Ottawa Daily News: December 18, 2025
Ottawa faces a stark contrast today as the city’s children’s hospital battles an unprecedented flu crisis while holiday festivities light up neighborhoods across the capital. Three young lives lost to influenza complications have prompted urgent public health warnings, even as families gather for Hanukkah celebrations and the Senators prepare to host the Penguins.
Ottawa news this Thursday brings a mix of urgent health concerns and festive holiday spirit. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario continues operating under emergency conditions following three pediatric flu deaths, while law enforcement celebrates a major victory with over 350 charges laid against a GTA-based crime ring. On a brighter note, Hanukkah Day 3 brings community celebrations, the Magic of Lights dazzles at Wesley Clover Parks, and Handel’s Messiah fills the National Arts Centre. Weather remains mild with highs near 4°C before evening rain arrives.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: CHEO’s flu crisis continues with three child deaths prompting urgent vaccination appeals. The Senators host Pittsburgh tonight at 7 PM. A major crime bust resulted in 350+ charges against a break-in ring. Mild weather with evening rain expected before temperatures drop significantly later this week.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| 🌡️ Weather | High 4°C, Low 4°C, evening rain |
| 🚗 Traffic | Richmond Road lane work continues overnight |
| 🎉 Top Event | Handel’s Messiah at NAC, 7:00 PM |
| 🏒 Sports | Senators vs Penguins, 7:00 PM at Canadian Tire Centre |
CHEO Flu Crisis: Three Children Dead, Hospital Overwhelmed
Image: Health officials urge vaccination as CHEO battles unprecedented flu surge
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario has confirmed one of the most devastating flu seasons in recent memory, with three children between ages five and nine dying from influenza A complications in early December. The cluster of deaths within such a short timeframe has prompted the regional coroner to notify public health authorities—an unusual step that underscores the severity of this outbreak.
“It’s rare for the coroner to reach out like this,” said Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa’s medical officer of health. “This season has been particularly severe.”
The numbers paint a troubling picture. In November 2025 alone, CHEO documented eight times more children testing positive for influenza compared to the same month last year, with hospitalizations doubling. The emergency department, designed to handle 150 patients daily, has been treating approximately 250 children each day.
Last week, CHEO issued an urgent plea to family physicians across the region. The hospital requested doctors extend their clinic hours and volunteer at the Kids Come First clinic to help manage the overwhelming patient surge.
Health officials emphasize that most children requiring emergency care had not received their flu vaccination. According to CHEO’s statement: “The flu is more than a bad cold. Children under five are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza because they have smaller airways, and their immune systems are still developing.”
Dr. Arnason and public health officials have intensified vaccination campaigns, urging parents and caregivers to get vaccinated immediately to protect vulnerable children. Flu vaccines remain available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and community health clinics throughout Ottawa.
Major Crime Bust: Over 350 Charges in Break-In Ring Takedown
Image: Law enforcement agencies collaborate on major crime investigation
Law enforcement agencies across Eastern Ontario have arrested three individuals from the Greater Toronto Area in connection with 20 commercial break-ins spanning July through September 2025. The investigation culminated in formal charges being laid on December 16.
The suspects—Karoly Csombok, 27, of Etobicoke; Ferenc Kiss, 28, of Brampton; and Norbert Szeles, 20, of Toronto—collectively face more than 350 criminal charges.
The investigation revealed a coordinated pattern targeting convenience stores after closing hours. The thieves would forcibly enter establishments to steal cigarettes and lottery tickets. The break-ins affected businesses across a wide region: three in Ottawa, five in Kingston, two each in Brockville and Cornwall, and eight in areas served by various OPP detachments.
Csombok faces 126 charges including 20 counts of break and enter, 20 counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, and 20 counts of possession of break-in tools. Kiss faces 128 charges, while Szeles is charged with 112 counts. All three remain in custody.
The investigation demonstrated cooperation between multiple police agencies including the Ontario Provincial Police’s Community Street Crime Unit, Kingston Police Service, Brockville Police Service, Cornwall Police Services, and Ottawa Police Service.
Fatal Crash West of Ottawa: Teen Driver Charged with Impaired Driving
Image: Fatal collision prompts renewed calls for road safety awareness
A tragic single-vehicle crash near Pakenham on December 15 claimed the life of an 18-year-old male from Mississippi Mills. The collision occurred on 8th Concession South Pakenham near Cedar Hill Side Road just before midnight.
Emergency crews from Mississippi Mills Fire Service had to free the deceased occupant from the crashed vehicle. A 17-year-old driver and another passenger sustained minor injuries and were transported for medical evaluation.
Ontario Provincial Police charged the 17-year-old driver with impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, and impaired driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. The driver is expected to appear in court in January 2026.
Police are requesting anyone with dash cam footage or other information regarding the collision to come forward.
Ottawa Senators Host Pittsburgh Penguins Tonight
Image: Ottawa Senators prepare for divisional matchup at Canadian Tire Centre
The Ottawa Senators host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at 7:00 PM at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Sens enter with a 15-13-4 record after their impressive 3-2 overtime victory over Winnipeg on December 16.
Tim Stutzle was the standout performer against the Jets, setting up all three goals in the Senators’ win. The team’s recent strong play has energized fans hoping for a playoff push.
The Penguins arrive with a 14-9-9 record, making this an important matchup for both teams jockeying for divisional positioning.
The Senators face some injury challenges heading into tonight’s game. Lars Eller, Thomas Chabot, and Shane Pinto are all listed as out due to lower and upper body injuries. Despite these absences, the team has shown resilience in recent games.
Tickets remain available at the Canadian Tire Centre box office and online through Ticketmaster. For those watching the Ottawa Senators at home, the game broadcasts on TSN5.
Hanukkah Day 3: Community Celebrations Across Ottawa
Image: Ottawa’s Jewish community celebrates the third night of Hanukkah
December 18 marks the third day of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights that began on December 14 and continues through December 22. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and affiliated organizations are hosting several events throughout the city.
The most prominent local event tonight is the “Ottawa Sens Chanukah Night” hosted by the Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Temple Israel Ottawa. This event combines Hanukkah celebration with the Senators game, offering a festive community gathering.
Additional events today include the “Great Gatineau Community Chanukah” from 6:30 to 8:30 PM and the “Jewish Public Servants’ Network Chanukah Party” from 6:30 to 9:00 PM.
The eight-day holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is celebrated with menorah lighting, traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and community gatherings. Ottawa’s vibrant Jewish community has organized programming at various synagogues throughout the holiday period.
Magic of Lights Ottawa: 10th Season Continues
Image: Magic of Lights celebrates its 10th spectacular season at Wesley Clover Parks
The drive-through holiday light display Magic of Lights Ottawa continues its milestone 10th season at Wesley Clover Parks through January 3, 2026. The event features over two million twinkling lights along a two-kilometer route.
This year’s highlights include the longest light tunnel in Ontario, a Prehistoric Christmas display, and returning favorites including Winter Wonderland, Holiday Barbie, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, and Reindeer Road.
Hours of operation are 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM nightly. The event supports the CHEO Foundation—particularly meaningful given the hospital’s current challenges. The venue offers a “Mark Motors Group Holiday Pit Stop” where visitors can exit vehicles to explore an illuminated forest trail, take photographs, and enjoy warm treats in a cozy winter village setting.
Admission is one carload, one price. Tickets are available at magicoflights.com. For more winter activities in Ottawa, check out our comprehensive guides.
Handel’s Messiah at the National Arts Centre
Image: National Arts Centre Orchestra performs Handel’s beloved holiday masterpiece
The National Arts Centre Orchestra presents “Handel’s Messiah” tonight at 7:00 PM, the second performance of the run following Wednesday’s concert. This beloved holiday classic offers Ottawa residents and visitors a traditional cultural experience featuring some of music’s most recognizable seasonal pieces.
Tickets start at $35 and remain available through the NAC box office. The performance is part of the NAC’s busy December schedule celebrating the winter season. For those who miss tonight’s performance, check the NAC website for additional holiday programming.
The venue is easily accessible by public transit, with parking available in the NAC underground garage. Doors open approximately one hour before curtain.
Weather Outlook: Mild Day Before Cold Snap
Image: Ottawa enjoys mild December temperatures before weekend cold arrives
Ottawa residents can expect a relatively mild day on Thursday with a high of 4°C and a mix of sun and cloud. Evening brings rain, with overnight temperatures holding steady around 4°C. Winds will be light, creating reasonable conditions for outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Sunrise occurs at 7:37 AM with sunset at 4:21 PM, giving the capital just over 8.5 hours of daylight.
Enjoy the mild weather while it lasts. Temperatures are forecast to drop significantly later in the week, with December 22 expecting a high of -6°C and an overnight low of -14°C. This temperature swing is typical for mid-December in Ottawa as winter patterns become more established.
Traffic & Transit Updates
Image: LRT construction continues to create traffic adjustments across Ottawa
Motorists traveling on Richmond Road near Highway 417 should be aware of overnight lane reductions for LRT construction:
- Tonight (December 18-19): Final night of immediate closures in this area
- Earlier this week: Southbound and northbound lanes experienced overnight reductions
The construction is part of the broader Stage 2 LRT expansion. The two-kilometer section of Richmond Road that closed last year is scheduled to remain closed until 2027 as O-Train reconfiguration work continues.
The O-Train Line 1 continues operating normally with no service disruptions reported. Officials remain optimistic about a potential year-end 2025 opening for the eastern extension to Trim Station, though they emphasize the system will open only when ready to meet all safety and reliability requirements.
For real-time transit updates, check octranspo.com or download the OC Transpo app.
Ottawa Real Estate: Market Shifts Toward Buyers
Image: Ottawa’s real estate market shows increased inventory and buyer choice
Ottawa’s real estate market eased into a slower rhythm in November 2025. Home sales reached 880 units, down from October’s 1,177 units and 18.2 percent lower than November 2024. However, year-to-date sales remain 1.5 percent ahead of 2024.
The average home sale price in November was $680,496, representing a 2 percent year-over-year increase. Single-family homes averaged $729,300 in benchmark price (up 3.7% year-over-year), while townhouses averaged $533,200 (up 11.3%), and apartments averaged $404,400 (down 2.5%).
A significant shift occurred in active listings, which reached 3,721 units at month-end—31.3 percent higher than November 2024. Months of inventory rose to 4.2, creating more choice for buyers than existed earlier in the fall. For those looking at where to live in Ottawa, the increased inventory offers more options.
What’s Happening This Week
Image: Holiday festivities continue throughout Ottawa’s downtown core
Tonight & Tomorrow:
- Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins - 7:00 PM, Canadian Tire Centre
- Handel’s Messiah - 7:00 PM, National Arts Centre
- Ottawa Sens Chanukah Night - 7:00 PM, Temple Israel Ottawa
- Magic of Lights - 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Wesley Clover Parks
This Weekend:
- Ottawa Christmas Market Reopens - Friday December 19, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne
- Ottawa 67’s vs Peterborough - Friday December 19, 7:00 PM, TD Place
- Winter Wander on Sparks Street - Ongoing holiday light displays
Holiday Events:
- Christmas at Mādahòkì Farm - Trail of Lights and Indigenous traditions, 4420 West Hunt Club Road
- ByWard Market Holiday Shopping - Extended hours through Christmas
For a complete list of Ottawa events, visit our events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current flu situation at CHEO?
CHEO has reported three child deaths from influenza A complications and is operating under emergency conditions. The emergency department is treating approximately 250 patients daily, well above its 150-patient capacity. Health officials urge parents to get children vaccinated immediately.
What time do the Senators play tonight?
The Ottawa Senators host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 PM at the Canadian Tire Centre. The game broadcasts on TSN5 for those watching from home.
Is Magic of Lights open tonight?
Yes, Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM nightly through January 3, 2026. Tickets are one carload, one price.
What is the weather forecast for Ottawa today?
Expect a high of 4°C with a mix of sun and cloud during the day. Rain arrives in the evening with temperatures holding around 4°C overnight. A significant cold snap arrives later this week.
Are there any road closures to be aware of?
Richmond Road near Highway 417 continues overnight lane work for LRT construction. The closures typically occur from late evening through early morning hours.
When is the Ottawa Christmas Market open?
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne reopens Friday, December 19 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM with extended evening hours for holiday shopping.
What day of Hanukkah is it?
December 18, 2025 is the third day of Hanukkah. The eight-day Festival of Lights continues through December 22.
How can I get flu vaccine for my children?
Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and community health clinics throughout Ottawa. No appointment is necessary at most pharmacy locations.
What happened in the major crime bust?
Three GTA residents face over 350 charges related to 20 commercial break-ins across Eastern Ontario between July and September 2025. All three remain in custody.
How is the Ottawa real estate market?
November saw 880 home sales with an average price of $680,496. Active listings are up 31.3% year-over-year, creating more choice for buyers.
Is the Trim Station LRT extension opening soon?
Officials remain optimistic about a potential year-end 2025 opening but emphasize the system will only open when safety and reliability requirements are met.
What is Christmas at Mādahòkì Farm?
This Indigenous-owned venue at 4420 West Hunt Club Road offers a Trail of Lights and Traditions, seasonal activities, craft markets, and Breakfast with Santa experiences.
Final Summary
December 18, 2025 presents Ottawa with a stark reminder of the fragility of health alongside the warmth of community celebration. The CHEO flu crisis demands immediate attention—parents should prioritize flu vaccination for their children and themselves. Meanwhile, the city’s holiday spirit shines through Hanukkah celebrations, the Magic of Lights, and cultural performances at the NAC.
The Senators look to extend their winning ways against Pittsburgh tonight, while law enforcement celebrates a significant victory against organized property crime. Weather remains cooperative for now, though a cold snap awaits later this week. Whether you’re attending tonight’s hockey game, lighting Hanukkah candles, or simply enjoying the mild December evening, stay safe and stay healthy, Ottawa.
Sources & References
- CBC Ottawa - CHEO flu crisis coverage
- Ottawa Citizen - Local news and real estate updates
- CTV Ottawa - Crime and traffic reports
- Ottawa Sun - Sports coverage
- City of Ottawa - Traffic and transit updates
- Jewish Federation of Ottawa - Hanukkah events
- Ottawa Real Estate Board - Market statistics
- Environment Canada - Weather forecast
This daily news roundup is compiled from multiple Ottawa news sources. For breaking updates, follow local news outlets and ViaOttawa.
