Weekly Digest (2/9 - 2/15)
Agricultural Leaders Meet to Discuss Canada-U.S. Trade Dynamics
Date: 2025-02-09
On February 8, 2025, Lawrence MacAulay, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, held a meeting in Ottawa with provincial and territorial ministers to discuss the agriculture sector's relationship with the United States. This meeting was organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The discussions focused heavily on the integration of international supply chains, addressing concerns about potential market disruptions. Strategies for international market expansion and diversificatio
Royal Canadian Navy Changes Leadership on HMCS Ottawa
Date: 2025-02-09
In a statement released on February 7, 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy announced a leadership change aboard HMCS Ottawa. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, removed Commander Adriano Lozer from his position as Commanding Officer of the vessel due to a loss of confidence in his leadership abilities. HMCS Ottawa is participating in Operation HORIZON at the time of this decision.
The statement, issued from Ottawa, provided limited details concerning the operational
Northern College Express Temporarily Suspended for Reading Week
Date: 2025-02-11
Timmins Transit has announced that the Northern College Express service will be paused during Northern College's reading week, from February 17 to February 21, 2025. During this period, passengers are advised to use Route 16 for travel between the main Transit Terminal on Spruce St. S. and the areas of South Porcupine and Porcupine. This temporary change in service aims to accommodate the altered schedule of Northern College during its designated reading week.
Northern College Express Paused for Reading Week in Timmins
Date: 2025-02-11
Timmins Transit's Northern College Express service will be unavailable during the reading week at Northern College from February 17 to February 21, 2025. This information was provided by Timmins Transit.
During this period, Route 16 will be available to passengers traveling between the main Transit Terminal on Spruce St. S. and the areas of South Porcupine and Porcupine.
Passengers are also advised that there will be no Timmins Transit services on February 17, 2025, due to the Family Day hol
Smooth Rock Falls Schedules Sixth Street Hydrant Flushing
Date: 2025-02-11
Residents of Smooth Rock Falls can expect hydrant flushing on Sixth Street on Monday, February 10, 2025, as announced by the town authorities. The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) will manage the flushing process.
This maintenance work might temporarily affect water services, causing low water pressure or changing the water's color. Such occurrences are normal during hydrant flushing periods.
The town advises residents to let their taps run for a short period if discoloration is observed, t
Closure of Timmins Public Library for Family Day on February 17
Date: 2025-02-11
The Timmins Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 17, due to the observance of Family Day. This closure will affect all branches in the area. Library services are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, February 18. Family Day is recognized as a statutory holiday across Ontario, offering a day for family-oriented activities. Patrons should plan their visits accordingly around this closure.
Smooth Rock Falls Town Hall and Arena Closed on February 17
Date: 2025-02-11
Residents of Smooth Rock Falls should be aware that both the Town Hall and Arena will be closed on February 17 in observance of Family Day. This closure has been announced by the Town of Smooth Rock Falls, impacting access to these facilities for the statutory holiday.
Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, offering families an opportunity to spend time together. Regular operations at the Town Hall and Arena will recommence the following day, February 18.
Extreme Cold Weather Alert for February 11 in NE Ontario
Date: 2025-02-11
An extreme cold weather alert has been issued for February 11, 2025, for areas in the Northeast of Ontario, including Timmins. According to regional emergency services, temperatures are expected to drop to -33 degrees Celsius with wind chill. These conditions pose risks such as frostbite and hypothermia, emphasized by local health authorities.
Residents are advised to avoid wind exposure and dress in warm layers that cover exposed skin. Emergency shelter is available at 316 Spruce St. S. for t
Family Day Leads to Timmins Municipal Service Closures in 2025
Date: 2025-02-12
Residents of Timmins are advised that several municipal services will be closed in observance of Family Day on Monday, February 17, 2025. According to the Timmins local government, the closures will affect various services throughout the city.
Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Office will not be open to the public. Additionally, the Timmins Public Library and its C.M. Shields branch will close for the day. Timmins Transit will also suspend bus services on this date.
Household waste
Suspension of Northeast Ontario Accessibility Transit Van Service
Date: 2025-02-12
An accessibility transit van service in the Northeast of Ontario is currently not in operation due to mechanical issues. The suspension is indefinite as technicians work to resolve the problems.
This update is vital for those relying on the service, and the local transit authority is reportedly engaged in bringing the van back into operation. Further updates will be issued as the situation progresses.
Residents needing transportation options during this period should look for alternatives un
Family Day Adjusts Waste Collection in Northeast Ontario
Date: 2025-02-12
The local waste management authority in Northeast Ontario has announced a change in the waste collection schedule due to the observance of Family Day. Originally set for Monday, February 17th, 2025, waste collection will now take place on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.
Residents are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly and ensure that waste is ready for collection the evening before the adjusted date. This rescheduling accounts for the statutory holiday on February 17th.
Recall of Solo Stove Smokeless Gel Fuel Due to Labeling Non-Compliance
Date: 2025-02-12
The Solo Stove Smokeless Gel Fuel has been subject to a recall in Canada due to issues with labeling compliance, according to the Government of Canada's consumer product recall feed. The product does not meet the requirements of the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001, as outlined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
Improper labeling may result in unintentional consumer exposure, which poses risks of serious illness or injury.
As of February 4, 2025, no incidents or in
Upcoming Regular Council Meeting in Smooth Rock Falls on February 18
Date: 2025-02-12
The Town of Smooth Rock Falls has scheduled its Regular Council Meeting for February 18, 2025. The meeting will start at 6:30 PM and will be held at the Town Hall. This event is part of the municipality's standard practice, where council members convene to discuss and make decisions on various issues affecting the community.
Residents of Smooth Rock Falls and nearby areas in Northeast Ontario may attend the meeting. Typically, such meetings involve discussions about local projects, budget allo
Ontarians Offered Free Fishing Opportunity for Family Day Weekend
Date: 2025-02-13
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that residents can participate in free fishing over the Family Day weekend without needing a fishing licence or an Outdoors Card. The designated dates for this opportunity are February 15 to 17.
Participants must continue to follow all other established fishing regulations, including conservation licence catch limits, size limits, and rules regarding sanctuaries. The ministry emphasizes the need for adherence to these regulations throughout
Smooth Rock Falls Announces Free Open Skate for Families in February
Date: 2025-02-13
Smooth Rock Falls is offering opportunities for family fun with the upcoming Parent & Tot Open Skate sessions at the Reg Lamy Cultural Arena this February. These sessions invite parents to skate with their young children at no cost.
The scheduled dates and times are as follows:
- Saturday, February 15, 2025: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
- Saturday, February 22, 2025: 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
Eligible children must be between 2 and 6 years old. Participation safety is
Black River-Matheson Municipal Office to Close for Family Day
Date: 2025-02-14
The Municipal Office of Black River-Matheson will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of Family Day, according to the Township of Black River-Matheson. Services will resume as usual on Tuesday, February 21.
Canadian Soldiers Join Arctic Training in Finland with US and Finnish Forces
Date: 2025-02-14
From February 17 to 28, 40 members of the Canadian Army's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) will participate in Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25 in Sodankylä, Finland. This exercise includes 850 military personnel from Finland and the United States, as reported by the National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces.
The military exercise aims to enhance operational capacity in Arctic conditions and foster cooperation among allied nations. This collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to improve intero
Igloo Recalls 90-Quart Coolers Over Injury Risks
Date: 2025-02-15
The Government of Canada has announced the recall of Igloo 90-Quart Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers due to safety concerns. The recall affects coolers with tow handles that can pinch users' fingertips against the body of the cooler, leading to potential amputation and crushing injuries.
This issue pertains specifically to coolers produced before January 2024. Consumers can verify affected models by checking the date code located on the bottom of the cooler. The models in question include Igloo's La
WAHA Introduces New ECG Machines to Improve Service
Date: 2025-02-15
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) has acquired new electrocardiogram (ECG) machines to enhance healthcare operations based on staff suggestions. These machines, featuring modern interfaces and better portability, will be used in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Fort Albany, and Attawapiskat. This update is part of an integration effort with the ONE electronic health record system.
In collaboration with the Timmins and District Hospital, WAHA aims to streamline the electronic transmission an
Extreme Cold Weather Alert Announced for Timmins on February 13
Date: 2025-02-15
An extreme cold weather alert has been issued by the Timmins local government for Thursday, February 13, 2025. Residents should be prepared for temperatures to reach as low as -32°C with wind chill overnight.
Health officials caution that the extreme cold can lead to serious health issues including frostbite and hypothermia. To mitigate these risks, individuals are advised to limit wind exposure, wear multiple layers of warm clothing, and cover exposed skin when outdoors.
For those seeking e