By Meg Deak
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

The Ford government’s Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, has been a source of controversy since its introduction last June. Rolled out amid economic uncertainty, partially due to U.S. tariffs, the bill aims to accelerate development and major infrastructure projects, such as mining and electric vehicle […]

By Meg Deak
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Canada is taking steps to protect soil health with the government’s announcement of plans to develop a national soil health strategy starting this spring. The plan was proposed last year by Sen. Robert Black, though action on soil health is something he’s advocated for since his appointment to the Senate […]

By Meg Deak
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Wellesley will soon be greener as the township looks to expand its tree canopy through a planting initiative in a partnership between the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and Reep Green Solutions. The goal is to plant 5,000 trees by 2027 along roadsides throughout Wellesley, aiming to cultivate more vibrant green […]

By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative
Reporter
Brandon Sun

POLONIA – A farmer took charge of an open house in Polonia last week by initiating a group question period on stage about the ‘Fleury Winds’ project that is proposed to install dozens of wind turbines in the farming community. Matthew Atkinson, a Neepawa-area farmer, walked on stage during the […]

By Allan Bradbury
abradbury@fortfrances.com

On Thursday night, at their final passport season show, Tour de Fort announced the lineup for next year’s season series starting in September. The series will kick off on September 16, 2026, with Juno winner and famed Canadian female rocker, Sass Jordan. According to her bio, Jordan has been a […]

By Liam Oliver Neilson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com

The next steps for a proposed Central Avenue roundabout are on hold after a tied council vote to award the design contract pushed the decision, potentially to next year. Talks of a potential redesign for the intersection connecting Central Avenue to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets initially sparked in October […]

By Times Staff

Chris McKhool – 7x Canadian Folk Music Award winner, 2026 JUNO nominee for Children’s Album of the Year, and one of the country’s most beloved family entertainers – will be undertaking an eleven-date northern Ontario tour in celebration of his long-awaited new album Little Leaf. Stopping in Fort Frances on […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

A trio of international partners have once more signed a declaration aimed at preserving the beauty of the night sky. Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas journeyed to Minnesota’s Voyageur National Park on April 15, to sign a now-annual joint proclamation alongside International Falls mayor Drake Dill and Ranier mayor Dennis […]

By Tanya Hammond
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Review-Mirror

Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) team based out of Brockville is reporting a sharp rise in young men seeking support for gambling-related problems, reflecting an Ontario-wide trend highlighted in a recent study, which showed an alarming 300% increase in calls to the province’s mental health helpline. […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – Parents and children move into the new programming space at the County Park Library to enjoy their first Baby and Me Storytime. “We’ve had the space under development for months now, and we’re finally able to welcome people in. It’s bringing the life in, right? And I’m […]