Author: Sophie Mitchell

Proceedings to Begin May 11 via Video Conference Jury to Examine Circumstances and Consider Preventive Recommendations A coroner’s inquest into the death of Dwane Stec, who died while in police custody in Ottawa in 2021, is set to begin next month, according to an announcement from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region, confirmed that the inquest will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026. The proceedings will be conducted virtually and are expected to run for five days. The inquest will be presided over by Dr. Richard McLean,…

Provincial investment aims to drive tourism and economic growth in Eastern Ontario The Ontario government has announced a $325,000 investment to support Brockville as the host of the 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games, positioning the Eastern Ontario community to benefit from increased tourism and economic activity tied to one of the province’s प्रमुख senior sporting events. The funding, unveiled by the Ministry of Sport on April 24, 2026, is part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at strengthening local economies through sport tourism while encouraging active lifestyles among older adults. “Our government is proud to support the 2027 Ontario 55+…

Ontario Launches RFP to Support Highway Upload and Tourism Growth TORONTO — The Ontario government has taken a step toward expanding its policing and infrastructure footprint in Toronto’s waterfront by launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build a new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment at Ontario Place’s East Island. The project is tied to the province’s broader plan to assume control of two of the city’s busiest roadways while supporting increased tourism and public safety at a revitalized Ontario Place. The planned detachment will serve dual purposes: providing year-round policing at Ontario Place and overseeing traffic patrol on the…

Provincial funding aims to boost economic resilience and support resource-based growth THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $15 million in annual funding to support infrastructure improvements across northern municipalities, positioning the investment as a key pillar in its broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience and competitiveness. The funding will be delivered through the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund, which will now operate as an ongoing program rather than a time-limited initiative. The province says the move will provide long-term certainty for municipalities managing infrastructure demands tied to resource development industries such as mining, forestry and…

Ongoing Snowfall Warning Disrupts Road Maintenance and Raises Flood Concerns PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The Prince Albert is navigating a late-season snowfall event that has prompted a two-day weather warning and forced municipal crews to shift priorities, delaying routine maintenance while focusing on public safety. City officials issued a spring snowfall update noting that operations are concentrated on maintaining safe road conditions as fluctuating temperatures complicate cleanup efforts. The snowfall, paired with freeze-thaw cycles, has created a mix of melting and refreezing surfaces that present hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. Snow Crews Prioritize High-Risk Areas Municipal sanders have been…

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…