Centre Block illuminated in blue light, with the image of gears as part of the Northern Lights sound and light show. Photo via Canadian Heritage. Head down to Parliament Hill one night this summer for a one-of-a-kind sound and light experience of Canadian culture and history, presented by Canadian Heritage. ...

Blast tunnel entrance to the Diefenbunker. (Photo by Dennis Jarvis, used under a creative commons licence.) (Via Government of Canada) Community infrastructure is vital to the health of our communities and the quality of life for Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the growth of local communities to position themselves for a strong and resilient economic future. ...

A Canada goose sits on poop-ridden grass in Andrew Haydon Park, with its reflection appearing in the pond. (Public Domain photo by Devyn Barrie) It’s getting a lot harder to not accidentally step in something gross this summer. I came across this interesting fact on Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh’s blog: there are a lot more geese in Ottawa this year, and that’s why many waterside parks and pathways have recently become minefields. ...

Ottawa has four major public beaches that are open for most of the summer. Add to that more than 50 wading pools and 9 outdoor public pools — and there are plenty of ways to keep cool. When winter arrives, you can head inside to one of the 20 public swimming complexes. ...

Canada day festivities will not take place on Parliament Hill this year due to the renovations taking place there. On July 1, celebrate Canada’s birthday in person for the first time in two years. Celebrations will primarily take place at LeBreton Flats and Place des Festivals Zibi in Gatineau, due to renovations on Parliament Hill. ...

Fireworks in the Ottawa night sky. Photo by Jamie McCaffrey, from the OttawaStart Flickr pool Friday, July 1, 2022 is Canada Day. Most businesses and offices are closed, and just about all government services are shut down. For additions or corrections to this list, please contact us. ...

Photo: A blast from the OC Transpo past! (Devyn Barrie/OttawaStart.com) OC Transpo summer service begins Sunday, June 26, with service adjustments and seasonal changes to reflect summer ridership. Some Transitway closures and detours for Stage 2 O-Train construction will begin Thursday June 23. ...

Photo by David Linsell World-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries returns to The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls from July 1st through October 1st, 2022 (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm – $⁠28.20 plus HST and Eventbrite fees at http://outerbridge. ...

In-person Canada Day celebrations have returned to the capital. This will result in some road closures and restrictions. The locations and times are indicated below. Getting around downtown on Canada Day will be more complicated than usual this year. Plan your route ahead of time and expect delays. ...

Strawberry Season. Big, beautiful, juicy strawberries wherever you look. Photo by Lydia Bociurkiw. Ottawa is surrounded by farmland, and many of the farms offer pick-your-own berry facilities. Strawberry season in Ottawa typically starts in late June/early July. Strawberry picking is on for the 2022 season! ...