Provincial police are warning drivers to avoid the section of Highway 11 between Old Barrie and Coldwater roads in Orillia.

Toronto police have charged a 50-year-old man with first-degree murder in a cold case homicide from 1998. Donna Oglive, 24, was found dead at 130 Carlton St. in March 1998, Toronto police said.

After three previous investigations of a suspected chop shop Halton Police have arrested a male and laid multiple charges after a stolen vehicle was located at a rural address in Milton.

On January 19, 2025, members of the HRPS Organized Crime Unit began an investigation into a stolen vehicle that had been found by Halton officers at Khan Traders located at 4446 Trafalgar Road in Milton. The recovered vehicle had been reported stolen from Toronto in 2024. A criminal code search warrant was executed and police concluded that the operation was indeed a chop-shop.

On January 31, 2025, a second criminal code search warrant was executed at a residence in Brampton where Haider Ameer Khan, (26) of Brampton was arrested.

He now faces charges of possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000 (3 counts) and bail violation.

Khan is a repeat offender having been subject to a prior release order for similar offences. Khan was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

This location has been the subject of three separate and similar investigations by the HRPS over the prior 18 months. Members of the Organized Crime Unit are working closely with community partners taking multiple steps to ensure the “Chop Shop” remains shut down and inactive.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Organized Crime Unit at 904-825-4777 ext. 5331.

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

The Super Bowl is this coming weekend, and as in the past years many businesses and private residences will be hosting Super Bowl parties.

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in West Region would like to remind party hosts and participants to be responsible while watching the big game.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest and most entertaining national sporting events for friends and families gathering to socialize and watch the big game. Yet, it can also become one of the most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired and drug driving.

Impaired and drug driving collisions and fatalities can be prevented. Designating a sober driver should be at the top of everyone’s Super Bowl party list, but there are other ways you can help save lives, too.

If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages or consuming other intoxicating substances, remember to plan ahead.

Arrange for a designated driver, take a cab, call a sober driver for a ride or plan to stay over.

Remember if you are hosting a party, you are ultimately responsible for anyone that is consuming alcohol or cannabis while at your home or business.

• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance or help arrange ridesharing with sober drivers.
• Pour properly measured drinks, don’t free pour or serve doubles.
• Serve drinks rather than having a self-serve bar.
• Don’t serve alcohol or cannabis to an already intoxicated person.
• Offer non – alcoholic and or low alcohol beverages.
• Avoid drinking games/competitions, which makes alcohol the focus of the party.
• Monitor how much your guests are drinking and consuming cannabis.
• Provide food and snacks.
• Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Arrange that everyone at your party has a safe ride home or have them stay over.

As stated by Inspector Mike McConnell, Traffic Marine Manager, West Region OPP, “We want everyone to enjoy the game whether it is socializing with family or friends, but we want everyone to act responsibly. Please do NOT drink or consume other intoxicating substances and then get behind the wheel and drive.”

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The post OPP Tips For A Safe and Responsible Super Bowl Weekend appeared first on Kingsville Times.

TOWN OF KINGSVILLE
REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL
AGENDA

Monday, February 10, 2025
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Unico Community Centre
37 Beech Street Kingsville, ON
N9Y 1A9

The Agenda for the Council meeting is available on our website. View the meeting via Livestream at the time of the proceedings at https://www.kingsville.ca/livestream

Please contact the Clerk at [email protected] for information pertaining to this agenda or to arrange for any additional accessibility needs.

Event Details

Agenda (PDF):
Agenda Package – Regular Council Meeting_Feb10_2025.pdf

Agenda (HTML): 
https://kingsville-pub.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=fe004e6f-8f82-4cc6-aa17-1bd2177a74d9&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

To receive agendas, planning notices and other town news in your email inbox, subscribe here:
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The post February 10 Kingsville Town Council Meeting Agenda Is Online appeared first on Kingsville Times.

THE GREEN LINE
DOCUMENTERS NOTES

Everything you need to know about Toronto’s “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” campaign

On Feb. 5, Toronto City Council discussed motions to respond to Trump’s tariff threats.

The City of Toronto wants to develop clear and recognizable labels to be placed on all Canadian goods.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.

Eugene Slonimerov

A Belarusian-Canadian who specializes in urban and conflict studies and the arts. Cares about abandoned public spaces, community building, mapping memories and solving the housing crisis. Kensington Market is home.

Feb. 6, 2025

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

It’s on everyone’s minds this week: How do we shop locally amidst the potential trade war with the United States?

Prices are expected to increase — and Ontarian jobs might be lost — if the announced 25 per cent tariffs on American goods and the tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. are resumed. 

Understandably, many Torontonians are stressed and upset. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on people to buy products made within Canada, the City of Toronto also wants to respond to the potential 25-percent tariffs with its own “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” campaign. 

During the Feb. 5  Toronto City Council meeting, Coun. Mike Colle, Eglinton-Lawrence ward, proposed a campaign to encourage Toronto residents and businesses to join the City of Toronto's divisions and agencies in purchasing locally made Canadian goods and services in order to protect local jobs. 

Coun. Stephen Holyday, Etobicoke Centre ward, asked Pat Tobin, the general manager of Economic Development and Culture for the City of Toronto, how American tariffs would impact Toronto’s jobs. Tobin stated that the Ontario government forecasts around half a million jobs to be lost in the province — with many in Toronto being affected since the city represents 53 per cent of Ontario’s economy. City staff will provide a more detailed analysis in the future.

Many city councillors joined in on the chorus of support for protecting local jobs and building up economic autonomy in the midst of rising economic nationalism. All the city councillors affirmed that Toronto opposes any proposal for Canada to join the U.S. 

Coun. Anthony Perruzza, Humber River-Black Creek ward, asked how much of the city’s service procurement is sourced from the U.S. Paul Johnson, the City Manager, estimated that it's less than 10 per cent. Mayor Olivia Chow stated that the City of Toronto will work on putting Canadian industry first when it comes to procurement, and that all three levels of government should unite as Team Canada. 

Coun. Alejandra Bravo, Davenport ward, noted that compliance with existing trade agreements, perfect or not, provides structure in the chaos of today’s economic realities. This means that even in efforts to turn away from U.S. procurement, we should still respect free trade agreements like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a deal in effect with the EU since 2014. 

What were the results of the discussions?

Toronto’s City Council successfully voted to request the Federal Government to develop a standard recognizable label to be placed on all Canadian goods in clear, readable fonts that shows percentages of Canadian content and any foreign content. 

The City Council also approved a motion to direct the chief financial officer, treasurer and the city manager to accelerate the development of local procurement approaches to strengthen local businesses and protect local jobs.

Fact-Check Yourself

Sources and
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Statistics Canada

Canada announces $155B tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs

City of Toronto

Creation of a City of Toronto “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” Campaign

City of Toronto

Affirming Our Canadian Independence - by Councillor Stephen Holyday

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The post Everything you need to know about Toronto’s “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” campaign appeared first on The Green Line.

Warden Encourages Participation in Black History Month Events

Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald is encouraging residents to take part in local Black History Month events.

“February is Black History Month – a time to celebrate and honour the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians and communities to the fabric of our nation and our county,” she said in her opening remarks at Essex County Council’s meeting Wednesday.

“Their place in North American history goes back 400 years, and nowhere has their presence been more significant than here in Windsor-Essex. There are reminders all around us of the roles they played and continue to play in enriching and strengthening our region.”

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is hosting The Artists of Colour Exhibit: The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion. And there is an extensive listing of other events on the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island website.

Also, at the start of Wednesday’s meeting, Essex County Council and Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers honoured Dan Pickel, who retired in December after 42 years as a paramedic. They presented Pickel with certificates of appreciation from the warden and the premier of Ontario, as well as a plaque recognizing his service.

Essex-Windsor EMS Master Plan Update Presented

Essex-Windsor EMS presented council with its updated Master Plan, which will be used as a guiding document for the next five years.

The updated plan, developed with the assistance of consultant Operational Research in Health (ORH), projects an average annual call volume increase of 4.5 per from 2024 to 2030. Population growth is expected to be the main driver of the increase in Essex County, while a higher demand rate is likely to be the main factor in Windsor, says a report by Chief Justin Lammers about the Master Plan.

Essex County Council was given a summary that includes recommendations for maintaining current response times, including a service delivery review to compare workflows and role portfolios to best practices in the field. If Essex-Windsor EMS decides to move forward with any of the recommendations, it will prepare a more detailed report for council to consider.

Council voted to move forward to 2025 a service delivery review at a cost to the county of about $27,500, with the funds to come from the Rate Stabilization Reserve.

2025 Budget Figures Updated

Essex County’s 2025 Budget totals $139,875,380 and requires a levy increase of 3.48 per cent, says a report to council.

The report notes that a $400,000 reduction in the budget approved by council during its deliberations in November was inadvertently left out when final figures were presented at the time. The updated tax rate and by-law will be finalized at the Feb. 19 council meeting.

Fees for County Services Revised

The County of Essex Fees and Charges By-law for 2025 includes an increase in the deposit required for work permits issued by Infrastructure Services, and a new fee for field advertising and billboards.

The deposit for work permits has been hiked to $1,000 to align with those of local municipalities. The new $450 fee for field advertising and billboards is to cover the costs of reviewing sign applications and site visits. The sign permit is good for three years, says a report to council, which includes a complete schedule of all fees and charges.

Council Receives Report on Phragmites

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has secured $100,000 from the Ontario Phragmites Program to bolster efforts to fight the invasive reed in Essex County.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is leading the local initiative, working with municipalities and other organizations to support a coordinated approach to phragmites control, says a report by Allan Botham, director, infrastructure and planning services. The group is working on developing best practices for combatting phragmites, regional mapping, training, and sharing of data and successes.

Invasive phragmites is the tall reed with tufted seed heads that is common in ditches and along waterways in Essex County, as well as other parts of Ontario. It spreads aggressively and chokes out other plants, reducing habitat for wildlife.

A motion calling for the county to oversee a phragmites control program for the region was deferred to allow councillors time to consult with their respective municipalities.

Official Plan Amended to Allow Agricultural Housing on Leamington Property

The County of Essex Official Plan has been amended to designate 810 Mersea Road 4 in Leamington agricultural land.

The owners requested the change from the previous designation as a secondary settlement area to allow for the conversion of an existing dwelling to housing for workers employed by a neighbouring greenhouse operation.

No public comments were received after the proposed change was advertised and a public meeting was held Jan. 15, says a report by Rebecca Belanger, manager, planning services.

County Funding to Help Continue Leamington to Windsor Transit Service

Essex County Council voted to provide up to $100,000 from the Rate Stabilization Reserve to keep the Leamington to Windsor Transit service going in 2025. The towns of Essex and Kingsville have each committed $20,000.

Provincial funding for the service, which was launched by Leamington in July 2019, ends March 31. In 2024, more than 13,000 one-way rides were logged on the bus route, which has stops in Leamington, Essex, Kingsville and Windsor. The transit service runs three round trips between Leamington and Windsor a day Monday through Friday and two on Saturday.

It’s estimated the Leamington to Windsor Transit service will run a $172,000 deficit in 2025 without provincial funding, says a background report on the issue.

A report to council notes that other transit routes in LaSalle, Amherstburg and Tecumseh that feed into the City of Windsor should also be considered as part of a broader regional transit strategy going forward.

New Hospital Project Representatives Invited to Update Council

Essex County Council is inviting representatives of the new Windsor-Essex Hospital System project to attend a meeting in the second quarter of 2025 to talk about the current stage of hospital construction and the health care services that will be offered.

Notices of Motion to Reverse Cuts to Invest WindsorEssex Funding

Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti introduced notices of motion to reconsider and rescind a council decision that cut 2025 funding to Invest WindsorEssex by 15 per cent to $953,750 and restore it to the original proposed amount of $1,122,060. The matter will be considered by council at its meeting of Feb. 19.

Notices of Motion Tabled in Response to U.S. Tariff Threat

Councillor Mike Akpata introduced two notices of motion in response to the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs. The first calls on the senior levels of government to eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers and the second calls on the County of Essex to explore a ‘buy Canadian’ procurement policy. The items will be considered by council at its meeting of Feb. 19.

Council Invites Local MPPs to Attend Council for Discussion of Issues

Council voted to have local MPPs attend a council meeting following the provincial election to discuss issues of regional importance.

The post County Council Highlights for Feb. 5, 2025 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Registration for Spring Session is now open – Register for Spring programs online

The Town of Kingsville is dedicated to expanding our recreational programs. See what’s happening in Kingsville the week of February 10, 2025.

Monday, February 10

• Drop-In Indoor Pickleball – 7:30 am to 1:00 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Adult Skate – 9:00 am to 9:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Sweat and Shine! – 9:30 am to 10:15 am – Kingsville Arena
• Shinny – 10:00 am to 10:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Home School Skate – 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Home School Shinny – 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Tai Chi All Levels – 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm – Lakeside Park Pavilion

Tuesday, February 11

• Senior Shinny – 8:00 am to 8:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Parent and Tot Skate – 9:00 am to 9:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Drop-In Parents & Tots (10 Months – 4 Years) – 9:30 am to 12:00 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Chair Exercise and Stretch – 9:30 am to 10:15 am – Kingsville Arena
• Creative 55+ Art Class – 10:30 am to 12:30 pm – Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre – Registration Required

Wednesday, February 12

• Drop-In Indoor Pickleball – 7:30 am to 1:00 pm – Kingsville Arena
• FUNctional FITness – 8:00 am to 8:45 am – Kingsville Arena
• Adult Skate – 9:00 am to 9:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Zumbini (0-4 Years) – 9:30 am to 10:15 am – Kingsville Arena – Registration Required
• Shinny – 10:00 am to 10:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Home School Skate – 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Home School Shinny – 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Public Skating – 3:00 pm to 4:20 pm – Kingsville Arena (CANCELLED)
• Kingsville Painter’s Guild – 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm – Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre

Thursday, February 13

• Drop-In Indoor Pickleball – 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
• Drop-In Indoor Badminton – 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Public Skating – 3:00 pm to 4:20 pm – Kingsville Arena (CANCELLED)
• Drop-In Corn Hole Toss – 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Kingsville Arena

Friday, February 14 – PA Day

• PA Day Camp: Friendship Fiesta – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Kingsville Arena (registration Required)
• Drop-In Indoor Pickleball – 7:30 am to 12:00 pm – Kingsville Arena
• Adult Skate – 9:00 am to 9:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Shinny – 10:00 am to 10:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• Parent and Tot Skate – 11:00 am to 11:50 am – Kingsville Arena
• School Skate – 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm – Kingsville Arena
• School Shinny – 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm – Kingsville Arena

Saturday, February 15

• Public Skating – 4:30 pm to 6:10 pm – Kingsville Arena

Sunday, February 16

• Drop-In Parents & Tots (10 Months to 6 Years) – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Kingsville Arena: Auditorium A

Visit our online recreation portal at Kingsville Click and Play to register and to see specific details (such as fees).

Drop-in programs do not require registration. Explore Kingsville’s Community Calendar to discover more events hosted by various groups in the area. We can’t wait to welcome you next week!

Image by Hobby_Photographer from Pixabay

The post Recreation Update — Week of February 10 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Erie Shores HealthCare has been recognized as one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers for 2025, a prestigious designation that celebrates organizations leading the way in workplace excellence.

Part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers program, this regional award is presented by Mediacorp Canada Inc. and acknowledges workplaces that set industry benchmarks for employee engagement, benefits, work-life balance, and professional development.

Employers are evaluated on several key criteria, including workplace culture, compensation, vacation policies, and training opportunities.

“This achievement is a direct reflection of the incredible people who make Erie Shores HealthCare such a special place,” said Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare. “Our staff and physicians’ dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence define our organization. We are honoured to be recognized as a top employer and remain committed to fostering a positive and supportive workplace for our team.”

Why Erie Shores HealthCare Was Selected: 

• Comprehensive retirement planning: Erie Shores HealthCare offers contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and phased-out work options to support employees transitioning into retirement.

• Commitment to employee recognition: The organization honours staff and physicians through annual awards such as Nurse of the Year, Physician of the Year and Employee of the Year, in addition to peer-nominated monthly awards.

• Investment in professional development: Erie Shores HealthCare encourages continuous learning through leadership development programs, in-house training, and tuition subsidies of up to $1,500 per year for job-related courses.

For more details on the Top Employers competition, visit https://reviews.canadastop100.com/top-employer-erie-shores-healthcare.

The post ESHC Named One Of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers  appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Have you ever walked into a home, or even a single room, and wondered, “How do these people live in such a mess?” Collecting and holding onto too much stuff causes many problems – economic, social, and emotional. It is not a common way to assess your health. But having a look at your home is an interesting diagnostic tool.

“Cluttering” can be expensive. About 11% of American households rent a storage unit at an average monthly cost of $85. Nearly half of self-storage customers rent for a year or more, costing over a thousand dollars!

Some nationalities are more compulsive about clutter. For instance, Germans and Swedes seem less inclined to pile up unused things. The Swedes have a saying that stresses you should not leave a mess for others to clean up. They call it “death cleaning.”

Studies show that clutter breeds emotional chaos for some people. A study at Princeton University showed that with too much stuff around, the brain is unable to process information well. Another study from the University of California revealed that clutter can have an adverse effect on hormones.

For instance, women who live with a mess did not show the normal decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, that usually occurs during the course of a day. Moreover, they experienced an increase in depressed mood. In some cases, living in a mess means social isolation stemming from the embarrassment of friends not able to get in the door for all the mess.

A messy home can also lead to falls. Getting older is a dangerous process. Seniors are less agile, and vision deteriorates. Tripping over a mess can cause a fractured hip or other serious injuries.

For messy households, there is nothing like the workload that comes when parents move into retirement homes. This topic doesn’t feature in my new book about Healthy Retirement Residence Living, but that’s my oversight. Fortunately, my own family does not have this problem, but the tales are legendary of families who must sort through room after room of “stuff” collected over a lifetime.

If you’ve decided it’s time to get rid of clutter, there’s good news. Decluttering does make people feel psychologically better. It provides a sense of accomplishment and well-being. Equally important, decluttering gives people a sense of personal control, lowering stress.

If getting rid of clutter is good for you, why don’t more people do it? There are lots of reasons. Are people too busy? Is there just too much stuff? Does procrastination win?

Just as a voyage of a thousand miles begins with the first step, the best thing is to just get started. Set small goals, so you don’t become overwhelmed before you even begin.

Experts in decluttering offer sage advice. Sort your things into three broad categories, “Keep, Discard, and Maybe.” Then repeat with the “Maybe” stuff as many times as needed.

Break the work into small chunks of time. Spending 30 minutes on one task is enough, so you don’t get overtired or bored and say, “What’s the use?”

Remember that deciding to clean up a mess means the clutter has to go somewhere. This is a time when you can make less fortunate people happy. Donate clothing, electronics, books, furniture, and other items to The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other charitable organizations.

Hmm. I can just hear my wife saying, “So Giff, when are you going to toss out those old shoes?” But like old wine, I find it hard to say goodbye to old shoes.

They remain on my “Maybe” list.

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The post Common Sense Health: How Clutter Causes Problems appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Marineland says it has euthanized a seven-year-old beluga whale after a long battle with several different medical conditions.

A person has died after a fire in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Provincial Police said. Emergency crews and fire services responded to a structure fire in the Snug Harbour area on Thursday, police said in a news release Friday. 

Insp. Joyce Schertzer is appealing a disciplinary tribunal decision that found her guilty of misconduct for interfering in a 2022 collision investigation involving her nephew. 

With the threat of punishing U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports continuing to loom large, London's mayor says there are things municipalities can do to better shore up their own economies.

THE GREEN LINE
ORIGINAL STORY

How can I be more sustainable? Student group lights the way for sustainable living in York University Heights

The Green Line team visited Regenesis, a student-run environmental nonprofit at York University, to learn how it helps build an eco-conscious mindset.

Emilia Kolodko, 22, co-program coordinator at Regenesis York Chapter, stands by a wall of free clothes and accessories at the Free Store inside York University.
: Amanda Seraphina/The Green Line.

Amanda Seraphina James Rajakumar

Indian immigrant with a post-grad in journalism from Centennial College. Now living in Grange Park, meeting new people, and hearing different stories. Has four names, so it’s a pick-your-player situation.

 

Feb. 7, 2025

Through all the exams and stress, it can be hard to remember everything that’s taught in college or university — but some lessons learned stay with you throughout your life.

That’s why one group at York University is encouraging sustainable behaviour at postsecondary schools by fostering an eco-conscious mindset among students.

Nonprofit Regenesis is empowering students to make environmental change. From selling fresh produce at affordable prices to offering free donated clothes, these student-run initiatives are open to all students, staff and locals on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Shirin Chugh, a second-year student at York University, started volunteering at YUM Market after first becoming “obsessed” as a customer. She describes the market, which takes place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on York University’s Keele campus, as both “progressive” and wallet-friendly.

At YUM Market, fresh fruit and vegetables produced by farmers across Toronto and Ontario are available at wholesale prices.

Shirin Chugh, a second-year student at York University, stands by YUM market, a fresh-produce market run by Regenesis at York University.
: Amanda Seraphina/The Green Line.

“I would say it's so much [more] affordable than Walmart and so much [more] accessible,” Chugh, 20, explains. “I just have to walk on campus during my class and just grab my veggies and I'm good for the week.”

“So, it has actually changed me a bit in some ways; it has made me more aware about sustainability."

In 2024, there were more than 80 volunteers, like Chugh, across all Regenesis campuses.

Regenesis’ Free Store at York University offers free clothes and accessories to students, staff and locals on a first-come, first-serve basis.
: Amanda Seraphina/The Green Line.

Regenesis’s initiatives tackle these different facets of sustainability:

1. Building a circular economy through its borrowing centre, which offers tools, sporting equipment, video gear and more to curb consumerist behaviour, as well as through its Free Store, which offers donated clothes and accessories at no cost.
2. Advancing food justice through YUM Market, which sells locally sourced produce at wholesale prices.
3. Encouraging sustainable transportation through the Cycle York Community Bike Centre, a hub that repairs and sells budget-friendly bikes. The centre also offers a five-week program that teaches participants to repair a bike that they get to take home for free.
4. Habitat restoration through summertime programs that host tree plantings and clean-ups organized by students.

Emilia Kolodko, co-program coordinator at Regenesis York Chapter says that unlike big-box retailers, Regenesis has a community-centric approach. When people walk into its stores, staff have conversations about what they want or would like to see, which helps them curate items according to the community’s needs.

"We can actually talk to people and implement those changes, which is something that the stores that care about profit don't have time to do,” Kolodko explains.

Regenesis’ Cycle York Community Bike Centre at York University is a bike hub that repairs and sells low-cost bikes.
: Amanda Seraphina/The Green Line.

Regenesis first launched in 2009 as a student environment club at York University’s Keele campus and the University of Toronto’s St. George campus.

Today, its network includes five universities across Toronto, plus one in Mississauga. Regenesis is currently expanding across Ontario and recently, B.C. Each chapter is run by students who come up with programs that fit their university's needs.

“Higher education, universities and colleges really play a role in addressing some of our global challenges,” says Nicole Arsenault, program director for sustainability at York. “Defining ways of doing things on campus within our local communities is really powerful.”

Students shop for fresh produce at YUM Market where Shirin Chugh, a second-year student at York University, volunteers.
: Amanda Seraphina/The Green Line.

Arsenault adds that community-led, student-engagement initiatives like Regenesis help empower students to become agents of change. Kolodko, for example, began as a Regenesis volunteer when they were studying at York. Today, they help run programs.

“There can be so much more Regenesis everywhere. We can care about the environment and care about equity,” they say.

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Sources and
further reading

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Regenesis

About Regenesis

Regenesis

Building a circular economy

Regenesis

Food Justice

Regenesis

Sustainable transportation

Regenesis

Habitat Restoration

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The post How can I be more sustainable? Student group lights the way for sustainable living in York University Heights appeared first on The Green Line.

London artist Eric Drummond and Italian artist Daniela Astone are among four artists featured in the exhibit Fables, Parables, and Apologues at the TAP Centre for Creativity. They spoke with London Morning host Andrew Brown at the gallery ahead of the opening reception on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. An artist speaker session will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Despite a temporary reprieve, the threat of economic havoc still hangs over Canada and, in particular, Ontario, which ranks third in the world for U.S. imports and will be significantly impacted if the 25 per cent tariffs do come into effect.

Mayor Chow’s final 2025 budget proposal includes the TTC’s proposal to fund 10 outreach workers to downtown streetcar lines, focusing on overnight routes. The budget goes to city council on Feb. 11.

Cities including Ottawa could still lock down federal infrastructure money despite breaking a condition against increasing fees for developers who build new housing. 

A man is dead after a fire in a Markham townhouse on Thursday.

Police in Ontario say they are looking for a man who is alleged to have swindled nearly a dozen victims across Canada in a romance scam.

In a bit of fancy flying that was in equal measures patriotic, precise and polite, an Ontario pilot showed Donald Trump exactly what he thinks of the U.S. president's recent moves to challenge Canadian sovereignty.

An Oshawa retirement home and another one of its employees have been charged with criminal negligence causing the death of a 79-year-old resident last year. 

Ontario Provincial Police said emergency services were called to the fire at a single-storey home on Meadow Court shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Ahead of Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers that making each ride risk-free gives them their best chance of safely making it through the season.

Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons, 145 snowmobilers have lost their lives in OPP jurisdictions.

Excessive speed, in particular driving too fast for the conditions, as well as alcohol impairment were among the leading causes or contributing factors in the fatalities.

Driver inattention and lack of helmet use are among other factors that have cost snowmobilers their lives in the last decade.

Every year, snowmobilers take unnecessary risks on frozen waterways.

With close to 40 per cent of the 145 fatalities occurring on frozen lakes and rivers, these locations account for the highest number of snowmobile deaths.

Riders are reminded that frozen lakes and rivers carry an inherent degree of uncertainty about how safe they are and the only way to ensure one’s safety is to avoid frozen waterways altogether.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In addition to road and marine patrol, the OPP conducts patrols by snowmobile and off-road vehicle throughout the province.
• OPP Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement (S.A.V.E.) Teams are mobile, four-season teams that target high-risk operator behaviours on trails and waterways, as part of their efforts to reduce the risk of collisions, fatalities and injuries.
• Mandatory Alcohol Screening authorizes officers to demand a breath test from snowmobile operators without requiring suspicion that they have consumed alcohol.

With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running from February 10 to 17, 2025, riders are encouraged to get up to date on what they need to do to keep themselves, their passengers and fellow riders safe throughout the season.

For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.

~ Image from Sebastian V. on Pexels

The post A Safe Snowmobile Season Comes Down To Risk-Free Riding appeared first on Kingsville Times.

On the campaign trail today, Doug Ford started his day with another interview on US television over the possible Trump Tariffs. He told CNN’s Kate Bolduan that Canada is the number one customer for 28 of the United States. He said he “respectfully disagreed with Donald Trump’s recent statements that the US “doesn’t need” anything that Canada produces. Later he turned up in Kitchener were he picked up another trade union endorsement, this one from the Ontario Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He shrugged off allegations that a former aide to the Municipal Affairs Ministry might have been getting paid by developers to lobby the government about the Greenbelt.

Both NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Green Party leader Mike Shreiner have called for improvements to the Ontario Works Program and assistance to disabled in Ontario.

Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie outlined a four-part healthcare program.

Burlington’s Karina Gould, campaigning for the Liberal Leadership, was in Toronto today where she outlined her platform on housing. Franked by former Toronto MP Adam Vaughan she outlined her housing platform. The plan involves more support to first time homebuyers to raise their down payments, more cooperative housing available to help combat homelessness, and more use of modular construction to create more affordable housing.

Under the rules for candidates for the Liberal Leadership Gould must come up with $125,000 by tomorrow and another $125,000 by February 17^th to stay in the race. Gould was asked if she will be able to meet the deadline. She had some strong words for the way the campaign has been structured.

Toronto police have identified a 43-year-old man who died in hospital after he was shot downtown on Wednesday night.