The Ottawa Fire Rescue Team was called upon yesterday after 911 calls described a pontoon boat loaded with passengers in distress in the Deschene Rapids. OFS used an inflatable boat to reach the pontoon boat and transfer boaters onboard. 

The group rented the pontoon boat and may not have been familiar with this section of the river which is one of the most popular spots on the water and most likely the spot that requires emergency water rescues. 

OFS reminded recreationists that the powerful currents and changing water conditions can quickly become life-threatening, advising everyone heading out on the water to know exactly where the rapids are, understand the hazards in the area and stay well away from them.

With Canada Day festivities set to go throughout the National Capital Region tomorrow temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30’s with a high on Wednesday forecast at 33 degrees and Thursday the mercury is forecast to top at 33 degrees again with convective thunderstorm activity possible both days. 

Overnight low temperatures will not provide much relief for comfortable sleeps with lows of 22 and 23 degrees expected on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. 

High humidity is not expected to be a factor either day.

An investigation into a tragic, apparent murder suicide continues to unfold. Police were called to a home yesterday morning around 10 am on Mandevilla Crescent near the airport. 

Two boys ages 7 and 12 were found deceased in the home. Earlier in the morning emergency crews were called to a vehicle fire at the kiss and park at highway 416 and Rideau River Road. Police located the father of the boys dead inside the vehicle. Police have also secured a scene for the investigation in Iroquois, Ontario adding to the complexity and intricacy of the investigation. 

Police should provide further updates today.

The Ottawa Police Service launched a pilot project in April targeting retail theft . Three months later police reported positive impacts noting   a high rate of criminal charges and lower involvement from secondary police units. 

OPS says the analysis shows a significant number of incidents are clustered within a small number of high-volume retail locations in the downtown core,  allowing investigators to identify repeat offenders quickly and connect cases across multiple businesses and areas. 

Key Data Points:

• 279 cases handled: Investigators identified and managed almost 300 unique general occurrences tied directly to the pilot project between April 1 and early June.
• 80 per cent clearance rate: Of the 279 files, 221 cases, or 79.2 per cent, have been cleared with charges, marking an “exceptionally high” success rate for retail theft investigations.
• City-wide reach: The project impacted 30 unique commercial addresses across Ottawa, including major malls, shopping plazas and multi-unit commercial properties.
• Downtown concentration: The downtown core accounted for 211 cases, or 75.6 per cent, of the project’s total volume.

Lalonde Conservation Park has been partially reopened as of last Friday. The city has opened access to the paved walkway through the park but an area near the suspected coyote den is still cordoned off. 

The city engaged the services of Coyote Watch Canada to locate the den and commence a hazing or aversive conditioning program in order to dissuade the coyotes from human interactions. The city advises that the pups are now mobile enough that the family has left the area allowing for a staged reopening of the park while authorities continue to monitor the situation. The den was destroyed once it was determined the family abandoned it and if all goes to plan the park will be fully reopened in September. 

The city provided the following guidelines for residents:

• Parents are encouraged to remind their children not to approach, disturb or interact with wildlife – especially at this time of year when animals may be caring for and protecting their young.
• Animal owners are reminded to keep pets under direct supervision and that dogs should be kept on-leash except in designated off-leash parks. Dogs visiting Lalande Conservation Park with their owners must be kept on leash. 

If you spot a coyote nearby, or if it approaches you:

• Stay calm and slowly back away
• Do not turn your back or run
• Stand tall, wave your hands and shout at it
• Pick up small children or small pets

Canada’s men’s soccer team continued its record setting yesterday with a historic 1 nil win over South Africa in their first ever elimination round match. 

The teams were playing to a scoreless draw as the clock ticked into extra time when FC Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio took a clearance header from his chest to his right boot and blasted home the winning goal from the edge of the area. World class superstar Alfonzo Davies played his first minutes of the tournament, substituted in late in the second half, providing a spark that opened up some space for Canadian mid fielders. 

Canada plays either Morocco or the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday.

Ottawa Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious single-vehicle collision on Old Carp Road that left a teenage driver with life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred Thursday evening in the 1400 block of Old Carp Road.

Police say officers responded to reports of the collision at approximately 9:36 p.m. on June 25. Three people were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and all were transported to hospital for treatment. Investigators say the 17-year-old driver suffered life-threatening injuries, while one passenger sustained serious injuries. A third occupant received minor injuries and was later released from hospital.

The Ottawa Police Fatal Collision Investigation Unit is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact investigators. Police are also seeking dash camera footage or video from residential security cameras that may have captured the vehicle around the time of the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 613-236-1222, extension 2345, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will continue working with the United States and Mexico to update the CUSMA trade agreement but will not accept a deal that is not in Canada’s best interest. 

His comments come ahead of the July 1 deadline for the three countries to decide whether to renew or review the trade pact. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre agreed Canada needs a strong deal but said the government should reach an agreement more quickly.

Ontario residents can fish without a licence or Outdoors Card anywhere in the province from June 27 to July 5 as part of the annual Canada Day free fishing week. 

The province says the initiative encourages more people to get outdoors and enjoy Ontario’s lakes and rivers while supporting local tourism and recreation. 

Anyone taking part must still follow all fishing regulations, including catch and size limits, and carry government-issued identification showing their name and date of birth.

A 68-year-old Ottawa man has been arrested following an RCMP investigation into alleged immigration fraud and identity-related offences.

 Police allege the man lived in Canada under a false identity since 1996 and was wanted under an international arrest warrant issued by Rwandan authorities in connection with allegations related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. 

The case involved several Canadian agencies and international cooperation, and the charges will now proceed through the Canadian court system.

Despite three recent deaths of police officers in the line of duty in Ontario and Quebec, a University of Ottawa Professor says policing is generally safer now than in the past and the number of on-duty fatalities thus far this year are in line with historical averages. 

Justin Piché is a Full Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of Ottawa and he says data indicates that since 1962 the number of police officers has increased significantly and the number of fatalities has dropped relative to the overall number. Piche notes that it is more likely that an officer would die on duty due to a vehicle collision with 58% of on-duty fatalities resulting from accidents. 

Montreal police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, died in the line of duty Monday after responding to an active shooter incident in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges district. OPP Constable Tarun Bali was killed in Hearst and Toronto Constable Marc Pinizzotto, was shot to death on June 11.

Ottawa Fire Service’s rope rescue team was called to help a woman who fell off a rock face at an east end lookout early Wednesday morning.  

OFS arrived near the intersection of Promenade Sir-George-Etienne-Cartier and Lisgar Road at 1:45 and commenced the rope rescue. One member repelled down the slope along with a tactical paramedic. 

The victim was conscious but suffering serious injuries. More personnel were able to access the scene from the shoreline and a stroke basket was deployed helping the team safely transport the woman to a waiting ambulance. She was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The province has announced it will permanently increase speed limits on over 900 km of 400 series highways. A multi-year pilot project has been in effect since 2022 on a number of 400 series highways. 

Effective tomorrow sections of highway 401 and the 416 will permanently reflect a 110 km/hr maximum speed limit with an expansion of over dozen more corridors throughout the summer. 

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria added that the changes are “evidence based” and bring the province in line with maximum speed limits in other provinces across Canada.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs addressed inappropriate actions taken by OPS officers. Stubbs is seen in a video urging officers to follow appropriate rules and codes of conduct or quit the force. 

Stubbs has also addressed recent allegations of sexual misconduct in the force and his frustration seemed evident when he told reporters that they are not making any progress, but they are heavily invested in trying to get this right, and learning, and being better, and the force will not stop trying. 

Mandatory training programs are being instituted to address areas like workplace harassment, violence, equity and inclusion as well as a shift away from a primarily reactive model to a proactive and preventative approach, according to a report for the board. The Police Service is also considering having new-hire officers sign a code of conduct.

Ontario Provincial Police pulled over a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act violation earlier this week in Tay Valley Township. The area was near construction sites that had reported theft of electrical cable. 

Police searched the trunk and allegedly found over $5000.00 worth of stolen electrical cable and arrested and charged the occupants with theft over $5000.00. Police say there is a national trend of theft of cables for the valuable copper content with broadcasting giants like Bell and Rogers reporting thousands of thefts of their property annually. 

A bill is making its way through the House of Commons to make it illegal for scrap dealers to resell stolen scrap metal with a fine of up to $10 000.00 and up to two years in jail.

Ottawa Police Service has laid 61 charges against a 45-year-old man after a string of break and enter thefts targeting mainly businesses in the Vanier and Overbrook areas. 

The police investigation commenced in February after a series of robberies took place in adjacent commercial units. Since February, up to 20 more break-ins occurred – some at the same businesses. 

Police say charges include multiple counts of break and enter, mischief, possession of break-in instruments and breaches of probation. The suspect will be held in custody until a bail hearing next week. 

Police have released few details about an alleged sexual assault in a dog park in Orleans. Police say the assault occurred on Sunday around 4:oo pm at the Heritage Dog Park at 6160 Orléans Blvd. 

The suspect is described as a Black male, around 30-years-old, approximately 5-foot-9-inches tall with long dread locks. He was last seen wearing a beige shirt and a beige bandana on his head. 

Police did not provide further details on the incident but they are asking for any dog owners that were in the park on Sunday and saw the suspect or witnessed any suspicious behaviour to contact them. If you see or think you know the suspect, call 911.

Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against the driver of an SUV that crashed into several pedestrians and a building killing one of the pedestrians and seriously injuring others. The collision occurred at the Capital City Mission drop-in centre in the 500 block of Rideau Street in February. 

A man in his 70’s died in hospital after the collision. 38-year-old Abdelkader Amorouayeche was charged with careless driving causing death and two counts of careless driving causing bodily harm. 

The building sustained structural damage and required shoring and stabilization before it could be inhabited again.

Quebec’s Special Investigations Unit continues to investigate a horrific scene in Montreal’s Cote-des-Neiges area. Cell phone camera images of the final moments of the shooting appear to show two police officers engaged with and by the suspect who appears to be a white male wearing camo fatigues shooting a long gun. 

One officer is clearly in distress lying in front of a parked vehicle while a female officer crouches behind a concrete planter. A civilian then comes around the corner and it appears that the female officer engages the civilian. The shooter then exchanges close-quarters gun fire with the female officer before he attempts a reload of his rifle then slouches backwards apparently shot by police. The female officer suffered serious gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital. The civilian killed has been identified as Michael Mizrahi and the slain officer Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane was a five-year veteran of the force. 

Police were called to the scene by witnesses reporting someone smashing windows out of the commercial building but when officers arrived, they were engaged by the suspect on the main floor. Police say the suspect was a member of the incel group with an alleged history of misogynistic social media posts. Quebec police officials verified the authenticity of the video. 

Ottawa Police have launched an enhanced summer enforcement initiative aimed at improving safety in the city’s downtown core. OPS has increased their presence in the ByWard Market and Downtown Rideau areas as part of a coordinated effort to address ongoing concerns about crime, public disorder, and safety. The initiative is expected to continue throughout the summer months, with a focus on maintaining a visible law enforcement presence in some of Ottawa’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The operation brings together frontline Ottawa Police officers, members of the Neighbourhood Resource Team, OC Transpo Special Constables, and the City of Ottawa’s By-law and Regulatory Services. Working in partnership, the agencies will conduct high-visibility patrols designed to deter criminal activity and respond quickly to incidents affecting residents, businesses, and visitors. Officials say the collaborative approach will help address a range of issues while improving the overall sense of security in the area.

Police say enforcement efforts will target disorderly behaviour, violations of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, criminal offences, and aggressive panhandling. Enhanced patrols are scheduled to take place every weekend throughout the summer, with officers focusing on areas where concerns have been frequently reported. Ottawa Police say the goal is to create a safer and more welcoming environment in the ByWard Market and Downtown Rideau districts while supporting the continued vitality of the downtown core.

The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a 48-year-old man after an investigation into a domestic dispute. OPP report a domestic dispute call in Cobden Friday evening led to the arrest of a man and several serious charges laid. 

Police were called to a residence and immediately arrested a man from Chapeau, Quebec. The suspect is charged with 

• Assault with a weapon
• Assault
• Utter threats to cause death or bodily harm
• Forcible confinement
• Dangerous operation
• Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – two counts
• Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose

The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing this week.

In what is possibly hockey’s worst kept secret, it appears that the captain of the Ottawa Senators, Brady Tkachuk is being traded to the Florida Panthers to join his brother. 

Rumors gained a feverish pitch after the Team USA Olympic gold medal that Brady desired to leave Canada in favour of an American team. The Sens are said to receive two first round draft picks next year, a first round draft pick in 2029 and a second round draft pick in 2030.

 In his end of season exit interview Tkachuk addressed and denied the rumors of his imminent departure saying that he never said he wanted to leave Ottawa adding that it’s becoming a frustrating distraction and he is fully committed to the team. 

Summer beach season is officially underway as local conservation authorities have announced that beaches at Baxter, Rideau Ferry Yacht Club and Foley Mountain Conservation Area are now open to visitors. Residents and tourists are invited to enjoy swimming, sandy beaches and picnic areas as warmer weather settles in across the region.

As part of upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations, officials say parking fees will be waived on Saturday, July 4, giving families an opportunity to enjoy the facilities at no cost. Outside the special event day, regular admission rates of $10 per vehicle will apply for day passes.

Visitors are encouraged to check conditions before heading out, with water quality being tested weekly throughout the season. Officials also remind guests that dogs are not permitted on beaches, although designated swimming areas for pets may be available downstream at some locations. Mobility mats are also available at Baxter and Rideau Ferry to improve accessibility for beachgoers.

A commercial vehicle safety blitz conducted this week in Ottawa led to dozens of charges and multiple vehicles being removed from service due to significant safety concerns. The operation was carried out by the Ottawa Police Service Road Safety Unit in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ontario Provincial Police at Fred Barrett Arena on Leitrim Road.

During the enforcement initiative, officers and inspectors completed 55 commercial vehicle inspections. The effort resulted in 45 charges being laid, 21 vehicles being taken out of service, two licence plates being removed, and one improper inspection sticker being seized. Authorities say the findings highlight ongoing concerns regarding compliance and vehicle maintenance standards within the commercial transportation sector.

Inspectors identified a range of serious safety deficiencies, including problems involving brakes, tires, suspension systems, signal equipment and improperly secured loads. Officials also encountered instances involving unqualified drivers operating commercial vehicles. Police say targeted enforcement efforts such as these play an important role in improving road safety and reducing risks for all motorists.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was felt over much of eastern Quebec yesterday morning. 

Earthquakes Canada says the epicenter was in the St. Lawrence River approximately 25 kilometres northeast of Mon-Joli. Residents in Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles reported feeling the earthquake but no injuries were reported and no property damage occurred either. 

The earthquake was not felt in Ottawa.

Environment Canada took no chances yesterday with a rapidly moving storm system moving through the region combined with high humidity and an unstable air mass two tornado warnings were issued. 

Environment Canada warned of a very dangerous and life-threatening situation with strong wind gusts and rainfall amounts of 40 mm or greater possible as a result of the showers and thunderstorms. Wind gusts near 90 km/h were forecast with resulting power outages. 

The weather agency predicted a possible path for the tornado including Clarence-Rockland and Casselman areas, specifically Alexandria, Green Valley, Dalkeith, Glen Sandfield, and Glen Robertson could be in the path. The tornado warnings were cancelled and there were no initial reports of tornados in the area.

Canada’s men’s soccer team scored an emphatic 6 nil win over Qatar in Vancouver in game two of their group stage. Setting them up to finish top of the group with just a tie in their final group game against Switzerland. 

The victory was marred by a horrific leg injury suffered by Canada’s Ismail Kone in the second half. Johnathan David scored the hattrick and Canada became the first team outside of Europe or South America to score 5 or more goals in a World Cup game and the highest scoring CONCACAF team in the World Cup. 

The win pretty much guarantees Canada will move into the elimination round for the first time in history barring a massive win by Bosnia-Herzegovina over Qatar. Canada faces Switzerland Wednesday the 24th.

A number of consecutive fire calls early in the week taxed Ottawa Fire crews to their limits. Tuesday evening a high-rise apartment alarm sent OFS to the 100 block of McLeod Street where residents advised firefighters of a fire on the 7th floor. 

The occupant of the apartment was in the lobby when OFS entered the building but they were in obvious distress suffering from smoke inhalation. The blaze was contained and brought under control quickly. After midnight crews were called to a kitchen fire in Barrhaven. Then after 4:00 am OFS attended a two-storey residence in the 700 block of Belisle Street in Vanier South for heavy smoke coming from the second floor. 

The fire was extinguished but several residents were treated for minor smoke inhalation. At least 8 residents were displaced by the fires and two pets perished.

Ottawa Police Service has released an image of a man wanted for sexual assault. 

50-year-old David Cheddesingh was charged with sexual assault last month after police allege he assaulted a victim under the MacKenzie King Bridge downtown on March the 28th. 

Police say they released an image of the suspect because they believe there could be more victims. If you may know of Cheddesingh’s whereabouts call Ottawa Police.

The National Transportation Safety Board has concluded its investigation into the fatal implosion of the Ocean Gate submersible Titan. The company was founded by billionaire Stockton Rush who was in the vessel along with four others on their way to visit the wreckage of the Titanic. 

The NTSB cited a cavalier attitude combined with the progressive failure of the untested carbon fibre hull, the construction of which did not meet standard engineering standards or practices. The report also noted that the mission was supported by a Canadian flagged cargo vessel, the Polar Prince, but lacked any oversight from Transport Canada. 

The NTSB investigation noted cracking and buckling sounds heard by the crew on previous missions, they also released a video from the support ship that apparently shows the sound of the implosion with the support crew lead by Stockton Rush’s wife questioning what the bang sound was. It was later determined that the bang sound was the implosion of the vessel.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was caught on a hot microphone discussing Canada’s plan to allow a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles into the country during the G7 Summit. 

Carney told U.S. President Donald Trump the deal is capped at 49,000 vehicles, and Trump replied that he liked it. The agreement has faced criticism from some automakers and U.S. politicians over concerns about competition and security. 

The move was a reversal of the 100% tariff applied by the Trudeau Liberals effectively ending Chinese EV Imports. The Carney Liberals negotiated a compromise to allow a limited number of Chinese built EV’s a previous, reduced tariffs.

A new survey by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) of 288 Canadian emergency room doctors indicates doctors believe there are serious problems with emergency medicine in the province.  

27% of doctors surveyed believe there is severe overcrowding in their departments and 47% of doctors surveyed believe the situation is critical. OMA president Dr. Rebecca Hicks questions how we can ensure that patients are not attending the emergency department if they don’t need to be and how we ensure that people who need to be admitted or need to be discharged from the hospital can do so in a timely manner.

The survey also indicated that only 30% of Ontarians feel confident that they would receive timely ER care if they needed it today. 67% said they do not feel confident. Over 50% of ER doctors surveyed said they believe overcrowding affects their ability to provide timely health care in almost every shift.

Rogers Sportsnet and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) have announced that after 75 years the iconic Hockey Night in Canada program will no longer air on CBC. 

Rogers purchased the Canadian broadcast rights from the National Hockey League for $11 billion over 12 years. A sub-licencing agreement allowing CBC to air some Hockey Night In Canada branded games expired after the end of the 2026 playoff season and the two broadcasting giants did not reach an agreement to extend the deal. 

Rogers retains the sole broadcasting rights and the name Hockey Night In Canada.

Pakistani officials say a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran will be signed on Friday in Switzerland. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the strait of Hormuz will completely open on Friday adding that the strait is partially open now but no mention was made about fees payable to Iran for safe passage. 

Vice President JD Vance said full details of the peace deal will be released in the next 24 to 48 hours. Those details should include some sort or reparation payment to Iran including the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets. 

The military blockage of Iranian ports is also a major sticking point as are Iran’s enriched uranium programs and potential stock piles and Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

A man in his 50s has died following a collision involving a scooter and a vehicle near Carlingwood Shopping Centre in Ottawa. Emergency crews were called to the area of Carling Avenue and Fairlawn Avenue shortly before 8:10 p.m. Sunday after reports of a serious crash. Paramedics transported the scooter rider to The Ottawa Hospital’s trauma centre with critical injuries.

Initially, Ottawa Police indicated the man was being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. However, a family member later confirmed that he succumbed to those injuries on Monday. The collision prompted a significant emergency response as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A second person involved in the incident was assessed by paramedics at the scene but declined transportation to hospital. Ottawa Police say no charges have been laid in connection with the collision, and investigators continue to examine the events leading up to the fatal crash. Anyone with information that may assist police is encouraged to contact investigators.

Police are looking for two suspects that they believe are part of a vehicle theft ring. Police believe vehicles were stolen from the greater Toronto area then driven to the Ashton area south west of Ottawa. 

Officials say one of the stolen vehicle licence plates was captured by their automatic licence plate recognition system which led police to two other stolen vehicles. 

One suspect was arrested and faces charges but two other suspects are now wanted by police.

Pembroke Fire Department has released information about a fire at the Pembroke Regional Hospital Sunday morning. Emergency crews were called to the hospital just before 8:00 am. When crews arrived, they discovered thick, black smoke coming from one room in particular. 

Hospital staff had already evacuated the floor so fire crews immediately got to work to put down the blaze. The fire was contained to one room and put out quickly with help from the hospitals automatic sprinkler system. The fire department praised the efforts of hospital staff saying that If not for the actions of these individuals, the results would have been devastating.

Officials added that the incident reinforces the importance of fire drills, fire safety planning and fire extinguisher training for all buildings, not just the hospital. One patient suffered burn injuries, the extent of which has not been released. The investigation into the cause of the blaze is on-going.

The City of Ottawa has announced the temporary closure to the public of Lalande Conservation Park while wildlife management operations are considered to deal with the ever-growing presence of coyotes. Residents are being asked to stay away from the park and ensure that pets and children do not attend the area. 

The park was officially closed June 9th and remains closed until further notice. The city has considered a relocation plan but experts and experience have proved that relocation and eradication attempts rarely prove effective against coyotes. Rather coexistence through education and hazing efforts to provide less than ideal conditions for coyotes are the most successful options. 

Steps should be taken to prevent the habituation of coyotes to humans and pets and reduce the risk of dangerous human/coyote interactions.

Ottawa Police have arrested and charged a second suspect in a year-old murder case. Jessica St. Michael from Ottawa was arrested last week and charged with first-degree murder and indignity to a body. 

On the afternoon of May 17, 2025, 911 calls were received by the Ottawa Police Service indicating a body was floating in the Ottawa River. Emergency crews arrived on scene in the Dellaire Street area and recovered the body of 63-year-old Robert Prevost who had been reported missing for two months. 

Last week OPP arrested Luc Décarie of St-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Quebec who is also charged with first-degree murder and indignity to a body. Police have not yet released any connection between the two suspects and the victim.

Members of the Ottawa Police Service will be helping to support security and transportation operations during FIFA World Cup 26™, joining law enforcement partners from across Ontario, Canada, and around the world. The service recently highlighted the participation of its Traffic Escort Motorcycle Unit, whose officers are specially trained to manage escorts for dignitaries, major events, and high-profile visitors.

With Toronto set to host several World Cup matches, police agencies are working together to ensure the safe movement of teams, officials, and VIP guests throughout the tournament. Ottawa’s motorcycle officers will be among those providing traffic escort services, helping to keep routes secure and minimize disruptions as thousands of fans travel to host venues and related events.

FIFA World Cup 26™ is expected to be one of the largest sporting events ever held in North America, and the collaboration between police services will play an important role in delivering a safe and successful tournament experience for athletes, visitors, and local communities.

OC Transpo is planning to boost bus capacity on a number of routes this summer to compensate for additional ridership. With civil servants returning to work four days a week in July, they project 10 bus routes will run over capacity. OC Transpo has received federal employee data from the federal government to help plan which routes will most likely be affected and to determine how best to provide a service boost. 

The routes that will likely be affected are:

• Route 5 Elmvale-Waller
• Route 8 Gatineau-Dow’s Lake
• Route 13 Gatineau-Tunney’s Pasture
• Route 24 Chapel Hill-St. Laurent
• Route 61 Stittsville-Tunney’s Pasture
• Route 62 Stittsville-Tunney’s Pasture
• Route 63 Briarbrook-Tunney’s Pasture
• Route 66 Innovation-Tunney’s Pasture
• Route 74 Tunney’s Pasture-Limebank
• Route 75 Cambrian-Tunney’s Pasture

OC Transpo will continue to monitor routes throughout the summer and will be prepared to make further adjustments in September.

Canada Post has announced that more residences in Ottawa will be moved away from door-to-door mail delivery service. 158 000 addresses will be impacted across Ontario but Canada post has not mentioned how many residences in Ottawa will be affected.  

A press release from CP said that converting an address from door-to-door delivery to a community mailbox typically takes months. Canada Post will engage with communities as it identifies suitable locations for community mailbox sites. 

The move is part of the plan to make Canada Post a going concern after finally reaching a new labour agreement. The Federal government chipped in with a $1 billion dollar bailout package.

For the second time in three days an Ontario Police Officer has died in the line of duty. 43-year-old Constable Marc Pinizotto of Toronto’s Emergency Task Force was executing a warrant in connection to a number of shots fired incidents in Toronto including when two suspects shot at the American Embassy in Toronto in March. 

Police smashed in a 4th floor apartment door then witnesses heard an exchange of gunfire. Pinizotto was shot and died a short time later in hospital. The 19-year-old shooter Nicholas Bennett was shot by police and remains in critical condition in hospital. 

Another 19-year-old suspect Zara Jabbi is wanted in connection to the shooting. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Marc Pinizotto is survived by his wife and 14-year-old twin daughter and son.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is not planning to renew the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreement when it comes up for review on July 1, raising new uncertainty about the future of the deal. 

Despite Trump’s comments, trade talks between the three countries are continuing, and experts note the agreement would remain in place while negotiations continue. 

Canadian officials say they remain focused on securing improvements to the deal and addressing ongoing tariff issues with the United States.

The Federal government has announced an extension to the amnesty of the gun ban Order in Council. The amnesty will now run until 90 days after the Supreme Court challenge is heard. The challenge questions the validity of the Order in Council claiming it is a violation of Canadian Charter rights and freedoms. 

The Feds were effectively forced to take this action because the courts would likely have ordered the extension anyway. Gun control groups have voiced displeasure at the extension but the gun by back program continues on its schedule regardless of the extension. The gun buy back program offers gun owners a fraction of the value of their firearms to turn them in voluntarily before the amnesty deadline. 

Premier Doug Ford recently urged legal gun owners to not turn in their firearms and Alberta and Saskatchewan have passed legislation negating the gun ban on a provincial level.

A youth is facing serious criminal charges after three dogs were killed in a basement fire in Barrhaven. 911 calls were made around 3:20 Tuesday afternoon for smoke coming from a home in Muriel Gardens just off of Cedar Hill Drive in Nepean. When fire crews arrived they spotted fire coming from basement windows and heavy smoke in the main floor. 

A second alarm was sounded and crews fought the fire from inside while searching for victims. A youth appeared in court yesterday facing the following charges:

• Arson – disregard for human life
• Arson – causing property damage
• Possession of incendiary material for arson
• Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (x2)
• Killing/injuring animals (x3)
• Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal (x3)

Their name cannot be released due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act

A former Air Canada Captain has been arrested and charged with several counts of fraud after allegedly operating as an Airline Transport rated Pilot-in-Command without the appropriate licence. 

Police say 59-year-old Jeff Wall flew hundreds of flights as pilot in command of Air Canada’s Boeing 767 aircraft among others for over 17 years before a routine currency check of his qualifications revealed what police say was a fraudulent document. The pilot was licensed to fly commercially but investigators allege Wall did not have the Airline qualification. Wall resigned a short time after the allegations came to light. 

Air Canada released a statement saying that passenger safety was not jeopardized because Wall passed competency checks every six months as all airline pilots are required to do. Fake it till you make it.

The Ontario Provincial Police has confirmed that an officer has died in the line of duty in northern Ontario. Details are sparse but OPP have advised the public that Constable Tarun Bali was one of a group of officers conducting an investigation around 12:30 p.m. at Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6, near Hearst. 

Authorities say Constable Bali was seriously injured while performing his duty but they did not elaborate on how he was injured or the nature of his injuries. Bali later died in hospital. Police say a suspect is in custody but charges have not been laid at this point. 

The investigation involving the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is on-going.

A driver is facing charges after a serious collision on Highway 416 Sunday evening that could have ended much worse. Ontario Provincial Police say the crash happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. when the driver of an SUV, travelling southbound on the highway, reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel.

Investigators say the SUV crossed the median and entered the northbound lanes, where it collided with an oncoming vehicle head-on. Despite the severity of the crash, police say only minor injuries were sustained by those involved.

The driver of the SUV was charged with careless driving. The offence carries a fine of $490 and six demerit points upon conviction. Police are reminding motorists of the importance of being well-rested before getting behind the wheel, noting that driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.

Tiff Macklem, Bank of Canada governor is set to make an announcement on our benchmark interest rate on Wednesday and most economists believe the Central Bank will hold its prime lending rate at 2.25%. 

Macklem said that monetary policy may need to be nimble during his last announcement in April adding that the bank needs to measure the effects of the on-going war in Iran along with considering the possible outcomes of the CUSMA renegotiation. 

Most analysts set the estimated percentage of an interest rate held on Wednesday at 95% as Canada slips into a technical recession with inflation rising but the job market seeing slight rebound with unemployment numbers falling in May.

A 65-year-old Ottawa man was killed in a vehicle crash over the weekend in Nova Scotia and a 64-year-old woman who was a passenger in the same vehicle was severely injured and air medevac’d to a trauma centre. 

Police say that Saturday afternoon around 3:30 a Dodge Ram pick-up truck travelling on Highway 103 near Clearland drove into a construction zone where vehicles were stopped by a temporary alternating traffic light. The truck crashed into a RAV 4 then a Jeep Cherokee before coming to rest. 

The driver was pronounced deceased on the scene. Police have not released the current condition of the passenger.

Louise Arbour, now Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, was sworn in Monday as Canada’s 31st Governor General during a ceremony in Ottawa. 

Arbour called for the “peaceful management” of differences and warned against growing polarization in society. In her first speech as the King’s representative, the former Supreme Court justice also highlighted the importance of strong democratic institutions, free expression, and caution in the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney and other officials attended the installation, which included traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, and tributes to outgoing Governor General Mary Simon.

WestJet Airlines and Sunwing Vacations Group have announced the suspension of all operations to and from Cuba until further notice. The airline originally suspended operations as many others did in February when shortages of oil and jet fuel as a result of American military action against Venezuela made air travel untenable. 

A statement released by the airline acknowledges that Cuba has long been a cherished destination for guests, and they are mindful of the challenges currently facing local communities, tourism workers, and industry partners who rely on the sector. 

Westjet added they will continue to monitor developments closely, working with their partners on the ground, and they will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit has spread its web half way across the planet to make an arrest in a 2024 homicide case. 

31-year-old Gibrill Bakal was arrested in Turkiye and charged in the murder of Jama Roble on January 29, 2024, in the 100 block of Champagne Avenue South. Police say Bakal was arrested in Türkiye while trying to cross the border when a biometrics check flagged him as a suspect in an Interpol Red Notice. 

He was detained and Turkish authorities contacted the RCMP who informed Ottawa Police. He was flown to Ottawa and made a court appearance over the weekend charged with homicide.

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all in traffic, this happens. 

OPP pulled over an SUV on the 417 over the weekend, not because of speeding or a lane change not in safety, not because the tail gate of the SUV was open but because the tail gate was open and a passenger was sitting in the trunk with his legs dangling out over the bumper, inches from the road at highway speed. 

Police say the passenger was filming traffic. The car was pulled over and the driver charged with stunt driving. The passenger and amateur videographer was charged with riding in a position without proper seatbelt protection.

OTTAWA — A man wanted in connection with a 2024 homicide in Ottawa has been arrested in Türkiye following an international effort involving Turkish authorities, the RCMP, and the Ottawa Police Service. Investigators announced that 31-year-old Gibriil Bakal was taken into custody and has now appeared before the courts on a charge of first-degree murder.

Police allege Bakal was responsible for the fatal shooting of Jama Roble, 33, which occurred on January 29, 2024, in the 100 block of Champagne Avenue South. Roble was transported to hospital following the shooting but later died from his injuries. Bakal subsequently became the subject of a Canada-wide search and was wanted on a charge of first-degree murder.

According to the Ottawa Police Service, Bakal was arrested after biometric checks conducted by Turkish border authorities matched his fingerprints to an Interpol Red Notice. Turkish officials confirmed his identity and notified the RCMP, which then coordinated with Ottawa police. Investigators thanked their policing and justice partners, as well as the Bolo Program, for helping publicize the wanted notice across Canada. Police say no further details will be released at this time as the matter is now before the courts.

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP, ON — A 51-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 2025 death of Robert Prevost following an extensive investigation by members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Russell Detachment and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

Police announced that the accused was arrested and charged after investigators gathered evidence related to the homicide. Details surrounding the circumstances of Prevost’s death have not been released, and the accused’s allegations have not been tested in court. The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to examine all aspects of the case.

Investigators are asking anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information through their anonymous reporting channels. Police are encouraging members of the public with relevant information to come forward as the case proceeds through the court system.

A new pilot project aimed at improving student safety is rolling out on Ottawa roads, with ten school buses now equipped with technology designed to detect and document drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about motorists failing to obey school bus stop arms and flashing lights, putting children at risk as they board or exit their buses.

Officials say the technology will collect data on incidents where drivers fail to stop, helping authorities better understand the scope of the problem across the city. The system is also expected to identify trends in dangerous driving behaviour and highlight locations where violations occur most frequently, providing valuable information for future enforcement and safety measures.

School transportation and municipal officials say the pilot project is focused on protecting students and raising awareness about the importance of obeying school bus safety laws. The information gathered during the program will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and determine whether additional measures may be needed to address unsafe driving around school buses in Ottawa.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has charged a man in relation to a stabbing that occurred Rideau Street Wednesday morning

Police believe the unprovoked attack occurred just before 11:00 am on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Rideau Street. Witnesses say a suspect approached and stabbed the victim then fled.

The victim sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Central Investigations Section has charged 57-year-old Mohamed Elhilo with one count each of:

• Assault Cause Bodily Harm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possess weapon dangerous
• Carry conceal weapon

Ottawa Police have laid charges against two people in connection with a shooting that occurred in the city on Wednesday. Investigators with the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit announced that a 45-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said both individuals were charged with several firearms-related offences. Specific details about the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately released. Investigators have also not provided an update on any injuries connected to the incident.

The Guns and Gangs Unit continued to investigate and said additional information may be released as the case progresses. Anyone with information that could assist investigators was asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

Ottawa Police and Special Constables investigated an incident in the city’s downtown core after an injured individual boarded an OC Transpo bus near the intersection of Rideau and Friel streets. Emergency crews responded to the scene and the victim was assessed by paramedics. Officials said the person had sustained serious injuries, although the exact nature of those injuries and the victim’s condition were not immediately released.

Investigators said the injuries were believed to have occurred at a location that had not yet been determined. Police worked throughout the area gathering information and speaking with potential witnesses as they attempted to establish where and how the incident took place. No details about any suspects or the circumstances surrounding the injuries were immediately available.

The investigation remained ongoing, and police said additional information would be released as it became available.

Ottawa Police are investigating a shooting in the city’s Overbrook neighbourhood. Emergency crews were called to the 300 block of Prince Albert Street, where officers located a shooting victim. They were transported to a trauma centre for treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that one suspect is in custody but investigators have not yet released details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, nor have they provided information on the condition of the victim. The area was secured as officers gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses.

Residents and motorists were asked to avoid the area while the investigation was on-going. Police say there will be an increased presence in the neighbourhood and more information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

A serious collision on the 401 eastbound east of Brockville yesterday afternoon led to the full closure of the eastbound highway into the evening. 

A transport truck carrying a load of lumber rolled over in the right-hand ditch seriously injuring the driver. He was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition. 

The highway remained closed through the afternoon rush hour for the investigation and cleanup and finally reopened yesterday evening around 7:30 pm. Police continue to investigate the cause of the collision.

The Ottawa Police Service along with the RCMP conducted RIDE enforcement checks at various locations across Ottawa. Brian Coburn Boulevard at 10th Line Road and the Vanier/Rideau ward, have the highest number of impaired driving signs posted and apparently it is still not enough:

• 10 new impaired driving signs were installed this weekend.
• Total signs posted to date: 51.

In late May police advised that a motorist involved in a collision at Fallowfield Road and Eagleson Road was charged with Impaired Operation Causing Bodily Harm and Operation While Impaired (80+) Causing Bodily Harm. Police are asking drivers to plan ahead, drive sober, and help keep our roads safe.

OPP have announced that a 6-year-old child involved in a serious motor vehicle collision involving an ambulance south of Smiths Falls has now died of his injuries. An adult in the same vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene. 

The tragic collision occurred on Highway 15 near Otter Lake Park on May 29 around 5:00 p.m. Initial reports at the scene indicated the two vehicles collided head-on, a third vehicle was involved in the collision and the driver of that vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The two ambulance attendants were transported to hospital with serious injuries; there were no patients on-board the ambulance at the time of the crash. 

The identity of the victims has not been released but we know the deceased man was a 34-year-old from Elizabethtown-Kitley.

Canada has officially advised the United States and Mexico that it wants to renew the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement, known as CUSMA. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is meeting with U.S. officials as Canada pushes for relief from tariffs and prepares for possible negotiations on changes to the deal. 

U.S. President Donald Trump again made social media posts referring to Canada as a 51st state but Prime Minister Mark Carney did not take the bait, refusing to react to Trump’s posts stating that we have to work with this administration as it is. Carney added that we would not respond or react to everything that Trump posts. 

While the U.S. has suggested it wants revisions to the agreement, experts say a full withdrawal is unlikely because of the importance of trade between the three countries.

After more than two years of labour disputes including strikes, walk outs, lock outs, arbitration and long negotiations, Canada Post workers have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. 55 000 Canada Post workers voted 85% in favour of the new agreement which brings them a 6.5% wage increase in year one and a 3% increase in year 2. 

Benefits and working conditions are enhanced and the door is now open for weekend deliveries in order to better compete against other carriers. 

The new agreement is valid until January 2029 and Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger said the new deal offers stability and a path to “restore confidence in the postal system adding that while the process was challenging, these negotiated agreements recognize that Canada Post needs to change.

An unfortunate update to the story we mentioned yesterday. The body of a 38-year-old paddle boarder who was missing after falling off his board in the Ottawa River across from Andrew Hayden Park, has been recovered. 

Gatineau Police announced Surete du Quebec divers recovered the body Sunday evening after a boater recovered the paddle board. The massive search effort, turned recovery effort included Ottawa and Gatineau marine units along with Gatineau’s Fire service and Gatineau’s drone service. 

The office of the Coroner of Quebec now takes over the investigation.

Police continue to investigate a stabbing on the 2900 block of Riverside Drive. Police and EMS were called to the scene Saturday evening around 8:30 and discovered two victims had been stabbed.

One victim was transported to an area trauma centre with serious injuries the other victim sustained minor injuries. 

Police have not made an arrest at this time and have not released suspect information.

Smiths Falls Police and EMS were called to the scene of a serious single car collision late Saturday evening at Main Street and Beckwith Street north. The white sedan was heavily damaged as it appeared to strike a pole at high-speed, head on. 

The single occupant of the vehicle was transported to hospital, their condition is unknown. The collision brought down hydro lines and caused a power failure in the area. 

The power outage lasted well into Sunday and police asked residents and motorists to avoid the area until the investigation was concluded and power was restored. The cause of the collision is under investigation. 

Ottawa Fire Services and other emergency crews tended to a working fire in the 6500 block of Rideau Valley Drive. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene Sunday around noon after reports of a blaze in the area. 

Officials say there have been no reports of injuries as a result of the incident and the cause is under investigation.  Firefighters remained on scene through the afternoon assessing the extent of the damage and ensuring the fire did not spread to nearby structures. Additional details about the home involved and the circumstances leading up to the fire have not yet been made public.

Residents and motorists were asked to avoid the area while emergency operations were underway. Traffic disruptions lasted through Sunday afternoon as fire crews and other emergency personnel tended to the scene. Ottawa Fire Services says further information will be released as it becomes available.

The Ottawa Police Service is seeking help from the public to locate a missing 38-year-old Ottawa Man. Robson Florentino was seen boarding a paddle board on the Ottawa River Saturday from the Gatineau side across from Andrew Haydon Park. Some media reports indicate he was seen falling off his board and police are concerned for his well-being. 

Florentino is described as:

• Hispanic male
• Brown hair
• 5’7” tall
• Muscular build, with a left arm sleeve tattoo 
• Last seen wearing red shorts and a baseball hat

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the West Division Staff Sergeant’s Desk at 613-236-1222 ext. 2912 and reference case number 2026-146879.