CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at some of the April Fools’ Day jokes circulating in Ottawa on Wednesday. World’s largest inflatable loon Ginger, the world’s largest inflatable loon, will be touring the Ottawa region. Ottawa Tourism announced that “something big is floating your way” on April Fools’ Day. “Over 7 stories high and impossible to miss, Ginger will be popping up at iconic locations along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, beginning at the Bytown Locks,” Ottawa Tourism said on Instagram. On its website, Ottawa Tourism admits it’s an April Fools’ Day joke. “While the World’s Largest Inflatable Loon is still just a wild idea, Ottawa’s waterways are very real — and always worth the visit.” Goodbye bagged milk? The federal government joked it was time to say goodbye to bagged milk on April Fools’ Day. “Don’t cry over bagged milk,” the government said on X. “This staple of Canadian households is officially being phased out. Gone are the days of having to worry about cutting the right sized hole, dirty pitchers and floppy bags.” Bylaw Officer monthly calendar Ottawa Bylaw Services unveiled plans for the Bylaw Officer monthly calendar on April Fools’ Day. “Bylaw puts the fine, in Set fine,” Bylaw Services said on X. “With great months like Property Maintenance April, Meter Maid May, Noisy November and Dog Catching December, we have something for everyone!” ‘Long-lost recording’ of Colonel John By The City of Ottawa marked April Fools Day by releasing a “long-lost record” of Colonel John By, saying it was “captured circa 1830s during the construction of the Rideau Canal.” Civilian tank rentals for pothole season The Canadian War Museum is helping Ottawa drivers navigate the bumpy roads during pothole season. “As road conditions continue to evolve, so must our approach,” the War Museum said in an Instagram post. “The Canadian War Museum is introducing a pilot initiative offering five civilian tank rentals to help navigate urban terrain. Includes basic operational training. Limited availability.” Donkey yoga The Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum is offering donkey yoga courses. “It’s like regular yoga, except it makes you occasionally reconsider your life choices,” the museum said on X. “Nothing says ‘mind-body connection’ like maintaining your balance while making intense eye contact with an ornery 300-pound life coach. This unique experience includes surprise cardio (when avoiding kicks) and deep breathing (mostly from shock). Find your centre. Watch your back. Sign up for donkey yoga today!” “The Canadian wolf bird” The Canadian Museum of Nature used April Fools’ Day to announce the discovery of a new species – “Meet Avislupus canadensis.” “Dubbed the “Canadian wolf bird” after a scene from the hit TV show and book Heated Rivalry. This previously undocumented member of the loon family (Gaviidae) was first identified in Lanaudière, Québec, in late 2025 by Canadian Museum of Nature researchers, following an unusual tip from an anonymous cottage-goer,” the museum said on Instagram. “Its vocalizations closely resemble both wolf howls and loon calls. Avislupus canadensis likely evaded detection for years from repeated misidentification as two entirely separate animals.” Aircraft powered by refined maple syrup biofuel The Canada Aviation and Space Museum announced a new acquisition on April Fools’ Day – a rare 1950s prototype aircraft powered by refined maple syrup biofuel. “Designed to showcase Canadian innovation, test flights reportedly delivered reliable performance and a distinctly sweet exhaust trail,” the museum said on Instagram. “Now that’s homegrown aerospace engineering.” Maple Syrup Flood Maker House Co. announced it was closed on April Fools’ Day due to a “rather large maple syrup ‘flood’ in the store.” “This sticky situation happened while setting up a ‘Barrel Fill Station’...today was supposed to be the grand reveal of this newest endeavour as we partner with Sweet Retreat Sugar Shack!” Maker House said on X. “Luckily, we tapped into help from neighbours at Causeway Cleaners and will reopen ASAP! We’re hoping to try with a fresh syrup barrel on Friday, hopefully that plan sticks!” Maker House says you can bring a pancake to help clean up the mess. “Mandatory ‘Sorry’” rules The Canadian Premier League announced on April Fools’ Day that players will need to say sorry after a tackle, foul or goal scored. “New ‘Canadian Sportsmanship’ bylaws are being implemented immediately,” the CPL said. “Players are now required to apologize to the opponent and referee after every tackle, foul, or goal scored.” Pronouncing Baseline Road wrong? Coun. Laine Johnson used April Fools Day to say a historian informed her that we’ve been pronouncing Baseline Road incorrection. “So, from now on we all need to make Baseline rhyme with Vaseline!,” Johnson said on Bluesky. Bovine-derived natural liquid fertilizer Tim Tierney, the chair of Ottawa’s public works and infrastructure committee, unveiled a plan for the city to use a bovine-derived natural liquid fertilizer” as part of the spring park maintenance. “As part of our ongoing commitment to improving green spaces across the city, we will be conducting a two-week organic soil enrichment program in all municipal parks beginning April 1,” Tierney said in a social media post. “This initiative will utilize bovine-derived natural fertilizers to promote stronger, healthier turf for the spring and summer seasons ahead. Residents may notice a distinct rural aroma during the first several days following application. While this is a normal (and, some might say, farm-fresh) part of the process, we kindly recommend avoiding treated park areas until the program is complete.” Name the Porta Potty Coun. Steve Desroches is accepting name suggestions for a porta potty in parks as part of Ottawa’s 200th celebrations. “You’ve heard of the City of Ottawa’s name that plow & name that LRT car initiative in the past? I’m thrilled to learn that the city will be launching the next name that park porta potty contest! So go ahead & give your best Number 1 & Number 2 suggestions.” Goldfish pond “The City has agreed to my proposal to convert the Celebration Park stormwater pond to the world’s largest goldfish pond,” Coun. Riley Brockington said on X. “We will attempt to beat the world record my adding 50,000 goldfish to the pond prior to Canada Day.”
