By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA — An MRI machine at Lake of the Woods District Hospital will be a leap forward in local health care, says the region’s member of provincial parliament. “Oh, we’re just thrilled,” Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford told Newswatch this week after the Ontario government announced it will put up […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

A new nurse practitioner clinic aims to fill gaps in Thunder Bay’s health care by providing services through the clinic, virtually, and by home visits. Encompass Healthcare, which offers a fee-for-service model, has opened across from Wendy’s Restaurant on Red River Road in the Shopper’s Drug Mart building. Lead nurse […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

The University of Winnipeg has announced a hiring freeze as senior administration reels in spending in response to a drop in international enrolment and other budgetary pressures. President Todd Mondor told senators on Sept. 26 that enrolment among new non-Canadian students had dropped 50 per cent for the fall term […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative
Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Oliver Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says her council will hold off mulling a potential resolution opposing the transportation of spent nuclear-fuel rods through their municipality “until after we hear both sides of the story.” Kloosterhuis said council heard at Tuesday’s meeting from environmental-group reps who oppose the transportation of the […]

By Ken Kellar
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
kkellar@fortfrances.com

The town of Fort Frances will be appealing to the provincial government for funding as it continues to grapple with aging infrastructure and equipment. At last night’s meeting of town council, council approved three reports that will see the town enter into funding agreement with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund […]

By Mike Stimpson,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA — Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS) has persuaded one First Nation to stay on board while another community has switched to provincial police. Grassy Narrows (Asubpeeschoseewagong) First Nation “has agreed to continue to work with T3PS to address the policing needs of its community and provide adequate and effective policing […]

By Carl Clutchey,
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Any expansion of Ontario Northland’s rural bus service through Northwestern Ontario should include a secondary bus route for highways 11 and 17, says the regional municipal association. In a letter last month to Ontario Northland Transportation Commission chair Alan Spacek, the association says doing so would “increase efficiency and reliability […]

By Sandi Krasowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Post-secondary institutions across the province are feeling the pinch from the significant changes announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) earlier this year. Lakehead University saw a 15-per cent decline in new first-semester international student enrolment this fall compared to 2023 and Confederation College saw a 39.2-per cent decrease. […]

From the Festival Du Voyageur
Press release

The 56th edition of the Festival du Voyageur is just around the corner! From February 14 to 23, Parc du Voyageur will be (fingers crossed) glistening with beautiful white snow ready to welcome thousands of festivalgoers to celebrate joie de vivre and to discover Francophone and Indigenous cultures. “While we […]

By Rachel Fioret
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

While considered rare, outbreaks related to the Listeria bacteria have been identified in several food products this year in Ontario, underscoring the need for inspection, say officials. Up to September 1, 73 cases of Listeriosis were reported in the province, up dramatically compared to the five-year average of 50 reported […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — After a highly successful summer accommodating 17 cruise ships at the port, Embark Port Services Ltd gives thanks to the province for their support. With the $25,664 in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) funding, Embark Port Services Ltd. was able to purchase a specialized mobile baggage […]

By Ken Kellar
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Applications are now open for the next councillor of the Town of Fort Frances. At last night’s meeting of town council, it was officially decided that the process to appoint a councillor to fill the seat vacated by Mandi Olson would begin today, and be concluded with a Special Council […]