Ottawa Daily Digest — 2026-02-02

Small Ontario town blindsided by Ottawa's radar plan — Clearview (pop. nearly 15,000), about 40 km west of Barrie, learned it was picked as a receiving site for a $6 billion over-the-horizon radar tied to Canada’s $38.6 billion NORAD plan; DND has bought roughly 750 acres and may seek up to 4,000 more, with work starting early 2026 and initial capability by end of 2029. Residents worry about losing prime farmland, effects on the nearby Minesing Wetlands, night lighting and cameras, and possible expropriation; local activist Terri Jackman has gathered over 2,000 petition signatures.

A classic baseball moment gets a permanent home — the Blue Jays will erect a statue of Joe Carter’s 1993 World Series walk-off outside Rogers Centre between Gates 5 and 6, to be unveiled July 18. The club will give the first 15,000 fans ’92/’93 replica rings at that game and again offer a replica giveaway on Aug. 10 as the team celebrates its 50th season.

Taxpayers on the hook after massive dog rescue — Ontario billed $108,928.64 for removing and caring for 58 dogs rescued from a Hamilton-area home in July; on Jan. 27 the review board reduced the owner’s bill to $10,000 because a six-figure debt was judged unpayable. Inspectors described filthy conditions, hidden animals and high ammonia levels; the board noted the owner’s financial and mental-health struggles and that uncontrolled breeding drove costs.

Big win for Ontario power: Darlington refurb finished early and under budget — Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says the multi-unit refurbishment finished four months ahead and $150 million below a $12.8 billion budget, extending the plant’s life to at least 2055. The Ford government is leaning on nuclear, planning small modular reactors at Darlington and considering more projects at Bruce and Pickering.

High-profile trial starts for Frank Stronach this week — the Magna founder faces a judge-alone trial in Toronto on a dozen charges involving seven complainants for alleged incidents from the 1970s–1990s; he denies the allegations. Peel police originally charged 18 offences involving 13 complainants in 2024 and split the matter into two trials; Justice Anne Molloy will hear this Toronto case.

Ford government used Google Docs for sensitive cabinet material — a freedom-of-information appeal revealed at least nine documents (draft policies from fall 2022 and remarks from the Sept. 5, 2023 cabinet meeting) were created or circulated on Google Docs, prompting security and secrecy concerns. Critics — including NDP leader Marit Stiles and Liberal interim leader John Fraser — say unsecured channels risk leaks and accountability; the government says official versions exist and it’s taking steps after auditor general criticism.

Scottie Barnes named an All-Star again and showed why — the 24-year-old earned his second All-Star nod while posting 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals as the Raptors beat Utah 107-100 before 18,749 at Scotiabank Arena. Barnes (19.4 ppg) praised teammate Brandon Ingram (team-high 21.9 ppg) and the team notched its 30th win with 31 games left; All-Star Weekend is Feb. 15 in Inglewood, Calif.