Removing Aylmer Hydro Ruins could have major impact on wildlife, local experts warn
Removing the Aylmer Hydro Ruins will harm the local community's heritage and ecosystem, experts say.
Where there’s smoke: More education needed about disorders and poisonings caused by cannabis use, experts say
Since the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Canada, there has been an increase in cannabis-related hospitalizations, particularly in young university-aged people.
Inclusion week panel at Carleton hears about the need for open dialogue
A panel discussion hosted by Carleton University’s School of Social Work stressed the need for need for an open dialogue between different people offers a path to a less confrontational and more open community.
Self-storage business booms in Ottawa and small condos may be a factor
Storage unit employees in Canada’s capital region say they have seen a 'huge demand' for self-storage rental units from residents.
Aiming to make more housing affordable in Ottawa, land trust buys its first property
An Ottawa non-profit with the stated goal of keeping housing affordable forever has acquired its first rental property on Kirkwood Avenue in Carlington.
Advocates urge Ottawa to adopt a tenant defence fund to help those facing eviction
Activists urge a city committee to consider a legal defence fund for tenants facing high rent increases or eviction.
City council to consider expanding emergency shelters more widely across Ottawa
Community Services Committee proposes more emergency shelters to reduce the current overflow and to help make them more accessible across multiple wards.
CHEO says it’s prepared for a bad respiratory illness season, with ER visits rising
This respiratory illness season is predicted to be similar to the last where a surge of multiple different respiratory illnesses pushed the limits of the health-care system.
Proposed cap on numbers won’t solve housing crisis, say international students
International students say any cap on their numbers won't solve the housing crisis and will hurt Canadian universities dependent on their tuition fees.
Frustration over affordability has young Canadians leaning towards federal Conservatives
Young Canadian voters are considering electing Conservatives as they struggle with affordability issues such as inflation and housing costs.
Volunteer groups flock together to save two birds of prey
In July of 2023, three local volunteer organizations came together to save a hawk and an owl and released them back into the wild.
Proposed off-leash dog park in Greely ‘well-received,’ community poll shows
A proposed off-leash dog park has been well received by community, according to city poll.
Inflation drives food bank use in Ottawa to critical levels
Ottawa food banks are facing growing demand as food prices soar across the country.
Overflowing cat rescues in Ottawa struggle to find homes for stray felines
Cat rescues in Ottawa are full and donations are down. Volunteers are struggling to find homes for the many felines.
Surge in COVID-19 infections sparks call for more measures to protect those in Ottawa’s long-term care homes
The anticipation of a new surge of COVID-19 is causing some family members of people living in long-term care to call for change.
Hungry for hampers: Demand outstrips supply at campus food banks in Ottawa
Ottawa's post-secondary campus food banks struggle to meet demand from students.
Vanier residents start Good Neighbours safety walks and urge ‘very bold actions’ against opioid crisis
Ottawa has grappled with homelessness and drug addiction for years. A group of concerned residents have decided to act.
Affordable housing cash in Lansdowne renewal plan reduced; move raises concerns, questions about city’s commitment
The latest Lansdowne revitalization proposal released two weeks ago promised even less of a commitment to affordable housing than the original proposal, earmarking just $3.9 million to the city’s affordable housing budget.
Ottawa community organizations face urgent need for volunteer drivers
Community support organizations are facing an urgent need for volunteer drivers to assist with their medical transportation program for seniors.
City of Ottawa not doing enough to address food insecurity, say church-affiliated groups
The people who run church-affiliated meal drop-ins and food banks want to see the city offer better solutions than the emergency help they can provide.
Ending the blame game: ByWard Market’s homelessness crisis frustrates those calling for new solutions
Homelessness in Ottawa’s ByWard Market is an integral problem in the city, one that has been around for decades but has worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. People are tired: business owners, community members, and the people experiencing homelessness themselves.
Non-police emergency response in Centretown should make those in crisis feel heard, not criminalized, organizations say
In summer 2024, Centretown will be the site of a non-police emergency service pilot program to respond to mental health and addiction crises in the community. Social services in the area said the service is essential for saving lives and instilling trust in the public.
CHUO-FM ‘priceless,’ says station alumnus concerned after uOttawa students vote to cut levy
The future of uOttawa's campus radio station CHUO-FM is unclear after students voted to end the $4.99 student levy.
Minimum wage increase takes toll on small businesses in Ottawa
Some small businesses are struggling to adjust to the minimum wage increase amid inflation and lasting COVID-19 impacts.
More Ottawans turn to winter cycling — but with an eye to the hazards of climate change
Ottawans are extending their cycling seasons throughout the winter as a solution to concerns with climate change and reliable transit.
Carleton students vote on direct levy to fund campus support centre supplying food and other necessities to those in need
Carleton University is having a referendum to decide wether or not to impose a $2.98 levy on each student, per term, to help fund the university-based food bank.
Latest Lansdowne 2.0 proposal gets angry reception over rising costs, lack of affordable housing
More than 300 Ottawa residents voiced their concerns and outrage over a new redevelopment proposal at the “Let’s Talk Lansdowne” event held in Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building last Wednesday.
Honouring the past: The National Naval Reserve Monument repaired and rededicated
In a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Naval Reserve, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada rededicated the National Naval Reserve Monument at HMCS Carleton in Ottawa on Oct. 14.
Paying the price of road safety: Ottawa expands traffic-calming measures, but they come at a cost
Traffic calming measures work to make neighbourhoods safer at a cost.
‘Challenges and opportunities:’ Carleton report shows how universities are trying to grapple with Artificial Intelligence
With over 50 per cent of university students in Canada using AI in their schoolwork, Carleton University is focusing on the benefits as well as the challenges of introducing AI into teaching and learning environments.
‘I have started to buy only the necessities:’ Food inflation threatens students’ ability to consume a balanced diet
High food inflation in Ontario has forced students to cut back on essential food groups.
Rough starts: construction causing dog complaint surge, says Ottawa councillor
Dogs are causing Ottawa residents to use the city’s 311 system to complain about owners and their pets.
Canadian Museum of Nature embraces prescription program for mental health
The PaRx program is allowing doctors to prescribe patients passes to the Canadian Museum of Nature for the first time, in order to boost mental health.
Shortage of ice time at Ottawa arenas frustrates local sports teams
As demand increases and as more arena facilities temporarily close, local organizations are finding new ways to adapt to Ottawa's arena shortage.
Rising food prices prompt higher demand for Ottawa School Breakfast Program
The cost of food is not only impacting households, it has spurred a concerning increase in the use of Ottawa's school food program.
Flowers bloom on Centretown sidewalks as mystery artist adds colour to the community
An anonymous Ottawa artist has begun spray-painting flowers all over the streets of Centretown in an attempt to brighten people's day.
Disability advocates expose gaps in NCC River House’s accessibility
Audit reveals gaps in the NCC River House's accessibility. Advocates say this reflects a broader struggle in the city.
Byward Market restaurateurs struggling because of inflation, safety fears and fewer customers
Byword Market restaurateurs are battling inflation, seeing fewer customers and dealing with safety concerns.
American and Canadian sororities and fraternities struggle with lack of inclusivity for disabled students
Fraternities and sororities have come under mounting pressure in recent years to diversify their ranks. So far,: people with disabilities have been largely ignored.
Sandy Hill residents hope better policing and planning will prevent post-Panda Game chaos
The Ottawa police say they will have a "significant and sustained" presence in the ByWard Market, Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South areas for pre and post-Panda Game activities.
New Carleton reporting award honours slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Carleton University unveils a new scholarship in honour of the slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Single-use plastics ban gets mixed reception among Ottawa’s small businesses
With the single-use plastics ban coming into effect in two months, Ottawa's business owners have different perspectives on its effectiveness.
City builder: Dr. Gail Beck is a champion of mental health and new police board chair
Dr. Gail Beck is a child psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and now chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board.
Flu shots for kids key to avoiding surge in hospitalizations this fall, Etches says
Ottawa Public Health is warning parents that getting a flu vaccine for their children will be key to avoiding the high rates of hospital and emergency department visits that Ottawa experienced last year.
City builder: Paula MacDonald builds cultural connections in her role as a deaf Indigenous advocate
Paula MacDonald, who is half Cree from Treaty 4, is a deaf Indigenous youth advocate, who is working hard to help deaf Indigenous connect with their communities.
City builder: Local movie theatre co-owner Josh Stafford focused on growing independent cinema
As co-owner of the Mayfair Theatre, Josh Stafford works behind the scenes to promote the importance of independent cinema.
Stabilizing LRT is key to boosting bus reliability, says OC Transpo head
New data shared by OC Transpo shows that bus reliability dropped further in July and August following the Line 1 LRT closure. City councillors are concerned that without increased transit reliability, transit fare revenue will continue to fail to hit projected targets.
OC Transpo’s on-demand plan ‘throwing mud’ in face of Para Transpo users, say advocates
New on-demand bus service is drawing the ire to the disabled community.
The ‘shoppertainment’ trap: As social media apps blur line between socializing and buying, the risks to users soar
Shopping online through social media platforms is expanding exponentially but it also carries serious risks, experts say.
Soaring cost of living has food bank use in Ottawa rising to record levels
With rising grocery costs locking more people out of a nutritious diet, rates of food insecurity are soaring across the country.