Author: Sophie Mitchell

Ontario is moving ahead with a major restoration and redevelopment effort at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, committing $4.75 million to repair extensive storm damage and turn the popular Mattawa-area destination into a four-season tourism draw. The provincial government announced the investment Friday, describing the project as both an economic boost for nearby communities and a long-term plan to modernize a park severely hit by a destructive downburst storm in June. The site has remained closed since the event, which toppled thousands of trees, damaged infrastructure and forced the evacuation of roughly 300 visitors. “The storm was one of the…

The City of Cambridge is renewing its partnership with the Salvation Army this holiday season by providing free space for the organization’s annual Toy Mountain toy drive, a program that supplies thousands of local children with gifts each Christmas. Municipal officials say the arrangement reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-based social services, particularly during a period of heightened need. The city announced Friday that the first floor of the Preston Scout House has been made available at no cost to the Salvation Army for use as its 2025 toy donation and distribution hub. The location will serve as…

The Ontario government is opening provincewide consultations for its 2026 budget, launching an outreach effort officials say will help shape the next phase of the province’s economic and fiscal strategy. The initiative, announced Friday, invites workers, families and business groups to share their priorities as the government develops a plan focused on competitiveness, resilience and long-term growth. The consultations build on measures outlined in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement and mark the earliest stage of the annual budget cycle. With global economic uncertainty continuing to weigh on provincial planning, the government says public feedback will play a central role in…

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has confirmed its board leadership for the coming year, reappointing Chair Mark Baker and electing Vice-Chair Mark Vonesch during its inaugural meeting on November 19. The annual selection of board leadership, mandated under provincial legislation, sets the tone for regional governance as the district continues to navigate priorities tied to community resilience, service delivery and reconciliation with First Nations. Baker, who serves as Mayor of Sayward, will enter his fourth consecutive term as Chair. His reappointment reflects strong board support during a period marked by increasing regional collaboration and evolving service expectations across Vancouver Island’s…

Ontario has secured a $3.2-billion investment from Norwegian manufacturer Vianode to build a large-scale synthetic graphite facility in St. Thomas, marking the company’s first entry into the North American market and adding new momentum to the province’s growing electric-vehicle and clean-technology manufacturing corridor. The project, announced Wednesday, will create nearly 300 jobs in its initial phase and as many as 1,000 positions once fully operational. The province is framing the deal as a major step in its plan to bolster industrial resiliency, strengthen domestic supply chains and compete for global investment amid ongoing trade uncertainty. “Today’s announcement is a historic…

Charlottetown is preparing for a major tourism and economic lift as the Charlottetown Christmas Festival returns for its 2025–26 season, promising expanded programming, enhanced décor, and new attractions aimed at drawing visitors throughout the holiday period. Running from November 21, 2025, to January 2, 2026, the six-week festival is expected to generate strong activity for retailers, hospitality operators, artisan vendors and event partners across the city. Organized by Discover Charlottetown in partnership with the City of Charlottetown, Founders’ Food Hall & Market and a range of community organizations, the festival has grown into one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognizable holiday…

The Ontario government is moving ahead with sweeping procurement changes aimed at prioritizing goods and services produced in the province, a shift officials say will shield local businesses and workers from global trade uncertainty while anchoring long-term economic growth. The government is set to introduce the Buy Ontario Act, 2025, legislation that would require public-sector organizations — including ministries, agencies, municipalities, and their contractors — to give preference first to Ontario-made products and services, and then to Canadian alternatives. The rules would apply across the province’s more than $30-billion annual procurement portfolio and support Ontario’s broader $220-billion infrastructure plan. The…

IEA report shows improvement in primary energy intensity but warns progress still lags COP28 targets Global progress on energy efficiency is set to accelerate in 2025, marking a welcome shift after several years of sluggish improvement, according to new analysis released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The findings point to renewed momentum in government policy action as countries attempt to bolster energy security, reduce emissions, and improve economic competitiveness. In its annual Energy Efficiency 2025 update published on November 20, the IEA reports that global primary energy intensity — the main metric used to assess energy efficiency — is…

Channell and Clarke to Lead Senior Team into 2026 Olympic Push CALGARY — Canada’s national skeleton program is accelerating into the 2025–26 Olympic season with a newly named roster, an expanding talent pipeline, and renewed confidence in a team-first, high-performance culture. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) confirmed its senior and development lineups just days before competition begins, setting the tone for a season the organization describes as pivotal to rebuilding the sport’s national presence and competitiveness on the world stage. Two-time Olympian Jane Channell and reigning world champion Hallie Clarke will anchor the Senior Skeleton Team as the athletes begin their…

Ontario is strengthening its economic ties with the State of Maryland through a renewed and expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting cooperation across key high-growth sectors, including life sciences, information technology and clean energy. The agreement, announced Wednesday, is part of the province’s broader strategy to position Ontario as the most resilient and competitive economy in the G7. Provincial officials say the renewed MOU will deepen cross-border collaboration at a time when global economic uncertainty is prompting governments to diversify partnerships and remove barriers to trade. The agreement builds on an existing MOU signed in 2020 and is…