Latest from Jennifer Chen
Hard work, surprises, tough choices: Stories of immigration to Ottawa
With the federal government pledging to make up for a pandemic immigration slowdown with increased numbers over the next few years, CBC Ottawa asked those who've done it for their advice. Four immigrants to Ottawa share their experiences and advice for other newcomers to the city.
The hug is back for the fully vaccinated
With more than half of eligible Ottawa residents fully vaccinated, friends and family are busy sharing hugs, and that long-awaited touch will help our mental health, according to an Ottawa child psychiatrist.
How do you imagine Ottawa's downtown after COVID-19?
If you've made the trip to downtown Ottawa recently, you've likely noticed the desolate streets and empty storefronts. CBC asked an architect, an urban planner and geographers what would bring people back to the city’s core after the pandemic
How to keep Halloween happy, even in a pandemic
Ottawa's medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches has nixed trick-or-treating this Oct. 31. So now what's a ghoul to do?
Mother, daughter reunite after COVID-19 kept them apart for months
After nearly four months of separation, an Ottawa mother was recently reunited with her 13-year-old daughter, who lives with a foster family in Quebec. Roxanne and Kalie say despite talking on the phone every day, nothing compares to being able to hug each other in person.
Ottawa's restaurants give each other 'a big community hug'
While some restrictions on restaurants were lifted more than a week ago, it's not so easy for everyone to pick up where they left off before COVID hit. Where some people in the industry are struggling, others are coming in to lend a hand.
Point of View
Isolated and disconnected: teens with social challenges share their pandemic experiences
Kathryn and Sophia met through a program for teens with social challenges, including ADHD and autism. After COVID-19 arrived in Ottawa in March, nearly all in-person activities shut down. CBC Ottawa asked the teens to share what it's been like for them during this pandemic.
These local businesses are thriving in the time of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult — but with people remaining close to home and looking for ways to stay busy, some businesses are doing well. They've weathered some of the early challenges and now say they're seeing customers come back, both physically and virtually.
Get back in the swing of things with the kids this summer
It's the height of summer and the kids are feeling restless. As restrictions are further relaxed in Ottawa, here are a few ideas for keeping the little ones entertained.
Staycationers booking up cottages, campsites at unprecedented pace
As Ontario continues to loosen pandemic restrictions, cottage owners and campsite operators in eastern Ontario are seeing bookings surge. That means hopeful holidaymakers could be out of luck if they haven't already snatched up a spot — especially on weekends.