Author: Sophie Mitchell

Alt-rock singer-songwriter launches first full-length project, blending personal growth, resilience and Indigenous heritage RED DEER, Alta. — Alberta singer-songwriter Mercedes Brown has released her debut album, Light the Fire, marking a significant milestone for the Wet’suwet’en Tsimshian artist as she continues to build momentum within Canada’s independent music scene. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms and arrives following early attention generated by Brown’s lead single, “Playing With Fire,” and the recently released “So What?” Both tracks have helped introduce the Red Deer-based musician to a broader audience and attracted support from several music publications. Brown’s growing…

New standardised station design aims to cut costs, accelerate delivery and support future GO Transit expansion GRIMSBY, Ontario — Construction has officially begun on the new Grimsby GO Station, marking a significant milestone in Ontario’s efforts to expand regional transit infrastructure, reduce congestion and improve connectivity between the Niagara Region and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The station, which forms part of the province’s wider strategy to improve transportation networks and support economic growth, will become the first GO Transit facility built using a new standardised station design. Provincial officials say the approach is intended to reduce construction costs,…

ByWard Market Festival Set for Largest Edition Yet with Expanded Venue Network and Community Collaboration Ottawa’s Capital Punishment Festival is set to return in 2026 with its most ambitious edition to date, as organisers unveil expanded plans for the three-day heavy-music event and launch a call for local business partners and collaborators. Presented by Chord Productions, the third edition of the festival will take place from 27 to 29 November 2026 across multiple venues in Ottawa’s ByWard Market district. Supported by Ottawa Tourism, the event aims to further strengthen its position as one of Canada’s growing showcases for underground heavy…

Additional funding for Daiken North America aims to strengthen Ontario’s forest sector, create new jobs and expand export opportunities HUNTSVILLE, Ontario — The Ontario government has announced an additional C$425,000 investment in Daiken North America to accelerate production of a pioneering laminated wood panel at its Huntsville manufacturing facility, a move designed to support jobs, strengthen regional supply chains and enhance the competitiveness of the province’s forestry industry. The funding, provided through Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program, comes as the province continues efforts to bolster its forest sector against global market pressures, including the impact of U.S. tariffs. The investment will…

Precautionary Closure Introduced Amid Flooding Concerns Along North Saskatchewan River The playground area at Little Red River Park has been temporarily closed as local authorities respond to rising water levels on the North Saskatchewan River and the increasing risk of flooding in parts of the popular recreational area. City officials announced the closure as a precautionary measure after water levels began encroaching on areas near the playground. The decision is intended to protect residents and visitors while river conditions remain uncertain and potentially hazardous. Visitors have been advised to avoid the closed section of the park and to stay clear…

Band says new single challenges social stigmas while promoting themes of empowerment and autonomy Bubblegum alternative metal trio Nova Riot has released the music video for its latest single, “Midnight Coven Crush”, marking the second visual instalment from the band’s forthcoming debut album Blood, Lies & Lullabies, due for release on 21 August 2026 through Eclipse Records. The Oklahoma-based group, which describes its sound as “bubblegum alternative metal”, premiered the video globally via YouTube, presenting a visually ambitious production that blends heavy guitar-driven music with colourful aesthetics and horror-inspired imagery. Directed by frontwoman Nova Ray, the video explores themes of…

Six-Part Series Inspired by Deborah Cadbury’s Chocolate Wars Starts Filming in Birmingham BritBox has announced the cast and commencement of production for The Cadburys, a new six-part period drama inspired by Deborah Cadbury’s acclaimed book Chocolate Wars. Filming is now underway in Birmingham, bringing to life the story of the family behind one of Britain’s most recognisable confectionery brands. Previously developed under the working title Chocolate Wars, the drama explores the origins of the Cadbury business during the 19th century and the family relationships that helped shape its rise from a struggling cocoa enterprise into a global chocolate powerhouse. Leading…

Funding will support women, youth and underrepresented groups while modernizing training facilities for high-demand careers WINDSOR, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.2 million in Windsor to expand access to apprenticeship training and upgrade skilled trades education facilities, as the province works to address growing labour shortages and prepare workers for careers in construction, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Announced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the funding will support three local organizations and help approximately 80 individuals gain the skills and experience needed to enter in-demand skilled trades occupations. The investment forms part…

Mandatory proceeding under Coroners Act to examine circumstances and identify potential prevention measures An inquest will be held into the death of Quacey Dos Santos, a 25-year-old man who died in October 2022 following an interaction with York Regional Police, Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has confirmed. Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto East Region, announced the inquest on July 6, 2026, stating that the proceeding is required under the province’s Coroners Act. Review of Events Leading to Death Mr. Dos Santos died on October 10, 2022, one day after an encounter with officers from…

Toronto, ON — Following a successful series of sold-out performances earlier this year, Massey Hall is set to welcome back The Art of Magic for a one-night engagement at TD Music Hall this fall, underscoring continued demand for immersive, live entertainment experiences in Toronto’s cultural sector. Strong Return After Sold-Out Performances The show, which previously completed four sold-out performances at Allied Music Centre Theatre, will take the stage again on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at TD Music Hall, located at 178 Victoria Street. The return engagement reflects both the popularity of the production and Massey Hall’s commitment to curating diverse…