Latest news with #NationalCapitalRegion
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
NCC unveils new Westboro Beach area now open to the public
The NCC unveiled the new Westboro Beach pavilion on Sunday, June 1, 2025 (Josh Marano/CTV News Ottawa) The National Capital Commission has reopened Westboro Beach as part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment project. On Sunday, the NCC officially unveiled its new year-round pavilion, restaurant and café. The new Westboro Beach area also features a scenic lookout of the Ottawa River, picnic and volleyball spaces, accessible washrooms/change rooms and outdoor showers. The pavilion and café are now open to the public but certain amenities remain closed. Ottawa pizzeria The Grand with a location in the ByWard Market is slated to open once final construction work finishes. Westboro Beach The new outdoor area of Westboro Beach, featuring picnic and volleyball spaces. (Josh Marano/CTV News Ottawa) 'The NCC's design excellence and innovation are on full display at Westboro Beach, where nature, community and history come together,' said NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum in a news release. 'With the community's engagement and support, we were able to deliver a project that enhances the shoreline in the west end, and is emblematic of our commitment to creating sustainable, accessible and vibrant public spaces in the National Capital Region.' The beach closed to the public in 2022 but was open to unsupervised swimming as construction took place. The project is projected to cost $21 million, including a $13 million contribution from the City of Ottawa, the NCC says. The redevelopment was part of a 2015 agreement between the NCC and the city for the western extension of the LRT Confederation Line and the creation of a new waterfront park.
GMA Network
29-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Western Visayas upsets NCR in Palarong Pambansa secondary boys basketball
ILOCOS NORTE - Western Visayas pulled off a major upset in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa as it dethroned defending champion National Capital Region (NCR) in the secondary boys basketball, 76-67, during their quarterfinals match on Thursday at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena. With the win, Western Visayas denied the powerhouse region its back-to-back bid. Before the match, NCR was unscathed after going 3-0 in the elimination round, where it defeated Northern Mindanao with a 98-67 blowout before routing Bicol (Region 5) with a 105-58 masterful victory. NCR also eked out an 83-67 win over Eastern Visayas to go spotless after the eliminations. Western Visayas, on the other hand, had a 3-1 record in Group C. READ MORE | Palarong Pambansa Guide and Updates —JKC, GMA Integrated News
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Service Canada to cut 800 office jobs nationwide
Published: Updated: Service Canada is set to cut about 800 passport office jobs nationwide by the end of June. The department attributes these reductions to an anticipated drop in passport applications. An Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) spokesperson confirmed the decision was 'necessary and not taken lightly.' These job cuts will affect Service Canada offices across the country, though specific numbers for each location weren't provided. All employees impacted by the changes have been informed. ESDC stated that, as a federal department, it has an obligation to manage its finances responsibly, aligning revenues with costs, including salaries, based on projected workloads. These Service Canada job cuts follow a prior announcement by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eliminate up to 280 permanent jobs, primarily in the National Capital Region. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), representing nearly a quarter-million public sector workers, asserts that these combined reductions threaten essential daily services for Canadians, warning of potential service delays at passport offices and weakened services for taxpayers and businesses. The union warned that these job cuts will lead to longer wait times at passport offices and weaker services for taxpayers and businesses. PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa stated online, 'Throughout the election, the Liberals promised 'caps, not cuts,' but each week, hundreds of federal workers are receiving notice that their jobs are being eliminated.'
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Retiring In The Philippines? Here's What You Need To Know
Panoramic view of El Nido Bay from Tataw Cliff Americans dreaming about retiring to the Philippines might see palm-fringed beaches and exotic lifestyle changes in their future. But a move to this country is about more than that. Retiring in the Philippines offers Americans a blend of English-speaking convenience, quality private health care at affordable prices, a fairly easy visa process, andS locals that will welcome you into the community and make you feel at home. It's also not all rose-colored. Dealing with local bureaucracy, frustrating infrastructure, and a slower-Cpaced life is not for everyone. If you are thinking about making the Philippines your future home, these are a few things to consider. The Philippines has been a popular retirement destination for Americans for a long time. The Philippine Retirement Authority states that Americans are included in the top nationalities that choose to reside here. Other prominent demographics that commonly reside in the Philippines are Chinese, South Koreans, Taiwanese, and Japanese nationals. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing in the Philippines, the country has 78,396 foreign citizens. Of those, 39.8% reside in the National Capital Region of the country. The top number of foreign citizens come from China, with 22,494 people, while 6,306 Americans are foreign citizens. That same census states that out of the 108.67 million household population in the Philippines, 230,917 people have foreign ethnicities. Americans account for 6% of that population, or 13,946 people. The Philippines is attractive to foreigners as a tourist and retirement destination due to its incredible natural beauty spread over 7,500 islands, otherworldly landscapes of tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, low cost of living, rich history, and diverse experiences for everyone. This country is full of friendly and welcoming people and a strong community, and it has countless activities that many can enjoy. A real incentive to move to the Philippines is that Filipinos are incredibly accommodating with language. They will have no problem explaining slang or choose to speak in simpler phrasing—they will adjust to your level of knowledge. Because English is the official language, it is widely spoken, and communication is not commonly a barrier. Filipino hospitality is also no joke. When you become a familiar face, you will be considered part of the group. If you make an effort to make connections, be prepared to be invited to everyone's birthdays, parties, funerals, and more. Meals here are also communal, so don't be surprised if locals try to feed you even when they just met you. By moving here, you will be able to build a community and a support system if that's what you're looking for. This country also has quality private health care for a fraction of what you would pay in the United States. Many of the doctors in the private health care sector are trained in the U.S. or Australia, while nurses are among the best trained in the world. A checkup with a specialist might only cost about $25. The Philippines definitely has a slower pace of life. This means that bureaucracy can make you crazy, so to live here you'll need to chill lang (just relax). For many coming from a hustle and bustle culture, this could be a welcome change of pace. In the Philippines, no one will rush you, and there's always time to spare. Retiring in the Philippines has many positives… But it also has some downsides… The Philippines has tax treaties with the United States and Canada, which reduces the risk of double taxation. Because of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit, American expats usually pay little or no U.S. taxes, especially if you're not planning on earning much abroad. However, you still do need to file your U.S. taxes and report your worldwide income. If you have a foreign bank account with over $10,000, you must file FBAR annually. Income taxes here are moderate, ranging from 0% to 35%. Capital gains tax on the sale of property is fixed at 6% of the sales price. There is no inheritance tax in the Philippines. You can still receive your Social Security benefits while living in the Philippines, as the United States and the Philippines have an agreement, and they can be deposited directly to a Filipino bank account or a U.S. account that you can access from abroad. You'll need to stay in touch with the local U.S. embassy or SSA office in Manila to report you're alive and eligible to receive your SS benefits. I recommend you always work with a tax professional that is familiar with working with retirees relocating abroad. Also, stay up to date with IRS and SSA rules, as they can change at any time. The Philippines offers a retiree-specific resident permit, the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), which makes it easy to set up life here. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple entries and indefinite stays in the Philippines. The SRRV offers special benefits like: The Classic SRRV is for active and healthy principal retirees who would use their visa deposit to purchase condominium units or acquire a long-term lease of a house and lot. The deposits are $20,000 for applicants that are 50 years old and above without a pension and $10,000 for applicants that are 50 years old and above with a pension. If you receive a pension, it should be at least $800 per month for single applicants and $1,000 per month for those with dependents. Overall, the Philippines welcomes foreigners. Especially in the rural and island areas, foreigners are treated with respect. Locals are always interested in learning about you and where you come from. It's not uncommon for a foreigner to be offered to be a speaker at a school or event or even get asked to be a local kid's godparent. The country has specific programs to incentivize expats to move to their country, such as the SRRV visa mentioned above, which makes retiring to the Philippines an easy process compared to other countries. The government has also introduced a new digital nomad visa for non-immigrant foreigners who want to stay in the country for a temporary maximum period of one year. Holders may renew the visa for an additional year. Some of the requirements for this new DN visa include being at least 18 years old, showing proof of remote work with digital technology, proof of sufficient income generated outside of the Philippines, and having no criminal record. These are some general considerations to keep in mind when moving to the Philippines… You should always respect the local culture and customs. Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you. It also helps to support the local economy by hiring local workers, buying from local businesses, and engaging with the local community and not just other expats. Follow the local laws, stay in the country with the correct visa, and pay the taxes that apply to you. Also, volunteering and contributing to local programs and sharing your skills and experience in ways that would benefit your new community are great ways to give back and positively affect those around you. While the Philippines might not be for everyone, it is still an exciting option for many. Retirees who are budget conscious because of a modest pension or fixed income will find the Philippines hugely attractive. You could live comfortably in many cities with a budget of about $1,500 to $1,800 per month for a couple. If you don't wish to learn how to speak another language, the Philippines is also a great option, as English is widely spoken and it will be easy to navigate daily life and form new relationships. The Filipino culture is social and family-oriented. If you're looking to be well-received among a community that is warm, welcoming, and respectful, the Philippines meets the bill. Remember that even though English is spoken by most, the culture is still different from what you might be used to. Everyday life is different—from the infrastructure to bureaucracy to daily goings. If you are someone who can embrace differences, can adapt to new environments, and is open-minded, you will be able to thrive in the Philippines. Finally, those who are looking for beach living, a rural and slower pace of life, and peaceful, natural beauty will be amazed by the Philippines.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Outer Ring Road, mega projects to boost connectivity, jobs in SCR
: With the Uttar Pradesh government fast-tracking major development plans under the proposed State Capital Region (SCR), residents of the state capital and its adjoining districts can expect faster connectivity, more job opportunities and improved infrastructure Set to connect six districts -- Lucknow, Barabanki, Unnao, Hardoi, Sitapur, and Rae Bareli -- the Outer Ring Road project is at the heart of this proposed transformation. It aims to decongest city roads, speed up intra and inter-district travel and lay the groundwork for industrial and residential growth. The project will integrate Lucknow, Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, covering 27,826 square kilometres. Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) officials said said they have finalised the tender to appoint a consultant agency for the Outer Ring Road and sent it to the state government for approval. 'The consultant will prepare a comprehensive master plan for the entire SCR,' LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar said. An HT report on May 26 mentioned that a team of 18 experts from a consultancy will be tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the SCR, a regional planning initiative modelled on the National Capital Region (NCR). The report, which quoted government sources, also mentioned that officials confirmed that the selected firm emerged as the Level-1 bidder among three applicants. Its appointment is expected to be cleared by the state cabinet shortly, the report said. The SCR plan is designed to attract investments and unlock economic potential in and around Lucknow. Officials said the region will host smart clusters, innovation zones, and industry-specific hubs, making it a magnet for employment and entrepreneurship. The flagship projects planned across the SCR are: IT City on Kisan Path, Wellness City on Sultanpur Road, Anant Nagar Housing Scheme on Mohan Road, Prabandh Nagar Scheme on IIM Road, 10,000-seat Mega Convention Centre, State ODOP (One District One Product) Centre, PM MITRA Textile Park in Lucknow ,Defence Industrial Corridor, Biofuel Plant in Sitapur, Mega Leather Cluster (MLC) in Sandila, Leather Technology Park in Bathar, Sewage Infrastructure Phase III in Rae Bareli and Trans Ganga City in Unnao. Officials said these projects will bring employment, industrial growth, and better living standards for lakhs of residents across central U.P. Improved road and air connectivity The SCR will be linked to major economic corridors. For instance, Delhi (534 km) will be connected via the Agra–Lucknow Expressway, and Kolkata via the Purvanchal Expressway and National Highway-19. The upcoming Ganga Expressway will connect the region with Meerut and Prayagraj. Air travel options will also improve. The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow remains the main hub, while nearby airports in Kanpur (87 km) and Ayodhya (155 km), along with a flying school in Rae Bareli, will support regional connectivity. Governance and planning The Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (UPSCR) will be governed by a high-level committee headed by the chief minister as chairman, chief secretary as vice chairman and the divisional commissioner as secretary. The structure is designed to ensure fast-track decisions and coordinated planning. In a vision statement, LDA highlighted that global investors look for well-connected, economically vibrant regions. 'To achieve that, we are preparing smart clusters and industrial districts that anchor regional growth,' an official said.
