Criticized for crime, it’s also been a safe haven for those on Ottawa’s streets Outside the Rideau Street McDonald’s, Frederick Renaud and Kimberley Sipes stand together, asking passersby to spare any change — something they say they’ve done every day for the last six months. The duo were surprised Sunday afternoon to see hundreds of people marching in their direction, some dressed as Ronald McDonald or boxes of french fries, carrying banners that read “Rideau McDonald’s Farewell March.” Wide-eyed, Sipes turned to Renaud and half-whispered, “The McDonald’s is closing.” The two stood in silence forRead more

Deputy mayor compares them to little chemical bombs harmful to nature The municipality of Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentians is preparing to ban all fireworks on its territory, making it among the first in Quebec to do so according to the Union des municipalités du Québec. A motion to ban all fireworks was introduced at city council on Monday, toughening up the existing bylaw which requires people to obtain a permit before setting off fireworks. The motion is expected to be adopted on April 10 and will likely be implemented two weeksRead more

Their vulnerable presence up on that stage highlighted the power that comes from within When I was growing up, I didn’t see Indigenous performers or dancers in our local venues. I didn’t see stories of them sharing our culture in the media. I didn’t see them included in celebratory ceremonies. I didn’t see myself represented. In fact, I didn’t see any signs of our culture displayed anywhere. So when my children were asked to participate in the 2023 Canada Winter Games opening ceremony on P.E.I., we saw it as an opportunity notRead more

Victim was extricated from rubble Sunday evening, officials said The body of one victim has been pulled from the rubble of an Old Montreal heritage building ravaged by fire on Thursday, while six other people are still missing, officials said at a news conference Sunday night. This is the first confirmed death since the blaze, which tore through the three-storey, 15-unit residential building at the intersection of Place d’Youville and Saint-Nicolas Street. Steve Belzil, commander of the Montreal police arson squad, said the victim’s body was pulled from the rubble at 6:45 p.m. local time. “The stepsRead more