Have you ever noticed the same numbers showing up again and again? Like 11:11 or 2:22?These are called angel numbers. People believe they are small messages that guide youand help […]
Lauren Levean-Allard
Photos:
April 10, 2026 Revised: April 10, 2026 11:59pm
Have you ever noticed the same numbers showing up again and again? Like 11:11 or 2:22? These are called angel numbers. People believe they are small messages that guide you and help you understand what’s happening in your life.
Here’s what each number means:
111 – Intuition Trust your gut and listen to your heart. If you keep seeing 111, it means your thoughts are important right now. Pay attention to what you feel.
222 – Alignment You are in the right place at the right time. Even if things feel confusing, everything is working out the way it should.
333 – Support You are not alone. You have support around you, and people (or energy) are guiding you in the right direction.
444 – Protection You are safe and protected. Even if things are hard, you are being guided and looked after.
555 – Change Something new is coming. Big changes may happen soon, so be open and ready for what’s next.
666 – Reflect Take a step back and think. This number is a reminder to refocus and look at what really matters in your life
777 – Luck Good things are about to happen. You are on the right path, so keep going.
888 – Balance Everything is falling into place. Life is starting to feel more stable and balanced.
999 – Release It’s time to let go of what no longer helps you. Ending something can open the door to something better.
Final Thought: If you keep seeing the same number, don’t ignore it. Take a moment and think about your life. The message might be exactly what you need right now.
The event continues to draw students with the same irreverent spirit that shaped its earliest editions
Mariana Vega Andrade
Photos: Mariana Vega Andrade
April 10, 2026 Revised: April 10, 2026 9:30am
Photo: Mariana Vega Andrade
Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall Caring take the stage at Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary.
Fifteen years in, the people behind Dirty Bingo are still surprised by how far the event has come.
For Matteo Mongroo from the Students’ Association, the anniversary highlights just how much the tradition has evolved since its early days.
“A member of our team, I think, Chris L., has been here from when it first started. And now, he’s seeing it basically 15 years later what it’s transitioned into over the years,” Mongroo said.
The 15-year anniversary edition in the Observatory on April 1 drew a full room of people who filled the space from the moment doors opened.
What began as an attempt to create a fun, judgment‑free space has become a defining part of campus life, one that continues to sell out month after month.
Part of that longevity comes from the event’s ability to adapt while keeping its core intact. Mongroo credits much of its staying power to longtime hosts Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall, whose presence has shaped the tone of Dirty Bingo since the beginning.
Over the years, the event has shifted from a public community gathering to a more student‑focused one, a change made to strengthen engagement. That shift also opened the door for students to influence the event directly.
“It gives students the option to give us the feedback,” Mongroo said. “So, they can give us feedback about things they want to see at the event, types of prizes they want to see…they kind of have their own input on how the event is being run.”
For Mongroo, the 15th anniversary is less about celebration and more about community.
With recent events selling out and interest continuing to grow, the team is now exploring expanding Dirty Bingo beyond the fall and winter terms.
“We’ve had a lot of requests this year, just with the increase in kind of like the response and engagement with the event, with the possibility of doing all of the summer semesters,” Mongroo added.
Surveys are already underway to measure interest, a sign that even after a decade and a half, the event is still evolving and very much alive.
For first‑time attendee Niko Cholette, the anniversary show lived up to the anticipation.
“I think it’s amazing. Like, I just think it’s really cool to see drag performers in the college and just see them still kicking after all these years is so amazing,” Cholette said.
After wanting to attend since arriving at Algonquin, Cholette finally made it.
“I’m really happy to say that I think I popped my cherry at the bingo and it’s totally worth it.”
What stood out most for Cholette was the sense of belonging the event creates.
“I think it’s just the community. I mean, all of us come in. We’re just here to have a good time,” Cholette said.
Niko Cholette poses for a photo during Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary event. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
Adding that the show offers a break from the stress of finals, Cholette described the atmosphere as “very, very gay, which I love. It’s very cool and it’s fun with a positive environment.”
Cholette joked that improvements are simple.
“I mean, you can never have too many drag queens.”
For Sam Rundle, a student attending the event, the longevity of Dirty Bingo says a lot about why people keep coming back.
“The fact that this event has been running for so many years, it shows that people like to come together and, you know, have a good time. It brings community together. You get a lot of laughter,” Rundle said.
Rundle had attended before, but the anniversary pulled them back in.
“I’ve been a couple times before, but I haven’t been in a long time. But when I saw that it was the 15‑year anniversary event, I was like, I gotta go. And no regrets. Love it,” Rundle said.
Friends pose between rounds at Dirty Bingo’s 15‑year anniversary. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
What stood out most for Rundle was the sense of connection the event creates.
“It’s just like the amount of community that there is. You get to meet new people. You all get to share, you know, a good laugh with each other,” Rundle said, adding that the night helps people de-stress as finals approach.
Rundle described the atmosphere as welcoming and positive. “The community is very welcoming…Everybody’s really friendly, staff members really friendly, the queens are iconic, it’s a really lovely environment to be in.”
When asked what could make it even more fun, Rundle kept it simple.
“Honestly, like a fun live show, it’s pretty fun and interesting already, but maybe karaoke. Yeah, music, absolutely.”
For longtime host Zelda Marshall, Dirty Bingo’s anniversary is more than just a milestone — it’s a reminder of how long she’s been part of the show. Her first Dirty Bingo was in September 2010.
Hosting for so long means watching the audience cycle through every couple of years.
“Most of the programs that students pursue here are two‑year programs. So we only see them for maybe two years and then it’s a whole new set of faces. You’re pretty much guaranteed a completely new audience every two years.” she said.
Marshall believes the event’s success comes from the release it offers.
“It’s an opportunity to blow off some steam, you know, get some stress out. Like any show or event you go to just escape the regular pressures, the stressors,” she said.
She also highlighted how the show has served as a space to talk about sex in an open and fun way, especially when the campus Health Services used to attend with informational materials. Over the years, she’s seen the event evolve, and even the prizes have changed.
For Krystal Caring, hosting Dirty Bingo for 15 years still feels unreal.
“For 15 years? It feels amazing. I’m constantly amazed we’re still here, we’re still going and enjoying it,” she said.
Caring believes the event’s longevity comes from its energy and openness.
Over time, she’s watched the show transform.
“It’s definitely changed a lot. It’s a completely different feeling from what it was originally (which) was more unfiltered, more alive. I find now it’s not as open, it’s more political,” she said.
As the anniversary show wrapped up, Caring wanted to acknowledge the people who’ve kept Dirty Bingo alive.
And she closed with a wish that echoed the night’s energy.
“I hope we get 15 more.”
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Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists
Talitha Kumi Scott
Photos:
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 7:54pm
Local
CTV News: Ottawa is considering a bubble-zone bylaw that would keep protests at least 50 metres away from schools, places of worship, hospitals, childcare centres and residential care facilities.
City staff say the bylaw is meant to prevent people from being blocked, harassed or intimidated when trying to enter those locations. Supporters say it would improve safety, while critics argue it could limit protest rights.
Council is expected to review the proposal after staff finish examining public feedback.
National:
CBC News: Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are warning Canadians about rhabdomyolysis after an unusual number of people, mostly young women, were hospitalized following intense workouts.
The condition happens when damaged muscle breaks down and releases substances into the blood that can harm the kidneys, and in serious cases, lead to organ failure.
Experts say the cases are a reminder to ease into exercise, stay hydrated and pay attention to warning signs like severe pain, swelling and dark urine.
International:
Al Jazeera: Iran says the United States would be making a mistake by letting Israel undermine diplomacy through continued attacks in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the real ceasefire effort must include Lebanon if it is going to hold.
The dispute over Lebanon’s inclusion has quickly emerged as one of the biggest threats to the ceasefire.
Business and finance students volunteer to help lower-income students file their taxes
Rory Haley
Photos: Rory Haley
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 1:30pm
Photo: Rory Haley
A volunteer helps a student file her taxes at the Algonquin College tax clinic in the CA-building on April 7.
Algonquin College has been offering free tax filing services to students who have simple tax situations.
The tax clinic can be found in C-building and has already hosted four sessions this week. The next clinic is on April 10, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shawn Sutton, professor in the financial services program and organizer of the event, encouraged all students to come to the clinic and get their taxes done for free.
“It’s a fantastic event. Students could get their tax return done for free by other students who are working on their degree,” he said. “They’ll get all their benefits that they’re entitled to under the Income Tax Act.”
Outside of Algonquin College's tax service clinic in the CA-building on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley
The volunteers are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which hosts tax services country-wide. According to the CRA, over 6,000 volunteers helped over 280,000 individuals file their taxes through the 1,240 CVTIP clinics across Ontario in 2025.
The Algonquin College tax clinic has 31 student volunteers: 22 from the financial services program and nine from the business accounting program.
Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student and event volunteer, says he volunteered for the Algonquin College tax clinic to help others while gaining his own working experience.
“This is a safe environment for us where we can practice our skills and we can also help people which are not capable,” he said.
Aum Patel, a fourth-level financial services student, volunteers at Algonquin College's free tax clinic on April 7. Photo credit: Rory Haley
Free financial and tax clinics help low-income populations secure benefits, rebates and tax returns, assisting clients to ensure they get the maximum amount of their money back.
Students are among those who struggle most with the cost of living and the government aims to provide relief for this crisis by giving different financial benefits to people who file their taxes before the April 30 deadline. These deductions help to support taxpayers by providing financial relief for costs like groceries, tuition or housing.
One of these benefits referenced by Patel was the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), which will allow eligible taxpayers to receive a payment from the government to provide relief from rising food costs.
“When you pay your school fees, the federal government will tell you that you do not have to pay any taxes on the amount you have paid with your fees,” Patel said. “So you can come in, come to us with your tuition fee receipt and we will add it to your tax return.”
Another benefit for students is the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which provides eligible taxpayers with payment to help with living costs, property tax and sales tax, typically monthly.
Algonquin College students who are Quebec residents, self-employed, business owners or individuals with foreign property or income are unable to participate in the Free Student Tax Clinic.
The AC Hub and Organization'elle held a workshop on a Monday afternoon aiming to give students the tools they need to take control of their lives
Owen Riendeau
Photos: Owen Riendeau
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 10:34am
Photo: Owen Riendeau
Life coach Syed Hassan speaking to students at Algonquin College on March 30.
The AC Hub hosted a workshop on March 30 in collaboration with Organization’elle in an effort to help students better manage time and stress.
Algonquin College students are in a stressful portion of the year. Student are anxious about approaching exams and there is growing uncertainty surrounding recent program cuts.
In response, the AC Hub hosted a student workshop in collaboration with Organization’elle, a company that offers a wide variety of coaching services.
The workshop focused on useful tips like how to prioritize tasks, set up structured study blocks and balance school and personal duties. The goal was to give students the tools they need to deal with the stress of upcoming exams and entering the professional world.
“As a previous student, I know the struggles that I had trying to organize my life as a student and trying to figure out how to navigate procrastination and stress,” said Algonquin College event officer Reanne Richards. “So I thought that having some people who actually know how to deal with it and have experience and have tips and tricks might be helpful, because I know I would have loved that when I was a student.”
The AC Hub on March 30. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
On top of exams, the recent Board of Governors’ decision to cut 30 programs ahead of the fall 2026 semester has left a number of students feeling uneasy.
Considering this, the time management workshop can be seen a benefit for students at a crucial time. Professional organizer Charlie Hassan and life coach Syed Hassan emphasized strategies like dividing large tasks into smaller ones, using digital planning tools and making time for breaks in order to avoid burnout.
Life coach Hassan said students shouldn’t feel discouraged by things that are out of their control, and things like program changes are unavoidable in the educational sector.
“So anytime something like this happens, students should not take it too hard, and should not feel that it’s them who are responsible, or they had anything to do with it,” said Syed Hassan. “What they need to focus on is their lives and what they’re trying to achieve and what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Life coach Syed Hassan speaking to students at Algonquin College on March 30. Photo credit: Owen Riendeau
For now, students have to deal with both educational demands and ongoing concerns regarding the future, one schedule and one study session at a time.
Life coach Hassan said “there’s a better opportunity and a better door waiting to be opened up.”
The 67's gear up for the Colts in the second round of the OHL playoffs and the challenge grows
Scott Crowell
Photos: Ottawa 67's Youtube
April 9, 2026 Revised: April 9, 2026 9:50am
Photo: Ottawa 67's Youtube
Ottawa 67's defeat Barrie Colts on March 12, 2026 at Sadlon Arena in overtime.
As the Ottawa 67’s moved on to Round 2 of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs, they awaited an opponent which they anticipated: the Barrie Colts.
Like Ottawa’s series with Kingston, the Round 2 series against Barrie is a long-awaited playoff match-up. This is the first playoff series between the two teams in 21 years.
The two teams have only faced off twice dating back to 1997. Ottawa is 2-0 in playoff series against Barrie.
Despite being in the same conference for decades, they rarely meet in the playoffs. This is a rare but exciting, and a very even, match-up.
Both teams have future NHL talent and have top-end prospects. There are players that can make or break a playoff series in the OHL.
Ottawa split the regular season series with Barrie going 2-2 in the four games played against the Colts. Both of Ottawa’s wins in the regular season came in Barrie, which is where Ottawa will kick off the series for Game 1 on Thursday.
Barrie has top-end talent including some soon-to-be NHL talent likely in their last years of junior hockey. Cole Beaudoin (Utah), Kashawn Aitcheson (New York Islanders) and Emil Hemming (Dallas) are among the Barrie players who are first-round picks and hard to play against. They will cause Ottawa some serious trouble throughout the series.
Themes to watch in the series
The teams are different when it comes to the type of systems their respective coaches run. Tempo will be a very big factor in this series. Ottawa’s tempo tends to be controlled and more structured over a full 60-minute game.
Barrie has more of a team tempo that thrives on the open ice, a natural zone trap and forcing of turnovers that lead to quick counterattacks. They are a team that likes to strike quick and eat you alive if you make a mistake.
Special teams will be another theme to watch, Barrie scored nine power-play goals in their first-round series against Niagara on just 16 power-plays and went 71.43 per cent on the penalty kill. Ottawa needs to stay out of the box in this series; penalties have been a problem with 17 in the first round.
Players to watch in this series
For the Ottawa 67’s, it will be veteran Nic Sima. Sima has been in this position before and has gained playoff experience. Against a team of Barrie’s calibre, Sima will be a guy to keep a close eye on for production and veteran leadership.
For the second straight series, the 67’s will face-off against a former player. Brad Gardiner was with the 67’s from 2021 to 2024 before being moved to Barrie in the 2024-25 season. A former longtime Ottawa 67 facing his former team with even more pressure on him, Gardiner is the player to watch for Barrie.
Ottawa will kick off Game 1 of the series on Thursday at Sadlon Arena in Barrie. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday in Barrie.
The 67’s will return to the nation’s capital on April 14, and April 16, for Games 3 and 4 with the hope of a lead or split the series.
Badminton enthusiasts exchanged stress for smiles as they leave it all on the court
Nylah Henry
Photos: Nylah Henry
April 8, 2026 Revised: April 8, 2026 11:03am
Photo: Nylah Henry
Mercedes Veninga (left) and Mallory Armstrong(right), taking a break from the gruelling competition.
The Algonquin Students’ Association hosted its winter badminton tournament on March 30 in the rec gym inside the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
The tournament, which ran from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., cost $15 per team. The tournament was open to any student or staff member, whether a seasoned pro or a casual player looking for some friendly competition.
“I usually play during open time, so I thought this would also be a fun and exciting experience,” said Mallory Armstrong, a student in the business marketing program.
“It’s always nice to meet new people, and I really enjoy the friendly competition.”
With exams slowly approaching, the tournament offered a reminder to students that sometimes the best way to recharge and reset is to get their bodies moving and socializing with fellow students.
Mercedes Veninga, a student in the bachelor of event, sport and entertainment management program, said she’s surprised that there wasn’t more of a turnout with only about 10 students in attendance.
“Badminton is such an adaptable sport, so even if you’ve never played before, it’s an easy and fun sport to learn. It also never hurts to try something new and move out of your comfort zone; you never know where it could lead,” said Veninga.
The Student Commons came alive with the sounds, colours and flavours of international traditions in a lively showcase of cultures from around the world
Mariana Vega Andrade
Photos: Mariana Vega Andrade
April 8, 2026 Revised: April 8, 2026 10:31am
Photo: Mariana Vega Andrade
A mariachi group performs as two attendees stop for a photo in the middle of the celebration.
Algonquin College’s Student Commons transformed into a vibrant festival of music, dance and food on April 2 during the 28th annual Celebration of Cultures.
Students explored the multicultural community that makes up the college, learning about the traditions, heritage and customs of people from across the globe.
This year’s event featured cultural tables from 16 countries, including South Africa, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Mongolia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, China, Albania, Lithuania, Portugal, Indonesia and Pakistan.
“This is a celebration of our multicultural community,” said Ilana Goldfarb from the Students’ Association, explaining that students from many countries come together to share their traditions.
She added that the event gives attendees the chance to learn about cultures represented on campus, as well as others they may not encounter every day.
“They have information about their destinations, cultural artifacts and food for them to enjoy,” she said, highlighting how the festival creates space for students to explore global perspectives in an engaging way.
Reflecting on the 28th edition of the festival, Goldfarb noted how meaningful this year felt.
“This year, I think we have a lot of participation. We have the most amount of groups that we’ve had, so a lot of countries wanting to participate,” she said.
With recent declines in international student admissions, she emphasized the importance of recognizing and uplifting the cultures present on campus.
“It’s nice, to celebrate the cultures that are here and make them feel special,” she said.
Students explore cultural displays from around the world during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures event. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
Among the many cultural booths, the Philippines stood out with a vibrant display and a selection of traditional dishes. José Víctor V. Chan-Gonzaga, ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Canada, introduced the country to students.
One of the key messages the ambassador wanted to share was the importance of Filipino cuisine, which he noted is still not widely known in Canada.
“Unless you grow up knowing a Filipino friend or a Filipino classmate in school, Filipino food is not, unfortunately, as popular as, for example, Mexican or Japanese food,” he said.
The Filipino booth featured beef and chicken empanaditas, a dish many are familiar with. However, Chan-Gonzaga said theirs were uniquely Philippine, along with the ube mini cupcakes made from the root crop purple yam.
For Chan-Gonzaga, participating in the event was about more than food.
“Two things, one is again related to our efforts to promote Philippine culture, Philippine food, etc. But I think also it’s really our realization that it’s also important for us to connect with younger Canadians, with students, with the youth,” he said.
The Philippines team with their display during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures. Photo credit: provided by source
Public relations student Clarence Charron attended the event with a clear purpose.
“I’m determined to find my friends’ jobs as locally engaged staffers at the embassies in Ottawa,” he said. “We’re public relations students. We do communications, event planning. We’re looking for internships and this seemed like a wonderful opportunity to get to meet a lot of people who are doing the jobs that we want to do.”
Charron said he especially enjoyed speaking with embassy staff.
“Talking to locally engaged staffers has been really fun. The diplomats have also been wonderful,” he said, adding that he had been asking each booth about their upcoming events.
For him, events like this are important for students.
“Algonquin has a large international student population, so anything cross-cultural or multicultural that showcases the diversity in such a wonderful way of all the cultures that are on campus is just great for making friends and making connections,” Charron said.
Jolanda Kocobashi, representing Albania, described her country as an emerging tourist destination with high mountains and beautiful beaches.
She said there are still many basic things people don’t know about Albania.
“Because Albania is a very small country, a lot of people don’t even know where it’s located,” she said.
The Albania team with their display during Algonquin College’s Celebration of Cultures. Photo credit: Mariana Vega Andrade
At the booth, she showcased “touristic attractions, traditional outfits, costumes,” including “Lahuta, which is a musical instrument under UNESCO.”
Participating matters to her because “I think it’s a good opportunity to make Albania known in the global aspect,” she said.
As students continued moving through the displays, Goldfarb reflected on what she hoped the event would leave them with.
“I think a sense of understanding of other cultures,” she said. “I’m hoping students come through, have conversations, and come away with a deeper understanding of different countries around the world and their cultural representation.”
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Three hours of fun turned into more awareness and funds for a critical Ottawa organization
Ryan Harkness
Photos: Ryan Harkness
April 7, 2026 Revised: April 7, 2026 9:06am
Photo: Ryan Harkness
Jonah Bruggink (left) and Jack Sioui (right) play a round of the popular game Battleship.
Players broke plastic ice and drew humorous cards on March 31 during a board game fundraiser run by Algonquin College PR students at Level One Game Pub in downtown Ottawa.
This event was an opportunity for the ACPR students to raise money for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) by providing a space for people to unwind and socialize.
“OCISO supports Ottawa’s newcomers with essential programs like financial support and job searching,” said Cinquasha Smith, the team leader for the Games & Glass event.
OCISO was founded in 1978 and has helped over 10,000 immigrants since in the organization’s time.
Attendees at Games & Glass could choose to play any of the wide variety of board games that Level One has to offer and order any food or beverage from the menu. Guests were also given a bingo card that, if fully completed, was entered for a chance to win a bag of OCISO merch.
Sarah Siu (left), Nathan Legros (centre) and Raymond Bowers (right) greeted attendees at the registration table, sharing information about the Culture2Culture campaign and OCISO. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
Games & Glass is one of the seven events that the ACPR students are putting on this year for their Culture2Culture campaign supporting OCISO. Culture2Culture is the 41st campaign put on by ACPR students in the program’s history.
ACPR has supported many different organizations in the past, including Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Since 1985, ACPR campaigns have raised about $590,000, and if students raise their goal of $10,000 this year, the $600,000 milestone will be crossed.
Smith oversaw everyone’s work and made sure it followed the Culture2Culture campaign’s missions.
“The campaign’s missions are to make sure all newcomers for our campaign feel safe, welcoming and supported. Some of our values come from inclusiveness,” said Smith.
Attendees play the popular board game Don't Break the Ice, where players have to smash the plastic ice cubes without making the toy penguin fall. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
For ACPR student Sarah Siu, Games & Glass was worth the lengthy planning in order to raise money for a great cause.
“We’re talking about how to pick a venue, what date we need to plan on putting it on and the time,” said Siu. “We also have to take to consider the fact of what could be interesting to our demographic and people who may be interested in learning more about OCISO.”
Siu applied what she learned in her classes at Algonquin, such as how to think critically and strategically, in order to help plan this event.
“If a vendor drops out, or if a venue last minute has a change, we are able to adopt quickly to that,” said Siu.
Many attendees heard about the event through social media, but for Jack Sioui it was through word of mouth.
“I heard about this through a friend who is helping organize this, and I thought it would be a good chance to help out and have some fun,” said Sioui, who played multiple rounds of Battleship during the event. “I think it’s a good cause because Ottawa and Canada in general has lots of immigrants coming in, and it’s good to have the supports to get them set up.”
This is not the first time that Lara Mills, a PR program coordinator, has assessed students running a board game night. The genre turns out to be a popular event choice for ACPR students looking to fundraise.
“This is actually the third or fourth time we have had a board game event at this venue,” said Mills. “This one is particularly special because this is not an issue that we’ve tackled (before).”
Lara Mills, Algonquin College Public Relations program coordinator, assessed the event from a distance in order to provide feedback to students. Photo credit: Ryan Harkness
Mills said that she is especially a fan of this campaign’s charity choice due to the negative rhetoric surrounding immigrants coming to Canada.
“This one is particularly special, because this is not an issue that we’ve tackled (before),” said Mills. “We also have a graduate of our program who works in communications at OCISO now.”
Future Culture2Culture events include the Speakeasy Night that will be hosted at YukYuk’s Comedy Club Ottawa on April 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and B2B (Bridge2Belonging) Fest at Club SAW on April 12 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. More information about the campaign can be found at acprcampaign.com.
From cutting back on outings to taking on extra work, students say rising gas prices and overall costs are making everyday life and education harder to afford
Kindra Paul
Photos: Kindra Paul
April 6, 2026 Revised: April 6, 2026 9:29pm
Photo: Kindra Paul
Gas prices on this day ranged from $1.76 to $2.13.
Rising gas prices are forcing Algonquin College students to adjust their budgets and lifestyles, and the financial strain is taking a toll on their social lives.
Gas prices in Ottawa have jumped more than 45 cents per litre since late February, climbing from about $1.35 per litre on March 1 and to $1.82 on April 1. The increase reflects rising global oil prices during ongoing geopolitical tensions causing oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.
Gas prices could continue going up in the next few months. Experts say that if the conflict continues, oil will stay expensive, which means higher prices at the pump. Prices may also continue to rise because gas stations switch to a more expensive summer fuel which usually costs more to produce.
For students juggling school, work and commuting, the impact is immediate. Many are reconsidering how often and how far they travel as fuel costs rise.
According to a recent survey by Canada Pulse Insights, 91 per cent of Canadians say rising gas and oil prices are affecting their household finances, with 69 per cent reporting a moderate to major impact.
As a result, students say they are cutting back on non-essential trips and adjusting their daily routines to manage costs. Some students are seeking cheaper gas, making trips to specific stations, like Costco, to save a few cents per litre.
“I’ve been waiting till late at night to get gas… looking up online what the cheapest gas prices are, which I have not done before,” said Ava Dajada, a Level 4 respiratory therapy student.
Others are combining transportation methods to reduce costs.
“I’ve been leaving my car halfway through my way here and taking the bus so I can have a 30-minute bus ride and still save time and gas,” said David Altamar, a Level 2 police foundations student.
However, public transportation is not an option for some students.
“Buses actually don’t come out to my area. I can’t (bus) even if I wanted to,” said Dakota Swire, who is also in Level 4 respiratory therapy.
As expenses rise, students say their social lives are shrinking.
“We don’t go out too much anymore because (of) all the prices of everything now,” said Chance Lorander, a Level 2 police foundations student.
Amelia Campbell, a Level 4 respiratory therapy student, agrees.
“It makes me not want to go out anymore, ’cause I don’t want to drive around and have to pay an arm and a leg just to drive down the street,” said Campbell.
Students are finding compromises.
“Me and my friends try to meet in the middle just so one of us is not having to drive super far one way,” said Dajada.
To keep up with rising costs, many students are working more or budgeting carefully.
“I’ve made a budget on how much to spend on groceries and my car and kind of prioritizing that as opposed to other things,” said Lara Waldron, a Level 2 veterinary technician student.
Many students say the rising cost of living is making education feel increasingly out of reach, some programs having extreme additional costs.
“There’s a lot of extra fees like stethoscopes…parking and gas…there’s a lot of added expenses for our program,” Dajada said.
Some students have also had to make major lifestyle changes.
“I had to get rid of my apartment and move in with friends,” said Brandon Ross, a Level 4 police foundations student.
Rising transportation costs may also affect academic success. Research published by Taylor & Francis Online found that a $1 increase in gasoline prices per gallon is associated with a 0.918 percentage point decrease in community college student retention rates.
With inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and education, students are forced to make difficult choices — cutting back on social activities, working more and rethinking how they get to school.
“I don’t think being a person in general is affordable, let alone affordable for students,” said Nolan Tarantino, a Level 4 police foundations student.
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