A Category 5 nightmare has made landfall in Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa officially becomes the worst storm they have ever faced. Furthermore, it is tied for the strongest Atlantic hurricane to ever strike land. Ottawa resident Simone Smart has lived through a hurricane before, and she has family and friends who currently live in Jamaica. Smart joins Kristy Cameron on today’s Ottawa Now.

A Category 5 nightmare has made landfall in Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa officially becomes the worst storm they have ever faced. Furthermore, it is tied for the strongest Atlantic hurricane to ever strike land. Ottawa resident Simone Smart has lived through a hurricane before, and she has family and friends who currently live in Jamaica. Smart joins Kristy Cameron on today&rsquo;s Ottawa Now.

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Ottawa Now - Jamaicans hoping for the best as Hurricane Melissa slams into the country

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Thursday, February 19th, 2026.

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Thursday, February 19th, 2026.

PODCAST: The Daily Review for Thurs. February 19th, 2026

Earlier this afternoon, the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team was unable to secure the happy ending they were searching for, falling one goal short in an overtime heartbreaker to the Americans. Meantime, the Men’s Hockey squad still has Gold in their sights, as they face off against Finland tomorrow. And regardless of how Friday’s Semi-Final matchup plays out, the boys will be playing for a medal on Sunday. Due to these unique circumstances, Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission has granted approval to a trio of Ottawa bars to start the party early. One of them is Lowertown Brewery, which is located in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Kristy Cameron chats with owner Alex Sirois in Hour 4. Then, we preview tonight’s CTV Ottawa supper-hour newscast with Jackie Perez and Kimberley Fowler. And if news breaks in real time, you’ll hear it live on CFRA’s Ottawa Now.

Earlier this afternoon, the Canadian Women&rsquo;s Hockey Team was unable to secure the happy ending they were searching for, falling one goal short in an overtime heartbreaker to the Americans. Meantime, the Men&rsquo;s Hockey squad still has Gold in their sights, as they face off against Finland tomorrow. And regardless of how Friday&rsquo;s Semi-Final matchup plays out, the boys will be playing for a medal on Sunday. Due to these unique circumstances, Ontario&rsquo;s Alcohol and Gaming Commission has granted approval to a trio of Ottawa bars to start the party early. One of them is Lowertown Brewery, which is located in Ottawa&rsquo;s ByWard Market. Kristy Cameron chats with owner Alex Sirois in Hour 4.&nbsp;Then, we preview tonight&rsquo;s CTV Ottawa supper-hour newscast with Jackie Perez and Kimberley Fowler. And if news breaks in real time, you&rsquo;ll hear it live on CFRA&rsquo;s Ottawa Now.

Hour 4 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. February 19th, 2026

It’s become pretty apparent that Ottawa’s ByWard Market is in need of a major boost. And over the coming years, the City of Ottawa is hoping to provide the Heritage district with the financial injection it desperately needs. Full details will be unveiled tomorrow, but they are expected to include various redesigns. And yes, that includes a prioritization on pedestrian traffic. Should car traffic be shuttered in some areas, or would that create even more problems for our city? Kristy Cameron sifts through the CFRA textboard and tackles today’s Question of the Day. Shifting gears to federal matters, the Carney government’s revised RTO mandates will soon be put into action. As of May 4th, federal executives will be required to work on-site 5 days per week. On July 6th, all remaining federal employees in the public service will be asked to follow a 4-day on-site mandate. However, one city councillor is extremely concerned that Ottawa’s transportation network can’t handle that type of influx. Catherine Kitts, the voice of Orléans South-Navan, pays us a visit in Hour 3.

It&rsquo;s become pretty apparent that Ottawa&rsquo;s ByWard Market is in need of a major boost. And over the coming years, the City of Ottawa is hoping to provide the Heritage district with the financial injection it desperately needs. Full details will be unveiled tomorrow, but they are expected to include various redesigns. And yes, that includes a prioritization on pedestrian traffic. Should car traffic be shuttered in some areas, or would that create even more problems for our city?&nbsp;Kristy Cameron sifts through the CFRA textboard and tackles today&rsquo;s Question of the Day. Shifting gears to federal matters, the Carney government&rsquo;s revised RTO mandates will soon be put into action. As of May 4th, federal executives will be required to work on-site 5 days per week. On July 6th, all remaining federal employees in the public service will be asked to follow a 4-day on-site mandate. However, one city councillor is extremely concerned that Ottawa&rsquo;s transportation network can&rsquo;t handle that type of influx. Catherine Kitts, the voice of Orl&eacute;ans South-Navan, pays us a visit in Hour 3.

Ottawa Now - Jamaicans hoping for the best as Hurricane Melissa slams into the country

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