Local News from Across the Rainy River District
ATIKOKAN — Sawmills near Atikokan and Ignace will temporarily shut down over the Christmas holidays. United Steelworkers Local 1-2010 president Jacques Jean confirmed to Newswatch both facilities will pause operations for just over two weeks starting Dec. 19, with a scheduled re-start on Jan 5, 2026. He said it’s an […]
TEMISKAMING SHORES – It’s full steam ahead for the return of the Northlander passenger train with work progressing on a new Temiskaming Shores passenger shelter at the former site of the Ontario Northland station off Jaffray Street. The shelter will be one of nine along the route, including ones in […]
Last Friday, the Ontario government began its new One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework, which aims to unlock the full potential of Ontario’s metals and mining sector, including the Ring of Fire, by expediting mine approvals. Mining companies are now able to apply to have advanced exploration and mine development […]
First Nations leaders believe damage has already been done by the passage of controversial Ontario legislation Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025. But they remain hopeful that First Nations will have input into any project considered on their lands. The bill was passed by the provincial […]
Ann Rousseau has received an 18 month conditional sentence after pleading guilty to one count of mail theft. The sentencing came down on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following years of the case making its way through the justice system. While Rousseau had originally entered a guilty plea in the case […]
The Northwest Health Unit (NWHU) is declaring victory after recording zero cases of the dangerous virus in the Rainy River District during a year-long outbreak that saw more than 2,000 cases across the province. “Thanks to the vigilance of our community members and consistent efforts of community partners and health […]
The fate of two retired tugboats considered culturally and historically significant to Fort Frances may finally be headed toward a resolution. After several years debating how to preserve the Hallett and the Owandem, as the larger boat was removed from its waterfront berth in 2022, whereupon the damage to the […]
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 […]
Singer-songwriter Melissa Payne will play for the sold-out Tour De Fort Audience on Saturday, but for those who don’t have a passport, you can get a taste of Payne’s music at Boston Pizza on Friday night. Payne, who hails from Ennismore, Ont., near Peterborough, got into music as a child […]
On Monday the Superior International Hockey League announced the death of a long-time hockey figure in northwestern Ontario. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of the pillars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, Bill Salonen,” the release stated. “Bill was instrumental in […]
The Ontario government has confirmed it will invest $50 million to support planning for the new Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora as part of its 10-year, $60-billion initiative to increase health care access across the province. The funding announced by Premier Doug Ford will also see $1.9 […]
Following a delegation from the Fort Frances Lakers, members of council concluded that maintaining ice at the Memorial Sports Centre is in line with the Town’s strategic goal to provide residents high quality of life. Council voted to endorse the plan to make summer ice permanent during the Oct. 14 […]
