Hour 3 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. September 4th, 2025

Earlier in today’s program, we dissected a new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, as they examined how much money is needed in order to rent an apartment. Toronto and Vancouver toppled the crowd when it comes to unaffordable housing. So when it comes to ‘rental wages’, where does Canada’s Capital rank? According to the CCPA, the average hourly wage required to afford a vacant unit in Ottawa is $39 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $48 for a 2-bedroom apartment. And with the minimum wage currently sitting at $17.20 per hour, you would need to work multiple minimum-wage jobs just to live there. Has our renting situation become unaffordable? Kristy Cameron sifts through the CFRA textboard and tackles today’s Question of the Day. Speaking of budgets and savings, that was a key talking point in Ontario’s biggest city today, as the Liberal Cabinet retreat heads into Day 2 of meetings and deliberations. In less than 2 weeks, Parliament is back in session, and the Fall Fiscal Update won’t be too far behind. CFRA’s Andrew Pinsent delivers the latest developments in Hour 3. Plus, we squeeze in a gardening appointment with gardening expert Carson Arthur, as we try to save next year’s crops.