Battles in Ottawa Centre, Carleton highlight quest for local seats in federal vote
Campaigns are in full swing across the nation’s capital as federal election day — April 28 — is now just two weeks away. The parties’ local machines are humming across Ottawa’s nine ridings meaning signs are in the ground, boots are on the pavement and faces are at the doorstep. Some riding boundaries have been changed and a few ridings...
Flames of Belonging: Iranian Canadians leap into spring at ancient fire festival
Under a crisp, late-March sky in Dunrobin, bonfires lit up the night as dozens of Iranians gathered to celebrate Chaharshanbeh Suri, reviving an ancient Persian tradition with laughter, music and fire. What began as a Zoroastrian ritual thousands of years ago has become a cherished cultural festival for millions. Held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, the...
City gives $30,000 boost to accessibility makeover at conservation area to let those with disabilities enjoy nature
The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation has received a $30,000 grant from the City of Ottawa to begin an expansion of its Nature for All project creating better access to the Baxter Conservation Area for people living with disabilities . The project’s first phase saw construction of a boardwalk across a marsh to allow people using wheelchairs or walkers — as...
It’s the law: Ottawa Police Service Board developing diversity plan
The Ottawa Police Service Board is developing a diversity plan to comply with a 2019 provincial act requiring police boards to create and adopt plans that ensure police services reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Bus shortage could hinder OC Transpo’s massive route makeover
OC Transpo is 19 buses short ahead of a slew of route changes planned under the New Ways to Bus, which comes into effect April 27. A minimum of 540 buses a day are needed while OC Transpo has an average of 521 buses available, city staff told transit committee April 10. While incoming route changes require fewer buses, with...
Ottawa Police Service predicts large budget increase amid staff additions, body cameras
The budget for the Ottawa Police Service may see a significant increase next year, driven in part by additional hiring, salary increases and a plan to equip officers with body cameras.
With fate of 24 Sussex unclear, experts extoll historic value of official residences
With the future of 24 Sussex Drive in doubt and Canadians two weeks away from electing a new prime minister, local heritage experts are urging protection of the historic home and turning a spotlight on the capital’s rich history of prime ministerial residences. Years of neglect have put the official residence of the prime minister at risk. In one of...
More than books: The Ottawa Trans Library is preserving and building a culture
With challenges on 2SLBGTQ+ books on the rise in Canada and American libraries, Alice Holland is one of the volunteers at the Ottawa Trans Library, protecting trans art and building community to counter transphobia and censorship.
Vanier sugar shack celebrates 40 years with syrup, music and lumberjack competition
Despite poor conditions, members of the Ottawa community gathered in droves to attend Vanier’s Sugar Festival, the 40th year of the event, which celebrates Canadian culture, particularly French-Canadian culture.
Ottawa Centre pits Liberal Yasir Naqvi and NDP’s Joel Harden in election re-match
Along the streets of Ottawa’s trendy Glebe neighbourhood, election signs are out in an Ottawa Centre rematch between incumbent Liberal Yasir Naqvi and NDP Joel Harden.
Fairy Cowboy Tours aims to preserve and celebrate Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ history
Wearing a cowboy hat, a drawn-on moustache and glittery fairy wings, drag artist Morgan Mercury strolls around downtown Ottawa while sharing stories of 2SLGBTQ+ trailblazers who once called the city home.
Museum of Nature mineralogist wins major prize for photographic gems
A Canadian Museum of Nature mineralogist has been awarded one of the field’s most prestigious prizes for his striking photographs of geological specimens. Michael Bainbridge, the Canadian Museum of Nature’s assistant curator of mineralogy and a highly accomplished photographer, was recently presented with the Carnegie Mineralogical Award at the annual Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona, the largest of...