2024 was a busy year for news. This year is already off to a hectic start

Good morning!

It is nice to be back. I hope you all had a fun-filled, relaxing holiday season. 

We’ve got a bit of a different newsletter today before we get back to full regular programming on Monday. As we turn the page to a new year I wanted to reflect on all of the news stories we covered last year, and a look ahead to what some of the big headlines of 2025 might be for Ottawa. 

I’d also like a quick note to thank the over 350 of you who have signed up to become insiders. You’ve helped us exceed our goal of reaching 250 new members. It’s thanks to you that we can keep producing important local content. We’ve got some super exciting exclusive content starting next week. 

For now let’s take a look back and a look forward at what’s to come! 

— Charlie Senack, managing editor 

[email protected] 

X: @Charlie_Senack

PS - If you missed the fundraising deadline and still wish to become a member, we’ve extended the 29% discount until the end of today. Become a member today.

If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign up for free.

WEATHER

Friday: -6 🌡️ -13 | 🌨️

Saturday: -13 🌡️ -17 | 🌨️

Sunday: -12 🌡️ -18 | 🌨️

Monday: -10 🌡️ -13 | ⛅️

CITY

Let’s start with a look back: 2024 was a busy year

Ottawa is, of course, a busy city since we are the Capital of Canada. But beyond that, we are also large in land mass and have a population of over one million. Within an area of 2,778 square kilometres, we are Canada’s fourth largest city. You can actually fit the cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal combined within our land mass. 

A fact I feel is often forgotten is that Ottawa is more than just its urban core. There are wards like College and Knoxdale-Merivale which are sort of a hybrid between urban and suburban living. Then you have places like Kanata, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Orleans, that are as suburban as you can get. Travel further out, and you’re in the farmer’s fields of Richmond, North Gower, Navan and Dunrobin.

As a result the key issues of one community can vastly differ from another. Capital Ward loves bike lanes and supporting transit — and so they should. Richmond, on the other hand, recently voted down a bike lane for its Main Street because that space would be better used for cars. Residents in those areas also typically advocate for higher transit fares over higher promoter taxes because it’s a system they will rarely — if ever — use. 

The point of all of this is to say it’s not a wonder there is so much news to report on in Ottawa, and because of readers like you, we are able to keep doing that. And we are a better city for it. 

A year in local politics

The light rail shut downs: Would it really be the start of a year without the light rail system breaking? When Robert Hiltz wrote his first newsletter of 2024 the first story was about the LRT shutting down due to structural concerns. Concrete fell in the St Laurent tunnel, but no damage was reported.  

The Lansdowne debacle: In early January, the Glebe Community Association appealed plans for Lansdowne 2.0. Its main areas of concerns were the removal of greenspace from the park and the size of proposed residential towers. The group lost its appeal. 

In June it was announced the cost of building Lansdowne 2.0 was actually higher than expected. The Ottawa Citizen reported that delayed timelines and increased construction costs would bring the total project to around $500 million — about $75 million more than what was budgeted. 

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also defended building an arena that is smaller than the current one, despite the WPHL hockey team seeing great success. He said it’s being built for more than just one tenant. 

• “It's not just about the seats, it's not just about selling tickets, it's also about the experience at the games, the atmosphere, the experience for the players who are now using very, very old-fashioned, outdated facilities at the current arena," Sutcliffe said, according to CTV. 

A new hockey arena: After much waiting, the Ottawa Senators purchased 10 acres of land from the NCC to eventually build a new stadium at LeBreton Flats. It’s been a long time in the making and it will still be a few more years before shovels are in the ground. While defending the concept of public-private partnerships, the team said taxpayers shouldn’t expect to be on the hook for the arena, reported the Ottawa Business Journal. 

A ‘New Deal for Ottawa’: During a stop in the Capital, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced funding for Ottawa — but notably absent was any transit funding. Included were up to $197 million over three years in provincial operating supports and up to $346 million over 10 years in provincial capital supports. The highlights included: The maintenance and rehabilitation for Highway 174 being downloaded to the province; funding for the downtown core and public safety; design and construction dollars for the Barnsdale/Highway 416 interchange; and funding for a Kanata North transitway. 

‘Fairness for Ottawa’: While the new funds were appreciated, it was not enough for Mayor Sutcliffe who said the city is facing a “financial crisis.” With the city’s budget facing a $140 million shortfall over the next three to four years, he said the upper levels of government needed to pay more. He also alleged the federal government had shortchanged the city of $100 million over the past five years on payments in lieu of property taxes on its buildings, which are exempt from local taxation, reported Global News. 

Budget drama: City Hall made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it tabled its draft 2025 budget. Seniors were going to be faced with a 120 per cent increase to their monthly passes, with the youth pass being eliminated altogether. In the end, some common sense prevailed and solutions could be found. Some councillors told the Lookout they believed this was a political stunt all along. 

Diane Deans: Ottawa mourned the passing of Diane Deans, who represented the ward of Gloucester-Southgate for 28 years. Deans’ death came two weeks after entering palliative care for ovarian cancer, which she was diagnosed with five years prior, reported CBC. 

A year in crime 

Car thefts: It was a big year in 2024 for vehicles being stolen from people’s driveways. Vehicle thefts actually decreased by about 20 per cent last year, but still over 1,500 were reported, according to CBC. In the fall, CTV reported that Gloucester-Southgate was Ottawa’s ward with the most vehicle thefts, followed by Bay Ward, Rideau-Vanier and River Ward. 

Mass murder: Barrhaven was home to Ottawa’s worst homicide on record on March 7. Six Sri Lankan natives, including young children, were stabbed to death by 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa who was living with the family, reported the Barrhaven Independent. In the days following, vigils were held and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe ran a marathon to support the surviving father Dhanushka Wickramasinghe. 

Femicide: In February a new word was introduced to many people’s vocabulary. Jennifer Zabarylo’s body was found in a home in the city’s west end near Kanata. The 47-year-old’s death is considered a femicide, police said, since the death occurred in the context of intimate partner violence, reported CityNews. 

Killed in daylight: In October, the word was used again after the killing of 36-year-old Brkti Berhe. She was out playing at Paul Landry Park on Uplands Drive with her young kids when she was brutally stabbed. Police said Tekhle had a domestic relationship with a family member of the victim, reported CTV. 

Some other stories that caught our eye 

The weather: Who could forget how warm it was last winter? In late February, temperatures reached 11.9 C — half a degree of breaking a record. This had a negative effect on the historic Rideau Canal, which closed for the season on Feb. 25 after being open for a short period. In November, we learned the National Capital Commission lowered the ice thickness standard so it could open in the first place, reported CTV. 

The future of the Alexandra Bridge: The National Capital Commission unveiled three design options to replace the century-old, iron-made Alexandra Bridge. The ‘echo’— which is not a replica — is the most similar to the existing structure and is intended as a “representation.” ‘Rendez Vous’ includes two aches, and the third option, ‘Motion,’ is supposed to represent the flow of the river, reported CBC.  

Searching for answers: The Lookout wrote many feature stories in 2024. One of them was a profile on Mathew McGrath, a Carleton Place man who was missing for months before his body was found in the river. His sister Melissa Rainville is demanding answers and believes his death was no accident. You can read the full feature here. 

Protecting greenspace: The Hunt Club community continued to fight for more greenspace after a forest was bulldozed to initially make way for a car dealership parking lot. Those plans were axed, and the land owned by the Ottawa Airport Authority is on the market, but the group would like to see it replanted. 

At the same time an advocacy group called Gentle Ways for our Planet is planting new trees in parts of the city with the least tree canopy. It comes as the NCC says its forests damaged by the 2022 derecho will take decades to replant. 

Saving lives: Natalie Bergin's world changed in April 2022 when her son William died from an accidental overdose of Flubromazolam. The Barrhaven mom channelled her mourning into action and has started a group called Trace the Lace. Its aim is dedicated to advocating for crucial reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies investigate every aspect of a person's death when they overdose. That includes tracking down the dealers who sold the illicit drugs. 

The future of South Keys: Today, South Keys shopping Centre is a sprawling concrete jungle with 3,000 parking spots and dozens of stores. But, a new residential tower with greenspace is planned and one community group hopes that’s just the beginning. You can read all the plans here. 

NUMBERS

🛌 2,952: The number of homeless people living in Ottawa. That’s a 13 per cent increase compared to 2021 numbers. The Ottawa Mission says people are sleeping on plastic chairs as a result of demand for beds. [Ottawa Citizen]

💵 $28,000: The amount of cash and suspected drugs seized by OPP during a traffic stop on Hwy 417. [Ottawa Citizen]

🐕 4: The number of pet ice rescues fire crews responded to in one week. [CTV]

🚗 100: The number of Eastern Ontario drivers charged during the OPP annual ‘festive RIDE’ campaign. [CTV]

CITY

2025 is already off to a busy start. Here is what is on our radar for this year

Federal election coming: A federal election needs to occur on or before Oct. 20, 2025, but with the way things are going, a spring election is more likely. Both the Conservatives and NDP have said they would bring forward no confidence votes as Justin Trudeau’s leadership remains in question. Similar votes were brought forward before, but NDP leader Jagmeet Singh vowed over the holidays to bring the government down. Nepean MP Chandra Arya, who was a longtime ally of Trudeau, wrote the PM a letter stating it was time to go. 

• “While I align as a fiscally center-right Liberal and have often disagreed with your more left-leaning positions, I have consistently supported you since last summer, even when some of our colleagues called for your resignation. However, it became apparent today that you no longer hold the confidence of   the House of Commons,” Arya wrote on Dec. 20. “Now I reasonably certain that a majority of the Liberal caucus no longer supports your leadership.”

During a holiday cabinet shuffle, longtime Ottawa South MP David McGuinty was named the Minister of Public Safety. Despite being first elected in 2004, this is McGuinty’s first time serving in cabinet, reported the Ottawa Citizen. 

Voters could head to the polls again: There has been much speculation that Ontario Premier Doug Ford could call an early provincial election. The reason? It would be in his favour. With a year and a half to go until the next election needs to be called, Ford is leading by 18 per cent, according to an Abacus Data Ontario Poll.

This will be the first election in over a decade where both the Liberals and NDP have a new leader. Marit Stiles has replaced Andrea Horwath for the NDP. Horwath was leader from 2009 until 2022. The Ontario Liberals have struggled to get their footing since Kathleen Wynne lost official party status in 2018. Former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is now serving as their leader. 

• An Ontario election will mark some big changes for Ottawa, a city which has been forgotten in many ways by the province. In Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod is not running again after serving since 2006. Her last day is at the end of February. Liberal candidate Tyler Watt is running for the second time there, with the Conservatives still to choose a candidate. Watt came in second place in 2022 with about 2,000 fewer votes than MacLeod. 

Carleton will also see new representation as the Progressive Conservatives run current Osgoode city councillor George Darouze. The seat is currently held by Goldie Ghamari who was ousted from the PC caucus last year after meeting with an anti-Islam campaigner. 

Ottawa Centre will also have a seat to fill as NDP representative Joel Harden runs federally in the riding instead. The party has chosen former Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney to be the Ottawa Centre provincial NDP candidate. 

Transit funding — maybe? In a year-end interview with the Lookout, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe hinted that transit funding could be coming from upper levels of government — he hopes so anyway. If progress is there, that could be hindered by possible elections. In a sit-down interview with the CBC, Sutcliffe tried to put a positive spin on things. 

• “I think it's a huge opportunity (provincial or federal elections) for us to advance our priorities and to talk to the candidates who are running in Ottawa and to the candidates who are running to be the next premier or the next prime minister about what Ottawa is going through," said Sutcliffe. 

Light rail is finally here: After a two-year delay, the Trillium Line light rail expansion from Bayview Station to the airport and Riverside South finally opens Jan. 6, with a three-phased approach. The Confederation Line eastern expansion is also slated to arrive this year, but when remains uncertain. Plans were for the spring, now it could be the end of the year. The stations included are: Blair to Montréal, Jeanne d'Arc, Convent Glen, Place d'Orléans and Trim Road. 

Sprung structures: Despite backlash from multiple communities, Ottawa is still set to build Sprung Structures in Nepean and possibly Kanata to deal with a surge of newcomers entering the country. This is dependent on federal funding, though, and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poiloevre has spoken out against the plan. The city says the only other option is to use more community centres which would negatively impact communities. 

Some other highlights: Westboro Beach is finally set to reopen after being closed for years due to revitalization efforts. Nearby, the city says it will continue to explore the possibility of using the Chief William Commanda Bridge for winter use. The Ironman Triathlon is coming to Britannia Beach in 2025. Kìwekì Point behind the National Gallery of Canada was supposed to open last fall, but it’s been delayed to this spring. The Thunderhead monument recognizing people affected by 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination should open this summer between the Supreme Court and Portage Bridge.

THE AGENDA

Let’s catch up on some of the news headlines you might have missed over the holidays. 

🐲 The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival is unsure if it can continue after being cancelled for five years due to unsafe ice conditions on the Rideau Canal. Organizer John Brooman said writing was on the wall over the event being axed again, and said if an alternative location can’t be found, it will probably be scrapped altogether. [Ottawa Citizen]

🌉 You might recall Kingston’s 107-year-old LaSalle Causeway bridge had to be demolished in June after it was damaged during rehabilitation work. One local resident took scrap from the bridge and used it to make keep-sake Christmas ornaments. They include rivet holes, unique scratches and, of course, the green paint that was part of the bridge's distinctive look. [CBC]

🚎 OC Transpo’s union says it’s dealing with a shortage of bus mechanics. The reason is due to working conditions, the union said, and that’s having a negative impact on bus reliability. The average lifespan of a bus is 12 years, but many are operating for longer. [Ottawa Citizen]

🌍 Did you feel the ground move? A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in western Quebec also shook parts of eastern Ontario early Sunday morning On Dec. 29. [Toronto Star]

🏒 The OHL has announced plans to expand the 20-team hockey league and Cornwall says they are looking to be considered. The city hasn't had an OHL club since 1992, when the Cornwall Royals moved to Newmarket, Ont., and then became the Sarnia Sting two years later. [CBC]

⛸️ The Bell Capital Cup has debuted a new sledge hockey division for children with disabilities. “They are playing to win their championship, just like all the other kids that are playing in this same tournament," said Bell Capital Cup general manager Mark Sluban. [CTV]

💰 If you’re looking to pay less on your 2024 tax return, the federal government said people now have until Feb. 28 to send a donation to charity and claim it for last year. Ottawa businesses are welcoming the change after struggling to get donations during the recent Canada Post strike. [CTV]

❤️‍🩹 A Gatineau family is focusing on recovery after being attacked in Panama. Geneviève Plouffe and her partner Martin Audette were in the middle of a years-long road trip across South and Central America in a bus when the incident occurred. The attackers demanded money and used a hammer alongside the butt of a gun. [CBC]

👮🏼‍♀️ There was a heavy police presence in Hintonburg on Christmas Day as the city’s 25th homicide of the year was reported. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Jolene Arreak, who was reportedly visiting the area for the holidays. A second person was injured and is in hospital. Manasi Foo, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder. [CBC]

🚔 Ottawa Police are investigating after shots were fired in the Glebe on New Year’s Eve. No victims have been identified. [Ottawa Citizen]

In business news

🍗 Craving some chicken? Chick-fil-A is set to open a second Ottawa restaurant at the Rideau Centre on Jan. 9. In honour of the new restaurant opening, the US-based chain will donate $34,000 to a local non-profit organization through Second Harvest. Another Chick-fil-A is located at Kanata’s Tanger Outlets Mall. [CTV]

🌵 The ByWard Market's Blue Cactus restaurant has closed its doors “effective immediately” after 35 years in business. There was no reason given for the closure, but a sign on the door said “this decision comes as we transition from one chapter to the next, and while it is bittersweet, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared with you.” [CTV]

🍴 Ottawa nightlife mogul Abbis Mahmoud is launching a new restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Blue Cactus Bar and Grill. He plans to open his newest establishment, Grey’s Social Eatery, in the space around the end of February. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🎶 Ottawa's Cafe Dekcuf on Rideau Street has shut down due to the 'economic downturn.’ The live-music club recently faced multiple spats with landlords who are now scrambling to make the January mortgage payment. [Ottawa Citizen]

EVENTS

New Year’s Run | Lansdowne Park | Jan. 4 | Free to watch 

Winter Wonders at the Canadian Science and Technology Museum | 1867 St Laurent Blvd | Until Jan. 5 | Price of admission 

IIHF World Junior Championship Fan Fest | Lansdowne Park | Until Jan. 5 | Free

ByWard Winter Market | ByWard Market Neighbourhood | Until Jan. 5 | Free

Toddler Tuesdays | National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St | Jan. 7 | Free

Final Symphony: Music from FINAL FANTASY | National Arts Centre | Jan. 10-11 | Tickets are $31

Ottawa StoryTellers' Signature Series | Arts Court, 516 Bay St | Jan. 12 | Tickets are $23 (students in person $10)

Lansdowne Farmers Market | Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way | Jan. 12 | Free

Trend Arlington Winter Carnival | 50 Bellman Drive | Jan. 18 | Free

Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show | EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr | Jan. 23-26 | Tickets range from $5 to $12

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Here is a look at the New Year’s Eve fireworks which took place at Lansdowne Park.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Ottawa’s ice fishing season is shrinking due to climate change. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Here are some photos from the World Junior’s fan festival at Lansdowne Park. [Ottawa Citizen]

• These are the Ottawa Public Library's most requested books in 2024. [CBC]

• Meet Ottawa’s first baby of 2025. [CTV]

• Renfrew's NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum has unveiled a 'women in hockey' exhibit. [CTV]

• The Ottawa Senators have unveiled a new wallpaper for your phone. [CTV]

OTTAWA WORDLE

Think you can guess the first Ottawa Wordle of the year? Play it here.