The Canadian War Museum was recently lit up in blue to recognize the efforts of health care workers. (Via Canada War Museum) As social distancing efforts continue, public venues remain closed. The good news is, many museums have made some of their materials available online for you to enjoy. ...

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s medical officer of health, has written an op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen with some encouraging news: efforts to “flatten the curve” and keep infection rates low are working. The data is clear on that, Etches wrote. ...

The City, in consultation with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), is advising that the limited use of some spaces in City parks and beaches is now permitted. This does not include the use of sports fields and courts. Effective immediately, individuals and families can enjoy fresh air and some outdoor activities in City parks. ...

“Maman”, the giant spider sculpture outside the National Gallery of Canada. Photo by James Peltzer via the OttawaStart Flickr pool. The National Gallery of Canada is making themselves accessible throughout the pandemic by producing more digital content. Here’s a recent newsletter from them about what’s on! ...

Ottawa City Hall The City of Ottawa has released the air quality report conducted on Rideau Station in response to complaints that it smells bad. The stench, usually described as being like a “rotten egg” is attributed to stagnant water. The city hired a consultant in February to test the air quality and report back on possible measures to manage the odor. ...

The Rideau Street renewal project is underway. The City of Ottawa is undertaking the construction for a renewed Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street. The project involves the renewal of the streetscape elements and an upgrade of the transportation components within the Rideau Street right of way. ...

(The City of Ottawa recently issued an update on the LRT Stage 2 east extension. A snippet is below with a link back to the full update.) Work is well underway to extend the Confederation Line from Blair Station to Trim Road. ...

Lindt by Gamachephoto, from the OttawaStart Flickr Group Here’s what’s open and closed on a very unusual Easter Weekend 2020 in Ottawa. Good Friday this year is on April 10. It’s a statutory holiday in Canada so just about all businesses are closed. ...

(Via OC Transpo) On Monday, we will be adjusting conventional bus service across the network to reflect lower customer volumes, while maintaining space for safe physical distancing for the protection of our customers and staff. Effective tomorrow March 30, schedules will be adjusted on all conventional bus routes. ...

NCC Headquarters in downtown Ottawa. (Via NCC) Vehicle Access to Greenbelt Temporarily Closed Like many organizations, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With that objective, we are temporarily closing vehicle access to the Greenbelt as of 9 pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, until further notice. ...