The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Central Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT), working with the Drug Unit, has charged a man following an investigation into community drug complaints in the ByWard Market. The investigation began after a local business reported ongoing drug dealing on its property in November and December 2025 and requested police assistance.

On January 9, 2026, Central NRT officers conducted surveillance in the area and observed a man engaging in what appeared to be drug transactions. Officers approached and arrested the suspect, a man in his 40s, for possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

A search following the arrest uncovered crack cocaine packaged for sale inside the man’s clothing, along with Canadian currency. As a result of the investigation, the man was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by contacting the OPS Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

Police Continue to investigate last evenings stabbing which has now become Ottawa’s first homicide of 2026.

28 year old Shawn Challis-Eatough from Brantford was stabbed on the 1400 block of Mayfield Avenue in Carlington. He later died in hospital.

Police have arrested and charged 41 year old Steve Vivian of Ottawa and 19 year old Anthony Meredith with second-degree murder. Another suspect, a 41 year old Ottawa woman was also arrested in connection to the murder but at this point charges have not been laid against her.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith say the United States should respect Canadian sovereignty after reports that Alberta separatists held talks with US officials about the province potentially leaving Canada.

The reports drew criticism from several premiers and come as separatist groups in Alberta collect signatures that could lead to a referendum, though polling suggests most residents still support remaining in Canada.

The White House says no support was offered, and Canadian leaders emphasize the issue should be decided by Canadians alone.

Two aboriginal men in their 30’s were found shot to death in a First Nation Community North of Quebec City. Police believe the murders are linked to organized crime categorizing the situation as payback murders in the drug trafficking world.

Residents of the Mistissini Cree community 600 kilometres north of Quebec City heard multiple gunshots then came across a bullet ridden automobile with the two victims inside suffering from obvious gunshot wounds.

The two were transported to hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Cree Nation officials ordered a lock down in the community for a short time until their Chief announced the lockdown had ended. Police do have a suspect in custody.

Police have released few details about a stabbing that took place yesterday evening in Clarington. 911 calls came in after 7 pm about a stabbing taking place on the 1400 block of Mayview Avenue.

Paramedics responded and transported one victim to a trauma centre suffering life threatening injuries. The area was cordoned off for the investigation but police have not said that a suspect was in custody and at thsi point, we do not has a suspect description.

Premier Doug Ford says he still opposes what he calls “Chinese spy vehicles,” but struck a more optimistic tone after recent talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney about allowing some Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at a reduced tariff.

Ford says his priority remains protecting domestic auto manufacturers, while the federal government moves ahead with a trade framework that would allow nearly 50,000 Chinese EVs into the country.

The comments came as Ford and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt announced Ontario exports through the port of Saint John more than doubled last year, part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on U.S. trade amid ongoing tariffs.

The OPP have released more photos of the serious 50 vehicle collision that closed both directions of the 401 through Belleville on Tuesday.

A number of vehicles were consumed by flames and spilled spinach but no serious injuries were reported. Four motorists were sent to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police released the photos as a reminder for motorists to slow down and allow ample space between vehicles especially during adverse weather conditions. An image of some of the damage and some of the cooked spinach can be seen on rebel1017.com/news.

The Canadian Armed Forces will perform emergency response exercises in Cornwall at the end of January through February 1.

Exercise Trillium Response is led by Joint Task Force Central in Toronto and includes approximately 1000 members of our Armed Forces in concert with local and regional first responders and local governments.

The exercise will simulate emergency response to a simulated severe ice storm negatively impacting transportation infrastructure. Expect an increased military presence in the area with notable troop movements. Weapons and ammunition will not be present during the exercise

Yesterday’s massive delays on the Line 1 LRT were not a direct result of the train car reduction for emergency maintenance. At 5:41 PM alters were released advising commuters that only eastbound trains would be operating between Pimisi and Bayview stations.

Passengers were then asked to change trains at Lyon Station in the tunnel. OC Transpo later explained that a “Line 1 train became immobilized near Pimisi station due to a mechanical issue,” and that, “..teams were unable to resolve the issue” As a result trains platforms were jammed packed with commuters with line ups extending up the escalators and stairs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing firm on remarks he made last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, pushing back against claims from a U.S. official that he softened his position during a subsequent phone call with President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters, Carney rejected the suggestion that he walked back his comments, saying Canada’s stance was made clear and consistent. He described the call with the U.S. president as constructive and wide-ranging, emphasizing that the discussion reflected a respectful exchange between close allies.

According to Carney, the conversation focused on key bilateral and global issues, including trade, continental security and broader international challenges. He said the tone of the call was positive and reaffirmed the importance of the Canada–U.S. relationship at a time of heightened economic uncertainty. Carney added that he clearly restated Canada’s priorities and concerns, underscoring the country’s commitment to protecting Canadian workers and industries while maintaining open lines of communication with Washington.

The prime minister also addressed recent U.S. threats of new tariffs, suggesting they should be viewed within the context of ongoing negotiations rather than as a definitive policy shift. He said the rhetoric is likely part of positioning ahead of a scheduled review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) later this year. Carney noted that Canada will continue to engage actively in the review process, stressing the importance of a stable and predictable trade framework for businesses and communities on both sides of the border.

Prime Minister Mark Carney used the back drop of groceries to announce an increase in the HST credit for lower income families. Carney announced the “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit” which increases the existing HST rebate payment by 50% for eligible individuals and families.

The benefit is considered a temporary measure which takes effect in July and lasts for at least five years. The HST credit is paid out quarterly and currently over 12 million Canadians with modest or low incomes qualify for the benefit.

Carney attributed skyrocketing grocery costs to effects of the pandemic as well as supply chain issues and the effect of tariffs on the world markets.

Ottawa Police have arrested two young men after they were observed walking together in a residential area near Steventon Crescent and Delamere Drive at night.

Officers later noticed them emerging back toward the sidewalk from different driveways and considered their actions suspicious enough to detain then them for an investigation. Police allegedly found both men carrying stolen property and one carrying a loaded sawed off shotgun.

19 year old Lochiel McCarthy is charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and other weapons related offences along with Possess Proceeds of Property obtained by crime and Prowl at Night. 19 year old Colm Lesage is charged with Prowl at Night and Possession of Stolen Property.

Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate what appears to be a fatal single vehicle collision over the weekend. Police responded to a collision late in the evening of January 23 involving a minivan on Bank Street near Morningside Avenue.

Police searched the vehicle and immediate surrounding area and did not locate any motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the roll over. Police then cleared the scene and made their appropriate reporting. A police officer returned to the scene the next morning and located the body of a 24 year old man under the snow at the scene of the previous evening’s collision.

Police have not released whether the victim was a driver or passenger in the car or a pedestrian. OPS have not elaborated on how they failed to locate the body the previous evening. the Special Investigations unit is investigating.

Prime Minister mark Carney reacted to comments from the White House that 100% tariffs would be forthcoming should Canada sign a trade deal with China.

Carney said he has no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China or any other non-market economy, clarifying that what has been done with China is to rectify some issues that have developed in the last couple of years.

Carney said that the existing CUSMA deal prohibits Canada from pursuing other trade deals without prior notification. Canada has vowed to reduce tariffs on Chinese EV’s from 100% to 6.1 % with China expected to lower retaliatory tariffs on agriculture including canola.

We now know the extent of service reduction on the Line 1 LRT due to last week’s revelation about bearing issues on trains. Only 30% of cars are available for service.

The service bulletin removed any car with over 100 000 km on the rails for emergency repairs and OC transpo initially did not increase train frequency, causing significant delays and over crowded platforms last week. Service is now operating every3- 4 minute intervals as opposed to 10 minutes.

Interim General Manager Troy Charter says progress has been made but more time is needed before service levels return back to normal on Line 1.

Ottawa Police Service has released some new data on impaired driving in the region for 2025. Overall impaired driving charges are up year over year. The total number of collisions in 2025 increased by 4% but impaired driving collisions decreased by 11%.

Although the ratio of impaired collisions decreased, the severity of impaired collisions increased. There were 23 fatal collisions in 2025, an increase form 18 in 2024.

The Police force said that too often, people who drink or get high think they are okay to drive because they only feel ‘buzzed’, but you don’t have to be falling-down drunk to be a danger behind the wheel. Driving while being buzzed by drugs or alcohol can lead to devastating consequences.

Heavy snowfall is expected to move into the Ottawa area this afternoon and continue through Monday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions. Environment Canada is forecasting between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow, along with reduced visibility due to falling and blowing snow.

Northeasterly winds gusting between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour could lead to local blowing snow, particularly in exposed areas. Snow is expected to taper off to lighter snow or flurries from west to east by Monday morning, but the morning commute may still be impacted. Temperatures will continue to remain below seasonal through next week.

Drivers and pedestrians are being urged to use caution, as roads and walkways are likely to be snow-covered and difficult to navigate. Residents are encouraged to allow extra time for travel, avoid unnecessary trips if possible, and continue monitoring Environment Canada alerts and local forecasts as conditions evolve.

Ontario residents are waking up to bitterly cold conditions early this morning, with temperatures near minus. The extreme cold has created hazardous conditions across the area, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending time outdoors. Officials are urging the public to take precautions as temperatures remain dangerously low.

Extreme cold poses a serious health risk to people of all ages. Medical experts warn residents to watch for symptoms of cold-related illness, including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, as well as numbness or changes in colour in fingers and toes. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, particularly when strong winds are factored in, making proper winter clothing essential.

Authorities are reminding residents to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the cold. Pet owners are also urged to bring animals indoors, as the frigid temperatures can be just as dangerous for them. Outdoor workers are advised to take regular breaks in warm areas to reduce the risk of cold-related injuries and illnesses.

More mechanical challenges are affecting OC Transpo LRT on Line 1. A memo to City Council advises of mechanical issues with bearing assemblies, as a result trains with over 100 000 km of service are being pulled off the rails for maintenance.

The memo outlines that the resulting decrease in number of cars available will mean fewer passenger movements even though frequency is being maintained. City Councillor Jeff Leiper says platforms were already crowded on Wednesday and that will likely be the case for the foreseeable future.

He added that business owners are frustrated that their workers can’t get to their jobs on time, or they can’t get there at all, adding that If it takes over an hour to get downtown for someone studying at Algonquin and working a part-time serving job downtown, what are we even doing?

A serious two-vehicle collision at the busy intersection of Carling Avenue and Merivale Road on Wednesday afternoon was witnessed firsthand by an on-duty Ottawa Fire Services crew, allowing for an immediate emergency response. Firefighters were already in the area when the crash occurred and were able to stop and assess the scene within moments, providing critical early assistance to the occupants involved.

Fire officials say there was a single occupant in each of the two vehicles. One driver became trapped inside their car as a result of the impact, prompting firefighters to deploy hydraulic rescue tools. Crews quickly removed the driver’s door and successfully extricated the individual within minutes of the collision, helping to stabilize the situation until additional emergency services arrived.

Ottawa Paramedic Service transported an adult woman to hospital as a precaution. She was reported to be in stable condition and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The intersection experienced temporary traffic disruptions while emergency crews worked at the scene, though no further injuries were reported. The cause of the crash has not yet been released.

Emergency crews were called to the scene of a serious head on collision in the west end Tuesday evening. Police arrived on scene first around 8:00 and advised fire crews that an extrication was required.

A female driver in her late teens was trapped in a vehicle that slid into the ditch adding to the delicacy of the operation. One Fire team worked on stabilizing the vehicle and cutting away parts of it to reach the driver while another crew worked on her injuries and keeping her warm.

The driver was extricated within 30 minutes and transported to hospital in serious but stable condition. the other driver was treated for minor injuries on the scene and released.

Slick roads in the nation’s capital this week did not prevent one driver from apparently trying to set a new land speed record on highway 417.

Ontario Provincial Police clocked a motorist allegedly traveling 161 Km/h on the highway near Kinburn Side Road Tuesday afternoon. The motorist was pulled over and immediately issued a 30 day licence suspension, the car was impounded for two weeks and if found guilty, the driver faces a $2000.00 fine.

Police are reminding drivers that these speeds are very dangerous with normal driving conditions, but could prove disastrous during poor weather.

Another residential fire claiming the lives of family pets in Ottawa this week. This time Ottawa Fire crews were dispatched to the 2500 block of Draper Avenue with one unit of a semi detached home on fire.

Fire Crews entered the residence and began battling a kitchen fire but also removed two large dogs from the home that were unresponsive. Life saving efforts including CPR and oxygen were performed on the canines but they did not survive.

The fire was brought under control and the adjoining town home seemed to escape undamaged. Victim Assistance was dispatched to support one adult and two children displaced by the fire. An Ottawa Fire investigator is determining the cause and origin.

Ottawa Senators Goaltender Linus Ullmark spoke to TSN to open up about the real reason that he took a leave of absence. Ullmark says he needed help with stress and anxiety management on and off the ice and felt his anxiety peaked during his game against the Leafs December 27th.

Ullmark says he called the leagues player assistance program and asked for help and commenced his leave of absence the next day. Senator team mates and front office alike continue to support their back-stop and Ullmark says he is starting to feel better.

Remember if you feel stress and anxiety beginning to overwhelm you, call the bilingual mental health crisis line at (613) 722-6914 and if you feel like you may self harm call 988 on your mobile phone for immediate assistance.

Statistics Canada says that food prices across Canada continue to rise – well outpacing inflation. Food prices rose an average of 6.2% – double the rate of food inflation in the U.S. and the highest inflationary rate since 2023.

The extremely high rate puts Canada easily on top of the food inflation group of G7 countries. Groceries rose 5 % in 2025 while restaurant food prices swelled 8.5%. Coffee Prices rose 30% and beef prices climbed almost 17%.

Higher transportation and infrastructure costs were pinpointed as major factors as well as the HST holiday with prices spiking immediately after the holiday ended.

Ottawa Fire crews were called to the scene of a bungalow fire in the early morning on Tuesday. OFS arrived on scene with reports of thick black smoke coming from the basement and up to 4 residents inside.

The residents were able to escape the flames before firefighters arrived. They were able to rescue one dog but three cats and another dog were pulled from the fire unconscious and succumbed to their injuries.

The basement fire was extinguished quickly and the fire was reported under control within 30 minutes. A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze. Three adults and one child have been displaced as a result of the fire.

A 60 year old man was pulled from a burning three story residential fire on the 100 block of Armstrong Street on Sunday evening. Residents were fleeing the three story residence as fire crews arrived on the scene.

They quickly entered the burning unit and found a victim unconscious in a bathroom. He was removed from the building and CPR and a defibrillator were administered while he was assessed by EMS crews.

The man was rushed to hospital in critical, life threatening condition suffering burns and smoke inhalation. The man died from his injuries in hospital yesterday. 19 residents in total have been displaced by the fire and the Fire Marshall is investigating the cause.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to their second “snowmobile Through the ice” call on the Rideau River in a week. This call came in Sunday around 5:00 pm in North Grenville near county Road 43.

The rider went in the water with his sled but he was able to pull himself out and make his way to shore. A few days earlier a rider went through near Burritts Rapids and could not get out of the water unassisted.

Emergency crews pulled the rider from the water as he continued to cling to the side of his sled. He was treated for Hypothermia then released. Police are reminding snowmobilers not to venture out on the ice unless you are absolutely sure about conditions.

More Federal Workers have received possible layoff notices although the government has not confirmed how many employees will lose their jobs.

The Liberals are planning a reduction of spending and administration costs of $60 billion over the next five years as part of their comprehensive expenditure review.

The plan also calls for a reduction of 1000 executive positions over the next 2 years and a spending reduction of 20 percent on management and consulting fees over the next three years. Up to 68 000 of the job reductions could be accomplished by early retirement offers.

Ottawa Police say a lengthy investigation by the Service’s Human Trafficking Unit has resulted in serious charges against an Ottawa man. The investigation began in early November 2025 and involved one female victim.

Investigators allege the offences occurred between September 2022 and May 2024. 25-year-old Lochiel McCarthy been charged with multiple offences, including two counts of trafficking in persons under the age of 18, two counts of material benefit, one count of material benefit under 18, and two counts of procuring under the age of 18.

McCarthy is expected to appear in court at a later date. Police say there could be more victims and are asking witnesses to come forward via confidential Crime Stoppers Program

Prime Minister Mark Carney Continues to pitch the revised electric vehicle trade deal with China as an opportunity for Canada, while Premiere  Doug Ford and the Auto industry disagree.

Carney said that the government has had direct conversations from the Chinese companies with explicit interest and intention to partner with Canadian companies, and this an opportunity for Ontario,s an opportunity for Ontario workers, and for Canada, done in a controlled way with a modest start.

Ford says we run the risk of flooding Ontario with cheap Chinese EV’ s. Adding that by lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles this lopsided deal risks closing the door on Canadian automakers to the American market, our largest export destination, which would hurt our economy and lead to job losses.

An Ottawa man has been arrested and charged with an armed robbery which occurred in 2024. Russell County OPP responded to a 911 call for an armed break in and enter on Limoges Road in The Nation Township on December the 24th. A 26 year old male has been arrested and faces charges including:

• Break and enter a dwelling house with intent;
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (Robbery);
• Possession of a loaded prohibited/restricted firearm; and
• Robbery using a firearm.

The Ottawa Police Service is warning residents about a series of distraction thefts occurring in parking lots across the city. In these incidents, suspects approach members of the public while attempting to sell fake jewelry, using the interaction to divert attention.

Police say that while one suspect engages the victim, an accomplice takes advantage of the distraction to steal valuables from the victim’s vehicle. These thefts often happen quickly and can occur in busy parking lots, making them difficult to detect until after the suspects have fled.

Residents are urged to remain alert, trust their instincts, and be cautious when approached by strangers in parking areas. Anyone who believes a suspect is nearby or feels threatened is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.

A 39 year old Ottawa teacher has been arrested and charged with child sexual abuse and exploitation material offences. Stephen Patrick Ruth was arrested after police executed a search warrant on his home in the east end.

The Ottawa-Carlton District School Board says Ruth was placed on leave when police advised them of the arrest adding that they have deployed teams to the school to support students and staff and parents will be informed as information becomes available.

Police say Ruth used screen names or aliases including STEVERUTH, mrruthio and mrsruthio86 and they are concerned there may be further victims involved.

More details released by Ottawa Police service yesterday after a high risk arrest lead to several charges laid against 5 individuals in Ottawa. Police pulled over a vehicle for a traffic stop on Richmond Road near Patricia around 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

The driver attempted to drive away but was boxed in by cruisers and police made the arrests. Several suspects had outstanding warrants including a nationwide immigration warrant and a warrant issued by the OPP.

Inspector Ian Hayes says the actions taken by officers prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further, adding that drug trafficking and reckless attempts to evade police put lives at risk, and we decisive action must be taken to protect our communities.

A scary incident occurred on the 200 block of Bevington Walk this week. Security camera footage showed a pet dog on the sofa chewing a glove which seemed innocent enough, but the glove was a heated ski glove and the dog was chewing the battery.

The dog jumps up then smoke and fire shoot out of the punctured lithium ion battery and the sofa becomes fully involved. A security company dispatched Ottawa Fire Service and they arrived just minutes later to find the first floor of the the two story residence full of smoke and flame.

The fire was knocked down and the dog rescued unharmed. There was substantial damage to the main floor of the home.

Ottawa police have laid charges against a private snow plow operator following a collision in the city’s west end Monday. Officers were called to Fernbank Road in Stittsville after an SUV rear-ended a snow plow that was operating in the area during active snow removal.

The driver of the SUV was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in stable condition. During the investigation, police discovered the snow plow operator was driving while under a lifetime driving ban and was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The plow operator was taken into custody and faces multiple charges. Ottawa police are reminding residents to exercise extra caution when driving near snow removal vehicles, particularly during winter weather, and are urging the public to report suspected unlicensed or unsafe drivers.

An Ottawa Superior Court justice has sentenced the former City of Ottawa lawyer who vandalized the National Holocaust Monument to time served, with no additional jail time imposed. Iain Aspenlieder pleaded guilty to defacing the monument by painting words across it in red paint.

Aspenlieder was credited with 152 days of pre-sentence custody, equivalent to roughly five months behind bars. The Crown had sought a sentence of two years in prison, arguing the act was serious and deeply offensive, but the court opted for a lesser custodial outcome.

In addition to time served, Aspenlieder will be on probation for 24 months. Conditions include a prohibition on possessing weapons and strict bans from attending the National Holocaust Monument, as well as any Jewish institutions or places of worship.

Ottawa police continue to investigate a single-vehicle rollover collision that occurred on St. Laurent Boulevard during the start of the afternoon rush hour Tuesday. Emergency crews were called to the scene across from the Volkswagen dealership shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Video captured by bystanders shows a vehicle overturned beyond the sidewalk, with the driver crawling out from beneath the wreckage before fleeing northbound on St. Laurent Boulevard. The dramatic footage circulated widely on social media shortly after the crash.

Police have not confirmed whether the driver was immediately detained. Ottawa paramedics reported that a male patient was treated at the scene and transported to hospital in serious but stable condition. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

A sentencing hearing is continuing in Ottawa for a 72-year-old man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of his husband of four decades. Phillipe Hebert admitted to killing 87-year-old Richard Rutherford in what he described as a planned murder-suicide pact driven by Rutherford’s declining health.

Court heard the couple had previously consulted a physician about medically assisted death but did not pursue the process further after believing they would not qualify. Hebert told the court that after killing his husband, he made several attempts to take his own life but was unable to do so.

During a 911 call played in court, Hebert acknowledged knowing his actions were illegal. At this stage of the proceedings, neither the Crown nor the defence has made submissions regarding sentencing, and the matter has been adjourned to allow the hearing to continue.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has joined up to 30 European nations in signing a new security and defence pact aimed at protecting Ukraine following any future ceasefire agreement with Russia. The coalition would work to deter further Russian aggression once a viable peace deal is in place.

Under the agreement, two major operating bases would be established in Ukraine, led primarily by British and French armed forces. While Carney did not confirm whether Canadian troops would be deployed on the ground, he indicated NATO would play a key peacekeeping role as part of the broader security framework.

The pact also references ceasefire enforcement involving the United States, though it remains unclear whether the U.S. has formally signed onto the agreement. The announcement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting end to the conflict and stabilize the region.

Ontario Provincial Police are releasing more details following a deadly triple shooting at a residence on Leitch Drive in Cornwall over the weekend. Investigators say an 81-year-old man shot his 80-year-old former partner and her 83-year-old male friend before turning the gun on himself.

Police say the alleged shooter and the 83-year-old man were both pronounced dead at the scene. The woman sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to hospital, where she remains in serious condition. Emergency crews were called to the home after reports of gunfire, prompting a heavy police presence in the quiet residential neighbourhood.

OPP confirm a firearm was recovered at the scene and the investigation is continuing. Officers say no further details will be released at this time in order to protect the identity and privacy of the surviving victim and the families involved. Police also confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The Ottawa Police Service East Criminal Investigations Unit is continuing its investigation after a reported “shots fired” call in the city’s south end Monday night. Police were called to the 1800 block of Bank Street just before 10 p.m. following reports of gunfire at a strip plaza in the area.

When officers arrived on scene, no suspects or victims were located, and police did not immediately find evidence confirming that a firearm had been discharged. However, investigators did discover damage to the front window of a hair salon within the plaza. Police say there were no obvious signs of forced entry into the business.

As the investigation continues, officers are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward. Police are particularly interested in dash-cam or cellphone video that could help determine what happened leading up to the call. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ottawa police or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Ottawa police say impaired driving remains a concern following the conclusion of this year’s holiday R.I.D.E. program, with charges increasing slightly compared to last year. According to the Ottawa Police Service, officers stopped 6,924 drivers at 76 different locations across the city during the holiday enforcement campaign.

As a result of those stops, 27 drivers were charged with impaired-related offences, representing a modest year-over-year increase. Police had taken a different approach this season by publicly announcing enforcement areas in advance, hoping the transparency would encourage motorists to plan ahead and avoid driving after drinking or using drugs.

Despite those efforts, overall statistics show a two per cent increase in impaired-related charges compared to the previous year. Police continue to remind residents that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious collisions and fatalities, and they urge drivers to use designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transit to get home safely.

The prolonged stretch of cold weather in the National Capital Region has delivered welcome winter news, as the National Capital Commission (NCC) announced the full opening of the Rideau Canal Skateway. All 7.8 kilometres of the world-famous ice rink are now open to the public, allowing skaters to travel the entire length from the Rideau Street area through to Dow’s Lake. The opening marks a milestone for winter enthusiasts who have been waiting for consistent ice conditions this season.

With the full route available, skaters can once again enjoy the canal’s familiar amenities, including access points, warming huts and concession stands along the way. However, the NCC noted that the Patterson Creek section of the skateway will remain closed for the 2026 season due to ongoing rehabilitation work in that area. Officials say safety remains the top priority and the closure is necessary while infrastructure upgrades continue.

Last winter, the Rideau Canal Skateway was open for 52 days and attracted an estimated one million visitors, reinforcing its status as one of Ottawa’s most iconic attractions. The NCC continues to encourage skaters to check daily ice conditions and safety updates before heading out, as weather fluctuations can impact operations throughout the season.

Road crews were called in after a small sinkhole opened up in a busy parking lot on Heron Road, causing a vehicle to become stuck. The sinkhole developed directly in front of the Dollarama located in the 1600 block of Heron Road, near Walkley Road, and was concealed by a buildup of ice and water.

Officials say the hidden hole swallowed the front tire of a small car, leaving the vehicle immobilized. No injuries were reported, and the driver was able to exit the vehicle safely. The car was later towed from the scene to allow crews to address the damage.

A small section of the parking lot was cordoned off while repairs were carried out to prevent further incidents. Road crews worked to stabilize the area, and motorists were advised to use caution while traveling through the lot as conditions remain icy in some areas.

Former Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife will likely appear in front of a New York Justice today facing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. The couple were snatched by a complex American military operation.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. will run the country adding that American oil companies will access and sell the resource. The Venezuelan Superior Court has sworn in their Vice President to run the country but Trump has already warned her about severe consequences if she does not fall in line.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he looks forward to the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has not recognized the regime of Maduro since he was brought to power in 2018.

A snowmobile collision east of Franktown has claimed the life of a local man. Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to the scene near Brunton Sideroad shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, after a family member discovered an injured male on private property.

Police say the family member began life-saving measures until Beckwith Township firefighters, Lanark County paramedics and OPP officers arrived. Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as a 50-year-old man from the area.

The initial investigation indicates the man was operating a snowmobile when it collided with a parked trailer. Most serious snowmobile collisions occur off Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) sanctioned, groomed trails, often on private property or unmanaged routes. Lanark County OPP continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, with assistance from a Technical Collision Investigation officer from the OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team.

(RENFREW, ON) – A disturbance call in the Town of Arnprior on Christmas Day has resulted in impaired driving charges, according to the Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Police say officers were called to a disturbance at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Following an investigation at the scene, officers determined that impairment was a factor and laid charges against one individual.

The accused faces charges of operation while impaired by alcohol and operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit. The individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on January 28, 2026.

OTTAWA — Workplaces for thousands of provincial employees are set to change significantly as of Monday, Jan. 5, after the province ordered a full return to in-office work five days a week. The move ends nearly five years of remote and hybrid work arrangements that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained in many departments well beyond public health restrictions. Several other provinces are implementing similar return-to-office mandates on the same date, signaling a broader shift in how public sector work will be carried out in 2026.

At the federal level, the government has not yet finalized its own approach, but Prime Minister Mark Carney said a clear plan for federal public servants will be announced soon. Carney noted the government will first engage with public sector unions to determine the details, or “modalities,” of a national back-to-office policy. Federal employees currently operate under a hybrid model, with most required to be in the office multiple days per week, though exact expectations vary by department and role.

Public sector employees across Canada have worked remotely or under hybrid arrangements since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift that dramatically altered workplace culture and downtown office districts. While governments argue that increased in-person attendance will improve collaboration, service delivery and accountability, labour groups have raised concerns about work-life balance, commuting costs and employee retention. The return-to-office policies are expected to have wide-ranging impacts on workers, transit systems and urban centres in the weeks ahead.

OTTAWA – Ottawa police have laid charges following an investigation by the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit that led officers to execute a search warrant at a residence in the city’s east end. The warrant was carried out on Dec. 30, 2025, as part of an ongoing probe into materials police allege were illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Police say a 41-year-old Ottawa man, identified as Trevor Newcombe, was arrested in connection with the investigation. According to investigators, the charges stem from the alleged importation and possession of a sex doll that police say resembled a child.

Newcombe has been charged with importing child sexual abuse and exploitation material and unlawful possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.