Photo: A bent hydro pylon following the May 2022 derocho storm. (Via Hydro Ottawa) This week (May 7–13) is emergency preparedness week in Ottawa. An emergency can strike at any time, and Ottawa has certainly had its fair share of incidents over the years (derocho, tornado, icestorm…) which highlight the importance of being ready. ...

Photo: The humble recycling bin, which Ottawa residents may need to maximize their use of by 2024 or face additional fees. In an effort to make more efficient use of what little space is left in the Trail Road landfill, the city may put a hard limit on how much trash residents can put out for curbside pickup. ...

Rushing Ottawa River water. Photo by Chris Avery via Flickr. This FLOOD WARNING statement is an update to the Flood Warning issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on April 28th, 2023. Water levels are expected to rise again within the Ottawa River Basin due to significant rainfall received over the past few days. ...

Then-prince Charles during a visit to Ottawa in 2017. On May 6, 2023, Ontario will celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen. This historic occasion will mark the first coronation of a Canadian Head of State in seven decades. ...

The City of Ottawa is asking residents, rental contract holders and organizers of large public events to stay off all municipal ball diamonds and sports fields. League conveners for ball diamonds will be contacted directly to advise that May 1 season opening for ball fields is being delayed. ...

(Via RBC Bluesfest) RBC Bluesfest organizers today announced one of their best lineups ever. Featured acts on the mainstage include Shania Twain (July 6); Weezer (July 7); Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (July 8); Death Cab for Cutie (July 9); Foo Fighters (July 12); Mumford & Sons (July 13); Charlotte Cardin (July 14); Pitbull (July 15); and The Smile (July 16). ...

Photo: O-Train Line 1. Photo via City of Ottawa Rail Office. OC Transpo’s O-Train Line 1 service between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations has resumed, with train service now running across the entire line. R1 replacement bus service will end, with final trips continuing to accommodate customers. ...

Photo: Books at a library. (Via Ottawa Public Library) Starting today, January 10, 2023, talented young people between the ages of 9 and 18 from across Ottawa with a story to share in words or in comic/graphic novel style can get in the running – and writing – for greater skill, exposure and rewards by signing up for Ottawa Public Library’s (OPL) annual Awesome Authors writing contest. ...

Cross-country skiing along Ridge Rd. Photo by James Peltzer from the OttawaStart Flickr Group If you’re a downhill ski fan, you have plenty of hills to choose from nearby. We’re also within a day’s drive of some great hills further north in Quebec, or in the Eastern United States. ...

Skating on the Rink of Dreams. Photo by Dave Yin from the OttawaStart Flickr pool. Happy New Year! Here’s what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023 in Ottawa. (To add to this list, or to make a correction, please contact us. ...