COVID-19 Ottawa:

There are seven new COVID-19 cases in Ottawa Thursday.

Overall, the city has confirmed 2101 cases since the first one was reported here in March, with 85 per cent of patients now recovered. No new deaths were reported Thursday, with that total staying at 263 for the last week.

COVID-19 Ontario:

Ontario is reporting 153 new cases, and four new deaths related to the novel coronavirus.

The total number of cases now stands at 35,370, including 30,730 marked as resolved and 2,680 deaths.

Armed Man Arrested on Rideau Hall Grounds:

R-C-M-P arrested an armed man on the Rideau Hall property this morning. Charges are pending.

The police presence this morning included at least one armoured car as well as support from the Ottawa Police Service in preventing vehicular and pedestrian traffic to the area.

The Prime Minister and Governer General were not home at the time of the incident.

Teacher Charged With Sex Offences:

A local high school teacher has been arrested on sex charges.

Ottawa Police say Majed Turk, 42, who taught with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and criminal harassment, in connection with alleged incidents involving female students last fall.

Investigators believe there may be more victims out there, and are encouraging anyone with more information to contact police 613-236-1222, ext. 5760 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Local Beaches Closed Due to Over-Crowding on Canada Day:

Ottawa Police dispersed large crowds at Mooney’s Bay and Petrie Island beaches Wednesday.

The excessive crowds caused concerns over physical distancing protocols, and the capacity at both beaches. Investigators say people left the beaches without incident, and no charges were laid.

First Nations Lose Second Trans Mountain Appeal:

Canada’s highest court will not allow a group of First Nations to appeal the federal government’s second of approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

Nations including the The Tsleil-Waututh and Coldwater Indian Band successfully halted the government’s first approval of the project in 2016 after convincing the Federal Court of Appeal that the consultation process had been inadequate.

The Federal government approved the project again in 2019 after a second round of consultations, which the nations once again felt were inadequate.