Author: Sophie Mitchell

Investment Aims to Boost Public Safety, Support Jobs and Strengthen Water Infrastructure Projects Expected to Extend Dam Lifespans by Up to a Century MALLORYTOWN, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $11.5 million to rehabilitate four aging dams across the province, a move aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting local economies and ensuring long-term reliability of critical water infrastructure. Announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources on April 17, the funding will support upgrades to dams in northern and rural communities, with construction scheduled over the next four years. The province says the work will extend the service life of…

New demand-response initiative targets large buildings to curb electricity use during peak periods STONEY CREEK — The Ontario government has launched a new energy-saving initiative aimed at reducing electricity demand during peak periods, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen grid reliability and lower costs for consumers and businesses. The Peak Performance program, announced Friday by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, will offer financial incentives to commercial and institutional building operators who reduce heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) usage during times of high demand. The province expects the program to deliver up to 100 megawatts of peak-demand…

New rail link aims to boost regional connectivity, tourism and economic growth STRATFORD, Ont. — The Ontario government will extend GO Transit rail service to Stratford beginning July 6, 2026, introducing a daily round trip along the Kitchener line in a move aimed at improving regional connectivity, easing congestion and supporting economic activity across southwestern Ontario. The expansion marks a significant step in the province’s broader transit strategy, which seeks to deliver faster and more reliable transportation options across both urban and rural communities. The new service will connect Stratford directly with Toronto, with stops in key corridors including Kitchener,…

Three-day melodic and power metal showcase to draw fans to The Cobalt and Rickshaw Theatre VANCOUVER — One of British Columbia’s most prominent niche music events is set to take the stage this week as Hyperspace Metalfest returns for its seventh edition, bringing a lineup of international and Canadian metal acts to venues across Vancouver from April 16 to 18. Positioned as a key gathering for fans of melodic and power metal, the festival will span two venues — The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, followed by a final night at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18. This year’s…

Proposed levy increase aims to close $3.49M funding gap Prince Albert — City council in Prince Albert is set to review a proposed 2026 Property Tax Plan that would introduce modest tax increases as officials work to balance operating and capital budgets in the face of rising costs. The plan, scheduled for consideration at a council meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, outlines measures to address a funding requirement of $3,489,069. The shortfall reflects the financial pressures associated with maintaining municipal services, infrastructure investments, and reserve contributions. At the centre of the proposal is a 2.03% increase in the general…

Province aims to expand access, boost workforce readiness and ensure long-term sustainability BRANTFORD, Ont. — The Ontario government has announced a historic $57 million investment in Indigenous Institutes, marking the largest single funding commitment to Indigenous higher education in the province’s history. The move is designed to expand access to labour market-driven programs while establishing a more sustainable funding model for the sector. The funding forms part of the province’s broader $6.4 billion postsecondary education strategy and is expected to create hundreds of new student seats while stabilizing long-term operations at Indigenous Institutes across Ontario. “Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing group…

Proposed legislation aims to formalize long-standing practice and improve service delivery The Ontario government is moving to require its provincial Ombudsman to be fully bilingual, introducing proposed legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of French-language services and improving access for the province’s Francophone population. If passed, the amendment to the Ombudsman Act would make proficiency in both English and French a formal requirement for the role. The change is designed to better align the Ombudsman’s qualifications with existing responsibilities, particularly oversight of French-language service rights under provincial law. Ontario is home to more than 650,000 Francophones, the largest Francophone population in…

Residents encouraged to build skills and resilience ahead of potential emergencies Campbell River, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is calling on residents to strengthen their emergency readiness as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, running from May 2 to May 8, 2026. The national campaign aims to promote proactive planning and practical skills that can help individuals and families respond effectively during crises. The regional district will host a range of events throughout the week, including preparedness workshops and free first aid certification courses. These sessions are designed to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to respond…

Construction ramps up across Toronto as province pushes forward with multibillion-dollar transit expansion TORONTO — The Ontario government has begun tunnelling work on the long-anticipated Ontario Line, signalling a significant step forward in one of the largest public transit expansions in Canadian history. The milestone marks the transition from preparatory construction to full-scale underground development, with crews now actively boring tunnels beneath Toronto’s downtown core. The project, led by the government of Government of Ontario under Premier Doug Ford, is positioned as a central piece of the province’s strategy to reduce congestion and improve transit accessibility across the Greater Toronto…

Spring Campaign Targets Rise in Unlicensed Sellers and Consumer Complaints Residents Encouraged to Verify Licences and Take Time Before Signing Contracts SAINT JOHN — As door-to-door sales activity ramps up across the province this spring, Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is warning residents to remain vigilant when approached with unsolicited offers for home services. In a campaign launched April 15, the regulator is urging New Brunswickers to slow down and carefully assess offers made at their doorstep, particularly as complaints about unlicensed sellers continue to rise. Door-to-door pitches for services such as driveway paving, roofing repairs, solar…