CBC Ottawa

Coroners latest to urge widening Quebec's Highway 50
Two coroners who examined the circumstances of several fatal collisions on the highway connecting Gatineau and the Montreal area are recommending the installation of median barriers between lanes along the entire route.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/autoroute-50-9.7130966?cmp=rss

Federal government appealing Emergencies Act use to Supreme Court
The federal government is bringing its case to justify use of the Emergencies Act to clear the convoy protests that gridlocked the capital city and border points to the country's highest court.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/government-appealing-emergencies-act-use-supreme-corut-9.7132438?cmp=rss

How these Ottawans are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
Patrons at D'Arcy McGee's on Sparks Street celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music and dance.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7132346?cmp=rss

3 LRT cars are sitting idle in the west end. Why can't they be redeployed?
The head of Ottawa's transit committee is asking whether light rail cars currently devoted to OC Transpo's yet-to-open western extension could be redeployed to help bolster service that's been depleted elsewhere.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/lrt-cars-idle-single-car-service-9.7131390?cmp=rss

These miniature cows living outside Ottawa love cuddles and getting groomed
Kassandra Tremblay runs Prettiest Petal Farms east of Ottawa in Clarence-Rockland. She has three miniature cattle, two featured in a sold-out meet-and-greet over March Break at the Robert Plante Greenhouses in Navan.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7132055?cmp=rss

Public drug use will spike when consumption sites close, advocates warn
Public drug use is set to spike in Ottawa, representatives from the city's two last supervised drug consumption sites are warning after the province cut their funding and told them to end their services.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/supervised-consumption-closed-ontario-hart-hub-9.7130869?cmp=rss

3rd person dies after Centretown highrise fire
Another person who was badly injured in a Somerset Street W. highrise fire on Saturday night has died, according to Ottawa police.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-somerset-centretown-highrise-fire-death-9.7131486?cmp=rss

Power out, highways closed during blowing snow
Tens of thousands of customers are without power and parts of Highway 401 were closed Tuesday morning as blasts of blowing snow hit the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-kingston-snow-wind-weather-roads-9.7131445?cmp=rss

Ford government expanding BYOB rules to cultural, outdoor events
Ontario is expanding tailgating rules beyond sporting events to allow people to bring their own alcohol to cultural or community outdoor events like farmer's markets and movie screenings.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-alcohol-rules-changing-9.7131958?cmp=rss

All Ontario drivers will be able to use HOV lanes in off-peak hours: transportation minister
Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a statement Tuesday that allowing solo drivers to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes outside of busy times will help reduce gridlock on major highways. Doug Ford's government is looking to regulate the changes later this year.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-hov-lane-proposed-change-9.7131426?cmp=rss

2nd LRT problem Tuesday closes east end of Line 1
OC Transpo says a stopped train closed Line 1 of the O-Train east of St-Laurent station for about an hour Tuesday morning, the line's second closure of the day.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/line1-lrt-ottawa-closed-march-17-9.7131573?cmp=rss

Quebec's finance minister lowers expectations ahead of pre-election budget
Finance Minister Eric Girard is set to table Quebec’s provincial budget on Wednesday — less than a month before the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) chooses a successor to Premier François Legault.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-budget-election-9.7130439?cmp=rss

Thinking of moving to a more 'affordable' part of the country? Consider this
From affordable housing in Alberta to high taxes in Quebec, there are many widely accepted claims about the cost of living in different parts of the country. But are these preconceptions accurate?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/affordability-canada-provinces-factors-9.7126052?cmp=rss

'Maybe make a stop in Kingston': Ford backs high-speed rail along Hwy 401 corridor
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says high-speed rail between Toronto and Ottawa should follow the Highway 401 corridor, arguing it just "makes sense."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/premier-doug-ford-alto-high-speed-rail-401-corridor-kingston-stop-9.7130817?cmp=rss

What Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Oscar win means for young, diverse filmmakers trying to make it in the industry
Ottawa filmmaker Patrice James says the fact that a young woman of colour won the Oscar for best cinematography for the first time inspires a lot of hope. But as James tells CBC’s Rachelle Elsiufi, while it’s nice to see the progress she feels there is more work to do.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7131071?cmp=rss

Triple carjacking takes alleged robbers across Ottawa before arrest
A pair of suspects stole three cars and broke into two homes in three different parts of Ottawa on Saturday before eventually getting arrested, police say.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-police-carjack-robbery-march-2026-9.7130707?cmp=rss

'Couple beauty goals': Senators' Drake Batherson racks up unique stat in win
There's no doubt Drake Batherson's two goals against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday were crucial. It's how the Senators winger scored them that had people at Canadian Tire Centre shaking their heads.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/drake-batherson-2-goals-1-shot-senators-9.7128931?cmp=rss

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Alto should build high-speed rail along the Highway 401 corridor
The premier made the remarks on March 16, 2026, at a news conference in Brockville, Ont.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7130638?cmp=rss

Ontario to end funding for 7 supervised drug consumption sites, province confirms
Harm reduction advocates said last week they had been notified funding was ending. In a statement Monday, Health Minister Sylvia Jones confirmed the province will start a 90-day wind-down period to give people using the sites time to transition to home and addiction recovery treatment, or HART, hubs.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-ending-supervised-drug-consumption-funding-9.7130534?cmp=rss

Winter thunderstorm watch in place for Ottawa-Gatineau area
Late-winter thunderstorms could signal a drastic temperature change in communities such as Ottawa, Cornwall and La Pêche Monday afternoon.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-thunderstorm-weather-forecast-9.7130390?cmp=rss

Queen's students who were stranded in Middle East now back in Canada
Queen's University says a group of its students who were stranded in the Middle East amid airspace closures and conflict have managed to make their way back to Canada.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/lougheed-queen-s-university-students-stranded-middle-east-war-return-home-9.7122605?cmp=rss

Adult High School changes expected to impact staff
The union representing teachers at Ottawa's public Adult High School says a programming delivery change for students over the age of 21 is expected to have a fairly significant impact on staffing.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/adult-high-school-changes-ottawa-9.7120703?cmp=rss

Canada spending $229M to help tariff-hit Ontario workers obtain new skills
The federal government will spend $228.8 million over the next three years to help Ontario workers in industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs acquire new skills and adapt to the trade war disruption.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tariff-support-ontario-workers-9.7122769?cmp=rss

IN PHOTOS | First Nations leaders unveil items repatriated from Vatican
First Nations leaders unveiled five items repatriated to their communities after being at the Vatican for more than a century, during a ceremony at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/in-photos-first-nations-leaders-unveil-items-repatriated-from-vatican-9.7122662?cmp=rss

Ontario set to table budget March 26, with eye on productivity and competitiveness: minister
Ontario's finance minister said he’ll table the provincial budget on March 26, signaling Tuesday it will focus on mitigating economic risks by spending on innovation, competitiveness and infrastructure.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-budget-date-9.7122594?cmp=rss

Uncertain fate of housing program for asylum seekers could cost city millions
A think tank report suggests deep cuts could end a federal housing program for refugee claimants, though the government says it hasn't announced a stop to funding.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/uncertain-fate-of-housing-program-for-asylum-seekers-could-cost-city-millions-9.7121523?cmp=rss

Ford says Ontario government will take over Toronto's Billy Bishop airport
The province will be taking over control of Billy Bishop airport on Toronto Island, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-province-billy-bishop-takeover-9.7122427?cmp=rss

Olympian Ivanie Blondin returns home to Ottawa after gold- and silver-winning performances
After winning Olympic gold (and in a separate event, silver) at Milano Cortina 2026, Ivanie Blondin stopped by the speed skating club where it all began. CBC's Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco was there as Blondin met her young fans.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7122233?cmp=rss

Potentially serious freezing rainstorm Wednesday in Ottawa-Gatineau area
A critical freezing rain storm could paralyze much of western Quebec Wednesday under the worst-case scenario, according to orange-level weather alerts for the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/freezing-rain-weather-warning-ottawa-gatineau-9.7122131?cmp=rss

OCDSB delays closing kindergarten registration for alternative schools
Hours before parents were going to protest the plan to stop kindergarten enrollment at four alternative schools, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said intake will be happening this year after all.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ocdsb-kindergarten-registration-alternative-schools-9.7121131?cmp=rss

Is the CAQ's controversial Quebec constitution really going to happen?
The opposition Liberals – and hundreds of other groups – say the Coalition Avenir Québec’s consultation process on its plan for a Quebec constitution was a failure, and it’s time to scrap the law altogether.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/caq-constitution-9.7121110?cmp=rss

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan opens office and gallery in Ottawa
The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) has opened an office and retail space in Ottawa to create a stronger presence in the capital since removing itself from the Métis National Council in 2024.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/metis-nation-saskatchewan-ottawa-office-9.7118044?cmp=rss

Canada's Kalle Eriksson, guide Sierra Smith earn super-G bronze for 2nd medal of Milano-Cortina Paralympics
Canadian Para alpine skier Kalle Eriksson and guide Sierra Smith continued their impressive Paralympic debut on Monday by racing to bronze in the men's visually impaired super-G for their second medal.
#Sports #Paralympics #WinterSports #Paraicehockey
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/paralympics/milano-cortina-paralympics-roundup-march-9-9.7120139?cmp=rss

Ottawa’s Bruyère Health cutting 55 frontline positions
Nurses and personal support workers are among those effected by staffing changes.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawas-bruyere-health-cutting-55-frontline-positions-9.7121289?cmp=rss

Kingston and South Frontenac mayors join forces in support of high-speed rail route
Mayors for two eastern Ontario communities met Monday to voice support for a united vision that would see the track run along the Highway 401 corridor, stop in Kingston, then continue on toward Quebec City.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kingston-south-frontenac-alto-high-speed-rail-9.7120534?cmp=rss

Canada commits nearly $1B to drone and airborne defence research
The Liberal government has earmarked nearly $1 billion for drone and airborne defence research. The money is going into the National Research Council for a variety of defence initiatives, including the purchase of a Bombardier jet for research.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/drones-defence-research-bombardier-9.7121356?cmp=rss

Drivers in Ottawa feeling the pinch at the pumps as Middle East conflict spreads
The price of oil is surging amid the chaos and uncertainty of the war in the Middle East. David Fraser looks at how people in Ottawa are reacting at the pumps.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7121306?cmp=rss

Teacher found guilty of sexual assault appeals conviction
Rick Watkins, also known as Rick Despatie, was found guilty in September 2024 on four counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference related to allegations by four former students. .
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ex-teacher-rick-watkins-guilty-appealing-9.7120875?cmp=rss

Students worry about changes to Adult High School
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is changing how it delivers programs to students over the age of 21. CBC's Anchal Sharma reports on how uncertainty around the changes is making students nervous.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7120860?cmp=rss

Environment Canada warns of 'potentially critical' freezing rain event for Quebec
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement warning of a "potentially critical" freezing rain situation that could start on Wednesday and continue into Thursday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-freezing-rain-warning-environment-canada-9.7120287?cmp=rss

Carleton's men's Raven basketball team crowned national champions
The Carleton Ravens men's basketball team returns to its well-known place as national champions. The team defeated the Bishop's University Gaiters 78-75 in Sunday's U Sports gold medal game in Calgary.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/carleton-university-ravens-mens-basketball-usports-champions-9.7120224?cmp=rss

Carleton men win 18th U Sports basketball title, beating Bishop's
The Saskatchewan Huskies defended their U Sports national women's basketball title on Sunday with a 77-68 victory over the University of New Brunswick Reds in Quebec City. Buoyed by Aubrey Dorey-Havens's 35 points, Carleton Ravens topped Bishop's Gaiters 78-75 in the men's championship.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/u-sports-basketball-finals-men-women-2026-9.7120010?cmp=rss

Police impersonation scam costing victims thousands: OPP
Provincial police have arrested three suspects believed to be involved in a police impersonation scam that an Ottawa officer says has cost some victims thousands of dollars.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/police-impersonation-scam-costing-victims-in-ottawa-ontario-thousands-9.7118274?cmp=rss

Hundreds in Ottawa demonstrate for, against U.S. intervention in Iran over the weekend
Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Ottawa Sunday in support of U.S. intervention in Iran. On Saturday, there was a separate demonstration at the human rights monument against U.S. intervention. Cameron Mahler reports.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7119937?cmp=rss

Ford defends health-care record as hospitals say financial 'crisis' is coming
Premier Doug Ford is defending his government’s health-care record ahead of his eighth budget, even as the province’s hospitals say they face a billion-dollar structural funding deficit.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-health-care-spending-9.7116136?cmp=rss

Military personnel in Ottawa identified on white supremacist dating site
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are among the profiles leaked from a white-only dating website that promoted white supremacist ideology, a CBC News visual investigation found.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/whitedate-canada-military-9.7117307?cmp=rss

Bad Bunny fans gather on Parliament Hill to recreate Super Bowl halftime show
A group of Ottawa dancers recreated Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance on Parliament Hill Saturday as part of a video they're planning to release on March 10th in honour of the superstar's birthday.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7119276?cmp=rss

Carney calls byelections in Quebec riding of Terrebonne, 2 Toronto ridings
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called byelections in the Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest and the Quebec riding of Terrebonne — races the Liberals will want to win to secure a thin majority government.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-byelection-terrebonne-scarborough-southwest-university-rosedale-ndp-conservatives-9.7119497?cmp=rss

Meet the mother-daughter duo at the helm of some of Ottawa's biggest machines
Brook Shepherd grew up watching her mom Kerry McLaughlin operate snowplows and other heavy machinery before getting behind the wheel herself. Rachelle Elsiufi caught up with them to hear how they navigate the male-dominated field and why they hope more women follow their lead.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7118102?cmp=rss

Millions of Americans can now claim Canadian citizenship by descent. But they have to prove it
Amid rising tensions in the United States and increased global volatility, many Americans are looking to Canada — and their roots — for a possible way out following recent changes to Canada’s citizenship rules.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-c-3-canadian-citizenship-by-descent-american-interest-9.7112724?cmp=rss