Groundhogs agree: Early spring, but it’s still chilly out there
Ottawa Citizen

By Megan Gillis, Ottawa Citizen, February 2, 2017

Canada’s two main rodent prognosticators are in agreement: it’s going to be an early spring

.But it still looks like it will be chilly in the capital region for the next few days.

Results were still pouring in from the various groundhog observatories, but one of the first out of the burrow was Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam who, apparently, determined Canadians will be graced with an early spring after he waddled out of his shed and did not see his shadow.

Charges laid in January car-vs-bicycle road rage confrontation
Ottawa Citizen

By Tom Spears, Ottawa Citizen, February 2, 2017

A running war of words between a cyclist and a car driver on Jan. 12 has now led to three charges, including assault, against the driver.

The case was widely publicized after video of the confrontation was posted online.

The driver and a cyclist, both men, began arguing as they both travelled north on Bronson Avenue about 3:20 p.m. that day, Ottawa police say.

Use big red O across the entire Transpo network, consultant suggests
Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, February 2, 2017

Big Os should be spread across the OC Transpo network to tell people that, no matter whether it’s bus or train, they’ll get the same awesome transit service when they see the cherry-red beacon.

That was the advice last year from a consultant hired by Transpo to recommend a new navigation strategy before the LRT era begins in Ottawa.

Transpo introduced the big red O last fall as the unifying symbol of the O-Train system after receiving advice from Entro Communications on wayfinding and signage.

Your letters and feedback on OC Transpo’s service changes
StittsvilleCentral.ca

By StittsvilleCentral, February 1, 2017

At the start of this year, OC Transpo replaced express busses – and the premium express fare – with new “connexion” routes. The connexion buses ferry passengers between suburbs like Stittsville and downtown bus stations, as part of a transition to light rail. Here’s what we’re hearing from our readers about the changes.

Shirley Butler wrote to us about the pros and cons of the new system:

Cumberland councillor getting a taste of OC Transpo commuter life

By Brier Dodge, Ottawa Community News, February 1, 2017

Coun. Stephen Blais is taking every commuter route in his ward this winter to get a first-hand look at recent route changes and schedules through Cumberland ward.

The councillor, who is also chair of the city’s transit commission, had already taken five routes at the end of January, with plans to do four more.

Alta Vista enlisting Snow Moles for pedestrian safety

By Erin McCracken, Ottawa Community News, February 1, 2017

Alta Vista residents can now add the title of "snow spy" to their resumes.

The Snow Mole program, which launched last February in communities to the northeast, lets Alta Vista residents volunteer as winter watchers.

Alta Vista snow spies can report on winter street trouble-spots in a neighbourhood that's home to stroller-wielding parents, people with mobility issues and seniors, among others.

Their reports could lead to better snow clearing, help prevent falls, encourage more walking and counteract isolation.

Ottawa's potholes explained: January was one long freeze-thaw cycle
Ottawa & R

By Tom Spears, Ottawa Sun, February 1, 2017

Ottawa has just finished the third-warmest January in 80 years.

But the real news was that the temperature kept hopping up and down across the freezing point, jumping back and forth like a sugared-up three-year-old.

“I bet you have potholes,” said David Phillips of Environment Canada’s Toronto office.

Proposed $148M Baseline busway wins transportation committee OK
Ottawa Citizen

By Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen, February 1, 2017

The proposed Baseline Road busway took a step forward Wednesday as the city’s transportation committee approved a plan to build the $148-million cross-town line to carry 10,000 riders a day.

The 14-kilometre Richmond-Baseline-Heron corridor bypasses downtown, connecting OC Transpo riders to existing and planned Transitway and O-Train networks. There will be 24 new stations, each located about 575 metres apart (Transitway stations are between 800 metres to one kilometre apart). The plan also includes kilometres of new sidewalks and cycle tracks.

City hall blog: Cost a factor in people’s preferences for library site
Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, February 1, 2017

The Ottawa Public Library had a small surprise Tuesday night for trustees and the public: polling data on site locations.

OPL sent Nanos Research into the field between Jan. 10 and Jan 17 to gauge people’s opinions on the shortlisted sites for a new main library.Nanos learned 72 per cent of people prefer the recommended site, 557 Wellington St.

Gatineau council contemplates allowing backyard chickens and bees - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, January 31, 2017

Gatineau residents could soon collect their own eggs and make their own honey if councillors agree to change the city's laws

.A proposal to allow urban chickens and bees is headed to city council Feb. 14.

It would allow 10 community-based urban chicken coops, 40 chicken coops at individual urban homes and 15 beekeeping projects, as long as they were for recreational reasons, educational reasons or their products were only for personal consumption.

Ottawa library board approves new central library on edge of LeBreton Flats - Ottawa - CBC News

By Joanne Chianello, CBC News Ottawa, January 31, 2017

A new central library is one step closer to being built on the edge of LeBreton Flats after the Ottawa Public Library board voted in favour of locating the facility at city-owned land at 557 Wellington St. Tuesday evening.

The board voted 8-to-1 in favour of the site after a meeting that lasted more than four hours, with Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney the sole trustee to vote against the location.

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