Toronto's Centennial College says it plans to merge two of its five campuses due to "stagnant government funding and a decline in international student enrolments induced by federal policy changes."

After a day of rain prompted flood warnings, Environment Canada forecast freezing temperatures and issued a travel advisory for Hamilton, Niagara and much of southern Ontario.

THE GREEN LINE
DOCUMENTERS NOTES

After a Brutal February, Toronto Rethinks Its Snow Removal Plan

On Feb. 27, the Infrastructure and Environment Committee met in City Hall to discuss the City of Toronto’s strategy for dealing with snowstorms.

Toronto saw up to 35 cm of snow within one week in February 2025.
: Anthony Lippa-Hardy/The Green Line.

Sebastian Tansil

Caring mastermind who loves spending quality time with friends and family. Empathetic and precise economist by training. Loves amber yellow as it reminds him of people dearest to him.

March 7, 2025

These city meeting notes are part of Documenters Canada. Learn more about our program here. 

This past February has been harsh on any Torontonian who dared to step outside during and/or after the snowstorms.

Our city saw up to 35 cm of snowfall within one week. It resulted in blocked roads and sidewalks for cars, bikes, streetcars and pedestrians. 

After the storm, the City of Toronto issued a statement on Feb. 19 saying that snow removal is expected to take up to three weeks. It also announced that parking is prohibited on snow routes, which includes all streetcar routes, and that cars will be towed at the owner’s expense and subjected to a fine of up to $200. 

Many Torontonians expressed frustration at transit delays and the pace of snow removal.

On Feb. 27, the Infrastructure and Environment Committee met to discuss ways to improve the city’s response to major winter storms. 

Hamish Wilson, a cycling advocate in Toronto, said unshoveled bike lanes, especially on Bloor Street, Queen Street, Ossington Street and Dupont Street, are a real hazard to cyclists who could get “wiped out” due to the snow banks. 

Adam Cohoon, an artist and disability advocate in Toronto, shared that instead of passing responsibilities back and forth on who should clear the sidewalks, the city should encourage more volunteers across different neighbourhoods to help clear the snow through better communication. 

Until recently, corporate property owners in Toronto had the responsibility of promptly clearing snow and ice from sidewalks around their property. In 2022, the City of Toronto expanded its mechanical sidewalk snow plowing program and relieved private property owners of their obligation to clear snow from sidewalks around their property. 

Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Scarborough-Rouge Park ward, said she was upset at how certain members of Toronto City Council “fabricated a crisis” out of the snowstorm and “threw city staff [working on snow removal] under the bus.” Coun. McKelvie said it is natural to face problems in every snowstorm but that the city has made significant improvement compared to 2022. 

Councillor Anthony Perruzza, Humber River-Black Creek ward, said that despite all the city’s spending on snow removal contracts, it is clear that the right tools to clear all the different types of residential streets are not there. 

What were the results of the discussion?

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee passed a motion to direct Barbara Gray, the general manager of Transportation Services, to report back in the third quarter of 2025 with a detailed plan to make corporate property owners responsible for promptly clearing their sidewalks again.

The committee also passed a motion to direct Gray  to consult the TTC and Toronto Police Service and report back with a detailed plan to deter and rapidly remove private vehicles that block TTC routes during extreme snow events.

If you want to request a snow clearance on a street near you, you can call 311 for a snow clearance service request. 

Fact-Check Yourself

Sources and
further reading

Don't take our word for it —
check our sources for yourself.

City of Toronto

Update: Snow removal operations begin today in a phased approach across Toronto

City of Toronto

Declaration of Major SnowStorm Conditions

City of Toronto

Higher fines, faster towing and demerit points for blocking snow routes

City of Toronto

Corporate landowners should have to clear their sidewalks again

City of Toronto

311 Online Service Requests - Snow Clearing and Winter Maintenance

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The post After a brutal February, Toronto rethinks its snow removal plan appeared first on The Green Line.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says any negative effects on the Canadian dollar caused by the Trump administration's tariffs could be "painful" for the league.

Peel Regional Police confirms it is investigating a 2014 sexual assault allegation involving eight former Ontario Hockey League players.

Nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Hastings County, and the local health unit is warning of community exposure.

The tariffs are expected to have a devastating impact on Ontario's auto manufacturing industry, which employs well over 100,00 people.

IDEAS is hosting a series of cross-Canada discussions that focus on local solutions with the potential to inspire national change. Join Nahlah Ayed and panelists exploring the next chapter of Canada’s democracy. Register in advance for tickets.

 Hamilton Public Health Services is issuing an alert to patients at at “Dentistry At Fennell & Ottawa”, operated by Dr. Merenisa Gonzales-Diaz. Patients who received dental treatment at this location between July 25, 2019 and February 20, 2025 who may have been exposed to improperly sterilized instruments.

While the risk of infection is considered low, the use of improperly sterilized instruments can potentially transmit infectious diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and, to a lesser extent, HIV. Patients who received any dental procedure such as cleanings, crowns, restorations, extractions, veneers, or dentures at “Dentistry At Fennell & Ottawa” located at 1134-A Fennell Ave. East, Hamilton, between July 25, 2019, and February 20, 2025, may be at risk of possible exposure to blood-borne infection. Patients who received care during this period are advised to consult their primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

On February 20, 2025, City of Hamilton Public Health Services completed an on-site investigation in response to an infection prevention and control complaint. The investigation by Public Health Services determined that there was insufficient evidence that instruments were properly sterilized due to inadequate reprocessing practices and records. Corrective measures ordered by Public Health included : the use of a media release due to the absence of readily available
patient contact lists. The office was advised to discard items that are no longer used and declutter the office. The investigation into this infection prevention and control lapse concludes that the risk of infectious disease transmission remains low at this time. With corrective action having been taken, as of February 24, 2025, the dental clinic now meets the required infection prevention and control standards.

Currently, no cases of blood-borne infections have been linked to Dr. Merenisa Gonzales-Diaz’s dental office.

For further details on this investigation, please visit the Hamilton Public Health Services Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Investigations webpage: www.Hamilton.ca/IPACLapse
Please note there may be a short delay in posting the investigation report.

Anyone with questions or concerns, can contact the Hamilton Public Health Services Phone Line at 905-546-2424 extension 7970 or email [email protected].  

Canadian former Olympian-turned-fugitive Ryan Wedding remains active in the drug trade while on the run, according to U.S. authorities. Prosecutors warn against the release of Wedding's co-accused in Toronto, who was purportedly kidnapped last year by a Mexican cartel over a $600,000 drug debt.

Proposed changes to Ottawa's English public elementary school boundaries aren't living up to the goal of a return to community schools, according to angry parents.

Six townhomes under construction in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood were destroyed by fire overnight Wednesday, while at least two adjacent buildings were also badly damaged.

A Londoner is calling on the city to stop using the website X, formerly Twitter, to send out official communication because of the site's associations with hate speech and bigotry.

At the Leamington Council meeting of February 25, 2025, Council:

• Received a plaque presented by the Mayor and Council of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent acknowledging the Municipality of Leamington’s assistance in providing water resources to Wheatley and Tilbury following the fire at the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant.

• Approved a proposal to construct one new 5-storey, 49-unit residential building located at 4 White Street, 8 Askew Street, 10 Askew Street, 103 Erie Street South, 105 Erie Street South, and 111 Erie Street South (Liovas Holdings Ltd.).

• Approved a contribution of $60,000 to the South Essex Arts Association for the delivery of four Mill Street Markets in 2025.

• Approved a contribution of an additional $25,000 to support the 2025 Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series.

• Retained the services of the Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre as sole source provider for the organization and production of the 2025 Music Onthe42 Concert Series.

• Approved a by-law to remove the Holding symbol from the zoning of 615 County Road 18, to enable the applicant to apply for building permits, as adequate services are now approved for the proposed development.

• Authorized the installation of signage on the Municipal right-of-way as a part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

• Reduced the speed from 80 km/h to 60 km/h on Mersea Road 12, between Mersea Road 1 and Essex County Road 33.

• Approved the installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Maxon Avenue and Sherman Street.

• Approved a reduction in the total security required for Building Bridges Erie Shores’ Phase 4 development at 310 Sherk Street to an amount totaling $118, 927.04, based on the security transferred from its Phase 3 Development.

For further information, please refer to the Council agenda and minutes at leamington.ca/Meetings.

The post Leamington Council Matters — February 25, 2025 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Pining for spring? While you hope for some longer, warmer days your fingers may start itching to get out in the garden. It’s not too early to start planning your growing space.

Speaking of space — any garden, large or small, can be a microclimate of diversity.

The Horticultural Society of Kingsville recently hosted Jan Dugale, the President of the LaSalle Horticultural Society, who shared several great ideas for gardening in small spaces.

If you don’t have a yard to plant in you may have a balcony, patio or deck.

Once you evaluate the conditions of your space, for example, sun exposure, wind and rain, you can begin to search for plants that will thrive with little care. Drought resistant, low-care plants and self-watering plants may be suited to your balcony.

Jan introduced us to a variety of planters that could be purchased at gardening centres, hardware stores, dollar stores, or homemade.

Vertical wall planters hang over the top of a fence. They look like the mitts and hats or shoe racks that you see in many places and second hand shops. 

Once you water the top plant, the excess water will drip down to the plants below through the drainage holes in each planter pocket. Ensure you put holes in the pockets if there aren’t any.  We start at the top, so the bottom pouch does not get too overwhelmed with water. 

Railing planters can be long and rectangular or the bucket type. Remember to measure your railing before purchasing so you know it will fit! Some come as frames and you add coconut husk linings to them.

You can even plastic line the husks and put a few holes in the plastic to ensure more moisture is kept within the roots of your plants.  There are also self-watering railing pots, just ensure you keep them full. Check them every several days in hot weather. 

Horizontal planters allow for a lot of growth in a small space. You will want your taller plants in the upper levels and your trailing plants on the bottom.  These trays can be purchased as a two set or set of four, just like the vertical pouches, they come in four or six pouches. .

Growing bags are easy to use and store over the winter. Some bags hang over a post and may be used for flowers, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes and some bags sit on your balcony or patio. Last year I grew herbs, flowers, and fingerling potatoes in grow bags. At the end of the season simply wash, dry, and fold the bags to store in your garden shed.

 Planters filled with soil, water, and plants do get heavy! You may want to consider making these planters movable by putting them on wheels or you can purchase rings with wheels on them for pots in various sizes. You can also buy a set of wheels and install them on a wooden raised bed for easier access to the plants.

 Actually, you can put a plant in almost any container – an old metal tub, a cardboard box lined with plastic, even an old kitchen sink. Be creative and ensure there are drain holes! 

So, there are no excuses! Start planning your personal oasis filled with flowers, veggies, and a dish of water for the birds and butterflies.

The Horticultural Society of Kingsville is holding a Seedy Saturday on March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Unico Center. Come and get some seeds to start your garden indoors. There will also be some kids crafts and a bake sale. Cash only. Don’t miss it.

The post Kingsville Horticultural Society News For February appeared first on Kingsville Times.

MARCH BREAK MADNESS

Daytime Family Game Challenge
Tuesday March 11th
1 – 4 p.m.

Family friendly board games that can be played in an hour or less! All ages are welcomed.

On-site games: Apples to Apples Junior, Sorry!, Guess Who?, Blokus, Yahtzee, Chutes and Ladders, Headbands, and more! Each family will be entered into a draw for a gift card from Masterminds.

Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 445.

Image by handy139 from Pixabay

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Peep Key Chains
Wednesday March 12th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages 7+

Create your very own Peep out of Perler Beads. Join us for a fun and colourful craft session. Let’s get creative and celebrate spring together!

No Registration is required.

*children under 7 are welcome to attend with a caregiver for safety reasons*

Image by Essex County Library

Fun with Ozobots
Wednesday March 12th
5-6 p.m.
Ages 5 – 12

Join us as we explore the world of robots with Ozobots!!

Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 445.

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Image by Essex County Library

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Pine Cone Critter Craft
Thursday March 13th
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ages: 5 + with a caregiver

Drop in and join the family fun. Create your own critters using pine cones.

Let your imagination run wild. Create an animal you know or an imaginary one!

No Registration is required.
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Image by Essex County Library

Evening Family Game Challenge
Thursday March 13th
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Family friendly board games that can be played in an hour or less! All ages are welcomed.

On-site games: Apples to Apples Junior, Sorry!, Guess Who?, Blokus, Yahtzee, Chutes and Ladders, Headbands, and more!

Each family will be entered into a draw for a gift card from Masterminds.

Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 445.

Image by Adrienn Szabó from Pixabay

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Teen Game Challenge
Thursday March 13th
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Bring your phone, and play Jackbox games against your friends!

Snacks are provided.

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Image by Essex County Library

The post March Break Madness at Kingsville Library appeared first on Kingsville Times.

 The Spring Tide Bulb Show opens this weekend, providing an early opportunity for visitors to shake off the winter blahs and Hamiltonians to enjoy the colours and scents of spring. The theme of the 2025 Spring Tide Bulb Show is “Cherry Blossom Festival” and will showcase stunning floral displays that feature spring-blooming bulbs, shrubs, and perennials – all designed in a traditional Japanese garden style.

The show is held over March Break, opening March 7 until March 16, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free; however, food and monetary donations to Hamilton Food Share are welcomed.

Visitors to the show can also enjoy a café, flower market, scavenger hunt, and a children’s activation centre.

Date:                  Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 16, 2025

Time                  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily

Location:           Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
1000 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON L8M 1N2

Parking:             Free parking is available at Gage Park, off Lawrence Road

Notice of Public Consultation Centre
County of Essex and Municipality of Lakeshore 
County Road 22 Reconstruction

Introduction

The County of Essex in partnership with the Municipality of Lakeshore has retained BT Engineering Inc. to design the reconstruction of County Road 22 from I.C. Roy Street easterly to West Belle River Road. After reviewing public input from Public Consultation Centre (PCC) 1, Essex County Council directed further study to reduce property impacts.

The proposed County Road 22 improvements are in accordance with the recommendations of the previously completed County Road 22 Environmental Assessment (EA) Study (2006), and the Corridor Alternatives and Strategies Study in 2022.

The project includes a multi-use path on the south side and a sidewalk on the northside to support active transportation within the corridor. The project will be staged in two contracts as shown below.

Study Process

This is a Schedule C project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEP) and includes the preparation of contract documents for the tender and subsequent construction of the project.

The project will include provision of active transportation improvements, consolidation of accesses along the arterial road corridor, new municipal services, pavement improvements, illumination, new traffic signals and property acquisition. Public Consultation Centre (PCC) 2 is presenting the revised detail design to the public for comments.

Public Consultation Centre

The County of Essex and Municipality of Lakeshore want to ensure that anyone with interest in the project has the opportunity to provide input. An in-person public consultation centre is being held as follows:

Date: March 20, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Atlas Tube Recreation Centre (Renaud Room), 447 Renaud Line, Belle River, Ontario N0R 1A0

There is an opportunity at any time during the Class EA process for interested persons to provide comments. Early identification of individual and group concerns greatly aids in addressing these concerns.

Personal information collected as a result of this public consultation centre is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Planning Act, and all other relevant legislation, and will be used to assist in making a decision on this matter.

All personal information (as defined by MFIPPA), including (but not limited to) names, addresses, opinions and comments collected will be made available for public disclosure to members of the public through requests and through the County of Essex website.

Questions regarding the collection, use and disclosure of this personal information may be directed to the Clerk, Essex County Civic Centre; 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, ON, N8M 1Y6.

The PCC exhibits will also be available on the County’s website at: https://www.countyofessex.ca/CR22/. For more information or if you wish to be placed on the project’s contact list, please contact one of the following:

Steve Taylor, P.Eng., M.Eng.
Consultant Project Manager
BT Engineering Inc.
509 Talbot Street
London, Ontario N6A 2S5
Phone: (519) 672-2222
Email: [email protected]

County of Essex – Infrastructure and Planning Services
360 Fairview Avenue. W, Suite 315
Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6
Phone: (519)728-1975
Email: [email protected]

Krystal Kalbol, P.Eng.
Corporate Leader – Operations
Municipality of Lakeshore
419 Notre Dame Street
Belle River, Ontario N8L 0P8
Phone: (519) 728-1975 ext. 655
Email: [email protected]

The post County Road 22 Reconstruction: Notice of Public Consultation Centre appeared first on Kingsville Times.