By Mzwandile Poncana
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mississauga.com

After Ontario’s Bill 223 banned supervised consumption sites within 200 metres of schools, the province announced that Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs would replace them. But months after Peel Region’s only SCS shut down, the promised Brampton HART Hub has yet to open. In a July 11 email, Peel […]

By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

Métis scholar Kristy McLeod is bracing for more hateful online comments when Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves hits the stores in mid-August. She wrote the book with Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad. “I’ve made as many (of my social media accounts) private as I can so that […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

The region is continuing to struggle with high levels of alcohol use and its impacts, according to the local health unit. Every year, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), which encompasses the Rainy River District and part of the Kenora District, covering approximately one-fifth of Ontario’s land, releases its annual report […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that can cause Pneumonia and other illnesses, seems to be on the rise in Northwestern Ontario, according to a release from the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU). According to a release from the NWHU, cases of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease are three times higher in the district when […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Emo Fair is just about a month away and this year marks a special milestone, with the theme of the event being based around their 125th anniversary. The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair as it’s officially known, began back in 1900 and was down on Emo’s Front […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

A multimillion-dollar investment aimed at helping junior mining companies bring Ontario’s critical minerals to market was announced by the Ontario government on July 3, 2025. The Ford government’s announcement focuses on early exploration and development costs for license prospectors, hopefully boosting Ontario’s economy and building supply chains around new mining […]

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

As First Nations launch the first constitutional challenge against federal Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5 — sweeping laws to fast-track mines and major infrastructure — legal experts say the governments’ refusal to consult has left Indigenous communities with no other option and more court battles are likely ahead. “They didn’t engage […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Fort Frances Swifties get ready, your time is now. Taylor’s Story–A Live Concert Experience will take place tonight at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship tent. The show will be a tribute featuring a live band and a Taylor Swift impersonator. Embodying the pop legend whose Eras Tour swept the […]

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

As First Nations launch the first constitutional challenge against federal Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5 — sweeping laws to fast-track mines and major infrastructure — legal experts say the governments’ refusal to consult has left Indigenous communities with no other option and more court battles are likely ahead. “They didn’t engage […]

Staff

If fishing isn’t your thing, or you’re just looking to get out and about this weekend, Rainy River is a destination to put on your map as they celebrate their annual Railroad Daze festivities from Thursday, July 17, 2025 through to Sunday, July 20, 2025. The west end municipality’s celebrations […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – In a 6-5 vote, city council has approved Miles Street East as the site for the temporary shelter village. Couns. Brian Hamilton, Kasey Etrini, Andrew Foulds, Shelby Ch’ung, Greg Johnsen, and Kristen Oliver voted for Miles Street, while Couns. Rajni Agarwal, Albert Aiello, Dominic Pasqualino, Mark Bentz […]