📍 Ottawa · Wed, Sep 23, 2026 · 20 articles · 241

Barber-shop Death, Trump Avenue Renamed & Belleville Shooting — Ottawa Wednesday

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

  1. A 30-year-old man died after a vehicle smashed into CuTzz Barber Salon on McArthur Ave., Ottawa, Sept. 22. Ottawa police say the crash at about 5:40 p.m. injured two men inside; a 32-year-old was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and a 57-year-old woman was arrested and charged with impaired-driving offences, scheduled to appear in court Sept. 23. ↗

  2. Const. Jeff Smith remains in hospital after being shot outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville on Yom Kippur. Smith was shot during a flurry of gunfire; the alleged shooter, 29-year-old Sean Ward, was injured and died in hospital Monday night, and Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has opened an investigation into the incident. ↗

  3. OPP have named a victim and laid a murder charge in an Augusta Township death. Provincial police identified the deceased and charged a suspect with murder in the Augusta Township case, with the OPP continuing an active investigation and seeking any witnesses or evidence tied to the matter. ↗

  4. Sentencing hearings began for Kenneth Law, who pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide in Ontario. Court will hear 74 victim impact statements over the coming days; prosecutors plan to withdraw 14 first-degree murder charges after sentencing, and aiding-suicide convictions carry up to 14 years in prison. ↗

🏛️ Government & Politics

  1. Ottawa city council voted to remove the name “Trump Avenue” from a local street. Council approved the renaming decision on Wednesday; staff will begin the administrative process to implement the change, including notifying affected residents and updating municipal records. ↗

  2. Former prime minister has publicly pledged support to a candidate in Ottawa’s mayoral race. The endorsement was announced this week ahead of the municipal election; the campaign and candidate will now highlight the former PM’s backing in voter outreach and fundraising. ↗

  3. The number and cost of emergency ‘homes in distress’ bailouts for Ontario long-term care rose between 2021-22 and 2022-23. FOI data show spending rose from $2.4 million in 2021-22 to a spike in 2022-23, with ministers approving one-time payments to stabilize homes facing acute financial challenges. ↗

📰 Also Today

  • Princess Margaret Foundation received an anonymous $100 million donation, launching a $2.5 billion "Carry the Fire" campaign. ↗
  • Ontario report: opioid use disorder among adults 55+ rose 81% since 2017, with 15,231 seeking care by 2025. ↗
  • NHL salary cap will rise to $104 million in 2026-27, driving record player contracts this off-season. ↗
  • Kawhi Leonard signed a multi-year extension with the Toronto Raptors, reported at about US$115 million over two years. ↗
  • Toronto’s Elevate tech conference rebrands to Nrth, plans more frequent events starting in 2027. ↗
  • Timeline published in case of Kenneth Law shows arrests and investigations dating to Oct. 2022, linking deliveries to more than 40 countries. ↗
  • Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters report finds Ontario manufacturers lack skilled trades workers, naming welders and mechatronics among shortages. ↗
  • Members returned to Belleville synagogue after shooting as questions swirl, community leaders reported increased security requests. ↗
  • Quebec election campaign sidelines secularism; parties’ positions outlined, provincial platforms compared this week. ↗
  • Knoxdale–Merivale candidates clashed after a TV debate, local campaigners disputed claims made on air. ↗
  • Outaouais daycare reports Quebec’s new registration portal slowing admissions, local operators cite delays. ↗
  • Paramedics confirm two men were taken to hospital after an SUV backed into a barber shop, Ottawa paramedic service responded to the scene. ↗

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