Capital Current

As final Lansdowne 2.0 decision looms, Glebe association insists the plan is a bad one   - Capital Current Lansdowne 2.0 has become the centre of Ottawa conversations will receive a final vote on Friday.

The Lansdowne Park redevelopment plan has seen a lot of debate on its implementation. As the final vote nears, the Glebe Community Association says the project’s financial plan is unrealistic.

By Ali Adwan 

capitalcurrent.ca/as-final-lan...

Ottawa councillors reject expansion of urban boundary for Barrhaven housing development - Capital Current Ottawa city councillors have refused to expand the urban boundary in the Cedarview area of Barrhaven to make way for a housing development.

Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee declined the expansion of an urban boundary in Barrhaven. City staff says the extra space meant for housing development is unnecessary because there is enough available land within the boundary.

By Grace Horton

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-counc...

Suzanne Obiorah offers leadership in improving access for all to public health in Ottawa - Capital Current Suzanne Obiorah, CEO of the Somerset West Community Health Centre, has worked to minimize racial and social disparities in Ottawa.

Suzanne Obiorah helped launch Ottawa’s first anti-racism strategy. Now, as CEO of Somerset West Community Health Centre, she’s focused on making health care accessible for all.

By Sophia Laporte

capitalcurrent.ca/suzanne-obio...

Rising popularity of K-pop and K-dramas sparking a shift in perceptions of Korean identity and culture - Capital Current Nukes. Bombs. War. North Korea. These are words Jenny Kwak, a 22-year-old Korean-Canadian, often heard when people discussed her heritage.  Growing up in Toronto, she always felt like she stood out. H...

K-pop and K-dramas have made Korean culture a global phenomenon. In Canada, that spotlight is helping young Korean-Canadians reclaim pride in their identity and challenge stereotypes.

By Thuy Anh Nguyen

capitalcurrent.ca/rising-popul...

Giving a dam for 50 years: Canada's relationship with its national animal - Capital Current The beaver has been an official symbol of Canada for 50 years, but we don't treat them with the respect that deserve, experts say.

Fifty years after becoming a national symbol, the beaver still faces traps and neglect. Conservationists say Canada’s emblem of hard work and resilience needs real protection, not just celebration.

By Sarah Forrest

capitalcurrent.ca/giving-a-dam...

BlaBla language exchange fosters community amongst Ottawa's multicultural melting pot BlaBla language exchange brings together Ottawa's diverse community through conversation about language and culture.

Every Tuesday night, Ottawa’s Elgin Beer Project turns into a global gathering spot. BlaBla brings people of all backgrounds together to practise languages, make friends, and find community.

By Iya Mendoza and Justin Campbell

capitalcurrent.ca/life-is-abou...

Ottawa scientist Emilio Alarcón champions diversity in his research - Capital Current University of Ottawa Scientist Emilio Alarcón has been named on of Canada's top most inspiring immigrants.

Ottawa scientist Emilio Alarcón is breaking barriers in biomedicine while challenging how society defines disability. Named one of Canada’s top 25 most inspiring immigrants, he’s championing diversity in science and beyond.

By Sarah Yule

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-scien...

Denied at the door: Guide dog users in Ottawa say they still face discrimination - Capital Current Despite legal protections, Ottawa guide dog users still face access denials. Advocates call for awareness, enforcement, and cultural change.

Guide dog users in Ottawa say discrimination persists, with taxis and restaurants still refusing entry. The CNIB is pushing new campaigns to raise awareness of accessibility rights under Ontario law.

By Adrianna Teal, Farrah Philpot and Massimo Manini-Paquette

capitalcurrent.ca/denied-at-th...

Is the LRT east extension on track to open before 2026? Commuters sure hope so - Capital Current Residents in Ottawa's east end are both hopeful and cautious about the opening of the LRT east extension by 2026.

Ottawa’s east-end commuters are eager for the LRT Line 1 extension to open by year’s end. OC Transpo says testing is nearly complete, but some riders doubt the project will stay on track.

By Jewel Wheeler and Grace Bestard

capitalcurrent.ca/lrt-east-ext...

‘We let this happen’: Ottawa seniors fight for climate action - Capital Current Ottawa seniors join climate action groups to fight for emergency climate action, to better younger generations' futures.

Ottawa’s Seniors for Climate say it’s time for older generations to take responsibility for the planet’s future. As heat waves grow more dangerous, members are demanding stronger climate policies to protect young people.

By Ana Maria Cadena and Maggie Solomon

capitalcurrent.ca/we-let-this-...

Ottawa councillors say 'no' to declaring Hintonburg a heritage district - Capital Current Ottawa city councillors have rejected the idea of declaring the historically rich neighbourhood of Hintonburg as one of the heritage conservation districts.

Ottawa councillors have voted against designating Hintonburg as a heritage district, opting instead to protect key buildings individually. City staff say the move will balance heritage conservation with the neighbourhood’s continued growth.

By Grace Knapp

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-counc...

Ottawa crime writers gather grim tales in new anthology set in the capital - Capital Current New Ottawa-based crime story anthology showcases strong community of crime fiction writers in the capital

New release for mystery lovers: A Capital Mystery features 21 Ottawa crime stories inspired by the city’s hidden corners. Local writers say it’s time the capital showed its dark side.

By Sinchan Bhatt and Justin Campbell

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-based...

Glebe mural showcases Ottawa's first all-Chinese hockey team Glebe's newest mural, "Chinese Aces Skate the Canal," celebrates the Chinese Aces, Ottawa's first all-Chinese hockey team.

New in the Glebe: “Chinese Aces Skate the Canal” mural tells the story of Ottawa’s first all-Chinese hockey team and celebrates diversity, nostalgia, and community.

By Iya Mendoza and Michael McBean

capitalcurrent.ca/we-need-to-u...

Ottawa landfill volumes are down thanks to garbage limits, councillors hear - Capital Current City councillors welcomed the news that Ottawa’s garbage limits are reducing the amount of waste going to the city’s landfills but some raised concerns about rising reports of illegal dumping.

Ottawa’s three-item garbage limit is cutting landfill volumes, but councillors are keeping an eye on rising reports of illegal dumping. City officials say most households are complying, and reductions show real progress in waste management.

By Mia Parker

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-landf...

Ottawa temporarily cuts developer fees as part of the city's housing accelerator plan - Capital Current Ottawa is temporarily cutting Community Benefit Charges (CBCs) for developers, lowering fees from four per cent to two per cent of land value in a move to stimulate housing construction.

To tackle Ottawa’s housing crunch, the city is temporarily slashing developer fees. Streamlined approvals and targeted growth near transit aim to get more homes built, faster.

By Thuy Anh Nguyen

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-tempo...

Crafting combat: How veterans turn memories into models and help ease mental concerns - Capital Current After facing challenges on and off the battlefield, veterans are using model building as a way to find community support.

For some Ottawa veterans, healing comes one model at a time. A local program is helping former soldiers rebuild memories, and peace of mind through miniature machines and shared stories.

By Raquel Medina

capitalcurrent.ca/crafting-com...

Ottawa councillors welcome plan to build Quebec City-Toronto high-speed rail link - Capital Current Fast train service has been a dream for decades in Canada, the only G7 country without high-speed rail, and Ottawa city councillors are supportive of the latest plan that could get commuters from Otta...

Ottawa councillors are backing a high-speed rail plan that could connect the capital to Toronto in just over two hours. Supporters call it a game-changer for the region’s economy and commuters alike.

By Samantha Carrillo Brito

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-counc...

Fish out of water: What happens when the Rideau Canal is drained for the winter? - Capital Current When Parks Canada lowers the water level of the Rideau Canal for winter, some fish move to deeper water, while others become bird food.

When Parks Canada lowers the Rideau Canal's water level to prepare for the skating season, it reshapes a habitat. Some fish head for deeper water, while others become bird food.

By Farrah Philpot and Maggie Solomon.

capitalcurrent.ca/fish-rideau-...

Building a bass line: Hip-hop showcase introduces emerging talent to a hungry Ottawa audience - Capital Current The music collective 808s Creative State held a showcase in an Ottawa barbershop recently to introduce performers to a local audience.

A packed barbershop on Bronson Avenue became the stage for Ottawa’s rising hip-hop talent. Organizers say events like this are helping build a growing rap community in the capital.

By Paula Acevedo.

capitalcurrent.ca/building-a-b...

'Riding a wave of urgency': Ottawans rally behind the fight to end youth homelessness - Capital Current Following Mayor Mark Sutcliffe's pledge to end youth homelessness by 2030, Ottawans gather to raise money and awareness for the cause.

As shelters overflow, advocates are racing to end youth homelessness in Ottawa. They say prevention and community action are key to turning the mayor’s 2030 pledge into reality.

By Madeleine Woodburn and Sarah Yule.

capitalcurrent.ca/urgent-endin...

New $25M housing bond campaign in Ottawa turns neighbours into investors - Capital Current A new bond will allow residents to invest in two local non-profits to preserve affordable housing.

Ottawa residents are becoming investors in affordable housing through a new $25-million community bond. Organizers say it’s a way for neighbours to help solve the city’s housing crisis.

By Grace Knapp.

capitalcurrent.ca/new-25m-hous...

Some councillors question wisdom of raising tourism taxes to help pay for Lansdowne 2.0 - Capital Current A city plan to hike taxes on the tourism industry in order to help pay for the controversial Lansdowne 2.0 project is getting push-back from some city councillors, who question the wisdom of increasin...

Some Ottawa city councillours are questioning the wisdom of a tourism tax increase to pay for Landowne 2.0. The proposed increase would hike the tax from five to six per cent.

By Tanya Gandhi
capitalcurrent.ca/some-council...

Lansdowne 2.0 doesn't have enough seats, women's hockey league tells councillors - Capital Current Executives from the Professional Women’s Hockey League say there is not enough seating in the arena planned as part of the Lansdowne 2.0 project but Ottawa's Mayor suggests the team will outgrow the f...

The Professional Women's Hockey League says the Ottawa Charge needs more seats than planned in the Landsowne 2.0 project.

By Myriam Landreville
capitalcurrent.ca/lansdowne-2-...

Some Ottawa Metro stores reduce daily student discount to once a week as food insecurity rises - Capital Current Ottawa students facing record food insecurity will have one less break at the checkout after Metro Glebe reduced its daily 10 per cent student discount to Tuesdays only.

As grocery prices climb, Ottawa students are losing access to daily discounts at Metro Glebe. Advocates warn this could make healthy food less accessible for those already struggling.

By Myles Bodie.

capitalcurrent.ca/some-ottawa-...

Ottawa's multicultural cuisines: How immigrant restaurants shape the city - Capital Current How immigrant restaurants and cooking classes are redefining Ottawa’s culinary identity, and why food‑led community work combats intolerance.

Immigrant chefs and restaurant owners are using food to share culture and combat discrimination in Ottawa. They say cuisine has become a powerful way to build understanding and community.

By Natasha Sacheski-Tries

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawas-mult...

Physicians sounding the alarm (again) over health misinformation as disease cases rise - Capital Current Earlier this year, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) published findings from a joint survey with Abacus Data on health and the media. The report notably suggested that encounters with health misi...

Canadian physicians are warning that rising health misinformation is fueling distrust and putting patients at risk. Experts say better access to doctors is key to rebuilding confidence.

By Mia Parker

capitalcurrent.ca/physicians-s...

Some Ottawa businesses see strong summer rebound as tourists return in force to the capital  - Capital Current Buisnesses in Ottawa were happy to see an uptick in tourism traffic this summer, with more Canadians travelling within Canada.

Ottawa’s tourism industry saw a major rebound this summer as visitors packed hotels and local attractions. Business owners say the city finally feels alive again.

By Madison Flaro

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawa-touri...

Ottawa’s climate strategy prioritizes infrastructure, communities and vulnerable residents - Capital Current Ottawa’s Climate Ready Strategy sets a five-year plan to protect residents, infrastructure, and communities from extreme heat, flooding, and severe weather.

City officials say Ottawa’s updated climate plan prioritizes resilient infrastructure and community protection in response to rising environmental challenges.

By Madison Flaro

capitalcurrent.ca/ottawas-clim...

Fish out of water: Study examines the impact of draining Rideau Canal for winter - Capital Current When Parks Canada lowers the water level of the Rideau Canal for winter, some fish move to deeper water, while others become bird food.

Parks Canada's annual fall drainage of the Rideau Canal lowers water levels to prepare for skating season and flood prevention. Researchers are studying its effects on fish survival.

By Farrah Philpot and Maggie Solomon

capitalcurrent.ca/fish-rideau-...

Gender-based violence support groups criticize planned federal funding cuts - Capital Current Organizations combating gender-based violence may face significant challenges because of a proposed 80 per cent federal funding budget cut.

Support services and organizations may face significant challenges because of a proposed 80 per cent budget cut towards their federal funding.

By Audrey Pridham

capitalcurrent.ca/gender-based...