City of Ottawa recovers full amount of defrauded cash after $558,000 scam
Ottawa City Hall. (File photo)
The city of Ottawa says it has recovered more than half a million dollars lost in a fraudulent transaction earlier this year.
In a memo to city councillors, Chief Financial Officer Wendy Stephanson said the remaining funds were recovered Friday.
“Staff identified the fraud, took immediate action and retained external legal counsel to expedite the court process and necessary legal actions to recover the funds. As a result of the immediate action, the City has recovered all of the funds fraudulently taken,” Stephanson said.
Stephanson announced in mid-April that the city made a fraudulent $558,000 payment after being "impacted by illegal action perpetrated" against a partnering agency. That agency was identified as the Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre.
Two weeks ago, Stephanson said the city expected to recover "close to 100 per cent" of the funds, and had announced that $523,000 had already been returned.
A police investigation is underway.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Josh Pringle.
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.
Ottawa Top Stories
-
-
-
-
-
-
YEAR-IN-REVIEWYEAR-IN-REVIEW Top stories in Ottawa in 2024
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Azerbaijan on Thursday observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster, with some experts saying that the airliner was damaged by Russian air defence fire.
Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect
The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified.
Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year
It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops.
Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM.
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea
Finnish authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables, police said, in the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure.
Police in New Brunswick investigating Christmas Eve sudden death
An unconscious individual was found in the 600-block area of Lancaster Avenue early Christmas Eve morning, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Body found in wheel well of plane at Maui airport
A person was found dead in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight to Maui on Tuesday.
Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it
Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report.
Atlantic
-
Christmas Day fire causes heavy damage to building in Saint John, N.B.
A fire caused a power outage for around 900 residents of Saint John, N.B., Wednesday afternoon.
-
Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B.
Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning.
-
Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview
On the heels of a resounding election victory one month ago, Nova Scotia's premier is adopting a more measured tone when it comes to assessing his province's relationship with the federal government.
Toronto
-
OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters
A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down.
-
Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve
Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer.
-
1 person seriously injured in Scarborough stabbing
One person was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries following a stabbing on Dec. 25 in Scarborough, say paramedics.
Montreal
-
WEATHERWEATHER Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval
Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect.
-
Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department
A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself.
-
Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal
A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal.
Northern Ontario
-
Freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Greater Sudbury
Environment Canada issued a freezing drizzle advisory Thursday for areas in and around Greater Sudbury.
-
Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month
Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record.
-
Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus
Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination.
Windsor
-
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
-
VIDEO
VIDEO From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received
We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season.
-
'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located?
The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday.
London
-
Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage
A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays.
-
Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors
Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game.
-
London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak
London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning.
Kitchener
-
Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge
Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company.
-
Marking the start of Hanukkah in Guelph and Waterloo Region
People across Guelph and Waterloo Region are celebrating the start of Hanukkah.
-
Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors
Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway.
Barrie
-
Teen allegedly attempting to avoid R.I.D.E. program leads to police chase, arrest
A teenage driver is facing numerous charges after reportedly attempting to avoid a R.I.D.E. program and flee from police in Essa Township late Christmas night.
-
Woman charged after driving in oncoming traffic: OPP
A 78-year-old female driver is facing charges after reportedly driving into oncoming traffic in Wasaga Beach on Christmas Eve.
-
How Barrie is celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
While many were opening the last of their Christmas gifts Wednesday night, the Jewish community in Barrie and Simcoe County was lighting the first Hanukkah candle and gearing up for eight days of festivities.
Winnipeg
-
Have you seen Davis? Winnipeg police search for missing man
Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a man who went missing last week.
-
Winnipeg man arrested in Christmas home invasion
A 19-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged in connection with a Christmas morning home invasion that left one person seriously injured.
-
Firefighter hospitalized after convenience store blaze
A Winnipeg firefighter was taken to hospital in stable condition after he was injured in a convenience store fire Thursday morning.
Calgary
-
Multiple people injured as vehicle collision shutters Macleod Trail, Southland Drive
Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday.
-
Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction
Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction
-
Dr. Theresa Tam shares her top health concerns for Canada in 2025
As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.
Edmonton
-
These are the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024
CTV News Edmonton looks at the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024, and how you can protect yourself.
-
Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut
"It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it."
-
Naheed Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction
Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction
Regina
-
Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries
One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina.
-
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
-
Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year
It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops.
Saskatoon
-
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
-
IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos
A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca
-
Sask. highway closed following serious collision
The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown.
Vancouver
-
Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast
The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster.
-
Cats rescued from abandoned vehicles in Metro Vancouver
Multiple cats have been found in abandoned vehicles that have been towed in Metro Vancouver over the past month, according to the B.C. SPCA.
-
Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations
BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect.
Vancouver Island
-
Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations
BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect.
-
Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast
The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster.
-
BC Ferries cancels many Christmas Day sailings, says others 'at risk'
The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans.
Kelowna
-
Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city
A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna.
-
Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP
Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature."
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
