By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

Just one boat launch will be open to visitors at Pelican Lake this season while the Rural Municipality of Prairie Lakes implements a plan to shun aquatic invasive species. Reeve Darren Seymour provided the Sun with an update Wednesday on how the RM plans to implement a “one boat, one […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA – Living in a fire-prone community can be emotionally difficult, Wabaseemoong Chief Waylon Scott said Sunday as nearly all of his community stayed in hotels hundreds of kilometres away. Wabaseemong Independent Nations, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Kenora and 13 kilometres east of Manitoba, was evacuated last week as […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The end of a lease agreement has created tension in the relationship between Thunder Bay Public Library and Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS). In March, the Thunder Bay Public Library announced the expansion of its children’s area as part of a restructuring of the Waverley and Brodie Street facilities. […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Several rural fire departments just outside Thunder Bay are “stretched thin” in terms of available firefighters and equipment, just as “dangerously dry” ground conditions set the stage for more wildfires. The departments, which rely on volunteers, warn that firefighter burnout has become a serious concern since fire season heated up […]

From the Ontario Provincial Police
Press Release

Fifty-six paddlers were among the 131 people who lost their lives in boating incidents on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled waterways in the last five years. Between 2020-2024, 34 of those who died in marine incidents were canoeists, 17 were kayakers and five were using stand-up paddleboards.      Whether you and […]

By Brenda Sawatzky
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Niverville Citizen

In the midst of recent extreme temperatures and high winds, out of control wildfires are now moving through some parts of eastern Manitoba where cottages and campgrounds abound. A wildfire update was delivered this morning by the assistant Kristin Hayward, deputy minister of Manitoba Wildfire Services. According to Hayward, a […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Spring means that local food is coming online across Ontario at farmers’ markets and roadside stalls, making it an important time to buy local, says the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. With the fresh season upon us, the OFA and its Home Grown project are promoting the more than 200 different […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Fort William Historical Park is calling for vendors, dancers and information booths as they gear up for the 43rd annual Anishinaabe Keeshigun Powwow. Known formerly as Ojibwa Keeshigun, the event has featured dancing and drumming, hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language and technology. Patrick Morash, the […]

By Sonal Gupta
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

Canada’s new federal cabinet under Prime Minister Mark Carney is making history with the appointment of three Indigenous ministers, and taking a big step forward for reconciliation and Indigenous governance. Carney’s cabinet includes Rebecca Chartrand, who is new to federal politics as minister of northern and Arctic affairs. Mandy Gull-Masty, […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The 2025 Ontario Prospectors and Explorers Symposium took place in Thunder Bay in mid-April, where at the Valhalla Inn the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association recognized individuals and companies for their mining and exploring achievements. Since 2001, the association has presented awards recognizing mineral discoveries, mine developments and lifetime achievements. This […]