Weekly Digest (1/19 - 1/25)
Northern College to Reduce Staff Amid Financial Challenges
Date: 2025-01-19
Northern College in Timmins, Ontario, is set to reduce its staff as it faces financial challenges linked to recent government policy changes. The college has announced that it anticipates an operational deficit of $6 million for the 2025-26 academic year, increasing to $12 million for the 2026-27 academic year.
These financial projections are attributed to changes in government policy concerning international student study permits and post-graduate work permits, which have affected the college
Ontario Issues $200 Rebate Cheques to Taxpayers
Date: 2025-01-19
The Ontario government has begun distributing $200 rebate cheques to taxpayers across the province. This initiative is aimed at mitigating the financial impact of the federal carbon tax and rising interest rates, according to the Ontario government.
To qualify for the rebate, individuals must be 18 years or older, have been residents of Ontario as of December 31, 2023, and have filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefits Return by the end of 2024. Families eligible for the Canada Child Benefit wi
Smooth Rock Falls Issues Reminder on Snow Management Regulations
Date: 2025-01-19
Residents of Smooth Rock Falls are reminded of the snow management regulations as the winter season approaches. According to the Highway Traffic Act, it is illegal to push snow across roads or streets onto the opposite side. Snow must be kept on the resident's property or disposed of at designated Snow Dump locations within the town.
A map indicating these approved snow dump areas is available to assist residents in adhering to these regulations. Compliance is essential to maintain safety and
Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk
Date: 2025-01-19
The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of Sweet Cream brand Mini Patisserie products due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes Mini Patisserie Tray A and Tray B, available in 1 kg (30 pieces) and approximately 4 kg (4 boxes x 30 pieces) sizes. The affected products have UPC codes 8 058302 730004, 8 058302 730011, and 8 058302 730028, with best before dates from June 17, 2025, to November 15, 2025.
Salmonella infection can lead to serious health iss
Certain Shell Eggs Recalled Over Salmonella Risk
Date: 2025-01-19
The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for certain brands of shell eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination. The brands affected by this recall include Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, no name, and Western Family.
Salmonella infection can lead to serious health issues, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, vomiting,
New Licence Renewal Process for Seniors Announced in Ontario
Date: 2025-01-20
The Ontario government has announced a new process for seniors aged 80 and over to renew their drivers' licences. Starting February 3, 2025, seniors will be able to complete mandatory vision and cognitive screening assessments and renew their licences in a single visit at select ServiceOntario centres. This service is expected to be available at all ServiceOntario locations across Ontario by the end of Spring 2025.
The initiative aims to streamline the renewal process for seniors. The initial
Emergency Watermain Repair Underway on Norman St. in Timmins
Date: 2025-01-20
The City of Timmins' Environmental Services Department has issued a notice regarding an emergency watermain repair on Norman St. This repair is currently underway and may lead to temporary disruptions in water service for residents in the affected area.
Residents may experience low water pressure or discoloured water during the repair process. The City advises residents to conserve water where possible until the repair is completed.
Further updates will be provided by the City of Timmins as
Northeast Ontario Residents Urged to Winterize Plumbing Systems
Date: 2025-01-20
Residents in the Northeast of Ontario are advised to prepare their home plumbing systems for winter to prevent potential damage. Service Line Warranties of Canada highlights the risks associated with frozen pipes, which can lead to pressure build-up and ruptures.
Frozen pipes may cause water leaks, resulting in significant home damage and costly repairs. Even minor cracks in plumbing can lead to water leakage and mold development.
Homeowners are encouraged to take preventive measures, such a
Customer Service Representative Position Open in Northeast Ontario
Date: 2025-01-21
An employment opportunity is available for the position of Customer Service Representative in Northeast Ontario. The role involves providing assistance and information about recreation programs, events, schedules, rentals, and fees to the public and community groups. Responsibilities also include processing registrations for recreation programs and handling various forms of payments.
Candidates should be prepared to perform routine clerical support duties. Essential skills for this role includ
Ontario Launches Water Infrastructure Funding Program
Date: 2025-01-21
The Ontario government has announced that applications for the Health and Safety Water Stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) will open on February 12, 2025. This initiative provides $175 million in funding to support municipalities and First Nations in Ontario.
The program aims to enhance access to safe drinking water, improve wastewater services, and ensure communities are better protected during extreme weather events. This funding is part of ongoing efforts to suppor
Ontario Allocates $7 Million for Critical Minerals Projects
Date: 2025-01-22
The Ontario government has announced an investment of over $7 million in 17 projects aimed at enhancing research and development in the critical minerals sector. This announcement was made in Timmins, with the funding intended to support technologies related to minerals essential for batteries and electric vehicles.
The funding is part of the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, which seeks to bolster Ontario's supply chain for critical minerals. Among the recipients, NetZero Metals in Timmins w
Emergency Watermain Repair on Jubilee Ave. West
Date: 2025-01-22
The City of Timmins has announced an emergency watermain repair on Jubilee Ave. West, affecting the area from Rae St. N. to Melrose. The repair is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 4:00 a.m. on January 22, 2025.
Residents in the affected area may experience low water pressure, brown or rust-coloured water, and potential loss of water during the repair period. According to the City of Timmins, Environmental Services Department, it is advised not to drink or wash laundry with
Land at 1175 Hwy 11 S Declared Surplus by Black River-Matheson
Date: 2025-01-23
The Township of Black River-Matheson has declared a parcel of land at 1175 Hwy 11 S as surplus. This decision allows the land to be available for purchase through a public tender process.
The property, located along Highway 11 South, is open to interested buyers who must adhere to the zoning regulations and conditions set by the Township. Detailed information regarding the land's zoning, size, and sale conditions is provided by the Township to ensure transparency.
Tenders for purchasing the
Black River-Matheson Releases Recycling Program Details
Date: 2025-01-23
The Township of Black River-Matheson has issued a public notice concerning the Circular Materials Recycling program. Dated January 22, 2025, the notice outlines important details regarding recycling procedures for residents.
Residents are informed about the guidelines and procedures to be followed for recycling within the township. The notice emphasizes adherence to these guidelines to ensure the proper management of recyclable materials.
For comprehensive details, residents should refer to
Black River-Matheson Announces Special Closed Meeting on January 24th
Date: 2025-01-23
The Township of Black River-Matheson has scheduled a special closed meeting for January 24th. This meeting will be held at the township offices and is not open to the public. The closed nature of the meeting suggests it will address confidential matters.
Timmins Police Warns of Scam Impersonating Officers
Date: 2025-01-24
The Timmins Police Service has issued a warning to residents in the Northeast of Ontario about a scam involving individuals posing as police officers. These fraudsters are contacting people, falsely claiming to represent the Timmins Police Service or court services, and are requesting bail money for a family member or loved one.
According to the Timmins Police Service, they will never contact individuals to request money for bail or any other financial purposes. These calls are fraudulent, and
Timmins Issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert for January 23
Date: 2025-01-24
The City of Timmins has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Thursday, January 23, 2025. Temperatures are forecasted to fall to -39 degrees Celsius overnight, factoring in wind chill.
Residents are advised to take precautions against the severe cold, which can lead to health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia. Recommendations include avoiding exposure to the wind, dressing in warm layers, and covering all exposed skin.
Emergency shelter is available for those in need at 316 Spruce
Cochrane Restructures Organization for Strategic Alignment
Date: 2025-01-24
The Town of Cochrane is implementing a redesign of its organizational structure to better align with its strategic goals and service needs. This decision follows an evaluation conducted by a municipal reorganizational specialist, as initiated by Cochrane’s Council in early 2024.
A significant change in this restructure is the introduction of a General Manager/Deputy CAO position, which will oversee several critical service areas. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will continue to manage k
2025 Interim Tax Bills Issued in Northeast Ontario
Date: 2025-01-25
Residents in the Northeast of Ontario, including towns such as Cochrane, have been informed that the 2025 Interim Tax Bills have been mailed. The Town Hall has set the installment due dates for February 28, 2025, and April 30, 2025.
For those who do not receive their tax bill by February 14, 2025, it is advised to contact the Town Hall. Payment methods available include in-person payments, pre-authorized payment plans, telephone or internet banking, and visiting financial institutions.
Reg Lamy Cultural Centre Now Streams Events Live
Date: 2025-01-25
The Reg Lamy Cultural Centre in Smooth Rock Falls has been designated as a LiveBarn venue, enabling live and on-demand streaming of events held at the facility. This service allows individuals who cannot attend in person to watch events remotely.
LiveBarn provides a subscription-based service that broadcasts live and recorded events, including sports and other activities. The service is now operational at the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre, offering the community a way to stay connected with local e
Special Council Meeting Announced for January 28 in Cochrane
Date: 2025-01-25
A Special Council meeting is set to occur on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at 171 Fourth Avenue, Cochrane ON, within the Council Chambers, and will be accessible both in person and online.
This meeting has been organized under section 9 of procedural by-law 1526-2022. Residents who wish to attend can do so by visiting the Council Chambers or joining the online session.
Nighttime Snow Removal Scheduled in Northeast Ontario for Late January
Date: 2025-01-25
The Public Works Department has announced that nighttime snow removal operations will occur from January 26 to January 30, 2025, in Northeast Ontario. These operations are planned for specific areas, as detailed by the department.
Residents are advised to remain aware of these activities and exercise caution when traveling in the affected areas during nighttime hours. The operations are part of the department's efforts to maintain safe and accessible roadways during the winter season.
The de
Ontario Invests $228 Million in Postsecondary Infrastructure
Date: 2025-01-25
The Ontario government has announced a $228 million investment to enhance the infrastructure of publicly assisted colleges and universities. This funding is intended to support the modernization of educational facilities, including upgrades to buildings and the acquisition of new learning tools, according to a government release.
The initiative aims to improve the resources available to students, facilitating an environment conducive to learning and development. Details regarding the specific
Ontario Allocates $27 Million for Carpentry Training Expansion
Date: 2025-01-25
The Ontario government has announced an investment of nearly $27 million aimed at enhancing carpentry training across the province. This funding is expected to support the training of over 2,600 carpenters through the construction of a new training facility in Sudbury and the expansion of existing facilities in London, Windsor, Cambridge, and Ottawa.
The investment is part of the Skills Development Fund, which includes two streams: the Training Stream and the Capital Stream. The Capital Stream
Ontario Allocates $2 Billion for Northern Ontario Hydroelectric Expansion
Date: 2025-01-25
The Ontario government has announced a $2 billion investment aimed at refurbishing and expanding hydroelectric generating stations across Northern Ontario. This initiative is expected to secure up to 830 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, sufficient to power approximately 830,000 homes.
The project will involve several hydroelectric stations, including Otter Rapids, Kipling, Aguasabon, Abitibi Canyon, Manitou Falls, Cameron Falls, Ear Falls, and Alexander. The investment is projected to crea
Statistics Canada Reports on Wage Growth and Job Vacancies for Q2 2024
Date: 2025-01-25
Statistics Canada has released its report detailing wage growth and job vacancies for the second quarter of 2024. According to the data, average hourly wages for all employees increased by 5.1% compared to the same period last year, maintaining the growth rate observed in the previous quarter.
The report specifies that the average offered hourly wage for full-time positions rose by 6.6%, reaching $28.20. Part-time positions experienced a 7.7% increase, with wages averaging $22.50. Permanent po