Author: Sophie Mitchell

City advances multi-year downtown rebuild plan as aging infrastructure nears end of life The City of Prince Albert is moving forward with plans to overhaul a key stretch of its downtown core, as officials prepare to replace aging infrastructure beneath Central Avenue while rethinking how the corridor functions above ground. At the centre of the proposal is the Downtown Rebuild project, a significant capital initiative aimed at modernizing water, sanitary, and stormwater systems—some of which date back more than a century. City officials say the work is both necessary and overdue, with much of the underground network approaching the end…

Province tables legislation aimed at modernizing Toronto’s downtown airport and easing pressure on Pearson TORONTO — The Ontario government has introduced new legislation that would allow it to assume control over key aspects of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, marking a significant step toward expanding the facility and increasing competition in the region’s air travel sector. The proposed Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, 2026 would enable the province to replace the City of Toronto in the tripartite agreement governing the airport, while also acquiring city-owned lands tied to the site in exchange for compensation. The move is positioned as part…

Province aims to strengthen tourism, cultural identity and long-term stability of key institutions First permanent operating funding increase in nearly two decades The Ontario government is committing an additional $21 million in annual operating funding to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), marking a significant investment in two of the province’s most prominent cultural institutions. Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario, the funding is intended to support ongoing operations, enhance programming and ensure both institutions remain globally competitive attractions. The increase represents the first permanent boost…

Duck race and public art initiative set for June debut at Mill Race Park Rotary partnership and fundraising effort to support local organizations The City of Cambridge is introducing a new community-focused event aimed at blending recreation, public art and charitable fundraising, with the inaugural “Goose on the Grand” scheduled for June 14 at Mill Race Park. The event, organized in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cambridge, will feature a rubber duck race along the Grand River, alongside a broader program of live entertainment, family activities and an outdoor art installation. Organizers say approximately 1,400 rubber ducks will be…

Province targets homelessness with new housing units and shelter spaces in Northwestern Ontario Funding supports five projects aimed at prevention, stability and recovery THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $10.7 million to expand supportive and emergency housing capacity in Thunder Bay, a move aimed at addressing rising homelessness and housing insecurity in Northwestern Ontario. The funding, delivered through the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), will support the creation of 66 supportive housing units and 120 emergency shelter spaces across five local projects. The initiative is part of a broader provincial strategy to provide both immediate and long-term…

Agreement aims to expand clean power capacity while leveraging Ontario’s nuclear expertise Collaboration seen as key step toward economic growth and energy security in Canada’s North TORONTO — The governments of Ontario and Yukon have signed a new partnership agreement to explore the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the North, marking a significant move to address energy constraints and support long-term economic growth in remote regions. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, joined Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ted Laking, on April 22 to formalize the collaboration. The agreement sets out a framework for…

Province targets resilience, domestic ownership and reduced red tape amid global uncertainty Proposed law and strategy updates aim to bolster long-term competitiveness The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing domestic food production and protecting the province’s agri-food sector, a cornerstone of its economy, as global trade pressures and economic uncertainty persist. The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, tabled on April 22, is part of a broader effort to strengthen local supply chains, support farmers and ensure long-term resilience in the province’s food system. The legislation is being introduced alongside updates to Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy,…

Provincial funding aims to train 150 additional workers and support Northern Ontario’s economic growth Thunder Bay, Ontario — The Ontario government is expanding its investment in skilled trades training with the upgrade of a major ironworker training facility in Thunder Bay, a move aimed at addressing labour shortages and supporting long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario. Backed by more than $644,000 from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, the expansion of Ironworkers Local 759’s training centre is expected to train up to 150 additional structural and ornamental ironworkers over the next five years. The initiative focuses on equipping workers…

Service Changes Affect All-Day and East Hill Buses, Core Express Suspended Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — Commuters in Prince Albert are facing temporary changes to local transit service, with two major routes moving to reduced frequency and one route suspended entirely, according to an update from Prince Albert Transit. The notice, dated April 22, 2026, outlines interim scheduling adjustments that will remain in place until further updates are issued. Transit officials say the changes are necessary but did not specify a timeline for a return to regular service. Hourly Departures Introduced on Key Routes Under the revised schedule, the All Day…

Civil liberties group intervenes in challenge over suspended electoral map review OTTAWA — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on Wednesday to argue that governments must uphold voter equality when drawing electoral boundaries, as the court hears a constitutional challenge with potential national implications. At the centre of the case, Attorney General of Quebec v. Lalande, et al., is whether Quebec’s decision to suspend a routine electoral boundary review violates voters’ rights under the Charter. The BCCLA, participating as an intervener, warned that political interference in electoral redistribution risks undermining democratic fairness. Dispute…