Alexa MacKie
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alexaamackie.bsky.social
Alexa MacKie
@alexaamackie.bsky.social
76 followers 91 following 68 posts
she/her | arts editor @ the charlatan | words @ ottawa citizen, toronto star, national observer, intermission mag., etc. | fact-checks @ maisonneuve mag., maclean’s | carleton university journalism & law student
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alexaamackie.bsky.social
Alexa MacKie @alexaamackie.bsky.social · Jun 20
This week marks my first as a breaking news reporter with the @ottawacitizen.com! I’m very excited to hit the ground running in a journalism-filled summer, covering Ottawa’s communities with such a supportive newsroom 🗞️📰

First articles and more to come:

ottawacitizen.com/author/alexa...
Alexa MacKie | Ottawa Citizen
ottawacitizen.com
alexaamackie.bsky.social
For some 1991 vocal naysayers, Opera Atelier’s “The Magic Flute” was too modern for a period company. Three decades later, Mozart’s last opera is a staple in the 40-year-old company’s repertoire.

For @thestar.com:

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
‘The Magic Flute’ nearly tanked Opera Atelier. Three decades later, it’s one of their signature productions
Opera Atelier’s production of the Mozart opera was a controversial success when it debuted in 1991. It’s now a staple of the company’s repertoire.
www.thestar.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:10 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
For “rookie” Alan Doyle, co-writer and star of Canadian musical “Tell Tale Harbour,” the story is somewhat familiar to his own. Growing up in rural Newfoundland, he understands the optimism of Atlantic communities rallying together.

for @thestar.com:

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
With ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ at Mirvish, Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle is ready for the musical theatre spotlight
The folk-rock singer from Great Big Sea is starring in the new Canadian musical he’s co-written, “Tell Tale Harbour,” at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
www.thestar.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Amid a conservation authority’s level three designation of low water conditions, Vicki Thomas’ private well has run dry — leaving her without running water. In Ottawa’s drought conditions, people and the environment are over-stressed. via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa-...
What it means when the Ottawa region has a severe rainfall deficit
Amid dry summer weather, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has declared a Level Three low-water level, meaning demand exceeds supply.
ottawacitizen.com
August 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
ottawacitizen.com
Proposed 400-acre solar panel project in Dunrobin receiving mixed reviews ottawacitizen.com/news/solar-p...
Proposed 400-acre solar panel project in Dunrobin receiving mixed reviews
Residents and the city councillor for the area are concerned about issues associated with the proposed 400-acre initiative.
ottawacitizen.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:17 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Some residents are concerned for a proposed 400-acre solar panel project in Dunrobin — which would be the largest of its kind in the province. Some say rural Ottawa is the “dumping ground” for these kinds of projects. via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/solar-p...
Proposed 400-acre solar panel project in Dunrobin receiving mixed reviews
Residents and the city councillor for the area are concerned about issues associated with the proposed 400-acre initiative.
ottawacitizen.com
August 20, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
ottawacitizen.com
Highway 174 progress in a ‘nebulous state of nowhere’: MPP ottawacitizen.com/news/highway...
Highway 174 progress in a ‘nebulous state of nowhere’: MPP
Liberal MPP Stephen Blais says the Provincial government's and City of Ottawa's lack of transparency leaves Highway 174 in a 'limbo' state.
ottawacitizen.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
ottawacitizen.com
East-end retrofits see affordable housing obtain air conditioning, energy-efficient upgrades ottawacitizen.com/news/afforda...
East-end retrofits see affordable housing obtain air conditioning, energy-efficient upgrades
Retrofits across a 63-unit affordable housing neighbourhood in Ottawa's east end see benefits for low-income families.
ottawacitizen.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
A federal order for arbitration didn’t stop Air Canada flight attendants’ picketing outside the Ottawa airport. Inside the terminal, disrupted passengers were left scrambling with what to do. via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/picket-...
Picket lines, disruption at Ottawa airport on first day of Air Canada strike
On the first day of the flight attendants' strike, picketers marched at the Ottawa airport and disruptions continued for passengers.
ottawacitizen.com
August 16, 2025 at 9:16 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Amid a summer of many cyclist-vehicle collisions #OttBike, advocates, cyclists and experts call for safer roads. But what’s needed for a city that’s safe for cyclists? And what complications exist for the streets’ “vulnerable users”? via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa-...
What it will take to make Ottawa safer for cyclists
With multiple recent reports of cyclist-vehicle collisions, advocates, cyclists and experts call for safer Ottawa roadways.
ottawacitizen.com
August 14, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
ottawacitizen.com
Some Ottawa well-system users asked to reduce water consumption ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa-...
Some Ottawa well-system users asked to reduce water consumption
Level 2 low-water warnings from regional conservation authorities prompt the City of Ottawa to ask some residents to reduce consumption.
ottawacitizen.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:47 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Source call-out📣: Have you been involved in a cyclist-vehicle collision in Ottawa? Do you know of someone who has? For an @ottawacitizen.com story about biking in Ottawa and cyclist road incidents, I’d like to chat. Reach out via AMackie@postmedia.com! #OttBike #Ottawa
August 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
ottawacitizen.com
Capital Pride quietly removes controversial 2024 Palestine solidarity statement ottawacitizen.com/news/capital...
Capital Pride quietly removes controversial 2024 Palestine solidarity statement
With Capital Pride's quiet removal of their pro-Palestine statement, some groups are undecided about how to proceed with Pride 2025.
ottawacitizen.com
August 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
After widespread boycotts of Ottawa #Pride2024, organizing group Capital Pride quietly removed their controversial pro-Palestine statement. Some groups are rejoining #Pride2025, while others are calling for the statement to return.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/capital...
Capital Pride quietly removes controversial 2024 Palestine solidarity statement
With Capital Pride's quiet removal of their pro-Palestine statement, some groups are undecided about how to proceed with Pride 2025.
ottawacitizen.com
August 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Hidden on an unused road off of Bronson Ave. is Ottawa’s DIY Skatepark: built by members of the community, and unsanctioned by the city. Skateboarders want the DIY, a month’s long process, to stick around.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/diy-sec...
Skateboarders make case for Ottawa’s secret DIY skatepark
Built by skateboarders themselves, the unsanctioned spot just off of Bronson Avenue is a creative outlet and unique to the city.
ottawacitizen.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
mikealisee.bsky.social
Great profile on #conefest by @alexaamackie.bsky.social on how how a #bike lane becomes so easily expendable (yes, I’m biased).

#ottbike #ottawa @bikeottawa.bsky.social

ottawacitizen.com/news/conefes...
Conefest: Ottawa's conflict between roadwork and cycling
A new example is Hunt Club Road, where bike lanes have been taken over by construction pylons that cyclists must weave around.
ottawacitizen.com
August 8, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Reposted by Alexa MacKie
gander22h.bsky.social
Hey @alexaamackie.bsky.social thanks for raising the profile on this #biking safety issue!

ottawacitizen.com/news/conefes...

#OttawaCitizen #news #bike #bicycle #cycling #cycle #ottbike #conefest
Conefest: Ottawa's conflict between roadwork and cycling
A new example is Hunt Club Road, where bike lanes have been taken over by construction pylons that cyclists must weave around.
ottawacitizen.com
August 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Construction pylons have taken over a stretch of bike lanes along Hunt Club Road, forcing cyclists into oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Some cyclists aren’t surprised, others feel unprioritized.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/conefes...
Conefest: Ottawa's conflict between roadwork and cycling
A new example is Hunt Club Road, where bike lanes have been taken over by construction pylons that cyclists must weave around.
ottawacitizen.com
August 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
A privately-registered small aircraft with three people onboard crashed into trees near the Ottawa airport this evening. On the scene w/ @sadeenmohsen.bsky.social via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/small-p...
Update: Small plane crashes near Ottawa airport
Two people were taken to hospital in stable condition. The extrication of a third person was continuing well into Thursday evening.
ottawacitizen.com
August 1, 2025 at 3:18 AM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Ghost Padron, a cyclist hit by a vehicle in Stittsville, has been unconscious with brain and bone injuries since the collision. With surgery on the way, Padron’s mother awaits the “little light through the clouds.”

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/cyclist...
Cyclist struck by vehicle in Ottawa awaiting surgery, no time frame for recovery
Ghost Padron, unconscious since the collision on July 22, is still awaiting surgery in hospital.
ottawacitizen.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:21 AM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Following Carleton University’s decision to limit parking permits to students outside of OC Transpo’s service area, students and unions are advocating against the limitations. One CUSA petition has 1,000+ signatures.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/carleto...
Carleton University’s parking pass limitations anger students, unions
Starting in 2025-26, parking passes will be restricted to those living outside OC Transpo service areas, with only case-by-case exceptions.
ottawacitizen.com
July 27, 2025 at 1:23 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
For residents of a new Stittsville neighbourhood, the Derreen Ave. stop signs promise a safe place to cross the street. With the planned removal of the four-way stop, residents are concerned for their neighbours and children’s safety.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/four-wa...
Here's why residents want this four-way stop to stay in a new Stittsville neighbourhood
Residents of a newly developed Stittsville neighbourhood are concerned for what the removal of a four-way stop could mean for their safety.
ottawacitizen.com
July 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Benches at OC Transpo stops are sometimes removed and “promptly” reinstalled for maintenance. A delay has caused about 30 benches to remain missing from stops. This is an issue for people with mobility issues looking for a place to sit.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/oc-tran...
Stuck standing, OC Transpo riders wait for benches to be reinstalled
About 30 benches at Ottawa bus stops were removed for maintenance. Transit users looking for places to sit are forced to wait.
ottawacitizen.com
July 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Massive crowd and most enthusiastic #OttawaBluesfest show I’ve seen. Beautiful to see kids and adults alike jam to music that’s aged like fine wine. Only for @GreenDay. 21 Guns was an ethereal experience.

w/ @cassandrabell.bsky.social via the Charlatan:

charlatan.ca/green-day-bl...
Green Day greenlights Bluesfest night of new, old punk rock - The Charlatan, Carleton's independent newspaper
To a plentiful crowd, Green Day headlined Bluesfest with a thunderous performance of punk rock, nostalgic classics.
charlatan.ca
July 20, 2025 at 12:18 AM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
If passed, Bill 9 would allow city councillors to remove members from office for misconduct, provided the vote is unanimous.

It's not the greatest solution, according to some councillors and a former Rick Chiarelli employee.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/local-n...
Ontario bill to kick out misbehaving councillors called a good, but flawed start
Bill 9 would let city councils kick out members found to have committed serious misconduct, but only if the vote to do so was unanimous.
ottawacitizen.com
July 18, 2025 at 1:13 AM
alexaamackie.bsky.social
Some Orléans residents are calling for traffic lights at two mis-aligned roads along Jeanne d’Arc blvd., an area that’s seen 11 incidents between 2015-2024. The city councillor says it’s up to private properties to foot the bill.

via @ottawacitizen.com:

ottawacitizen.com/news/safety-...
Safety concerns continue for Orléans residents over roads near plaza entrance
Area residents want traffic lights, but the City of Ottawa says it's up to a condo board or plaza ownership to pay the cost.
ottawacitizen.com
July 16, 2025 at 12:45 AM