Convoy protestors escape fines

Sponsored by

Good morning!

Had a fun experience this week, thanks to the warm weather. Was able to strap on the baby carrier (and the baby) and take him out for a walk with the dog. Now that he’s big enough, he gets a chance to face forward to the world.

He also looks preeeeetty cool in his sunglasses.

Unfortunately, he’s still not big enough to dry the dog off for me. Some day…

We’ve got plenty to get to today, including the possibility of a launch date for the new north-south rail line, and plenty of events this weekend.

Let’s get to it.

— Robert Hiltz, managing editor

PS - Did someone forward you the Lookout? Sign-up for free and get smarter about Ottawa.

WEATHER

Friday: +4 🌡️ -20 | 🌧

Saturday: -8 🌡️ -16 | ☀️

Sunday: -1 🌡️ -1 | 🌤/❄️

Monday: +5 🌡️ -1 | ☀️

POLICING

Does the treatment of convoy returnees set a double standard?

What happened: Neither Ottawa police or bylaw handed out any fines or tickets during the weekend’s convoy protest reunion, but they did give out “violations” to some of the protestors, CBC reported. Police and bylaw were worried about their safety during the protest and backed off instead.

• “We have several investigations ongoing with regards to the use of fireworks and noise-producing devices.… However, at this point in time, no tickets have been issued, as it was identified that there was an officer safety issue during the convoy protest,” Kim Ayotte, the city’s general manager of emergency services, told reporters, according to the broadcaster.

Escalation? Officers were worried that issuing tickets would risk escalating the situation. Similar fears have not been present at other, non-convoy protests. Bylaw said they are still investigating one incident where protestors set off fireworks in the downtown.

Double standard? The city insists this does not constitute a double standard, when compared to other protests. This despite multiple fines being issued to supporters of trans rights or pro-Palestinian rallies where hefty fines have been handed down for the use of a megaphone (and presumably no perceived threats to the safety of officers either). Several megaphones were present at the weekend protest.

• Recently, a union leader was arrested at a strike rally before speeches even started. Alex Silias was arrested for “impeding traffic” at the rally in an industrial part of the city, CBC reported at the time. 

The Lookout’s view: Setting a precedent that the more disruptive and threatening a protest, the less likely there are to be consequences is not ideal. It is very hard to square the assertion this isn’t a double standard, to the point it’s basically unbelievable. Police and bylaw appear to be signalling to the public that peaceful protest will be punished, but if you are disruptive enough and menacing enough, a protest can get free reign. So much for the lessons “learned” during the convoy…

SPONSORED BY SOLFARMERS

Spanish is knocking at your door. Would you be open to try new flavors?

Would you like to experience new flavors? Look no further! Solfarmers brings authentic products from Spain directly to your doorstep. Prepare delicious Spanish Paellas, Tapas, and Pintxos like an expert, as we have easy recipes available for you and a wide variety of Spanish gourmet products, such as Iberian ham, chorizo, Manchego cheese, and Boquerones, fresh anchovies, Valencia paella rice, Andalusian olive oil, and many more.

Take advantage of our Free Shipping service (see conditions) and for a limited time, get a 15% DISCOUNT on the total of your purchase in the online store with the CODE: SOLEATS15

(*) Discount applicable throughout the online store on orders over $100. Valid until 03/31/2024.

OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🚌 $17 million: The size of the deficit the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s bus system will run by 2027 as the province withdraws funding and puts the burden on local boards. [Ottawa Citizen]

👮‍♂️ 87: The number of new officers the Ottawa Police Service was able to hire last year, well short of their target of 107 new recruits. [CTV]

TRANSIT

Trillium opening day still to be confirmed…but maybe soon!

What happened: Next week we might finally have a date for the opening of the north-south Trillium O-Train line. The head of OC Transpo said the city would have “very good news” to share next week, CTV reported.

• Transit general manager Renée Amilcar was coy with providing anything firm when she spoke with reporters, saying only there would be good news to share. But she did say “I've always said that for the Trillium Line, it should be this spring, so I'm still there.”  

Testing, testing: Trains have been undergoing testing since the start of the year. Initially, it was expected that the line would be open in the fall, but that date has been pushed back several times. The good news is that, unlike the shambles of Line 1 testing, the new train system will have had plenty of running time in the winter.

The new line will connect Riverside South to the rest of the transit system, and will include a spur that goes directly to the airport.

THE AGENDA

🏛️ Gatineau Mayor France Bélisle announced she would be immediately stepping down from her post. Bélisle said the hostile political climate, including a number of death threats she had received, led to her resignation only three years after she was elected. A byelection will be scheduled to replace her, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. [CBC]

🚘 As part of its update of zoning bylaws across Ottawa, the city is considering lowering or dropping parking minimums altogether. In the outer suburbs, new buildings need 1.2 parking spaces per unit, while older suburbs require at least one space per unit. Those requirements may be reduced, or eliminated in the upcoming review to help lower housing costs. [CBC]

📈 Expect the cost of a new home to go up. The Ontario government overruled a decision by the provincial energy regulator, allowing Enbridge to pass on the costs of expansion directly to consumers. Enbridge can now demand new homeowners pay the entire cost of connecting them to the gas system upfront. Previously, the connection fee was paid off over the course of several decades. [The Narwhal]

🥵 Warm temperatures this week closed the Canal to skaters Wednesday evening. The NCC said the closure was temporary, and they hope to reopen the skateway when conditions improve. [CTV]

⚖️ The Ontario government continues to drag its feet on introducing legislation to remove councillors found to behave inappropriately. The government has blocked several laws introduced by other parties that would give cities the power to remove officials. Disgraced former Ottawa councillor Rick Chiarelli was found to have sexually harassed multiple staff members, but was able to keep his seat on council despite multiple findings of misconduct. [CBC] 

🤒 Ottawa Public Health is keeping an eye out for measles outbreaks, but so far no infections have been detected in the city. Dropping vaccination rates are leading to the reemergence of the dangerous and highly infectious disease. [CTV]

🏀 For the first time in more than two decades, the Carleton University Ravens look set to miss the men’s basketball national championship. The last time the team missed the tournament was 2002. [CTV]

EVENTS

What to do this weekend

Music

💍 The Music of The Lord of the Rings, Saturday 7:30 pm: The Ottawa Pops Orchestra hosts a night of music inspired by the iconic book series, playing De Meij's Symphony No. 1 which was inspired by JRR Tolkien’s writing. At Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre 355 Cooper St. Tickets start at $17.

🎸 The Trews House of Ill Fame 20th Anniversary Tour, Saturday 8 pm: Back on the road, The Trews are playing the entirety of their debut album for its 20th anniversary, plus all your favourties of their other work. At Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr. Tickets start at $41.

Sports

🤼 C*4 Wrestling presents HIGH TENSION, Friday 7:30 pm: The latest show in local wrestling, including the much-anticipated return of AEW’s Santana. At 523 Saint Anthony St. Tickets start at $33.

Culture

🏛️ Reconciliation and Legislatures, today 11 am: A seminar exploring how legislatures fit into the process of reconciliation. At 180 Wellington St, Room 425. Tickets $175.

🏆 Black Youth Action Showcase, Saturday 3 pm: A day celebrating Black youth in the community. Includes speeches, a fashion show and plenty more. At 335 Michael Cowpland Dr. Ticket prices vary.

Other

🫀 Dinner and Fundraiser for The Ottawa Heart Institute, Saturday 5 pm: A four-course meal with a silent auction, 50/50 draw, prizes, music and more to raise money for the Heart Institute. 200 Coventry Rd. Tickets $92.

👩‍🌾 Depth of Field - Growing Resilience on the Farm, Saturday 6 pm: A screening of Depth of Field, followed by a panel discussion on farming featuring local producers. At the Parish Hall Amphitheatre, 40 Campus Dr., Kemptville. Tickets $7.

CAPITAL EATS

What to do this weekend

🔮 Experts gathered in Ottawa to discuss the Future of Food and our food editor was there to digest it all.

🌶️ Rude Mama Vietnamese hot sauces bring plenty of rich flavours. They’re perfect for peanut rice noodles, as the included recipe shows off.

🍜 (Insiders) For decades Yangtze has brought great food to the city. It’s worth more than just the nostalgia factor, they’re still providing great meals.

🥟 (Insiders) The dim sum team up of two restaurants under one roof means double the great meals. (Don’t miss the pork shumai!)

🍷 (Insiders) This one Scicillian producer has brought two great wines to the market, with plenty of bottles available in the Ottawa area.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• A new pro lacrosse team is coming to the city for the next National Lacrosse League season. The Ottawa Black Bears will play out of the Canadian Tire Centre. [CBC]

• Curious about AI? Ai for normal people is the newsletter for you, whether you're a complete newcomer or a seasoned pro, they've got you covered. Sign up for free today. [Sponsored]

• Get ready to name that plow! The city will run a contest for kids under 16 to name its fleet of snowplows. [Twitter]

• A bit more abstract than normal…but yep, it’s a sunset alright. [Reddit]

• A local man cut a 25-metre swim lane in the Ottawa River. The Citizen found out why. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Police are warning about a scam by a fraudulent company offering to do inspections of your heating and air condition system. [CTV]

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

OTTAWA GAMES

Congrats to Ricky and Marry Ann, the two of you who knew this week’s Ottawa Guesser was of François Dupuis Recreation Centre. 

Think you can solve this week’s Ottawa Wordle? Play now.