Author: Sophie Mitchell

Toronto festival attracts global crime-writing talent while TIFA previews major author events for 2026 The MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival concluded its fifth edition on June 7, capping off what organizers described as the largest and most successful festival in its history. Over three days, the Toronto-based event welcomed more than 50 crime and mystery writers from Canada and abroad, drawing strong audience engagement through a mix of author discussions, workshops, masterclasses, and immersive literary experiences. Presented by the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA), the festival has become a prominent platform for crime and mystery literature, bringing together established…

Artist lineup to be announced as community-driven festival prepares for three-day celebration of Canadian jazz and local culture Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) will return for its 11th edition from September 18 to 20, 2026, bringing three days of live jazz performances, community programming and cultural celebration to one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Organizers announced the festival’s return this week, confirming that audiences can once again expect performances across Kensington Market’s streets, patios, community spaces and intimate venues. While the artist lineup has yet to be unveiled, festival organizers say further announcements will follow in the coming…

All Day and East Hill Routes Running Hourly; Core Express Service Suspended Prince Albert Transit is operating on a modified schedule on June 23, with two key routes running on an hourly basis and one service temporarily suspended, according to a transit service update released by the City of Prince Albert. Residents relying on public transportation are advised to plan their travel accordingly, as the transit system has implemented adjusted service levels for the day. Hourly Service for All Day and East Hill Routes Under the revised schedule, the All Day bus is operating hourly and departs from the downtown…

New 128-bed facility will provide culturally appropriate care for Elders while creating local jobs TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY — Ontario has announced the completion of construction on Tsi Thonwatíhsnye’s Long-Term Care Home, a new 128-bed facility developed by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation that will provide culturally appropriate care for Elders while expanding long-term care capacity in the region. The project forms part of the province’s broader strategy to modernize and expand Ontario’s long-term care system, with a focus on increasing capacity, improving care standards, and supporting local employment. The new facility received support through Ontario’s construction…

Funding agreement expected to unlock 44,000 new homes while reducing construction costs by up to $83,000 per unit TORONTO — The federal and Ontario governments have committed up to $1.5 billion to the City of Toronto through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), a move aimed at accelerating housing construction, lowering development costs and supporting critical infrastructure projects across Canada’s largest city. The announcement was made Monday by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. The funding recognizes Toronto’s commitment to reducing development charges by between 40 and 60 per cent…

Ontario Coroner Announces Inquest into Death of Anton Chadide-Yamine Mandatory inquest ordered under Coroners Act TORONTO — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Anton Chadide-Yamine, a 44-year-old man who died after being transferred from the Toronto South Detention Centre to hospital. Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region, confirmed the upcoming inquest on Monday. The proceeding is being conducted as a mandatory requirement under Ontario’s Coroners Act, which requires inquests in certain deaths involving individuals in custody. According to information released by the Ministry…

Mandatory Coroner’s Inquest to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2023 Custodial Death The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that a coroner’s inquest will be held into the death of Anthony Chatzimanolakis, a 30-year-old man who died while in custody at the Toronto South Detention Centre in March 2023. The announcement was made by Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region, in accordance with requirements under Ontario’s Coroners Act. Mandatory Review of Custodial Death According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Mr. Chatzimanolakis died on March 25, 2023, while being held at the Toronto South…

Mandatory inquest to examine circumstances surrounding 2021 custodial death A coroner’s inquest will be held into the death of Darrell Harper, a 37-year-old man who died while in custody at the Toronto South Detention Centre in 2021, the Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced. Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region, confirmed the decision on June 23, 2026. The inquest is required under Ontario’s Coroners Act because Mr. Harper died while in a correctional facility. Mr. Harper died on June 23, 2021, while being held at the Toronto South Detention Centre, one of Ontario’s largest…

Mandatory inquest to examine circumstances surrounding death of Toronto South Detention Centre inmate TORONTO — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Robert Quinn, a 41-year-old man who died after being transferred from the Toronto South Detention Centre to hospital. The announcement was made by Dr. Richard Wells, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto West Region. Under Ontario’s Coroners Act, an inquest into Quinn’s death is mandatory. According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Quinn died in hospital on Oct. 1, 2021, following his transfer from the Toronto…

Fakes – Volume Three Raises Funds for Refugee and Migrant Children Through Music Inspired by Pop Culture’s Most Memorable Imaginary Acts Portland-based independent label Drunk Dial Records is set to release Fakes – Volume Three on June 23, 2026, continuing a unique compilation series that transforms fictional bands from film and television into real-world punk, garage rock and indie rock tributes while supporting a charitable cause. Released digitally and on cassette, the 13-track compilation channels songs originally performed by fictional acts from popular culture, with all proceeds benefiting Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international nonprofit that provides legal…