The National Capital Commission has approved the disposal of seven federal properties in Ottawa's Confederation Heights area, including the former CBC building at 1500 Bronson Ave. The decision marks a significant step in the federal government's plan to divest surplus real estate in the capital region.
Confederation Heights Properties Targeted for Disposal
The NCC's approval covers seven parcels of land and buildings within Confederation Heights, a federal precinct southwest of downtown Ottawa. The former CBC broadcasting centre, which has been vacant since the corporation moved to new facilities, is among the most prominent sites listed for disposal. The properties are considered surplus to federal operational needs and will be sold or redeveloped through a competitive process.
According to the NCC, the disposal aligns with the government's broader strategy to optimize its real estate portfolio and reduce maintenance costs. The agency did not provide a timeline for the sales or an estimated total value of the properties. Confederation Heights is home to several federal offices and heritage buildings, and any redevelopment will be subject to municipal zoning and heritage approvals.
Senior Canadian Forces Officer Charged with Sexual Assault
A senior Canadian Forces officer based at national headquarters in Ottawa has been charged with sexual assault. The officer, whose name has not been released by military police, was charged in early June following an investigation. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service laid the charge, and the officer is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Military officials have not disclosed details of the alleged incident or the officer's rank and unit, citing the ongoing judicial process. The charge comes amid continued efforts by the Canadian Armed Forces to address sexual misconduct within its ranks, following multiple high-profile cases and recommendations from external reviews.
Catholic School Board Reverses Decision to Cut Bus Attendants
The Ottawa Catholic School Board has reversed its controversial decision to eliminate school bus attendants for students with special needs. The board announced the reinstatement of the program nearly three weeks after parents and advocates learned of the planned cuts. The reversal follows public outcry and pressure from families who rely on the service to ensure the safety of their children during transit.
In a statement, the board said it had secured alternative funding to maintain the attendant program for the upcoming school year. Parents like Amanda Jollymore, whose daughter Mia McPhail uses the service, expressed relief at the decision. “It was a stressful few weeks not knowing if my daughter would have the support she needs on the bus,” Jollymore said. The board had initially cited budget constraints as the reason for the proposed cuts.
GlobalEye Deal Expected to Speed Up Surveillance Aircraft Procurement
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on May 27 that the Canadian military will acquire the GlobalEye early warning and control aircraft from Swedish manufacturer Saab. The deal, unveiled at the CANSEC defence trade show in Ottawa, is expected to significantly reduce the procurement timeline for a new airborne surveillance fleet. The GlobalEye system, based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, provides advanced radar and command-and-control capabilities.
Defence officials said the acquisition will replace the aging CF-18 fighter jets' support role and enhance Canada's ability to monitor its Arctic and maritime approaches. The exact number of aircraft and total contract value have not been disclosed, but the government has emphasized the urgency of modernizing surveillance capabilities.
Ottawa's Best Cornbread Comes from Its Only Mexican Bakery
Chiqui Bakery, Ottawa's sole Mexican bakery, has earned a reputation for its not-too-sweet cornbread, which owner Jessica Perez describes as the perfect opening bite before traditional pastries like conchas, chocoflan, and cinnamon-laced horchata. Located in the city's west end, the bakery has become a local favorite for authentic Mexican baked goods. Perez, who immigrated from Mexico, started the business to share her family's recipes. The cornbread, made with masa harina and sweet corn, has been praised by customers as the best in the city.
