Plane crash injures at least two

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Good morning! 

OC Transpo has decided it will now run 24-hour bus service to and from the airport, because, as many of you know, it takes quite a while to get to it, even with LRT. We’ve got all the details.

I am very excited to meet the 30+ of you who signed up for our members-only dinner tonight. We are so thankful for the support and hope to do more events in the future.

A reminder to everyone, there will be no newsletter on Monday because of the long weekend. See you back here Wednesday! 

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected] X: @Charlie_Senack

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

WEATHER

Friday: 23 🌡️ 14 | ☀️ 

Saturday: 27 🌡️ 17 | 🌤️

Sunday: 29 🌡️ 18 | ☀️

Monday: 28 🌡️ 18 | 🌤️

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

The perfect lunch?: It doesn’t exist. But the next best thing may be Corner Peach at 802 Somerset St. W. I had their smashburger last night and it was about as good as you can ask for. I’ll leave the Burger Safari to our food editor Ralf, but it’s certainly one worth checking out.

A good trim: Those of you attending our sold-out food event tomorrow will get to see my new beard trim and haircut (or at least what’s left of my slowly receding hairline!). And that’s thanks to the fine folks at Metcalfe Barber Shop. Quick and professional, I even got to enjoy a game of Australian Rules Football on their TVs. Don’t ask me the rules, I have no idea. 

Thank you to our partners: This one is a bit different, but I wanted to give a shoutout to our advertising partners this month. You may have seen a few of them in the newsletter. A big thank you to the National Arts Centre, EnviroCentre, Ottawa Chamberfest, Francesco Campanile and Savvy Company. We really love partnering with local organizations, so if you’re looking to reach new customers, drive event attendees or grow your brand in your neighbourhood, reach out to our partnership team.

— Recommendations by Lookout founder editor Geoff Sharpe

NEWS

At least two people rescued after plane crash near Ottawa Airport

It was around 6.00 pm. Thursday evening when Sam Hickman returned home from work. He began unpacking his truck, getting ready for a relaxing long weekend. Then, suddenly, he heard a loud crash overhead. 

“It sounded like construction equipment falling over or something bad happening. So I started down the street thinking that one of my neighbours who's been doing a bit of work this week had an accident,” Hickman told the Ottawa Lookout. “But about halfway down the street someone yelled that a plane had fallen. I immediately called 911, who said they were already on their way. 

First responders arrived about 10 minutes later. They found a small Grumman AA-5A aircraft with three people on board that had fallen into trees. It was hanging about 20 feet from the ground. 

Two people — a man and a woman — were rescued and were transported to hospital by ambulance escorted by police. Both are listed in stable condition. As of 9:00 pm last night, the third person, believed to be the pilot, was still trapped. Hickman said it didn’t look good. 

Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio told reporters Thursday evening during a press conference that the plane struck hydro wires as it fell from the sky. Crews were unable to start extracting people until the power was first cut off by Hydro Ottawa crews. 

“Firefighters had to deal with a very complex situation to do the extrication. The plane was stable in the tree, but we performed the extrication from one of our aerial ladders,” said DeFazio. “We have two types of aerial ladders, one that's just a ladder at the end, which is a stick ladder, and then one that is a bucket. They used a bucket ladder, they were inside the bucket using our extrication tools to extricate the occupants.”

Ottawa Airport Fire Service was also on scene and was providing foam to be used on the fuel that was leaking from the plane. Ottawa Fire’s water rescue team was deployed with the hazardous materials team to set up booms in the Rideau River to contain the spill. 

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) was deployed to look into what caused the crash. During a press conference, spokesperson Nic Defalco was unable to provide many details, but said the plane was making a landing at the airport when it struck the power lines. 

“Investigators are on site. There'll be interviewing witnesses and examining the site, and looking at the wreckage to see what they gather tonight,” he said. 

 Hickman, who is used to hearing planes fly overhead, said it’s not common to see that type of plane land there. 

“It didn't sound like a normal plane, because I can usually hear them coming. And that one, I didn't hear coming,” said Hickman. “This runway is not used as much. It is less frequently used just because of the wind patterns in Ottawa. And when it does get used, it's normally commercially.”

Riverside Drive between Hunt Club and Riverside Road remained closed for much of the evening, but have since reopened. The Ottawa Airport says its operations have not been impacted by the incident. 

THE OTTAWA NUMBER

$1,300

🥕 That’s how much the City of Ottawa says the average Canadian can save each year by reducing food waste at home. The City is encouraging residents to use Foodsharing Ottawa’s Facebook Group “Share it - Don't toss it!” as a way to connect with other Ottawa residents to share or collect surplus food before it goes bad. Read more. [City of Ottawa]

SPONSORED BY FRIENDS OF THE FARM

Take a walk in the woods with "Pathways to the Trees"

Perhaps you’ve strolled among the many beautiful trees of Ottawa’s Arboretum. But have you ever stopped to wonder about their history? A new book, Pathways to the Trees, published by the Friends of the Central Experimental Farm suggests eight different guided walks to enhance your visit while learning about their place on the Farm and in the world.

The book celebrates 125 rare and familiar tree species and features over 800 stunning colour and archival photographs, along with text and maps. Selected trees are profiled through a close-up view of their shape, leaves, flowers, bark, and fruit, accompanied by a discussion of their growing conditions and native habitats.

Other publications by the Friends of the Farm include Blooms: An Illustrated History of the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm; Building Canada’s Farm; and Ottawa’s Farm: A History of the Central Experimental Farm.

THE AGENDA

🚴‍♀️ Ironman Ottawa is taking place on Sunday and there will be many road and bridge closures to accommodate the 2,500 athletes who will be swimming, biking, and running their way around the city. OC Transpo routes along affected roads will be rerouted. Read more. [City News]

🚨 It’s also a long weekend, so there will be closures and holiday hours in place at various businesses and services across the city. CBC has compiled a list of what’s open and when. Most notably, there will be no garbage or recycling pickup on Monday, some liquor stores will be closed, buses will operate on a Saturday schedule, and city-run recreation centres and libraries will be operating on a modified schedule or closed. Read more. [CBC]

🚦 After witnessing a traffic accident where a cyclist was hit by a truck, City Councillor Ariel Troster is re-upping her campaign for the city to ban right turns on red in the downtown core. CTV notes that there were two instances where a cyclist was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday alone. Read more. [CTV]

🏠 The Ottawa Community Land Trust is selling bonds to fundraise for the purchase of multi-unit residential properties that can be preserved as permanently affordable housing. The non-profit raised $3 million from 133 investors in 2024 and is continuing to offer bonds starting at $1,000, with interest paid over three to seven years. Read more. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🚰 The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is asking Rideau Valley watershed residents and businesses to conserve water, noting that there has been little rainfall this summer. Most Ottawa residents and businesses rely on the Ottawa River for water and would not be impacted by this voluntary reduction. Read more. [City News]

🏃‍♂️‍➡️ Canadian Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse won’t be competing in this weekend’s Canadian Track and Field Championships after experiencing tightness in his hamstrings. He told CTV Ottawa he decided to play it safe out of an abundance of caution. He’ll still be attending the event to watch, meet and greet fans. Read more. [CTV]

👮 Police are looking for a white man in his 40s, approximately 5’7” with a large build, thinning brown hair, a beard, and tattoos of a cross and a flower on his left forearm, in connection with a robbery and assault in Centretown last weekend. Read more and see a photo. [Ottawa Police Services]

WEEKEND EVENT GUIDE

Canadian Track & Field Championships | Terry Fox Athletic Facility, 2960 Riverside Drive | Jul. 30 – Aug. 3, 2025 | Top athletes compete for Tokyo 2025 spot | Tickets $82

Capital Pop-Up Cinema Presents – Say Anything | Sparks Street, Ottawa | Aug. 1 at 8:30 pm | Outdoor 80s movie night on Sparks | Free

See the Bees | Gees Bees Honey Company, 538 River Rd | Saturdays and Sundays from 10:15–11 am | Live beekeeping demo and bee education | Tickets $13

Glengarry Highland Games | 34 Fair Street, Maxville, Ontario | Aug. 1–2 | Pipe bands, dance, sports, whisky, and Scottish culture | Tickets various prices

Rugby Canada Women's 15s vs USA Rugby Women's 15s | TD Place, 1015 Bank Street | Aug. 1, 2025 | Canada’s only home game before World Cup | Tickets $55+

Alta Vista Market | St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2345 Alta Vista Dr | Aug. 2 | Saturday market with local produce and goods | Free

The Heart of Orléans Market | Orléans Town Centre, 290 Centrum Blvd | Aug. 3 | Weekly market with local vendors and food | Free

War Machines Weekend | Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place | Aug. 9–10, 7 am–2 pm | WWII tanks and demos, music, activities | Free with museum admission

Beechwood Market | Stanley Park, 203 Stanley Avenue | Aug. 9, 6 am–10 am | Local produce, breads, and handmade goods | Free

Ottawa MuslimFest | Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd | Aug. 9 | Muslim arts, performances, and cultural pride | Free

Water Lantern Festival | Andrew Haydon Park, 3127 Carling Ave | Aug. 9 | Lantern launch on the water at sunset | Tickets $55

Celebration of Canadian Music | Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg | Aug. 9 | 19th-century music, dance, and singing school | Tickets $28

Dogs Day at the Market | 1442 Baseline Road | Aug. 10, 4 pm–8 pm | Dog parade, photo booth, vendors, music | Free

Nostalgia Music Festival | LeBreton Flats | Aug. 20–24 | Tribute bands from the 70s–90s, food, bars | Tickets $63+

North American Festival of Wales | Sparks Street | Aug. 27–31 | Welshfest street party, concerts, hymn sings | Free

Want to see your event here? You can purchase them through our self-service portal here.

TRANSIT

OC Transpo starting new 24-hour service to the airport

Hop on board: Eight months after O-train light rail service to Ottawa Airport launched, OC Transpo is now starting a 24-hour bus route to “offer more options for east-end residents” looking to board a plane, says a memo to council. 

• Route 105, as it will be labelled, will run about every 30 minutes and connect the airport to St. Laurent and Hurdman Stations. The number was selected in honour of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, a supersonic aircraft and symbol of Canadian innovation. It will launch at the end of August. 

When the O-Train isn't running overnight, a new overnight service will operate from Rideau and Hurdman stations, replacing Route N98 and part of Route 197.

By the numbers: It is believed that about 1,000 commuters ride the airport link from South Keyes every day. 

For those looking to take the service from the east end, they must take the Confederation Line to Bayview, then the Trillium line to South Keys, and then another train to the airport. The entire journey would take about an hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Taking it by bus instead would take about an hour. The new route 105: only 30-35 minutes. 

More expensive: The end of August will also bring an end to the youth pass, which currently costs $104 a month for those between the ages of 13 and 19. Instead, they will now be switched to an adult pass, which costs $135. 

Route changes: Come Sept. 1, Route 125 to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Route 139 to Petrie Island and the extension of Route 8 to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, will all be cancelled. But to help with the demand of riders heading to Carleton University and La Cité, service on Routes 7 and 25 will be increased.

Have some thoughts on this story? Want to share some insight with the Lookout community? Share your opinion in our Comment Corner and it could be featured in future newsletters.

FOOD

This may soon be your new ice cream obsession

Biscoff Lotus Cookie, Strawberry Shortcake, these ice cream sandwich combinations are something special. And so are Amy Forster and her partner Erik, the team behind these delicious local creations.

Read the story

SPORTS

The Ottawa RedBlacks could have a chance at the playoffs

Finally a win: The Ottawa Redblacks got back in the win column Thursday with a 31-11 win over the Calgary Stampeders at TD Place.

The win improved the Redblacks’ record to 2-6-0. In an ironic twist to an otherwise disappointing season, Ottawa’s only two wins have come against Calgary, which is considered by many to be the best team in the Canadian Football League.

They have a chance: Despite having only four points, the Redblacks are only two points out of the final playoff spot. The BC Lions hold a cross-over spot with six points, while the Redblacks and Toronto Argonauts have four points.

• “It’s always good to win, and it’s hard to win,” Ottawa quarterback Dru Brown said in his post game interview with TSN1200. “It was good to watch our defence.”

Next game: The Redblacks can improve their hopes for a playoff spot next weekend as they face the Argos in Toronto Sat., Aug. 9 at 3 pm.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Ottawa’s Kinetic Clock has found a new home at Britannia Park. [CTV]

• The Friends of the Farm is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator and Events Director. If you love the Farm, Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens, join us! [Sponsored]

• A sports blog is highlighting some cool things to know about the Ottawa Senators’ recently signed Lars Eller. Spoiler alert: four of them have to do with him being Danish. [The Hockey Writers]

• Nominations are now open for the 2025 Best Ottawa Business Awards. [Ottawa Business Journal]

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

ON THIS DAY

August 1, 1944: As World War ll was starting to come to an end, three Ottawa men were on a casualty list from France. The report stated Thurio Erskine Babcock, whose mother resided at 9 Warren Street, was killed in Normandy after stepping on a mine. It also stated that Pte. William John Sullivan of 14 Henry Street, and Spr. Joseph Emile Brisbois of 197 St. Patrick Street, were confirmed dead. 

August 1, 1957: An Ottawa boy who drowned in the Rideau River at the Dunbar Bridge became the city’s 31st victim of the summer. Brian Mitchell, 13, was pulled from the waters near Bronson Avenue after swimming with friends. 

• “He appeared to tire as he reached the sandbar and his two companions took turns holding his head above the water,” reported the Ottawa Citizen. 

One friend later went for help while the other continued to assist the Technical High School student until he lost hold and was swept away by the current.

OTTAWA WORDLE

Think you can guess today’s Ottawa Wordle? Play it here.