Weather

• ❄️  A few flurries or rain showers. High of 2°, low of -8°

Number 

• 4.6% and 4.4%
• – The December unemployment rates, respectively, in Ottawa and Gatineau. In Ottawa, the rate rose two per cent over November, in Gatineau it dropped two per cent. (CityNews)

Ottawan of the Day

• Brandt Clarke
• The defenseman on Team Canada helped bring back gold in last night’s World Junior Championship game against Czechia. (Dylan Dyson at CTV)

Quote 

• ‘[I]t was a failure of leadership, that we basically surrendered the downtown core to a group of people who just came in and took over.’ 
• – Kitchissippi resident Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on what he learned from the Convoy occupation. (The Q&A: Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, interviewed by Robert Hiltz in Ottawa Magazine)

Sports

• 🏒 OHL Ottawa 67s 2 – Barrie Colts 3 last night

🛢️ Eastway Tank

• The president of Eastway Tank, Pump & Meter, as well as the corporation itself, has been charged under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act. Six employees died last January after an explosion at the company. The allegations have not yet been heard in court.  (Guy Quenneville at CBC)

🚊 O Pain

• The O Train will remain closed between uOttawa and Hurdman stations into the weekend. The section was closed yesterday due to ice collecting on the power cable. A slow speed train sent by the operators to knock off the ice this morning actually created more damage.  (Megan Gillis in the Ottawa Citizen) 

🏒 New Senators Bid

• Los Angeles tech entrepreuner Neko Sparks is the latest moneybags to show interest in buying the Sens. Sparks represents a group of 13 to 15 investors. Sparks would be the first Black owner of a NHL team should he succeed. (Ian Mendes in The Athletic) 

📚 Requiem

• Children's book author and illustrator Wallace Edwards died Christmas Day at age 65.
  
  His first book, Alphabeasts, won the Governor General award in 2002. Sixteen more followed, including Woodrow at Sea, The Cat’s Pajamas, The Painted Circus, and Mixed Beasts. His final book, Pigs Can’t Fly will be published this year. 
  
  “His message to children was always that being different wasn’t a bad thing” said his sister, Marnie Edwards. (Andrew Duffy in the Ottawa Citizen)

⚡ Tesla Mining

• The La Corne lithium mine in Abitibi-Témiscamingue has signed a deal with electric car maker Tesla for lithium, the critical component for its batteries. The mine, five hours north of Ottawa, is contracted to supply 125,000 metric tonnes before the end of 2025.  (Stéphane Rolland for La Press Canadienne)

Click here to feature your event

Today

Traditionally speaking, today is Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas, also known as the day that the heavily decorated tree in the living room should come down. Or, if it’s an artificial tree, you can leave it up all year. Up to you. 

• By Night by Fly Market. At the Hub Studio, 43 Ellcles St. 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Free admission, 15 vendors, cocktails by Bar From Afar, and retro video games. What could be more fun on a Friday night? 
• Ottawa Swing Dance Society presents Friday Swing Dance with the Grey Jazz Big Band. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to swing the night away. The $20 admission fee includes a one hour beginner lesson. Parish Hall of St Joseph Church, 174 Wilbrod St. 
• Cold Comfort, the new exhibition featuring artist Ella Morton opens at SPAO. Morton specializes in experimental analogue photographs examining climate change in the Arctic. Opening reception January 13. 
• At Stray Dog Brewing, enjoy the live sounds of Tim Loten with special guest Emma Houlahan. Both musicians were born and raised in Lanark County. From 8:30pm, tickets $12. 

Tomorrow

• Happy Orthodox Christmas to those that celebrate
• Clear the cobwebs and get down to some solid Progressive Tech Death Metal, Thrash Metal, and Black Metal at Cafe Dekcuf. $20 in advance, $22.50 at the door. 221 Rideau St. 
• If you prefer something a little less metal, march on over to House of Targ where DJ Remi Royale promises to “play every FRICKIN’ dance hit from EVERY FRICKIN’ decade of all FRICKIN’ time.” He means the 50s through the naughties. Note: there will be lasers at Remi’s Dance Floor time Machine. $5 cover. 1077 Bank St.
• Drop-in Animal Petting. Does your child want a pet but your family does not? Come and meet all things furry, feathered, scaly and more, up close and personal. 1-hour show at 10am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm.  Julian of Norwich Anglican Church, 7 Rossland Ave Nepean. $10.

Sunday

• Sunday Pop-up at Dominion City – Chef Joe Thottungal from Thali and Coconut Lagoon restaurants will be dishing up freshly made food to enjoy with your beer in the taproom. Take away curries are also available.
• It’s officially Winter Market season. Starting today (January 8) the Ottawa Farmers’ Market will be at Lansdowne Aberdeen Pavilionevery Sunday until April 30, 10:00am to 3:00pm. 
• Today is your final chance to view Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Expect fossils, video, interactive exhibits, and other cool stuff (sorry).