From the Northwestern Health Unit
Press release

Due to active forest fires, communities in northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air and poor air quality. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to your health. You may experience […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

SIOUX LOOKOUT – A recent pay raise for members of Provincial Parliament was unexpected, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa said Friday. “That was a surprise, for sure,” Mamakwa told Newswatch. “I thought they would never do it. “Compensation for MPPs in Ontario has been frozen since 2009. MPP salaries have been […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Home Depot in Thunder Bay has partnered with Shelter House to raise funds in support of at-risk and homeless youths and has started its annual Orange Door Campaign. From now until June 22, Home Depot customers can donate at the store’s checkout or online at OrangeDoorProject.ca in support of […]

By Marissa Lentz-McGrath
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TimminsToday.com

From Temiskaming Shores to Hearst, real estate along Northern Ontario’s Highway 11 corridor is anything but ordinary. A quick glance at current listings reveals everything from colourful homes and lakeside businesses, to a vacant lot where the only trace of the former house is its standing chimney. In Fauquier-Strickland, a […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

TORONTO – Meaningless and unserious are words Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa uses to describe amendments the Ontario government proposes for its own Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. The controversial bill, which would allow the province to designate “special economic zones” where provincial and municipal laws […]

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

The Ford government is rushing to pass legislation that would strip cities of one of their most effective tools to confront climate threats: green building standards. Experts say these standards, developed over years by municipalities, are designed to ensure new buildings are safer, cleaner, more resilient and more affordable to […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – After 23 years as the first superior court justice in Northwestern Ontario, Justice Helen Pierce set down her gavel for the last time. By the end of the day, she will be hanging up her robes, returning home to her husband, and settling into a quiet retirement. […]

By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

Wildfire evacuees have landed in Brandon and checked into local hotels as they flee their homes in Manitoba’s north. Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said on Friday afternoon he had not received any further updates since the previous day’s estimates of about 300 evacuees in the city. The Clarion Inn and […]

By Renee Lilley
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Portage Graphic Leader

The City of Portage la Prairie and the Dakota Plains Wahpeton First Nation have received a national award recognizing their partnership and efforts toward reconciliation. The two communities were presented with the 2025 Collaboration Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) during the association’s national conference in Mont […]

From the District of Rainy River Services Board
Press release

Over 180+ delegates from across Northern Ontario will gather to address homelessness and strengthen social service delivery in the North Northwestern Ontario DSSABs to Attend Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association Conference in Sault Ste. Marie Over 180+ delegates from across Northern Ontario will gather to address homelessness and strengthen social […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tbnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – By engaging in dialogue with “patience and love” the library’s new senior advisor for Indigenous relations hopes to strengthen the relationship between the library and Indigenous communities in the city. Stephanie MacLaurin has been brought on to work with community partners in achieving the goals in the Thunder Bay Public Library’s relationship-building […]