Ottawa City Council has approved a series of new projects aimed at improving safety and enhancing the visitor experience in the downtown core and ByWard Market. Funding for the initiatives will be reallocated from the William Street pedestrian and streetscape project, which has been deferred beyond the timelines established under the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement. City officials say the new investments will focus on making the area safer while creating more attractions for residents and tourists.

Several safety-focused measures are included in the plan, including upgrades to the Rideau Station and Rideau Street corridor, improvements to the Rideau-Sussex underpass, and additional security staffing for organizations that serve vulnerable populations. The funding will also support mental health and substance use services in the ByWard Market, Ottawa Public Health’s needle and drug equipment collection program, and outreach efforts to connect unsheltered individuals with safe spaces and support services.

To boost vibrancy and economic activity, the City will invest in a number of placemaking and cultural initiatives. These include the “Best of ByWard” four-season public space program, a district-wide navigation and parking strategy, a new branding and identity plan for the market, winter illumination displays at the historic Market Building, and expanded programming at Metcalfe Plaza. Other highlights include the Savour ByWard Market farm-to-table culinary experience and “ByWard Under the Lights: Celebrating 200 Years,” a two-day night market showcasing local food, artisans, and entertainment. The funding reallocation remains subject to approval by the Province of Ontario under the terms of the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement.

Gatineau Police are asking the public to come forward after the arrests of four local men in connection with an ongoing sexual assault investigation. Police announced the arrests of 28-year-old Mohamed Doulde Sow, 31-year-old Emmanuel Lokota-Sangwa, 30-year-old Jonathan Muanda-Kuika, and 29-year-old Kouame Samuel Levi Minomekpo, all of Gatineau.

Investigators say they have reason to believe the accused may have victimized other individuals and are actively seeking additional victims or witnesses. Authorities have not released further details about the allegations but indicated that the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to determine whether other incidents may be linked to the suspects.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or who witnessed a sexual assault involving any of the accused, is encouraged to contact Gatineau Police investigators at 819-243-4636, option 5. Police are also directing the public to review information regarding the suspects’ alleged modus operandi as they continue their appeal for information.

The hockey world is mourning the loss of former Montreal Canadien and four-time Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux, who has died at the age of 60. Multiple media reports say Lemieux died by suicide at a family-owned business in Florida. The NHL Alumni Association confirmed his death Thursday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the hockey community.

Lemieux was one of the NHL’s most recognizable and controversial playoff performers, winning Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. Over a 21-season NHL career, the Buckingham, Quebec native played more than 12-hundred regular season games and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995.

Just days before his death, Lemieux appeared publicly at the Bell Centre in Montreal, carrying a ceremonial torch during pregame festivities ahead of Game 3 of the Canadiens’ Eastern Conference Final series. Fans and former teammates have since shared messages of shock and remembrance, reflecting on both his fierce competitiveness on the ice and his lasting impact on the sport.

Three youths have been arrested by the Ottawa Police Service in connection with an assault that sent three teenagers to hospital earlier this month in Stittsville. Police say the incident happened on May 8 in the 1200 block of Stittsville Main Street.

According to investigators, three victims, all under the age of 18, suffered injuries during the assault and were transported to hospital. Police say the injuries were considered non-life-threatening. Few other details about the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released.

Ottawa police say the three accused youths are facing a combined total of 19 criminal charges, including assault and weapons-related offences. Investigators continue to ask anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

The Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate the death of a young boy yesterday afternoon. 911 calls were received around 5:10 yesterday reporting a missing child in the area of Riverside Drive and Hogs Back Road. 

Police, family and friends initiated a search in the area. A short time later the boy was spotted in the river and was brought to shore by passers-by. Bystanders began life saving efforts and Ottawa EMS attended the scene to take over CPR. 

The boy was transported to an area trauma centre but he was pronounced deceased in hospital. Support services have been made available for the family and emergency personnel involved. OPS continues to investigate.

OC Transpo’s O-Train Line 1 service will finally return to a two-car maximum capacity service on June 8, after months of operating single car service. 

The capacity and car reduction was required due to the grounding of most of the fleet due to wheel axle bearing issues that required a service recall. Transit Services general manager Rick Leary sent a memo to city council stating that the increase in capacity is possible due to an adequate supply of Cartridge Bearing Assemblies (CBAs) and advancements in implementing a condition monitoring system on Line 1. 

Leary added that riders can expect double-car trains on weekdays, with a five-minute frequency during peak operations but single car service will continue on the weekend.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault has announced his resignation effective this summer. Gilbeault joined the Trudeau cabinet as a prominent environmentalist leading the Liberal climate change policy. 

Gilbeault said he has come to the conclusion that it is time to pursue his fight for environmental protection and the fight against climate change in a different way. Many believe the energy pact just signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for a new pipeline project to the west coast may have been the last straw. 

Gilbeault has become disillusioned about his parties’ dismantling of policies relating to consumer carbon pricing, the zero-emission vehicle standard, the oil and gas sector emissions cap, the framework to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and the clean electricity regulations. The departure of a Liberal seat in parliament will challenge the thin Liberal majority government.

A group of unions representing thousands of provincial civil servants has asked the province to provide some flexibility for its workers during daytime world cup games and the Treasury Board has listened. 

Liz Tuomi, spokesperson for Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney said the province expects workers to be in the office five days a week but managers can approve ad hoc, occasional or temporary remote work requests to provide short-term flexibility for world cup games on June 12 and 26. 

The City of Toronto made similar suggestions to Toronto businesses located in the downtown or near the soccer stadium at Exhibition Place where games will take place. The city estimates 300 000 visits will flood the area during the World Cup.

Ottawa Police Service has announced the arrest of a 29-year-old Ottawa man for a series of alleged property crimes. The incidents took place between March and May at various locations across the city. Police say the suspect is responsible for at least 40 incidents including retail theft, break-and-enters and fraud.

The man faces 120 charges including:

• Multiple counts of theft under $5,000
• Break and enter
• Fraudulent use of a credit card
• Mischief under $5,000
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Resisting arrest
• Numerous counts of Breach of Probation Order

Police say the total financial impact of the offences adds up to over $100, 000.00.

Ontario cabinet minister Caroline Mulroney has announced that she is resigning from politics to begin a “new chapter,” following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and as she and her husband becoming empty nesters. 

Mulroney was first elected in 2018 under the Premier Doug Ford conservative government and has held several senior cabinet roles, including transportation minister and president of the Treasury Board. Her resignation takes effect June 5, with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy stepping in on an interim basis to cover the treasury role along with his Finance Minister portfolio. 

A byelection is set to be called in York-Simcoe to elect a new Member of Provincial Parliament.

An investigation into community complaints of the illegal sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products by the West Neighbourhood Resource Team lead to arrests and a significant seizure in Nepan. 

Police executed a warrant on residence on Woodfield Drive off of Merivale Road last week and made two arrests seizing 346 cartons of illegal cigarettes, a quantity of shisha tobacco and over $17,000 believed to be the proceeds of crime. 

Two Ottawa residents, a man in his 40’s and a woman in her 30’s were arrested and charged with illegally selling tobacco products and raw leaf tobacco and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The Special Investigations Unit has concluded its investigation into the bizarre death of a 24-year-old man in Ottawa in January. Police were called to a single vehicle collision on a quiet part of Bank Street near Vernmon around 8:20 in the evening of January 23rd. Police located a minivan involved in a high speed collision but did not locate the driver. The family reported the driver missing that evening and police returned to the scene the next day and located the body of the driver partially covered in snow in the snow bank. 

An autopsy indicated the collision occurred at around 170 Km/h and the impact was catastrophic, adding that the driver was ejected from the vehicle suffering massive, fatal blunt force trauma. The autopsy also determined the driver possessed twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. The coroner determined the driver was deceased before the initial arrival of police. 

The SUI determined that the initial investigation by the officers may have been negligent and referred the case back to the Ottawa Police service for further action. 

Despite recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that the deal with Iran is “largely negotiated”, Trump later walked back the comments to some degree saying that negotiations were “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner,” adding that Iran has become “much more professional and productive” in negotiations. 

Trump has said that Iran must give up all of its enriched uranium, Iran has not indicated it would do so but there is talk coming from the middle-east that Iran would somehow assure the world that it would not pursue the creation of a nuclear weapon. 

Tehran also indicated last week that Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz subject to tolls which are considered illegal in international waters.

A just released Abacus Data Poll published on Sunday indicates that more Canadians feel the country is on the right track. The poll says that 47% of Canadians polled believe Canada is heading in the right direction, and 39 % say the country is on the wrong track. This is the highest number indicating support for federal policy since 2017. 

76 % of Canadians see the rest of the world as moving in the wrong direction and 80% believe the United States is doing poorly. Party lines played prominent roles in polling numbers with 71% of Liberal supporters indicating positive results but only 24% of Conservatives did.  

Affordability still ranks as the greatest challenge facing Canadians. The poll was conducted in mid-May with 1,920 respondents and has a 2.23 per cent margin of error 19 times out of 20.

Prime  Minister Mark Carney welcomed the World Cup onto Canadian soil boasting about Canada’s recent success and improved world rankings. 

Carney kissed and hoisted the trophy as he welcomed Fifa President Gianni Infantino. 

Canada Takes on Bosnia Friday June 12th In Toronto.

Ottawa Police Service says it has installed 24 lawn signs across the city since May 14 as part of an awareness campaign targeting impaired driving. The signs feature images showing the kind of damage and danger impaired driving can cause on local roads, reminding motorists of the potentially devastating consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police say the campaign is aimed at encouraging drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel. Officers are urging residents who plan to drink or use drugs to arrange alternative transportation, including taxis, rideshare services, public transit or a designated sober driver.

The Ottawa Police Service says impaired driving continues to put motorists, passengers and pedestrians at risk and is reminding the public that making responsible transportation plans can help keep roads safe for everyone throughout the community.

The Canada Revenue Agency has advised public servants that it will follow the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s directive that public servants must spend a minimum of four days a week in office. 

The Union of Taxation Employees claims there is not enough office space to accommodate all civil servants so some will not be able to attend in person work four days a week adding that it may boil down to a lottery draw system to determine who gets to stay home more often than others. 

The new schedule should go into effect starting in July after several year of working at home or hybrid accommodations.

Mother Nature just refuses to release her grip on us this season. The National Capital Region and many areas all over the province were under a frost advisory overnight with some temperatures expected to dip below the freezing point but that should do it for the season – go ahead and plant the tomatoes over the weekend and plan to head to the cottage. 

Gas prices took a nice dip overnight right along with temperatures. Some stations have reduced gas prices up to 8 cents a litre this morning after a number of steep increases in May. 

Most analysts believe price fluctuations and volatility will persist throughout the summer – of course the volatility is closely tied to events in the Middle East.

Mother Nature just refuses to release her grip on us this season. The National Capital Region and many areas all over the province were under a frost advisory overnight with some temperatures expected to dip below the freezing point but that should do it for the season – go ahead and plant the tomatoes over the weekend and plan to head to the cottage. 

Gas prices took a nice dip overnight right along with temperatures. Some stations have reduced gas prices up to 8 cents a litre this morning after a number of steep increases in May. 

Most analysts believe price fluctuations and volatility will persist throughout the summer – of course the volatility is closely tied to events in the Middle East.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate after the death of the woman following an interaction with Ottawa Police. 

On May 20th around 4:00pm officers were called to a disturbance involving a woman in distress on the 1400 block of Heatherington Road near Albion Road North. According to the SUI, police arrived to find the woman hanging off the balcony of the apartment and attempted to talk to her but she fell. 

The 37-year-old woman, who has not been identified was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition where she later died.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she has directed staff to summon Israel’s ambassador to Canada to answer to reports of the mistreatment of Canadian protestors detained by Israel on a flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. 

Global Sumud Canada says 12 Canadian protestors were aboard vessels when they were boarded and detained by Israeli forces. Videos posted to social media appear to show a protestor shoved to the ground while yelling free Palestine. 

Anand said the video we’ve seen is deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable, adding that the protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld at all times.

Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate a collision we reported on two weeks ago near a park-and-ride in Barrhaven. 

A 29-year-old female was involved in a collision at the intersection of Fallowfield Road and Via Park Place, right outside the OC Transpo Fallowfield Station on May 11 around 7:19 p.m. The woman was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and she succumbed to her injuries 9 days later. 

Police are asking for witnesses or motorists with dash cam footage from the area to come forward.

A new study has been released by Statistics Canada outlining which areas across Canada present the highest risks of breast cancer. 

Risks are highest in rural regions in Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairies and in some urban centres with large immigrant and racialized populations. The study notes that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females in Canada, with 30,500 females estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and 5,500 females dying of breast cancer in that same year. 

Regions with the lowest cancer rates include northern and remote regions with younger populations, and large metropolitan areas including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Ottawa Police Service has launched an arson investigation after two intentionally set fires in close proximity to each other. Ottawa Police Service received calls about a deck fire in Centretown on May 16th. 

Crews arrived on scene at the 300 block of Lyon Street north around 3:39 am where they found recycling boxes on fire on the deck. Fire crews cleared the residential units while they put out the routine fire and contained it to the deck. Less than an hour after leaving the scene another fire call came in for a porch fire just about a block away. 

Again, fire fighters attended the scene and put out the fire without any injuries. Investigators were called to both scenes and the investigation was transferred to police.

Canada’s iconic military demonstration team, the Snowbirds, will soon retire the CT-114 Tutor jets that have been used for more than 50 years. 

Defence Minister David McGuinty says the 2026 airshow season will be the last for the aging aircraft, which will eventually be replaced with a new fleet of CT-157 Siskin II. The replacement is a single engine, turbine, propellor driven aircraft as opposed to the jet powered Tutor. 

The announcement has sparked concern with some Canadians saying the Snowbirds are an important symbol of Canadian pride. McGuinty would not confirm a date for the restart of the program but the earliest it could happen is expected to be in the 2030’s.

Ottawa OPP is seeking assistance from the public as they continue to investigate a road rage incident that took place on highway 417 westbound in the east end.

Police say that on May 16th around 2:00 pm an altercation took place between motorists driving a grey vehicle and a black vehicle between Boundary Rd and Anderson Rd.

Police did not release further information at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation but if motorists witnessed the incident or if any motorists have dash cam footage of the vehicles or the incident, they asked to contact Ottawa OPP.

Ottawa OPP has arrested and charged a Perth man with several impaired driving related charges after an OPP Officer witnesses a vehicle doing burnouts on Terry Fox Drive. On May 16th the officer was filling up his cruiser at a gas station and witnessed the event, they gave chase but the motorists sped away. The vehicle and driver were located a short time later at another gas station on Eagleson Rd. The 27-year-old faces several charges including:

• Operation while impaired- alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

• Dangerous operation 

• Flight from peace officer 

• Perform a stunt

• Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor

The driver’s licence was suspended for 90-days and had his vehicle impounded for seven days.

Police have arrested and charged a 21-year-old man from Carleton Place after a single vehicle roll-over collision in the west end. 

Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call for service around 2:30 Saturday morning after a vehicle rolled into the ditch on highway 7. A release from OPP says officers suspected the driver to be under the influence of alcohol, and a roadside screening device was utilized. 

The driver was then transported to an Ottawa Detachment for further testing. Police have laid “operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80 plus” charges and the driver has had his licence suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for seven days. 

The Ottawa Police Service says reported crime in the city increased by 1.5 per cent in 2025, with 51,360 crimes reported overall. Violent crime also rose by three per cent compared with 2024. Police say 15 wards across Ottawa saw crime rates go down this year.

Somerset Ward had the highest number of reported crimes in Ottawa with 15,824 cases in 2025, up from 15,589 last year. Rideau-Vanier had the second highest total with 15,487 reported crimes. Both downtown wards saw crime increase in 2025.

Some suburban wards reported lower crime numbers this year. Barrhaven East saw one of the biggest drops, down 15.5 per cent from 1,821 crimes in 2024 to 1,539 in 2025. Other wards with decreases included Stittsville, Kanata North and Riverside South-Findlay Creek.

U.S. Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby has announced the United States is pausing the Permanent Joint Board on Defence with Canada. 

Colby used a social media post to announce the change stating that Canada has failed to make credible progress on its defense commitments, and the U.S. needs to reassess how this forum benefits shared North American defence, adding the United States can no longer avoid the gaps between rhetoric and reality. 

The Carney Liberals have increased military spending meeting or surpassing its NATO obligation for the first time. 

The Ottawa detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is asking for the public’s help following a reported road rage incident on Highway 417 in Ottawa’s east end. Investigators say the incident occurred on May 16 at approximately 2 p.m. on the westbound lanes of the highway between Boundary Road and Anderson Road.

Police say the incident involved occupants of a dark grey vehicle and a black vehicle. Few details have been released, but officers are now working to determine exactly what took place and are appealing to drivers who may have seen the confrontation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage from the area around the time of the occurrence is asked to contact the Ottawa OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122 and ask to speak with PC Belanger.

Ottawa Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to an assault involving two elderly women in Ottawa’s south end earlier this year.

Police say the incident happened at approximately 1:05 p.m. on February 2 in the 2200 block of Riverside Drive. Investigators allege the suspect approached the two women while they were walking in the area, including one woman who was using a walker, before assaulting both victims and fleeing the scene on foot. One of the women suffered minor injuries as a result of the attack.

The suspect is described as a white man between 20 and 25 years old with a thin build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing sunglasses, a dark tuque, a blue and green jacket, dark pants, and mismatched shoes — one black and one white. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vianney Calixte with the East Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 3281 or by email at calixtev@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at Crime Stoppers Canada.

The Ottawa Police Service reminds motorists and travelers to make safety a priority as officers prepare for increased patrols during the Victoria Day long weekend. Police say drivers should plan ahead and avoid getting behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol, cannabis, or any substance that could impair their ability to drive.

Officers are urging residents to arrange for a safe ride home by using public transit, taxis, rideshare services, or designated drivers. Police note that impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable crashes and are encouraging everyone to look out for friends and family throughout the busy holiday weekend.

With heavier traffic expected on area roads, Ottawa Police are also asking motorists to slow down, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Residents travelling over the long weekend are also reminded to check holiday operating hours for local businesses, attractions, and services before heading out. Police are wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Victoria Day weekend.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a national electricity strategy in order to double the amount of output by 2050. Carney said the path to the future is electrification which underpins everything including our economy. 

The plan involves connecting all the provincial electrical grids to each other, noting that some provinces are better connected to the USA than to each other. Part of the plan calls for the use of gas power plants but only as a top off when demand calls for it. 

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre says the announcement is just a recycling of a previous announcement adding that Canada had to import power from the US for the first time under the Liberals.

Ottawa Fire Service was called for a touchy situation at a local school when a five-year-old child stepped into a concrete hole and lodged his leg up to the knee. 

Fire fighters arrived on scene just after 4:00 pm at a school on Tartan Drive, near Strandherd Drive. Crews observed the boy was uninjured but scared and they determined the hole was a former concrete post footing. 

Fire crews first dug a hole down one side of the footing then began to break it away using a hammer and chisel while protecting the leg of the child. The child was freed uninjured approximately 30 minutes later. 

The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit arrested 50-year-old George Koh from Ottawa in a sexual assault case that allegedly occurred in the summer of 2025. 

At the time, Koh was working as a taekwondo instructor but police say the assault did not involve a minor. 

OPS is concerned there may be more victims. If you have any information, contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit

The first ever all-Canadian PWHL final starts tonight in Montreal at 7:00 pm.

The Montreal Victoire take on our Ottawa Charge which means that a Canadian team will take home the Walter Cup for the first time. 

The Minnesota Frost have won the first two championships with the Charge losing in the final last year.

Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen and his Artemis II crew mates made several appearances in and around Ottawa yesterday. 

Hansen said we are lifted up and we’re filled up when we help one another, when we create together. And it can get a little lost in today’s society, and this was just an affirmation that everybody knows this is true. We’re better together, we’re better when we create. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney gave the crew a commemorative coin and the also presented Hansen with the Canadian flag that was flying on the Peace Tower the day the crew splashed down to earth. Hansen became the only non-American in history to leave low earth orbit and travel to the moon.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has released its most recent list of the costliest cities in Canada for vehicle theft insurance claims for 2025. The costliest cities in order are Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga and Ottawa has moved up two spots from sixth place to fourth place. 

The number of claims in the province of Ontario increased in 2025 but the total claim amount decreased significantly. $723 million dollars were claimed in 2024 and $485 million dollars were claimed in 2025 marking  a 33% decrease. 

So far in Ottawa, 302 vehicles have been reported stolen and 187 have been recovered. In 2024 police received reported of 1458 stolen vehicles and 979 were recovered.

The Ottawa Police Service laid multiple charges Friday night following a targeted enforcement campaign aimed at stunt driving, street racing, and other dangerous driving behaviours across the city. Officers say one of the most alarming incidents involved 13 teenagers riding unsecured in the back of a U-Haul van while the vehicle allegedly reached speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

Police say the enforcement blitz was part of the service’s ongoing #ResidentsMatter initiative, which focuses on improving road safety and reducing reckless driving. During the operation, officers issued four stunt driving charges and impounded four vehicles. In addition, 23 provincial offence notices and 10 court summonses were handed out over the course of the night.

Ottawa Police are reminding motorists that unsafe driving places everyone at risk, including passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Officers say they will continue targeted enforcement efforts throughout the city as warmer weather brings more traffic and increased reports of aggressive and dangerous driving behaviour.

Ottawa Fire Service received 911 calls Wednesday evening around 8:00 pm after eye witnesses reported visible smoke in a commercial property. 

OFS attended the 1600 block of Meadowbrook Road near Cyrville Road and confirmed the presence of smoke and immediately declared a working fire. Fire fighters were able to quickly attack the blaze and get it under control. 

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Ontario Provincial Police report that a 12-year-old is in serious condition after being struck by an SUV while trying to cross highway 17 on his dirt bike.

The youth was traveling with  a parent who was accompanying him on another dirt bike when the collision occurred. The youth was trying to cross highway 17 Monday afternoon around 5:00 pm at the Algonquin Trail crossing. The child was taken to a local hospital by ambulance then flown to CHEO by air ambulance.

Injuries are reported to be serious but not life threatening. Highway 17 was closed north of Arnprior for several hours as a result of the collision and investigation.

19-year-old Xzander Wright, the accused in the case of the hit and run death of a respected crossing guard in Ottawa, has entered two different pleas in the case.

Wright attended an Ottawa court yesterday and plead guilty to failing to remain at the scene but he also pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death. Wright was charged after crossing guard Peter Clark was struck and killed while performing his duty at the intersection of Cedarvale Road and Kennevale Drive on March the 23rd.

Wright also faces DUI charges from an unrelated incident in Kingston prior to the fatal collision. He remains in custody.

In what is being considered a historic inclusion, Canada has become the first non-European nation to attend the European Political Community Summit.

Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the summit in Armenia in order to strengthen transatlantic security, build trade alliances, and support European partners. Discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, regional security and building strong economic alternatives, decreasing reliance on the United States. 

European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged Canada’s close cooperation with the European Union, also noting that  Canada became the first non-European country to join the EU’s SAFE defense financing initiative in early 2026.

The national RPS-Wahi House Price index was released yesterday reflecting average home sale prices in 13 major markets across Canada.

Ottawa-Gatineau ranked in line with the national average showing a 3% decrease in home values year over year in March. The March reading indicated a further drop from the 2% average in the first two months of the year. Of the six major markets in decline, Ottawa declined the second least ahead of Vancouver and behind Halifax.

The market that showed the greatest increase in March was Quebec City with an impressive 12% gain. Victoria showed the steepest decline coming in at 9% lower than the previous year. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to clarify Canada’s negotiating leverage ahead of talks to renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

Poilievre criticized Carney for downplaying energy and critical minerals as leverage, arguing Canada should use those resources to push for the removal of U.S. tariffs.

Carney responded by stating that he views those sectors as trade opportunities rather than bargaining tools, as negotiations with the United States remain stalled ahead of a mandatory review this summer.

Spirit Airlines ceased all operations over the weekend. The beleaguered discount carrier blamed the cost of jet fuel and the US and Israeli war in the middle for the cost doubling over the last two months.

US President Donald Trump proposed a 500 million dollar bailout option but on Friday talks broke down and a solution could not be reached.

This bankruptcy marks the first time in 15 years that an airline has ceased operations and up to 17 thousand jobs will be lost .

The Ottawa Police Service is seeking help from the public to identify a male suspect who is wanted in connection to a break and enter and fraud investigation. Police say the suspect broke into an office on the 1000 block of Wellington Street West just before 1 pm on April 25^th, 2026.

Police allege the suspect stole a wallet with credit cards inside and later used the stolen cards at various stores on Wellington Street West. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 50 years old, medium height with a heavy build and clean-shaven. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a khaki coloured hoodie, a grey baseball cap, dark pants, and dark shoes.

If you have information on the suspect contact Crime Stoppers. An image of the man can be seem at rebel 1017 dot com /news

The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau has made an arrest in connection with a homicide on Main Street that occurred on April 23. Police say 21-year-old Bradley Girard has been taken into custody following an investigation into the death of Justine Larche.

Authorities confirm Girard is facing one count of second-degree murder. He is expected to appear before a judge as proceedings begin in the case. Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident at this time.

The homicide had drawn significant attention in Gatineau, with police working over the past several days to gather evidence and identify a suspect. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.

E-scooters are making their return to local streets, and officials are reminding riders to brush up on the rules before heading out. As their popularity continues to grow, safety remains a top priority for both riders and drivers sharing the road.

Riders are required to use bike lanes or road shoulders, as sidewalks are off-limits and subject to fines. Users must be at least 16 years old, and while helmets are mandatory for those under 18, they’re strongly recommended for all riders. E-scooters are limited to one rider at a time, and safety features like a bell or horn, along with a white front light and red rear light at dusk, are essential. Riders are also reminded to stay focused and never operate a scooter while distracted or impaired. Certain high-traffic areas remain restricted, including pathways and busy pedestrian zones.

Drivers also play a key role in keeping streets safe. Motorists are urged to stay alert, reduce speed when necessary, and leave at least one metre of space when passing e-scooter users and other vulnerable road users. With the right precautions, e-scooters can be a safe and convenient way to get around for everyone.

Statistics Canada released economic data showing the economy continues to grow, ever so slightly. Real gross domestic product grew 0.2% in February marking the fourth straight month of growth but Stats Can said the growth was tailing off near the end of the first quarter.

The manufacturing sector led the growth with a 1.8% increase which marked its fasted growth in over three years. Wholesale trade and transportation and warehousing sectors rose in February as well while the public sector, arts, entertainment and the recreation industries contracted.

The numbers slightly out performed the Bank of Canada estimate of 1.5% in February.

The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear the appeal of the man convicted of stealing the “Roaring Lion” – the portrait of Winston Churchill from the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Jeffrey Wood was convicted of stealing the framed photograph of Churchill during his wartime visit to Canada.

The iconic photograph was taken, then enlarged, framed and signed by Yousuf Karsh who gave it to hotel as a gift. The portrait was stolen and replaced with a replica sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and January 6, 2022. Wood sold the original in and auction in London, England. Wood was sentenced to two years less a day in jail after pleading guilty.

The Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the sentence despite a lack of precedent in Canada but the Supremes have agreed to hear the appeal without stating any reasoning as is usually the case.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is Canada’s sole trade negotiator, responding to a visit by Conservative MPs to Washington for meetings with U.S. officials.

Conservative MP Jamil Jivani joined colleagues in discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said MPs are working to promote tariff-free trade and strengthen relationships.

The talks come ahead of the summer renegotiation of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.