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April Fools' Day jokes from city services, museums and businesses in Ottawa

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum announced on April Fools Day that it's teaming up with Airbnb to offer stays in the Governor General's rail cars. (Canadian Science and Technology Museum/Instagram) The Canadian Science and Technology Museum announced on April Fools Day that it's teaming up with Airbnb to offer stays in the Governor General's rail cars. (Canadian Science and Technology Museum/Instagram)
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CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at a few of our favourite April Fools' Day jokes in Ottawa on Saturday.

OttaWin?

The city of Ottawa took to Twitter Saturday morning, saying the city is considering amalgamating with the city of Winnipeg, with the new city called 'OttaWin.'

"We are packing our bags and getting ready to move! Stay tuned for more information."

An image shared on social media said, "Ottawa + Winnipeg 4ever. OttaWin"

Life-sized statue of Ryan Reynolds in the ByWard Market

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds is a popular guy in Ottawa. 

After recently visiting to speak with the mayor and attend a Senators game, the ByWard Market joked that a life-sized statue of Reynolds will be erected in the heart of downtown.

"Comment below on who you're bringing to the grand unveiling," the ByWard Market said on Instagram Saturday morning.

Airbnb at the Canadian Science and Technology Museum

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum announced a pilot project with Airbnb to rent out a stay in the Governor General's rail cars.

"Drum roll, please. As of next week, you can book a stay in the Governor General's rail cars located in the Ingenium Centre's collection in Ottawa," the museum said in an Instagram post.

The AirBnb listing includes

  • Sleeps 9 guests
  • 8 bedrooms (two with their own washrooms and one with bunk beds)
  • Two living rooms
  • Dining room with a table for 12
  • Kitchen and personal chef
  • Office
  • WiFi

Enraged Birds of Prey

The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum used April Fools' Day to announce a new exclusive audio compilation on Spotify, called "Enraged Birds of Prey."

"DYK that many airports keep birds from landing on their runways by broadcasting the calls of angry birds of prey," the museum said in an Instagram post.

"Each track is more terrifying than the last! Enjoy “Enraged Owl,” “Hawk About to Swoop,” and the unique ‘Eagle of Fury.’

"Aviation enthusiasts- you won’t want to miss this exclusive release! Listen in today!"

OC Transpo Ugly Sweaters

OC Transpo announced the pre-sale of its Ugly Holiday Sweater on April Fools' Day.

The sweaters include a Reindeer with the OC Transpo logo for a nose and the OC Transpo mascot on the front.

When you click on the link to the transit services' website, OC Transpo encourages people to donate to the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa.

"April Fools! While our sweater may be a joke, the growing need to keep children warm during the winter isn’t."

New owner for the ByTown Museum

While Ryan Reynolds is part of one of the groups bidding to purchase the Ottawa Senators, the Bytown Museum used April Fools' Day to announce the Canadian actor is its new owner.

"We're thrilled to announce that @VancityReynolds, as part of his ongoing commitment to support #Ottawa's sports & cultural scenes, has purchased the Bytown Museum," the museum said on Twitter.

"Please join us in welcoming Ryan Reynolds to the Aviation American Gin Presents the Bytown Museum™ family!"

Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library chose April Fools' Day to unveil its new library card design and guess who is on the front!

Ryan Reynolds has been a popular choice for local April Fools' Day jokes. The OPL showed off new cards with the actor's face on them.

"Get your hands on the most stylish card in town," says the OPL.

Goulbourn Museum discovers underground tunnels

The Goulbourn Museum joked that workers discovered a series of tunnels under the museum during HVAC installation. 

"The Diefenbunker may not be the only underground bunker in Ottawa," an Instagram post said.

"We are very tight on space here, both in the Museum and in the History Centre. With an underground system of tunnels, the possibilities are endless.”

The image accompanying the post showed the tunnel entrance has stairs, handrails and graffiti already. 

The Milk Shop

The Milk Shop in the ByWard Market has a new name on April Fools' Day – "Beverage."

"We're feeling a little sour this afternoon. It seems the dairy industry has curdled our plans to keep using 'Milk," The Milk Shop said on Instagram.

"As a small business we had no idea that they were udderly offended by our choice of store name. The dairy overlords have whey-ed in on our branding, and since we don't want to get into a cheesy situation, we've been forced to go with a new name. Say hello to Beverage."

Maker House

Maker House announced expansion plans into the Nordstrom store in the Rideau Centre on April Fools' Day.

"Thanks to your generous support over the years, we’re very excited to announce that we are moving into one of Ottawa’s largest retail spaces in the Rideau Centre – the former Nordstrom location, where we will have two floors, and 157,000 square feet, to showcase more local makers than ever!" Maker House said on Instagram.

Plans include a "Dog-of-the-Day Track" and Photo Booth and a "Build-a-Box Station" on Level 1.

"With two floors and 157,000 square feet of space, there’s more room than ever to shop local and support Canadian makers," Maker House said. 

Return of the house hippo

Global Affairs Canada reminded Canadians to watch out for North American house hippos. 

"Check bedroom closets for their nests and keep your kitchen floor clean of their favourite foods, such as raisins, chips and peanut butter on toast," a tweet from the @Canada account said.

The North American house hippo was the subject of a popular Concerned Children's Advertisers PSA in the late 1990s. Today, it appears, the government is warning Canadians to watch out for the beloved creatures again (who are much larger than they were more than 23 years ago!)

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