news

Mayor Jim Watson and 23 Councillors were sworn in at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 2014-2018 City of Ottawa Council at Centrepointe Theatre this evening.  The Declaration of Office was administered to the Mayor and members of Council by Her Worship Louise Logue, Justice of the Peace, Ontario Court of Justice. ...

_ (This post originally appeared on Rose’s Cantina on November 30.) _ This afternoon, we will clear out my antique accountant’s desk from under the front window, vacuum up all the dog hair that’s been hiding under it, and put up our fake Christmas tree, the one we rescued from a neighbor’s lawn, the one that had a sign on it that said “free to a good home”. ...

** The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has added Reading and Parents Program (RAPP) Packs to its collection. This initiative, offered in partnership with ALSO (Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks), is geared towards children aged 6 months to 6 years old. RAPP packs promote and encourage literacy, creativity and self-expression through stories and interactive activities. ...

Ottawa’s reputation as a walking- and cycling-friendly city got another boost today with the opening of the Airport Parkway Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge.  Mayor Jim Watson and River Ward City Councillor Maria McRae officially opened the bridge, calling it an important link between communities on both sides of the parkway and a means to promote safe and convenient cycle travel in the south end. ...

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is asking motorists on Hunt Club to stop feeding a coyote who lives in the forest nearby. The coyote’s starting to become comfortable approaching cars, and the group is concerned he’s going to be hit, or get too comfortable with humans. ...

Ottawa Public Health has lifted the precautionary boil water advisory affecting approximately 350 users of the Vars communal well water system. Water sample results indicate the water is safe for human consumption and other household purposes. The advisory was issued due to low pressure experienced in the communal well system as a result of a power outage. ...

The City of Ottawa has started delivery of its new 18-month waste collection calendar. Most residents should receive the new calendar in the mail by Tuesday, November 25. Residents are encouraged to watch for the calendar, which contains important information regarding waste collection. ...

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for the area of Vars due to low pressure in the communal well system. A reduction in pressure in the water distribution system means that groundwater or soil contamination could potentially seep into the watermain pipes through small cracks or leaks. ...

It doesn’t look like much, does it? Kind of looks like a heating pad. But my husband Scott Troyer and I are hoping this little gizmo will change a few lives. It’s a portable looping system that can be used in cars, boardrooms and living rooms. ...

Over the weekend, there were issues with the City of Ottawa’s website, ottawa.ca . The website is currently online. There were no security breaches or loss of resident or City data. City services have not been affected and are operating normally. ...