CHATHAM — The Ontario government has awarded the Municipality of Chatham-Kent $440,000 from the province’s Building Faster Fund after the community far exceeded its provincially designated housing targets in 2024. The funding, announced Thursday by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, comes as part of the program’s second round of allocations. Chatham-Kent broke ground on 311 new homes last year, representing 338 per cent of its annual target. The province said the financial reward will help the municipality expand its housing stock and community infrastructure, while supporting Ontario’s wider efforts to grow the economy, sustain jobs, and ease pressure…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a business correspondent for Wire Service Canada, reporting on corporate developments, market trends, and economic news with clarity and accuracy. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has covered stories ranging from financial results and trade agreements to emerging innovations, offering readers both local insight and global context. Known for his balanced and engaging reporting style, Sam is committed to delivering reliable, relevant, and timely business news that helps audiences make informed decisions.
SCARBOROUGH — The Ontario government has broken ground on Scarborough Centre Station, the first of three stops planned for the Scarborough Subway Extension, in what provincial officials are calling a major milestone for Toronto’s transit future and the local economy. The $70-billion expansion, part of the government’s wider transportation strategy for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, will extend Toronto’s Line 2 subway service 7.8 kilometres from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road. Once complete, it is expected to handle 105,000 daily trips and bring rapid transit within walking distance for 38,000 residents. “The Scarborough Subway Extension will be a…
Toronto — Ontario is moving to accelerate the way new health technologies are adopted in the province’s health-care system, with the launch of the Health Innovation Pathway. The initiative, announced today by the Ministry of Health, is designed to streamline approvals, connect patients with innovative care options sooner, and position Ontario as a global hub for medical innovation. The new framework creates a standardized process for evaluating and adopting health technologies ranging from medical devices and imaging tools to lab testing and digital health solutions. By prioritizing Ontario-made innovations, the province hopes to strengthen its health-care system while creating economic…
The City of Prince Albert is once again opening its doors to residents looking to safely dispose of hazardous household products, announcing that its annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The event, hosted by the City’s Sanitation Division, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Municipal Service Centre, located at 11, 38th Street East. Municipal officials say the initiative remains a cornerstone of the city’s waste management strategy, giving residents a safe and environmentally responsible way to rid their homes of toxic or flammable materials that require careful handling. Protecting…
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…
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…