Twenty-three years after prisoners won the right to vote, Sen. Bernadette Clement visited nine correctional facilities in order to prepare a report about the challenges that still exist for elections held inside.

A New York Times investigation has cast doubt on the financial capacity of the company that is partnering with the Province on the Ontario Place redevelopment. Further the article suggests that Therme misled the province on the number of projects it had already completed. The time article notes “The investigation, based on corporate filings in three countries and interviews with a dozen people involved in the company’s operations and the bidding process, found that Therme falsely presented itself as an industry player that operated as many as half a dozen spas in Europe.”

“In fact, it had built and operated just one, outside Bucharest, Romania. And as it pitched its vision for Toronto, Therme’s finances appeared to be shaky. Auditors found it was losing money and had less than 1 million euro (about $1.1 million) in equity.” The article says Therme is leveraging the Ontario deal to trigger the other 5 projects.

The latest financial figures on the project show Therme spending $700 Million to create what has been billed as a water park and ‘wellbeing destination’ on the land, as well as a 16 acre public park. The province is on the hook for a large parking lot.

According to the Times, Theme is trying to raise funding for five other similar spas costing a combined $2.5 Billion. Noted the Times, “Companies often use hyperbole to raise private-sector money. But Therme first won a key government contract based on its business portfolio — and then set out to build that portfolio.”

A Conservative runs for re-election in a riding with a new name and very different boundaries.

We’ve moved and we’re open!

Come and see us at our new location.

We’re at 21 Mill Street West.

Our hours of operation are:

Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday: 4 – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Phone:
(519) 733-8591

Email:
[email protected]

Check out our Facebook page here.

The post Kingsville Community Food Bank Is in Its New Home! appeared first on Kingsville Times.

At its April 14, 2025 meeting, Council:

• Approved a Zoning By-law Amendment for 52 Heritage Road.

• Approved a Consent Application to sever an existing dwelling, deemed surplus to the needs of the applicants’ farming operation, at 459 County Road 34 East, subject to certain conditions.

• Awarded the 2025 Rural Road Resurfacing Tender to Shepley Road Maintenance Ltd.

• Directed Administration to provide a letter of “Municipal Significance” to the organizers of the Kingsville Pro Rodeo to allow the event to obtain a licence to serve alcohol.

• Approved road closures on Main Street (from Spruce Street to Chestnut Street) and Division Street (from King Street to Pearl Street) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for the Hogs for Hospice Registered Ride.

• Awarded the Grass Cutting and Trimming of Various Municipal Properties Contract to A&M Lawncare.

• Approved an Industrial and Commercial Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Town of Kingsville.

• Directed Administration to undertake a review of land use policies related to lands that discharge into the Ruthven Sanitary System, and approved an Interim Control By-law for those lands, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act. Council further directed Administration to take steps to make certain upgrades to improve the flow rates and bring forward recommendations on how to fund cost recovery from greenhouse operations, upgrades to the Ruthven Sanitary System and enforcement of prohibitions; and lastly directed Administration to prepare a Greenhouse Sewer Use By-law for the next Regularly Scheduled Meeting of Council (April 28, 2025).

• Endorsed the Municipality of Leamington to act on behalf of the Town of Kingsville as “host” for its provision of transit services for the purposes of the 2024-2025 Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation.

• Adopted resolutions, which have been summarized as follows:
  • A resolution respecting the Enwin Utilities Ltd. (“Enwin”) purchase of E.L.K. Energy Inc. (“E.L.K.”), which commits the Town to a positive working relationship with Enwin and asks for a meeting at Enwin’s earliest convenience. The resolution further requests that Enwin continue to follow E.L.K.’s current mission statement of providing high-quality customer service and that it continue its regular tree maintenance for Kingsville and Cottam customers. Lastly, it requests the expedited construction and installation of a second feeder line to increase the reliability of electricity service for customers in Kingsville and Cottam;
  •  A resolution respecting trade relations between Canada and the U.S., which have been strained by tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump. The resolution calls on the Provincial and Federal Governments to create an implementation measure to protect Canadian businesses and to remove any impediments that may prevent municipalities from giving preference to purchasing goods from Canadian suppliers; and
  • A resolution on Strong Mayor Powers speaking to its effect on democratic process and how it alters the historical model of local governance by providing the head of council with unilateral direction and decision-making authority. The resolution notes Council’s opposition to Strong Mayor Powers and requests that the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to additional municipalities not include the Town of Kingsville.

  Council Briefs are intended to be a quick summary following Council meetings. Council Briefs do not replace the official minutes, which are published following adoption at the next scheduled Council meeting. If you have any questions about the summary provided above, please email [email protected].

The post Council Brief from the April 14, 2025 Meeting appeared first on Kingsville Times.

For those whose Garbage Day is normally  picked up on Friday, this week pickup will be on Thursday, April 17. This change is due to the Easter weekend.

Residents can contact GFL Environmental for service inquiries, issues, bins, carts or for new builds/homeowners via 1-844-415-4351 or [email protected].

Image: Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority

The post Garbage Pickup Will Be Earlier This Week appeared first on Kingsville Times.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Book Club

Saturday April 19th at 11 a.m.

All are welcome! Come and discuss your favorite books with an enthusiastic group of fellow readers.

Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 276.

Image by An Nguyen from Pixabay
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Travel by Cook Book!

Saturday April 19th at 1 p.m.

Learn about a different country or region and its cuisine. This month we focus on Russia. You select and make a recipe from a cookbook, then we all get together to share the finished products!

Once you register for this program, visit the Kingsville Branch to receive your samples of seasoning/spices for the month.

Don’t know what to make? Pick up a cookbook for ideas!

Also, please note … all recipes need to be sent by email or paper copy to the branch before the program … and come hungry!!

Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 276.

Image by Pam Patterson from Pixabay

The post Book Club and ‘Travel by Cook Book!’ at Kingsville Library April 19 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), on April 14, 2025, officially confirmed and approved the establishment of a union for part-time and sessional professors, instructors, counsellors and librarians at all 24 Ontario public colleges, to be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

“We respect the important contributions of part-time academic staff to the education and training of the 500,000 students at Ontario colleges and polytechnics and we acknowledge their right to unionize,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of the College Employer Council. “We look forward to meeting with representatives of the new union bargaining unit to negotiate a fair and reasonable first collective agreement in the coming months, one that will benefit students, the colleges and the communities they serve.”

The ORLB confirmed that more than 50 per cent of participating members voted in favour of joining OPSEU, with approximately 3,600 votes cast. There are approximately 12,750 employees in this group.

The initial mandate vote took place in October 2017 and went through a number of stages of scrutiny before the OLRB determined the votes could be officially tallied.

With the certification confirmed, CEC expects to receive notice to begin bargaining and is committed to following due process and to respecting the rights of employees.

Further updates will be provided once dates for that process have been established.

The post CEC Issues Statement On Part-Time Academic Union Certification appeared first on Kingsville Times.

In a continued commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is introducing a new weapons detection system at the entrances of its Emergency Departments (EDs) at Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital. The system went live at University Hospital on April 15, followed by Victoria Hospital on May 6.

The system, leased through Convergint Canada this past January, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance security while maintaining efficient entry for patients, visitors, and team members.

“Our intention is to create an environment where patients feel safe while receiving the care they need and our team members feel secure while delivering it,” says David Musyj, Supervisor at LHSC. “By implementing this system, we are reinforcing our commitment to that goal.”

The weapons detection system offers an advanced, non-intrusive screening process, allowing individuals to walk through without stopping or removing personal items.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) and powerful sensor technology, the system detects potential weapons while distinguishing them from everyday items. If a potential threat is detected, security personnel receive an alert to assess the situation further.

The system also ensures the privacy of individuals by not utilizing facial recognition technology.

The system has already shown its effectiveness in the Ontario health-care sector.

Since November 2023, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) has identified more than 4,700 items (knives and other threats) out of a total of more than 610,000 people going through the detectors.

At the start, WRH identified an average of approximately 17 items (knives and other threats) per day, including an average of nine knives per day. That number has continued to drop monthly and now averages approximately six items per day, including an average of four knives per day.

“Clearly ‘word of mouth’ has occurred regarding these detectors and people now know not to bring these items into the Emergency Department,” notes Musyj.

The system has also contributed to operational improvements with the WRH Emergency Department’s staff vacancy rate dropping from 30 per cent to 2.7 per cent.

Although LHSC’s staff vacancy rate in its EDs is currently below five per cent, the hospital looks forward to the positive impact this system will have with its own team.

“Our Emergency Departments are critical entry points for patients and families seeking care and when we create a safer entry point, it benefits everyone, including our team members,” says Musyj. “We’ve seen the success of this system at Windsor Regional Hospital. It’s helped to enhance safety, which has also led to staff and physicians feeling more comfortable at work.”

LHSC has worked closely with staff and physicians to implement the system effectively, with a key focus on ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining hospital operations without disruption.

Since March, training sessions have allowed staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, and patient partners to familiarize themselves with the system.

As the system is introduced in the EDs, patients and visitors will be supported by LHSC’s Security team in understanding the system and having any questions answered.

While some individuals should avoid walking through the system, such as those with medical implants like pacemakers, LHSC will offer alternate screening methods, including handheld screening or private screening options, for these individuals.

LHSC will continue to assess the system’s effectiveness and gather feedback from patients, staff, and visitors to ensure it meets the needs of the hospital community.

“Hospital security is an evolving field, with health-care organizations across North America exploring innovative ways to maintain both safety and accessibility,” adds Musyj. “The introduction of this weapons detection system aligns with best practices in hospital security, ensuring LHSC remains at the forefront of proactive safety measures.”

The post LHSC Introduces Weapons Detection System In Emergency Departments appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Despite fears about mass unemployment, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), like past major technological innovations, will transform economies, raise living standards, and likely contribute to net job creation, finds a new study published today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

“Like the printing press, the steam engine, the telephone and computers, AI is a transformative innovation that will likely have profound economic and social consequences, create new opportunities, and be a net positive economic development in the long run,” said Steven Globerman, Fraser Institute senior fellow and author of What the History of Technological Change Tells Us About the Likely Economic Consequences of Artificial Intelligence.

Notwithstanding the positive economic effects of previous major technological innovations, some observers want strict government regulations of AI to protect workers from mass unemployment and reduced wages.

Historical experience with previous so-called General Purpose Technologies (for example, the printing press, the steam engine, telephones and computers) suggests that these fears are largely unfounded.

In particular, the adoption of other General Purpose Technologies has generally been a slow process, often taking decades to be widely used in business.

This is also proving to be the case with AI, which will provide time for businesses and workers to adapt to this innovation and the changing business environment.

Crucially, while AI will bring about a decline in demand for specific occupations and skills, the rise of new businesses and industrial activities linked to AI will create demand for new skills and jobs complementary to AI.

In other words, if the experience of previous technological breakthroughs are a guide, AI will create more new jobs than it displaces.

“History shows that major innovations lead to the creation of new industries and jobs, and while some occupations may disappear due to AI, the overall impact of AI will be to expand employment opportunities and increase wages” Globerman said.

Click here to read the full study: What the History of Technological Change Tells Us About the Likely Economic Consequences of Artificial Intelligence.

The post AI Will Likely Create More Opportunities For Workers appeared first on Kingsville Times.

The westbound bound Gardiner Expressway was reduced from four lanes to three on Wednesday in a closure that will continue until May 2026.

On April 15, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., uniform officers from the 8 District (Grimsby/Lincoln/West Lincoln) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a report of a violent residential robbery/break and enter in Grimsby.

Officers attended a home in the area of Winston Road and Kelson Avenue North. The initial investigation determined that five masked, unidentified males—armed with weapons—assaulted an adult male before forcing their way into the home. The suspects searched the residence for valuables and fled the area westbound in a black SUV shortly before police arrived. The black SUV may have entered the QEW at Fifty Road.  The primary items stolen were jewellery and electronics.

The male victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the robbery.

A search of the area did not locate the suspects.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect #1:

Male, wearing dark gloves, a black hooded sweatshirt with black face covering, black pants with a grey stripe down the side, and black shoes with white soles.

Suspect #2:

Male, wearing dark gloves, a brown and black puffer jacket with a white logo on the left chest, black face covering, red pants with black trim near the knee area, and black shoes with a white logo on the tongue.

Suspect #3:

Male, wearing a black jacket with a white logo on the left chest area, black face covering, red glove on the left hand, black glove on the right hand, black pants, and white shoes with grey accents.

Suspect #4:

Male, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo on the left chest, black face covering, white gloves, and black pants.

Suspect #5:

Male, wearing a black jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, black face covering, black gloves, black pants, and black shoes.

Anyone (residents or business owners) who may have been in the area with a cell phone, closed-circuit video system, or dash camera between 2:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on April 15, 2025, are asked to review their footage and contact police if they observe anything suspicious.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009341.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

At 14, Hemin Sadiq went behind his parents’ backs and started his career in media as a radio announcer. By his 30s, he was a well-known journalist in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Now, at 42, he's a barber in Niagara Falls, Ont., and has opened his own business.

Signs outside the Hudson's Bay store at London's White Oaks Mall promised 20 to 40 per cent off items including clothing, furniture and bedding on Friday. Longtime Bay shoppers flocked to the store with the hope of snagging good deals before the stores are expected to close permanently in June.

The Liberal government has already cancelled the consumer carbon tax, but the issue of carbon pricing for industrial pollution is still on the table in the current federal election campaign.

Young voters could swing the results in Canada's upcoming election if they vote, something the demographic doesn’t traditionally do as much as their older counterparts. 

Customers at an Ottawa grocery store fill their carts with exotic produce from around the world, but as they make their way through the aisles CBC also asked them to chew on the politics here at home.

Pierre Poilievre's pitch to Indigenous voters has focused on resource development and economic reconciliation but some Indigenous advocates say they are concerned about his record on issues like residential schools and Indigenous rights. 

Under Mark Carney's leadership, global investment firm Brookfield was accused of breaching Indigenous rights or harming the environment in at least four countries — Brazil, Canada, Colombia and the United States — CBC Indigenous has found.

In this federal election, the president of a longstanding gun club in Alymer, Ont., would like to see the Liberals shift their gun-safety measures away from them and more toward proven criminals who use illegal guns.

Dozens of London, Ont., residents formed a human chain in the city's north-end on Sunday to protest the ongoing war in Gaza and the living conditions Palestinians in the besieged enclave are facing.

Drivers are gearing up for more construction on the Gardiner Expressway, set to begin Monday, that will close down a lane of traffic for a stretch of the busy highway for close to a year. 

The South East Health Unit says it's investigating a confirmed case of measles in the Kingston, Ont., area and that people may have been exposed on four separate occasions.

Hydro One says the number of customers without power has dropped to 69,000 as the utility makes progress on the prolonged ice storm outages.

In the last federal election, young people aged 18 to 24 had the lowest turnout of all age groups: 47 per cent, per Elections Canada figures. In order to increase their chances of participating in this election, students and experts say political parties should tailor their campaigns to younger voters.

Public engagement will be put to the test if Hamilton Council goes along with a staff recommendation to get input on a possible widening of the Red Hill Valley Parkway-Linc system. A report commissioned by Public Works outlines the technical as well as environmental considerations that such a widening would entail. The two parkways were designed to accommodate expansion by one lane in each direction, placing the additional lanes inward into the centre median as opposed to expanding outwards. A consultant report says going into the median will minimize effects on animal habitat and vegetation.

The proposal is being considered because traffic volume on the network has exceeded design capacity in rush hours. Both highways are average close to 90,000 vehicles a day. There are roughly 7,500 trucks a day on the highways working out to about 5 truck movements every minute, but undoubtedly higher during daylight hours when there is more truck traffic. The widening would also necessitate some changes to existing interchanges where traffic weaving is a safety issue—these include the Mohawk Road interchange on the Linc and the northbound section of the Red Hill Parkway between Mud Street and Greenhill.

Staff have spent $485,000 of $600,000 that was allocated for a feasibility study, and propose to use the remaining $115,000 to conduct a stakeholder engagement exercise. Because the Red Hill runs through sensitive natural areas, any major works there require additional approval by the Red Hill Valley Joint Stewardship Board. That Board was established as part of the agreement with First Nations to allow the Red Hill to proceed, consisting of members of Hamilton Council and First Nations representatives, but which has become dysfunctional since two council members, Clark and Francis quit the board last fall. The only councillor still on the Board is Tammy Hwang who has called for a staff review of the board. n November 2022, a proposal was made to the Red Hill Valley Joint Stewardship Board and to date remains under consideration. In December 2023, Council considered a motion to request the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to Upload the Red Hill Valley Parkway and Lincoln Alexander Parkway to become as a Provincial Highway.

Staff estimate the cost of addition the additional lanes would be $135 Million, which would include installation of storm sewers. The staff report is going before Public Works Committee this week.

A City of Hamilton worker has died after being hit by a car in Ancaster while on the job on Friday morning, police say.

Niagara Police are seeking the public’s assistance as they investigate a sexual assault that took place early Saturday morning.  Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) were called to a report of a sexual assault that occurred in the area of Glendale Avenue and Kerr Street in St. Catharines, a residential neighbourhood.

Officers met with a female victim in her 50s, who reported that at approximately 1:00 a.m., she was walking in the area of Glendale Avenue and Kerr Street in the City of St. Catharines when she was suddenly attacked and sexually assaulted by two unknown males. Following the assault, the suspects fled the area on foot. The victim subsequently returned home and contacted police.

NRPS deployed additional resources including the K9 Unit to assist in the search for the suspects. Despite these efforts, the suspects have not been located at this time.

The victim was unable to provide a description of the suspects.

Anyone who may have been in the area with cell phones, closed circuit video recording, or dash camera footage between 12:45 a.m. and 1:20 a.m. April 5, 2025, is asked to review their footage.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009407 or by email at [email protected].

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. 

One person is dead and another has been injured in Nepean Sunday morning, according to the Ottawa Police Service.