Reddit pulse / page 50

Someone spotted a monarch butterfly in their Sandy Hill garden—the first they've seen in 20 years. It stopped for a drink on their milkweed. Nice to see them back.

Costco Ottawa shoppers hunting for the viral chipotle chicken—the product that broke the internet when it landed in Canada earlier this month. Spotted on shelves yet?

Sunflower season: locals looking for the blooms around Ottawa, so far spotting them in planters at Dow's Lake. Any word on the Experimental Farm or other patches around the city?

City hosting a virtual public consultation August 10 on the Kent Street functional design study from Somerset to James Street. The project scope has been narrowed to focus on integrated road, sewer and watermain renewal. Register for the Zoom link on Councillor Ariel Troster's newsletter.

Good news — the Orléans Halloween fundraiser is continuing for at least one more year after being in limbo over bylaw complaints.

Fireflies are out along Bank Street and by the water on the southeast side. Head down if you want to catch them.

New Liaison poll from July 19, 2026 shows Mayor Mark Sutcliffe leading with 36 percent support in the mayoral race, followed by Shawn Lawson at 26 percent, Catherine Lepier at 25 percent, and Arjun Saravanamuttoo at 11 percent.

January to May 2026: 2,989 housing units started in Ottawa, down from 3,789 in the same period last year. But completions are up — 3,145 units finished so far this year versus 2,350 through May 2025. Apartments dominate units under construction with 13,256, while rows and singles total 2,268 combined.

Free public star party is happening tonight (Friday, July 24) from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Ottawa Public Library's Carp Branch parking lot (3911 Carp Rd). No telescope needed, no registration required — volunteers have scopes set up. Dress in layers, bring bug spray (apply away from the telescopes), and use only the library lot for parking.

O-Train is back up between Tunney's Pasture and St. Laurent, but it's being held at Rideau for now. check before you head downtown.

the city just reactivated all secure bike lockers downtown. lockers are live at 170 Second Ave, 250 Slater St, 141 Clarence St, and 210 Gloucester St — finally safe to leave your bike at the Market or Centretown.

Rogers is ditching the Sandra and Chris morning show on 105.3 Kiss FM and swapping it for the Roz and Kocha show from Toronto instead. Not thrilled about it.

Annual VegFest is happening tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Free entry, so definitely worth a stop if you're around.

Someone's bike got stolen from Somerset West and MacDonald Street—lock was cut. If you spot it, send a DM. Police report filed.

new swimming dock opened and someone spotted a dinosaur cloud hanging over it. vibes immaculate. 🦖

Preston Street between St. Anthony and George Street West will be closed from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., July 27 to 29. Plan another route if you're heading through that area late.

Struggling to get comfortable speaking French? There's a free French-English language exchange every Friday at noon downtown — no signup needed, just show up.

New outdoor gear shop opened on Merivale — but the Google reviews seem suspiciously perfect, so maybe check it out in person first.

Trying to find a good local beer selection for visitors? Some specialty spots in the city carry craft picks from Ottawa breweries — easier than driving all over.

Conflicting info online about whether Camp Fortune's disc golf course is actually open right now — probably worth calling before heading out.