Latest from Spencer Van Dyk
Downtown business owners relieved to reopen their doors
Downtown Ottawa business owners are celebrating being able to reopen once again after being forced to shutter their doors during the more than three week protest that was rife with traffic disruptions, inaccessible streets and ongoing police activity.
Winter storm could hinder 'precarious' Eastway blast investigation, officials warn
Officials say they've located the remains of four people on the Eastway Tank blast site, but it will likely take time to recover them and piece together what happened — and the impending winter storm isn't helping.
Local group keeping international students warm with winter coats
Many international students don’t have the appropriate clothing when they first move to Canada. That's why the Ottawa chapter of Khalsa Aid held a winter coat drive to outfit nearly 60 international students with the right gear.
COVID-19 outbreaks spread through Ottawa's long-term care, retirement homes
With active outbreaks in more than 30 Ottawa long term care and retirement homes, experts are concerned COVID-19 continues to spread in senior living facilities, despite many residents and staff having already received three doses of a vaccine.
'More than a crisis': Ottawa hospitals face severe staffing shortages
Hundreds of staff are off work from Ottawa hospitals because they've tested positive for COVID-19, while nursing unions in the province want the government to do more to help solve the staffing shortage.
Lack of PCR tests should not impact long-term disability benefits for those with long COVID
As more people suffer from long COVID and attempt to access disability benefits, some are being asked to show proof they had the illness, but an Ottawa lawyer says it's their ability to work, not the disease, that ultimately matters.
Ottawa doctor sticks it to Ontario booster rollout, provides vaccines to ineligible patients
An Ottawa physician, who says the province's rollout plans for booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines is too slow, has taken matters into her own hands.
Pharmacists urge people to book ahead to avoid delays in testing, vaccinations
From flu shots to third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, plus COVID-19 testing, some pharmacists have to choose which services they can provide.
St-Albert cheese co-op churning out fewer curds as worker shortage worsens
The St-Albert Cheese Co-op has been in business for nearly 130 years, but while the company wants to expand, it says a worker shortage is instead forcing it to cut production.
Gatineau mayor reflects on 8 years in office as final term comes to a close
Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, who led the city through two major floods, a devastating tornado and the COVID-10 pandemic, will not run for re-election Nov. 7.