Local Journalism Initiative

Source: Local Journalism Initiative


Ontario clamps down on conservation authorities as consolidation planning continues

On Friday, May 1, Ontario Environment Minister Todd McCarthy sent a letter to all conservation authority heads directing them to halt any “significant financial, asset or employment decisions” as the government begins consolidating the agencies tasked with protecting watersheds.  The letter signals that the work to amalgamate authorities from 36 to nine, and shift oversight […]

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Residents ‘confused, concerned and in disagreement’ over Ramara road

Ramara residents want to know why the township’s responsibility to maintain their road is not more clear-cut. According to a report from the township’s lawyer, Ryan Matson, the status of Sunset Drive is “unassumed,” which is not the same as ownership. “Assumed roads carry heightened liability and financial risk exposure for a municipality’s general tax […]

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Mayville announces he will seek second term in KHR

Killaloe – Dave Mayville has officially announced he will seek a second term as mayor of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Township in October stating that while significant progress has been made over the last three years, there is still important work ahead. “The decision ultimately came down to one simple point: the work is not […]

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Scam emails circulating for Gananoque Farmers’ and Craft Market

The Town of Gananoque is warning vendors and applicants to remain cautious after reports of fraudulent emails targeting those connected to the Gananoque Farmers’ and Craft Market. Town officials said at least one vendor recently received a fake email falsely claiming they had been accepted into the market and requesting payment through an email address […]

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‘Cannot believe COVID-like outbreaks don’t happen far more often’: Canada’s role in animal trade driving pandemic risks

British Columbia conservation biologist Chris Shepherd has spent more than three decades, oftentimes undercover, inside wildlife markets across the globe.  The gruesome sights he has witnessed make it hard to believe that “outbreaks like COVID don’t happen far more often”. In the early 90s, Shepherd had just completed high school, unaware of the world he […]

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NOTL Votes 2026: Weston Miller wants to bring ‘resident-first’ leadership

Weston Miller says Niagara-on-the-Lake is at a turning point. “If we’re not thoughtful about the decisions that we make today, tomorrow, we might not recognize the town we all love,” he said in an interview. Miller, a NOTL realtor who serves as president of the Chautauqua Residents Association, treasurer of the Niagara Foundation, a board […]

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Wheatland County to adopt new fire dispatch service provider, local concerns raised

Wheatland County is moving away from Wheatland & Adjacent Districts EMS Association (WADEMSA) and has selected Calgary 911 as its future provider for fire dispatch services. A statement was released by the county, April 29, discussing the decision, citing it was based on cost, regional efficiency, operational performance, and the use of modern NextGen 911 […]

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County of Stettler council supports Ardley Dam project

The County of Stettler council unanimously voiced support for a proposed dam and reservoir project east of Red Deer. The decision was passed at the Apr. 22 regular meeting of council. During the “council’s request for information” section of the agenda, Coun. James Nibourg requested council discuss recent media reports that the Government of Alberta […]

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Council passes updated fees and charges bylaw

Crowsnest Pass council approved the municipality’s updated Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw after reviewing utility rates, development penalties, safety code levies and public access to council meeting recordings. Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 1255, 2026 during the April 28 regular council meeting. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kristin Colucci told council the municipality […]

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‘They just wanted to get it done’: New freedom of information rules keep Ontario in the dark, warns MPP

How much should the public be able to see inside the government? Ontario’s latest budget bill, passed last week, is putting that question front and centre. The spring budget, Bill 97, changes freedom of information laws so that citizens can no longer use freedom of information requests to get records from the premier’s or cabinet […]

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‘Legacy undone by terrible decisions’: Caledon reacts to Annette Groves’ upcoming exit after turbulent term

Aly Livingston stood outside the Mayor’s Gala hosted by Caledon’s Annette Groves in bright yellow stockings and black boots, “like a bumblebee” in the cold, holding a “STOP THE 413, DON’T PAVE THE GREENBELT” sign as she spoke out for the natural world.  The protest was the latest action taken by Caledon residents against Mayor […]

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Oliver’s AI policy reaches fruition

The issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has, at long last, a policy addressing it within the Town of Oliver’s working spaces. The new policy was brought for consideration and approval at the April 27 Regular Council meeting, and follows multiple conversations on how best to govern AI use within Town Hall, and on other Town […]

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