Local stories to watch in 2026
Olympics and 2 elections coming, plus some notable anniversaries
There are some signature events to watch this year, whether political, sporting or otherwise.
People can also watch for some openings, closings and other changes, plus reflect on some significant anniversaries.
Politics
2026 will have Ontario municipal and Quebec provincial elections.
Ontario's are coming on Monday, Oct. 26. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has told CBC News he intends to run for a second term. Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson's office said he has not made up his mind.
The elections could allow some smaller municipalities with troubled council terms to set a new course.
The Outaouais has five Coalition Avenir Québec MNAs and one Liberal ahead of an election that has to happen by Monday, Oct. 5. Another independence referendum may be on the ballot.
The City of Ottawa is working on a "bubble bylaw" to restrict protests in more areas. It hopes staff have a draft law ready for council in April, May or June, in concert with a similar federal law.
The Carney government has promised to continue public service transformation, including cutting thousands of jobs and offering early retirement.
Sports
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games happen Feb. 6-22, with the Paralympics March 6-15. Local athletes will have the chance to create or cement legacies with medals, while Ottawa Charge and Senators players will suit up for national teams.
Atlético Ottawa will defend their Canadian Premier League championship and take on other regional winners in the CONCACAF Champions Cup starting next month.
Ottawa's Jonathan David, the all-time leading scorer for Canada's men's soccer team, should feature prominently at the World Cup starting June 12 in Toronto.
Opening, closing and changing
This will be the first full year of Lansdowne 2.0 construction, with the goal of finishing the arena and starting the new north side stands in 2028.
Algonquin College's Perth campus is expected to close after its spring term for financial reasons. There is a local campaign to somehow find another way to train skilled tradespeople there.
The new History music venue at the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive is scheduled to open on an unspecified date early this year.
Sticking with the arts, John Storgårds begins his tenure as the National Arts Centre Orchestra's conductor in September.
Anniversaries
2016 was an eventful year with local news, with some ripple effects that still echo. It brought the launch of the beleaguered Phoenix pay system, the death of Abdirahman Abdi, the only Redblacks Grey Cup win and the giant Rideau Street sinkhole.
It has now been 25 years since 12 communities amalgamated into the City of Ottawa, and the last Ottawa 67's league title.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival turns 50 this year, and so does the Olympiques moniker for Gatineau's junior hockey team, which was previously called the Festivals. The 1976 Montreal Olympics also hosted sailing events in Kingston.
The Library of Parliament and Royal Military College each celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.
The process of the government of the Province of United Canada formally establishing Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg as a reserve started 175 years ago on Aug. 30, 1851, while Ottawa (then known as Bytown) was founded Sept. 26, 1826.
A few leftovers
Ottawa's Line 1 eastern extension to Trim Road target for opening has officially moved from opening at the end of 2025 to the start of 2026.
The Thunderhead monument recognizing people affected by 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination was expected to open this past summer. It's now expected to open in the summer of 2026 given "a number of challenges due to the complex nature of the construction."
Clarifications
- An earlier version of this story said Ottawa city staff hope to have a draft "bubble bylaw" in February. The city says staff are working to finish the draft in February so city council can examine it in April, May or June.Jan 05, 2026 12:05 PM EST
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