Weekly Digest (2/23 - 3/1)
Canadian Armed Forces Launch Arctic Exercises in Early 2025
Date: 2025-02-23
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are set to conduct military exercises known as Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT between February 23 and March 9, 2025. These operations will take place in the Arctic regions near Inuvik and the Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories, focusing on defense and sovereignty efforts.
The annual operation, part of a series initiated in 2007, aims to maintain Canada's strategic readiness in the Arctic. Approximately 450 personnel from the CAF will participate, alongside
Proposals Invited for Development of 251 Highway 11, Smooth Rock Falls
Date: 2025-02-24
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls is requesting proposals for the acquisition and development of a surplus industrial site, conveniently located at 251 Highway 11. This plot encompasses 44.77 acres and is designated with M2 zoning for industrial purposes.
The minimum bid for this property is set at $96,000. The site holds the legal description "KENDREY CON 8 PT LOT 22 PCL;8569NEC SOUTH HWY.”
Proposals must be submitted by April 25th, 2025, no later than 2 p.m. This opportunity aims to advance in
2024 Tax Season Opens: Important Dates for Filing
Date: 2025-02-24
The federal government of Canada announced today that the 2024 income tax season is now open, allowing individuals to start filing their tax returns online. The deadline for filing the 2024 income tax return is April 30, 2025, as confirmed by the government. Taxes owed must also be paid by this deadline to remain in compliance with federal regulations.
Filing taxes on time allows individuals to access a variety of federal and provincial benefits, such as the GST/HST credit, the Canada child be
Timmins Snow Removal Schedule Adjusted Due to City-Wide Plow Event
Date: 2025-02-24
Timmins, ON – The City of Timmins Public Works has announced that there will be a disruption to the snow removal schedule during the week of February 24, 2025. This change is due to a city-wide plowing event aimed at managing the anticipated heavy snowfall.
Residents may experience delays in the usual snow removal services as the city prioritizes clearing major thoroughfares. The City of Timmins has not specified which neighborhoods will be affected, and residents are advised to stay updated v
Maintenance Scheduled for Timmins Water Pumping Stations
Date: 2025-02-25
Residents in Timmins and Schumacher are notified of an upcoming maintenance operation on the outer water pumping stations. The City of Timmins Environmental Services Department will commence this work starting February 25, 2025.
The affected areas during the maintenance include Algonquin Blvd. East from Hwy. 655 to Carium Rd. in Timmins, and all of Schumacher including the Goldcentre area. This work may result in temporary interruptions to water services in these regions.
The City has advise
Timmins Prepares for City-Wide Snow Plowing on February 25, 2025
Date: 2025-02-25
The City of Timmins Public Works Department has scheduled a city-wide snow plowing operation for early Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The operation will commence at 12:01 a.m. and is expected to last throughout the day, possibly continuing into the evening.
The plowing efforts will cover all city streets, rural roads, laneways, and parking lots. Residents are reminded that the Winter Parking Ban is in effect, which prohibits street parking between 11:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. from November 1 through
Cochrane Announces Special Council Meeting for February 25th
Date: 2025-02-25
The Town of Cochrane will conduct a Special Council Meeting on February 25th, 2025, starting at 6:30 pm. This meeting is scheduled to occur at the Town Hall located at 171 Fourth Avenue in Cochrane’s Council Chambers.
Residents can attend the meeting in person or view it online via the town's official website. One of the key items on the agenda is the discussion of the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget.
The meeting procedures align with the guidelines set by section 9 of the procedural by-la
Timmins Requests Community Feedback on Shelter Locations
Date: 2025-02-25
The City of Timmins is inviting local residents to provide feedback on proposed locations for a new initiative aimed at addressing homelessness. This initiative, known as H.O.P.E (Housing, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement), is in collaboration with the Cochrane District Services Board. It focuses on establishing modular units as temporary shelters.
The city has designated four potential municipal sites where these shelters could be located. The aim is to provide safe housing solutions for
Timmins Library Hosts March Break Activities
Date: 2025-02-26
The Timmins Library is set to host an event titled 'March Break – Fun and Games at the Library' during the upcoming March Break. The event promises to feature a variety of activities and games aimed at engaging attendees of different age groups.
This initiative is part of the library's programming to offer entertainment and learning opportunities to the community during the school break.
The announcement for this event was made public on February 25, 2025. Attendees can expect a series of in
Cochrane to Undertake Organizational Changes
Date: 2025-02-26
The Town of Cochrane announced upcoming changes to its organizational structure. These changes include the elimination of certain existing positions and the creation of new unionized roles, as well as the establishment of a new position for General Manager/Deputy CAO.
According to CAO Monika Malherbe, the reorganization aims to align with the town's strategic goals by focusing on service delivery improvements. Mayor Peter Politis mentioned that these adjustments are essential for structuring a
LG Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Risk of Fire Hazard
Date: 2025-02-27
LG Electronics Canada has issued a recall for certain models of slide-in and freestanding electric ranges due to a risk of unintended operation that could pose a fire hazard. The affected models include those with front-mounted knobs that may be turned on unwittingly by humans or pets.
The ranges, available in black and stainless steel, are 30 inches wide. According to LG Electronics Canada, there have been eight reported incidents, including two injuries in Canada—one involving a minor cut an
New Northlander Train Design Influenced by Community Feedback
Date: 2025-02-27
Ontario Northland has introduced the new exterior design of the Northlander train. This development stems from input provided by community members in the Northeast region of Ontario. The design reflects feedback obtained during 'Community Connection' events conducted in 13 communities along the train corridor in the fall of 2023.
These events facilitated discussions with local residents, allowing Ontario Northland to gather insights and preferences concerning the train's exterior design. The a
Northeast Ontario Participates in Election Day, February 27, 2025
Date: 2025-02-27
Today marks election day in Northeast Ontario, as announced by Elections Ontario. Voters in the region, including towns within the area, are invited to participate in the provincial elections by casting their votes. Polling stations across the region are open from morning until evening to facilitate this process.
Elections Ontario has specified that today’s election follows the official proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Voters are advised to visit their designated polling sta
Northeast Ontario Under Extreme Cold Alert for February 27
Date: 2025-02-27
An extreme cold weather alert has been announced for Northeast Ontario on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as reported by local government officials. The expected temperature drop to -30°C, with wind chill, poses significant health risks including frostbite and hypothermia.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions such as avoiding exposure to wind, wearing multiple layers of warm clothing, and ensuring all skin is adequately covered. Those requiring emergency shelter can access services
Cochrane Opens Position for Animal Care Staff at Polar Bear Habitat
Date: 2025-02-27
The Town of Cochrane has a job opening on its Animal Care Team at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat. The position is full-time, involving 40 hours a week and includes work during weekends and holidays. The salary for this role ranges from $18.01 to $22.88 per hour.
Responsibilities for the role involve various aspects of animal care, such as cleaning, implementing enrichment activities, assisting with veterinary operations, and observing polar bear behavior. The position is unionized, with speci
Gas Boilers Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Risk
Date: 2025-02-28
A recall has been issued for Prestige Solo, Prestige Excellence, and Aerco Esteem gas boilers due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The affected boilers are wall-hung condensing gas models. The potential hazard is linked to carbon monoxide being released due to delayed ignitions or component faults, posing a risk of serious injury or death, as highlighted in the Government of Canada Consumer Product Recalls notice.
Currently, there have been no reports of carbon monoxide leaks or relat
Northern College Accepting Fall 2025 Applications
Date: 2025-02-28
Northern College, located in Timmins, remains open for applications to its Fall 2025 programs. Prospective students are advised to visit the college's official Admissions page for detailed information on the application process and important deadlines.
Applications can be submitted via the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS), a centralized platform for college admissions in Ontario. Northern College has confirmed its Admissions Team is available to provide assistance for any inquiries r
December 2024 Payroll Employment and Job Vacancies Report
Date: 2025-02-28
Statistics Canada has released new data on payroll employment, earnings, and job vacancies for December 2024. According to their release, employment in general medical and surgical hospitals increased by 32,700 jobs, or 5.2%. Child day-care services also experienced a rise, adding 12,400 jobs, marking a 6.8% growth.
The health care sector, as well as manufacturing, are among those with significant changes in job vacancies, as reported by Statistics Canada. These findings are part of the Survey
CBSA Initiates National Operation to Combat Entry and Exit of Synthetic Drugs
Date: 2025-02-28
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently launched Operation Blizzard to address the trafficking of synthetic narcotics at Canadian entry and exit points. This national operation involves heightened cargo examinations, drawing on the resources of the National Targeting Centre to determine high-risk shipments.
In February 2025, CBSA officers at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel seized 56.1 grams of fentanyl, including 20 pills, as well as 23 grams of a substance suspected to be fentanyl. In ad
Timmins Public Works Adjusts Snow Removal Schedule
Date: 2025-02-28
The City of Timmins Public Works has announced adjustments to its snow removal schedule for the week of February 24, 2025. This change affects various locations, specifically Porcupine – Lamarche, Conley St S, Bob's Lake Drive, Jarvi, Gervais St S, and Gauthier. The disruption in the schedule is attributed to the need for a city-wide snow plowing event, following recent heavy snowfall across the region.
Residents in the affected areas should anticipate that snow removal will be rescheduled. Th
Ulker Products Recalled for Undeclared Allergens: CFIA Notice
Date: 2025-02-28
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of specific Ulker brand products due to the presence of undeclared allergens. The recall affects Kekstra Mini (strawberry), Biskrem cocoa, and Rulokat products.
These products contain egg, milk, and wheat, which are not listed on the packaging, posing a risk to individuals allergic to these substances. Consumers are advised to avoid consuming the recalled products and should discard them or return them to the retailer for a refu
Canadian Ministers Discuss Responses to Potential U.S. Tariffs
Date: 2025-02-28
The Forum of Labour Market Ministers in Canada recently held a virtual meeting to discuss potential responses to upcoming tariffs that may be imposed by the United States on Canadian goods. The ministers are focused on developing a coordinated approach to minimize economic and workforce disruptions.
During the meeting, there was a discussion about utilizing federal resources such as the Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program, which has been used in past economic downturns to mitigate j
Timmins Announces City-Wide Snow Plowing for February 28
Date: 2025-02-28
The City of Timmins Public Works Department has announced that a city-wide snow plowing operation will begin on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12:01 am. The operation is expected to continue throughout the day and may extend into the evening.
Residents are advised to be aware of the scheduled plowing and plan their movements accordingly. It is anticipated that road conditions might be affected during this period, and motorists should exercise caution while traveling.
For further updates on th
Canadian Technologies to be Demonstrated in Lunar Mission
Date: 2025-02-28
On March 2, 2025, Firefly's Blue Ghost Mission 1 is expected to touch down on the lunar surface, slated no earlier than 3:34 a.m. ET. Three Canadian companies are set to demonstrate their technological innovations during this mission. These companies received support from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) through the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP).
The mission will involve testing and showcasing technologies developed by these Canadian firms, highlighting their potential applicatio
Applications Open for Fall 2025 at Northern College
Date: 2025-02-28
Northern College is open for Fall 2025 program applications. Prospective students can visit the college’s Admissions page for guidelines on applying and important deadlines. Applications should be submitted through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS), as specified by the college.
Smooth Rock Falls March 2025 Updates: Waste, Projects, and Events
Date: 2025-02-28
March 2025 News Updates for Smooth Rock Falls
The Citizen’s Corner newsletter for March 2025 brings vital updates and reminders tailored for residents of Smooth Rock Falls. The following points summarize the main updates:
- Waste and Recycling: Residents are reminded to adhere to By-Law 2024-44 which includes guidelines on waste and recycling roll-out carts. Important details on placement and schedules are specified within the newsletter.
- Community Projects:
Minister Anand Announces Supply Chain Advisory Council
Date: 2025-02-28
Canada's Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Anita Anand, has announced the establishment of the Supply Chain Advisory Council. According to the official release, this council aims to provide strategic advice on strengthening Canadian supply chains.
The Council, as reported, will consist of various experts and senior leaders. Named members include Louis-Marie Beaulieu from Groupe Desgagnés and Shelly De Caria of Canadian North. The roles and specific contributions of these members have n
Northeast Ontario Faces Extreme Cold Weather Alert
Date: 2025-02-28
The Northeast of Ontario is under an extreme cold weather alert from Friday, February 28, through Saturday, March 1, 2025. Issued by the Timmins local government, this alert forecasts temperatures between -34°C and -27°C, taking into account wind chill effects.
Health authorities caution that such low temperatures pose risks of frostbite and hypothermia. It is advised that individuals should limit exposure to the wind, dress in warm layers, and make sure all skin is covered to protect against
Timmins Snow Removal Operations Set for March 2025
Date: 2025-02-28
The Public Works Department of Timmins has released the schedule for night-time snow removal, slated to occur from March 2 to March 6, 2025. Operations will be conducted from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am each night, focusing on designated routes and thoroughfares.
Scheduled Night-time Snow Removal
- March 2, 9:00 pm: Algonquin route from Mountjoy to the Mattagami Bridge.
- March 3, 9:00 pm: Riverside from Mattagami to Joseph.
- March 4, 9:00 pm: Rivers
Canada Imposes New Controls on Fentanyl Chemicals to Curb Crime
Date: 2025-03-01
The Government of Canada has introduced measures aimed at addressing fentanyl production and organized crime. The details were announced by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Associate Minister of Health, and the Minister of Public Safety, along with the Fentanyl Czar. These measures involve formalizing controls on three specific fentanyl precursor chemicals and the drug carisoprodol.
Canada Recalls Polaris and 509 Helmets Over Safety Concerns
Date: 2025-03-01
The Government of Canada has announced a recall of certain Polaris and 509 Tactical 3.0 helmets due to potential impact hazards. This recall affects Youth, Mountain, and Trail versions of these helmets available in various sizes.
The helmets have been found not to comply with essential certification standards required to provide adequate protection in case of a crash. This defect poses a risk of head injury, according to the manufacturer, 509. Health Canada advises consumers to immediately dis
Canada's Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $17.75 per Hour in April
Date: 2025-03-01
The federal minimum wage in Canada will rise to $17.75 per hour, effective April 1, 2025. This update was announced by Employment and Social Development Canada on February 28, 2025. The adjustment signifies a 2.4% increase over the previous rate, designed to align workers' salaries in federally regulated private sectors with the annual cost of living increases.
Mississauga Arrest Shines Light on Potent Synthetic Opioids in Trafficking Case
Date: 2025-03-01
A joint operation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) resulted in the arrest of an individual in Mississauga, Ontario, for narcotics trafficking and possession. The incident involved synthetic opioids, specifically Nitazenes, which are noted by the CBSA and RCMP to be significantly more potent than Fentanyl.
The substances in question, Nitazenes, are identified as being utilized to adulterate street drugs, creating a heightened risk of overd
Committee on Internal Trade Agrees on New Measures to Enhance Commerce
Date: 2025-03-01
On February 28, 2025, the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) met in Toronto to discuss and implement measures aimed at addressing internal trade barriers within Canada. The meeting, led by Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand, concluded with an agreement among federal, provincial, and territorial representatives to promote free labor movement and standardize trade regulations.
The CIT's newly agreed measures are designed to reduce regulatory obstacles and improve inter-provincia