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Daily Ottawa Apr 16 - Apr 16, 2026

Art Awards, Speed Bumps & Senators Showdown — Your Ottawa Thursday

30 articles 1 month ago 137

🎨 Arts & Awards

  1. The longlist for the 2026 Sobey Art Award is officially here! This prestigious Canadian art prize continues to shine a spotlight on emerging talents. Keep an eye out for those names — they may be the next big thing in the art world!

🚦 Politics & Proposals

  1. Doug Ford suggests some bumps in the road — literally! After the removal of speed cameras, the Premier is now advocating for speed bumps to ensure safer streets. Could this be the solution to our speed demon problems?

  2. Looks like Ontario's jail system has a hole in the security net. Premier Ford expressed his irritation after more than 150 inmates were released by mistake since 2021. Let's hope those errors don't keep happening — or we'll need more than just speed bumps for safety!

  3. The Solicitor General promises to crack down on those slip-ups. He is determined to find out what's going wrong with inmate releases. After all, accountability is key in keeping our communities safe!

🏒 Sports

  1. The Senators are gearing up for a big playoff series! They'll face off against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Don’t miss the puck drop — it’s the start of an electric playoff race!

  2. NHL playoffs are officially here! With the Senators starting their quest for the Cup this weekend, diehard fans are polishing their jerseys and preparing for some thrilling matches on the ice.

  3. And on a high note, the Senators wrapped their regular season with a win over the Maple Leafs! It’s always sweet to beat a rival — let’s hope that momentum carries into the playoffs!

🌧️ Weather & Environment

  1. Flooding fears are on the rise for the Ottawa River. Officials are warning that serious flooding can't be ruled out amidst spring thaw. It's time to keep an eye on the river levels!

  2. Eastern Ontario farmers are feeling anxious. With Alto seeking access to their land for a new project, they’re worried about the potential impact on their livelihood. Keep your ears open for what this means for local agriculture!

📬 Community & Services

  1. Attention Ottawa residents: 30,000 addresses are getting community mailboxes! Canada Post is shifting to this new delivery method as part of a five-year plan, so get ready to check those mailboxes for your letters!

  2. Canada Post lays out its five-year game plan for your mail! It includes phasing out door-to-door delivery for centralized community mailboxes. It’s a big change — and they’re kicking things off with 13 communities this year.

  3. Big changes are coming to the Peace Tower’s iconic green! As part of a roof replacement, the tower will lose its famed color for several years. Talk about a dramatic makeover for our national symbol!

🏥 Health & Safety

  1. Hospitalization rates for illnesses have doubled since pre-pandemic times! Prep your vaccine cards and stay healthy, folks! We might be safe from COVID, but other illnesses are popping up — let’s keep a close watch on our health.

😬 Crime & Safety

  1. A guilty plea in a break-in case turned political. The accused in Lindsay, Ont., has admitted to breaking and entering, sparking discussions about homeowners’ rights when defending against intruders. It seems crime can sometimes lead to a greater conversation!

  2. Police are on the hunt for a suspected college shooter. The 24-year-old wanted man may be altering his appearance — stay alert and let’s hope he’s brought to justice soon!

🍁 Local Culture

  1. A touching moment at Parliament Hill: A Cree baby’s Walking Out ceremony. This beautiful tradition drew attention to our rich Indigenous culture, showcasing the community’s deep roots and vibrant heritage.

⚠️ Education

  1. Attendance is dropping like a rock in Ontario schools! Data shows plummeting numbers for elementary and high school students — will this trend impact our future graduates? It's time to figure out how to bring those kids back to class!

🤦‍♂️ Odds & Ends

  1. Watch out for 'reservation hijacking' on Booking.com after a data breach! People are being warned to keep a closer eye on their travel bookings — let's hope everyone stays safe when planning those trips!

Source Articles (30)

Attendance for high schoolers, elementary students is plummeting in Ontario: data

Data reveals attendance is plummeting and comes on the heels of Education Minister Paul Calandra announcing sweeping changes to English school boards that includes tying class attendance to final high school marks.

General Apr 16, 2026

Ottawa Senators ready to take on the Carolina Hurricanes

The team is heading to Raleigh this weekend to take on the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. David Fraser spoke to fans and players ahead of the last game of the regular season.

General Apr 16, 2026

6-month-old Cree girl has her Walking Out ceremony on Parliament Hill

A Cree Walking Out ceremony on Parliament Hill on Wednesday morning at sunrise, arranged by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, was both a celebration and a learning opportunity for members of Parliament, she said, about the vibrant present and future of Indigenous cultures.

General Apr 16, 2026

Youth charged after allegedly bringing replica firearm to Bancroft school

The youth was arrested Wednesday after allegedly bringing a replica firearm to North Hastings High School, Ontario Provincial Police say.

General Apr 16, 2026

Booking.com customers warned of 'reservation hijacking' after data breach

With the busy travel season approaching, a data breach at Booking.com is leading to warnings about phishing scams known as "reservation hijacking."

General Apr 16, 2026

Assembly of First Nations head rejects RCMP 'regret' for secret Indigenous surveillance program

The head of the Assembly of First Nations is rejecting the RCMP's recent statement of regret for a secret surveillance program that targeted hundreds of Indigenous people. Such statements are "not a sufficient response," Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says in a letter to the prime minister.

General Apr 16, 2026

Canadian Real Estate Association downgrades housing market forecast due to 'oil shock'

Canadian Real Estate Association has downgraded its housing market forecast following a jump in fixed mortgage rates and weaker than expected housing sales in the first three months of 2026. CREA had been forecasting higher sales, based on the idea that pent-up demand would emerge, especially from first-time buyers.

General Apr 16, 2026

Ottawa Salus Corporation opens a new building. We meet the first resident

Ottawa Salus Corporation’s new building on Capilano Drive is the charity’s first residence where people living with mental health challenges can age independently with wrap-around support. CBC Ottawa got a tour.

General Apr 16, 2026

Ottawa Senators end regular season with win over Toronto

Ottawa wrapped up its regular season with a 3-1 home win over Toronto on Wednesday night. They will now head to North Carolina to play the Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs.

General Apr 16, 2026

Hospitalization rates for illnesses like COVID, flu have doubled since pre-pandemic, report finds

Striking new data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases more than doubled in 2024, compared to pre-pandemic levels, all while vaccination rates are backsliding.

General Apr 16, 2026
Solicitor general will ‘get to bottom’ of inmate release errors he was briefed on in 2025

Solicitor general will ‘get to bottom’ of inmate release errors he was briefed on in 2025

A briefing note revealing the accidental release of inmates at Ontario jails was written for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner at the start of 2025.

Canada Apr 16, 2026
Leafs share frustrations over disappointing season

Leafs share frustrations over disappointing season

The only silver lining in the Toronto Maple Leafs' final game of the season is that it finally ended a long year of disappointment.

Sports Apr 16, 2026

Sirens rally in 3rd period to sink Sceptres

Denisa Křížová, Maja Nylen Persson and Casey O'Brien scored three straight goals in the third period to help the New York Sirens rally past the Toronto Sceptres 3-2 on Wednesday night in Newark, N.J.

General Apr 16, 2026

Major Ottawa River flooding can't be ruled out, board says

The board managing the Ottawa River's reservoirs says minor flooding appears to be imminent starting in Pembroke, and it cannot rule out major flooding in the next week between the Arnprior and Cumberland areas.

General Apr 16, 2026

Eastern Ontario farmers 'wary' as Alto seeks access to their land

Farmers and rural landowners in eastern Ontario have started receiving land access requests from Alto, the Crown corporation behind Canada’s proposed high-speed rail line, and that has some on guard.

General Apr 16, 2026
Ridgeway Plaza owners to install gates, security cameras in new Mississauga deal

Ridgeway Plaza owners to install gates, security cameras in new Mississauga deal

The owners of a popular commercial plaza in Mississauga will begin installing gates and security cameras as part of a deal with the city to reduce 'nuisance gatherings.'

Canada Apr 16, 2026
Man pleads guilty in Lindsay, Ont., break-in case that became political flashpoint

Man pleads guilty in Lindsay, Ont., break-in case that became political flashpoint

The man accused of breaking into a Lindsay, Ont., apartment last year in a case that became a political flashpoint over Canadians' rights to defend their homes has pleaded guilty.

Crime Apr 16, 2026
Lambton College shooting suspect may be ‘attempting to alter’ appearance, clothing: police

Lambton College shooting suspect may be ‘attempting to alter’ appearance, clothing: police

A 24-year-old man wanted in connection with a fatal triple shooting at an Ontario college earlier this month may be 'attempting to alter' his appearance and clothing.

Crime Apr 16, 2026

Ford promises no more improper inmate releases after over 150 let out of Ontario jails

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has promised that no more inmates will be improperly released from jail, after more than 150 were mistakenly released from the province's jails between 2021 and 2025.

General Apr 16, 2026
NHL announces start dates for playoff matchups

NHL announces start dates for playoff matchups

The NHL has unveiled when playoff-bound teams will begin their quests for the Stanley Cup. 

Sports Apr 16, 2026

30,000 Ottawa addresses in line for new Canada Post community mailboxes

Canada Post says it's preparing to convert roughly 30,000 addresses in Ottawa, mostly on the city's east side, from home delivery to community mailboxes in late 2026 and early 2027.

General Apr 16, 2026

This piece of Artemis II gear was tested in the skies over Maniwaki

A specialized local team of the Canadian Space Agency and the National Research Council (NRC) closely watched the Artemis II splashdown last week knowing they played a role in the health of the astronauts on board.

General Apr 16, 2026

Senators-Hurricanes playoff series starts Saturday afternoon

The Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes start their first-round playoff series on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

General Apr 16, 2026

Ford suggests Ottawa install speed bumps where cameras used to be

Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked about City of Ottawa data showing an increase in speeding in school zones after the province ordered speed cameras be removed. Here's what he had to say in response.

General Apr 16, 2026

The long list for the 2026 Sobey Art Award is here.

The long list for the 2026 Sobey Art Award was revealed this morning. The winner will be named in the fall.

General Apr 16, 2026
Ford ‘furious’ jails run by his government are accidentally releasing inmates

Ford ‘furious’ jails run by his government are accidentally releasing inmates

Documents obtained by Global News revealed provincially-run jails are routinely releasing inmates in error, something the solicitor general was briefed on.

Politics Apr 16, 2026
Canada Post lays out 5-year plan to convert to community mailbox delivery

Canada Post lays out 5-year plan to convert to community mailbox delivery

The mail carrier says it has begun discussions with 13 communities that will see the first conversions in late 2026 and early 2027, starting a five-year national conversion.

Consumer Apr 16, 2026
Doug Ford nixes idea of grocery surveillance pricing ban in Ontario

Doug Ford nixes idea of grocery surveillance pricing ban in Ontario

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is nixing the idea of banning so-called surveillance pricing on groceries, as Manitoba has proposed.

Economy Apr 16, 2026
Peace Tower to temporarily lose iconic green colour due to new copper roof

Peace Tower to temporarily lose iconic green colour due to new copper roof

Public Services and Procurement Canada told Global News Thursday that the work is part of the wider Centre Block rehabilitation project.

Canada Apr 16, 2026
Raptors must play hard versus Cavaliers forwards

Raptors must play hard versus Cavaliers forwards

Being over six-foot-seven would be considered tall in most walks of life, but in the NBA, that makes you an undersized forward.

Sports Apr 16, 2026