'Safer alternate response' mental health pilot to launch downtown this summer. Two Ottawa health centres have been chosen to lead a $3 million pilot project aimed at delivering non-police response to people in the midst of a mental health or substance use cris. We speak to Michelle Hurtubise, Executive Director, Centretown Community Health Centre

The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll every weekday from 5:00 am to 9:00 am on News Talk 580 CFRA. 

'Safer alternate response' mental health pilot to launch downtown this summer. Two Ottawa health centres have been chosen to lead a $3 million pilot project aimed at delivering non-police response to people in the midst of a mental health or substance use cris. We speak to Michelle Hurtubise, Executive Director, Centretown Community Health Centre
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The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll every weekday from 5:00 am to 9:00 am on News Talk 580 CFRA.

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TMR  - Michelle  Hurtubise Interview "Safer alternate response' mental health pilot to launch downtown this summer."

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.

TMR - Michelle Hurtubise Interview "Safer alternate response' mental health pilot to launch downtown this summer."

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