Author: Sam Allcock

Cambridge, ON — The Ontario government has announced a $19.5 million investment to support the construction of a new, multi-purpose recreation complex in Cambridge. The project, part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), is aimed at revitalizing community facilities, creating jobs, and promoting active living across the province. Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, said the Cambridge project underscores the province’s commitment to strengthening local communities. “Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” Lumsden said. “The…

Brantford, ON — The City of Brantford is asking residents to weigh in on early designs for a proposed Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC), a multi-purpose venue that could become a cornerstone of the city’s downtown revitalization strategy. City officials say the new facility, planned for a central downtown site between Elements Casino and Earl Haig Family Fun Park, is intended to strengthen Brantford’s position as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, and community events. “The site was selected to strengthen the downtown as a destination for sports, entertainment, and community gatherings, while supporting local businesses and encouraging new investment…

Toronto, ON — Roy Thomson Hall and the Toronto Blues Society have announced the performer lineup for the 38th annual Women’s Blues Revue, one of Canada’s longest-running celebrations of blues music. The event, scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, will once again bring together acclaimed musicians for an evening of powerhouse performances in Toronto’s entertainment district. The organizers confirmed that this year’s showcase will be anchored by the internationally recognized Shakura S’Aida, who will take on double duties as both host and featured performer. Known for her commanding stage presence and genre-spanning artistry, S’Aida’s return sets the tone for what…

An inquest has been scheduled into the deaths of five people who succumbed to blastomycosis during an outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation, a remote northern Ontario community, the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Wednesday. Dr. Harry Voogjarv, Regional Supervising Coroner for the North Region, Sudbury office, confirmed that proceedings will begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 15, 2025. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Luke Moore, 43; Lorraine Shaganash, 47; Lizzie Sutherland, 56; Mark Ferris, 67; and Douglas Taylor, 60. The five individuals died in hospital between November 2021 and January 2022 after contracting…

Toronto, Ont. — The Ontario government is taking steps to expand the scope of practice for a wide range of regulated health-care professionals, a move it says will improve access to timely care and reduce pressures on the province’s strained health system. The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday it is consulting with professional colleges and stakeholders on proposed changes that would give optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists and other regulated practitioners broader authority in diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing. “Across our province, qualified health-care professionals are ready to contribute more to their communities, ensuring doctors’ offices and emergency departments are available for those…

Picton, Ont. — Ontario is moving ahead with the largest expansion of its provincial parks in half a century, investing nearly $60 million to build new campsites and modernize existing ones in a bid to strengthen the province’s tourism economy. The three-year plan, announced Tuesday, will add 300 new campsites at several high-demand locations and upgrade approximately 800 existing sites with electrical service. Officials said the expansion is designed to meet soaring demand for outdoor recreation while generating economic benefits for nearby communities. “This upgrade marks a major milestone for Ontario Parks — the most significant expansion of camping opportunities…

St. Thomas, Ont. — The Ontario government is throwing its support behind a $107-million expansion by Element5, a homegrown mass timber manufacturer, in a move that promises to create 150 new jobs and strengthen the province’s foothold in sustainable construction. The St. Thomas expansion will double Element5’s production capacity and increase the domestic supply of glued-laminated and cross-laminated timber, key components in modular housing and large-scale wood construction. Provincial officials said the project underscores Ontario’s strategy to grow its advanced wood construction sector while helping local workers weather global trade pressures. “Ontario’s forestry and wood manufacturing sectors support tens of…

THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $8 million over the next three years to support First Nations entrepreneurs and communities through training, mentorship, and expanded business opportunities. The funding will flow to the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), which represents economic development officers and Indigenous business leaders across the province. The announcement was made September 16 by Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, during OFNEDA’s 14th annual First Nations Economic Advancement Conference in Thunder Bay. Building Partnerships for Growth “Our ongoing partnership with OFNEDA reaffirms our government’s commitment to creating…

LONDON, Ont. — Londoners will have a chance to step behind the scenes of the city’s most storied institutions and cultural spaces later this year as the London Heritage Council (LHC) presents the annual Doors Open London weekend on September 20 and 21, 2025. Spanning 41 sites across the city, the event is designed to showcase the “sights, sounds, and stories that make our city,” with free access to businesses, museums, places of worship, entertainment venues, and heritage landmarks. A Celebration of Community and History Doors Open London, part of a province-wide initiative, invites residents and visitors alike to explore…

COQUITLAM, B.C. — Fraser Health Authority’s Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 17, giving residents of the Tri-Cities an opportunity to learn more about local health services and engage directly with decision-makers. The session is scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Executive Plaza and Suites Hotel, Grand Ballroom A, 405 North Road, Coquitlam. Community members are invited to attend in person. Opportunity for Public Engagement The meeting is designed to give residents a chance to hear updates on Fraser Health’s operations while also providing a forum to ask questions.…