Ottawa Daily Digest — Feb. 13, 2026

Tragic ski‑lift accident: A 13‑year‑old girl was seriously injured when a piece of clothing got caught on a chairlift while she rode alone near Wakefield; first responders were called to ski lift B at about 2:10 p.m. and the student was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Centre Vorlage co‑owner Alexandre Gaboury and Sgt. Martin Fournel said the resort and police are cooperating as the investigation continues, and the Ottawa‑Carleton District School Board has arranged mental‑health supports for students and staff.

Metrolinx vows fewer legal fights: CEO Michael Lindsay said the agency learned lessons after the Eglinton Crosstown LRT — which began carrying passengers on Feb. 8 after about a six‑year delay — and pledged more collaborative, “progressive” contracting to avoid costly court battles. Major projects still underway include the Scarborough Subway Extension, parts of the Ontario Line, Eglinton west extension and a Yonge subway extension into Markham.

Nearly 200 charges after Mississauga break‑ins: Peel police say searches on Feb. 10 led to two young offenders arrested and more than $50,000 of stolen goods recovered after 35+ incidents between November 2025 and January 2026. Investigators seized items and identified vehicles (a 2007 Acura RDX and a 2009 Hyundai Elantra); the three accused face a total of 190 charges (83, 71 and 36 counts) and their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Ford drops Crown Royal ban after $23M deal: Premier Doug Ford reached a $23‑million agreement with Diageo — described as new investments in Ontario including marketing and local spending — after threatening to remove Crown Royal from LCBO shelves over the Amherstburg plant closure that affects about 200 jobs. The deal doesn’t promise to replace those jobs, but roughly 20% of the commitment is for Ontario‑based promotion; Diageo thanked the government for backing down.

Minor hockey team disbanded amid serious allegations: The West London Hawks U15 house‑league team was disbanded after allegations said to compromise player safety, dignity or respect; Larry Moreland of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario said the case has been referred to Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party for investigation. London police are aware and players not involved have been offered spots on other local teams while the independent review proceeds.

“Please shower”: OHL team apologizes for hygiene email: The Oshawa Generals’ director of ticket sales, Jason Hickman, sent a Feb. 10 email asking fans to shower, use hand sanitizer and stay home if sick — which went viral — and the team later apologized on Facebook, saying “We took a penalty on that one.” Fans had mixed reactions, and the club said it overstepped while urging community health and courtesy at the Tribute Communities Centre.