At the moment, the U.S. is threatening two actions: a worldwide tariff of 25 per cent on steel and aluminum starting March 12, and it has also paused, until March 4, the threat of an economy-wide 25 per cent tariff on Canada and Mexico while it works on border-security deals with both countries.

A "highly impactful winter storm" packing up to 40 centimetres of snow is expected to wallop the capital starting Wednesday evening, Environment Canada says.

Ward Six councillor Tom Jackson will have a motion before Hamilton Council Wednesday to put the brakes on roughly $2.4 million that the city had earmarked for LRT-preparation projects. The motion notes that from the outset, the LRT project was intended to be built with no financial contribution from Hamilton taxpayers. It further notes that the province has still not reached a cost sharing agreement with the Federal government that would trigger Ottawa’s share of the costs. Filomena Tassi, Hamilton’s representative in the Trudeau cabinet, on two separate occasions made public statements indicating that the Province had not yet submitted a business plan that would be necessary for Ottawa to pay its $1.7 Billion 50 percent share of the $3.4 Billion estimated cost of the project. The projects that staff had included in the 2025 budget included the extension of Frid Street from Longwood Road to Chatham Street as well as some other works described as “enabling” LRT.

The  Jackson motion reads, that the 2025 Budget “be amended to defer the $2,363,800 Net Light Rail Transit related projects…until such a time as Metrolinx presents to Council a completed business plan verifying that the project will not exceed $3.4 billion. Holding the cost of the project to $3.4 billion could pose challenges, since that figure was arrived at in 2021. Since that time most major transit projects have encountered significant cost overruns, and one of the key issues with the Hamilton project would be to sort out who would cover what appears to be an inevitable shortfall in funding.

The Jackson motion will likely and rekindle debate over the project which was first raised in 2007 by the McGuinty government, was at one point cancelled by the Ford Government, and then was brought back to life by the intervention of Catherine McKenna, then a minister in the Trudeau government who came up with $1.7 Billion in federal cash to support the project. At the time of the announcement McKenna said there would be some strings attached to the federal share, including the development of affordable housing. To date neither the Province on its own nor Metrolinx have come up with such a plan. In fact, LRT expropriations and demolitions have removed hundreds of units of moderately priced rental properties from the market, and just the prospect of LRT has led to an overall inflation in rents affecting thousands of units. With a provincial election underway and a federal election potentially imminent it is not likely there will be any clarity on the Hamilton LRT project soon.

The Toronto Raptors have signed Brandon Ingram to a three-year, $120-million US contract extension, according to multiple media reports.

Two Ontario party leaders laid out their plans to help young people deal with the affordability crisis, promising to reduce student debt and youth unemployment.

The instances of serious crime involving underage teens appears to be on the increase. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made six arrests and laid multiple charges against teenagers—four of them underage–after an investigation into a stolen vehicle.

Last Friday, at approximately 3:15 am police were called to an Oakville residence in the area of Dundas Street and Sixth Line after an alert resident noticed thieves attempting to unscrew the license plate attached to the vehicle in their driveway. The resident switched on the lights to the home prompting the thieves to scatter.

Police tracked the suspects to the basement of a home in the area that was being used as a short-term rental. Later that day, at approximately 11:40 am, HRPS officers arrested six people as they sat in the drive thru of a Tim Hortons on Centennial Parkway in Hamilton in a stolen Acura SUV. During a search of the vehicle, police located tools associated with the break in and theft of vehicles. 

All six suspects were held pending a bail hearing in Milton.

They include a 16-year-old male of Vaughan, A 16-year-old male of Markham, A 17-year-old male of Markham, a 17-year-old male of Scarborough and two 18-year-old females—one from Scarborough, the other from Lions Head. They face auto theft charges, possession of an auto master key, and break in instruments. One is charged with obstruction of a police officer and two are charged with bail and probation violations.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

A second 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection to threats made last year against a high school in Kemptville, Ont. 

The former Woodstock mayor's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit and he was lucky no one was killed when his car smashed into a Jeep near Ingersoll in 2023, court heard on Tuesday.

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman who died in hospital after she was taken into custody by Hamilton police.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating after a woman died in Hamilton Police cells overnight. The SIU say that on Monday, officers arrested the woman in relation to multiple failure to comply offences. She was taken to the station and put in a cell. At about 2:30 a.m. the following day, she was observed in medical distress and EMS was called.

She was taken to hospital and pronounced deceased.

Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case. The post-mortem is scheduled for tomorrow (February 12, 2025).

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

Algonquin College is recommending to its board of governors the suspension of 37 academic programs as it grapples with “unprecedented financial challenges,” its president and CEO announced Tuesday.

Alfred “Al” Oakley

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, papa, and brother, Alfred “Al” Oakley, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, unexpectedly at his home, with his wife by his side at the age of 81 years. Beloved husband of Nancy Oakley (nee Baeker) and the late Diane “Dee” (nee Logan)(2018). Dear father of Ken (Jodi), Jim (Beth) and Cindy (John).

Adored Papa of Brian (Rachel), Jennifer (Jesse), Kelly (Tyler), Lauren, Michael (Sydney), Shania (JT); great-grandpa of Destiny, Tegan, Jase, Jordan, Skylar and Julianna. Brother of Clifford, John, Ron, Ray, Faye, Sharon Mathias and Sandy Pylypiuk.

Al was born in Barrie, ON to the late Clifford and Betty Oakley (nee Bailey). He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Al was retired from the Windsor Police Association as a Staff Sergeant and had also served in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC) from 1960-65.

In following Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Epiphany (96 Main St W, Kingsville, ON N9Y 1H3) on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Erie Shores Health Foundation, 197 Talbot St West, Suite 210, Leamington ON N8H 1N8.

The post Alfred “Al” Oakley (Sept 18, 1943 – Feb 9, 2025) appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Forge FC faces an uphill task in Mexico on Tuesday when it looks to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg of its CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round series with CF Monterrey.

Juno-nominated jazz vocalist, radio host, voice actor and entertainer Heather Bambrick returns to the Hamilton Music Collective Winter jazz series alongside Stu Harrison (piano), Ross MacIntyre (bass), Chase Sanborn (trumpet / flugelhorn) and Ben Wittman (drums). All proceeds from the series support An Instrument For Every Child—the music program that has brought instruments and musical training to hundreds of elementary students in Hamilton’s inner city.

Heather Bambrick is a JUNO-nominated vocalist who has collaborated with Phil Nimmons, Fred Hirsch, Gene DiNovi, Guido Basso, Lea Delaria, Rob McConnell, Peter Appleyard, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and most recently Darcy Hepner and the Hamilton Philharmonic.

Beyond singing, Heather is one of Canada’s top voice actors, voicing characters for commercial campaigns and several animated series including Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Justin Time. She is also an award-winning broadcaster on JAZZ.FM91 (Canada’s only all-Jazz radio station), and a highly regarded adjudicator and clinician, working at schools and festivals across Canada.   

Heather’s live performances have been described as “what happens when Ella Fitzgerald meets Carol Burnett at a Newfoundland Kitchen Party!”

TICKETS

A $150,000 donation from RBC Foundation will allow Conservation Halton to continue its work of restoring Bronte Creek flowing through the Carlisle Conservation Area. HCA has an ongoing plan to restore the creek. In the 1960s, the creek was widened, straightened and dredged. This led to warmer water temperatures, increased erosion and sedimentation, and a reduction in the quality of aquatic habitat throughout and downstream of the property. The restoration plan will involve clearing trees obstructing water flow, narrowing the stream and planting vegetation along its banks to improve water quality and reduce erosion.

The funding will also support an educational outreach program that encourages landowners along the waterway to also perform remedial work on the stream as it passes through their property. The voluntary program encourages landowners to take such remedial actions as:

• Planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover suitable for wet areas
• Leaving a minimum 3m planted area on either side of the creek
• Removing barriers, dams, culverts and debris that impede water flow

Said Crystal Allan, Manager of Landscape Restoration at Conservation Halton, “with these initiatives, we will work to improve water quality and aquatic habitats while collaborating with farmers to integrate more sustainable practices that help to enhance both biodiversity and agricultural productivity.”

 RBC Foundation has been supporting Conservation Halton’s restoration efforts and community programs for several years. Their ongoing support has helped Conservation Halton establish climate action programs like the Green Space: Newcomer Youth Climate Forum, which provided environmental education to over 1,800 newcomer youth, and the Blue Creeks, Green Banks initiative which restored over 240,000 metres square of floodplains, creeks, and wetlands.

The Ontario Hockey League says a London Knights player has been suspended after being charged with offences related to impaired driving.

An elderly woman has died after being struck by a dump truck in North York on Tuesday, police and paramedics said. Toronto police were called to the scene near Wilson Avenue and Collinson Boulevard around 10:40 a.m., they said in a social media post.

Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) is introducing the Heart-to-Heart campaign for Heart Month.

The campaign, which officially launched on Friday, February 7th, 2025, encourages people in the community to purchase a heart with a personalized message as a gift or in memory of a loved one. Each heart will be displayed on ESHF’s virtual or physical heart wall.

All donations toward the Heart-to-Heart campaign will go directly toward funding new cardiac monitors for Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC). 

The new advanced heart monitors would benefit both the clinical team and patients at the Hospital.

The advanced capabilities of the monitors include mobile monitoring and integrated patient information enabling quick intervention in emergency situations and continued monitoring during scans such as an MRI test. 

Karl Broll, a grateful patient and community healthcare advocate, has dealt with heart ailments for over 30-years. He says he has seen the evolution of heart monitors first-hand. “In my experience, these monitors have provided my network of physicians and nurses with the essential information they need to determine the next steps in my care.”

“Advanced equipment, like these new heart monitors we’re hoping to purchase, would enhance the quality care we provide to our community every day,” said Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of ESHC. “Monitoring the heart health of our patients helps guide their care and initiate timely reactions if their conditions change quickly.”

Erie Shores Health Foundation is encouraging everyone to get a heart to help a heart this month.

“This campaign is a special way for our community to join together while continuing to advance care at our hospital,” shared Penny Bellhouse, Executive Director of ESHF. “Show your love and compassion this month with a donation to our Heart-to-Heart campaign – even if the heart is for yourself!”

Hearts are by donation with no minimum. Virtual hearts can be purchased online at https://visufund.com/heart-to-heart, and physical hearts for the heart-to-heart wall displayed in the Leamington Medical Village building can be purchased in-person at the Erie Shores Health Foundation office, or by mail.

“I encourage everyone to purchase a heart this month; your donation could save a life,” added Broll.

The post ESHF Introduces Heart-To-Heart Campaign For New Cardiac Monitors appeared first on Kingsville Times.

New U.S. tariffs announced Monday by U.S. President Donald Trump are creating uncertainty in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., home of major Canadian producer Algoma Steel. While a local union rep anticipates the tariffs would cause a slowdown in Algoma's production, the CEO says the company has a chance to weather the "short-term storm" if Canada responds quickly.

Environment Canada says Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and Haldimand-Norfolk are in for a winter storm with snow and freezing rain possible late Wednesday into Thursday. Meanwhile hospital staff warn of injuries related to icy conditions, urging people to take care.

Hey Kingsville Friends!

Let’s come together to support our neighbours in need! The demand for food assistance exists year-round, not just during holidays.

Our local Kingsville Community Food Bank often faces empty shelves. Spread some love this month and help make a difference!

Donate the most needed items to our office, and Dr. Hakim will happily match EVERY single food item you bring in.

Your kindness will bring relief and hope to those struggling in our community. Let’s show our support!

Current Needs:

Pudding cups
Granola bars
Canned fruit
Ketchup
Mustard
Shampoo

Call 519-733-6517 with any questions!

Email:
[email protected]

Kingsville Plaza Dental Centre
59 Main St. E. #3
Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 1A1

Website:
[email protected]

The post Donate for Food Bank at Kingsville Plaza Dental Centre appeared first on Kingsville Times.

COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Write On Drop-In: Fridays at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Join the quiet camaraderie and group accountability of this writer’s group!

Quiet writing time for projects, with the occasional opportunity to brainstorm solutions to thorny problems with manuscripts.

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

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

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Sit & Sew: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Are you looking for a space to work on your sewing projects?

Do you have your own sewing machine and would enjoy the company of other sewing enthusiasts?

Join us for Sit and Sew in our program room on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ironing board is supplied.

Image by Essex County Library

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FAMILY PROGRAMS 

Family Storytime Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

A 30 minute program for children 19 months to 5 years of age with a caregiver.

Family Storytime is a program for families of parents with children from 1½ (19 months) to 5 years of age to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Join us for stories, bounces, tickles, songs, rhymes, activities and more!

Program runs from: January 21st to February 25th. (6 weeks) Register online at www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call the library at 226-946-1529 ext. 445.

Image by Essex County Library

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Baby Storytime Wednesdays at 9:20 a.m.

Baby Storytime is a program for parents/caregivers with infants (birth – 18 months) to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Join us for tickling and bouncing rhymes, songs, stories and then stay-and-play with your new friends.

Program runs from Wednesday, January 22nd to Wednesday, February 26, 2025 (6 weeks)

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

Image by Essex County Library

The post Kingsville Library Programs for Adults and Families appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), has issued a Boil Water Advisory for waterline system consumers serviced by the Amherstburg Water Distribution System, specifically:

• County Rd 8 in Tecumseh from Walker to 13073 County Rd 8
• County Rd 8 in Lasalle from 5791 County Rd 8 to Walker Rd
• 5791 County Rd 8 in Amherstburg east to 13073 County Rd 8(Old Malden Rd) in Essex
• Walker Rd in Amherstburg and in Essex from County Rd 8 to County Rd 10
• 14th Concession in Essex from Walker to 14689 14th Concession
• 13th Concession in Essex from Walker to 13396 13th Concession
• 12th Concession in Essex from Walker to 12380 12th Concession
• 11th Concession in Essex from Walker to North Malden Rd
• North Malden in Essex from Walker Sideroad to 12th Concession
• Walker Sideroad from North Malden to County Rd 8
• Old Malden Rd from 12th Concession to 14th Concession
• County Rd 15 in Essex from 2065 County Rd 15 to County Rd 8

The WECHU is advising that water brought to a hard boil for one (1) minute should be used for consumption, infant feeding, or food and ice preparation. Alternatively, bottled water sources can be used for consumption. For further information on boil water advisories, please visit the Boil Water Advisory webpage.

The reason for the boil water advisory is due to a water main break that led to a loss in water pressure throughout the distribution system.

The WECHU is working closely with the Amherstburg Public Works Department. The boil water advisory measure will remain in place until system repairs are complete and satisfactory water sampling results are received.

For more information contact the Amherstburg Public Works Department at 519-736-3664. Consumers can also visit The Town of Amherstburg webpage at https://www.amherstburg.ca/en/Index.aspx for more information.

The post Boil Water Advisory for Amherstburg Water Distribution System appeared first on Kingsville Times.