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Articles by Ernest Ko
Toronto Blue Jays fans at Algonquin College are buzzing with excitement as their team battles for a spot in the World Series. Gavin McLean, a graduate of the electrical apprenticeship program and a lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan, could not be more excited about the Jays having a shot at making it to the World Series if they win the American League Championship Series. “It means a lot to me and my family to see the boys in the ALCS,” said McLean.
Men’s soccer Wolves prey on the Falcons to advance to the quarterfinals
The Algonquin Wolves men’s soccer team defeated the Fanshawe Falcons 4-1 at home on Oct. 15 to advance to the quarterfinals. With this win, the Wolves were scheduled to face Sheridan Bruins on Oct. 18 at the Algonquin Sports Field. Gershom Dupuy opened the scoring 26 minutes in on an assist from Alix Basa. It was the only goal scored in the first half. Falcons’ head coach Rob Pereira said they tried to change strategies.
Studying in the practical nursing program often comes with a stressful workload and sleepless nights. Students and professors at Algonquin College say it can be intense. But all the hard work pays off in that long-awaited pinning ceremony where students receive their practical nursing pin in front of their fellow graduates, friends and family. On Oct.
Algonquin College students express relief as full-time support staff strike ends
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing the province’s full-time college support workers, reached a tentative three-year agreement with the province on Oct. 15, ending the five-week-long strike. The details were presented to union members that afternoon, with picket lines closing across the province’s 24 colleges. The 10,000 striking employees have since returned to work. Students at the college expressed relief after learning the news.
From sound to song: One Algonquin College alumna brings her dream to the stage
Charae Degrow has turned her passion into a reality, all with the help of Algonquin College. Once a psychology graduate, Degrow shifted her path to follow her true calling in music. Now, she has transferred her life-long passion to the stage, performing in her own self-made show. It wasn’t until after earning her degree from McMaster University in 2017 that Degrow admitted she felt something was missing.
Ottawa International Animation Festival motivates next generation of talent
When Aurora Seyhan first volunteered at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), she left feeling motivated and refreshed for the industry she hoped to join. Three years later, this Algonquin College animation student still returns to the festival each fall, drawn by the community that comes together to showcase their work and celebrate the art of animation. As the second-largest animation festival in the world, this year’s event ran from Sept. 24 to Sept.
Organizers are the real champions of Smash, building community at Algonquin
Hosting a gaming tournament is not for the faint of heart. Knowing how to play the game is not enough. It requires event management skills, a touch of live broadcasting knowledge and even policing to determine which controllers contestants are allowed to use. The 119th ACE Smash Friday was held in A1821 at Algonquin College on Oct. 3. It was broadcast on Twitch Rocky_thepetrock, where all tournaments are streamed. The primary game played is Super Smash Bros Ultimate, initially released Dec. 7, 2018.
Algonquin College students are spending strategically on their delivery and takeout orders
Nicolas Paquette, a commerce student at Algonquin, orders takeout five days a week because it’s cheaper than the grocery store. A recent report by Restaurants Canada, the lobby group representing Canada’s restaurant industry, shows that 75 per cent of Canadians are eating out less due to the rising cost of living. For those aged 18-34, that stat rises to 81 per cent.
Ottawa’s wellness fair connects the community
Ben Franklin Place in Nepean buzzed with activity on Sept. 26 as community members and students passed from table to table at the second annual wellness fair. This event was designed to connect people with organizations and services promoting physical, mental and social health. The fair was set up in a marketplace style with rows of booths, each one representing a local not-for-profit, health agency or resource provider.
‘It was a blast.’ 21 Gun Salute rocks Algonquin with an AC/DC tribute
Canadian band 21 Gun Salute rocked the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Sept. 26, delivering an explosive AC/DC Tribute that took fans back to the early ’80s. The crowd was mostly filled with elderly people in rock-style clothes, singing word for word to every song performed by the band. The crowd was went wild when Thunderstruck played. In an interview with the Algonquin Times before the concert, the band said their only purpose was making the fans feel like they were back in their younger years.
Canadian comedy legend Glen Foster is bringing the laughs to Nepean
Glen Foster is brining Tickle me Tuesday at Summerhays Grill on Oct. 7, hoping to establish a new comedy spot in Ottawa. The show features Foster and four fellow comedians: Serge Nkusi, Alex Callahan, Jake Daly and Colin Smith, who is hosting the whole event. Summerhays is not one of the traditional comedy spots in Ottawa, but Foster and Smith saw an opportunity to turn the restaurant into an underground comedy club. “Well, we actually have wings there every week.
Orange Shirt Day: My ReconciliACTION brings reflection to Algonquin College
Paper orange shirts will hang in the Student Commons in October as a reminder of actions people can take to further reconciliation with Indigenous people. The event Orange Shirt Day: ReconciliACTION was organized by the SA to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. For Mateo Mangroo, an SA staff member, the event was about turning awareness into action.
Students become frustrated in the face of support workers’ escalation of solidarity
By Ernest Ko and Jade Louise Greenwood Cars honked and swerved as students tried to find a way into Algonquin College on Oct. 2., while striking staff worked to guide students away from the picket lines, redirecting some to College Square and off-site parking lots. The blockade led to a chaotic day, and some students felt it was overkill. “I supported them. I agree they should be getting more money.
Women’s soccer: Wolves extend their unbeaten streak to seven with a decisive win against the Fleming Phoenix
The Wolves women’s soccer team defeated the Fleming Phoenix 7-0 at the Algonquin Sports Field on the afternoon of Sept. 27, continuing their unbeaten streak as they prepare to face two of the top teams in their division next weekend. From the opening kickoff, the Wolves quickly took control of the game, dictating the tempo and showing their quality. The Wolves struck early, netting three goals in the opening 15 minutes courtesy of Danika Mader, Alex Aubin and Cayla Latimer.
Algonquin College students restore Stittsville school time capsules
In 1986, students at Stittsville Public School carefully sealed letters and mementoes in time capsules. Now, nearly four decades later, the contents are being examined, repaired and preserved by Algonquin College museum studies students. The capsules were buried on school grounds to commemorate the passing of Halley’s Comet, with the plan that they would remain sealed until the comet returns in 2061.
Algonquin College relaunches program to advance gender equity in STEM
Algonquin College launched the newly rebranded women in tech and trades (WiTT) program on Sept. 10, aiming to achieve several key goals, including boosting representation, visibility and outreach. The college aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community, ultimately increasing retention and graduation rates. Dean Morgan, a professor of the electrical principles program, said that when he was studying in college 30 years ago, there were only two women in his electrical principles class.
Students encouraged to download security app
On Sept. 17, an email was sent to students encouraging them to download an app and to review the school’s security protocols. The email was sent by the college’s communications department, which included a memo written by Jason Condon, manager of Security and Emergency Services. The app is called AC Safety Mobile. Its goal is to deliver campus-specific notifications and it contains maps, class locations, security contact information and all emergency protocols.
Students voice support, frustrations as OPSEU strike continues at Algonquin College
For the past two weeks, when Ashton Starr’s classes have finished before 5 p.m., he has walked out to the campus’ Woodroffe entrance, picked up a sign and joined the picket line. “I made it myself,” he proudly says, pointing to his picket sign that reads “Student Labour Solidarity.” “Students Support Workers” is written on the other side.
Observatory stops operations as a pub, switches to rental-only
Another affordable lunch spot has disappeared from the Algonquin College campus and without any announcement, students are feeling sold short. According to the Algonquin Students’ Association, the Observatory will only be available for rentals, rather than operating as the daily campus pub it once was. The Ob was also only open for rentals during the spring term.
Feed the Pack kicks off at Wolves soccer home openers
SA representatives greeted fans and collected food donations under a tent at the entrance to the festive Wolves soccer home opener games on Sept.19. It was the inaugural night of their new Feed the Pack initiative in partnership with the school’s varsity sports teams.
Men’s soccer Wolves push winning streak to five with win over the Golden Shield
The Algonquin Wolves men’s soccer team extended their undefeated streak to five games on Sept. 19 with a 6-1 home victory over the Cambrian Golden Shield. The Wolves opened the scoring at the 17-minute mark on a goal from Alix Basa. The Golden Shield answered back with a goal at the 38-minute mark, ending the first half tied. Eleven minutes into the second half, Alessandro Vivolo, who is currently the top scorer in the league, slotted it up high on a penalty kick.
Algonquin College staff join Solidarity Day of Action as full-time support strike enters second week
As the clock struck noon on a sunny Friday afternoon, Algonquin College’s striking full-time support staff and colleagues standing in solidarity filled up the Woodroffe Avenue entrance. Now on strike for over a week, OPSEU has repeatedly voiced its frustrations over provincial funding shortfalls for public colleges and stalled negotiations with the College Employer Council (CEC) over a renewed bargaining agreement.
Six off-campus spots every student should know about
Algonquin College students crave food almost as much as they crave good grades, but now that some campus restaurants and eateries are closed, where do students go? The following six restaurants are perfect spots that AC students have recommended. They’re places to study, decompress, catch up with friends and occasionally overhear a breakup story from the table next to you.
Algonquin College students question potential public prayer ban in Quebec
Some Algonquin College student are worried about a Quebec bill, scheduled to pass this fall, that would ban praying in public spaces. Coalition Avenir Quebec, the provincial party in power, has been planning the proposal for months, requiring immigrants to embrace the “common culture.” On May 28, Quebec’s immigration minister tabled Bill 84 to guide immigrants to integrate with the province’s belief system.
Students notice change in on-campus services during first day of support staff strike
By Nathan Heatherington, Kendra Mendrisky, Ève Bélanger, Jade Louise Greenwood, Bradley Richrads, Janella Milord Ashford, Jackie Beeston, Robyn Lanktree and Vasileios Tselios A strike by full-time support workers started to impact several services at Algonquin College on Thursday “All classes and academic activities are continuing as scheduled.
Across Algonquin College’s northern entrances, full-time support staff make their voices heard
By Ernest Ko, Matthew Grieve, Kevin Clasper-Inglis, Elyse Barker, Mickey Banks, Duncan Roi, Lara Simard, Nicklaus Korim, Robyn Lanktree and Vasileios Tselios Abby Rabishaw has been working at Algonquin College’s registrar’s office since 2023. She loves her job. “It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” she said. It allows her to “give back and help students in ways I would have loved while I was in school.
By Ernest Ko and Janella Milord Ashford Algonquin College president and CEO Claude Brulé on Wednesday warned the campus community about possible strike by full-time college support staff across Ontario, including Algonquin College, beginning Thursday. “While we remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached, we must also be prepared for the possibility of a labour disruption,” an emailed message from Brulé said.
Determined women drive positive change in traditional policing
Hadley Claudette stares at a photo of herself, sitting in a police car. Her smile is wide and her eyes full of excitement, arms barely long enough to reach the steering wheel. From a young age, she has been preparing for a career in policing, and her time in the Algonquin College police foundations program has helped solidify that dream. “I’m confident this is what I need to do. I could make a difference in the law enforcement world,” she said.
In a hangar tucked away at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the hum of aircraft engines and the sound of tools clinking against metal fill the air. For students in Algonquin College’s aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) program, this is more than just a workspace — it’s where their dreams take flight.
Off the air: Algonquin College radio students lament beloved program
When Ottawans settle into their cars for the morning commute, many skip the podcasts and playlists. Instead, they reach for a familiar button — radio. From breaking news and morning banter to the latest tunes, Ottawa Valley’s 34 radio stations have long been part of the city’s media landscape. For decades, stations like KiSS 105.3, TSN 1200 and MOVE 100.3 have shaped the capital’s soundtrack and conversation.
Faculty Recognition Awards honour remarkable professors of Algonquin College
Nine faculty members from Algonquin College’s three campuses took to the stage at the Algonquin Commons Theatre to accept awards of recognition on March 25. There were several awards celebrating beloved faculty members at the college. One of the recipients of an Excellence in Teaching award was Murray Hillier, professor in respiratory therapy who has taught at the college for 23 years, driving in from Kingston every day.
Muslim students bring culture to Algonquin College during Islamic Awareness Week
The Algonquin College Muslim Student Alliance hosted an event in E-building on March 17 and March 18 to celebrate Islamic Awareness Week. For their annual event, the MSA set up tables with a variety of activities in which people could have conversations, donate to charity, do henna or simply learn more about Islam.
Students find creative ways to dodge high parking costs at Algonquin College
Abbey Treanor, a fourth-year interior design student at Algonquin College, believes that parking prices have risen too high for the average student trying to pay their tuition. “I can’t afford to spend money all the time. I already pay for tuition,” said Treanor. With rising costs of tuition, external costs of her program and the lack of time she has to work because of class scheduling, Treanor is adamant that the steep parking prices should drop.
Federal election: 14 things you need to know about the upcoming vote
With the 45th federal election around the corner, Algonquin Times reporters compiled answers to some questions you might have before casting your vote. When is the federal election? Election day is April 28, 2025. Check your local polling stations to know when polls open and close that day. How long is the election campaign? According to election law, election campaigns must be at least 37 days long and not surpass 51 days. This time around, the campaign is the shortest allowed — 37 days. Who can vote?
Federal election: Here are the ridings at play in Ottawa
Ottawa West-Nepean Ottawa West-Nepean boundaries are the Ottawa River to the north, the CN Rail line to the south, Fisher Avenue to the east and Moodie Drive to the west. There are an estimated 92,273 electors. Candidates: Ryan Telford, Conservative Party Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal Party, incumbent Josh Bizjak, NDP Glen Armstrong, People’s Party of Canada Nepean Nepean riding has a northern boundary of the CP Rail line, a western boundary of Highway 416 and a southern boundary of Barnsdale Road.
Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker released from Israeli detainment
Local CTV: Ottawa police are investigating an assault and robbery linked to a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving a cellphone. The assault and robbery took place on Sunday after the victim met two individuals at their residence to complete the transaction. It was at this point, according to an Ottawa Police statement on X, that the victim was assaulted and the cellphone stolen. The suspects fled immediately afterwards.
Carney to ask Governor General to dissolve Parliament
Local CTV News: A 33-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after he was found asleep behind the wheel on Highway 17 at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. An officer located “what looked to be an abandoned vehicle parked in the passing lanes,” said Ontario Provincial Police. The vehicle was found between Goshen Road and McCowan Drive. National National Post: Mark Carney is expected to ask Governor General Mary Simon for a snap election on March 23, a week after taking over as prime minister.
Jamie Bramburger leaves a legacy of dedication and community impact
The Algonquin College community is mourning the loss of Jamie Bramburger, the interim dean of the Pembroke waterfront campus, who passed away at the age of 58 on March 11. His death leaves a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, students and many others whose lives he touched. Sarah Hall devoted 16 years to Algonquin College, including serving as the dean of the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology at the Pembroke campus before her departure in 2024.
Israel ends ceasefire in Gaza with deadly airstrike
Local CTV: The City of Ottawa collected 45,328 red light camera tickets in 2024, the fewest in five years. Those 45,328 tickets were less than 2023’s 56,475 tickets and 2022’s 45,723. It was the fewest number of tickets since 2020, when the COVID-19-mandated quarantine meant fewer cars were on the road. Of the most-ticketed intersections, Wellington Street at St. Patrick Street collected 3,000 tickets, while multiple King Edward Avenue lights issued considerable amounts.
Opinion: Social media ruined the car community forever
Did that headline grab your attention? Love it or hate it, you’re here now, reading my take on it. That’s the power of clickbait — a double-edged sword in today’s online world. It’s great for businesses, helping them reel in customers. But for communities like us car enthusiasts? It’s often a mixed bag, stirring up drama and making trends burn out quicker than a bad clutch. Okay, hear me out. I know you’ve probably made some great car buddies through Instagram, but is that really the best way?
Women’s basketball: Wolves complete a perfect regular season. Is this their year?
An 84-47 win over the St. Lawrence Surge in Kingston on Saturday Feb. 8 clinched an undefeated regular season for the Wolves women’s basketball team and put them on a path for an OCAA gold medal. This is the women’s third straight undefeated regular season, finishing with a silver medal in 2024 and a bronze medal in 2023. Could this be the year for gold? “This group has been super motivated this year to chase gold based on our previous years,” said Jaime McLean, the head coach for the Wolves.
Local CBC: Gatineau police have launched a crackdown on out-of-province licence plates, mainly targeting Ontario-plated vehicles. The operation aims to catch Quebec residents who have not registered their vehicles locally, as required by law. Police say offenders could face fines and be forced to update their registration. Authorities argue the enforcement ensures fairness, as some drivers use Ontario plates to avoid higher fees and insurance costs in Quebec.
Confusion, frustration and contemplation as Algonquin College calls for program cuts
Driving into work used to be a labour of love for Teri Loretto. She was always eager to arrive at the college, eager to see her students and mentor them in her dual role as the program coordinator for both the scriptwriting and performing arts programs. For the past week, however, it’s become a stark reminder of what just happened, and what may come in the future. She’s loved this job for half a decade. But soon, the scriptwriting and performing arts programs could disappear. On Feb.
Buying Canadian: A tariff-ic idea?
By Bradley Richards and Ernest Ko Niagara wine and Quebec cheese? The United States tariffs may be hurting the once-strong relationship with its northern neighbours, and pressuring Canadians to opt for maple-labels. Like many other Canadians, Algonquin College student Megan McNamara has begun looking at labels and searching for maple leaves as she tries to support Canadian businesses. “I thought we had a better relationship with the U.S.,” McNamara said.
Lunar New Year event brings culture and celebration to Algonquin College
The Algonquin College community came together on Jan. 29 to celebrate the Lunar New Year with an afternoon of cultural performances, traditional food and festive activities in the Student Commons. The event featured booths, games, and performances organized by student groups, including the Algonquin College Vietnamese Club and the Chinese Student Alliance. A lion dance captivated people, alongside interactive activities like the Vietnamese dice game (Bầu Cua Tôm Cá) and chopstick pick up challenge.
Women’s basketball: Wolves cruise past George Brown on Senior Night
The Wolves women’s basketball team delivered a commanding 70-31 win over the George Brown Huskies on Jan. 31, keeping their unbeaten streak alive with a decisive victory at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. It was another impressive performance from the Wolves as they came out to an early lead in the first quarter and pressed the advantage, quickly taking control of the game.
Commercial airplane and military helicopter collide in the U.S.
Local CBC: Officers from the Community Youth Unit of the Ottawa Police Service will be appointed to teachers, allowing teachers to call the assigned youth officers and streamline communication. This comes after seeing an increase in violence in Ottawa’s schools, according to OPS Staff Sergeant Fernando Vieira. The initiative will be the first in four years since OPS removed all officers from schools because of uneasy relationships between schools and police.
Bank of Canada lowers interest rate ahead of potential U.S. trade war
Local CTV: Service on Line 1 was temporarily interrupted on Wednesday morning following a vehicle crash that damaged a gas line. The crash occurred on Highway 174 around 7 a.m. near Blair Station, leading to a five-hour disruption of service. Replacement buses were rushed into operation to accommodate the stranded morning commuters. The damaged gas line is used to provide power to switch heaters in the area, which caused the interruption in service in the east end.
Local leaders voice concerns about closure of Algonquin College’s Perth campus
Local leaders are pushing back against the planned closure of Algonquin College’s Perth campus, warning of severe educational and economic consequences for the town. Three weeks ago, Algonquin College president Claude Brulé announced the Perth campus would close in August 2026, sparking widespread shock and concern from the college community, alumni and Perth residents.
Men’s volleyball: Sweet revenge for Wolves in win over Sting
The Algonquin Wolves men’s volleyball team swept the Seneca Sting on Jan. 24 before coming up a point short against the top-ranked Georgian Grizzlies a day later at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. Against the Sting, the Wolves’ dominant play around the net proved decisive, with the team surrendering the lead only once across three sets. “We played our best game around the net, giving them no room to beat us up top.
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