LOCAL

Why Ottawa Residents Could Soon Be Living on Taco or Obama Avenue Instead of Trump

Ottawa City Council unanimously voted to start renaming Trump Avenue. Replacement options include Obama Avenue and Taco Avenue as trade tensions rise.

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3 weeks ago

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Ottawa Initiates Process to Rename Trump Avenue

Residents of an Ottawa neighborhood may see a major update to their street sign following a unanimous decision by Ottawa City Council on Wednesday. Councilors passed a preliminary measure to rename Trump Avenue, a residential street located in the Central Park community that took its name roughly 25 years ago alongside other New York City-themed streets like Staten Way, Madison Park, and Gotham Private.

Although Canada hosts several geographic features bearing the name—such as a Trump Lake in northern Ontario, alongside various islands and a creek—Trump Avenue in Ottawa stands as the country’s only street directly named after Donald Trump, according to City Councilor Tim Tierney.

Potential Replacement Names and International Tensions

A surge in trade friction between Canada and the United States, coupled with public comments from the US president, prompted local officials to review the street name. Tensions spiked further when Trump signed an executive order instructing the US government to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” an action mirroring his earlier designation of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Councilor Tierney noted that this dispute over Lake Ontario brought the street name issue back to the front burner.

Public suggestions for a new street name have varied widely. Ideas submitted to officials include Obama Avenue, Ontario Avenue, Canada Avenue, Beaver Avenue, Gulf of Mexico Avenue, Canada Goose Avenue, and Pelosi Avenue. Other options pitched include Rosie O’Donnell Avenue—referencing the comedian and longtime opponent of Trump who relocated to Ireland after his reelection—and Taco Avenue, an acronym short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

Community Voting Requirements and Next Steps

Changing the street’s identity requires meeting strict local guidelines and will not take effect immediately. According to Tierney, more than 50 percent of street residents must explicitly back the change before a formal public consultation phase can begin. Any official decision is expected to wait until after municipal elections scheduled for late October.

This initiative marks the second attempt by the municipality to revise the address. During a 2021 vote across the street’s 62 households, 21 residents supported a name change, 21 voted against it, and 20 households refrained from voting. Tierney explained that those opposing the proposal were not necessarily showing political support for Trump, but rather wanted to avoid the personal hassle of updating their home address records.

Focusing on Broader Trade Issues

Despite supporting the procedural vote, Tierney expressed caution about spending too much energy on municipal street signs while serious international trade matters remain unresolved. He urged officials and the public not to let public naming disputes derail focus from core economic concerns.

“The semantics of names, we can save that for another day in the future,” Tierney said. “Right now, I think our focus has to remain on trade and tariffs, something that this is just nothing more than a distraction from.”

Critiquing the recent executive order regarding Lake Ontario, Tierney added: “We see the president doing something the same and it’s tired. Stop with the lame name game and let’s get back to the table.”

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LOCAL

Why a Downtown Kelowna Assault Investigation Closed Without Charges

Kelowna RCMP have closed an investigation into an Aug. 9 downtown Water Street fight after the victim, who suffered serious injuries, decided not to press charges.

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2 days ago

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September 18, 2026

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RCMP Conclude Downtown Incident

An investigation into an August incident in downtown Kelowna has been closed after the injured party chose not to press charges. Kelowna RCMP officers have now concluded their file on the matter.

Late-Night Altercation on Water Street

The incident occurred around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1600-block of Water Street. Patrolling officers observed a group engaged in a heated argument. Before police could step in, the dispute turned physical when one man struck another, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries.

Suspect Arrested and Police Investigation Completed

Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care. Police arrested the suspect on site, subsequently releasing them with conditions and a scheduled court date. Although RCMP gathered video surveillance, witness statements, and documentation to prepare a report for Crown Counsel, the victim ultimately decided against pursuing charges. What caused the initial argument and physical fight remains unknown.

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COMMUNITY

Middle-Income Renters to Benefit From 129 New Apartments in Rutland

Troika breaks ground on a 129-unit apartment building in Kelowna’s Rutland, featuring 51 middle-income units, an on-site daycare, and transit perks.

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2 days ago

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September 18, 2026

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New Multi-Family Development Underway on Dougall Road

Construction has officially commenced on a six-storey rental development in Kelowna’s Rutland neighborhood. Developer Troika held a small ceremony alongside partners and staff on Sept. 17, using gold shovels to mark the start of work at 155 Dougall Rd. North.

Affordable Rents and Family Amenities

The project is being constructed in partnership with the City of Kelowna via its Middle Income Housing Partnership. According to Troika CEO Renee Merrifield, 51 of the planned 129 units are “reserved for income qualified middle income households.” The complex will offer studio apartments as well as one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans.

Families living in the complex will have access to an internal 3,902-square-foot daycare featuring an outdoor play area. Additional facilities include a fitness centre and a rooftop amenity space.

Transit Integration and Eco-Friendly Features

Located adjacent to the Rutland Transit Exchange, the location was selected with local transportation in mind, explained Troika Vice President of Construction Kerry McDowell. To encourage sustainable travel, 17 parking stalls will be EV ready. Every household will also be provided with a complimentary Modo car share membership along with a $100 usage credit for first-time members.

Furthermore, residents will have access to a prepaid eco pass transit fund totaling nearly $200,000 to cover transit fares. Addressing the long-term vision for the property, Merrifield stated, “We will be here carefully managing the building, caring for it and supporting the people and community that grows within it.”

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BC STORIES

How a provincial manufacturing boost is adding 35 jobs and expanding wood products in Chemainus

Chemainus wood products manufacturer Ron Anderson & Sons expands operations with up to $2M from B.C., creating up to 35 jobs for prefabricated housing.

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3 days ago

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September 16, 2026

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Local Hiring Underway for Facility Upgrade

Up to 35 new jobs are coming to Vancouver Island as Chemainus-based Ron Anderson & Sons breaks ground on an expansion of its manufacturing facility. Supported by up to $2 million from the provincial government’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the project has already resulted in 20 new hires following investments in advanced manufacturing technology.

Construction on the final phase of the expansion is scheduled for completion in February 2027. The project aims to improve overall construction efficiency and product quality by moving a greater portion of building processes off-site.

Expanding Product Lines and Off-Site Construction

While the business currently produces prefabricated wall systems, the facility expansion will allow it to broaden its offerings to include prefabricated roof panels, floors, and stairs. Off-site wood frame construction reduces the total duration required for on-site building projects.

“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is helping Rob Anderson & Sons accelerate our growth in Chemainus by expanding our manufacturing capacity, investing in advanced automation and creating new skilled jobs on Vancouver Island,” said Jack Downing, president and CEO of Ron Anderson & Sons. “This funding supports our vision of delivering high-quality prefabricated construction solutions more efficiently, while strengthening the local economy and helping address British Columbia’s housing needs.”

Provincial Support and Regional Context

The Chemainus expansion represents one of more than 150 capital initiatives backed by the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. To date, the province has committed up to $153 million through the program, targeting the creation of over 2,100 jobs and the preservation of more than 2,700 existing positions across British Columbia.

“Forestry has always been the foundation of Chemainus since its founding, and it is exciting to see Ron Anderson & Sons build on that history with new innovation that translates to more local jobs and a stronger manufacturing sector in our region,” said Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski.

Adrian Dix, acting minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, emphasized the importance of supporting local industry, stating, “With the U.S. administration targeting our manufacturing industries, businesses and jobs, it has never been more important to help local businesses like Rob Anderson & Sons sell more of what they make here at home.”

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