Author: Sophie Mitchell

Basemat installation at Darlington signals major step in Canada’s nuclear expansion CLARINGTON, Ont. — Ontario has completed a critical construction milestone on what is set to become the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the G7, underscoring the province’s push to strengthen energy security and economic resilience through nuclear power. At the CNA2026 Conference, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced that a 2.1-million-pound basemat module for Unit 1 at the Darlington New Nuclear Project has been successfully installed. The operation marks the first foundation laid for a new nuclear reactor in Ontario in more than three decades. The precision…

Province moves forward with infrastructure work as part of broader transit expansion strategy The Ontario government has taken a significant step toward delivering the long-planned Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, awarding the first major civil and utilities contract for the project. The move signals a transition from planning to early construction activity, reinforcing the province’s broader strategy to expand transit infrastructure across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Announced on April 30, 2026, the contract covers preparatory work along the 14-kilometre LRT corridor and is expected to generate substantial economic activity. Provincial officials estimate the project will support…

Canadian Blues Talent Takes Centre Stage at May 26 Celebration The Escarpment Blues Society (EBS) will mark its third anniversary with a high-profile gala concert on May 26, bringing together some of Canada’s most respected blues performers for an evening aimed at celebrating the genre’s continued growth and community impact. Billed as the “3rd Degree Gala,” the event will take place at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in Ancaster, Ontario, and feature a lineup that includes Morgan Davis, Miss Angel Brown, Shawn Kellerman, Kim Doolittle, Lily Sazz, Steve Strongman, Chris Ayries, and Roly Platt. A Growing Platform for Blues and…

Advocacy Group Warns of Shift Toward Private Sector Incentives and Spending Cuts OTTAWA — The federal government’s latest Spring Economic Statement is facing criticism from science policy advocates who say it signals a shift away from treating research and science as public goods, raising concerns about Canada’s long-term innovation capacity and democratic resilience. Released today, the statement outlines the government’s fiscal and economic priorities, emphasizing deficit reduction, affordability measures, and private sector investment. However, according to Evidence for Democracy (E4D), the document falls short in its support for publicly funded research and civic infrastructure. “This Spring Economic Statement does not…

New Funding Aims to Protect Homegrown Innovation and Drive Economic Growth TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $8 million to expand intellectual property (IP) supports across the province’s postsecondary and research institutions, a move aimed at accelerating commercialization and ensuring locally developed innovations contribute to economic growth. The funding, delivered through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), is designed to help colleges, universities and research institutions better protect and scale their discoveries. Provincial officials say the initiative will help secure Ontario’s position as a leader in innovation while fostering job creation and attracting investment. “Developing made-in-Ontario technologies and bringing…

Provincial Funding Targets Nearly 400 Events Across Communities TORONTO — The Ontario government is allocating more than $20 million to support nearly 400 festivals and events across the province in 2026, positioning the investment as a key driver of tourism, job creation and cultural promotion. The funding, delivered through the Experience Ontario 2026 program, is intended to strengthen local economies while showcasing the province’s diverse cultural identity. Officials say the initiative will help communities attract both domestic and international visitors while sustaining a sector that contributes significantly to Ontario’s broader economy. “From Ontario’s charming and historic small towns to its…

Toronto-based digital music success story expands with high-profile collaborations and growing audience base Toronto-based music project Howdytoons is looking to build on its substantial digital footprint with the release of a new single and its first full-length album, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Canada’s most unconventional music exports. The group, which has amassed more than 1.5 billion YouTube streams and over 50 million Spotify plays, released “Smilodon” as the lead single from its debut album Megafauna Metal, now available across major streaming platforms. The release underscores the band’s transition from a niche digital project into…

Amazon MGM Studios unveils featurettes and poster ahead of June 2026 release A new glimpse into the long-awaited revival of Masters of the Universe is offering fans and industry watchers a clearer picture of the scale and ambition behind the upcoming theatrical release. Timed to coincide with “Masters of the Universe Day,” Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios have released two featurettes and a new poster highlighting the central characters and conflict of the sci-fi action adventure. The film is scheduled for a global theatrical debut on June 5, 2026. Anchoring the campaign is the franchise’s most recognizable line —…

Recognition aligns with release of new EP “Conjure This” Southern Ontario artist gains international attention amid key career moment COLLINGWOOD, ON — Southern Ontario singer-songwriter Shjaane Glover has earned an Honourable Mention at the International Songwriters Day Song Contest for his song “Effervescence,” marking a significant milestone as he releases his latest EP, Conjure This. The contest drew submissions from a wide range of countries, including Norway, Taiwan, Austria, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Sweden, the United States, and across Canada. Glover’s recognition places him among a competitive international field and highlights the growing reach of his work beyond regional…

Veteran composer blends vintage rock, Latin influences and satire in first vocal release in 14 years Ottawa-based guitarist and composer Terry Gomes has released “Tego Agogo,” the lead single from his new EP 2 Open 3 Closed, marking his first vocal recording in more than a decade and signalling a renewed creative direction rooted in rhythm, humour and cross-genre experimentation. The track, now available across digital platforms, introduces listeners to a project that merges elements of 1960s rock, Latin-inspired percussion and playful self-reference. Positioned as both a tribute and a satire, “Tego Agogo” reflects Gomes’s long-standing musical influences while emphasizing…