Laura Balanko-Dickson is a 32-year-old photographer and journalist.
Taking photographs as a hobby since 2010, Laura began professional photography work in 2018.
Always comfortable behind the lens of a camera, or in front of a screen furiously typing, Laura focuses on photography, events and all things literary.
Their mother often jokes about how she never had to worry about Laura making friends with others, whether as a child or an adult.
Laura has photographed stars from RuPaul’s drag race, elite athletes during the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, and numerous other people and personalities.
Laura believes building sincere and honest relationships with everyone is the single biggest contributing factor to her success.
For the Fort Frances High School students who run it, Muskie Mart is far more than just a school spirit shop – it represents an opportunity to get real-world experience they can take along with them after graduation. From pricing items to sorting inventory and providing customer service to marketing,… Read more: Hands-on and real-life experience: How the high school’s Muskie Mart teaches math and more
Since the beginning of the year, Fort Frances and all other recycle programs in the province completed the transition from municipal programs to corporate collection of materials, and that could mean a big change for locals who drop their recycling off at the depot. In a report to council, Town… Read more: Circular Materials, ToFF, deliberate over options for recycling
A request to review the decision to sell Sunny Cove, the library’s budget, sewer and water billing and a report of tens of thousands of dollars raised for the local food bank were among the agenda items considered during Monday’s regular meeting of the Fort Frances Town Council. A letter… Read more: Jan. 12 Town council meeting in brief
Fort Frances will be doing away with a bylaw more than 35 years old and it’s an odd one – since November of 1989 the Town has required all municipal buildings to follow a colour code. Town buildings have been technically required to choose from a somewhat dated-sounding palette: Fusain… Read more: Town axes old bylaw that required mandatory colours for municipal buildings
Alternative voting measures such as online and telephone voting will officially be available for future municipal elections in Fort Frances, though balloting for byelections will remain a paper-based system for the time being. The use of online and telephone voting began as a measure to address the social distancing requirements… Read more: Alternative voting measures to be approved for future elections, but not by-elections
The Northwest Catholic District School Board’s (TNCDSB) recently released annual mental health plan identifies four main areas that will guide the board’s student support going forward, a strategy that begins with establishing calm as its foundation. “This year we have four focus areas, which we’re calling calm, connection, communication and… Read more: The four Cs of mental health: how the Catholic school board is renewing its approach
The Rainy River District School Board (RRDB) is maintaining a similar ethos for its approach to mental health as in previous years, according to the board’s mental health leader. Tracey Idle, the Mental Health Lead for the RRDSB, discussed the board’s mental health strategy as it prepared to enter the… Read more: Mental health remains a steadfast priority at RRDSB
Robert Animikii Horton’s The Song of the Stars: Starry Skies, Anishinaabe Stories, Scientific Insights, and More! is a fresh and profoundly endearing perspective on the conflict and connection of science and spirituality. A Times columnist and award-winning Anishinaabe educator, sociologist and activist from Rainy River First Nations in Treaty #3… Read more: Local educator, Citizen of the Year, releases book exploring science and spirituality
Residents of Fort Frances might have noticed a somewhat-familiar character on the side of the water tower since the scaffolding has started to come down – a beaver with a paddle in hand clad in voyageur regalia, a new version of a well-known local mascot. As part of significant work… Read more: Familiar buck-toothed character emerges anew on the water town facade
The Fort Frances Museum will be showcasing a law-enforcement-themed exhibit in the New Year, covering everything from the badges and uniforms of local officers to police equipment and court cases with over 100 years of history to draw from. Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre curator Lisa Hughes said the… Read more: From Badge to Bench: a new temporary exhibit coming to Fort Frances Museum in the New Year
Fort Frances will officially bid adieu to Sunny Cove Camp after a conflicted town council voted narrowly on Monday to put the beleaguered property up for sale after years of deliberating about its future. Located about 10 minutes east of Fort Frances on Rainy Lake, Sunny Cove has been a… Read more: Town council votes to put Sunny Cove Camp up for sale
If you’ve previously wanted to throw your hat in the ring to be considered for Volunteer of the Year or Citizen of the Year but didn’t make the cut or shied away from applying, there could be a new category awaiting your candidacy in the near future. Town council voted… Read more: Town introduces new categories to recognize citizen excellence
Rainy River Future Development’s (RRFD) GoLocal campaign will be going away at the end of the year, with points expiring Dec. 31, but its 15-year legacy of achievement will remain, according to the program’s former manager. RRFD first introduced the campaign in 2010. Since its inception, it has had a… Read more: Rainy River Future Development brings GoLocal to an end with points expiring Dec. 31
There’s always plenty of happenings around the holiday season, and the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre is joining in to offer fun, festive family events ahead of Christmas day. Join the Fort Frances Museum this holiday season for a variety of festive family crafting workshops, a visit from Kris… Read more: Fort Frances Museum hosts a variety of fun and festive family-friendly events
November 20, 2025, marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day meant to honour the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. As the transgender community continues to face persecution and violence, both in Canada and beyond, the day offers a time to… Read more: Local Trans man discusses the importance of Trans Day of Remembrance
While he may not have always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Doug Veldhuisen has always had a passion for the people and animals of Fort Frances. Those two things have combined to set Veldhuisen on a career path that has been far more exciting and rewarding than he could… Read more: A passion for animals and his hometown keep things fresh for veterinarian Dr.
Literacy is one of the key pillars for student success, and the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) ensures that its literacy plan is regularly revised in order to give its students the best education it can. The Board’s literacy plan is updated each year to work to ensure students… Read more: RRDSB’s annual Literacy Plan aims to support young readers
While many schools have teachers and guidance counsellors to help students deal with test anxiety, daily stresses and other aspects of mental health, some students at Rainy River High School (RRHS) are taking a different approach. They’ve become Mental Health Champions, volunteers who take it upon themselves to foster greater… Read more: Rainy River High School students become champions of mental health for their peers
As temperatures start to dip toward the frigid, the Out of the Cold warming centre has opened for the season to provide a haven for those exposed to the elements. The facility, located in the HOPE Centre on Victoria Ave. serves meals and offers showers and emotional and social support… Read more: Downtown warming centre opens for the season
Fear, trauma, pain, blood and shock – it’s what a paramedic on the front lines deals with on a daily basis and it’s not the dream career for your average teenager. But 18-year-old Isabelle “Izzy” Meeks is not your average teenager. She embraces the adrenaline rush that comes with flickering… Read more: Teenage dreams of paramedicine
In a bid to curb harmful language at local schools, the Rainy River District School Board has adopted the Words Matter campaign, a program the superintendent of education believes is both a proactive and reactive approach to students using slurs and other verbal abuse. The staff training campaign, delivered in… Read more: Words Matter: RRDSB training seeks to address harmful language at school
For many, Remembrance Day serves as a solemn, or sombre, reminder of lives lost while on duty. This annual reminder of remembrance extends beyond the sacred two minutes of silence observed on Remembrance Day. At least it should, lest we forget. While the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 is… Read more: Remembering Rememberance: Hallikas shares reflection on lifetime of observance
RRDSB Youth Outreach Worker discusses the importance of making mistakes From a Librarian Assistant to an Educational Assistant, and now to her current role as a Youth Outreach Worker, Rebecca Tolen has 25 years of experience across her various roles in education. She encourages students to make mistakes and learn… Read more: Failing forward
Staff go above and beyond expectations in the service they provide to Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) students, and the board makes sure to recognize it. One of the most recent staff members to be recognized is Robert Murphy, received a recognition of excellence for 25 years of service… Read more: Towers, dungeons and rumours; Robert Murphy on 25 years of teaching
Watching a calligrapher at work is like witnessing poetry unfold in ink. Each graceful swoop and swirl seems to appear by magic, forming elegant script that feels impossibly perfect to the untrained eye. Yet, as artist Jessica Marissen says, this ancient craft isn’t reserved for the gifted few – with… Read more: Far more than just fancy writing: local calligrapher to host workshop Oct 25
Since the water main breaks that caused the Scott Street Flood on September 23, and another on September 27, local businesses, like the Salvation Army and Inkspotz Apparel, have been evaluating the damage. Inkspotz Apparel owner Scott Krienke also voiced some of his concerns dealing with the Town of Fort… Read more: Businesses mull details of Scott Street flood damages
From Fort Frances to Thunder Bay, Riverside Health Care runs its Specialty and Diagnostic Transportation service as an effort to reduce barriers and increase equity. Not only does the service operate for physiological health needs, but mental and social wellness appointments. With wheelchair access, a travel attendant, and more, the… Read more: Specialty and Diagnostic Transportation: a wrap-around service for everyone
The water main break on Scott Street last week left some businesses, like the Salvation Army, dealing with multiple floods in a matter of days. According to Travis Rob, Manager of Operations and Facilities for the Town of Fort Frances, multiple ruptures in the pipe occurred on Tuesday, September 23,… Read more: Water main breakages along Scott Street needed two digs, multiple replacements
When Jennifer Berti, Autism Support Worker for the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB), first met Kebbi, a robotic learning companion designed to better support students on the autism spectrum, she supplemented the curriculum with Kebbi’s presence at the request of a parent. Since then, the board purchased two Kebbi… Read more: Kebbi, an unlikely robot learning companion at RRDSB
To improve student success over the summer break, the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) had a selection of summer programming available for students. From a Credit Recovery program, or a co-op placement, to further helping students earn high school credits before high school, and more, the RRDSB helped students… Read more: RRDSB improving student success one summer credit at a time
The Ontario Government is taking a look at transportation for Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) students. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, penned a letter to Kathryn Pierroz, Chair of the Rainy River District School Board, about some concerns highlighted by Pierroz and other members of the board. In the… Read more: Student Transportation Fund under review by the Ministry of Education
Mayor Andrew Hallikas was busy from dawn till dusk at the AMO conference. Below, Hallikas described to the Fort Frances Times how two allegations went over with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Gaming, as well as the Solicitor General. From library funding, to policing, fire departments and monitoring of… Read more: ‘We walked away feeling pretty darn good’: Hallikas
‘We try to do a little better each year’ Lampi Happy to do her part in helping kids and young families in need, Kathy Lampi and her team try to offset the high costs associated with the back-to-school season through Backpacks for Kids. Now headquartered in the Fort Frances Family… Read more: Backpacks for Kids had its best year yet by a significant margin
A sample of the Bennu asteroid is making headlines two years after the sample was delivered. Bennu is rich in carbon, nitrogen, and some organic compounds that are essential to life as we know it on Earth. New insights from three scientific papers on Bennu’s sample describe what could be… Read more: Asteroid sample found with the help of Canadian instrument predates our solar system
Represented by Fort Frances lawyers Doug Judson and Peter Howie, a group of eight plaintiffs from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange were awarded $1.75 million in damages by the Ontario Superior court of Justice after being targeted by an anti-LGBTQ Libel campaign on social media and a privately run… Read more: Local lawyers secure $1.75 million in Anti-LGBTQ libel lawsuit
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and Confederation College are announcing their joint attendance at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) annual conference to promote a “united regional approach to advocacy and sustainable public post-secondary funding.” The College and Municipal Association made the announcement late last week ahead of… Read more: Confederation College and NOMA advocate for robust infrastructure and skilled labour
As part of the Ontario Government’s Winter Roads Program and its Connecting the North draft transportation plan from 2020, it has earmarked $13 million in funding to build and maintain winter roads in Northern Ontario. While this was criticized by the Ontario NDP, the Ford government has yet to respond… Read more: Ford gov’t announces Winter Road Program funding while sharply criticized by NDP
At a rate of 50-70 meteors per hour, and with the pleasant weather of the summer months, the Perseid meteor shower is a popular viewing for amateur and expert astronomers alike. The Perseids peak in activity on the 12th and the 13th of August this year, and are best viewed… Read more: Perseid meteor shower peaks mid-week, with best viewing after sunset
While the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will have some minor changes compared to previous years, much of it will remain the same. This year, a teen concert will replace the teen dance, and the tournament will host two other concerts. But one of the biggest changes for the tournament… Read more: Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship: past, present, and future
The region is continuing to struggle with high levels of alcohol use and its impacts, according to the local health unit. Every year, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), which encompasses the Rainy River District and part of the Kenora District, covering approximately one-fifth of Ontario’s land, releases its annual report… Read more: Alcohol deaths, hospitalizations and ER visits, well above average in NWHU area
Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that can cause Pneumonia and other illnesses, seems to be on the rise in Northwestern Ontario, according to a release from the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU). According to a release from the NWHU, cases of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease are three times higher in the district when… Read more: Invasive Pneumococcal Disease three times higher in NW Ontario: NWHU
A multimillion-dollar investment aimed at helping junior mining companies bring Ontario’s critical minerals to market was announced by the Ontario government on July 3, 2025. The Ford government’s announcement focuses on early exploration and development costs for license prospectors, hopefully boosting Ontario’s economy and building supply chains around new mining… Read more: Ontario gov’t hoping to further bolster long-term growth with investment in Ontario mining
The Ontario government has announced new funding set aside for the expansion of teacher training across the province. Welcomed by the Rainy River District School Board and others, this new plan aims to train thousands of new, qualified teachers, with an emphasis on supporting underserved, rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous… Read more: New funding earmarked for teachers in rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous communities
Ontario and Alberta recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding at the Calgary Stampede, with plans to collaborate on new interprovincial trade and energy infrastructure. This announcement is part of a national plan to make Canada a more competitive market and reduce interprovincial trade barriers following Trump’s tariff turbulence. “Built using… Read more: Ontario, Alberta sign two MOUs on interprovincial trade and more
To expand access to primary care physicians across the province, the Ministry of Health has announced funding for over 130 new and expanded primary-care teams. This follows a previous announcement of $300 million to expand primary care teaching clinics across the province, providing greater access to training in primary care.… Read more: Province expanding access to primary care via 130 new and expanded care teams
The province of Ontario has renewed the Rural Economic Development program as Rural Ontario Development. The program will go from $27 million over five years to $20 million over two years, a 46 per cent increase in available funding. While Christa Lowry, Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and… Read more: ‘There are more dollars and there are more ways to work with it’: ROMA chair
According to the weekly monitoring report from the Government of Canada, Ontario leads the nation in measles cases with about two thirds of the total national reported cases. This prompted an announcement from the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), and the recently elected Carney government, on the importance of vaccines. Per… Read more: NWHU, Global Affairs Canada, discuss the importance of routine vaccinations
Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) annually hosts an event called Gagwe-gikendamaawiziwin each April. Robert Horton helps put together the event and holds the title “Gaa-aazhide-gikinoo’amaaged,” which means “coordinating Gagwe is a responsibility while also teaching Anishinaabemowin.” Competitors of Gagwe find themselves competing in five different formats, including storytelling, Jeopardy-style verb… Read more: SGEI event held double tiebreaker to determine winners in Anishinaabemowin language
To comply with the province’s Anti-Racism Act, the Ministry of Education mandates the collection of a student census. The voluntary, confidential survey data is compiled every other year, and this year, Jennifer McMaster, Superintendent of Education for The Northwest Catholic District School Board, shared the most significant changes and some… Read more: ‘We are working to have culturally relevant resources in our schools’: TNCDSB Superintendent
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture announced a second year of funding for its cost-share program promoting the purchase of local goods at participating farmers’ markets across the province. With an emphasis on locally produced food, fuel, fibre and flowers, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture aims to increase the visibility of… Read more: OFA announces second year of cost sharing program for participating farmers’ markets
Just days after Donald Trump took office, Borderland Pride issued a statement cautioning the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Borderland Pride characterized President Trump’s stance on trans and gender non-conforming people as a hostile, condemnable, and “despicable attack.” So, Borderland Pride’s members unanimously decided against having its annual border crossing pride march… Read more: Borderland Pride staying north of the border this year due to Trump’s anti-trans rhetoric
According to the release from the Ontario government, the new budget passed in May 2025 will “protect Ontario workers, businesses and jobs,” and foster a self-reliant, resilient economy. But not everyone believes they will see the benefits. Investing in critical minerals, machinery and equipment, Indigenous equity partnerships, and a fuel… Read more: Ontario budget sharply criticized by OCUFA, NDP, OFA
Stacy Montgomery, Literacy and Re-engagement Lead for The Northwest Catholic District School Board, shared some highlights over the past year in literacy with the Fort Frances Times. Highlights include a pilot program teaching multi-syllabic words and an emphasis on explicit, systematic instruction. Montgomery said she has seen significant improvement over… Read more: Literacy for all; TNCDSB literacy lead discusses instructional growth and challenges
A news release from CN Rail details plans to invest more than half a billion dollars in Ontario to strengthen supply chains across the province and the continent. “This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province. This includes projects that continue to invest in technology… Read more: CN Rail announces annual infrastructure funding, inclusion of Ranier bridge unclear
The District of Rainy River Services Board is looking for community input on the development of its next five year plan on housing and homelessness. So, DRRSB is issuing a district wide survey, and hosting a series of “community conversations.” “The updated 5-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan will outline current… Read more: DRRSB seeks community input on housing and homelessness
An affordability crisis, shrinkflation, and more all point to a shrinking middle class in Canada, but the new Liberal government is taking steps to try to provide some relief. Despite not having a budget after inheriting governance from Justin Trudeau, Mark Carney’s federal Liberal cabinet announced a middle-class tax cut… Read more: Carney’s liberals announce middle-class tax cut without a budget
The Rainy River District School Board’s board of trustees meeting on May 6, 2025, ran for over two hours, largely due to a hotly debated proposed amendment to the honouraria the Chair and Vice-Chair receive for their service. According to the discussion by the trustees, the proposed change would amount… Read more: RRDSB trustees hotly debate the dollar value of honouraria Chair, VC receive
The more school students miss, the worse off their overall outcome in life could be. Post-pandemic data from the Rainy River District School Board shows a rise in chronic absenteeism among students in the region. Beth Fairfield, Superintendent of Education for RRDSB, said this is especially true for First Nations… Read more: RRDSB data points to a rise in chronic absenteeism
“I’ve seen this coming and now we’re living it” says Director of Education Heather Campbell A shortage of qualified teachers is affecting not only students in the Rainy River District, but across the rest of Canada and the world as well. Heather Campbell, Director of Education for the Rainy River… Read more: How RRDSB is dealing with international teacher shortages and possible solutions
As part of the Ontario government’s Primary Care Action Plan, it introduced the Primary Care Act on May 7 in an attempt to establish a province-wide framework that will inform Ontarians on what they can expect regarding access to primary care in the province. “Ontario’s doctors are encouraged by this… Read more: Province introduces Primary Care Act, earmarks funding
Since 2019, the Northwestern Health Unit has eclipsed all of Ontario in opioid-related deaths per capita. In 2021, the rate of opioid-related, toxic street drug deaths in the district almost doubled that of all of Ontario per capita and escalated further than that in 2022. A toxic supply of street… Read more: NWHU, RRD paramedics, share tips for safer use and intervening with naloxone
Joe Hart, Principal for St. Joseph’s School in Dryden, knows what makes the kindergarten educational team at his school, in a word, excellent. While families are leaving young learners to the care of kindergarten educators at St. Joseph’s, one of the schools included under the banner of The Northwest Catholic… Read more: St. Joseph’s kindergarten team in a class of their own
While Emo Feeds is known for its farm supplies and equipment, Sabine Sawatzky, wife and Jane-of-all-trades at Emo Feeds, wants everyone to know they supply goods for everyone an everything on the family farm. In addition to a showing of baby animals and for sale items they usually offer, Emo… Read more: Sales, supplies, food and fun for the whole family at Emo Feeds
Following an announcement from the Government of Ontario, giving 169 mayors “strong mayor powers,” two mayors in the district share their thoughts on the new legislation. Mayor Andrew Hallikas of Fort Frances shared some of his concerns with the broadening of strong mayor powers by the province with the Fort… Read more: Hallikas, Ewald want funding, not strong mayor powers
Highlights from the RRDSB’s monthly Board of Trustees’ meeting on April 1, 2025, include a recognition of excellence for Mine Centre School, Cristol Bailey and Nicole Evans, and a thorough discussion of transportation issues for students of the same family but different grades travelling to the same school. Having served… Read more: RRDSB Board of Trustees meeting sees recognitions of excellence, transportation issues
An association that advocates for duty-free shops in is calling political attention to a crisis facing what they call vital Canadian businesses. According to a release from the Frontier Duty Free Association, duty-free businesses are “vital to rural border communities.” and is calling on political leaders to “adopt urgent measures… Read more: Duty-free shops hit hard amid escalating tariff tensions
The Rainy River District School Board has implemented a new program, SNAP, aka “Stop Now and Plan,” that aims to improve student attendance, help students be “pro-social” and reduce criminal justice incidents among students by up to 68 per cent. Since 1985, the program has used conflict resolution and other… Read more: RRDSB implements SNAP to help students control impulses, outbursts and reduce bullying
Stargazers in Fort Frances and the surrounding area are in for a special treat this month as an annual astronomical event returns to our night skies. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10 p.m., the April Lyrid meteor shower will reach peak visibility for viewers in Fort Frances and the… Read more: April Lyrids, the ‘double-double’ and donuts – kind of
Borderland Pride and Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity for the Government of Canada, each released a statement to commemorate this year’s Trans Day of Visibility. While Borderland Pride noted the celebratory nature of the day, it also suggested trans people “remain among the most marginalized in Canadian… Read more: Borderland Pride, Minister commemorate Trans Day of Visibility
There’s lots of slop, slush and grime to go around in springtime, but it’s also an opportunity to increase curb appeal by cleaning, gardening and throwing things away, according to three area RE/MAX professionals who spoke with the Fort Frances Times to go over the benefits of spring cleaning. “I… Read more: Area RE/MAX realtors discuss the importance of spring cleaning and selling a property
The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre is hosting a pysanka (Писанка) workshop where participants will learn the historical significance and symbolism of pysanky and pysanka techniques. According to a post on their Facebook page, the event is beginner-friendly, with tickets available online or in person. “Join us as we… Read more: Museum workshop to let public learn about Pysanky
Noticing a shortage of hoof trimming services in the area, 28-year-old Scotlynn Hay quit her job at the mine and started trimming hooves across the Rainy River District, Dryden and Kenora. Hay’s love for horses began when she was 6-years-old in Thunder Bay when she learned what a healthy horse’s… Read more: Scotlynn Hay shares her passion for horses – and hoof trimming – in the district
On January 31, 2025, the Fort Frances Times submitted an official freedom of information request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for materials related to the legal matter Borderland Pride v. Corporation of the Township of Emo. By law, a request should be completed within… Read more: Emo CAO makes extension to freedom of information request
A new app created by a local resident aims to help small business owners save more of their hard-earned money. Travis Glowasky of the Rainy River District set out to make an app that wasn’t subscription-based, didn’t steal customers’ data, and worked with or without an internet connection. Despite rejections… Read more: Locally developed app helps small businesses save money
Student loan forgiveness is being leveraged to recruit and retain doctors and nurses to rural and remote areas. In a press release from March 6, 2025, Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Workforce Development and Labour for the federal liberals, announced a possible remedy to the shortage of doctors and nurses in… Read more: Student loan forgiveness for rural and remote doctors coming to Fort Frances
Egale Canada released a statement on February 26, 2025, calling a recent Ontario court ruling a “legal advocacy win.” The Ontario Superior Court of Justice determined “hate speech” statements were made online by Brian Webster, a Calgary Construction worker who published statements calling drag queens “groomers.” While Bennett Jensen, Director… Read more: ‘This is an incredibly significant case’ Egale Canada
When Justin Trudeau won his Liberal party leadership bid in 2013, he had a clear, decisive victory of about 80 per cent of the votes. Of course, Trudeau’s support has dwindled over his tenure in office, leading to his resignation on January 6th. Since Trudeau’s resignation, Mark Carney has emerged… Read more: A decisive victory for Carney eclipses Trudeau’s former leadership win
Missing 19 days of school, or ten percent of the school year, is considered “chronic absenteeism” for students, according to a release from the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB). Moreover, this trend has been more prevalent in northwestern Ontario than the rest of the province. While the Rainy River… Read more: ‘We want to work as a team to provide the wrap-around supports families need:’ RRDSB
In 2018, Natural Resources Canada started a Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program. With a funding commitment of $453 million until 2027, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities initiative has supported 190 renewable energy projects to “reduce diesel use for heat and power in rural… Read more: Clean energy for all, including rural and remote communities
Since arriving in Thunder Bay from India in 2022, Mohit Dudeja, a researcher, lecturer, and psychotherapist working on their PhD, has experienced difficulties transitioning to their new life in Canada, including finding affordable housing. However, Dudeja’s struggle is not unique. According to Dudeja, “lots of students” were homeless in Thunder… Read more: Mendlife Canada smoothing transitions and softening landings for International students
According to a news release from the Ontario Medical Association, survey data from Ipsos suggests most Ontarians think the “health-care crisis” is worse now than it was last year. While the release does mention a shortage of family doctors, it claims “the cracks in our health system run much deeper.”… Read more: ‘The cracks in our health system run much deeper than access to a family doctor’ OMA
Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout received a recognition of excellence on two counts from the Northwest Catholic District School Board (TNCDSB) The school was recognized at the TNCDSB board meeting on Tuesday February 18, 2025. Moreover, Keri Nazvesky, Technology Embedded Learning Teacher for The Northwest Catholic District School Board,… Read more: TNCDSB meeting includes recognition of excellence ‘tech-embedded’ learning and cyber security incident
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For the Fort Frances High School students who run it, Muskie Mart is far more than just a school spirit shop – it represents an opportunity to get real-world experience they can take along with them after graduation. From pricing items to sorting inventory and providing customer service to marketing,… Read more: Hands-on and real-life experience: How the high school’s Muskie Mart teaches math and more
Last September, HGTV announced it was looking for extraordinary Canadian small towns to showcase their hometown pride and star in a new series called Home Town Takeover Canada, inspired by the popular U.S. show Home Town Takeover produced by RTR Media. Although the town has yet to be selected, production… Read more: Fort Frances makes it past the first round of applicants to HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada
Since the beginning of the year, Fort Frances and all other recycle programs in the province completed the transition from municipal programs to corporate collection of materials, and that could mean a big change for locals who drop their recycling off at the depot. In a report to council, Town… Read more: Circular Materials, ToFF, deliberate over options for recycling
From a multimillion-dollar total in the recovery of evaded taxes and duties to hundreds of tariff and weapons seizures, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) says its 2025 highlights are evidence of a very busy year for the border crossings at Fort Frances and Rainy River. “There were multiple commercial… Read more: 2025 border police highlights show firearms seizures, tariff cases and misunderstanding of cannabis import-export laws
A request to review the decision to sell Sunny Cove, the library’s budget, sewer and water billing and a report of tens of thousands of dollars raised for the local food bank were among the agenda items considered during Monday’s regular meeting of the Fort Frances Town Council. A letter… Read more: Jan. 12 Town council meeting in brief
Fort Frances will be doing away with a bylaw more than 35 years old and it’s an odd one – since November of 1989 the Town has required all municipal buildings to follow a colour code. Town buildings have been technically required to choose from a somewhat dated-sounding palette: Fusain… Read more: Town axes old bylaw that required mandatory colours for municipal buildings
The Northwest Catholic District School Board’s (TNCDSB) recently released annual mental health plan identifies four main areas that will guide the board’s student support going forward, a strategy that begins with establishing calm as its foundation. “This year we have four focus areas, which we’re calling calm, connection, communication and… Read more: The four Cs of mental health: how the Catholic school board is renewing its approach
The Rainy River District School Board (RRDB) is maintaining a similar ethos for its approach to mental health as in previous years, according to the board’s mental health leader. Tracey Idle, the Mental Health Lead for the RRDSB, discussed the board’s mental health strategy as it prepared to enter the… Read more: Mental health remains a steadfast priority at RRDSB
Even though she once dreamed of being a nurse, a decision to combine two other passions made for a unique career path that has been anything but ordinary. Kathleen Lawrence, co-owner of Vintage Junky, once had dreams of being a nurse, but ultimately pivoted to hairdressing and selling vintage goods.… Read more: Vintage hair, vintage glass, and a little bit of sparkle: What keeps Kathleen Lawrence interested in hairdressing and thrift
Robert Animikii Horton’s The Song of the Stars: Starry Skies, Anishinaabe Stories, Scientific Insights, and More! is a fresh and profoundly endearing perspective on the conflict and connection of science and spirituality. A Times columnist and award-winning Anishinaabe educator, sociologist and activist from Rainy River First Nations in Treaty #3… Read more: Local educator, Citizen of the Year, releases book exploring science and spirituality
Residents of Fort Frances might have noticed a somewhat-familiar character on the side of the water tower since the scaffolding has started to come down – a beaver with a paddle in hand clad in voyageur regalia, a new version of a well-known local mascot. As part of significant work… Read more: Familiar buck-toothed character emerges anew on the water town facade
The Fort Frances Museum will be showcasing a law-enforcement-themed exhibit in the New Year, covering everything from the badges and uniforms of local officers to police equipment and court cases with over 100 years of history to draw from. Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre curator Lisa Hughes said the… Read more: From Badge to Bench: a new temporary exhibit coming to Fort Frances Museum in the New Year
What makes Derek Jones a different type of math teacher If you’ve been struggling to teach your youngsters a love for math, you’re not alone. However, there is a growing emphasis on hands-on math learning, including board and card games, and one local educator is at the forefront and being… Read more: Addressing the lingering effects of online learning through small-group instruction, games and more
Fort Frances will officially bid adieu to Sunny Cove Camp after a conflicted town council voted narrowly on Monday to put the beleaguered property up for sale after years of deliberating about its future. Located about 10 minutes east of Fort Frances on Rainy Lake, Sunny Cove has been a… Read more: Town council votes to put Sunny Cove Camp up for sale
The Hallett will be going back in the water, and this time for good, according to Fort Frances’ town council, but the budget to restore the 18-metre (60-foot) tugboat to its spot in the water could change. “I honestly don’t think anybody will know what the final cost will be,… Read more: The Hallett will be returning to the waters of Rainy Lake, but the price tag could change
The Northwest Catholic District School Board’s priorities for its Math Achievement Action Plan will remain mostly unchanged in 2026 compared to previous years, but minor adjustments are being made to finely tune in on areas of improvement and focus teachers’ professional development. “The only thing that’s really changed is from… Read more: Catholic school math action plan remains largely unchanged, but parental attitudes could use a refresh
Onalee Derksen is an old soul, something that serves her well as the owner of Vintage Junky Thrift in Fort Frances. Derksen’s love of thrifting started out of necessity in the early ’90s, but over time she developed a love for the thrill of a good find, in addition to… Read more: Nostalgia with a dash of hope for the future; what keeps Onalee Derksen coming back to thrifting
There’s always plenty of happenings around the holiday season, and the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre is joining in to offer fun, festive family events ahead of Christmas day. Join the Fort Frances Museum this holiday season for a variety of festive family crafting workshops, a visit from Kris… Read more: Fort Frances Museum hosts a variety of fun and festive family-friendly events
November 20, 2025, marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day meant to honour the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. As the transgender community continues to face persecution and violence, both in Canada and beyond, the day offers a time to… Read more: Local Trans man discusses the importance of Trans Day of Remembrance
Although I don’t yet know what it is like to be a trans person in Fort Frances (which is a long and complicated tale for another time), I do know what it’s like to live in a place where I don’t always feel accepted. Sure, many people will feel they… Read more: Reflections of grief and gender dysphoria blues on Trans Day of Remembrance
While he may not have always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Doug Veldhuisen has always had a passion for the people and animals of Fort Frances. Those two things have combined to set Veldhuisen on a career path that has been far more exciting and rewarding than he could… Read more: A passion for animals and his hometown keep things fresh for veterinarian Dr.
While many schools have teachers and guidance counsellors to help students deal with test anxiety, daily stresses and other aspects of mental health, some students at Rainy River High School (RRHS) are taking a different approach. They’ve become Mental Health Champions, volunteers who take it upon themselves to foster greater… Read more: Rainy River High School students become champions of mental health for their peers
If you’ve missed out on some of the festive activities that have been held so far this month, worry not, as there are still plenty of activities on the books to help ring in the Christmas season. Several events are still in store for the rest of the holiday season,… Read more: Yearning for more yuletide festivities? The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has you covered
As temperatures start to dip toward the frigid, the Out of the Cold warming centre has opened for the season to provide a haven for those exposed to the elements. The facility, located in the HOPE Centre on Victoria Ave. serves meals and offers showers and emotional and social support… Read more: Downtown warming centre opens for the season
Fear, trauma, pain, blood and shock – it’s what a paramedic on the front lines deals with on a daily basis and it’s not the dream career for your average teenager. But 18-year-old Isabelle “Izzy” Meeks is not your average teenager. She embraces the adrenaline rush that comes with flickering… Read more: Teenage dreams of paramedicine
For many, Remembrance Day serves as a solemn, or sombre, reminder of lives lost while on duty. This annual reminder of remembrance extends beyond the sacred two minutes of silence observed on Remembrance Day. At least it should, lest we forget. While the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 is… Read more: Remembering Rememberance: Hallikas shares reflection on lifetime of observance
Watching a calligrapher at work is like witnessing poetry unfold in ink. Each graceful swoop and swirl seems to appear by magic, forming elegant script that feels impossibly perfect to the untrained eye. Yet, as artist Jessica Marissen says, this ancient craft isn’t reserved for the gifted few – with… Read more: Far more than just fancy writing: local calligrapher to host workshop Oct 25
Since the water main breaks that caused the Scott Street Flood on September 23, and another on September 27, local businesses, like the Salvation Army and Inkspotz Apparel, have been evaluating the damage. Inkspotz Apparel owner Scott Krienke also voiced some of his concerns dealing with the Town of Fort… Read more: Businesses mull details of Scott Street flood damages
From Fort Frances to Thunder Bay, Riverside Health Care runs its Specialty and Diagnostic Transportation service as an effort to reduce barriers and increase equity. Not only does the service operate for physiological health needs, but mental and social wellness appointments. With wheelchair access, a travel attendant, and more, the… Read more: Specialty and Diagnostic Transportation: a wrap-around service for everyone
When Jennifer Berti, Autism Support Worker for the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB), first met Kebbi, a robotic learning companion designed to better support students on the autism spectrum, she supplemented the curriculum with Kebbi’s presence at the request of a parent. Since then, the board purchased two Kebbi… Read more: Kebbi, an unlikely robot learning companion at RRDSB
Smoking and vaping and alcohol and cannabis use by youth in the Rainy River region remain sharply above the provincial average, according to a recent COMPASS survey of health trends among students in grades nine to 12. The study, which also examined health concerns such as eating and sleeping, screen… Read more: Youth drinking, smoking, alcohol, and cannabis use in region well above provincial average, report finds
The Ontario Government is taking a look at transportation for Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) students. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, penned a letter to Kathryn Pierroz, Chair of the Rainy River District School Board, about some concerns highlighted by Pierroz and other members of the board. In the… Read more: Student Transportation Fund under review by the Ministry of Education
Mayor Andrew Hallikas was busy from dawn till dusk at the AMO conference. Below, Hallikas described to the Fort Frances Times how two allegations went over with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Gaming, as well as the Solicitor General. From library funding, to policing, fire departments and monitoring of… Read more: ‘We walked away feeling pretty darn good’: Hallikas
‘We try to do a little better each year’ Lampi Happy to do her part in helping kids and young families in need, Kathy Lampi and her team try to offset the high costs associated with the back-to-school season through Backpacks for Kids. Now headquartered in the Fort Frances Family… Read more: Backpacks for Kids had its best year yet by a significant margin
A sample of the Bennu asteroid is making headlines two years after the sample was delivered. Bennu is rich in carbon, nitrogen, and some organic compounds that are essential to life as we know it on Earth. New insights from three scientific papers on Bennu’s sample describe what could be… Read more: Asteroid sample found with the help of Canadian instrument predates our solar system
Represented by Fort Frances lawyers Doug Judson and Peter Howie, a group of eight plaintiffs from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange were awarded $1.75 million in damages by the Ontario Superior court of Justice after being targeted by an anti-LGBTQ Libel campaign on social media and a privately run… Read more: Local lawyers secure $1.75 million in Anti-LGBTQ libel lawsuit
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and Confederation College are announcing their joint attendance at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) annual conference to promote a “united regional approach to advocacy and sustainable public post-secondary funding.” The College and Municipal Association made the announcement late last week ahead of… Read more: Confederation College and NOMA advocate for robust infrastructure and skilled labour
At a rate of 50-70 meteors per hour, and with the pleasant weather of the summer months, the Perseid meteor shower is a popular viewing for amateur and expert astronomers alike. The Perseids peak in activity on the 12th and the 13th of August this year, and are best viewed… Read more: Perseid meteor shower peaks mid-week, with best viewing after sunset
Borderland Pride is expected to gain supporting arguments from Fierté Canada Pride and Justice for Children and Youth as intervenors in a request for a judicial review of a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) decision from November 2024. The judicial review application was submitted by the Corporation of the… Read more: Borderland Pride gains supporting arguments from intervenors for judicial review of HRTO decision
While the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will have some minor changes compared to previous years, much of it will remain the same. This year, a teen concert will replace the teen dance, and the tournament will host two other concerts. But one of the biggest changes for the tournament… Read more: Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship: past, present, and future
A multimillion-dollar investment aimed at helping junior mining companies bring Ontario’s critical minerals to market was announced by the Ontario government on July 3, 2025. The Ford government’s announcement focuses on early exploration and development costs for license prospectors, hopefully boosting Ontario’s economy and building supply chains around new mining… Read more: Ontario gov’t hoping to further bolster long-term growth with investment in Ontario mining
The Ontario government has announced new funding set aside for the expansion of teacher training across the province. Welcomed by the Rainy River District School Board and others, this new plan aims to train thousands of new, qualified teachers, with an emphasis on supporting underserved, rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous… Read more: New funding earmarked for teachers in rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous communities
Ontario and Alberta recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding at the Calgary Stampede, with plans to collaborate on new interprovincial trade and energy infrastructure. This announcement is part of a national plan to make Canada a more competitive market and reduce interprovincial trade barriers following Trump’s tariff turbulence. “Built using… Read more: Ontario, Alberta sign two MOUs on interprovincial trade and more
To expand access to primary care physicians across the province, the Ministry of Health has announced funding for over 130 new and expanded primary-care teams. This follows a previous announcement of $300 million to expand primary care teaching clinics across the province, providing greater access to training in primary care.… Read more: Province expanding access to primary care via 130 new and expanded care teams
Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) annually hosts an event called Gagwe-gikendamaawiziwin each April. Robert Horton helps put together the event and holds the title “Gaa-aazhide-gikinoo’amaaged,” which means “coordinating Gagwe is a responsibility while also teaching Anishinaabemowin.” Competitors of Gagwe find themselves competing in five different formats, including storytelling, Jeopardy-style verb… Read more: SGEI event held double tiebreaker to determine winners in Anishinaabemowin language
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture announced a second year of funding for its cost-share program promoting the purchase of local goods at participating farmers’ markets across the province. With an emphasis on locally produced food, fuel, fibre and flowers, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture aims to increase the visibility of… Read more: OFA announces second year of cost sharing program for participating farmers’ markets
A news release from CN Rail details plans to invest more than half a billion dollars in Ontario to strengthen supply chains across the province and the continent. “This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province. This includes projects that continue to invest in technology… Read more: CN Rail announces annual infrastructure funding, inclusion of Ranier bridge unclear
The District of Rainy River Services Board is looking for community input on the development of its next five year plan on housing and homelessness. So, DRRSB is issuing a district wide survey, and hosting a series of “community conversations.” “The updated 5-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan will outline current… Read more: DRRSB seeks community input on housing and homelessness
An affordability crisis, shrinkflation, and more all point to a shrinking middle class in Canada, but the new Liberal government is taking steps to try to provide some relief. Despite not having a budget after inheriting governance from Justin Trudeau, Mark Carney’s federal Liberal cabinet announced a middle-class tax cut… Read more: Carney’s liberals announce middle-class tax cut without a budget
Joe Hart, Principal for St. Joseph’s School in Dryden, knows what makes the kindergarten educational team at his school, in a word, excellent. While families are leaving young learners to the care of kindergarten educators at St. Joseph’s, one of the schools included under the banner of The Northwest Catholic… Read more: St. Joseph’s kindergarten team in a class of their own
Stargazers in Fort Frances and the surrounding area are in for a special treat this month as an annual astronomical event returns to our night skies. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10 p.m., the April Lyrid meteor shower will reach peak visibility for viewers in Fort Frances and the… Read more: April Lyrids, the ‘double-double’ and donuts – kind of
There’s lots of slop, slush and grime to go around in springtime, but it’s also an opportunity to increase curb appeal by cleaning, gardening and throwing things away, according to three area RE/MAX professionals who spoke with the Fort Frances Times to go over the benefits of spring cleaning. “I… Read more: Area RE/MAX realtors discuss the importance of spring cleaning and selling a property
The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre is hosting a pysanka (Писанка) workshop where participants will learn the historical significance and symbolism of pysanky and pysanka techniques. According to a post on their Facebook page, the event is beginner-friendly, with tickets available online or in person. “Join us as we… Read more: Museum workshop to let public learn about Pysanky
Noticing a shortage of hoof trimming services in the area, 28-year-old Scotlynn Hay quit her job at the mine and started trimming hooves across the Rainy River District, Dryden and Kenora. Hay’s love for horses began when she was 6-years-old in Thunder Bay when she learned what a healthy horse’s… Read more: Scotlynn Hay shares her passion for horses – and hoof trimming – in the district
On January 31, 2025, the Fort Frances Times submitted an official freedom of information request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for materials related to the legal matter Borderland Pride v. Corporation of the Township of Emo. By law, a request should be completed within… Read more: Emo CAO makes extension to freedom of information request
A new app created by a local resident aims to help small business owners save more of their hard-earned money. Travis Glowasky of the Rainy River District set out to make an app that wasn’t subscription-based, didn’t steal customers’ data, and worked with or without an internet connection. Despite rejections… Read more: Locally developed app helps small businesses save money
Egale Canada released a statement on February 26, 2025, calling a recent Ontario court ruling a “legal advocacy win.” The Ontario Superior Court of Justice determined “hate speech” statements were made online by Brian Webster, a Calgary Construction worker who published statements calling drag queens “groomers.” While Bennett Jensen, Director… Read more: ‘This is an incredibly significant case’ Egale Canada
In 2018, Natural Resources Canada started a Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program. With a funding commitment of $453 million until 2027, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities initiative has supported 190 renewable energy projects to “reduce diesel use for heat and power in rural… Read more: Clean energy for all, including rural and remote communities
Since arriving in Thunder Bay from India in 2022, Mohit Dudeja, a researcher, lecturer, and psychotherapist working on their PhD, has experienced difficulties transitioning to their new life in Canada, including finding affordable housing. However, Dudeja’s struggle is not unique. According to Dudeja, “lots of students” were homeless in Thunder… Read more: Mendlife Canada smoothing transitions and softening landings for International students
