thanks Abdurrahman for sharing this.
this is a very good news for everyone. it's good news for files in progress in damascus because it will offload some tasks so the officers can focus on the current load.
it's good for you and new applicants like me because the ottawa office has a reputation to process cases much faster.
here is an example re a skilled worker class applicant whose case was transferred from london to ottawa:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/profiles/Shiraz1971-u123525.html