictions. Teams have been allowed to practice only...
‘We’re on our own’: Parents struggle to navigate COVID testing as schools remain open through second wave
With school reopened and COVID-19 cases rising, parents struggle to follow school and province guidelines.
On ice: Curling’s brief return to play suspended at Rideau, other Ottawa clubs
Rideau Curling Club faces unprecedented challenges as they become one of the first curling clubs in Ottawa to finally reopen their doors to their members after COVID-19 shut them in March.
Tourism in Ottawa may not bounce back from COVID-19 until 2023: expert
Tourism in Ottawa has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, what do businesses in the tourism sector think?
Ottawa golf courses ace the pandemic summer with record high numbers
It’s been one of the few industries in any sector that seems to have benefitted from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the 2020 golf season winds down, a look at how this outdoor activity — relatively easy to keep compliant with public health guidelines — became the go-to recreational outlet for many people.
COVID consequences: Teletherapy tackles surging mental health crisis
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have been experiencing a rising mental health crisis and teletherapy appointments are in high demand.