Joe Remollino drove into an Ottawa Tim Hortons drive-thru last week and saw a swarm of rats scurrying outside. • “It’s like the ground was moving,” he said. “It was like an anthill, just crazy.” • When he asked if construction work was the reason for the rodents behind the building, he said the employee said it was “normal.” • After the CBC published a story, Tim Hortons issued a statement saying the location’s owner “can confirm there are no pests in the restaurant and the issue remains outside.” The statement also said that the owner is “frustrated with the situation on the surrounding property.” • But Ottawa Public Health has repeatedly visited the site at 1611 Bank St., near Heron Road. It has issued non-compliance notices about Tim Hortons’ failure to keep the entry free from pests, and to clean garbage and food waste from around the exterior. • Ish Thomas, who lives next door, said in the last few weeks, he has watched in daylight as rats have dug holes throughout his backyard. • “I’m worried that when it gets cold and starts snowing, they’ll start flocking indoors,” he said. • Tap our link in bio to read more. • • • (Video: Joe Remollino and CBC News; Reporting: Stu Mills/CBC) #Rats #Rodents #Animals #Food #Ottawa #Canada #PublicHealth #CBCNews #CBC