Author: Sam Allcock

MARKDALE, ON —  Ontario is marking a major boost to its food manufacturing sector as Chapman’s, Canada’s largest independent ice cream producer, announced a more than $200 million expansion project in Markdale. The investment will include the construction of a new state-of-the-art production facility, expanded product lines, and 200 new jobs for the region. The project, supported by $27 million in provincial funding through the Invest Ontario Fund, is expected to enhance the company’s ability to meet rising consumer demand, diversify its product portfolio, and expand into global markets. A Strong Vote of Confidence Premier Doug Ford praised the investment…

ORANGEVILLE — The Ontario government is committing more than $1.2 million to upgrade Rotary Park in Orangeville, part of a broader provincial initiative aimed at revitalizing community sport and recreation facilities across Ontario. The investment falls under the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide program designed to support healthier, more active communities while stimulating local economies. Announced on September 19 by the Ministry of Sport, the funding will finance major redevelopment of Rotary Park, transforming it into a modern, year-round recreational hub. The project includes the installation of new tennis and pickleball courts, accessible pathways,…

Cambridge, Ontario – The City of Cambridge is preparing to unveil the newly renovated Preston Memorial Auditorium, a long-standing community hub that has undergone significant upgrades to better serve residents. Ahead of the official grand opening, members of the media are being invited for an exclusive first look at the revitalized facility. The preview event will take place on Friday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m., led by Shane Taylor, Manager of Recreation, Placemaking Capital Projects for the City of Cambridge. Taylor will provide a guided tour, highlighting the new additions and design features introduced as part of the major renovation. “The…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced a $3.5 million investment to strengthen the province’s forestry sector, backing new technologies and expanding production capacity at local manufacturers. The move is aimed at reinforcing the competitiveness of made-in-Ontario wood products while helping businesses withstand ongoing trade pressures, including tariffs from the United States. The funding is being delivered through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP), a provincial initiative designed to spur advanced manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance productivity in one of Ontario’s most vital industries. “Our world-class forest sector builds a stronger economy and stronger communities across Ontario,” said…

Cambridge, Ontario — The City of Cambridge will implement mandatory bag checks for all visitors attending council meetings starting Tuesday, September 23, as part of new security measures aimed at ensuring safety while maintaining open access to local government. City officials say the decision follows the lead of other municipalities across Canada that have introduced similar protocols in response to rising security concerns. The initiative is designed to safeguard council members, municipal staff, and residents without discouraging public participation. Balancing Safety and Accessibility The city emphasized that the checks are not intended to deter citizens from engaging with their municipal government.…

Thunder Bay — Ontario is expanding its network of youth mental health services with the opening of a new Youth Wellness Hub in Thunder Bay, part of a province-wide effort to make care more accessible for young people. The new facility is one of ten hubs being added to the existing network of 22, bringing the total to 32 across the province. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the hub reflects the government’s broader plan to build a “connected and convenient system of care” for young people and their families. “Our government is continuing to take action to…

Ontario is positioning itself at the centre of Canada’s clean energy future, championing nuclear expansion and calling for federal reforms to accelerate major infrastructure projects. The province hosted the Connecting Canada – Building an Energy Superpower Summit in Toronto on Friday, bringing together energy ministers from across the country to chart a path toward a modern, integrated electricity system. At the summit, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce urged provincial and territorial counterparts to commit to building cross-country transmission networks and supporting large-scale nuclear and renewable projects. He also pressed the federal government to move faster on regulatory…

Campbell River, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) will join communities across Canada in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30. The day honours survivors of residential schools, remembers the children who never returned home, and acknowledges the lasting impacts on families and communities. SRD officials say the observance reflects an ongoing commitment to reconciliation. “The SRD board and staff are committed to continuous learning and building meaningful relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of this region as we work toward reconciliation,” the district said in its announcement. Commemorating a Day of Reflection The federal…

St. Thomas, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to train experienced construction workers as mentors, aiming to boost skills in the homebuilding industry and accelerate the province’s housing goals. The funding, announced Thursday through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, will help 100 seasoned workers pass on expertise in modern construction technologies and updated building practices. The initiative, branded as the Futures Faster program, is led by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA). Government Commitment “We are facing unprecedented economic times, and Ontario needs highly skilled workers that can deliver on our historic $200 billion infrastructure…

Strong, Ont. — The Ontario government is providing more than half a million dollars to help two Northern Ontario municipalities recover from severe flooding that caused extensive damage to local infrastructure in June 2024. The funding, announced Thursday, will deliver up to $492,000 to the Township of Strong and $63,000 to the Township of Joly through the province’s Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program. The program is designed to help municipalities cover extraordinary costs linked to natural disasters, including both emergency response and capital repairs. Government Response “Our government is stepping up to support our municipalities facing extensive damage due…