Spring snowstorm brings 18 cm of snow to Ottawa, knocks out power across eastern Ontario
The biggest snowstorm to hit the region in two months created slippery driving conditions in Ottawa, and left thousands of customers without power across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Ottawa received 18.6 cm of snow and 14.5 mm of rain during the storm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Ottawa police reported over 50 collisions so far today, including a double-decker OC Transpo bus sliding off the road on Frank Kenny Road. The bus driver was assessed at the scene. Ontario Provincial Police in Hawkesbury urged drivers to stay off the roads due to snow drifts and whiteout conditions.
A tow truck pulls a double-decker OC Transpo bus out of a ditch on Frank Kenny Road Thursday morning. Paramedics say one person assessed at the scene. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)
Environment Canada lifted the snowfall warning for Ottawa Thursday afternoon.
School buses are running for English and French language schools in Ottawa, while buses were cancelled for the Upper Canada District School Board, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and in Renfrew County for schools in Zone 4 Madawaska. There was no school bus service for French-language schools in Brockville, Carleton Place, Almonte, Prescott-Russell, Marionville, Merrickville and Kemptville.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Commuters reported slushy road conditions across the city today. Officials with the city of Ottawa insist staff were ready to treat the conditions during the storm.
"Our crews are out there. Roads are mostly slushy, with some snow-covered turn lanes," Bryden Denyes, area manager of Ottawa roads, told CTV Morning Live on Thursday.
"Our crews are out there; we'll treat those conditions, we'll be looking at sidewalks throughout the day as well to make sure the transportation network is safe."
The spring snowstorm came as some people were already looking ahead to spring with a tire change. Staff at Kal Tire say customers have been coming in to remove the winter tires.
"Last couple of weeks, we've been doing a pretty crazy amount of tires actually," said Tyler MacPherson, Kal Tire senior assistant manager.
"We’ve been doing 30 to 40 cars a day. Almost all of those have been for new tires or tire changeovers."
Danielle Bogan was getting the tires changed while the snow fell outside.
"It was heavier in some spots; the roads are wet, but no snow on them at all," Bogan said.
"I was making the appointment several months ago, and I just figured I would come in any way."
Snow falls in the ByWard Market on Thursday, April 4. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa
Crash involving a school bus
No one was hurt when a vehicle collided with a school bus in Chelsea, Que.
The collision happened on Chemin de la Montagne at approximately 8:15 a.m.
Police say the driver of the school bus was unable to make a turn onto a side street, when they were unable to make the turn due to the slippery road conditions and was hit from behind by another driver.
There were 14 children onboard the bus at the time of the crash.
Police say both vehicles still had their winter tires on.
Power outages
Hydro Ottawa reported an outage affecting 1,256 customers in Ottawa's south end. The outage in the area of Big Dipper, Capricorn and Borbridge was expected to be restored by 4 p.m.
Hydro One says approximately 20,000 customers remain without power from Petawawa to Alexandria following the storm.
Hydro Quebec says 15,758 customers remained without power in western Quebec Thursday afternoon, including 9,880 customers in Papineau. There is no word on when power will be restored.
Camp Fortune
Camp Fortune in Chelsea, Que. is closed for the day due to a hydro outage.
The popular ski hill had planned to open for a 'Snow Day at Skyline" due to the snow.
In a statement Thursday morning, Camp Fortune said "we tried."
"Today's snow day is cancelled due to a major power outage at Fortune and in Chelsea."
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Dave Charbonneau
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65, reports say
Rickey Henderson, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball’s all-time stolen bases leader, is dead at 65, according to multiple reports.
Arizona third-grader saves choking friend
An Arizona third-grader is being recognized by his local fire department after saving a friend from choking.
Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the apparent attack on a Christmas market
Germans on Saturday mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people, injuring 200 others and shaking the public’s sense of security at what would otherwise be a time of joy.
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
Blake Lively has accused her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to “destroy' her reputation in a legal complaint.
Oysters distributed in B.C., Alberta, Ontario recalled for norovirus contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall due to possible norovirus contamination of certain oysters distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions
The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines' obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an "exceptional circumstance" outside of carriers' control.
Atlantic
-
Cancellations, closures accompany Maritime storm
There are a number of closures in the Maritimes Saturday after a nor'easter brought heavy snow to parts of the region.
-
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
-
Youth dies following accident in Moncton, N.B.
RCMP in Moncton, N.B., said one of two passengers, a youth, involved in an accident on Monday, has died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
Toronto
-
Man arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in Mississauga
Peel police have arrested a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a female minor in Mississauga's Square One area on Dec. 9.
-
Leafs captain Auston Matthews misses game against Islanders with undisclosed injury
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews sat out Saturday night’s game against the New York Islanders with an undisclosed injury.
-
Toronto opens 2 more warming centres as temps dip below -15 C
Toronto is opening two additional warming centres at 5 p.m. on Saturday to support people experiencing homelessness as the temperature is expected to dip to a chilly -15 C.
Montreal
-
Major factory fire in the Maskinonge, Que.
A major fire devastated an industrial building in the municipality Maskinongé, Que on Saturday.
-
West Island clinic set to close at the end of December
Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire will shut its doors on Dec. 31.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Saturdays this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Northern Ontario
-
Robinson Superior First Nations provided settlement offer from Canada over annuities owed
Details haven’t been made public yet about the settlement offer presented on Friday by Canada to the 12 First Nations in the Robinson Superior Treaty Territory.
-
Northern Ont. man illegally killed three moose, one deer
A man from the northwestern Ontario community of Dinorwic has been found guilty of multiple hunting offences and fined $6,500, banned from hunting for five years and placed on probation for 18 months.
-
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
Windsor
-
Former workers of 'one-of-a-kind' entertainment hub reunite
Former employees of the Elmwood Casino gathered outside their old stomping grounds Saturday, exactly 50 years after the prominent Windsor joint shut its doors.
-
'Heartwarming': Windsor-Essex families receive help filling underneath the tree
Space under the Christmas tree became far more limited for several Windsor-Essex families who received a visit from volunteers at Project Christmas.
-
'It's got to stop, it's that simple': Windsor cab drivers warn of unregulated operators
Drivers now compete with individuals using social media to advertise rides at cut-rate prices. One person offers $10 rides within the city, while another promotes daily trips from Windsor to Toronto for $45 per person.
London
-
New Canadians displaced after fire destroys east London townhome
A family of new Canadians from Nigeria are looking for a new home just before Christmas. Fire destroyed their townhome on Bentley Drive in northeast London, Ont. Friday night.
-
Feeling Festive? Check out this display of over 300 lit Christmas trees
“We have over 300 Christmas trees on display, the majority of them are sponsored and decorated by all of our amazing local businesses,” says Ashley Mason, event and hospitality manager at CASO Station and ECRM in St. Thomas, Ont.
-
Sarnia Police Auxiliary Unit works to return stolen shopping carts to businesses
The high cost of crime is often passed on to consumers – whether it’s shoplifting, vandalism or property damage.
Kitchener
-
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
-
Impaired driver causes significant delays on Waterloo highway
A 24-year-old man is facing charges after driving while drunk across two Waterloo Regional highways on Friday.
-
Fire destroys home in Haldimand County
A home in Haldimand County has been destroyed after a Saturday afternoon fire.
Barrie
-
One driver faces several charges following Highway 400 crash in Oro-Medonte
Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 400 in Oro-Medonte.
-
High school teacher charged with sexual assault amid allegations involving a student
A 51-year-old teacher from Georgina has been charged with sexual assault following allegations involving a student.
-
Hospice Simcoe mourns loss of COPE service pup, after 7.5 years of service
The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy.
Winnipeg
-
Residential parking ban lifted in Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg has lifted its parking ban on residential streets, which means its winter route ban is back in effect.
-
Bail denied for Winnipeg woman accused of killing animals in online videos
Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail.
-
Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2024
It’s been another year of Manitobans doing interesting, incredible and cool things. The hardest part of compiling this list is cutting it off at 100.
Calgary
-
'This shouldn't happen': Calgary family seeks changes after WestJet accessibility incident
A Calgary woman wants WestJet to apologize to her daughter and to improve staff training on accessibility after an incident during their latest trip.
-
Promise of high-level hockey comes at a cost for prep school players at Circle K Classic
Calgary is set to host the Circle K Classic, welcoming some high-end talent and pricey prep schools for the annual U18 AAA hockey tournament.
-
Flames get goals from 6 players in a 6-4 victory over the Blackhawks
Jonathan Huberdeau, Connor Zary, Blake Coleman, and Matt Coronato each had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 on Saturday.
Edmonton
-
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
-
Icy conditions: Alberta RCMP warn of poor driving conditions on QEII between Leduc and Red Deer
Alberta RCMP issued a warning to drivers Saturday morning about slick conditions on the QEII between Leduc and Red Deer.
-
Heavy police presence in south Fort McMurray: RCMP
RCMP warned Fort McMurray residents Saturday night about an unfolding police incident in Beacon Hill.
Regina
-
Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice
Regina's mâmawêyatitân centre held a day of gathering for the Winter Solstice on Saturday.
-
Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend
Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact.
-
Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage
The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
-
Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community
A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need.
-
Sask. lawyers defend judge for staying fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association is defending a provincial court judge, who’s facing backlash for staying a charge in a high-profile case involving the death of a child.
Vancouver
-
Man wounded in Mission, B.C., shooting
One man was injured in a shooting in the Lower Mainland city of Mission Saturday morning, Mounties confirmed.
-
Winds exceeding 120 km/h reported in parts of B.C. coast
Residents of parts of the British Columbia coast are again bracing for high winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 110 km/h in some areas.
-
2 dead after car crash in Burnaby
Two people were killed in a car crash in Burnaby early Saturday morning, police confirmed.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
-
B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays
Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory.
-
Internet stranger's kind gesture restores Canucks fan's faith in humanity
A Nanaimo, B.C., couple is in awe at the kindness of an internet stranger who helped them track down a coveted Christmas gift.
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.
