A double-homicide, Convoy leaders stand trial, and kids get back to school: 5 stories to watch in Ottawa this week
Freedom Convoy organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber (right) make their way with counsel to the Public Order Emergency Commission, Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Two prominent leaders of the "Freedom Convoy" stand trial, the city sets out directions for budget 2024, and English school boards are back to class.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at five stories to watch in Ottawa this week.
Double-homicide investigation
Ottawa police are investigating a mass shooting outside a wedding venue in the south end of the city that left two men dead and injured six other people.
Little information was shared Sunday in the hours after the shooting occurred. Police did not announce any arrests, suspect descriptions or details about the victims.
The deceased were identified Sunday afternoon as two men from Toronto.
Police tape could be seen blocking the Infinity Convention Centre Sunday, where the shooting occurred.
More information on the people involved is expected over the coming hours and days.
These killings mark the 11th and 12th homicides of the year in the nation's capital.
Ottawa police are investigating a fatal shooting outside the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa. Sept. 3, 2023. Two people were killed and six people were injured. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)
Tamara Lich, Chris Barber stand trial
Two people who rose to prominence during the "Freedom Convoy" demonstration in Ottawa last winter will stand trial starting this week.
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber will be in court Sept. 5 for charges of mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief and intimidation.
The charges stem from the three-week-long protest in downtown Ottawa that occupied city streets with heavy vehicles and hundreds of people who opposed COVID-19 public health protections and the federal Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau more generally. Outside of Ottawa, protesters with the movement blockaded border crossings with the U.S.
The federal government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in history during the protest and a massive, multi-day police operation was used to clear demonstrators off Parliament Hill.
Lich's lawyer says the focus of the trial should be on his client's charges and not on the "Freedom Convoy" itself.
Freedom Convoy organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber wait for the Public Order Emergency Commission to begin, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Hot and muggy temperatures this week
A late summer heat wave is blanketing the capital this week, with forecast highs not seen since July.
Ottawa experienced a cooler than average August, where the temperature did not go above 29 C once the entire month, but the weather is making up for it this week, with several days in the low-to-mid-30s.
A heat warning is in effect, saying Ottawa could see daytime highs between 31 and 35 C this week and humidex values around 40.
A cold air mass is supposed move in late in the week to cool things off, but the timing of it is unclear, forecasters say.
Duane relaxes on the banks of the Ottawa River in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. A heat warning has been issued for the nation's capital and Ontario. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Back to school for tens of thousands in Ottawa
Tens of thousands of students at all levels of education are returning to classrooms in Ottawa this week.
Ottawa's English language school boards start their new school year on Tuesday for both elementary and secondary students. It comes one week after the majority of French-language students returned to classes.
Post-secondary institutions are also welcoming students back to classes and lecture halls.
The new school year comes with several challenges related to transportation, including about 9,000 students in Ottawa's rural west end who are without bus transportation, and a flagging public transit system. Ottawa's east-west Confederation Line LRT, which directly serves the University of Ottawa, is only using single train cars for service because of low ridership over the summer, but officials say double-cars could be put into service if required. The north-south Trillium Line, which connects with Carleton University, remains delayed and it could be November at the earliest before the city even takes ownership of it.
Health officials are also urging parents and guardians to ensure their children's immunizations are up-to-date ahead of the fall respiratory virus season.
Students returned to classes at two Ottawa elementary schools operating under a "balanced" calendar year. Aug. 15, 2023. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)
Budget directions come to committee
An early step in setting the 2024 city of Ottawa budget comes before committee this week.
The finance and corporate services committee will vote Tuesday on the directions to staff for developing the 2024 operating and capital budgets. City staff are proposing a maximum 2.5 per cent property tax hike, along with higher fees for transit, recreation and culture activities, garbage collection and water and wastewater services.
The property tax cap would fit in with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe's election campaign promise to keep tax increases at a maximum of 2.5 per cent in 2023 and 2024.
The city is facing some significant budget challenges, most notably at OC Transpo, which projected a $39 million deficit for 2023 and $35 million revenue shortfall in 2024. Staff must also contend with inflationary pressures on everything from utilities and fuel to labour costs and construction.
The 2024 draft city of Ottawa budget will be tabled to Council on Nov. 8. Council will finalize the 2024 spending plan on Dec. 6.
City Hall in downtown Ottawa is seen in this undated file photo. (CTV News Ottawa)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
B.C. port employers launch lockout at terminals in labour dispute with workers
Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Felonies, assassination attempts and a last-minute change on the ticket leads voters to Tuesday's U.S. election
A campaign that has careened through a felony trial, incumbent being pushed off the ticket and assassination attempts comes down to Election Day on Tuesday.
Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3 last week, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year ago. Here's how her condition was reversed
A year ago, Lorraine O'Quinn was coping with stress, chronic illness and Type 2 diabetes. Then she discovered a health program that she says changed her life.
Surprise swing state? Iowa poll has Harris suddenly leading
Based on victories in the past two elections and polls leading up to Tuesday’s election, Donald Trump had seemed almost certain to win Iowa, but a new poll has Kamala Harris with a sudden three-point lead.
Russia suspected of sending incendiary devices on US- and Canada-bound planes, Wall Street Journal reports
Incendiary devices that ignited in Germany and the United Kingdom in July were part of a covert Russian operation that aimed to start fires aboard cargo and passenger flights heading to the U.S. and Canada, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday, citing Western security officials.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
Pair of rare November tornadoes touch down in New Brunswick last week
A research team has confirmed a pair of tornadoes touched down in central New Brunswick last week.
-
Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3 last week, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
-
RCMP investigating 'sudden deaths' of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
The RCMP says it is investigating the sudden deaths of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
Toronto
-
Demonstrators outside Hindu temple in Brampton told to disperse after weapons seen
Peel police have ordered a large crowd gathered for a demonstration outside a Hindu temple in Brampton to disperse after officers observed weapons.
-
Man shot while helping neighbours during home invasion in Nobleton, police say
A man was shot while trying to help his neighbours during a home invasion in Nobleton Monday evening, York Regional Police say.
-
Former TDSB trustee Chernos Lin wins byelection in Toronto’s Ward 15
Former Toronto school board trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has won the byelection in Toronto’s Ward 15, according to the city’s unofficial results.
Montreal
-
11-year-old child dead after being hit by truck in Mile-End
A child around 10-years-old was severely injured after being struck by a truck in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough.
-
Montreal teen missing for 2 weeks
Montreal police are looking for a 14-year-old girl who's been missing for two weeks.
-
American expats in Canada mobilize for U.S. election day
With just one day before the U.S election, American expatriates living in Canada are mobilizing to get the vote out.
Northern Ontario
-
Heavy police presence in Haileybury, Cobalt for investigation: OPP
One person has been arrested and provincial police in the Temiskaming area of northern Ontario are asking the public to stay away from two separate areas as the investigation continues.
-
Man killed, woman injured in Chelmsford rollover after doing donuts in open field
Greater Sudbury police say a man was killed and his female passenger injured when they were ejected from a vehicle in Chelmsford while he was doing donuts in an open field Sunday afternoon.
-
Pulling out the stops to deal with homeless encampment crisis
The mayors of Ontario's largest cities are asking the province to consider using the notwithstanding clause in the constitution to ensure measures to combat homelessness are implemented in a timely and effective way.
Windsor
-
City of Windsor takes legal action against feds over costs from bridge blockade
They City of Windsor is taking legal action against the federal government.
-
Health care partners combining efforts to tackle increased hospital volumes
Windsor-Essex health care partners are working together in anticipation of increased hospital volumes heading into the winter.
-
Public board trustees asked to stand up for students
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is asking trustees to vote on a multi-year financial recovery plan to help make up a $6.3-million deficit.
London
-
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
-
MLPS strategy to get advanced paramedic care to critical patients faster than ambulances
An innovative program launched by the Middlesex London Paramedic Service (MLPS) aims to cut down on the response time for patients requiring advanced emergency care.
-
Broadcaster and co-host of 'Smoke Signals' Dan Smoke has passed away
Longtime broadcaster Dan Smoke has died. His wife Mary Lou confirmed the news on social media.
Kitchener
-
Erick Buhr found guilty of second-degree murder in grandmother’s death
Erick Buhr has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his grandmother, Viola Erb.
-
4-month-old suffers serious injuries following alleged assault in Hanover, Ont., woman charged
The Hanover Police Service said they received a report in the early morning hours of Oct. 30 of an injured 4-month-old baby who was treated at the emergency department of the Hanover and District Hospital.
-
Meet the winner of the Humane Society's Taylor Swift draw
A winner has been chosen as a massive fundraiser for the Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society comes to a close.
Barrie
-
Barrie woman struck by vehicle while crossing street speaks out with message to drivers
A mother who was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street in south Barrie last week is lucky to be alive and thankful to those who came to her aid.
-
One dead in Springwater crash, 3 others hospitalized
Police are investigating a collision in Springwater Township that claimed the life of one individual and sent three other people, including a young teen, to the hospital over the weekend.
-
Fighting for change in justice system as son's memory is honoured
Bailey Durocher's parents want to see change after the conditional sentence handed to the driver responsible for his death as their son's memory is honoured.
Winnipeg
-
'It’s a sad day': Last call for the Cambridge Hotel on Pembina as it's set to close
It’s the last call at the Cambridge Hotel. The 86-year-old hotel on Pembina Highway is set to close its doors Tuesday.
-
Street Links says program is freeing up hospital beds
There are 20 transitional beds at St. Boniface Street Links for patients who either go to the hospital homeless, or lose their homes while in hospital.
-
'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73
Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
Calgary
-
Fatal northeast Calgary crash investigated by police
One person was killed in a crash east of the Calgary airport on Monday.
-
Calgary man missing for more than a year
Calgary police are looking for help to locate a 29-year-old man who's been missing since September 2023.
-
Calgary police move District 1 from Ramsay to downtown core
Calgary police are making changes downtown.
Edmonton
-
Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap
Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
-
'You could feel the heat': Witnesses recount another suspicious fire that destroyed building under construction
Two people living in King Edward Park are sharing what they saw when a suspicious fire destroyed a building under construction over the weekend.
-
'Everyone deserves to be safe': purple chairs offer domestic violence support
The City of St. Albert unveiled two new seats in its river valley Monday that will give people a place to rest and get information on support for people suffering domestic violence.
Regina
-
Jury selection in sexual assault case of Regina chiropractor underway
Jury selection is underway in the trial of Ruben Manz, a Regina-based chiropractor who is facing multiple counts of sexual assault.
-
SHA employee fired for allegedly double dipping
Two former employees affiliated with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the province's Health Quality Council (HQC) were terminated after allegedly being paid by a separate employer at the same time.
-
Here are the candidates for Ward 4 in Regina
Here's a look at the large pool of candidates for Regina's Ward 4.
Saskatoon
-
Angose 'Goose' Standingwater was stabbed in the backseat of moving van before going to Boston Pizza for help
New details of a 2023 fatal stabbing — where the victim walked into Boston Pizza to get help — emerged at Saskatoon Provincial Court, during a sentencing hearing on Monday.
-
'It gets kind of gross': Residents in downtown building left frustrated without water
Residents of an apartment in downtown Saskatoon were left without water this weekend.
-
Fake bus passes are being sold in Saskatoon, city’s transit service says
Saskatoon Transit wants riders to know about a fraudulent social media account selling fake fare passes.
Vancouver
-
Impacts of stormy U.S. election forecast in B.C.
Across the choppy sea from Victoria Monday, the end of a turbulent U.S. election campaign was mere hours away and many British Columbians were watching intently to see who becomes the next president.
-
Stanley Park’s Christmas train tickets to go on sale this week
Stanley Park will welcome the return of its annual Bright Nights festive event, complete with its illuminated train ride, for another year.
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Vancouver Island
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
-
No jail time for man who drove truck through residential school march in B.C.
A British Columbia senior who drove his pickup truck into a march for Indigenous residential school survivors will avoid jail time after he was sentenced Monday to nine months of house arrest.
-
Overnight power outages expected after destructive B.C. storm
More than 230,000 households and businesses in British Columbia were without electricity Monday during the peak of a storm during which heavy rains and strong winds downed power lines.
Kelowna
-
Child found 'small razor blade' in Halloween candy in Kamloops, B.C., RCMP say
Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.
-
Pickup truck may be linked to suspicious deaths, RCMP say 2 years after bodies found in B.C. park
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
