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Weekly Ottawa Apr 13 - Apr 19, 2026

Playoffs, Protests & Floods — Your Ottawa Week in a Nutshell

50 articles 1 month ago 137

🌊 Weather Woes

Did you hear that Quebec is dealing with serious spring flooding? Premier François Legault reassured citizens with the phrase 'everything is under control'—a little hard to believe when sandbags are flying off shelves! Evacuations were ordered, and water levels are expected to peak soon. This matters because a flooded home could turn someone’s life upside down.

But that’s not all; the Ottawa River might have a say in your weekend plans. Local officials are scrambling to keep the region dry, but rain (and even more rain) is in the forecast. People living along the riverbanks should pay close attention to updates, because no one wants their backyard to turn into a swimming pool!

⚽ Sports Fever

Did you catch the CPL showdown on CBC this week? Supra took on Atletico, and tensions were running high among fans in Ottawa. Sports bring communities together, and local support fuels the spirit– we love to cheer on our teams!

Senators fans are feeling the heat after a sour start to their playoff journey. The Sens couldn’t seal the deal against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1, and morale in the capital is at risk of sinking faster than a puck in the penalty box. A disappointing start to the playoffs means heightened anxiety for die-hard fans.

🏦 Business & Politics

Doug Ford’s $28.9M private jet purchase is back in the news. After a backlash, the Premier announced he would ground that plan faster than a runaway budget. Seems like the province's money might be better spent in some local communities! Public sentiment is crucial here, showing how engaged citizens can sway leadership—and maybe keep their feet on solid ground.

Meanwhile, Ontario is eyeing a cell phone ban for under-16s. This developing discussion by the education minister hits home—parents everywhere are trying to reclaim family time from screens. It’s part of broader efforts to tackle distractions in school environments, where learning should shine brighter than the glow of a smartphone.

🎉 Good News

Did anyone spot a Raptors superfan in the crowd? Arno Yellowman donned a homemade camo Raptors costume to support his team in Cleveland, proving that no distance can dim the love of a true fan. Stories like this remind us of the colorful community spirit that binds us.

The Raptors even turned the page on their hype videos this playoff season! Thanks to composer Tony Ann, the emotional piano score is a mellow change from the loud beats usually blaring through the games. A fresh approach to engage the fans when the tension rises in the arena.

🎭 Arts & Culture

In more creative news, Shakespeare made a triumphant return in Glebe. Local productions have a knack for blending humor and artistry, keeping the community entertained and—dare I say it—intellectually stimulated!

This week in Ottawa has seen its share of high-octane sports drama, natural weather challenges, and artistic escapades, reminding us that every week is a new adventure north of the border.

Source Articles (50)

Ontario pushes ahead with medical residency rule change for international students

Ontario is embedding in legislation a policy that would give priority for medical residency positions to applicants with a connection to the province. It requires international graduates to have either gone to school or recently lived in Ontario for 2 years.

General Apr 17, 2026

Court weighs overturning rule blocking birth alert class action from suing 49 children’s aid societies

The Ontario Court of Appeal will now decide whether pregnant mothers targeted by controversial birth alerts — a practice that led to newborns being taken away from their families — can pursue a class-action lawsuit against 49 children's aid societies across the province.

General Apr 17, 2026

Federal government might have to acquire new office space for public servants, analysis finds

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has analyzed the federal government's office space needs and discovered it will need more work stations with public servants heading back to the office four days a week in July.

General Apr 17, 2026
Some Ontario inmates missing for months, despite minister claiming immediate reprehension

Some Ontario inmates missing for months, despite minister claiming immediate reprehension

After Global News revealed jails in Ontario had accidentally released more than 150 inmates over the past five years, the government vowed to 'get to the bottom' of the issue.

Canada Apr 17, 2026
Playoffs give Ingram, Barnes chance to shine

Playoffs give Ingram, Barnes chance to shine

It's time for Toronto Raptors all-stars Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes to step up and they know it.

Sports Apr 17, 2026

Ontario government buys $28.9M private jet for Doug Ford's use

The provincial government has purchased a pre-owned private jet for $28.9 million to be used by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

General Apr 17, 2026

Grocery benefit and one-time GST top-up to land in Canadians' accounts this summer

The Liberal government's groceries benefit and GST top-up announced in January will begin landing in Canadians' bank accounts this summer.

General Apr 17, 2026

Quebec Liberal leader surprises his own party with position on language law

Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard is facing questions within his own ranks after saying he is “in favour” of maintaining the notwithstanding clause for Bill 96, the province’s language law.

General Apr 17, 2026

Quebec's new premier heads to Ottawa to meet Mark Carney

The meeting is set to happen Friday morning, less than 48 hours after Fréchette was sworn in as Quebec's new premier.

General Apr 17, 2026
Explosion during film shoot at Downsview Park rattles Toronto residents

Explosion during film shoot at Downsview Park rattles Toronto residents

A loud controlled explosion heard across parts of Toronto Thursday night was part of a pre-approved film shoot at Downsview Park, police said.

Trending Apr 17, 2026
Ford government spending $28.9M on private jet for premier

Ford government spending $28.9M on private jet for premier

The Premier's Office confirmed the government is buying a pre-owned Challenger 650 to enable 'certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel' to destinations across the country.

Politics Apr 17, 2026
London police latest Ontario force to introduce artificial intelligence framework

London police latest Ontario force to introduce artificial intelligence framework

Police in London, Ont., are implementing policies around the use of artificial intelligence, joining the growing ranks of Ontario law enforcement agencies doing so.

Canada Apr 17, 2026
From Manitoba to Quebec, Canadians prepare for spring flooding

From Manitoba to Quebec, Canadians prepare for spring flooding

Environment Canada said parts of southern Quebec had received up to 40 millimetres of rain since the start to the week, and forecasts are calling for more.

Weather Apr 17, 2026
Ontario forging ahead with medical residency rule for international grads it recently rescinded

Ontario forging ahead with medical residency rule for international grads it recently rescinded

Ontario is embedding in legislation a policy that would give priority for medical residency positions to applicants with a connection to the province.

Politics Apr 17, 2026

Battle for final playoff spot heating up in final week of PWHL regular season

The Ottawa Charge will host the New York Sirens on Saturday, with three big points on the line. The Charge hold the final playoff spot, but the Sirens can leapfrog Ottawa with a win.

General Apr 17, 2026
Toronto man who killed his mother found guilty of 2nd-degree murder

Toronto man who killed his mother found guilty of 2nd-degree murder

A Toronto man who admitted to killing his mother at a park has been found guilty of second-degree murder after a judge rejected his defence that he was not criminally responsible.

Crime Apr 17, 2026
WNBA’s Tempo to have practice facility built at Exhibition Place, set to open in 2028

WNBA’s Tempo to have practice facility built at Exhibition Place, set to open in 2028

The Tempo announced Friday a new practice facility for the team that will be built at Exhibition Place, near the Tempo's home arena, Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Canada Apr 17, 2026
Ontario to bypass public hearings on FOI overhaul that will hide premier’s phone logs

Ontario to bypass public hearings on FOI overhaul that will hide premier’s phone logs

Weeks after tabling the budget, the government has decided to speed its central financial plan and two other pieces of legislation past the traditional process.

Canada Apr 17, 2026

Ontario's omnibus budget bill includes retroactive clampdown on premier's cellphone records

Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government is planning to skip public hearings to pass its omnibus budget bill that contains a retroactive clampdown on access to his cellphone records.

General Apr 18, 2026

Committee votes for 'bubble bylaw' after marathon debate

A city committee has voted for a 'bubble bylaw' that would restrict protest near schools, hospitals and places of worship, sending it to council for a final decision.

General Apr 18, 2026

Gatineau braces for possible flooding with more rain expected over the weekend

The City of Gatineau is getting ready to deal with its fourth major flood in less than a decade, warning that water levels are continuing to rise and could reach 2023 flood levels by Sunday.

General Apr 18, 2026

Closing arguments wrap in trial against pair accused of killing baby boy

A jury will now decide the legal fate of two people accused of killing an infant boy in Ottawa back in 2021.

General Apr 18, 2026

Sens Mile opens on Elgin as Ottawa Senators get ready to play North Carolina

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe officially opened the stretch in downtown Ottawa. Jodie Applewaithe spoke with business owners who are looking forward to the playoffs.

General Apr 18, 2026
Ontario education minister considering social media ban for under 16s

Ontario education minister considering social media ban for under 16s

In an interview with Focus Ontario to discuss his overhaul of school board governance, Minister Paul Calandra said the government is planning the next wave of reforms.

Politics Apr 17, 2026

Quebec to reimburse 'welcome tax' for first-time homebuyers

The measure applies retroactively to Jan. 1, 2026. The credit is gradually reduced for homes valued above $750,000 and phased out entirely at $1 million.

General Apr 18, 2026

Fear of reprisals, isolation, anxiety: Report documents mental health concerns at CSIS

Canadian Security Intelligence Service employees who came forward as part of an external study investigating mental health at the spy agency described a sometimes isolating and bleak environment "laden with stigma."

General Apr 18, 2026

Summer gas is here. What does that mean for sky-high prices?

As a gas tax break comes down the pipe from Ottawa, the summer blend of gas means prices could still move in the wrong direction for already-stretched motorists.

General Apr 18, 2026
Raptors tap pianist Tony Ann for playoff videos

Raptors tap pianist Tony Ann for playoff videos

The Toronto Raptors are back in the playoffs, and their hype videos are doing things a little differently this time.

Sports Apr 18, 2026

Swaggering Shakespeare takes stage in Glebe production

"Something Rotten" is on stage at the Glebe Community Centre. Sandra Abma meets with the cast and crew.

General Apr 18, 2026
Kenneth Law to plead guilty after murder charges withdrawn, lawyer says

Kenneth Law to plead guilty after murder charges withdrawn, lawyer says

Police have alleged that Law ran several websites that were used to sell sodium nitrite and other items that can be used for self-harm.

Crime Apr 18, 2026

Teen's death prompts push to ban energy drink sales to Quebec youth under 16

The family of a Quebec teen who died after mixing energy drinks and medication is joined by school groups in calling for a ban on energy drink sales to youth under 16, citing health risks and growing support for tighter rules.

General Apr 18, 2026

Senators, Hurricanes begin playoff battle Saturday

Between a car show and an NHL playoff game, action is expected around the Lenovo Centre Saturday. The Ottawa Senators will play their first playoff game against the Hurricanes in Carolina at 3 p.m.

General Apr 18, 2026

Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes fans get the party started ahead of Game 1

It's a big day for fans of both the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes as the puck drops in Raleigh, N.C., today for Game 1 of their first-round series.

General Apr 18, 2026
Fans travel to support Raptors in Cleveland

Fans travel to support Raptors in Cleveland

Even though he was wearing camouflage, there was no missing Arno Yellowman at Rocket Arena.

Sports Apr 18, 2026
Special weather statements issued for parts of Ontario, Quebec

Special weather statements issued for parts of Ontario, Quebec

Rain warnings are in effect across parts of Ontario and Quebec, with flooding concerns rising as saturated ground and swollen rivers face more rainfall.

Weather Apr 18, 2026
Raps’ Quickley misses Game 1 against Cavs

Raps’ Quickley misses Game 1 against Cavs

Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley missed Toronto's first-round playoff opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon due to a mild right hamstring strain.

Sports Apr 18, 2026

Andersen, Hurricanes shut out Senators in Game 1 after opening-faceoff fight

Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall scored and Frederik Andersen came through with a big third-period performance in net to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the visiting Ottawa Senators 2-0 on Saturday to open their first-round playoff series.

General Apr 19, 2026

Charge dominate Sirens to strengthen hold on final PWHL playoff spot

Ottawa's Brianne Jenner and Jocelyne Larocque led the way for their younger counterparts Saturday afternoon in a 5-1 win over the visiting New York Sirens.

General Apr 19, 2026

Senators fans in North Carolina confident despite Game 1 loss against Hurricanes

The Ottawa Senators were shut out 2-0 by the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. David Fraser was at the game in Raleigh, N.C., and spoke with fans.

General Apr 19, 2026

Public grocery stores are having a moment. Can they really make food more affordable?

From Toronto to New York City, politicians want to tackle rising food costs with government-run grocery stores. Politicians championing the plan say these stores would sell staple items at lower prices than private grocery stores. But critics say the idea is half-baked and will only waste public money.

General Apr 19, 2026

As the Ottawa River keeps rising, work goes on to keep the region dry

According to the latest update Saturday from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, water levels and flows are still rising along the Ottawa River's main stem due to both melting snow and runoff from rainfall.

General Apr 19, 2026

It's time for the weekly CBC Ottawa news quiz

How closely did you follow the past seven days in local news? Take our quiz to find out.

General Apr 19, 2026

Ford, province to sell $28.9M private jet 'as quickly as possible'

Ontario is looking to sell the $28.9 million private jet that was purchased for Ontario Premier Doug Ford's use.

General Apr 19, 2026

Barrie Colts eliminate Ottawa 67's from OHL playoffs

The Ottawa 67's were eliminated from the OHL playoffs Saturday night after a 4-1 loss to the Barrie Colts.

General Apr 19, 2026

Senators fans in Ottawa disappointed after Game 1 playoff loss to the Carolina Hurricanes

Fans were out watching the game along Sens Mile on Elgin Street Saturday, April 18, 2026. Jayden Dill spoke with them about the game.

General Apr 19, 2026

Water levels could peak in Gatineau on Monday, evacuations underway elsewhere

Water levels will likely peak Monday in Gatineau, Que., as officials continue to keep close watch on flooding, the city said in an update Sunday.

General Apr 19, 2026

'Everything is under control' says premier as Quebec deals with spring flooding

Several municipalities in Quebec are grappling with floods, with many residents evacuated from their homes.

General Apr 19, 2026

CPL on CBC: Supra vs. Atletico

Watch FC Supra du Québec and Atlético Ottawa go head-to-head in Canadian Premier League action from CEPSUM Stadium in Montreal.

General Apr 19, 2026
Ford grounds Ontario jet purchase after backlash

Ford grounds Ontario jet purchase after backlash

After the Ontario premier's office announced Friday the Ford government spent nearly $30 million on a second-hand private jet, they said Sunday they'd not be keeping it.

Canada Apr 19, 2026
Film School: Raptors do deep dive on Game 1 loss

Film School: Raptors do deep dive on Game 1 loss

As soon as the final whistle sounded in a disappointing Game 1 loss, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic and his staff got to work.

Sports Apr 19, 2026