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Photo by RoseAnna Schick
Ottawa’s Château Laurier hotel (upper left) is part of the Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa, as its original owner perished on the Titanic.

Canada’s most haunted attractions

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

The Halloween season is an ideal time for discovering dark tales of days gone by. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular places in Canada to find scary stories and eerie encounters.

The Halifax Ghost Walk is one of North America’s oldest ghost tours, illuminating plagues, pirates, and shipwrecked souls. As twilight falls, the storyteller leads guests through city streets and along the harbour, sharing unsettling accounts of the devastating Halifax Explosion; the Titanic’s tragic aftermath; and Citadel Hill, the fortress built in 1749, where the spirits of former soldiers still patrol the ramparts after dark. It’s equal parts historic lessons and haunting highlights, and a chance to learn about the side of Halifax not typically told in textbooks.

The Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa takes you deep into the darkest corners. Led by black-cloaked guides carrying lanterns, you’ll wind through cobblestone streets and shadowed courtyards that reveal Ottawa’s creepiest locales. Stops include the renowned Fairmont Château Laurier hotel, originally owned by a man who perished on the Titanic; Grant House, built in 1875 by a prominent physician; and Lisgar Collegiate, the city’s infamous ghostly high school. It all makes for one memorable evening that will forever alter your perception of Canada’s capital.

Step into the past of Old Montreal on a ghost walk of shadowy streets and centuries-old buildings. Visit places like Place d’Armes, a public square over 300 years old, where duels, executions, and public gatherings took place. Château Ramezay is an 18th-century museum reportedly frequented by the ghost of a former warden who continues to spook visitors. While the former site of the Montreal Prison, the city’s earliest British-era jail, is home to whispers and shadowy figures who linger among the remaining cells.

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Portia loves to hang out outside

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Portia loves to hang out outside

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Hi! I’m Portia.

I’m a quiet girl who loves to just sit outside. I enjoy cuddles and believe I am a lap dog.

I am totally house-trained and working on being crate-trained. I love being with my people and hate when they leave, so the safest place for me is in my kennel.

I’m also getting used to older kids, aged 12 and up. I’m trying to get used to cats but need to be supervised. Sometimes I like dogs and sometimes I don’t – I might just need more exposure to them.

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Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

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Portia would love to be part of your family

Have you been struggling in your career and life?

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Preview

Have you been struggling in your career and life?

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Many people strive for their dream job, an employment position they feel they can be successful in — but, for whatever reason, they can’t get it. Some have been proactive, prepared, taken courses, schmoozed with all the right people and even wore their hearts on their sleeves, only to have them ripped off and stepped on.

Sound familiar? Sometimes no matter what you say or no matter what you are capable of, someone else holds the key and refuses to give you a chance. They come up with all the politically correct answers for your unsuitability, but the fact remains, they’re in and you’re still out. So now what?

Back to the drawing board you go, to keep fighting. More courses, more training, more fake smiles and more believing you can get it someday. After all, doesn’t every book out there tell you to never give up, no matter how many times you are beaten down and pummelled in the boxing ring of life?

Well, I’m going to tell you the opposite. I suggest you stop and pivot.

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Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

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Only when you realize where you should be headed — rather than where you want to go — will you truly find yourself.

A hobby that became a career

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read Preview

A hobby that became a career

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

In my 50 years in the pet industry, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting so many different pets in my life. A few customers recently commented on my “passion” and asked if I went to school for this. So, here’s my story:

When I was very young, my brother raised mice and rats for both pet stores and laboratory use. I’d help tend them occasionally, and one or two got waylaid here and there as personal pets. Before I was born, my father and older brothers kept fish and, when I was 12, I dug one of the dusty tanks out of the basement and asked if we could set it up. Once I proved I could care for the little 2.5-gallon tank with three cherry barbs in it, my Dad dug out a 20-gallon, slate-bottomed tank, and that was the start of a hobby that became my profession.

That one tank turned into three, then seven, and by the time I was 15, we had over 40 tanks in the basement. We would salvage windows and cut glass out of the unbroken panes, and my Dad, a sheet-metal journeyman, would make metal frames to hold them. This was right around the time silicone sealant became easily available, and soon we didn’t need frames.

I bred all kinds of fish, from guppies to angelfish and everything in between. I’d go out to forest ponds to collect bug larvae as food, or to the Kaministiquia River in Thunder Bay (where I grew up) to collect tubifex worms in the flats a half mile down from the sewage outlet. Yeah, it was kind of gross, but that’s where they grew, and they were the best food for my breeding angelfish.

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

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A passion for pet fish ultimately led columnist Jeff McFarlane to building a career in the pet industry.

Deduct, defer and divide

Christine Ibbotson 4 minute read Preview

Deduct, defer and divide

Christine Ibbotson 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Dear Money Lady,

I know it’s not tax season, but have you got any tips on how to reduce the amount of taxes I pay every year?

Carol

Dear Carol,

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

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There are several tried and true methods you can use to reduce your taxes.

Pushing forward in the age of AI

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Preview

Pushing forward in the age of AI

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Fancy graphics, professionally shot videos, citywide billboards and more. They can all make small business owners feel like they’re falling behind. They don’t have the resources of big box stores and it’s impossible to compete. Owners who are also the marketing directors, business managers and accountants of their businesses can quickly become overwhelmed and wonder how to break through the noise.

It doesn’t take a multi-million-dollar advertising budget to connect with customers. It typically takes less than one might think. It’s a matter of focusing on the right initiatives at the right time and upgrading your employees’ skills or adjusting institutional workflows to achieve small and manageable goals. However, in the busy day-to-day of just trying to survive, many business owners don’t know where to turn. They can’t afford to hire more help or spend long hours in educational programs.

That’s why the Better Business Bureau has created an extensive catalogue of online learning opportunities, ranging from one-hour workshops to full certificate courses. The subject matter il all-encompassing. Businesses can develop according to their individual areas of need. It’s also important to recognize that businesses may have needs that haven’t yet been identified, especially as technology grows around us.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly pervasive, factoring into all aspects of life, it’s important for professionals to learn how to harness its power properly to advance their businesses ethically. It’s also important to learn what pitfalls to stay away from and the limits of AI. Those who haven’t had time to learn more about it may find themselves falling behind. The same goes for multi-media advertising. As the online world advances, those who manage the many demands of a small business can find themselves at a disadvantage.

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

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AI courses have become popular on BBB Learning. In one, experts walk business owners through how they can get their business names out there now that AI summarizes search engine results.

Future of former city clock in doubt

Christian Cassidy 4 minute read Preview

Future of former city clock in doubt

Christian Cassidy 4 minute read 2:01 AM CST

Winnipeg’s original city clock could go back into long-term storage for the second time in its 122-year history as Edmonton Court in Portage Place is demolished.

When Winnipeg’s ‘gingerbread’ city hall opened in 1886 it featured a tower with a round opening on all four sides, but a clock was not part of the original tender. It wasn’t until 1902 that the city set aside money for such a feature.

Norman Andrew of Andrew and Co. Watchmakers in the McIntyre Block won the bid to procure and install the timepiece. He chose a clock by the Seth-Thomas Clock Company of Connecticut. It cost $1,700, but the modifications needed to strengthen the tower and add lighting brought the final bill close to $3,000.

The clock consisted of four clock faces, each 7 feet in diameter. The weights to keep the works in motion were 1,600 pounds. The zinc and steel pendulum weighed 225 pounds, and 42 couplings were needed to make up for the sway of the tower and contraction in cold weather.

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2:01 AM CST

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Meet a pair of rescues who need loving homes

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 2 minute read Preview

Meet a pair of rescues who need loving homes

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 2 minute read 2:00 AM CST

Meet Pine Falls, a three-month-old large breed dog who is a sassy, playful goofball. Full of energy, he will make an excellent adventure pawtner as he grows up with his very lucky family. Due to the struggles Pine Falls has faced his whole short life, he will need a firm but gentle hand when it comes to his training. A confident and experienced person or family without young children will be just what this sweet boy needs to learn that his world is now safe, and to discover his full potential. Could he be right for you?

☐ ☐ ☐

Meet Sasha, a nine-month-old domestic short-hair cat who is a gorgeous, outgoing young lady Sasha loves to make new friends, and purrs with a motor that doesn’t stop. She would love to find her furever family soon – could that be you?

Winnipeg Pet Rescue is Manitoba’s first registered charity no-kill animal shelter. It believes that every pet has the right to life and are recognized as beings with feelings with the right to loving care. There is no time limit to an animal’s stay while Winnipeg Pet Rescue finds a suitable home for it. To find out more, visit petrescueshelter.com

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2:00 AM CST

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This is sassy little Sasha.

Start puppies out on the right paw

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read Preview

Start puppies out on the right paw

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read 2:00 AM CST

A few months ago, my column about fresh foods touched on how clean fresh foods were both good for puppies and made them better “students” at puppy school.

This past week, several people have come in seeking advice on feeding puppies. Refreshingly, some have been to veterinarians who did not condemn the thought of feeding raw, and a few who actually encouraged the idea, as long as the client did the proper research to make sure that they were doing right by the pet.

There are pet nutritionists out there, some trained though veterinary channels, some through independent institutions, and most have very solid training. Finding one whose beliefs align with yours regarding fresh foods in your pet’s diet is the first step on your journey to a long, healthy life for your pet, and fewer health issues caused by diet.

Just like there are kibble pet foods that are labeled “kitten” or “puppy”, there are raw foods for puppies and kittens. These take into account the minimums your puppy needs for development but, still, using a variety of different formulas is an even better way of ensuring balance.

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2:00 AM CST

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Choosing an appropriate, healthy diet is first step on your journey to a long, healthy life for your pet.

Online protection is easier than you think

Better Business Manitoba 4 minute read Preview

Online protection is easier than you think

Better Business Manitoba 4 minute read 2:00 AM CST

These days, we have accounts for everything. Think about all the apps on your phone, all the businesses you frequent and all the loyalty programs you signed up for to get 10 per cent off at the cash register. More people know our names than ever before, and our accounts are treasure troves of information. It’s become crucial to protect them, but many of us don’t know how.

The information about cybersecurity and the time it takes to set everything up can be overwhelming. Especially for those of who truly don’t understand it all. But, the good news is there’s a simple way to beef up protection of all your accounts.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the unsung hero of online security. For those who don’t already use it, it adds an extra step to logging in so that if anyone does get access to your username and password, they still won’t be able to access your account without a specific code. That code can either be texted to you or found in an authenticator app, like Google or Microsoft, that only you have on your phone.

MFA is a saving grace when used correctly. Many people turn it on for their most important accounts, like email, online banking and home security monitoring, but that’s where they stop. It’s important to remember to safeguard your MFA information as well.

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2:00 AM CST

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As more and more of the business of life is conducted online, it’s ever more important to be sure your accounts and personal information are secure.

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

Calendrier communautaire 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

22 et 29 octobre • Atelier céramique adultes – Maison d’automne • CCFM

22 octobre au 1 novembre • Théâtre

Pauline Boutal, entre les toiles et les planches • Théâtre Cercle Molière

23 et 30 octobre • Yoga avec Lisbeth • Centre récréatif de Notre Dame

24 et 31 octobre • Ligue d’improvisation du Manitoba • Patio 340

Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame to induct class of 2025

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame to induct class of 2025

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

The Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction dinner on Oct. 18 at The Gates on Roblin in Headingly. The 2025 induction class is small with just three builders, Christopher Chapman, Larry Cherrett and Sonja Hill MacAulay.

In the majority of sports, individuals inducted into a hall of fame as builders usually got their start as players. Their love of their sport often saw them move into coaching or administrative roles. That’s certainly the case for the three rugby inductees, whose resumes are lengthy.

Chapman first played rugby at Churchill High School. He then played for the Winnipeg Assassins Rugby Football Club for nearly two decades as well as for the Wimbledon Old Boys. He was member of the provincial U19 team in 1987 and for the Manitoba Buffalo in 1998. He became involved with the administrative side in 1988 with the Assassins where he served in several positions including president. He also started coaching at Churchill High in 1988. At present he coaches at Dakota Collegiate and the Rugby Manitoba Men’s Sevens. He also has worked in administration with Rugby Manitoba, Manitoba Schools Rugby, Unified Ultimate Rugby and Maple Grove Rugby Park.

Cherrett first played for the Winnipeg Wanderers RFC in 1970. In 1973, he along with Tom Millar and Desmond Walton founded the University of Manitoba Rugby Football Club, now known as the Manitoba Wombats. He played for the team until 1984 and then ended his playing career with the Assassins the next season. Over the years, he worked as a volunteer for many organizations and served as president of the U of M RFC, Rugby Manitoba and the Maple Grove Rugby Park where he was a member of the founders committee. In 1999, he helped coach a combined Vincent Massey/Kelvin side, which won the high school championship. For more than a decade, he co-chaired the HOF selection committee.

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Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

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Christopher Chapman will be inducted into the Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame as a builder on Oct. 18.

More wonders of Dunfanaghy

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Preview

More wonders of Dunfanaghy

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

PART 2 of 2: This story is the second in a two-part series about Dunfanaghy, Ireland. You can read the first part here.

Centrally located in Dunfanaghy, with magnificent views of Sheephaven Bay and Kilahoey Beach, Arnolds Hotel is a fourth-generation, family-run operation. Founded in 1922, the plaid-designed carpets, red velvet furniture, and dark wood décor harken back to glamourous days of old.

The on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes like slow-cooked beef brisket with creamy mash potatoes, roasted duck with braised red cabbage, locally-caught fish and chips, and other sorts of comfort food. At the Whiskey Fly Bar you can sip on cocktails, wine, pints, or try Ireland’s iconic stout.

Guinness beer is world-famous for its rich dark color, smooth roasted flavour, and creamy head. First concocted in 1759 at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, it has since become a global symbol of Irish pride and brewing craftsmanship. I had my first-ever Guiness at Molly’s Bar just down the street from my hotel, unaware that I was supposed to ‘split the G’ on the initial sip. But if at first you don’t succeed, you can always try again.

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Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Photo by RoseAnna Schick
Centrally located in Dunfanaghy, with magnificent views of Sheephaven Bay and Kilahoey Beach, Arnolds Hotel is a fourth-generation, family-run operation.

Meet Titus

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Meet Titus

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Hi. I’m Titus.

I’m a shy and gentle boy who loves quiet spaces, soft beds, and the company of patient humans.

I am working on being housetrained and working on crate training. It’s very easy to put me into my crate, but I don’t like staying in my crate too long. I need a crate to help me feel safe as I build confidence. My foster mom teases me and calls me Houdini, because I like to escape from my crate and pen.

I live with my foster brother Tucker and we play great together. I might be more suited to a home with another dog to teach me how to become more confident. I like to play rough, but I don’t like overly energetic or pushy dogs, because they can be overwhelming for me.

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Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

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Titus is a shy and gentle boy who loves quiet spaces, soft beds, and the company of patient humans.

Let’s make your money last as long as you do

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Dear Money Lady Readers:

I have given over 60 talks across Canada so far this year and have found the most popular talk, called “How to Become a Super Senior & Make Your Money Last as Long as You Do,” tends to be a crowd pleaser. As you could expect, the one concern that kept surfacing again and again is that Canadians are genuinely worried about outliving their money. Eighty-seven per cent of Canadians today are retiring without a mortgage, and this is a great statistic; however, even with low-to-no debt, life is still expensive.

Canadians are living longer than ever, and retirement can easily stretch thirty or more years. That means the money you’ve worked so hard to save must be carefully managed to support you for decades. The challenge isn’t just saving enough; it’s more about knowing how to draw it down. For example, many people begin RRSP/RRIF withdrawals too early, pay unnecessary taxes, or don’t coordinate their CPP and OAS benefits with other sources of income. Others underestimate inflation and stock market volatility, which quietly erodes purchasing power year after year. Add in unexpected health expenses, modifications needed to your home to age in place, and of course the constant rising cost of living, and it’s no wonder retirement planning can feel overwhelming.

I often tell people that the key is to create a livable budget, one that is designed just as carefully as you once built your savings plan. That means mapping out how much you’ll need each year, what sources of income you’ll draw on first, and how to minimize the taxes you pay along the way. A thoughtful strategy can stretch your money significantly further and give you the peace of mind that you’ll be comfortable in the years ahead.

Don’t let winter sneak up on you

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Preview

Don’t let winter sneak up on you

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Balmy is not typically a word Winnipeggers associate with September, but the last couple weeks have shown some connection between the two. Don’t be fooled, though. Trick or treats, mitts and toques and icy roads are just around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for winter because hours of prep now can save you weeks of headaches down the road.

Starting with the outside, be sure to gather up any and all patio furniture or outdoor apparatuses that could rust or bend with heavy snowfall. The snowstorms Winnipeg has seen the past several years should be a reminder to trim any branches that could snap off and damage your house or garden.

Next, think about freezing water and where you don’t want it to be. Cover and insulate any pipes in unheated areas like attics or basements. Drain your hoses and move them indoors and cover immovable outdoor water fixtures with the help of a spigot from your local hardware store.

A quick survey of your roof will help you identify any damaged shingles that need repair. This one is extremely important. If left alone, water and ice can create interior damage. While you’re up high, clean out your gutters. If you’re unsure how to do any of this, you can consult a trusted roofing contractor in your area. To avoid scams and dishonest businesses, use bbb.org to check their third-party ratings.

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

November 5, 2025