Inflation affecting holiday shopping habits in Ottawa
Tis the season for some holiday magic at the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne.
"It’s so cute. It’s so nice; you can spend as much or as little money as you want going to these events," said Madison Lacoste, while taking in the twinkling lights and sipping on hot apple cider with her family.
As the festive season ramps up, so does the urge to spend and many Canadians are feeling the pinch.
"I would say food is a bigger issue at Christmas time just because more family will be home and you’re trying to make it as special as possible," Karen Baird said Sunday.
"I started shopping later as a result waiting to see my budget, and it’s December now so time to get going," said Samantha Moonsammy as she checked out the local vendors at the market.
A recent Nanos survey shows about 46 per cent of Canadians will spend about the same this holiday season, while 43 per cent will spend less and about 10 per cent will spend more than previous years.
"I think we’re seeing a lot more muted activity right now," said Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University.
"I don’t think the spending is there, especially when you add it to higher interest rates, trigger rates on mortgages and large amounts of debts that Canadians have."
These pressures, combined with the threat of a recession in 2023, have many adjusting their shopping habits this holiday season.
"Even for each other we're probably spending less on each other," said Tony Hendricks, adding he and his wife Michelle are choosing to be strategic when it comes to their shopping.
"We did limit what we spent on each other but we are going to make sure everybody has a good Christmas," Michelle said. "I’m looking for more deals I would say this year."
When it comes to gift giving, retail analyst Bruce Winder suggests looking for last minute sales and other alternatives.
"Making gifts for people or even buying something or even buying something used, unexpected or unique, it might help you save some money," Winder said.
Ottawa Top Stories
-
-
-
-
-
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | Budget week at Ottawa City Hall as city faces 'unprecedented' pressures
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing 'inflection' point
The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an 'inflection point' where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
Federal departments failed to spend $38B on promised programs, services last year
The federal government failed to spend tens of billions of dollars in the last fiscal year on promised programs and services, including new military equipment, affordable housing and support for veterans.
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet set to retire after overseeing Vatican's bishops' office
Marc Ouellet, the Quebec cardinal who oversaw the Vatican's powerful bishops' office and has been recently accused of sexual misconduct, is retiring.
NDP to call for emergency debate in House of Commons over private health care
Federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh says he will call on the House of Commons to hold an emergency debate on the privatization of health care.
23 vehicles towed, dozens of tickets issued as rally marks one-year anniversary of 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa
OPS and Ottawa Bylaw officers issued 192 parking tickets and 67 Provincial Offences Notices in downtown Ottawa this weekend, as people gathered marked the one-year anniversary of the 'Freedom Convoy'.
Boris Johnson says Putin said he could hit him with missile
Former U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson said that President Vladimir Putin didn't seem serious about avoiding war in the days before Russia invaded Ukraine, and at one point told the British leader it would be easy to kill him with a missile.
Once-in-a-lifetime discovery: Indigenous jacket more than a century old turns up in small U.K. town
When 1990s suede fringe jackets started making a comeback last year, a U.K.-based vintage clothing company decided to order four tonnes of suede from a supplier in the United States. Along with that shipment came a once-in-a lifetime discovery.
Parliamentarians return to House of Commons facing rocky economic year
Economic matters will be top of mind for parliamentarians as they return to Ottawa to kick off a new year in federal politics.
Suicide bomber kills 34, wounds 150 at mosque in Pakistan
A suicide bomber detonated explosives during crowded prayers at a mosque inside a police compound in Pakistan on Monday, causing the roof to cave in. At least 34 people were killed and 150 wounded, officials said.
Atlantic
-
'I personally am affected by that': Nova Scotians express outrage over death of Tyre Nichols
Horror, outrage, and pain are just a few words Robert Wright uses to describe his feelings after watching Tyre Nichols pinned and assaulted by officers in Memphis.
-
Police seize vehicle believed to be involved in Fredericton hit-and-run
Fredericton police have seized a vehicle believed to be involved in a hit-and-run collision on Jan. 20. Now, they are asking the public to help identify the driver.
-
Actress and former senator Viola Leger, best known as La Sagouine, dies at 92
Actress, teacher and former senator Viola Leger has died at the age of 92.
Toronto
-
Truck rollover, diesel spill blocking highway access to Toronto Pearson Airport
A truck rollover that resulted in a diesel spill is blocking highway accessing to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
-
'She told the truth:' Hazel McCallion’s children mourn her death but celebrate her life
Following the death of former long-time Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion on Sunday, two of her children shared what made her special, both as a mayor and a mother.
-
Top doctor declares extreme cold weather alert in Toronto
Toronto will be opening its three warming centres later on today following the issuance of an extreme cold weather alert.
Montreal
-
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet set to retire after overseeing Vatican's bishops' office
Marc Ouellet, the Quebec cardinal who oversaw the Vatican's powerful bishops' office and has been recently accused of sexual misconduct, is retiring.
-
Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price family looking to move, sell home
Months after a knee injury put Montreal goaltender Carey Price off the ice for the 2023 season, the Price family says they're preparing to leave the province.
-
Six-year-old dies after incident at Quebec ski resort
A six-year-old girl died in hospital Sunday night after being involved in an incident at the Val-Saint-Côme ski resort in Lanaudiere. Quebec police are investigating, though details into the event are not yet known. Officers indicated that it involved a T-bar lift, but they were not able to say more.
Northern Ontario
-
Driver receives 24 traffic tickets in less than 24 hours
A southern Ontario driver operating a commercial motor vehicle based in Edmonton, Alta. has been charged with 24 Highway Traffic Act offences in a 24-hour period before the vehicle was removed from service in northern Ontario.
-
'24,' 'Runaways' actor Annie Wersching has died at 45
Actor Annie Wersching, best known for playing FBI agent Renee Walker in the series '24' and providing the voice for Tess in the video game 'The Last of Us' has died. She was 45.
-
U.S. mom convicted of killing her infant twins
A Missouri mother who reported that her infant twins were stillborn has been convicted of manslaughter. Maya Caston, 28, was convicted of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangerment.
London
-
Fatal house fire in London
One person has died after a house fire in London. Crews were called to the scene on Tremont Road near Trafalgar Street around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
-
'Precedent setting case': Southwestern Ontario judge rules homeless encampment can stay in park
It could be a watershed moment for homeless policies in Ontario. A judge denied a Region of Waterloo court bid for an injunction to have homeless encampments removed from land at Victoria Street North and Weber Street West in Kitchener due to too few shelter spaces, and the decision is already on the radar of city officials and homeless advocates in London.
-
'Police all over my yard': Neighbours recount 13-hour Woodstock, Ont. standoff
The Woodstock Police Service have arrested three men following an overnight standoff. Inspector Marci Shelton told CTV News London the incident began on William Street, just off Ingersoll Avenue shortly after 9 p.m.
Winnipeg
-
Frigid cold and extreme wind chills being felt across much of Manitoba
Manitobans are going to want to bundle up on Monday morning as much of the province is experiencing freezing temperatures.
-
Jennifer Jones returns to Canadian women's curling championship in Manitoba colours
Jennifer Jones wins Manitoba's women's curling championship
-
Extreme cold prompts school, bus cancellations in Manitoba
As much of Manitoba experiences extreme wind chill values on Monday, some Manitoba schools and buses are cancelled.
Kitchener
-
Local group organizes townhall with WRPS Chief to discuss action against hate crimes
Sunday marks the 6th anniversary of a deadly attack at a Quebec City mosque where six men were killed and five others were critically injured.
-
No injuries after fire at Cambridge McDonald’s
The Cambridge Fire Department said there were no injuries after a fire at a Mcdonald’s on Main Street in Cambridge.
-
'Could have been catastrophic': Fire official credits CO detector in helping save two people
The Waterloo Fire Department is crediting a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector for potentially helping to save the lives of two people early Sunday morning.
Calgary
-
Foothills Fieldhouse discussion returning to Calgary City Hall
The Foothills Athletic Park redesign could get a little closer to reality on Monday.
-
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing 'inflection' point
The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an 'inflection point' where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
-
The day the beer cooler fried: Craft brewer closes due to suddenly exploding suds
A Calgary craft beer store experienced its worst-case scenario Saturday night.
Saskatoon
-
Inmate who died in custody in Saskatoon had a history of self harm: Court records
An inmate in the Regional Psychiatric Centre died while in custody on Saturday.
-
'It was so soft': Wildlife festival excites and educates visitors of all ages
Saskatchewan is home to a wide variety of animals, but the Wildlife Festival brought over 50 unique animals from all over the world to show and share.
-
Saskatoon indoor track meet draws international stars
Over 3,000 athletes ranging in age and skill level participated in Canada’s largest indoor invitational international track and field meet, the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games.
Edmonton
-
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing 'inflection' point
The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an 'inflection point' where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
-
Alberta landowners fear repeat of orphan well crisis as renewable energy booms
Across rural Alberta, concerns are growing about the long-term implications of the province's renewable energy boom — the speed and scale of which has been nothing short of stunning.
-
Community town hall to focus on future of Hwy 16A and Range Road 20 intersection
The future of an intersection west of Edmonton in Parkland County, known by some as the "death trap" for being the scene of multiple crashes, continues to be reviewed by the provincial government.
Vancouver
-
Dozens of animals killed in fire at Surrey exotic animal rescue
A fire at an exotic animal rescue in Surrey killed dozens of animals and displaced many more over the weekend.
-
Orthopaedic surgeries down 25% in B.C. public hospitals as private sector picks up slack
Orthoopaedic surgeons report that they’re doing only three quarters of the surgeries they used to in B.C.'s public hospitals, with an increasing number of taxpayer-funded procedures carried out in private facilities
-
B.C. couple says they were scammed by 'professional' wedding photographer who used stock images as portfolio
A Vancouver couple says they were scammed by a wedding photographer who used stock photos for his portfolio, delivered sub-par snaps of their big day, and then stopped taking their phone calls.
Regina
-
Extreme cold warnings issued for eastern Sask.
Parts of eastern Saskatchewan including Regina, as well as the far north are under extreme cold warnings on Monday morning.
-
Team Silvernagle will represent Saskatchewan at Scotties Tournament of Hearts
Team Robyn Silvernagle from North Battleford, Sask. will make their third appearance as Team Saskatchewan at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts next month.
-
City to host public information session with update on Saskatchewan Drive renovation
The city has planned a public information session to provide an update on the Saskatchewan Drive Corridor Project.