Author: Sophie Mitchell

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is calling on the RCMP to intervene after alleging that licensed hunters were prevented from travelling through a Bloodvein First Nation check stop on a public highway leading to provincial Crown land. In a letter dated September 22, 2026, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) asked RCMP D Division to take immediate action, arguing that restricting passage along the highway interferes with public access and may contravene provincial and federal law. The dispute comes as Manitoba’s big-game hunting season gets underway, with the federation saying some licensed hunters rely on the highway to reach hunting areas for…

Ontario is investing $80 million to add 2,515 postsecondary seats at the University of Waterloo, expanding access to programs linked to high-demand careers and regional workforce needs. The new spaces are part of the province’s broader $1.7 billion investment to fund more than 70,000 additional seats across Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities. The expansion is focused on fields including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), health care, education, skilled trades and other programs tied to labour-market demand. Students will begin gaining access to some of the newly funded University of Waterloo seats as early as the fall 2026 academic…

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is urging hunters, outfitters and recreational water users to follow provincial regulations this fall, highlighting concerns about illegal waterfowl outfitting while also warning of newly confirmed zebra mussels in Lake Winnipegosis and Waterhen Lake. The organization said compliance with hunting and aquatic invasive species rules is important for protecting legitimate outdoor businesses, Manitoba’s wildlife resources and the province’s lakes and rivers. MWF Raises Concerns Over Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting With the non-resident waterfowl season approaching, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation said it has received reports that some outfitters without an allocation of Non-Canadian Resident Migratory Game Bird Licences,…

Ontario has opened a new long-term care home in Milton, adding 192 spaces for seniors while creating hundreds of construction and permanent jobs in the growing Halton Region community. The Village of Ridgeview Court, operated by Schlegel Villages Inc., officially opened with provincial support through Ontario’s construction funding subsidy top-up. The three-storey facility is designed to provide residents with modern accommodation, health-care support and community-focused amenities. “Our government is investing over $236 billion in our plan to build hospitals, long-term care, roads, schools and other critical infrastructure so we can create good-paying jobs, protect workers and connect families to the…

Ontario is launching the fifth year of its Level Up! skilled trades career fairs, with more than 60,000 students, families and jobseekers expected to participate in events across 12 communities as the province looks to strengthen its pipeline of workers for construction, infrastructure and other high-demand sectors. The 2026 program began in Cobourg on September 23 and will continue through December, combining career fairs, community open houses and interactive demonstrations designed to introduce participants to apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities across Ontario’s 144 skilled trades. Ontario Targets Growing Demand for Skilled Trades Workers The province says more than 400,000 workers…

Ontario is investing $5 million in projects aimed at controlling invasive phragmites and protecting wetlands, waterways and other natural areas across the province, with funding expected to support 119 projects and nearly 200 local jobs. The provincial government said the investment will assist municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and community organizations with efforts to prevent the invasive plant from spreading. Projects will include mapping, monitoring, prevention and direct management of affected areas. “Protecting Ontario’s natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “By investing…

Prince Albert Transit is operating with adjustments to two bus routes on September 23, while most of the city’s public transit network continues to run according to its regular schedule. The Rush Hour and East Hill routes are operating hourly with designated departure times from the downtown transfer station. Meanwhile, the Core Express bus is not in service, according to the latest schedule information released by the city. The temporary service arrangement affects passengers who rely on the downtown transfer station to connect with other parts of Prince Albert. Transit users are being encouraged to review current schedules before travelling…

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society is preparing to host the final session in its series of free Shoreline Homeowner Workshops, giving residents and property owners practical guidance on protecting the ecological health of Kootenay Lake. The final workshop is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Nelson United Church. A virtual option will also be available for people throughout the Kootenay Lake region who were unable to attend earlier sessions in their communities. The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, or FoKLSS, is delivering the workshop in collaboration with Kootenay Lake Partnership and…

Nashville symphonic power metal band Valkyrie’s Fire has released a new music video for “Evermore,” a track inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem “The Raven,” as the group promotes its newly released debut full-length album, Out of Darkness. The 13-track album was released Sept. 18, 2026, through Eclipse Records. “Evermore” is the third visual release connected to the record and offers the band’s interpretation of themes including grief, mortality, memory and survival. ‘Evermore’ Reimagines the Themes of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ The “Evermore” video was directed by vocalist Bettie Floyd in collaboration with ProMotion LLC. Its visual concept…

BRUCE COUNTY, Ont. — Ontario has opened nominations for the 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, continuing a provincial recognition program designed to highlight individuals, businesses, organizations and communities contributing to economic development and community strength across rural Ontario. The annual awards focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, partnerships and community-building initiatives. Nominations are open until October 23, 2026, giving residents, municipalities and community organizations an opportunity to put forward candidates from across the province. “In rural communities across the province, people are making a difference every day by stepping up, creating opportunities and helping to build a stronger rural Ontario,” said…