Drama by the Water: Sherlock Holmes Steals the Show in Prescott
By David Johnson The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival is arguably the most beautiful place to see a play in Canada. Set in Prescott, Ontario, the theatre has the St. Lawrence River and slowly passing cargo ships as its backdrop. Better yet, the festival offers up excellent theatrical productions of Shakespeare and other playwrights. My parents and […]
How Platforms Like RT Bet Have Seen a Rise in Ottawa Players
Across the digital entertainment landscape, online casinos have extended their reach far beyond their original markets. In recent years, platforms such as RT Bet have seen a marked increase in participation from Ottawa, reflecting both a global surge in activity and a shift in the city’s entertainment preferences. The Ottawa trend mirrors international patterns. Worldwide, […]
Conservatives Forced to Shadowbox as Carney Lands Real Punches for Canada
Elbows up, eh? Canadians have embraced the phrase. The Conservatives call it all talk, no action—but like most things, the truth is somewhere in between. I’ve been covering federal politics in Ottawa for almost 30 years. I’ve seen leaders rise, fall, and occasionally reinvent themselves. But I can’t recall a leadership shift as stark—or as […]
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa: A Review
On July 3, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa opened its doors with its signature Guitar Smash, which is the brand’s own modern version of the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders all joined the stage for the event. David Foster and Katharine McPhee performed as part of the opening celebrations, and […]
New Arena Deal Pushes Ahead For Senators
Ottawa’s dream for a new downtown arena that would house the city’s NHL franchise is closer to becoming a reality. An agreement is now in place between the hockey team and the National Capital Commission to sell approximately 11 acres of property on LeBreton Flats to the Senators. Senators’ President Cyril Leeder indicated this was […]
Poll Shows Canadians Want Ottawa to Shrink Its Bloated Bureaucracy
A new Leger poll commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reveals growing frustration among Canadians over the federal government’s expanding bureaucracy, with a clear majority calling for cuts to both its size and cost. According to the poll, 54 per cent of Canadians believe the federal bureaucracy should be reduced, while only 4 percent […]
Album Reviews: Sofia Kourtesis, Blusher, Panic Shack
Sofia Kourtesis – Volver Berlin, Germany/Lima, Peru Though she often makes a name for herself creating dance tracks that feel like wondrous extensions of something she could DJ, Sofia Kourtesis moves beyond that on her new record. Mixing traditional tones, more hardy vocals and a blend of her production and performance talents, this is a […]
The Canadian Guide to Applying for a Loan with Bad Credit
Let’s be honest. Having bad credit in Canada can feel like you’re stuck in a loop. You need a loan to get ahead, but your credit score keeps holding you back. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Thousands of Canadians are in the same boat, and luckily, getting a loan isn’t off the table. You just […]
Solange Tuyishime: A Life of Purpose, Rooted in Ottawa
Solange Tuyishime, photographed in Ottawa, is a humanitarian, entrepreneur, and CEO of Elevate International. She is also a UNICEF Canada Ambassador and co-founder of Naylah’s Legacy, a charity supporting premature infants and maternal health. Photo: Solange Tuyishime’s journey to Ottawa began thousands of kilometres away, shaped by war, displacement, and resilience. Born in East Africa, […]
5 Highly Recommended Tutors in Canada for Your Child
Finding the right tutor for your child can be a game-changer — not only for their academic performance, but also for their confidence and overall attitude toward learning. Whether your child is struggling in math, preparing for university, or simply needs more structure with homework, a skilled tutor can offer personalized guidance that classroom settings […]
Paid Street Coming to Westboro and Wellington West
The City of Ottawa is installing Pay and Display meters in Westboro and Wellington West, with operations set to begin in September. While some might see this move as a tax grab, it actually stems from the Kitchissippi Parking Study Update, approved by City Council in July 2024. The study found that paid street parking […]
Natural Compounds That Promote Relaxation and Nighttime Calm
Today, when stress and overstimulation are often the norm, getting quality rest has become a luxury rather than a given. Many people struggle to unwind at the end of the day, which can have significant consequences on their health. While pharmaceutical solutions are available, they often come with unwanted side effects or a risk of […]
Grace in the Kitchen and Hummingbird Chocolate Join Forces to Create a Stellar Cheese and Chocolate Tasting
Take one cheese expert, one craft chocolate-maker and a group of curious gourmands gathered on a summer evening, and what do you get? At Hummingbird Chocolate in Almonte last week, the result was a group of very enthusiastic participants. Erica Gilmour, co-owner of Hummingbird, and Kyle Weaver, cheesemonger at Ottawa’s Grace in the Kitchen, led […]
Word for Word: How Canada’s National Spelling Bee Is Shaping Youth Literacy
In a hall filled with bright lights and quiet tension, young spellers from across Canada gathered in Ottawa in July to participate in the 2025 Canada National Super Spelling Bee finals. The annual event, aimed at students aged 5 to 14, draws contestants from every corner of the country through a series of school and […]
How to Design for the Ocean Floor: Challenges and Breakthroughs
Designing for the ocean floor is unlike any other engineering pursuit. It calls for resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of an environment that’s still largely unexplored. From immense pressure to complete darkness, the seabed presents challenges that require unique technological and material solutions. Today, advances in submersible architecture, robotics, and autonomous systems are changing […]
Montreal Think Tank Says Carney Government Must Rein in Spending and Shrink Bureaucracy to Avert Fiscal Crisis
As consultations for the next federal budget unfold, the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to pivot sharply from the status quo. In its pre-budget submission, the think tank calls for deep spending cuts, a rollback of costly new programs, and a sweeping reduction in regulatory burdens that have stifled […]
‘Hamilton’ at the NAC Brings Founding Fathers to Life With Power and Precision
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington—even John Hancock, whose oversized signature has become a modern meme—are names Canadians know well. While we may not remember every detail, the story of the United States’ founding fathers is one we’re broadly familiar with. Now on stage at the National Arts Centre until Sunday, August 17, […]
Why Hiring a Local Cleaning Service Supports Your Community
You’ve noticed — keeping a clean home or office can feel like a never-ending game of catch-up. Life gets busy. Dust doesn’t care. And when you’re juggling work, kids, groceries and maybe even a dog that sheds like it’s a full-time job, cleaning often falls to the bottom of the list. So, what’s the solution? […]
Jays are Toast of the Town Once More
It’s not quite become appointment viewing but it’s getting pretty darn close. In fact, as I was mentioning to a friend just last night, tuning in to watch the 2025 version of the Toronto Blue Jays is becoming somewhat commonplace. Things aren’t like they used to be. Let’s face it, unless you’re a fanatic of […]
This Hamilton Star Has a Surprising Ottawa Connection
Hamilton, one of the most popular musicals ever, returns to the National Arts Centre this week. One of the performers, Lauren Mariasoosay, who plays Eliza, has a connection to the nation’s capital in that while she was born in Saskatchewan, she spent the first few years of her life in Ottawa. Mariasoosay’s career is very […]
The Assassination of D’Arcy McGee: Uncovering Sparks Street’s Dark Chapter
By Marcel Viau Just a short walk from Parliament Hill, Sparks Street is known today for its patios, souvenir shops, and offices. Most people strolling along the pedestrian strip have no idea they’re walking through one of the most dramatic—and mysterious—chapters in Canadian history. Sparks Street isn’t just a commercial corridor, it’s part of Ottawa’s […]
Album Reviews: The Ting Tings, Lord Huron, Natalie Bergman
The Ting Tings – Home Salford, England From their breakout moment as a defining indie sleaze band, the last place you’d expect The Ting Tings to have ended up was taking notes from Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, but here we are. While the results are very hit or miss, it’s impressive that The Ting […]
La Paz, Mexico: Canadians Are Falling for Baja’s Coastal Charm
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is gaining ground as one of Mexico’s most rewarding destinations, especially among Canadians looking for a winter escape that’s rooted in community, nature, and authenticity. Ottawa Life Magazine recently spoke with Luz María Zepeda, General Director of the La Paz Tourism Trust, who says Canadian interest is […]
5 Ways to Have a Safe Vegas Vacation for the Whole Family
Las Vegas has evolved from its adults-only reputation to become a remarkable destination for family adventures. The city now offers countless attractions suitable for all ages, from breathtaking shows to interactive museums and outdoor adventures. However, navigating “Sin City” with children requires thoughtful preparation to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Here are five comprehensive approaches […]
Understanding the Legalities of Non-Licensed Online Casinos in Canada
The virtual gambling industry is a very dynamic area. Its regulation varies from region to region. In some countries, online casinos are strictly prohibited, while in others they are legalized and controlled by the authorities. Canada occupies an intermediate position. In this case, gambling is regulated at two levels: federal and provincial. This structure creates […]
