Author: Sophie Mitchell

OTTAWA — Capital Punishment Festival has opened submissions to Canadian bands for its 2026 edition, giving independent and underground artists an opportunity to perform as the heavy-music event expands across multiple venues in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Presented by Chord Productions and supported by Ottawa Tourism, the third edition of the festival is scheduled for late November. Organizers are accepting applications from Canadian artists until Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m. EST, with opening performance slots available across a broad range of genres. The festival’s expansion comes as organizers seek to build on two previous editions by increasing the number of participating…

WINDSOR, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $32.5 million in new border security programs aimed at helping police services combat illegal firearms, drug smuggling, organized crime and other cross-border criminal activity. The funding, announced in Windsor, will provide eligible municipal and First Nations police services with access to specialized equipment and investigative resources. The investment forms part of Ontario’s broader Operation Deterrence initiative and comes as provincial authorities increase enforcement efforts along the Canada-U.S. border and strategic waterways. “Protecting Ontario starts with strong borders,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “We’re giving police the tools they need to stop illegal…

MAUGERVILLE, N.B. — New Brunswick roots rock band Engage is entering a significant period of growth with 11 nominations across two independent music awards programs and the release of its new single, “Unbattered,” the first offering from the group’s upcoming album The Master Plan. The Maugerville-based band has secured five nominations at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards and six at the International Singer Songwriters Association Awards. The recognition comes as Engage continues expanding its catalogue and developing its production capabilities following its formation in 2020. “Unbattered,” written by frontwoman Carla Bonnell, also represents a new stage in the band’s…

TORONTO — Veteran rock-and-roll photographer Bob Gruen will return to Toronto’s Liss Gallery on Sept. 26, 2026, marking his seventh appearance at the Yorkville-area gallery and continuing a relationship that has brought his celebrated music photography to Canadian audiences for nearly two decades. The event at Liss Gallery, located at 112 Cumberland Street, follows previous Gruen appearances dating back to 2008. The gallery has also presented events featuring his work in Kelowna, Vancouver and Montreal. His latest Toronto visit comes by popular demand and will offer audiences an opportunity to engage with a photographer whose career has documented more than…

Toronto rock musician Emily Mac has released “Animal,” the latest single from her debut EP, ROCK N ROLL ANIMAL, adding a playful and provocative finale to a project rooted in classic rock influences, personal relationships and modern themes. The new track shifts away from some of the EP’s heavier reflections on heartbreak and difficult relationships. Instead, “Animal” takes a more mischievous approach, focusing on attraction, confidence and the expectation that partners should put genuine effort into relationships. “Animal” Emerges From an Uncertain Personal Moment Mac began writing “Animal” after an ex-partner re-entered her life during what she described as an…

Canadian singer-songwriter Cathy Young, whose career stretches from Toronto’s influential Yorkville music scene to international stages, has released “I Don’t Want to Lose You,” a song she originally wrote in 1974. More than five decades later, the track has taken on new meaning as a tribute to a profound personal relationship and the partner she lost unexpectedly. Cathy Young’s Career Spans More Than Five Decades Young emerged during a formative period for Canadian popular music. Her debut album, A Spoonful of Cathy Young, was named a Billboard Pick of the Week, providing early recognition for an artist who would soon…

Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, a new feature documentary examining the artistry and lasting influence of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, has been selected for the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The CBC original documentary will make its world premiere in Toronto on September 16 before receiving a Canadian television and streaming premiere later in the month. Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, the film brings together rare archival material, live performances and reflections from prominent musicians to examine Peart’s distinctive approach to drumming and songwriting. Neil Peart Documentary Joins TIFF 2026 Lineup The world premiere of Neil…

TORONTO — Ontario is expanding access to family doctors and primary care teams in Toronto as part of a $3.4-billion provincial strategy aimed at connecting every resident with primary care by 2029. Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones highlighted the progress during a visit to the Women’s College Academic Family Health Team in Toronto. The organization is among nearly 200 new or expanded teams receiving funding through Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan. The Women’s College team received more than $3.3 million through the 2025–26 call for proposals and began enrolling additional patients in August 2025. Since then, it has…

TORONTO — August 11, 2026 — Ontario has completed tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking a major construction milestone for the 9.2-kilometre project that will eventually create a continuous rapid transit corridor stretching from Scarborough through Toronto to Mississauga. The provincial government says construction along the extension is supporting about 4,600 jobs annually and is expected to connect nearly 70,000 commuters with employment and other destinations across the Greater Toronto Area. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in public transit to fight gridlock, shorten travel times and build a stronger, more resilient…

CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — Cambridge residents will have an opportunity to pick up a racquet, learn a new sport and take part in a full day of recreation as the city prepares to host Racquet in the Square at Civic Square on Thursday, Aug. 13. The community event will transform the public space outside Cambridge City Hall into a temporary hub for racquet sports, demonstrations, live play and entertainment. Running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event is designed for residents of all ages and experience levels, including people who have never participated in a racquet sport before. Rather than…