(FORT FRANCES, ON) – November 6-12, 2023 has been designated Crime Prevention Week in Ontario. As in past years, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (Ministry) will place an emphasis on crime prevention, community safety and well-being during this annual event. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is also reminding […]

By Michelle Gamage
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Tyee

A compassion club in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that has been breaking the law in order to protect its members has proof its harm reduction initiative is working. Last week the Drug User Liberation Front published a study based on its first year of operation that found quality of life improved […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The turnout was slim as staff and council for the Township of Emo held the annual budget meeting on Oct. 23. After a 7.57 percent jump in taxes last year the residents of Emo should brace for a higher tax bill again this year as another four percent jump has […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The opening week at International Falls Super One Foods has been a great success, says Store Manager Joe Truman. “We are just rocking it,” he said. “Everybody’s been happy… It’s just been an outstanding experience.” The reason for the new store opening was largely a financial decision, Truman said. Miners […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
thunder Bay Source

A 14,700-square-foot culture and learning centre will give Naicatchewenin First Nation some much needed tools for a cultural resurrection, Chief Wayne Smith says. A $2-million Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation grant for construction of the facility was announced last week. The accompanying news release quoted Smith speaking of a “resurrection” […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

After over a year and half of closure, the Rainy River Public Library may soon have a new home. Pending legal processes and renovations, the library is making plans to move into the former Centra Gas building on Fourth St. in Rainy River. Because the Library does not have the […]

By Robin McCormick
West end Correspondent

The Fort Frances Legion Ladies Auxiliary hosted a wonderful Remembrance Day Tea and Bake Sale on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. Emily Watson (president) shared that 150 people signed in. One could hear the happy voices and hustle of excitement as shoppers purchased meat pies, cabbage rolls, perogies, many types […]

Government of Ontario
Press release

Renewed and expanded Ornge fleet will better connect patients in rural and remote areas to urgent care SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing over $108 million to expand Ornge Air Ambulance’s fixed wing fleet with four additional state-of-the-art planes and replace their existing eight fixed wing fleet. This investment […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Rock Tech has chosen Red Rock to be the site for its lithium converter and processing plant after narrowing its site location down to Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Nipissing, Leeds and Grenville areas in Northern Ontario. On Friday, the Red Rock Indian Band, together with their partner BMI Group, a real […]

By Austin Campbell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SNNewswatch.com

With millions of Ontarians already not having a family doctor, provincial medical leaders are warning the situation will only get worse in the coming years. Dr. Andrew Park, president of the Ontario Medical Association, led a virtual media briefing on Wednesday to raise awareness about unsustainable workloads, emergency room closures, […]

By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

Six names will be on the ballot when chiefs and proxies for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) go to the polls to elect their new national chief on Dec. 6. It’s a list with a lot of experience—Reginald Bellerose, Craig Makinaw, Sheila North, David Pratt, Dean Sayers and Cindy […]