What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Feb. 3-5

The Sonic Runway light-art installation on William Street in the ByWard Market. It's part of the festivities for Winterlude. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa Top Stories

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Interim RCMP commissioner Duheme 'very concerned' about foreign interference

As questions continue to swirl around the issue of other countries' meddling in Canadian affairs, interim RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme says he's 'very, very concerned' about foreign interference, and would like to see the national force be able to use intelligence as evidence in its investigations.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Duheme appears as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Search for man continues after police pull 8 bodies from waters near Akwesasne

Akwesasne Mohawk Police say they are working with Immigration Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm the identities of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River this week.

W5 investigates

W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton

Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.

Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says

After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.

April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast

The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.

Hungry iguana bites and infects toddler with rare bacterial infection before snatching her cake

A rare infection with tuberculosis-like symptoms was reported in a toddler after an iguana bit her before snatching away a slice of cake on a trip to Costa Rica.

At least 21 dead after tornadoes rake U.S. Midwest, South

Storms that dropped possibly dozens of tornadoes killed at least 21 people in small towns and big cities across the South and Midwest, tearing a path through the Arkansas capital, collapsing the roof of a packed concert venue in Illinois, and stunning people throughout the region Saturday with the damage's scope.

W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton

Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
'Shame on them': last bank in Louisbourg, N.S., slated to close

Residents in Louisbourg, N.S., say the expected closure of its last bank is yet another hit to a community in recovery.
Minimum wage increases in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

The minimum wage increases in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Saturday.

Toronto

This part of the proposed Ontario Place design 'overwhelms' public space: report

Toronto city planners have found some issues with the proposed redevelopment of Ontario Place and say one part of the design is so big it 'overwhelms the public realm.'
Brampton, Ont. man charged with sexually assaulting, harassing female paramedics in Peel Region

A Brampton, Ont. man is under arrest after what is being described as a “troubling series of events” that saw female paramedics in Peel Region allegedly sexually assaulted and harassed.
4 suspects sought after loss prevention officer assaulted during grocery store theft in east end

Toronto police are looking for four suspects wanted in connection with a theft at a grocery store and the assault of a loss prevention officer in the east end last Thursday.

Montreal

Search for man continues after police pull 8 bodies from waters near Akwesasne

Akwesasne Mohawk Police say they are working with Immigration Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm the identities of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River this week.
Montreal shuts bustling downtown strip over heritage building safety concerns

A bustling strip in Montreal is expected to be closed for at least a week after the city raised concerns about the safety of a heritage building on Sainte-Catherine St.
Legault's on Twitch, Plante has an album, and other Quebec April Fools' highlights

April Fools' Day -- better known as poisson d'Avril in Quebec -- is upon us. Some of the province's familiar faces got into the spirit Saturday with a few light-hearted social media pranks.

Northern Ontario

Man arrested, weapon seized on Nipissing First Nation

The Anishinabek Police Service has taken one man into custody and seized a weapon following an incident on Gerald Crescent in Garden Village on Nipissing First Nation.
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton

Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
Northern Ont. man receives lifetime hunting ban, fined $5,000 for grouse stash

A northern Ontario man has been banned from licenced hunting and fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to having more than six times the legal limit of grouse and obstructing conservation officers.

London

London, Ont. firefighters brave floodwaters of the Thames River in search

Early Saturday afternoon, the London Fire Department began a search of the Thames River, east of Adelaide Street.
Firefighters face water shortage fighting barn fire near Parkhill

A wooden barn has been completely destroyed by fire on Springbank Road near Parkhill, Ont.
Conservation authorities warn of potential flooding

Local conservation authorities are issuing flood statements due to the heavy rainfall.

Winnipeg

'It seemed like a nightmare': Survivor of crash that killed 4 teens recovering in Winnipeg hospital

The mother of a 15-year-old girl recovering in hospital after a major car crash is thanking the first responders who pulled her from the wreckage.
Two people found dead in Dauphin: RCMP

RCMP in Dauphin are investigating the deaths of two people Saturday morning.
'A tremendous feeling': Brandon's Royal Winter Fair wraps up week-long celebration

A long-running, beloved Brandon event is celebrating a successful return to fully in-person festivities this spring break.

Kitchener

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival back for first time since 2019

A delicious tradition has returned to Waterloo region.
Head-on crash in Brant County seriously injures two, alcohol believe to be factor: OPP

Brant County OPP believe alcohol was a contributing factor in a head-on crash that left two people seriously hurt.
Flood warnings issued for West Montrose, Drayton, New Hamburg, and Ayr

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued flood warnings to four communities along the Grand River watershed.

Calgary

'Like a coup': Albertans say they're worried about Take Back Alberta's growing influence

Some have speculated it's already "the power behind the throne" of the UCP, but a controversial right wing group appears to be grabbing even more influence ahead of Alberta's May election.
Calgarians collect clothing and donations for victims of Marlborough house explosion

Community members gathered Saturday to donate gently used clothing, gift cards and cash, along with messages of support for the victims of a devastating northeast Calgary house explosion.
Alberta's provincial court receives new name that communicates purpose 'more clearly'

The Provincial Court of Alberta will now be known as the Alberta Court of Justice.

Saskatoon

Apartment fire ends with $100K in damage: Saskatoon fire

Several Saskatoon residents were displaced after an overnight fire ravaged a three-story housing complex.
Man injured during arrest with Taser: Prince Albert Police

A 40-year-old man is in hospital after being tasered by members of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).
Saskatoon police seize cocaine, cash during trafficking investigation

Saskatoon police have arrested a Neuanlage, Sask. woman and a man after a drug trafficking investigation.

Edmonton

Alberta's provincial court receives new name that communicates purpose 'more clearly'

The Provincial Court of Alberta will now be known as the Alberta Court of Justice.
Oilers in playoff mode while Ducks finish out season

The Edmonton Oilers are showing they can win in a variety of ways, a recent trait that should provide them a boost heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Dog blood donations needed across Canada for emergency procedures

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology hosted a special blood clinic Saturday to refill the supply for canines.

Vancouver

Blood-covered Ikea rug prompts appeal for information from B.C. RCMP

A blood-covered rug is at the centre of an unusual appeal for information from police in the B.C. Interior.
Knife attack on Surrey transit bus leaves man with life-threatening injuries

Metro Vancouver Transit Police are investigating a stabbing involving a TransLink bus in Surrey Saturday morning.
Firefighters say Hastings Street tent occupants made battling SRO blaze challenging

Firefighters say 10 people have been displaced after a fire in an SRO hotel on the Downtown Eastside Friday night.

Regina

Police operation underway in north central Regina

The Regina Police Service is warning the public to stay away from a section of the North Central neighbourhood due to an ongoing operation.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1

The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
Sask. RCMP ask for assistance in search for man wanted on assault charges

RCMP in Punnichy is requesting assistance from the public in the search for a man wanted on assault charges.