Author: Sophie Mitchell

Toronto event highlights growing market for premium literary experiences and fan engagement TORONTO — Massey Hall is set to host a live literary event this fall featuring bestselling Canadian author Rachel Reid, underscoring the continued demand for in-person author engagements and premium book releases. The event, titled Heated Rivalry: An Evening with Rachel Reid, will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at the historic Toronto venue. The program will centre on the release of a deluxe hardcover edition of Reid’s widely popular novel Heated Rivalry, a title that has gained global recognition within the romance…

Proposed pipeline aims to connect Western crude to Eastern refineries while reducing reliance on foreign imports CALGARY — Ontario and Alberta have unveiled plans for a major interprovincial energy project that could reshape Canada’s domestic oil transportation network and strengthen national energy security. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on July 6 introduced the proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a 3,300-kilometre crude oil pipeline stretching from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario. The project, still under feasibility review, is positioned as a nation-building initiative designed to reduce reliance on foreign oil, improve supply chain resilience and support economic…

Ontario coroner schedules proceedings to begin July 6 by video conference OTTAWA — Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner has announced a new date for the inquest into the death of Ryan Rawson-Keeley, a 38-year-old man who died while in custody at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre in 2021. Dr. Louise McNaughton-Filion, Regional Supervising Coroner for the East Region based in Ottawa, confirmed that the inquest is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026. The proceedings will be overseen by Dr. Geoffrey Bond, who will serve as presiding officer. Robert Kozak has been appointed as inquest counsel.…

Critics say agency dismissed scientific evidence as it authorized several new agricultural chemicals WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved several new pesticides and expanded uses for another chemical despite concerns raised by scientists and environmental advocacy groups about potential risks to human health and ecosystems. The approvals, announced this week, cover the fungicide fluoxapiprolin, herbicide epyrifenacil, herbicide trifludimoxazin and expanded agricultural uses for chlormequat chloride. Critics argue that the agency moved forward despite evidence suggesting links to cancer, reproductive harm and environmental damage. The decisions have drawn strong criticism from the Center for Food Safety…

Toronto psych-punk band previews upcoming release with first single featuring drummer Aurora Evans on lead vocals TORONTO — Toronto-based psych-punk outfit Wine Lips has released “Projector,” the lead single from its forthcoming fifth studio album TV Dinner, scheduled for release on August 28 through Stomp Records. The track offers the first look at a record that aims to capture the anxieties and contradictions of modern life while continuing the high-energy sound that has helped the band build an international following. Known for blending garage punk, psychedelic rock and alternative influences, Wine Lips have spent the past decade establishing themselves as…

Vancouver heavy metal veterans embark on 30-plus date trek spanning the country VANCOUVER — Canadian heavy metal band Iron Kingdom has begun an extensive cross-country tour to support the release of its sixth studio album, Shadows and Dust, marking one of the most ambitious touring campaigns in the Vancouver group’s 15-year history. The tour, which launched in Nanaimo, B.C. on July 2, will take the band through more than 30 cities and communities across Canada, stretching from British Columbia to Newfoundland before concluding in Kelowna, B.C. on Aug. 23. Along the way, Iron Kingdom is scheduled to perform at two…

Ottawa folk-rock band expands its sound while staying rooted in storytelling and Canadian landscapes OTTAWA — Ottawa-based folk-rock group Gentlemen of the Woods has released its latest single, Worst Kind of Weather, offering listeners a preview of the band’s upcoming third album, November Embers. The new track highlights the group’s signature blend of storytelling, musicianship and distinctly Canadian imagery while marking a creative evolution in both sound and production. The release arrives as the band enters a new phase of its career, building on nearly a decade of steady growth within the Ottawa music scene and a reputation for crafting…

Squamish psych surf rock band to bring ‘Modern World Blues’ across Canada and the United States SQUAMISH, B.C. — British Columbia psych surf rock outfit Surf Hat has announced an extensive North American tour this fall, building on growing momentum that has helped the band surpass 30 million combined streams and views across digital platforms. The tour will see the Squamish-based group perform a mix of headline concerts, festival appearances and supporting slots across Canada and the United States, marking another milestone for a band that has steadily expanded its audience through touring and consistent releases rather than relying on…

Ontario Artist Jordan Holman Releases Deeply Personal Anthem Inspired by Canadian Identity and Musical Legacy ALMONTE, Ont. — Independent Canadian artist Kentucky, the musical project of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jordan Holman, has released a new single, “In Kingston Tonight,” a song that honours the enduring influence of The Tragically Hip while encouraging Canadians to embrace and continue the cultural legacy left behind by one of the country’s most celebrated bands. The release coincided with Kentucky’s headline performance during Canada Day celebrations at Hardy Park in Brockville, Ont., marking a significant milestone for the Almonte-based musician. The track was written,…

Inaugural Ontario Festival to Feature 24 Bands Across Two Days, Headlined by Wide Mouth Mason Music fans across Ontario will have a new destination for classic rock this summer as the inaugural Rockstalgia Music Festival prepares to take over the Orono Fairgrounds on July 11 and 12, 2026. The two-day event will feature 24 bands performing across two stages, showcasing music inspired by the rock sounds of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate generations of rock music while supporting local artists, charitable causes and community engagement. Headlining the festival is Canadian rock act…