By Brenda Sawatzky
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Niverville Citizen

In recent weeks, the testing of anti-theft scanners at Canadian retail outlets has many people feeling like these new security measures are taking things a step too far. Introduced at four Loblaws-owned stores across neighbouring Ontario, the scanners have been developed to curb theft from self-checkout users. Since Loblaws operates […]

From the NWHU
Press release

Household food insecurity is a growing reality for northwestern Ontario residents, now affecting more than 1 in 5 households across the region. According to a food costing survey conducted by the Northwestern Health Unit in 2023, the average cost to feed a family of four is $326.17 per week or […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA – Children in most northwestern Ontario schools will view Monday’s solar eclipse under supervision. Schools will be taking “safety precautions provided by the Northwestern Health Unit” during the afternoon partial eclipse, said Christy Radbourne, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board’s director of education. “Many of our schools have taken advantage of […]

By Matthias Johnson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thompson Citizen

Employers across Canada are being urged to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their outdoor workers during the solar eclipse, which is scheduled to occur on April 8th, 2024. While the event is highly anticipated, it poses a significant risk to those who must be outside during the […]

MONTRÉAL, QC – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) Team and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have recovered 598 vehicles before they were illegally exported as part of Project Vector. The CBSA regularly works with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Service de police de […]

(DRYDEN) On the April 1, 2024, Dryden OPP responded to a call for service on Kellar Road, for reports of a male that had fallen through the ice of the Wabigoon River while attempting to rescue their dog. Officers attended with water rescue equipment, as well as remotely piloted aircraft […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) has elected Lori-Ann Shortreed as the new trustee to fill the position for former trustee Michael Graham who resigned earlier this year. Shortreed was sworn in as trustee at the RRDSB board meeting on April 2, 2024. The applicant interview took place last […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Fire season in Ontario is officially underway, and the province is helping firefighters across Ontario with bulking up their workforce with new personnel and equipment. The provincial government announced late last month that in order to help bolster wildland firefighting crews in Ontario, it was providing one time incentive payments […]

From the Government of Ontario
Press release

RAINY RIVER – The Ontario government is providing $180,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Town of Rainy River to renovate the restrooms in Hannam Park. This investment will strengthen tourism and recreation opportunities in the Northwest. “The new and improved Northern Ontario Heritage Fund continues […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

3.9 percent annualized wage increase will see some workers earn an extra $0.65 per hour Thousands of workers across Ontario will be taking home more money this fall as Ontario moves to bump the provincial minimum wage. Announced on Thursday, March 28, 2024 by the Ontario Government, the minimum wage […]

From PHAC
Press release

A new federal program is encouraging high school students to create mental and physical health initiatives by students, for students, and is providing funds to make those ideas come to life. The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, recently announced the first […]

Staff

Summer travel season is almost here, and road construction is an inevitable part of any great road trip. Travellers should prepare to slow down for construction work zones as road projects begin to ramp up across Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. The agency has nearly 200 road […]