Ottawa Daily Digest — 2026-01-08

Parole records detail suspect in fatal U of T Scarborough shooting

• What happened: 20-year-old University of Toronto Scarborough student Shivank Avasthi was shot and killed on Dec. 23, 2025 at about 3:30 p.m. on campus (Highland Creek Trail / Old Kingston Road area).
• Suspect: A 28-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder; police describe the attack as “random.”
• Documents: Parole files show an extensive criminal history for the accused; an editor’s note removed an earlier, incorrect reference to his country of origin and citizenship.

Dog chews lithium battery, sparks Orléans house fire; pet rescued

• Where/time: Two-storey home in the 200 block of Bevington Walk, Orléans; fire service alerted at 9:07 a.m.
• Cause: A dog chewed a lithium-ion battery inside a battery-operated ski glove, which ignited inside the home.
• Response/outcome: Ottawa firefighters arrived within four minutes, launched a fast attack, knocked down flames from a first-floor bay window and rescued the dog; homeowner was not present; multiple 911 and camera confirmations aided response.

Ford says Eglinton Crosstown LRT to open in early February

• Timeline: Premier Doug Ford expressed confidence the long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT will open next month; TTC had aimed for Feb. 8 while Metrolinx had pushed for Dec. 28 testing date.
• Meeting: Senior leaders from TTC and Metrolinx met with Mayor Olivia Chow, Premier Ford and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria late in 2025 to settle a launch schedule.

One dead, two injured after head-on crash near Kingston

• Incident: Head-on collision just after 11:30 a.m. on Taylor-Kidd Boulevard near Coronation Boulevard.
• Casualties: One passenger died at the scene; both drivers were taken to hospital—one with life-threatening injuries, the other treated as a precaution.
• Status: Investigation ongoing; police request witnesses or dashcam footage.

Supreme Court to hear challenge to Ontario Place redevelopment law

• Issue: Coalition Ontario Place Protectors is appealing the constitutionality of the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, which would allow major redevelopment including a privately operated spa.
• Concerns: Group argues the law insulates government action from judicial, environmental, heritage and municipal oversight.

Crown Royal closure: over one-third of workers have new jobs

• Facility: Bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont.; Diageo announced closure with a final date of Feb. 28.
• Workforce: More than one-third of employees have left; union Unifor Local 200 reports about 101 employees remain. Enhanced exit benefits and some re-employment at nearby Stellantis and trades positions were negotiated.