April 12, 2002

Chretien’s travels called excessive While critics have branded the prime minister’s travels abroad as excessive, other observers say the most recent spate of trips suggests Jean Chretien may, in fact, be winding down his political career. Developer defends highrises The first phase in the cleanup of LeBreton Flats is set to begin, but the entire timetable for redevelopment could be thrown off because of a row between the city and NCC over the width of roads. Police plans may make Elgin St. safer, quieter Elgin Street residents may soon be sleeping easier once Ottawa police finalize their proposed changes to make Elgin a quieter and safer place to live. Freeways lead to lower quality of life: Doucet City council’s approval of a $1.5-million study to examine the effects of cancelling a plan to twin the Airport Parkway and construct a southbound off-ramp at Walkley Road is a waste of time and money, not to mention a bad idea, says Coun. Clive Doucet. New main library years away The main branch of the Ottawa Public Library is too small, inaccessible and aging, but the earliest the building can be replaced is 2005. Humane Society delays consultation—again One year after paying $19,000 for a report suggesting improvements, the Ottawa Humane Society is still waiting on its board of directors to decide when a public consultation will take place to help implement the new ideas. City spending $400,000 on lawn-care education Ottawa residents will learn something new about taking care of their lawn this summer when the city launches its $400,000 public education campaign, part of the city’s pesticide reduction strategy. PM acts like Hoover salesman The $100 million spent by the federal government on two Challenger 604 business jets might not be a bad investment considering Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s ability to pile up more mileage than a travelling Hoover salesman. Letters Playing God Stem cell researchers overstep ethical boundaries with new guidelines, writes Julie Gauthier. Column: Ontario’s elderly drivers must be monitored more closely A driver’s licence is a privilege for Canadian citizens. Elderly drivers who rely on their vehicles for trips to the grocery store, doctor and pharmacy especially enjoy their mobility. Festivals look for visitors closer to home Summer events will target potential visitors in a different way, writes Holly Nelson. ‘Handy’ downtown Canadian Tire closing City officials have approved a plan that will allow construction of an 18-storey office building and retail complex on the site of the Canadian Tire department store on the corner of Kent Street and Laurier Avenue. Elgin St. businesses push for BIA A group of Elgin Street businesses is pushing to establish a business improvement association (BIA) to deal with a number of issues involving the street, including late-night noise, a lack of parking and garbage. Column: Business climate uncertain on eve of Ontario leadership change ext week we will have a new premier who was elected by about 34,000 Conservatives to represent the entire province. Rinks focus on safety in aftermath of tragedy Death at NHL game sparks concern, writes Kris Ohashi. Dancing swings back into Ottawa scene The early birds slip out of the night and past a coat hanger that props open the door of St. Giles Presbyterian Church at the corner of Bank Street and First Avenue. Column: Media moved out as Paralympians arrived in Salt Lake City Remember Brian McKeever, who powered his way to the gold medal in the 10-kilometre cross-country skiing event at Salt Lake City this year, becoming the first Canadian male to win two gold medals at the Games? Opening world of dance despite disabilities New program stresses concept of creative movement, reports Rachel Hauraney. An ‘Inquiry’ into the haunting of Gallery 101 Gallery 101 may have a ghost on its hands. Local photographer focuses on Morocco Wojciech Jakobiec has travelled the world, capturing images on film that many would be blind to. Column: E.T. at 20: Ugly little alien still draws box office crowds an anyone forget the epitome of modern cinema, the image of a ten-year-old boy named Elliott riding his bike through the air with the help of the infamous little brown extra-terrestrial on the energy of John Williams’ theme song?