Author: Sophie Mitchell

Modified Timetable Introduced for Key Routes PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Public transit users in Prince Albert are being advised to plan for temporary service adjustments affecting several bus routes, as the city’s transit system implements a modified schedule effective March 20, 2026. According to an official service update, the All Day and East Hill routes are now operating on reduced frequency, while one major express route has been suspended entirely. Transit officials say the changes are temporary, but no timeline has been provided for a full return to regular service. Hourly Service for All Day and East Hill Routes Under…

Province targets safety, supply chain reliability and economic growth in Northern Ontario NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is stepping up enforcement and accelerating infrastructure upgrades along the Highway 11/17 corridor, a critical transportation link in the national highway network, as part of a broader effort to improve safety and strengthen supply chains across Northern Ontario. The twin highways form a key հատված of the Trans-Canada network, supporting the movement of goods, access to services and regional economic activity. Provincial officials say the latest measures are designed to reduce risk on the corridor while ensuring more reliable transportation for businesses…

Province underscores role of French-speaking population in growth, trade and investment Statement from Minister outlines ongoing support for businesses and services TORONTO — Ontario is spotlighting the economic and cultural contributions of its Francophone population as the province marks International Francophonie Day, with the government emphasizing continued investment in French-language services and business development. In a statement released Friday, Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, highlighted the scale and importance of Ontario’s French-speaking community, positioning it as both a domestic asset and an international bridge for trade and collaboration. “Ontario is home to the second-largest Francophone population in Canada, with…

Ontario Premier acknowledges Persian New Year amid global challenges Statement highlights resilience of Iranian communities in Ontario and abroad TORONTO — Doug Ford marked the arrival of Nowruz on March 20 with a message of solidarity, reflection and hope, recognizing both the cultural significance of the Persian New Year and the challenges facing Iranian communities at home and abroad. In a statement released by the Premier’s Office, Ford acknowledged the importance of Nowruz as a time of renewal while also drawing attention to the emotional weight carried by many families in Ontario with ties to Iran. “Today, Iranian communities in…

Funding Targets Community-Level Response Capacity Across Province HALTON HILLS, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $5 million to bolster emergency preparedness at the community level, directing funds toward equipment, training and infrastructure upgrades designed to improve local response capabilities during crises. Announced March 20 by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the funding will be distributed through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG). The program will provide up to $50,000 each to 115 recipients, including municipalities, First Nations communities and Indigenous service organizations. The investment is part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at enhancing resilience against natural…

Proposed legislation would limit resale prices to original cost amid concerns over affordability and market fairness TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would cap ticket resale prices at their original purchase cost, marking a significant step aimed at curbing price gouging in the secondary ticket market and improving affordability for consumers. The proposed amendments to the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, unveiled Friday by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, would make it illegal to resell tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment in Ontario at prices exceeding what…

Province aims to protect jobs while maintaining reliable service across regional transit network TORONTO — The Ontario government has signed a five-year, $1.3-billion contract extension with Alstom to continue operating and maintaining GO Transit and UP Express fleets, a move aimed at sustaining transit reliability while supporting more than 1,100 jobs across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The agreement, announced Friday by the Ministry of Transportation, will extend current rail operations through 2031. The province says the investment is part of its broader strategy to ensure transit continuity during ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the GO Expansion program. “Today’s announcement…

Province targets critical infrastructure upgrade in Prince Edward County PICTON, Ont. — The Ontario government has announced a major infrastructure investment to rehabilitate County Road 49 in Prince Edward County, a move aimed at improving road safety, supporting regional economic growth, and sustaining employment across southeastern Ontario. The project will cover 18.4 kilometres between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, addressing a corridor long criticized for its deteriorating condition. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) previously ranked County Road 49 as the third-worst road in Ontario, underscoring the urgency of repairs. The rehabilitation work will include repaving the roadway,…

Florida’s underground metal festival invites applications ahead of April deadline TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Death Fest (TDF), a growing fixture in the global extreme metal circuit, has opened band submissions for its 2026 lineup, as organizers prepare for another year of programming that highlights both emerging and established acts in the genre. The festival, which will mark its eighth year, is scheduled to take place over two nights on September 5 and 6 at the Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida. Known for its focus on uncompromising extreme metal, the event continues to position itself as a platform for diverse…

Montreal literary festival returns with 150+ participants and a focus on connection Montreal will once again host one of North America’s largest multilingual literary gatherings this spring, as the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival returns for its 28th edition with a timely theme centred on communication and understanding. Running from April 23 to April 26, 2026, with online programming beginning April 13, the festival will bring together more than 150 authors, journalists, translators and cultural figures from Quebec, across Canada and around the world. Organizers say the event will feature 110 sessions spanning nine languages, reinforcing its role as a…