Author: Sophie Mitchell

The Ontario government is investing more than $1.1 million in Waterloo Region to help local aerospace, defence and health technology companies reduce their dependence on U.S. markets, protect existing jobs and expand into new domestic and international markets. The funding, delivered through the province’s $40-million Trade-Impacted Communities Program, will support two projects expected to protect 1,230 jobs while strengthening local supply chains. The initiative comes as Ontario businesses continue to face uncertainty related to U.S. tariffs and broader global trade disruptions. “With the threat of new U.S. tariffs — including on goods covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement — our…

NIAGARA FALLS — Ontario is moving to expand the Niagara Region’s gaming market by allowing additional casino operators to enter the area, a policy shift the province says is intended to attract new investment, create jobs and strengthen Niagara’s position as a year-round tourism destination. The province announced that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has reached an agreement with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. that removes MGE’s exclusivity rights within the Niagara Gaming Bundle. MGE will continue operating Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara on behalf of OLG, while the Crown agency prepares to launch a procurement process for potential…

Ontario is moving to tighten the rules governing new data centre development as the province seeks to attract technology investment, expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and keep Canadian data stored domestically without shifting additional electricity costs to households. The provincial government has launched the framework for its Data Centre Playbook, a policy tool intended to assess proposed data centre projects based on their economic contribution, data-security benefits and investment in host communities. The framework also proposes higher electricity rates for large new data centres and prioritizes projects capable of generating their own power. The initiative is expected to become an early…

TORONTO — Mon Sheong Foundation has awarded its 2026 Golden Jubilee Scholarships to two Ontario high school graduates, recognizing academic achievement, community involvement, leadership and innovation as the students prepare to begin post-secondary studies. Kallem Manning and Grace You Shen were named this year’s recipients during an Aug. 12 ceremony at the Mon Sheong Volunteer and Community Services Centre in Scarborough. Each student received a scholarship valued at up to $4,000 to support their post-secondary education. The foundation said more than 220 applications were reviewed for this year’s awards, highlighting strong interest in a program designed to support young people…

Prime Video is bringing its NBA coverage to Canadian Prime members for the first time, unveiling a 2026-27 schedule that includes regular-season matchups, the Emirates NBA Cup, international games and extensive postseason coverage culminating in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Canadian launch begins Oct. 23 with a doubleheader featuring the reigning champion New York Knicks against the Boston Celtics at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Houston Rockets against the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Prime Video Expands NBA Offering to Canadian Viewers The expansion represents a significant…

TORONTO — The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) has unveiled the first wave of programming for its 2026 fall festival, bringing internationally recognized writers, Indigenous storytellers and cultural commentators to Toronto for five days of literary events from October 28 to November 1. The festival, based at Victoria University in the University of Toronto with select events at other Toronto venues, will feature Barbara Kingsolver, Marie NDiaye, David Szalay, Patrick deWitt and Philippe Sands. TIFA will announce its complete programme on September 3, while full festival passes went on sale August 13. TIFA 2026 Expands Literary Programming in Toronto…

New regulations aim to protect taxpayer dollars and strengthen Ontario Works and ODSP programs TORONTO — The Ontario government has introduced new regulations that immediately restrict access to provincial social assistance programs for individuals who are not legally authorized to live in Canada, saying the changes will ensure taxpayer-funded supports are directed toward residents who meet provincial eligibility requirements. The updated rules apply to the Ontario Works (OW) program and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), with the province stating that financial assistance should be reserved for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship who are legally eligible to receive support.…

Strathcona Regional District Celebrates New Community Housing and Health-Care Support Facilities The Strathcona Regional District is preparing to celebrate the official opening of the Just Like Home Lodge and Health Professionals Housing in Campbell River, marking a significant milestone for regional health-care support and community infrastructure. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the new facilities located at 541 – 2nd Avenue in Campbell River, British Columbia. The event will begin at 3:00 pm and will include a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, photo opportunities, refreshments, cake and guided tours of the new spaces. The opening represents…

$24.4-Million Infrastructure Project to Support Hospital Expansion and Advanced Medical Services Design and pre-construction work is underway for a new $24.4-million energy centre at Delta Hospital, a major infrastructure project expected to strengthen the hospital’s electrical capacity and support future health-care expansion in the growing community. The new facility will provide critical power infrastructure needed to support upcoming projects, including the Beedie Long-Term Care Centre and the installation of an MRI at the hospital site. The investment comes as Delta prepares for significant population growth, with the community expected to add approximately 31,000 residents over the next two decades. The…

Annual Kootenay Lake Summit Returns to Nelson With Expanded Community Participation Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) is preparing to bring together community members, conservation groups, lake users and watershed stewards for the annual Kootenay Lake Summit, with this year’s event focused on strengthening collaboration to protect one of British Columbia’s most important natural resources. The 2026 Kootenay Lake Summit will take place on November 15 at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Under the theme “Synergy: Collaboration in Conservation,” the event will highlight the role partnerships play in creating long-term environmental solutions…