Author: Sophie Mitchell

KINCARDINE, Ont. — Ontario is backing a $250-million expansion of medical isotope production at Bruce Power through its Indigenous loan guarantee program, aiming to reinforce the province’s position in a fast-growing global market while expanding economic participation for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The provincial guarantee, announced Thursday by the Ministry of Finance, will support an agreement between Bruce Power and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) to increase output of isotopes used in cancer treatment and sterilization of medical equipment. The province says the investment will also create hundreds of jobs and strengthen Ontario’s nuclear supply chain at a time of global…

The Core Express bus remains out of service as of Feb. 27, 2026, even as the rest of the transit network has resumed regular operations, according to the latest service update from local transit authorities. In a service notice issued Friday, officials confirmed that “The Core Express bus is not in operation,” while emphasizing that “All other routes have returned to regular schedules and are operating every 30 minutes.” The partial restoration marks a significant step toward normalcy for commuters who rely on public transportation for daily travel, work and business activities. However, the continued suspension of the Core Express…

RENFREW COUNTY, Ont. — The Ontario government has taken the next step toward widening a key section of Highway 17 in Eastern Ontario, issuing a request for proposals to design an expansion that is expected to bolster trade, improve safety and support jobs in the region. The Ministry of Transportation announced Feb. 27 that it is seeking bids to design the twinning of Highway 17 from two lanes to four lanes between the Town of Renfrew and Arnprior, a 22.5-kilometre stretch that forms part of the Trans-Canada Highway network. The project comes as Ontario positions infrastructure investment as a strategy…

VANCOUVER — Canadian rock veterans SLIP~ons are set to release their second EP, Overtime, on Feb. 20, 2026, positioning the guitar-driven Vancouver quartet to build on recent radio play and media exposure while reaffirming their place in the country’s independent music sector. The new release, arriving via independent label Scamindy, represents the latest chapter for a band whose members bring decades of experience across Canada’s music industry, from punk roots to mainstream pop touring. Fronted by Brock Pytel, formerly of Montreal pop-punk group Doughboys, and anchored by bassist Brian Minato, a longtime collaborator with Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, SLIP~ons have…

TORONTO — Canadian country-rock recording artist Bree Taylor is positioning herself for international growth with the release of her new single and upcoming album “Worship,” a project that has already generated significant streaming traction and marks a strategic turning point in her career. The single, released this week, is the title track from Taylor’s forthcoming album and was recorded at Saxman Studios in Nashville, a key hub for the global country music industry. The track was produced by Grady Saxman, known for his work with major country acts including Luke Combs and Jelly Roll. The release represents a commercial and…

LOS ANGELES — Emerging indie rock act Kid Sistr is looking to build momentum in 2026 with the release of its latest single, “American Teenage Prophecy,” as the Los Angeles-based trio continues to expand its profile in the highly competitive North American music market. Released Wednesday on major digital streaming platforms and accompanied by a YouTube music video, the single underscores the band’s artistic direction while positioning the group for broader commercial growth following a string of high-profile supporting performances and prior releases. The new track centres on themes of youthful romance and identity, reflecting both personal storytelling and wider…

Snow-clearing operations in the City of Prince Albert are entering a critical phase as municipal crews move into school zones following a major winter storm that delivered about 35 centimetres of snow, affecting transportation, commuting, and daily business activity across the northern Saskatchewan city. City officials said Friday afternoon that crews have completed clearing all Priority 2 roads — key routes that support significant traffic volumes and access to essential services — and have now shifted their focus to school zones, the remaining component of that priority category. Clearing in those areas began earlier in the day and is expected…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has awarded a $1.04-billion contract to build and maintain a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, advancing its plan to redevelop the waterfront site into a year-round tourism and cultural destination expected to open as early as 2029. The 400,000-square-foot facility will include a new main building, modernized iconic pods and a fully upgraded Cinesphere IMAX theatre, forming a cornerstone of the province’s broader revitalization strategy. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in construction and tourism, while contributing to wider economic growth in Toronto and across the region. “With state-of-the-art…

Rome remains one of the most visited cities in the world, yet many travelers still underestimate how much planning is required to enjoy it comfortably. In recent years, timed-entry systems, visitor caps, and high seasonal demand have changed the way major attractions operate. A stress-free visit in 2026 depends less on spontaneity and more on strategic organization. The good news is that Rome is entirely manageable with the right approach. Understand How Timed Entry Works Most of Rome’s major landmarks now operate with pre-booked time slots. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and even smaller sites frequently sell out days…

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — New Brunswick’s financial regulator is warning residents about the growing threat of artificial intelligence-driven scams after more than $6.2 million was lost to investment fraud in the province last year, underscoring the rising economic and consumer risks linked to emerging technologies. The Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) said most of the reported losses in 2025 were tied to online schemes, reflecting how fraudsters are increasingly leveraging digital tools — including AI and deepfake technology — to target victims. “These days, fraudsters are using AI and deepfakes to make scams look and sound real,” said Marissa…