Author: Sophie Mitchell

ARMSTRONG, British Columbia — Armstrong MetalFest is preparing for its 2027 edition, with the deadline for bands to submit applications closing October 15, 2026. The annual heavy metal festival will return to Hassen Arena in Armstrong, British Columbia, on July 16 and 17, 2027, bringing Canadian and international performers to the North Okanagan. Organized by the non-profit West Metal Entertainment, the festival has developed into a recurring summer attraction for heavy metal enthusiasts. Its programming combines live music, camping and entertainment activities, attracting visitors from across Canada and the United States. Armstrong MetalFest Opens Opportunities for 2027 Performers Organizers are…

OTTAWA, October 15, 2026 — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada to challenge the constitutional implications of Ontario legislation that restricts legal action against the provincial government, raising broader questions about democratic accountability, judicial oversight and access to justice. The organization is intervening in Ontario Place Protectors v. Ontario and Attorney General of Ontario, a case examining whether provincial legislation can shield public officials from certain legal claims, including allegations of bad faith or misuse of public authority. The hearing is scheduled for October 15 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, with proceedings…

A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in New York accuses U.S. grocery chain Hannaford and its parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA, of misleading consumers by marketing farmed salmon as sustainable despite alleged environmental damage associated with industrial aquaculture operations. The lawsuit challenges Hannaford’s seafood advertising, including claims that its products are “harvested with sustainability in mind” and “Fresh. Sustainable. Local.” Plaintiffs argue that these representations create a misleading impression about the environmental practices of the company’s salmon suppliers. The complaint identifies Cooke Aquaculture, a major salmon producer with operations in Maine and Eastern Canada, as one of Hannaford’s…

PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — Prince Albert Transit has announced its bus operating schedule for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, confirming hourly service on several routes while maintaining regular operations across the remainder of the city’s public transportation network. According to the latest transit advisory, the All Day Express, West Flat, East Hill and West Hill routes will operate hourly, with departures from the downtown transfer station scheduled at designated times throughout the day. The announcement provides passengers with updated departure information to help them plan their daily journeys, including travel to workplaces, schools, shopping areas and other destinations across Prince Albert.…

TORONTO,  The Ontario government has announced that Bruce Power is joining Ontario Corps, expanding the province’s network of organizations and volunteers dedicated to supporting communities during emergencies and natural disasters. The partnership will allow Ontario to draw on Bruce Power’s personnel, facilities, equipment and technical expertise to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to improve disaster readiness and ensure critical resources can be deployed quickly when communities face emergencies. Bruce Power to Provide Equipment, Expertise and Emergency Support Under the partnership, Bruce Power may provide access to specialized equipment, heavy…

The Toronto Children’s Chorus will return to Roy Thomson Hall on December 13, 2026, for its annual holiday concert, Songs of the Season: Peace and Joy, bringing together traditional carols, classical choral compositions and contemporary seasonal music. The performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the downtown Toronto concert venue, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Friday, October 16, at 10 a.m. Announced on October 13, the concert will feature young singers from the Toronto Children’s Chorus (TCC), one of Canada’s established youth choral organizations. This year’s program draws inspiration from an old-fashioned candlelit Christmas celebration,…

Toronto’s annual Dream Serenade benefit concert will return to Massey Hall on October 24, 2026, featuring performances by The Strumbellas, Cowboy Junkies, Matt Mays, Tom Wilson, Terra Lightfoot and several other prominent Canadian musicians. Now in its 12th year, the fundraising event supports children with developmental and physical disabilities and their caregivers across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Organizers announced the lineup on October 13, confirming that the concert will take place on Massey Hall’s Allan Slaight Stage. Additional performers include Tanika Charles, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Hayden and unannounced special guests. Select tickets remain available through Massey Hall’s official box…

GEDfest 2026 will bring 13 tribute concerts to 12 cities across Canada and the United States from October 16 to 24, combining live performances celebrating The Tragically Hip with fundraising initiatives supporting local cancer organizations. The annual grassroots event honours the legacy of Gord Downie, the late frontman of the influential Canadian rock band, who died on October 17, 2017. This year’s program includes the festival’s first event in the United States, marking a significant expansion of the volunteer-led initiative. Organizers say GEDfest has raised $732,000 for cancer charities since its inception and has established a fundraising target of $425,000…

Canadian Indigenous power pop rock band Low Budget Rock Star has released its latest single, “Cotton Candy,” marking another step in the Manitoba group’s musical development. The track is available through Indigenous-owned New Sun Records and is accompanied by a music video featuring Melody McArthur. Hailing from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and The Pas, Manitoba, the four-member band combines melodic rock arrangements with personal storytelling and themes of resilience, community and optimism. The new release highlights a lighter, more upbeat direction for the group while maintaining the songwriting approach that has shaped its growing presence in Canada’s independent music scene. New…

KENORA, Ontario — October 13, 2026 — The Ontario government is proposing to introduce permanent daylight saving time in Kenora and other parts of northwestern Ontario that operate in the central time zone, aligning the region with Manitoba’s planned time change. The proposed regulation would take effect by November 1, 2026, with the aim of reducing disruptions for businesses, families, Indigenous communities and essential service providers. The announcement follows Manitoba’s decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time beginning November 1, a move that prompted Ontario to review how neighbouring communities could maintain consistent schedules across provincial boundaries. Ontario Seeks to…