Snowy owls have arrived in Ottawa with 50 seen so far - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, December 8, 2014

The snowy owl has returned to the Ottawa area with at least 50 owls spotted so far. Last year marked the largest invasion of snowy owls ever recorded in eastern Ontario, and similar numbers are expected this year. Experts say there are normally eight or 10 snowy owls in the area in a good year, but last year there were 300. via Snowy owls have arrived in Ottawa with 50 seen so far - Ottawa - CBC News.

Peter Raaymakers: Time to update OC Transpo fare structure
Ottawa Citizen

By Peter Raaymakers, Ottawa Citizen, December 8, 2014

When Ottawa launched the Presto payment system on the OC Transpo fleet last year, it was a welcome (if overdue) change to the old, outdated way of managing fares. A digital wallet offers vast convenience for users, with its auto-reload feature removing the need to scrounge for change on a daily or monthly basis. Its tracking of rides and fares paid is also of interest, especially come tax time when reports can be generated quickly to take advantage of the federal public transit tax credit. But even when this digital system was launched, OC Transpo didn’t change their fare structures at all. We still have limited options on our buses, mainly boiling down to single fares or a pre-paid monthly pass. In essence, OC Transpo is continuing to operate its analog fare structure under a digital system. The Presto system is not being used to its capacity. via Peter Raaymakers: Time to update OC Transpo fare structure | Ottawa Citizen.

Jonathan McLeod: Elgin Street has to get patios right
Ottawa Citizen

By Jonathan McLeod, Ottawa Citizen, December 8, 2014

In what is setting up to be another tired, myopic “city that fun forget” lament, the city’s pilot project that brought patios to Elgin Street did not go as smoothly as hoped. There were complaints. There were issues with mobility. There were issues with stores taking up more space than they were allotted. The project was a worthwhile initiative. For an area with a number of bars and restaurants, there were few patios along Elgin Street. Having people outside on the street eating, drinking and enjoying themselves and each other should be a real boon to the life of the street. It’s a good idea. via Jonathan McLeod: Elgin Street has to get patios right | Ottawa Citizen.

Douglas Cardinal files OMB appeal over Domtar redevelopment
Ottawa Citizen

By Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen, December 8, 2014

Renowned architect Douglas Cardinal has filed an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board over the city’s approval of Windmill Developments’ rezoning application for Albert and Chaudière islands, which he says are sacred to the Algonquin people. Cardinal, who designed the Canadian Museum of History, said he worked with late Algonquin Chief William Commanda for more than 30 years on a vision for a national indigenous centre on Victoria Island. Victoria is adjacent to the other Ottawa River islands but not included in Windmill’s plans. via Douglas Cardinal files OMB appeal over Domtar redevelopment | Ottawa Citizen.

Storm to deliver significant snowfall in next few days
Ottawa Citizen

By Alison Mah, Ottawa Citizen, December 8, 2014

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of significant snowfall in the capital region in the next few days. Beginning Tuesday evening and lasting until Thursday morning, an east coast storm will sweep down from the St. Lawrence River and cause up to 25 centimetres of snow, according to the weather office. via Storm to deliver significant snowfall in next few days | Ottawa Citizen.

Winter cycling: 5 tips for riding in the sleet and snow - Ottawa - CBC News

By Giacomo Pacino, CBC News Ottawa, December 6, 2014

Very often, people’s reaction to hearing I bike all year round is surprise.It exposes a problem with many people’s perception of cycling in general, at least in North America, that riding a bike is complex. It doesn’t have to be, and that applies to winter biking, too.If you already commute by bike in the warmer months, it isn’t a huge transition. via Winter cycling: 5 tips for riding in the sleet and snow - Ottawa - CBC News.

James Raffan on climate change and culture shifts in the Arctic - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, December 6, 2014

People living in Canada's Arctic are experiencing a lot of change, both environmentally and culturally. Watch the video above to see James Raffan discuss the motivation behind his book, Circling the Midnight Sun, in which he tells the stories of people he met during his travels in the Arctic Circle. via James Raffan on climate change and culture shifts in the Arctic - Ottawa - CBC News.

More political muscle was needed to stop Hintonburg condos
Ottawa & Region
N

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Sun, December 5, 2014

Council should have shown more political muscle to stop a Hintonburg condo plan if it didn't want its decision reversed this week by the Ontario Municipal Board, according to the community's new councillor. Jeff Leiper was one of the vocal opponents of Tega Homes' Attika proposal. Voters sent the former community association president to council as the rep for Kitchissippi ward. via More political muscle was needed to stop Hintonburg condos | Ottawa & Region | N.

Trapped loon rescued by west Quebec residents - Ottawa - CBC News

By CBC News Ottawa, December 5, 2014

Residents in the west Quebec municipality of La Pêche have rescued a loon that had been trapped by rapidly encroaching lake ice. Loon rescueRescuers used a tethered raft to move along the ice to the trapped loon while a Canada goose looks on. (Courtesy Michael Matthews)The loon was born this summer on Pike Lake in La Pêche, north of Edelweiss. Its parents and siblings took off for southern climates in October. via Trapped loon rescued by west Quebec residents - Ottawa - CBC News.

NCC to clear 600 ash trees in west Ottawa
Ottawa Citizen

By Ottawa Citizen, December 5, 2014

Removal of around 600 dying or dead ash trees in Ottawa will begin Monday in the city’s west end. The National Capital Commission said in a news release Friday that maintenance crews will begin to remove infested trees on Fisher Avenue near Shillington Avenue, along the Ottawa River pathway and along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. via NCC to clear 600 ash trees in west Ottawa | Ottawa Citizen.
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