Ottawa Morning Briefing: Feb 18, 2026 – Top 5 Stories

O-Train East Extension Faces Further Delays

The City of Ottawa confirmed Tuesday that the eastern extension of the O-Train Line 1 will remain closed to passengers beyond the previously anticipated completion date. Transit officials cited ongoing issues with train availability and persistent axle problems as the primary factors behind the postponement.

The extension, which was expected to begin trial runs in late winter, will now undergo additional testing through the spring months. RTG (Rideau Transit Group) has reported that several trains earmarked for the eastern corridor require mechanical adjustments to address axle concerns identified during preliminary safety inspections.

City transportation staff indicated that no firm reopening date has been established. The delay affects residents in Orleans and surrounding eastern communities who have been awaiting improved transit access to the downtown core. OC Transpo continues to operate supplementary bus service along affected routes.

The eastern extension represents a significant component of Ottawa’s broader LRT expansion plan. City council members are scheduled to receive a detailed briefing on the delay at next week’s transit commission meeting.

Mayor Addresses Ottawa Charge Concerns at Lansdowne

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe responded to mounting speculation about the future of the Ottawa Charge, the city’s Professional Women’s Hockey League team, at a press conference Tuesday morning. The Mayor addressed concerns that have circulated in recent weeks regarding the team’s long-term commitment to Lansdowne Park.

Sutcliffe emphasized the city’s ongoing partnership with the PWHL franchise and stated that discussions with team ownership remain constructive. The Mayor did not confirm or deny reports that the Charge ownership has explored alternative venue options outside the capital region.

“Lansdowne Park has been the home of professional hockey in Ottawa for generations,” Sutcliffe said. “We’re committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that continues.”

The Ottawa Charge completed their inaugural PWHL season last year and have drawn strong attendance numbers throughout the current campaign. Lansdowne Park underwent significant renovations in the past decade, though questions about arena capacity and amenities have persisted among league officials.

City staff confirmed that no formal proposals have been submitted regarding venue changes. The Charge organization has not issued a public statement on the matter.

Public Service Commission Calls for Accelerated Hiring

The Public Service Commission of Canada issued guidance Tuesday urging federal departments to expedite their hiring processes in response to growing labor shortages across multiple sectors of government operations.

The directive comes as numerous departments report understaffing in critical areas including border services, immigration processing, and revenue administration. Commission officials stated that current vacancy rates have reached levels that impact service delivery to Canadian citizens.

Federal hiring procedures, which typically involve multi-stage screening and security clearance protocols, can extend six months or longer in many departments. The new guidance encourages hiring managers to streamline preliminary assessments while maintaining security standards.

Representatives from several public service unions welcomed the announcement, noting that existing employees have faced increased workloads due to unfilled positions. The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada reported that some departments are operating at 15-20 percent below full staffing levels.

The Commission did not specify numerical hiring targets or provide timelines for implementation. Additional details are expected when departmental hiring plans are submitted in the coming weeks.

Senators Strengthen Playoff Push with Key Victory

The Ottawa Senators defeated a division rival in convincing fashion Monday night, bolstering their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The victory marked the team’s fourth consecutive win and moved them into a more secure playoff spot with less than three months remaining in the regular season.

Ottawa’s offensive production has increased significantly during the recent winning streak, with multiple players contributing across all forward lines. The defensive corps has also tightened performance, limiting high-danger scoring chances against starting goaltender.

 

Team management faces decisions regarding potential roster additions ahead of the March trade deadline. General Manager Steve Staios has indicated the organization is exploring options to supplement the current lineup, particularly in defensive depth positions.

The Senators host two home games this week at Canadian Tire Centre before embarking on a four-game road trip through western conference cities. Current standings place Ottawa within four points of the division leaders.

Fan attendance at recent home games has shown improvement compared to earlier season figures, with Monday’s contest drawing near-capacity crowds. The team’s improved play has generated renewed optimism among the fanbase heading into the season’s final stretch.

Federal Return-to-Office Schedule Begins This Week

Federal public servants began reporting to offices under the new four-day in-person work schedule Tuesday, marking a significant shift in commuting patterns across the National Capital Region. The policy, which requires employees to work on-site four days per week, affects approximately 70,000 workers in Ottawa-Gatineau.

OC Transpo reported increased ridership on morning routes serving downtown Ottawa and areas surrounding major government complexes. Transit officials advised commuters to allow additional travel time during the adjustment period as ridership patterns stabilize.

Several major downtown employers implemented staggered start times to reduce crowding on transit vehicles and in office buildings during peak morning hours. Union representatives have raised concerns about transit capacity and parking availability, particularly for employees with mobility challenges or childcare obligations.

The federal government confirmed that accommodations remain available for workers with documented medical or family circumstances. Treasury Board Secretariat officials stated that departmental managers retain discretion to approve modified arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Traffic volumes on major commuter routes including the Queensway, the Transitway, and bridges connecting Ottawa and Gatineau showed measurable increases during Tuesday morning rush hour. City transportation planners are monitoring traffic flow patterns to identify potential bottlenecks or infrastructure needs.

Local business improvement associations expressed cautious optimism that increased weekday office occupancy will benefit downtown restaurants and retailers that have struggled since pandemic-era remote work policies took effect. Several establishments have extended operating hours or added services to accommodate returning office workers.

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The Canadianist will continue to monitor these developing stories throughout the day. Check back for updates.