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Weekly Ottawa May 18 - May 24, 2026

Rainy Revelations & Record Breaks — Your Ottawa Week in Review

50 articles 6 days ago 57

🌧️ Weather Woes

Get your umbrellas back out! Bruno Mars has postponed his much-anticipated concert due to southern Ontario's heavy rain and winds. The concert at Rogers Stadium is now rescheduled for May 31, keeping fans hopeful for sunnier days ahead.

🚨 Crime & Safety

School safety goes under the microscope. Following a tragic incident leading to a student's death, the Limestone District School Board has announced they will conduct an external review of their safety policies. The hope is to prevent such tragedies from recurring, ensuring a safer environment for all students.

Murder trial gets tense. A Toronto man accused of killing his neighbor has taken the stand in his defense, claiming he had nothing to do with the disappearance of the victim found in a garbage compactor. This harrowing case continues to unfold, evoking deep community concern.

🐾 Animal Advocacy

New fines for hot pups! In light of recent early summer heat waves, the City of London is exploring the implementation of a $300 fine for leaving pets in distressing hot cars. Pet lovers are sure to approve, as it prioritizes the wellbeing of our furry friends!

🎉 Unique Festivals

Ontario human foosball? Yes, please! 254 players set a Guinness World Record by participating in the largest game of human foosball at Humber Polytechnic. In an amusing twist, pouring rain only added to the soggy fun, proving that passion knows no bounds!

📚 Education & Innovations

Ottawa's students are shaking things up! Carleton University researchers have developed an earthquake simulator aimed at improving building preparedness. This innovation could be a game-changer in safety measures for local infrastructure.

📢 Community Concerns

Budget woes for the Ādisōke library project. The budget for the much-anticipated library project continues to grow, facing further delays. The community's hope for a modern hub of literature and gathering remains strong despite the setbacks.

🔥 Shocking Incidents

Tragic crash claims life. A 78-year-old woman has tragically died following a crash in North Dundas. Such accidents always remind us of the importance of road safety and the vulnerabilities of our community members.

🏍️ Safety Initiatives

E-bike battery hazards spark innovation! As reports of e-bike battery fires surge, Canadian companies are stepping up to pitch safety solutions. This is crucial as e-bikes grow in popularity — making sure riders can enjoy the ride safely and responsibly.

🌍 Environmental Awareness

Woodchips to the rescue! Local researchers found that woodchips on trails can significantly reduce tick populations. This discovery means safer outdoor outings for families and a healthier environment overall. Who knew that compost could be so helpful?

💼 Business Buzz

Toilets delivered to convoy protest site? Mayor candidate Alex Lawson claims he supplied toilets to the convoy protest site, showcasing his commitment to public health amid growing sanitation concerns. A quirky but necessary gesture at the height of protests!

⚽ Sports Excitement

Touchdowns take the spotlight! Sam Hicks led the Toronto Argonauts to a 20-10 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, scoring two touchdowns. This first CFL exhibition game sets an exciting tone for the upcoming season!

🏆 High Hopes

Ticks are on the rise! Experts warn that warmer winters are leading to increased tick populations and Lyme disease risks across Canada. Protecting yourself is more crucial than ever!

🤔 Cyber Concerns

A cybercrime operation exposed! An Ottawa man is charged in connection with a cybercrime operation that infected millions of devices. This case highlights the ever-growing need for cybersecurity in our digital age!

In this mixed bag of rain-soaked sporting triumphs and urgent safety proposals, Ottawa had a week that kept us on our toes. From community engagement to tragic incidents, it’s clear that behind every headline lies a deeper story that affects our lives!

Source Articles (51)

Ottawa BlackJacks host the Brampton Honey Badgers

Watch the Brampton Honey Badgers and Ottawa BlackJacks go head-to-head in Canadian Elite Basketball League action from the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.

General May 21, 2026

Canadian, U.S. authorities charge Ottawa man in cybercrime operation that infected millions of devices

An international effort to take down a far-reaching cybercrime operation has led to the arrest of an Ottawa man who now faces charges in both Canada and the U.S.

General May 22, 2026

Carleton University researchers design earthquake simulator to test building preparedness

Researchers at Carleton University have designed a tool that simulates earthquakes to test how well buildings withstand some of history's notable quakes. CBC's Stu Mills has more on what the engineering professors discovered.

General May 22, 2026

Slush Puppie Centre screening of Saturday's Canadiens-Hurricanes game cancelled

Montreal Canadiens fans in the Outaouais region won’t be able to watch the team’s Saturday playoff game against the Carolina Hurricanes on a giant screen at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau — as originally hoped — after the planned screening was abruptly cancelled on Thursday.

General May 22, 2026

How a newcomer to Ottawa went from losing her husband to leading the agency that changed her life

More than 2,000 new Canadians signed up to connect with Ottawa's major employers and support services as part of the YMCA’s Opportunities Expo for New Canadians, an event that helps newcomers navigate major immigration challenges. That's a story Sana Belhadad, manager of the YMCA's Newcomer Information Centre, knows personally. Belhadad came to Canada from Morocco, lost her husband and found her resilience in the YMCA's newcomer services.

General May 22, 2026

$29.3M spent to upgrade Snowbirds jets that will now be retired early

The federal government confirms it spent $29.3 million on a contract to upgrade planes flown by Canada’s iconic Snowbirds demonstration squadron, even though the aging jets are about to be retired.

General May 22, 2026

CFIA recalls Les Fermes Lufa microgreens sold in Quebec and Ontario

A brand of broccoli microgreens sold online in Ontario and Quebec is being recalled over fears of pathogenic E. coli contamination.

General May 22, 2026

36-year-old Ottawa cyclist dead after being struck by school bus in Chelsea, Que.

Police say an Ottawa man is dead after being struck head-on by a school bus in Chelsea, Que. carrying several students.

General May 22, 2026

14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

More than a dozen Liberal MPs sent a letter to the prime minister at the end of April, before he signed the latest agreement with the Alberta government, to offer some recommendations — but also to express their unease with the situation.

General May 22, 2026

Assigned seating to return for most federal public servants

The federal government is committing to bringing back assigned seating for most of its public servants, moving on from its model of shared workspaces booked in advance.

General May 22, 2026
Ticks are coming for you: Experts warn tick-related illnesses rising across Canada

Ticks are coming for you: Experts warn tick-related illnesses rising across Canada

From Lyme disease to rare red meat allergies, experts say expanding tick populations are creating new health risks across Canada.

Canada May 22, 2026

Kori Cheverie, Carla MacLeod nominated again for PWHL coach award

Montreal's Kori Cheverie, Ottawa's Carla MacLeod, and Boston's Kris Sparre are the finalists for the 2026 Professional Women's Hockey League coach of the year award, the leaguer announced Friday.

General May 22, 2026

Tom Longboat's great-great-grandson chasing historic time this Ottawa Race Weekend

Tom Longboat became the first Indigenous person to win the Boston Marathon in 1907. His great-great-grandson Kristian Jamieson will try to match Longboat's record-breaking time at this weekend's Ottawa marathon. He spoke with CBC Ottawa Morning's Rebecca Zandbergen ahead of the race.

General May 22, 2026

New awareness campaign places signs where impaired drivers were stopped

Ottawa police are posting signs flagging where impaired drivers that have been caught across the city. It's part of a month-long campaign that police say shows the reality of an increasing problem.

General May 22, 2026

Suspicious Greater Madawaska death was a homicide, police say

Ontario Provincial Police have identified a woman found dead west of Ottawa earlier this month as 61-year-old Geraldine Fulcher of Calabogie and say they believe someone targeted and killed her.

General May 22, 2026

OPP charge driver in collision near Perth that killed 10-year-old

A 40-year-old from Ottawa has been charged by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) after a December 2025 collision between an OPP vehicle and a pickup truck that fatally injured a child and seriously injured three others.

General May 22, 2026
Ford says only the media cares about pause on transparency requests

Ford says only the media cares about pause on transparency requests

Senior civil servants who process access to information requests across the provincial government were told to pause their work while new guidance rules were written.

Politics May 22, 2026

Pedestrian on Highway 417 suffers 'life-threatening' injuries in collision

A pedestrian on Highway 417 suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision on Friday morning, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.

General May 22, 2026
Midnight shooting on Highway 401 leaves one person with minor injuries: police

Midnight shooting on Highway 401 leaves one person with minor injuries: police

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after reports of gunfire on Highway 401 in Mississauga left one person injured by shattered glass debris.

Crime May 22, 2026

Hamilton's Matthew Green appointed NDP's new interim director, here's how he wants to rebuild the party

On Thursday, the NDP announced it had appointed Hamilton's Matthew Green for a three-month stint as the party’s interim national director. He told CBC Hamilton about his vision for guiding the party's rebuild.

General May 22, 2026
Canada adds Ebola screening at airports as Ontario test comes back negative

Canada adds Ebola screening at airports as Ontario test comes back negative

Dr. Joss Reimer said the testing was done proactively after an individual returned from Ethiopia and reported symptoms 'consistent with a range of illnesses.'

Health May 22, 2026
Montreal farm recalls broccoli microgreens for possible E. coli contamination

Montreal farm recalls broccoli microgreens for possible E. coli contamination

A Montreal-based farm has issued a recall for its broccoli microgreens due to possible E. coli contamination, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.

Health May 22, 2026
Man facing charges after attempt to light woman on fire: Windsor police

Man facing charges after attempt to light woman on fire: Windsor police

A 40-year-old man is facing charges after being accused of attempting to light a woman on fire and threatening to kill her cat, police in Windsor, Ont., say.

Crime May 22, 2026
Illegal cigarettes with ‘gigantic’ profit margin are costing Canadians billions

Illegal cigarettes with ‘gigantic’ profit margin are costing Canadians billions

The sale of counterfeit cigarettes is rising in Canada, despite fewer people smoking them, a study found. Advocates are calling for legislative reform to stop this trade.

Crime May 22, 2026

Ādisōke library project goes further over budget, faces more delays

The Ādisōke library project on LeBreton Flats is facing another budget overrun, a few more months of delay and still does not have an opening date to the public, according to a new city report.

General May 23, 2026
Toronto man accused of murdering neighbour over bbq smoke takes the stand

Toronto man accused of murdering neighbour over bbq smoke takes the stand

A 36-year-old software developer denies he has anything to do with the disappearance and subsequent murder of his former neighbour, Rayeez Habib.

Crime May 22, 2026
Ontario school board launches safety review after student death, charges

Ontario school board launches safety review after student death, charges

The Limestone District School Board is reviewing school safety policies after a student death at Bath Public School and charges against another youth.

Crime May 22, 2026

OC Transpo already running $7M deficit in first three months of 2026

OC Transpo is already running a deficit this year as the financially troubled transit agency was squeezed by low ridership, costly bus maintenance and more expensive fuel.

General May 23, 2026

Ottawa Charge optimistic heading into an ambiguous offseason

After falling in their second straight Walter Cup final, the Ottawa Charge will now turn their attention to maintaining the team’s no-quit culture as they brace for a lengthy expansion process.

General May 23, 2026
Kingston leaders call on Ontario to support marine conservation in Great Lakes

Kingston leaders call on Ontario to support marine conservation in Great Lakes

Kingston councillors are calling on the federal and provincial governments to undertake a feasibility assessment for the creation of a protected marine area in Lake Ontario.

Environment May 22, 2026
Ontario city considers $300 fines when pets are left in hot vehicles

Ontario city considers $300 fines when pets are left in hot vehicles

Following an early summer heat wave, the City of London is considering the implementation of a new fine for owners who leave their pets in hot vehicles.

Canada May 22, 2026
Barnes voted to NBA’s second all-defensive team

Barnes voted to NBA’s second all-defensive team

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes was selected to the NBA's all-defensive second team Friday.

Sports May 22, 2026

You got a ticket for running a red. Here's why that yellow light might have seemed short

The engineers behind those yellow lights — including the ones that seem painfully short — say a lot of science goes into how traffic lights are programmed. But they also account for the different ways drivers respond at intersections.

General May 23, 2026

Lanark County mobile clinic tackling addiction and housing crises

A social worker, paramedic and nurse practitioner are hitting the roads of Lanark County to catch those who've lost access to service due to precarious housing or mental health issues.

General May 23, 2026

Canada's John Gay set for debut marathon in Ottawa after serious injuries nearly forced him to retire

John Gay, a 2021 Canadian Olympian in the steeplechase, will toe the line for his debut marathon Sunday in Ottawa, something he and those close to him never dreamed possible as recently as a year ago.

General May 23, 2026

Canada's Dabrowski wins women's doubles title at French Open tune-up

Canadian women's doubles player Gabriela Dabrowski won a championship title at a WTA event on Saturday in Strasbourg, France.

General May 23, 2026

1 dead in Plantagenet fire

Firefighters were called to a fire burning at a home at around 2:45 p.m. Friday and a person was discovered dead inside.

General May 23, 2026

I wish people knew this about my service dog

Rachel Lyons says her service dog Geneva changed her life. Here's how.

General May 23, 2026

Atlético Ottawa head coach leaving partway through 2nd season

Atlético Ottawa head coach Diego Mejía will be leaving the team at the end of the month to pursue a new, unspecified professional opportunity, the club announced Saturday.

General May 23, 2026
Bruno Mars postpones Toronto concert as heavy rain, winds sweep southern Ontario

Bruno Mars postpones Toronto concert as heavy rain, winds sweep southern Ontario

A rainy, windy weekend across southern Ontario has already forced the postponement of Bruno Mars’ Toronto concert as up to 50 mm of rain falls across parts of the region.

Weather May 23, 2026

CEBL: Montreal at Ottawa

Watch the Montreal Alliance and Ottawa BlackJacks go head-to-head in Canadian Elite Basketball League action from the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.

General May 23, 2026
Hicks scores two TDs as Argos bounce Tiger-Cats

Hicks scores two TDs as Argos bounce Tiger-Cats

Sam Hicks scored two touchdowns to lead the Toronto Argonauts past the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20-10 on Saturday in the first CFL exhibition game for both teams.

Sports May 23, 2026

Mayoral candidate Alex Lawson says he delivered toilets to convoy protest site

Mayoral candidate Alex Lawson says he delivered portable toilets during the 2022 convoy protest in downtown Ottawa, though his team denies that he provided any material support to the organizers.

General May 24, 2026

Trump’s man in Ottawa doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated right now

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra sat down with Radio-Canada earlier this week to talk tariffs, booze bans, military spending and more.

General May 24, 2026

E-bike battery fires are a hazard across Canada. These companies are pitching solutions

Fires and explosions from lithium batteries for e-bikes have led to millions in damage and even deaths across Canada. Fire chiefs have voiced concerns and e-bikes face bans in some buildings and transit. Two companies say they have a safer solution, with added benefits for e-bike riders.

General May 24, 2026

Woodchips on trails reduce tick populations, Ottawa researchers find

A study published this month by researchers at the University of Ottawa has found that applying woodchips to some trails significantly reduced local tick populations.

General May 24, 2026

One person dead after crash between truck and cyclist near Belleville, Ont.

A cyclist is dead after a collision involving a pickup trick near Belleville, Ont. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say.

General May 24, 2026
Ontario human foosball players set Guinness World Record with massive game

Ontario human foosball players set Guinness World Record with massive game

Before kickoff, Guinness World Records adjudicator Chloe McCarthy gathered participants near the sidelines with a warning: there was almost no margin for error.

Canada May 24, 2026

SIU investigates man's fall from building following Ottawa police chase

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating after a man sustained serious injuries in a fall from a second floor landing after being pursued on foot by Ottawa police.

General May 24, 2026

CPL on CBC: Atletico vs. Forge

Watch Atlético Ottawa and Forge FC go head-to-head in Canadian Premier League action from TD Place Stadium in Ottawa.

General May 24, 2026

Woman, 78, dead after crash in North Dundas

A Winchester, Ont., woman is dead after a two-vehicle crash in North Dundas, according to Ontario Provincial Police.

General May 24, 2026