The cost of democracy, both figurative and literal, was discussed at local council meetings recently as municipalities look towards the October 2026 elections. Staff reports on voting methods made their way to respective councils in Tay Township and Penetanguishene with councillors weighing the merits and flaws for voting through paper ballots, internet/telephone voting and a […]

Late last year, Mario Zelaya never expected his TikTok post would stir such emotion across an upscale east-end Oakville neighbourhood. Nor did he anticipate being targeted by the town’s mayor. It has been seven months since that initial post, when Zelaya detailed what he believes to be a serious public health threat linked to decades […]

ATIKOKAN – The local Native Friendship Centre needs a new board as an alleged misuse of funds is investigated, an online petition asserts. The petition says the friendship centre was once “a thriving hub of community activity” but misuse of funds “has led to a drastic reduction” in services. “We see the impact of the […]

A University of Winnipeg employee has filed a whistleblower report that calls for a probe into overall operations at the post-secondary institution amid mounting concerns about its leadership. The Free Press obtained a six-page submission to the Manitoba ombudsman about the publicly funded institution under president Todd Mondor. It echoes concerns on campus about employee […]

The wife of Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull is suing a member of city council for defamation over the councillor’s reaction to a book that disputes the history of Canada’s residential schools. In a May 13-filed BC Supreme Court notice of civil claim, Pat Morton accuses Coun. Laurey-Anne Roodenberg of conduct that was “not only defamatory, […]

SHERBROOKE – Residents and guests gathered to learn about scams and frauds, as well as how to better protect against being victimized, at the Maple Manor seniors’ complex on May 5. Representatives from the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC), Guysborough Adult Learning Association (GALA) and the RCMP provided advice on recognizing signs that they may […]

During their May 7 Special Meeting, the Town of Greater Napanee Council voted against staff’s recommendation to cancel all liquor licenses it holds for town facilities. Instead, council approved a motion to keep their liquor licenses and promote special occasion permits. Council did approve staff’s recommendation to bring forward a revised Municipal Alcohol Policy that […]

Beth Merryweather and her husband live on what could be called a hidden gem of land in Woodstock. Right off Main Street, but beside a tiny and beautiful hidden park. They found their forever home and enjoyed the seclusion of the deep lot with beautiful trees and flowers. They pay taxes. Then, they had company. […]

First Responders Day was celebrated in Haliburton County on May 1 through a number of free events held throughout the region that shone a light on the skills, hard work and sacrifice of first responders. The day was celebrated at the Highlands East Fire Department, Station 4 in Wilberforce with a plethora of activities and […]

● Mayor Lovatt has submitted a formal pre-budget request to Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy laying out Town priorities in need of greater Provincial support. ● He warned of a growing infrastructure gap, exacerbated by rising costs and a lack of sustainable funding for small but fast-growing towns like Stouffville. ● Lovatt noted the potential […]

THUNDER BAY — Can a text message help improve patient care? The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is betting that it can.The hospital is the first in Ontario to adopt a text message-based patient survey distribution.The hospital has seen a two per cent increase in people responding to surveys since switching to SMS (Short […]

The number of property tax accounts in arrears has risen sharply in St. Catharines since 2022, according to documents obtained by The Pointer through a Freedom of Information request. The disturbing increase aligns with the controversial hikes in municipal tax rates introduced by the current City Council. Residents of Niagara’s largest city were shocked in […]