Author: Sophie Mitchell

PICKERING, Ont. — The Ontario government is directing more than $2.8 million into training programs aimed at helping over 3,500 people in Durham Region and surrounding areas secure good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. The investment, announced Thursday by Premier Doug Ford, comes as the province seeks to shield workers from the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs. “In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty they are causing, our government will always have the backs of Ontario workers,” said Ford. “By investing in training programs in Durham Region, we’re protecting Ontario workers by…

Toronto’s literary scene is set for a high-profile autumn as the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) welcomes back The Moth Mainstage for a single night of live storytelling at Koerner Hall on September 18. The event, part of the TIFA Presents 2025 series, will feature an eclectic lineup of storytellers from across Canada and beyond, each delivering true personal tales without notes—a hallmark of The Moth’s signature format. “The Mainstage is the quintessential Moth experience, a two-act show where the storytellers and a notable host share true personal stories, without notes,” the festival announced. “The Moth brings the power…

Toronto — The Ontario government has announced that the province’s public service employees will return to full-time, in-office work starting January 5, 2026, marking the end of hybrid arrangements for many staff. In a statement released Thursday, Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board, said the decision reflects broader workplace trends and the government’s commitment to “driving public service excellence for the people of Ontario.” “As the government delivers on our plan to protect Ontario, we will continue to drive public service excellence for the people of Ontario,” Mulroney said. “Effective January 5, 2026, the Ontario Public Service and its…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched construction on the second tunnel for the Ontario Line, marking what officials call a major step toward delivering faster transit, reducing congestion, and supporting long-term economic growth in the Greater Toronto Area. The new tunnel launch shaft is being built near the future Gerrard Station in Toronto’s south Riverdale neighbourhood. From this site, tunnel boring machines will dig three kilometres of twin tunnels running north under Pape Avenue to connect with the existing transit network. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, said the project is a cornerstone in the province’s nearly $70-billion transit…

BRANTFORD, ON — A high-profile delegation from the City of Brantford will join more than 2,000 municipal leaders, provincial representatives and industry experts in Ottawa next week for the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, an annual policy and networking event that is expected to focus heavily on housing, infrastructure, and economic resilience. The four-day gathering, taking place from August 17 to 20, comes at a time when Ontario municipalities are navigating a challenging economic landscape, compounded by the ongoing trade and tariff dispute with the United States. Conference organizers say this year’s agenda will tackle both immediate…

NORTH YORK, ON – August 13, 2025 – The Ontario government is doubling its annual Fire Protection Grant funding from $10 million to $20 million, in a move aimed at bolstering cancer prevention initiatives and improving municipal fire departments’ ability to respond to lithium-ion battery emergencies. Announced by Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, the increased investment is part of the province’s broader strategy to protect Ontario’s communities and safeguard frontline emergency responders. “Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” Kerzner said. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection…

PARIS, ON – The City of Brantford and the County of Brant have officially opened 174 Trillium Way, a landmark affordable housing development that will provide 49 one- and two-bedroom units for singles, couples, small families, and seniors. The project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the region: the shortage of affordable housing. More than 1,100 households are currently on the centralized housing waitlist, with over 65 per cent seeking smaller-sized units. A Milestone in a Joint Housing Strategy 174 Trillium Way is a key deliverable of the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan — a…

AYR and CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – August 13, 2025 — The Township of North Dumfries and the City of Cambridge have reached a settlement with CBM Aggregates (CBM) on a zoning by-law amendment that will permit expansion of the Dance Pit, a long-standing gravel operation located in North Dumfries near the Cambridge boundary. The agreement, presented today to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) for approval at a settlement hearing, concludes an 18-month multidisciplinary peer review process led by both municipalities. That process involved independent expert assessments, technical discussions with CBM, and multiple review sessions to address environmental and community concerns. From…

TORONTO — A historic first is set to unfold at Woodbine Racetrack this Saturday, August 16, when veteran jockey David Moran and his son, rising star Pietro Moran, line up against each other in The King’s Plate — marking the first time in the event’s 166-year history that a father and son will compete in the same race. The King’s Plate, North America’s longest continuously run Thoroughbred horse race, serves as the opening leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and is considered Canada’s most prestigious horse racing event. While the $1-million race has produced countless memorable moments since its inception…

ORONTO – August 13, 2025 — The Ontario government has launched the Protect Ontario Financing Program, committing $1 billion in loan support to businesses hit by steep U.S. tariffs in the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors. The initiative is the first phase of the $5 billion Protecting Ontario Account announced in the 2025 provincial budget, aimed at safeguarding workers and preserving critical supply chains. “Our government is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to protect workers and businesses from the economic challenges facing Ontario,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “The Protect Ontario Financing Program will help keep workers…