Ontario

Local news from Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo and Niagara. Visit nationaltimesmedia.com for local Ontario coverage today.

Brockville Tenants Voice Safety Fears After Temporary Warming Centre Opens in Their Building

Brockville Tenants Voice Safety Fears After Temporary Warming Centre Opens in Their Building

Brockville, Ont. (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of an apartment complex in Brockville say they no longer feel secure after a temporary overnight warming centre for people experiencing homelessness was set up inside their building earlier this month. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville opened the warming centre on January 2 in a shared common room at 55 Reynolds Drive, a 43-unit building owned and managed by the counties. The space operates nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., can host up to 40 people, and is overseen by support staff and private security. The decision followed the closure of Brockville’s…
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Freezing Rain Warning Issued Across GTA as Slippery Conditions Loom

Freezing Rain Warning Issued Across GTA as Slippery Conditions Loom

Toronto (Gaganjot Singh): Large parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were placed under a yellow freezing rain warning on Monday as a complex mix of winter weather moved into southern Ontario, raising concerns over hazardous travel and icy surfaces. According to Environment Canada, precipitation began in the morning with patchy freezing drizzle before transitioning into freezing rain. The weather agency warned that freezing rain, at times mixed with snow or ice pellets, is expected to gradually change into rain or snow as a low-pressure system passes through the region. Areas closer to the Lake Ontario shoreline may experience minimal…
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Chrystia Freeland to Resign as Member of Parliament, Join Zelenskyy as Economic Adviser

Chrystia Freeland to Resign as Member of Parliament, Join Zelenskyy as Economic Adviser

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma) — Canadian Liberal Member of Parliament Chrystia Freeland has announced her intention to vacate her seat in the House of Commons to assume the role of economic development adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On January 5, 2026, Zelenskyy appointed Freeland, citing her extensive experience in implementing economic reforms and attracting investment as crucial for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Freeland, who represents the University-Rosedale constituency in central Toronto, will also relinquish her position as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction. She characterized the advisory role as voluntary, aimed at supporting Ukraine’s economic…
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Ontario Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Walpole Island First Nation

Ontario Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Walpole Island First Nation

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that a 29-year-old was found dead from gunshot wounds on the Walpole Island First Nation near the Canada-U.S. border on New Year’s Day. Authorities said they were called to a disturbance shortly after 8 a.m. at the First Nation community, located approximately 120 kilometres east of Windsor, Ontario, near Michigan. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the individual had died at the scene. One person has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The Walpole Island Police Service is assisting the OPP with the investigation. No further information about the circumstances of…
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Human Remains Identified as 26-Year-Old Ottawa Man in Northern Ontario, OPP Launch Investigation

Human Remains Identified as 26-Year-Old Ottawa Man in Northern Ontario, OPP Launch Investigation

CLARA AND MARIA TOWNSHIP, ONT (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after human remains were discovered in Head, Clara and Maria Township, east of North Bay, Ontario. Police said they were alerted to the discovery on Sunday morning, following which an investigation was immediately launched at the site. The remains have since been identified as those of 26-year-old Hakim Muhikira, a resident of Ottawa. OPP officials said preliminary findings indicate there is no broader threat to public safety at this time. Police added that an increased presence will be maintained in the area as investigators work to determine the…
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Indian Expat’s Canada Comparison Video Divides Internet Over ‘Better Life’ Claim

Indian Expat’s Canada Comparison Video Divides Internet Over ‘Better Life’ Claim

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): A social media post by an Indian resident in Canada has ignited a fresh online conversation about whether moving abroad truly offers a better life for the middle class. The video, shared on Instagram by a man named Vishal, compares his everyday experiences in Canada with what he describes as the realities of urban life in India. In the short clip, Vishal documents moments from his daily routine, drawing attention to what he sees as simple but meaningful differences. He highlights quieter neighbourhoods, minimal traffic noise and the presence of clean air and natural sounds, suggesting these…
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Freezing Rain Warning Issued for Ottawa-Gatineau Area Sunday Night

Freezing Rain Warning Issued for Ottawa-Gatineau Area Sunday Night

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of Ottawa and Gatineau have been warned of potentially hazardous weather as Environment Canada predicts a significant bout of freezing rain starting Sunday evening. The agency has issued an orange-level warning for the region, covering most of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. According to Environment Canada, the freezing rain is expected to begin Sunday night and persist into Monday morning, with ice accumulation estimated between 15 and 20 millimetres. Authorities cautioned that travel could become treacherous and power outages may be prolonged, urging people to postpone non-essential trips. The warning also includes surrounding communities such as…
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Ontario Colleges Face Uncertain Future as Federal International Student Cap Triggers Cuts and Layoffs

Ontario Colleges Face Uncertain Future as Federal International Student Cap Triggers Cuts and Layoffs

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario’s college sector is grappling with significant upheaval as federal restrictions on international students force program suspensions, service reductions, and staff layoffs, leaving both students and faculty uncertain about the coming academic year. The federal government recently announced it will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024, continuing a policy aimed at limiting Canada’s temporary population. Colleges across Ontario, which heavily rely on international student tuition to fund programs and services, are feeling the impact. Several institutions have already suspended dozens of courses, including popular hospitality programs…
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Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Indian Research Scholar Killed in Toronto Shooting, Authorities Launch Probe

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus has claimed the life of an Indian doctoral student, prompting expressions of grief from Indian authorities and concern within the international student community. The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was pursuing advanced research studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Emergency responders reached the location after reports of gunfire and found the student suffering from a fatal gunshot injury. He was declared dead at the scene. Police said those responsible had escaped before…
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Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Holiday Travel Across Southern Ontario

Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Holiday Travel Across Southern Ontario

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): A major winter storm is expected to sweep across southern Ontario later this week, raising concerns about travel disruptions during the holiday season, Environment Canada warned. Friday, which coincides with Boxing Day, is projected to see the most significant impact. The storm, driven by a low-pressure system, is forecast to bring a mix of wintry precipitation, including snow, freezing rain, and ice pellets, depending on the location. Southwestern Ontario, particularly around Hamilton and Niagara, may experience freezing rain beginning early Friday morning and continuing through the evening. Officials predict ice accumulation of 5 to 10 millimeters in…
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