By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

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 […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

The public has an opportunity to learn more about a pair of energy projects planned for Fort Frances that could significantly contribute to the municipality once they are up and running. FirstLight Energy will be holding an open house information session about its proposed Solar Panel array and Battery Energy […]

Staff

The annual Strawberry Social returns this June with a delicious opportunity to support the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary. The beloved community event will take place from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Frances Senior Centre on Thursday, June 12, 2025, so even if the weather is less than […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) welcomed the province’s continued focus on the North with its investments in economic development, infrastructure, and regional growth with the release of the 2025 Ontario Budget. Highlights for Northwestern Ontario included the province’s continued expansion of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), a […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

TORONTO – First Nations leaders made a strong case against Bill 5 at committee hearings this week, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa said Friday. “They made it very clear – this is a very wrong move on the part of the government,” Mamakwa told Newswatch. “The government talks about its duty […]

By Anushka Yadav
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Pointer

As stakeholders in Ontario’s energy sector stare down the complex challenge of transitioning to sustainable forms of electricity generation, one thing is clear: the road to a clean energy future will not be built unless there is a skilled workforce to pave it. In January 2025, just before Premier Doug […]

By Abdul Matin Sarfraz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

Six US governors seeking to sidestep the Trump administration’s trade war are inviting their Canadian counterparts to a meeting in Boston to discuss preserving the economic lifelines that have long connected New England and Eastern Canada. Led by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, the joint invitation comes from five governors, mostly Democrats, representing […]

– Chapple, Emo and LaVallee Fire and Emergency Services Department photo

The Chapple, Emo and LaVallee Fire and Emergency Services Department may have averted catastrophe last night after they responded to “multiple reports” of a grass fire located near Little Pine Lake on Hwy 71. According to a Facebook post from the Department, they decided to check it out in a […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA – The weather has helped out, but evacuation orders remained in place Tuesday for areas affected by the Kenora 20 and Kenora 14 wildfires. “Lower temperatures and wet weather has reduced both the wildland fire hazard and fire behaviour of the region’s active fires,” said Chris Marchand, regional fire information officer for the Ministry […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Confederation College has faced one of its toughest years yet, but has overcome obstacles and had many achievements during the 2024-25 academic year. Michelle Salo, college president, presented the college’s 2025 Report to Community, Wednesday, which reviewed the school’s past year’s performance against its strategic plan. Salo said this year, […]