Author: Sophie Mitchell

Province targets northern infrastructure expansion to support jobs, energy security and critical minerals sector THUNDER BAY — Ontario is accelerating plans to expand electricity infrastructure in the province’s north, designating a major transmission project as a priority while introducing a new hydroelectric program aimed at supporting long-term economic growth and mining development. Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the moves on April 23, positioning the initiatives as central to Ontario’s strategy to strengthen energy security and unlock investment in resource-rich regions. At the centre of the plan is the Red Lake transmission line, a proposed 162-kilometre double-circuit 230-kilovolt line…

Remote proceedings scheduled as part of Coroners Act process Ministry confirms April 27 hearing tied to London Police Service case A motion hearing has been scheduled in connection with the pending inquest into the death of Justin Bourassa, a case that falls under Ontario’s mandatory inquest requirements, the Ministry of the Solicitor General said Wednesday. The announcement was made by Presiding Officer Murray Segal, who confirmed that the hearing will address procedural matters related to the inquest. The proceeding is set to begin at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, and will be conducted remotely, allowing parties to present…

Increased provincial support targets infrastructure, transit, and economic resilience in Northern Ontario THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is allocating nearly $28 million to the City of Thunder Bay as part of a broader effort to strengthen municipal services across small, rural and northern communities, the Ministry of Rural Affairs announced Wednesday. The $27.8 million investment will be delivered through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), a key provincial program designed to support municipalities with limited property tax bases. The funding is intended to help maintain essential services such as road maintenance and public transit while enabling local economic…

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,…