Author: Sam Allcock

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. —  The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is calling on residents across Vancouver Island’s northern communities to take part in the upcoming Great BC ShakeOut, a provincewide earthquake preparedness drill scheduled for October 16 at 10:16 a.m. The annual exercise encourages individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to practice the simple but potentially life-saving actions of “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the event of a major earthquake. “The Great BC ShakeOut isn’t just about dropping, covering, and holding on for a few minutes,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “It’s a reminder for all of us—families, schools, workplaces,…

TORONTO — The Ontario government is committing $6 million to support new Indigenous infrastructure projects across the province, launching the latest intake for applications under the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP). The funding, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, will support projects that strengthen local economies through construction and renovation of community facilities, business hubs and cultural centres. “Working in tandem with Indigenous communities, our government is supporting critical infrastructure projects that are important to building strong, prosperous communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and…

Peterborough, Ont. —Peterborough Musicfest has been honoured with one of the country’s top acknowledgements for ethical music use, receiving the Licensed To Play Award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). The award was presented during SOCAN’s 35th annual Awards Gala in Toronto, which doubled as a celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary. The recognition underscores the festival’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that music is licensed properly for public performance, a practice that guarantees songwriters, composers, and publishers receive fair compensation for their work. The Licensed To Play Award is reserved for Canadian businesses and…

Nelson, B.C. — The Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH) is preparing to unveil its 15th Annual Report Card on Homelessness, marking two decades of sustained advocacy for vulnerable populations in the community. The launch event will take place Wednesday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the KAST Innovation Centre on Baker Street. The report card, an annual benchmark for measuring local progress, is expected to shed light on emerging trends in homelessness, highlight service gaps, and examine how community supports are responding to ongoing challenges. Organizers say the findings will inform service providers, policymakers, and residents about the evolving needs of…

Milton, Ont. — The Ontario government is rewarding the Town of Milton with $8.4 million in funding after the municipality exceeded its housing targets for 2024. The investment, announced under the province’s Building Faster Fund, underscores the government’s push to accelerate housing development while supporting the infrastructure that growing communities need. Milton broke ground on 2,260 new homes last year—equivalent to nearly 130 per cent of its provincial housing target. By surpassing the threshold of 80 per cent completion, the town qualified for a significant payout under the fund’s second round of allocations. The money will go toward community and housing-enabling…

Bowmanville, Ont. — The Ontario government has taken a significant step toward expanding health-care capacity in Durham Region with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of Lakeridge Health’s Bowmanville Hospital. The project, one of the largest redevelopments in Lakeridge’s history, is expected to more than double the size of the facility and bring modernized care to one of the province’s fastest-growing regions. The expansion comes as part of the province’s broader plan to bolster Ontario’s health-care infrastructure, with more than 50 major hospital projects underway or planned over the next decade. Officials say the Bowmanville redevelopment…

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The Crescent Heights Football Field in Prince Albert has been officially renamed Wendell Whitter Field, honouring the late coach, pastor, and community leader whose decades of volunteer service helped shape youth sports in the city. The dedication ceremony, held Saturday morning, brought together family, friends, and city officials, including Ward 8 Councillor Darren Solomon, whose son once played in the River Riders football program. A commemorative sign was unveiled on the exterior of the Crescent Heights Arena, reading: “Wendell Whitter Field – Home of the Prince Albert Minor Football Association.” A Legacy of Leadership Whitter, who…

TORONTO — Ontario public schools will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, with new commitments from the provincial government to develop comprehensive classroom resources on the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Education Minister Paul Calandra and Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford announced the initiative on September 29, saying the effort builds on Ontario’s commitment to advancing reconciliation through education. “Tomorrow, schools across the province will reflect and honour Survivors, their families and the many communities affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools by observing Orange Shirt Day…

KAPUSKASING, Ont. — The Ontario government is expressing sharp disappointment with Ottawa after Kap Paper announced it would idle operations at the Kapuskasing Paper Mill, citing an unsustainable path to long-term viability without ongoing financial support. In a joint statement released September 29, Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, and Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, said the province had already committed more than $50 million to keep the northern Ontario mill operating. The ministers accused the federal government of failing to match those efforts. “Our government has worked closely with Kap Paper to help protect jobs…

LONDON, Ont. — The Office of the Chief Coroner has confirmed that an inquest into the death of Thomas Humphrey will begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The proceedings will examine the circumstances surrounding his death and may result in recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for West Region, London Office, announced the scheduling of the inquest on September 29. “The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025,” she said, noting that Dr. Richard McLean has been appointed as presiding officer. The inquest counsel will be Julian…