Toronto — Canadian investor W. Graeme Roustan has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TRUE Hockey from U.S.-based TRUE Temper Sports Inc., in a deal that transfers ownership of one of hockey’s fastest-growing equipment brands to a familiar name in the industry. The agreement, announced September 3, follows a competitive sale process that drew interest from across the sporting goods and investment sectors, reflecting the strong market position TRUE Hockey has carved out in recent years. The transaction is expected to close within 60 days, subject to regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed. TRUE’s Market Position TRUE Hockey has…
Author: Sam Allcock
Orillia, Ont. — Arts Orillia has unveiled plans for the 2025 Orillia Jazz Festival, promising audiences two distinctive experiences that highlight both emerging local talent and the enduring legacy of Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson. The festival, running October 17–18, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region, blending intimate community performances with internationally acclaimed artistry. A Journey Through Sound and Shadow The festival opens on October 17 with Neo Noir, described as a one-night Jazz Crawl and “journey of sound and shadow.” The program, offered at $30 for two events, begins at…
Prince Albert, Sask. — Accounting and consulting firm MNP has stepped forward with a $100,000 contribution to sponsor an Ice Surfacer for the new arenas at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, marking a significant investment in community recreation and wellness in Prince Albert. The donation was announced by the City of Prince Albert and the Play it Forward campaign team, which has been leading efforts to secure support for the city’s largest-ever recreational infrastructure project. Officials said the gift underscores MNP’s commitment to fostering community growth and providing spaces that encourage both health and connection. Commitment Beyond Business MNP’s…
Waterloo Region — The Ontario government is directing nearly $16.7 million to Kitchener and Waterloo after both municipalities surpassed their provincial housing targets, the province announced Tuesday. The funding comes through the second round of the Building Faster Fund, a $1.2-billion program that rewards municipalities meeting at least 80 per cent of their designated housing targets. Both Kitchener and Waterloo exceeded expectations in 2024, collectively breaking ground on almost 5,000 new homes. Incentives for Hitting Targets Premier Doug Ford said the investment is part of his government’s broader push to expand housing supply across Ontario while supporting local economies and…
Toronto — The federal and Ontario governments are jointly investing up to $14.6 million to help farmers strengthen their lands against environmental pressures and global market uncertainty, officials announced Wednesday. The funding, channelled through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), is intended to provide farmers with resources to improve soil health, conserve water, and build resilience against shifting trade and climate realities. The initiative is also aligned with Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, a provincial plan aimed at safeguarding food production and supporting rural economies in the face of tariffs and cross-border trade tensions. Federal and Provincial Support Federal Agriculture Minister…
Prince Albert, Sask. — The City of Prince Albert is opening the doors of the Margo Fournier Arts Centre to prospective instructors later this month, inviting community members to explore what it means to teach and share their skills at one of the city’s cultural hubs. An information session will take place on Tuesday, September 23, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room at the Arts Centre, located at 1010 Central Avenue. The event, free and open to the public, is designed as an informal, drop-in style gathering to attract a wide range of participants. A Space for…
Brampton, Ont. — Ontario has marked a milestone in its effort to expand access to health care by opening a new medical school at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Brampton — the province’s first new medical school in two decades. The facility welcomed its inaugural class of 176 students this fall, supported by a nearly $180 million provincial investment. Premier Doug Ford said the launch reflects the government’s broader plan to strengthen Ontario’s health-care system.“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect and improve access to health care in Ontario by opening our first new medical school in 20…
Toronto — The Ontario government is committing $9.6 million to wetlands restoration and enhancement, a move officials say will help safeguard communities against the growing risks of drought, flooding and extreme weather events. The funding will be delivered through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, which has already supported thousands of acres of restoration work across the province. Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy announced the funding Tuesday, describing wetlands as vital natural infrastructure.“Wetlands make communities more resilient. They act as natural infrastructure that protect our homes and businesses against drought and flooding, clean our water and create…
Sarnia, Ont. — As faculty at Lambton College return to classrooms this fall under a newly secured collective agreement, uncertainty continues to cloud the institution. Despite an arbitrated contract settlement in June, the college has moved forward with layoffs affecting academic staff, a decision that union leaders say undermines the stability of the community college system. The latest labour agreement was reached through Arbitrator William Kaplan at the end of June, ending months of negotiations. While the deal provided some relief to faculty heading into the academic year, notices of job losses issued earlier in the spring have left many questioning…
KITCHENER – Ontario is directing more than $12.9 million toward workforce training programs in Waterloo Region, a move the provincial government says will help over 50,000 people prepare for jobs in high-demand sectors as local industries brace for the effects of new U.S. tariffs. Premier Doug Ford announced the funding Tuesday at AirBoss Rubber Solutions in Kitchener, where the manufacturer will receive $829,000 to provide skills training, including forklift operation, for its workers. The investment forms part of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, which has been expanded to $2.5 billion to support workers facing economic disruption. “The investments…
