Ottawa Morning Briefing – February 22, 2026: What You Need to Know Today

Good morning, Ottawa. Here's what you need to know this Sunday, February 22, 2026.

1. Weather Alert: Wind Advisory and Snow Expected Throughout the Day

Ottawa County remains under a wind advisory until 9:00 PM this evening as a weather system moves through the region. Southwest winds between 15-25 mph are expected, with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph during afternoon hours.

The National Weather Service reports that the strongest wind gusts are anticipated between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects, including garbage bins, patio furniture, and seasonal decorations. High-profile vehicles may experience difficulty on area roadways, particularly along Highway 417 and other exposed routes.

In addition to the wind advisory, snow showers will persist throughout the day with accumulations of 1-2 inches expected across the Ottawa region. The precipitation began early this morning and is forecast to taper off by late evening.

Temperature trends show a continued cooling pattern. Today's highs will reach the upper 20s Fahrenheit, with overnight lows dropping into the teens. Monday will see temperatures fall further to the low 20s before a modest rebound on Tuesday. The extended forecast suggests conditions will stabilize by midweek, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures approaching seasonal averages.

City of Ottawa public works crews have been deployed since 4:00 AM to treat major roadways and residential streets. Transit services are operating on regular Sunday schedules, though commuters should anticipate minor delays due to weather conditions.

2. Federal Budget Deliberations Continue on Parliament Hill

Parliamentary committees resumed weekend sessions Saturday as federal officials work to finalize budget proposals ahead of the March fiscal year deadline. Finance Minister staff and senior Treasury Board officials held closed-door meetings throughout the weekend at the Langevin Block.

Sources indicate that key discussions center on infrastructure spending, climate initiatives, and healthcare transfers to provinces. While specific allocations remain confidential, multiple government departments have submitted revised spending estimates as part of the annual budget preparation process.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a news conference Friday afternoon, reiterating his party's position on fiscal responsibility and calling for detailed disclosure of government spending plans. The event, which was livestreamed on multiple platforms, drew significant media attention as opposition parties prepare their responses to the forthcoming budget.

CBC News featured expanded weekend political coverage, with Rosemary Barton Live scheduled at 8:00 AM this morning to discuss the latest developments from Parliament Hill. Parliamentary observers note that the minority government structure continues to influence budget negotiations, with opposition parties leveraging their position to advocate for specific policy priorities.

Committee meetings are scheduled to continue Monday, with Finance Committee hearings set to resume Tuesday morning. The federal budget is traditionally delivered in late March or early April, giving legislators approximately five weeks to complete preparations.

3. Ottawa Senators Prepare for Crucial Home Stand

The Ottawa Senators return to Canadian Tire Centre this week for a critical four-game home stand that could significantly impact their playoff positioning. The team currently sits in a competitive position within the Atlantic Division standings as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Head Coach discussed the upcoming schedule during Saturday's media availability, emphasizing the importance of home-ice advantage and strong fan support. The Senators have posted a respectable home record this season, with particular strength in third-period performance and special teams play.

Monday's game against a division rival represents the first of four consecutive home contests. The team held an optional practice Saturday at the training facility, with several key players participating in conditioning work. Medical staff reported no new injury concerns heading into the week's games.

Ticket availability for the home stand remains strong, with the organization encouraging fans to attend as the team pushes for playoff contention. Canadian Tire Centre has averaged capacity crowds during recent weeks, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for the franchise following several competitive performances against top-ranked opponents.

The Senators' community relations department announced continued partnership with local youth hockey programs, with several players scheduled to participate in skills clinics later this month. The initiatives form part of the organization's ongoing commitment to grassroots hockey development in the Ottawa region.

4. Local Business Community Responds to Commercial Property Market Trends

Ottawa's commercial real estate sector shows continued adaptation as business patterns evolve in the post-pandemic environment. Recent data from the Ottawa Real Estate Board indicates shifting dynamics in office space utilization, retail occupancy rates, and industrial property demand.

Downtown office vacancy rates remain a topic of discussion among business leaders and property managers. Several major employers have implemented hybrid work arrangements, resulting in modified space requirements and lease negotiations. Commercial property owners report increased interest in flexible workspace configurations and shorter-term lease agreements.

The retail sector demonstrates varied performance across different categories and neighborhoods. Strip mall vacancies in suburban areas have decreased compared to last year, while downtown retail spaces face ongoing challenges related to foot traffic patterns and changing consumer preferences.

Industrial and warehouse properties continue to experience strong demand, driven by logistics operations and e-commerce fulfillment requirements. The West End industrial corridor reports low vacancy rates, with several new development projects in planning stages.

Local business associations emphasize the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as they navigate current market conditions. The Ottawa Board of Trade recently announced new initiatives focused on business retention and expansion, with particular attention to technology sector growth and innovation.

Municipal officials continue monitoring commercial property tax implications and revenue projections. City Council committees have scheduled upcoming sessions to review assessment trends and discuss strategies for maintaining a balanced approach to taxation and economic development.

5. Weekend Community Events and Public Service Updates

Ottawa Public Library branches operated on standard Sunday hours today, with the main branch on Metcalfe Street offering extended services until 5:00 PM. Library officials remind residents that online reservation systems remain available for book holds, digital resources, and meeting room bookings.

Ottawa Police Service reported typical weekend call volumes, with no major incidents affecting public safety. Traffic units conducted routine patrols on major thoroughfares, with increased attention to weather-related driving conditions given today's wind and snow advisories.

OC Transpo service updates indicate normal Sunday schedules across all routes, with real-time tracking available through the Transit app. Riders experiencing delays or requiring route information can access customer service through multiple channels including phone, online chat, and social media platforms.

Parks and Recreation facilities maintained regular weekend programming, though outdoor activities at several locations were modified due to weather conditions. The city's community centers hosted scheduled events, including youth sports leagues and family programs.

Public health officials remind residents about seasonal influenza vaccination availability at local pharmacies and community health centers. Ottawa Public Health continues monitoring respiratory illness trends and providing updated guidance through its website and information hotline.

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This briefing will be updated as additional information becomes available. For breaking news and urgent alerts, visit ottawabureau.com or follow our social media channels. Stay informed, stay safe, Ottawa.