Two hundred years of history were celebrated on Saturday with activities, entertainment, food and much more
Tyson Purvis
Photos: Tyson Purvis
September 28, 2026 Revised: September 29, 2026 9:55am
Photo: Tyson Purvis
The Ottawa Art Gallery set up a miniature art studio for children to paint to their hearts desires with previous works strung up in the background.
Celebrating 200 years of existence is no easy feat, but Ottawa pulled out all the stops during Saturday’s Ottawa 200 Block Party at city hall.
“I’m just listening to the music,” Chris Vickers said. “I got a poutine and I got a nice, tasty beverage from a local brewery.”
Ottawa 200 was a free, all-ages celebration of all things Ottawa.
A person continuing the number line representing all 200 years of Ottawa's existense. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
The Ottawa of today was first established in 1826 during the construction of the Rideau Canal. Initially, it was named Bytown after the British military engineer, Colonel John By, the man responsible for the Rideau Waterway construction project.
In 1855 it would be renamed Ottawa, deriving its name from the Algonquin word “adawe” meaning “to trade.”
For Aaron Taylor, the day was a long-awaited opportunity to experience Ottawa as a community.
Aaron Taylor holds a sign which represents his love for the city which has given him so much already. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
“I think they’ve put on a fabulous event,” Taylor said.
“We came downtown to check everything out, walked around, sampled one of the local beers which was really nice and got some swag.
“It’s nice to see everyone so happy,” he said. “People are really enjoying the day, enjoying the sunshine and celebrating the city.”
The block party was just one of many events held by the city to celebrate the bicentennial. Ever since June, all kinds of events have been held across the city, such as an opportunity to try 200 different sports all for free on June 6 and June 7, Family Fun Day held on July 25 and a community Thanksgiving meal set to be held on Oct. 10.
Ottawa's town crier Daniel Richer being interviewed by CBC news at the Ottawa 200 Block Party. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
The event area was split into four zones: a performance zone, a family zone, a food zone and an interactive art zone.
Performances included live music from Ottawa-based artists such as Izzy Rose, musical duo The Blind And The Beautiful and Jessy Lindsay.
Izzy Rose singing her music live on stage at the Ottawa 200 Block Party. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
Some partygoers found the music to be the highlight of the event, with the performances bringing “an exciting vibe to the place,” Vickers said.
The family zone held many stalls ranging from information booths and miniature art studios held by the Ottawa Art Gallery, to pop-up markets selling merchandise themed around the city made by Ottawa locals.
The most busy zone — besides the food area, of course — was the interactive art zone.
Seniors, adults and children took part in all sorts of activities including wood carving, a chalk art station and a live mural creation by Ryan Smeeton commemorating the anniversary of the city.
A child watches Ryan Smeeton create his spray-painted mural celebrating Ottawa's 200-year-long history. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
For many people, however, the real highlight of the day wasn’t the party itself, but what it represents. For Ottawa residents, 200 years means an endless amount of memories.
Hary Ngo’s fondest memories are also some of the most recent.
“It was last year, my first time in the city,” Ngo said. “It was winter, so not much to do, but I had an opportunity to go skating on the canal. It was a really great experience with my friends.”
Now that Hary Ngo works full-time in Ottawa, he hopes to make the city his new home for a long time. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
Taylor shared the same sentiment.
“Skating on the canal is 100 per cent the best, hands down,” he said.
“You get a BeaverTail, spend time with friends and maybe get some bruises, too. I fall a few times on the canal every time, for sure.”
For some, the best memories may be the experiences they have in the city; for others it’s the relationships they grow from within their communities.
Vickers said one of the best parts about his nearly two decades living in Ottawa was joining his local ultimate frisbee team. He said joining his team is what made Ottawa finally feel like home.
“The crew that I met there have become essentially lifelong friends now,” he said.
Chris Vickers stands in front of the interactive art zone where chalk drawings are dotted across the walkway. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
Beyond Taylor’s cherished memories skating on the canal, he said Ottawa has also given him so much more than he could ever ask for.
“I’ve been living here for 10 years,” Taylor said. “Ottawa really feels like home for me and my husband. We met each other here.”
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Collectors, vendors and curious visitors came together for the weekend to showcase gems, minerals and the stories behind them
Marcos Somarriba
Photos: Marcos Somarriba
September 24, 2026 Revised: September 24, 2026 9:13pm
Photo: Marcos Somarriba
A variety of scultpures made from rocks and minerals on display in Sarina's Gems, one of the shops set up in the event.
The Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club (OLMC) hosted its annual gem show on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 in the Nepean Sportsplex.
Multiple vendors and club members set up tables in the curling arena, ready for a weekend of mineral exploration.
Vendors were selling a variety of items from jewelry, decorations, polished rocks, metals and crystals.
Janelle Guillemette, a vendor for Candy's Crystals, holding minerals. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba
Janelle Guillemette, whose shop Candy’s Crystals is in Gatineau, was one of the vendors at the gem show.
“We handpick all our stones and that’s why we have a lot of different kinds on our table,” said Guillemette. “We love to source all over the world and have quality over quantity.”
Candy’s Crystals sells a variety of crystals for various purposes.
Janelle Guillmette showcasing the crystals on her table for Candy's Crystals at the event. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba
“I personally like to collect them because I find them beautiful, but we help a lot of people through spirituality,” said Guillemette. “Amethyst is really good for people with depression to help you sleep better.”
OLMC club members ran demonstration workshops demeonstrating gem faceting
John Lavoie, a club member operating a faceting machine, holds a passion for gem faceting, the craft of cutting and polishing minerals to maximize its reflections.
“I have been faceting gemstones for fifteen years and it’s been great,” said Lavoie. “It’s very rewarding art because at the end you produce one of these (gemstones) and get to look back.”
Lavoie took the time to explain and demonstrate how he facets gemstones.
John Lavoie, faceting a gemstone to demonstrate the club's workshop to the public Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba
“There’s a lot that goes into the types of laps, cutting laps, polishing and sequences,” said Lavoie. “I like doing different kinds of courses, peridots, different barrels like aquamarine and emeralds. I cut a bit of everything.”
Lavoie has been doing this for 15 years and continues to enjoy his time with the OLMC.
“There’s lots of good people. It’s nice to sit with like-minded people. I teach faceting at the club on Thursdays along with another gentleman.”
Vendors were not the only ones setting up their tables. Jordan Gush, a member of the organization Mining Matters, set up a table to inform visitors of the organization.
“We are a non-profit organization based out of Toronto,” said Gush.
Mining Matters teaches several subjects related to rocks and minerals in different events. They also have information available in other languages.
Alex Stones (left) and Jordan Gush at their table representing the organization Mining Matters. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba
“We teach about earth sciences, mining, geology, minerals and all sorts of stuff like that,” said Gush. “We work just nationally in Canada, but we do have some resources translated into French and Spanish.”
The Ottawa Lapsmith club was founded in 1966. The club eventually combined with the local mineral club to form the OLMC, leading it to be incorporated in 1997. The OLMC is a for-profit organization that is fully run and managed by volunteers. Their workshop is located at Unit F, 136 Billings Ave. in Ottawa.
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The teams made their presence known in matches against Fleming
Nylah Henry
Photos: Nylah Henry
September 23, 2026 Revised: September 23, 2026 12:04pm
Photo: Nylah Henry
Midfielder Annika Dubeau dribbling down centerfield.
Twenty Goals. Two wins. One dominant home opener on the pitch.
The Algonquin Wolves women’s soccer team beat the Fleming Phoenix 11-0, while the Wolves men’s soccer team beat the Phoenix 9-1 on Sept. 19 at the Algonquin College sports field.
“I think this victory is really what we needed to kick off the new season,” said Zoe Kuchlein, a midfielder for the women’s team. “Especially since we have so many new rookies, I would say this stellar performance really helped show them what our team is capable of.”
A notable performance came from team captain Jasmine Young, who scored an astonishing four goals.
The women’s team controlled the match until the 90th minute, outshooting the Phoenix 29-0.
Algonquin soccer fans holding up signs made during the half time sign making competition Photo credit: Nylah Henry
The women’s victory was only the beginning of a dominant day for the Wolves. The men’s team looked to follow suit in the second half of the home-opener doubleheader.
“The vibe of the stadium was electric,” said Owen Pelc, a second-year goaltender for the men’s team. “It’s always great to have a lot of fans out for a home opener. You can feel it in the air as soon as you walk onto the pitch.”
Wolves forward Alessandro Vivolo scored five goals in the span of 31 minutes.
Riding off the energy of their first home game win, the Wolves look to carry that dedication and teamwork into the rest of the season.
“We’re doing well so far, but throughout the season we need to stay together. Even if we concede a goal or lose a game, we need to keep our heads up and keep on going,” said Dexter Great, a first-year left winger for the Wolves men’s team.
The Algonquin Wolves men's in a huddle awaiting the second half of the game. Photo credit: Nylah Henry
With both teams starting the season on a high note, they aim to bring that momentum into their next away games.
The women’s team will return to action on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. against the Seneca Sting at Seneca’s home field, while the men’s team return on Sept. 26 at noon against the Durham Lords at Durham’s home field.
Student leaders say data and direct feedback will shape advocacy efforts throughout the academic year
Amanda Mcleod
Photos: Amanda McLeod
September 21, 2026 Revised: September 21, 2026 9:23am
Photo: Amanda McLeod
Jacob Stewart, Algonquin Students' Association president, and Cianah Miller, vice-president, want to connect with students to advocate for their concerns to the college.
Algonquin Students’ Association president Jacob Stewart says collecting student data will be a key priority this year as the organization prepares to advocate for students to the college’s Board of Governors.
“We want to tackle the big problems, the long-term problems and our goal is to work with the college,” said Stewart. “We have a strong relationship with the college…and they actually listen to us as long as we bring the data.”
Stewart says he and SA vice-president Cianah Miller are making a point of being available to students who want to share their concerns. They plan to gather feedback through SA-conducted surveys, meetings with class representatives and conversations with students on campus.
While Stewart is relatively new to the student association — this is his first term on the Board of Directors — Miller has had several roles within the SA.
“This is going on my fourth year. I’ve worked in different positions in the SA and I’ve always loved the work,” said Miller. “I had a classmate two years ago that was on the board, and learning what it meant to her and how much I can make an impact made me want to go for it.”
Stewart and Miller say maintaining an open line of communication with college leadership is important. Stewart says his previous experience as a student representative taught him the importance of speaking up.
“I really liked being able to get things done for the other people in my corner, and I thought to myself, ‘What if I could do this for more people?’” said Stewart.
One key concern for students is how they get to and from the college amid ongoing problems with Ottawa’s public transit system.
In June 2026, City of Ottawa’s auditor general released the Audit of Bus Service and Scheduling, a scathing report about OC Transpo that highlighted issues with the reliability and timeliness of services.
OC Transpo's ongoing reliability issues are on the advocacy agenda for Algonquin Students' Association. Photo credit: Amanda McLeod
Algonquin College students pay a mandatory $240-per-semester transit fee as part of their tuition, with limited ways to opt out. College policy does not allow for refunds if a student lives within the OC Transpo or Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) service area, regardless of service reliability or length of commute, which for some can be up to two or three hours one way.
Stewart says he and Miller have heard from many students with concerns about paying for an unreliable service and they will be bringing those concerns to the college and OC Transpo working groups.
“Transit is one of our priorities for the year and we are actively working as best we can,” said Stewart. “My goal for this year is when they come to ask for an increase (in fees) — it hasn’t increased in five or six years, since pre-COVID — is to find a compromise. I’ll try to find a realistic number.”
Stewart also plans to raise concerns about the rules governing transit-fee exemptions with the college.
“I can’t go out there and say I’m going to fundamentally change the way that the service fee works. I just don’t have that power,” he said. “But that data I’ve also received and it’s top of my mind.”
Beyond advocacy, the SA provides a wide range of services and events throughout the year.
“A lot of what we do is long-term, but the biggest thing we do short-term is just helping with student life, giving them an experience outside of their (academics), helping them to have a break,” said Stewart.
“Academics are top of mind for students, but students still want distractions once in a while. To be able to offer them safe spaces to go, whether it’s for an hour or a couple of hours to go to a movie or play…the student association is very valuable to students.”
The Wolves have partnered with Carleton University's Ravens Rhythm to launch the cheerleading team at Algonquin College
Tianna Lawless-Musgrave
Photos: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave
September 18, 2026 Revised: September 20, 2026 9:54pm
Photo: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave
Ruby Whyte, a student in the paramedic program who is trying out for the cheerleading team.
Algonquin College’s first official cheer team in its history held tryouts in the ARC gym on Sept. 12 and students felt excited, nervous and ready to go.
Ruby Whyte, a student in Algonquin College’s paramedic program, explained why she tried out.
“I saw the post on Instagram, and I’ve been cheering for years,” Whyte said.
“I’ve always wanted to do it post-secondary and this is finally the opportunity to do so. I was very excited to see that.”
The tryouts started with a guided stretch and exercise session to get everyone moving. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave
Despite some jitters, the environment was welcoming and friendly, something that was very intentional for Sissi Malula, the director of Ravens Rhythm and head coach and coordinator of the cheerleading team.
“A hope is to build community, make friends, and to have them really go out and put on their best show,” said Malula.
One in three Canadians (34 per cent) say that women’s sports are “less exciting” than men’s, while 33 per cent say some sports are just “unwomanly,” according to research by the Angus Reid Institute.
Sissi Malula, the head coach and coordinator of the team, gave an encouraging speech to the nervous cheerleaders. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave
The opinion on women’s sports and women-dominated sports is often attributed to perceived aspects of “femininity” found in activities like cheer. Malula aims to crush this stereotype.
“First of all, cheer is not feminine; that stereotype is absolutely that. It’s just a stereotype. It’s for all people, and I think that’s the most important part,” Malula said.
“Cheerleading is about leading in cheer, community-oriented people. We are brand ambassadors here for the college, and we really just wanna have fun and encourage people to have fun with us.
“They’re students first, making real change in the world, focusing on their careers, being able to be strong students and making positive change wherever they go.”
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Common student issues put front and centre as candidates try to appeal to youth before next month's municipal election
Ryan Harkness
Photos: Ryan Harkness
September 18, 2026 Revised: September 18, 2026 1:07pm
Photo: Ryan Harkness
Alex Lawson (left), Jeff Leiper (centre) and Neil Saravanamuttoo (right) remained respectful of one another throughout and laughed at some light hearted humour that occurred throughout the debate
Three of the four frontrunners in this year’s mayoral election debated policy ideas in front of an audience of over 300 students,ranging from buses to bylaws.
The Tuesday evening debate in the Carleton University Minto Building was organized by multiple organizations, including the Carleton University Students Association (CUSA), Ottawa Youth Vision Project (OYVP) and the UOttawa Students Union (UOSU).
Mayoral candidates Alex Lawson, Jeff Leiper and Neil Saravanamuttoo debated housing, transit, culture and nightlife, as well as city services and safety, over a two-hour period. Notably absent was incumbent Mark Sutcliffe, who was invited but did not attend.
After the candidates shared their opening remarks by introducing themselves, the first question asked how they would lower rent for students. The candidates outlined how the city could provide assistance for housing, including building public housing.
Leiper wants to create a city acquisition fund “so that the city has not-for-profit partners and can purchase those properties and keep them affordable in perpetuity.”
Saravanamuttoo questioned why the city has made little progress on affordable housing. “It’s quite simple. It’s because developers run the city, I hate to say it,” said Saravanamuttoo.
Lawson intends to implement a 12-month period for the reduction of development charges to be passed down to the homeowners and renters, something that Leiper doesn’t believe will help.
“I can pretty much guarantee you that when development charges are cut, those will flow to the developers’ bottom line,” said Leiper.
As moderators, Alae Boufarrachene (left), Hue Hetherington (centre) and Selali Ayitey-Wallace (right) asked questions and made rebuttals throughout the debate. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
When it came to transit, the candidates had different ideas on how to improve reliability and set a fare that reflects the service that is being provided.
Leiper blames the New Ways to Bus cuts by the city as a major contributor to the transit problems students experience.
“One of the first things that I am going to do in my very first budget as mayor is reverse the cuts that have been made by Mark Sutcliffe to our bus system. That is job one,” said Leiper, who also would like to work towards a fare freeze.
Saravanamuttoo proposes a buck-a-ride fare to tackle transit affordability.
“Let’s have a price that actually reflects more the quality of the service that we’re currently providing,” said Saravanamuttoo.
“So it’s going to be terrible, but at least it will be cheaper,” Lawson jokingly rebutted.
Saravanamuttoo questioned why Leiper, formerly on the transit commission, didn’t raise the red flag as to why the city was not buying new buses.
Leiper said that the priority of Sutcliffe and former mayor Jim Watson “has been the lowest possible tax increase. When I am mayor, I am going to prioritize purchasing buses.”
Lawson and Leiper disagreed with Saravanamuttoo’s buck-a-ride proposal.
“I don’t think providing less funding is going to be the solution and I don’t think just saying that it’s a terrible service that we should charge less is a solution. I mean, we probably all bought headphones at the dollar store. You only do that once,” said Lawson, who would like to bring back express bus routes and have on-demand shuttle buses in rural communities.
Leiper does not believe that the uploading of the LRT system to the province will help with budget shortfalls from buck-a-ride.
“That is going to rob several hundred million dollars that would need to be replaced in order to put fuel in buses and to pay drivers and mechanics,” said Leiper.
When Leiper and Lawson emphasized the importance of nightlife and the arts are to economic development, Saravanamuttoo felt safety concerns were keeping people away from the downtown. “The whole issue of how we build a vibrancy at nightlife, we have to talk about the homelessness issue first,” said Saravanamuttoo, who mentioned La Village Transitiôn in Gatineau, where homes are made from shipping containers, as a possible solution.
The candidates generally supported the ANCHOR (Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response) project, recognizing that there should be alternative means of dealing with mental health crises instead of having the police involved.
Like the other candidates, Jeff Leiper (second to far left) stayed back after the debate concluded to chat with students Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
“It is important that the police do the work, that police are supposed to deal with criminal issues,” said Leiper. “For every increase in the police budget comes forward, we need alternative responses to mental health.”
“When it’s just somebody that needs to be talked down to or has experienced an episode that they can’t get through, police showing up can make it a lot worse,” said Lawson.
All of the candidates disagree with the Lansdowne 2.0 project, a revitalization project that has been approved by city council, budgeted for $419 million.
“Lansdowne 2.0, if it’s a good idea, it is not a good idea right now, and it has been shrouded in secrecy, and the decisions that were made were made quickly. I’m glad that Jeff Leiper voted against it,” said Lawson.
The municipal election is being held on Oct. 26, with the advanced voting day happening on Oct.16. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Summer will soon change to fall and the college is going through some changes of its own
Tyson Purvis
Photos: Tyson Purvis
September 10, 2026 Revised: September 10, 2026 3:22pm
Photo: Tyson Purvis
Two students engaged in an intense battle of wits outside on AC Day 1.
AC Day 1 started the new academic year off with a bang, welcoming students new and returning with a campus full of games, entertainment, food and significant change.
“I only really came to AC Day 1 to try and meet some of the people in my program,” said Samuel Morrison, a first-year robotics student. “I didn’t realize they had all these games and different things set up outside.”
Morrison finished the pre-tech program last spring and said they’re looking forward to working towards their dream career in the field of robotics.
The front lawn of the Student Commons was filled with activities such as mini golf, gigantic chess, live music, hammocks and plastic axe throwing.
Inside the building however were several information booths for new students to learn about the college, public transportation in Ottawa and the Students’ Association.
“I think it’s a great idea to have a fun day to have people explore and learn all sorts of things about the college at some of the panels,” said Marley Therrien, a second-year animation student.
“I’m not sure how many people are realistically going to those, though — they’re pretty boring.”
Marley Therrien sitting at a table in the front yard of the Student Commons during AC Day 1. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
Games and entertainment weren’t the only things new at Algonquin College, though.
Over the course of 2026 and the summer months in particular, Algonquin College saw significant change in the form of a new food service provider and updated science labs.
“I haven’t noticed anything that’s exaggeratedly awful or found anything inappropriate in my food yet,” said Ewan Fernie-Nixon, a first-year business accounting student.
“So far so good, I suppose.”
In 2026, Algonquin College entered an agreement with outside food supplier Chartwells Canada.
This came with updates to all food centres not run by the SA including The Fix in CA-building, the cafeteria in D-building and 35th Street Market Café in the residence building.
“I love the new way which everything is organized in the residence market,” said Therrien.
“It’s so much easier to find things that you’re looking for and the food seems great, too.”
Fernie-Nixon switched his program from his dream of game development to business accounting, something he believes to be for the greater good.
“I’m assuming it would be easier to find a job in the market of accounting rather than game development, though that’s not to say I don’t have a passion for game development,” said Fernie-Nixon.
“Keeping what you enjoy and what you want to do for your career separate is a much better idea overall, I think.”
Students had praise for Algonquin College and the many different services, amenities and extracurricular activities it provides.
One of the many students recieving their U-Pass card in the D-building. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
“Since I come from Brazil, let’s just say colleges over there aren’t this big,” said Caio Pego, a returning Level 2 administration and business supply chain management student.
“When I got the opportunity to come here I just took it. When I came here and I saw everything it was like, ‘What do you mean we’ve got a bowling alley here? I don’t even have a bowling alley in my whole city!'”
Therrien was also impressed.
“This school is great. I wouldn’t know for sure if it’s the best one but they’ve definitely done a good job,” said Therrien.
Some of the changes made by the college have been more difficult for both the college itself to make and for students to adjust to.
In March 2026, 30 programs were cut in hopes of addressing financial struggles the college has been experiencing, much to the dismay of many students.
“I was kind of horrified,” said Therrien.
“I was talking to some people and I only recently learned that they cut the illustration program which a load of people were set up to go into from drawing foundations. I was just picturing how horrible that must feel to have your big plan completely fall out from under you with zero warning.”
Some students however, are more understanding to the problems the college is facing.
Morrison believes the decision to cut programs isn’t an easy one and feels the college is making the best of a bad situation by trimming programs which are being left behind in the current economic climate.
Samuel Morrison ate lunch in the Student Commons during AC Day 1 to beat the heat. Photo credit: Tyson Purvis
In a message released on March 25, 2026, Algonquin College president and CEO Claude Brulé stated that “as we look ahead, our focus is to operate more cohesively, efficiently and strategically.”
The potential for AI integration into learning, teaching and college services as detailed in Brulé’s message has some students concerned for the future.
Fernie-Nixon feels uncomfortable thinking about how AI would be used in an official educational setting. He feels the reliance on AI could spell trouble for future generations who may come to use it as a crutch to get them through school.
On the other hand, Morrison feels the use of AI in the college wouldn’t rock the boat as much as others think.
“With how Algonquin College is very focused on students and interpersonal relationships, I feel like it’s going to stay this way for a really long time,” said Morrison.
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After Algonquin College cuts to the AAADD program threatened education opportunities for vulnerable students, Horizons is stepping in with a new program
Amanda Mcleod
Photos: provided by Matt Derkach
May 19, 2026 Revised: May 19, 2026 2:21pm
Photo: provided by Matt Derkach
Horizons Behaviour Consulting director Matt Derkach leads a training session with staff for the new LIFE program at Algonquin College.
Matt Derkach, director of Horizons Behaviour Consulting, says when he first heard Algonquin College would be shuttering its academic assistance for adults with developmental disabilities (AAADD) program, his initial thought was to see how Horizons could help keep it open.
“But the more I looked into it and talked to members of the Algonquin team, and found out what was being taught, we came to the conclusion that maybe this is a program that we can actually run,” said Derkach.
Derkach emphasized how valuable the program was.
“We heard from a lot of community providers just how beneficial the program was, how there was a lot of inclusivity and how some of these adults with intellectual disabilities can go and interact with neurotypical adults. It was a really good atmosphere.
“Long story short, that’s kind of what led to us officially taking over the program,” he said.
In May 2025, Algonquin announced plans to cancel the AAADD program, saying in an email statement the decision was made in alignment with the Ministry of College and Universities, Research Excellence and Security to focus on “credentialed programs.” The AAADD program will wrap up in June 2026.
The move came alongside other program cuts. Since January 2025, 67 programs in total have been suspended or cancelled due to changes in federal immigration policy and a provincial tuition freeze in effect from 2018 to early 2026, the college said.
Horizons’ curriculum will enhance the AAADD program. As Derkach puts it, “we’re not completely reinventing the wheel, but we are hoping to add a little rubber to the wheel.”
“We’re working really hard right now to create the curriculum…and we’re bringing a lot of expertise where we can teach a lot of these skills to help the individual to become more independent, with the potential of helping them gain meaningful employment,” said Derkach.
The program format will shift from 41 weeks — beginning the end of August and running through the end of June, with a maximum of four years enrolment — to a 37-week program beginning in September and ending in late May, with up to five years of enrolment.
Similar to the AAADD program, Horizons will teach skills such as functional math, functional literacy, social skills, daily living skills, health and wellness, employment readiness and job coaching.
Horizons Behaviour Consulting’s LIFE program launches in fall 2026, replacing Algonquin College’s AAADD program following its closure due to program cuts. Photo credit: provided by Matt Derkach
Derkach says one of the biggest changes Horizons hopes to accomplish is lowering the student-to-staff ratio to allow for more undivided instruction and support.
Currently, the AAADD program has a staff-to-student ratio of 1:12.
“We’re hoping to change that to a one-to-six ratio, just so we can really individualize the content that we’re teaching to the participants,” said Derkach.
One of Horizons’ goals is to teach life skills that many take for granted.
Derkach describes a curriculum based on real-world experiences such as taking the bus or grocery shopping.
The approach is scaffolded, layering in new experiences once a student has gained confidence in previous ones.
“Many people forget about all the skills that are needed to be really independent. We’re going to be teaching, initially, the participants how to successfully take the bus — how to take into account safety, when they get off and some problem solving,” said Derkach.
“And then they’re going to apply those skills. We’ll go on a community outing to take the bus to test them on those skills. And then the next community outing will be grocery shopping and we’re now incorporating those first skills, taking the bus, but this time it’s a little bit more,” he said.
However, with the increase in staff-to-student ratios and more community outings, program costs will rise.
Tuition costs for the AAADD’s last year were listed on the college’s website as $1,939.91 per term for fall 2025 and winter 2026, and $1,031.40 for spring 2025.
Horizons’ tuition will be $2,750.00 per term for the upcoming 2026-27 school year, while also running a spring semester at a cost of $1,375.00.
Because neither the AAADD nor the LIFE program is accredited by the Ministry of College and Universities, Research Excellence and Security, students are not eligible for OSAP or other government student loan or bursary programs.
Instead, many families finance the program using Ontario Passport funding, a reimbursement program which provides up to $5,500 per year. Adults with developmental disabilities can use the funds in a variety of ways, including for programs such as LIFE.
However, government funding for programs which support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities has not kept up with the cost of living. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario’s 2024 report forecasted that “most new Passport recipients will not receive their full funding allocation amount based on their assessed need,” citing an ongoing trend beginning 2018 when “MCCSS (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services) began providing all eligible adults with the minimum direct amount of Passport funding.”
Derkach says Horizons is aware of the extra burden on families to come up with the difference and is exploring partnerships with community organizations and individuals to help alleviate those costs, and aid the program in general.
“It’s a challenging program to be affordable, and I want to see if we can get community organizations involved to support the program, whether it’s through sponsorship, or creating those opportunities where the participants can use those skills at a specific workplace…or even cover the cost for a graduation party, where we’re celebrating the hard work that they did,” said Derkach.
Community educators and advocates were devastated when Algonquin cancelled the AAADD program.
Nicole Mitchell, a teacher in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s (OCDSB) physical support program (PSP), said the announcement left many of the families she works with worried about their children’s futures after leaving the public school system.
“The program that Algonquin offered, I’ve had a number of students who ended up attending that program and it was wonderful for them,” she said.
“The loss of that program, when there’s so few out there, would be significant…and it’s really challenging for families.”
Statistics Canada reported in 2022 that more than one in four Canadians aged 15 or older has a learning, developmental or memory disability. The loss of programs like AAADD could leave many with limited continuing education options to help support their community involvement.
“Just because you have autism or a developmental disability or a physical disability doesn’t mean you don’t crave that connection outside your home,” said Mitchell.
“It’s great that Horizons is taking over the space. School opens up a lot of opportunities for our students.”
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Female students are challenging unrealistic body standards and overcoming intimidation in fitness spaces as growing numbers of women reshape gym culture through confidence, community and support
Kindra Paul
Photos: Kindra Paul
May 5, 2026 Revised: May 5, 2026 3:09pm
Photo: Kindra Paul
Female student walks in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre to do her workout..
Before the first rep and before the first set there’s a moment of hesitation.
“It was intimidating because I really didn’t know how to start or what to do exactly,” said Constanta Cota, a Level 2 television broadcasting student. “I didn’t really feel like I belonged there because I didn’t look like I would go to the gym.”
For many female students at Algonquin College, stepping into the gym means pushing past the feeling that they don’t fully belong, a doubt shaped not only by the space itself, but also the pressure surrounding body image long before they even walk through the doors.
For these students, going to the gym isn’t just about working out. It’s also about pushing past insecurity, comparison and unrealistic expectations. As more women step into weight rooms and try strength training, they’re slowly changing the culture that surrounds the atmosphere, building confidence and supporting each other along the way.
That pressure often begins online.
Experts warn that social media plays a significant role in shaping body image specifically among young women. A study from the University of Waterloo found that more than half of teens reported being unhappy with their bodies, which was linked to higher screen time creating a greater dissatisfaction. Researchers say constant exposure to curated fitness content can reinforce those unrealistic standards and make environments like the gym feel more intimidating.
For beginners, that pressure can make an already unfamiliar space feel even more intimidating.
Cota said social media contributed to that mindset which reinforced the idea that there is a “right” way to look.
“It affected me in a bad way because it made me believe that I was supposed to look a certain way,” Cota said.
That sense of not measuring up is common among female gym goers. Experts suggest that idealized images online can contribute to body dissatisfaction and even more symptoms of body dysmorphia specifically among young women who are still forming their sense of self.
“I would say social media content I see is kind of like other women’s finished products, so that affects my confidence of being like, ‘Oh, I don’t look like that,’” said Kaitlyn Henderson, a Level 2 pre-health sciences student who has been going to the gym for four months.
She also described how uncomfortable a new space is where others seem experienced.
“I definitely felt like I really didn’t know what I was doing…it was hard to kind of find my way,” she said.
That combination of feeling inexperienced while also feeling judged can discourage some women from returning to the gym. Mental health research on social media and body image, such as findings discussed in Life Lines – The Impact of Social Media on Body Image & Mental Health, a study developed by Homewood Health in collaboration with the University of Alberta’s Human Resources department, suggests that stepping away from the constant comparison and limiting social media use can improve body image in and outside of the gym.
For many students, confidence doesn’t come immediately but rather builds slowly, oftentimes through routine and repetition.
Jack Doyle Athletics Recreation Centre where many women come to workout and reshape traditional gym culture. Photo credit: Kindra Paul
“It’s intimidating…if you don’t know what you’re doing and you walk into a room and you see everyone else seems to know what they’re doing,” said Madi French, a Level 2 television broadcasting student who has been going to the gym for two years.
Over time that feeling began to shift.
“I think it was a safe space…but I was just overthinking it,” French said.
As confidence grows the focus can move away from appearance to how the body feels and performs. That shift can be the key to improving body image.
“I don’t like going and doing the workout but when I’m done the workout I feel great,” French said.
Even for more experienced gym goers body image pressures don’t disappear entirely.
“Social media affected my body image and confidence by a lot,” said Adriana Edmonson’s Borjorquez, a Level 2 police foundations student who has been going to the gym for four years
She remembers feeling out of place when she first started.
“I felt a little out of place but that’s because I was a beginner and felt like I was being watched,” she said.
Despite that, she continued going motivation stemming from her personal goals rather than outside expectations.
As more women enter gym spaces they are also helping reshape gym culture and challenging traditional expectations meanwhile building a more supportive environment.
“I would say more women have been going consistently,” Henderson said.
That growing presence can make a difference especially for beginners who may feel more comfortable seeing others like themselves. Many students describe an unspoken sense of support among women in the gym.
“One time I was doing a tricep exercise, not doing it right, and this woman came up to me and explained how to do it correctly,” Henderson said.
Cota said having a workout partner helped her stay consistent.
“She always pushes me to keep going,” she said.
That sense of encouragement, whether from friends or strangers, can play a key role in helping women return even when their confidence is low.
Parrys Charles, a Level 2 television broadcasting student, spoke about building confidence as an ongoing process especially in a culture shaped by comparison.
“I’ve always been skinny, lanky and tall my whole life…it’s something that I’ve had to work through and figure out how to build my own confidence,” Charles said.
She added that social media might make that process even more difficult.
“I feel like social media is not the best for people’s confidence,” she said.
For many female students, their relationship with the gym improves over time, not because the pressure disappears, but because their mindset changes.
What begins as a space filled with uncertainty and comparison can become something more personal: a place which is focused less on meeting those societal standards and more on individual progress.
And for some that shift is ongoing, but the hesitation that once defined their experience is no longer keeping them away.
“Although I didn’t really feel like I belonged there,” Cota said, “I kept going.”
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As the college begins to phase out its horticulture pathways, students and industry experts are wary of long-term consequences
Reilly Armstrong
Photos: Reilly Armstrong
May 1, 2026 Revised: May 1, 2026 9:25am
Photo: Reilly Armstrong
An inside look at the M-building's greenhouse.
Sarah Johnston, president and co-founder of Greenlife Nursery, says her “blood has been boiling” since hearing about Algonquin College’s decision to suspend its horticulture programs.
The suspensions will affect both the horticultural industries and the horticulture techniques apprenticeship programs at the college.
“It’s been boiling over this for quite some time,” said Johnston.
“Once you lose a structure like you’ve got at Algonquin, which has been going for, I don’t know how many years… It doesn’t get built up again overnight.”
The suspensions, proposed in January and confirmed in March, are part of the college’s “strategic program planning” which it says responds to changes in government policy and funding. Those changes include new limits on international student enrolment and updates to OSAP funding rules, both of which affect college revenues and program demand.
Thirty programs were included in the latest round of suspensions, following 37 programs cut last year, along with the closure of the Perth campus. The college has called it “a necessary response to rapid and significant shifts in the postsecondary landscape.”
Johnston is concerned not only for her business and the larger industry, but for future students with a passion for plants.
“I’m now being asked by Ontario to sponsor high school students, but with nowhere to send them once I’ve taught them their on-the-job skills,” she said.
Johnston described the industry as transient, meaning it often relies on incentives or “dangling carrots” to retain employees, specifically through apprenticeship pathways like the one previously offered at Algonquin.
A gallery wall in the greenhouse. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
“That apprenticeship program runs over two winters for 12 weeks each winter. And the sum accumulation of that program, if the student carries on to the end of the program, is that they will gain their Red Seal in that industry,” said Johnston.
“Not only have I lost the opportunity to gain knowledgeable students who have just graduated, I’ve lost the opportunity to enhance their skill and encourage them to become Red Seal.”
Having a Red Seal in the horticulture space broadens opportunities — many government contracts and large companies require someone on site to be Red Seal qualified. It allows the holder to work across the country and is recognized in countries like Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Johnston says the Red Seal could become much more valuable and difficult to receive over the next few years due to removing formal training pathways like the apprenticeship program.
The removal of these pathways is also a concern for Tommy Wingreen, the program coordinator.
“For their local companies, it means that they now have to take people from other construction industries…maybe find people who work in construction or come from the street, but (have) no knowledge of what they are doing and they now have to educate them within the company,” said Wingreen.
“And then that’s a whole other issue.”
Wingreen has been teaching at Algonquin for 18 years. He became the horticulture program coordinator four years later and has been in the position ever since.
Growing up on a farm, Wingreen developed a love for plants working with his mother in their garden.
“The world of plants (is) much bigger than people kind of realize, right? And I like the science part of it as well. Because the more you know about plants, the more questions you have, really. It’s never-ending learning,” said Wingreen.
Wingreen says while the college’s decision wasn’t entirely unexpected, the lack of communication and engagement between the college and the faculty left him frustrated.
“Last fall, we did a program review and I was supposed to change the program to make it more profitable. And then they cancelled the program in the middle of that process. That’s really…I’m hurt, right?”
Horticulture program coordinator since 2012, Tommy Wingreen sits in his office. Wingreen worries about the loss of spaces like the greenhouse. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
Wingreen also says there was limited opportunity to challenge some of the financial information used to support the college’s decision.
“I asked for a meeting with the dean to go over some of these numbers as I knew they were wrong,” said Wingreen. “And even on the financial numbers, her comment was that they have some homework to do, because there were things they couldn’t explain to me.
“And when I looked at it, I think the decision was made far earlier…because we are sitting on land, and it may be more profitable to have parking than to have a vegetable garden.”
Wingreen’s words reflect broader uncertainty about the program’s facilities, which have long been central to horticulture training at Algonquin.
The program has been a part of the college since the 1970s, offering students hands-on experience in a thriving greenhouse to learn propagation and plant care for a diverse group of species.
Outside, the M-building is surrounded by outdoor gardens, which serve not only as a living lab for horticulture students but also as a public greenspace.
It’s full of winding brick paths, water features and landscaped garden beds. Students from other areas of the college use it as a grounding space to study and members of the surrounding community enjoy a place for relaxation and connection through nature.
Jeff Klug, a farmer at Fieldtrip Farm on Moodie Drive with over 20 years of growing experience, has been a guest speaker in horticulture classes.
He recalls being impressed with the greenspaces connected to the program.
“Both the educational capacity of the building in the greenhouse as well as just (the) aesthetic appeal of it as well, just the ability to walk into a greenhouse in the middle of winter and see plants,” said Klug. “There’s sort of an unquantifiable mental health component to that.”
Rows of plants and flowers inside the greenhouse. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
He expressed concern for what the suspension means for these spaces.
“I think we’re losing these public spaces. Specifically, you know, these type of greenhouses that can house sort of both an educational facility and then also this just quite beautiful collection of plants,” said Klug. “That’s unfortunate if that is going to disappear.”
Looking more broadly, horticulture training plays an important role outside of the college. Beyond maintaining gardens and greenhouses, the program feeds into sectors tied into food production, sustainable environmental management and public greenspaces like city parks.
Horticulture student Rhianwen Thibert came to the program looking to contribute in a sustainability aspect. Originally drawn to culinary arts, they became curious about where food actually comes from and how it’s produced.
After speaking with a family friend who completed the program, Thibert decided to apply. From there, they fell in love with it. They believe the suspensions will cause a ripple effect across the industry.
Horticulture student Rhianwen Thibert is concerned for broader environmental impacts the program closure could cause. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
“Right now in the industry, we’re seeing a lot of labour shortage, which is negatively affecting a lot of stuff. Especially labour shortage with people who are knowledgeable about the subject,” said Thibert.
“And with less and less people going into the industry that are knowledgeable, we’re seeing a lot more mess-ups that, on smaller scales, might not be as impactful to the local ecosystem or the biodiversity. But when you’re taking that one and multiplying it by 10 or 20…” they continued.
“You’re now looking at, okay, all of these little instances are now bigger instances, and now we’re looking at whole species potentially dying off because we don’t know how to care for our land anymore.”
Thibert says this can lead to the loss of pollinators, loss of native species and water runoff.
“It’s really just one thing (that) snowballs into a million different things when you’re not taking care of things at your home base.”
It’s clear that the loss of the programs will be felt not only at the college but across the province.
In a statement from Landscape Ontario, executive director Joe Salemi said they were “deeply troubled” about the closures.
“For our industry, and especially for students across Eastern Ontario, this is a real loss,” said Salemi.
“What makes the cuts to the programs particularly serious is that these were the only programs of their kind in Eastern Ontario. This is not a reduction in options. It is the complete elimination of a local pathway into the landscape horticulture trades in this region.”
Salemi mentions the already significant labour shortage and how losing the only local training institution will exacerbate that shortage.
“The impact? Fewer trained graduates, fewer apprenticeship opportunities and fewer young people with a clear way into a career in this industry,” said Salemi.
“Landscape Ontario will keep pushing for investment in landscape horticulture education and apprenticeship training across the province. We want to work with government, colleges and industry to restore these pathways, because right now, in Eastern Ontario, there are none.”
Horticulture student Eric Forero-Visbal looking out over the plants in the greenhouse. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong
It’s a statement echoed by Canadensis: The Garden of Canada, a local project working on developing a botanical garden space on the grounds of the Experimental Farm.
When the suspensions were proposed, their board of directors mobilized quickly to send a letter to Algonquin College president Claude Brulé and the Board of Governors.
“At a time when climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable landscapes matter more than ever, horticultural education is not something that can easily be rebuilt once lost,” said Canadensis board member Gérald Lajeunesse in a statement.
“We recognize that the College is facing difficult pressures and complex decisions. Our intention is not to criticize, but to ensure that the long-term environmental, economic, and community implications are fully considered,” said Lajeunesse.
“Horticulture shapes our cities, our food systems, our biodiversity, and our shared green spaces. It deserves strong and sustained support.”
While it’s still unclear what the future holds for the M-building with its outdoor gardens and greenhouse, what is clear is that this will be the last year of horticulture at Algonquin. The current students will be taught out through April 2027, but no new intakes will be admitted in the 2026 fall semester.
“I’ve just lost a gem. That’s all I can think of. I’ve lost my most precious gem,” said Johnston.
“My business will exist. I will make sure it exists and carries on and proceeds. But it’s going to be challenging.”
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