The Hamilton Police Services Board has passed a $227 million capital and operating budget for 2025 which represents a 5.7 percent increase from 2024. In an accompanying report the board says it found over $11 Million in efficiencies before arriving at the final figure. The increase will include 40 additional staff—13 sworn officers and 27 civilian staff. Employee costs represent 90 percent of the total Police Budget.

The budget notes that staffing increases are needed to maintain the ratio of police to population but also “in the demand for service and emerging trends in the community.   As a result, most of the 2025 budget increase is dedicated towards sustaining core services.“

The $6.5 million capital budget includes $2 million for body armour, $2.5 million for vehicle replacement and $1.9 million for body-worn cameras which were approved earlier this year.

Some service enhancements are in the budget for 2025:

The 2025 budget includes the addition of one civilian staff position (a Race & Identity-Based Data Analyst), as well as the annualization of the nine  positions that were approved through the 2024 budget, to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan. 

In response to City council’s 2023 declaration of intimate partner violence (IPV) as an epidemic, HPS plans to implement an IPV Unit with a report to be presented to the Board in the first quarter of 2025.  The estimated cost of $3,514,855 has been included in the 2026 multiyear budget.    

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a major cost centre. The service is budgeting for 55 FTEs as backfills, which consists of forty-nine sworn and six civilian members. This is needed to provide replacement  for any Sworn or Civilian members on WSIB leave for five (5) years or more and no prospective date to return to work.

The budget will go to Hamilton City Council for approval on January 28. Council can approve or reject the budget in whole but cannot approve or remove individual line items. The Police Board can appeal a budget denial to a provincial tribunal.

Former Toronto Raptors centre Jontay Porter will have the sentencing hearing in his criminal case tomorrow.

The federal government’s renewed commitment to a new bridge crossing over Kettle Island isn't generating much excitement in Ottawa or Gatineau, where few believe it will happen.

London city councillors have voted to reprimand Coun. Susan Stevenson by docking her pay for 30 days as punishment for what an independent watchdog described as bullying and harassment of a senior city staff in violation of the councillors code of conduct. 

Two additional men are facing multiple charges in connection the disappearance and death of a Toronto-area woman whose remains were found in August, police say.

The federal government is backing away from its former goal of achieving net-zero in the national electricity grid by 2035 — but it is promising deeper emissions reductions in the energy sector after 2050.

Ontario Hockey League star Easton Cowan was a bit of a late bloomer. Now the 19-year-old London Knights forward, a first-round pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023, is expected to be a focal point for Canada at the world junior hockey championship.

A project launched in Thunder Bay to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people has spread to the nation's capital.

On the day when Justin Trudeau was facing the fallout from the Chrystia Freeland resignation in Ottawa, his party was taking another shellacking in a by-election in British Columbia. The seat, which has swung back and forth between the Liberals and Conservatives, had been held by Liberal MP  John Aldag, who forced the by election by quitting his federal seat and running for the New Democrats in the recent BC election which he lost by a wide margin.

The seat was captured by Tamara Jansen who eclipsed all of her opponents with over two-thirds of the votes. Jansen held the seat from 2019 to 2021 when she was defeated by Aldag. In her previous two-year stint in Ottawa Jansen  voted against Bill C-6, banning conversion therapy in the House of Commons on June 22, 2021.

National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country.

Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada today commemorated the national historic significance of Ethel Catherwood.

A special ceremony was held in Saskatoon with Dr. Valerie Korinek, Saskatchewan representative of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, students of the Bedford Road Collegiate high school, and the local community.

Ethel Catherwood was a world-class athlete who improved women’s opportunities to compete in track and field sports during a time when women had to fight their way into international competitions.

Between 1926 and 1930, she set multiple national and world records in the high jump and the javelin throw while facing endemic sexism as a young woman.

She won a gold medal in the high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, the first to include women’s track and field.

By succeeding in high jump, she helped challenge public opinion of women’s athletic skills, opening the door to future opportunities for female athletes in track and field and other sports.

According to her great-nephew, John Godfrey, Catherwood felt that she was not recognized at the time for her athletic skill.  ““It’s pretty tough to pick up a newspaper clipping from that time, and them not talk about her physical attributes, her beauty, her long legs, tall torso. All of this, every time they talked about her. As opposed to talking about her achievements and things. And I know it bothered her a lot,” he said.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past.

The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,260 designations have been made nationwide.

Click here to read more about Ethel Catherwood and her sporting achievements.

The post First Canadian Woman To Win Olympic Gold In Track Honoured appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Toronto city councillors approved Tuesday an increase to your water and garbage bills, saying the added costs are needed to maintain the infrastructure that keeps the programs running.

Two employees at an assisted living facility in Oshawa have been charged with criminal negligence in the death of a resident who died from exposure after being locked outside overnight. 

The case from 14 people who've experienced homelessness is being heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice this week.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested and charged an Etobicoke man for the Sexual Assault of a 13-year-old female in Halton.

On Monday Masoud Abdulla (35) of Etobicoke was arrested by HRPS officers. he has been charged with sexual assault, luring by telecommunications, sexual interference and obtaining sexual services for consideration.

Abdulla used social media to connect with the victim and then drove to Halton to pick her up the evening of the assault. Prior to the assault, the victim had never met the accused in person.

Investigators believe there may be other victims. Abdulla also utilized a handle of “tsmith9423” on social media. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by him is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

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

There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault.  This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, a victim can still report it to police for investigation.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support. Additional information can be found in our Sexual Assault Information Guide. https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/services-and-reporting/resources/Documents/VSU-SA-Victim-Guide-2024.pdf

A valuable resource for information is also available on the Survivors Voices website. https://survivorsvoices.ca/

Hamilton Police are actively investigating a spree of break-and-enters and attempted break-ins that occurred between Monday, November 18, and Tuesday, November 19.

On Monday, November 18, at approximately 11:10 p.m., two male suspects forcibly entered a local business in the Hamilton Mountain area, near Nebo Road and Rymal Road East, where they targeted the cash register and point-of-sale (POS) system. The suspects then attempted to break into another nearby business but were unsuccessful. A third incident was reported in the area, where the POS system was again the target of the break-in. The following day, Tuesday, November 19, at 12:06 a.m., the suspects struck again, this time targeting a car dealership near Barton Street East and the Redhill Valley Parkway. The suspects gained access to the property and stole the POS system.

Video footage from the incidents reveals a total of four suspects. Investigators from the BEAR Unit are now appealing to the public for assistance in identifying those involved. Anyone with any information that could assist Police with the investigation into these crimes, are asked to contact Constable Kaleigh Friday 905-540-6322 or Sergeant Shaun Fennessy 905-540-3819 of the B.E.A.R. Unit. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, they can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton’s Website

Canada Post will restart operations tomorrow and begin the process of safely ramping up and stabilizing operations across the country. With a large, integrated network of processing plants, depots and post offices, stabilizing operations will take time and the company asks Canadians for their patience.

Canada Post will continue to keep Canadians updated with information posted on canadapost.ca.

Parcels, Lettermail and Direct Marketing mail

• On a first-in, first-out basis, Canada Post will start working through the mail and parcels trapped in the system since the strike began on November 15, 2024.
• New commercial volumes will not be accepted into the network until Thursday, December 19.
• Service guarantees are suspended as the company ramps up operations.
• Canadians should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.
• Post office hours of operation may vary as the company works to stabilize operations.

 International mail and parcels

• Canada Post will work to process a significant accumulation of international mail and parcels currently queued up to enter the postal system.
• Customers should expect delays into 2025.
• The postal system will start accepting new international mail on December 23.

The post Canada Post Restarts Operations Dec. 17 and Welcomes Back Employees appeared first on Kingsville Times.

In light of the recent Canada Post strike, the Town of Kingsville is extending the due date for December water bills to January 31, 2025.

This change affects water bills that would normally be sent out within the below map boundary. (Kingsville Route – See Map).

Residents can receive a digital copy of their bill by signing up for Paperless Billing.

There are many benefits of Paperless Billing:

• It’s free
• It’s a simple and convenient way to receive your bill
• You receive an email notification as soon as your bill is issued
• You’re able to see your bill faster than if it were sent via regular mail
• You can save or print a PDF version of your bill
• You are reducing paper waste

Anyone who prefers a physical copy of their invoice may pick up in person after December 11, 2024 at Town Hall, 2021 Division Road North. The Town will mail remaining invoices now that the strike is over.

We hope that the extended due date alleviates concerns regarding late payment fees arising from delayed invoices.

Image of Municipal Offices sign by Chris Anson

The post Town Extends Water Bill Due Date in Response to Canada Post Strike appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Missed Coats for Kids Last Month?
We’ve Got You Covered!

SECC has received additional winter coats and accessories to help keep you and your family warm this winter!

If you or a loved one still need a winter coat and cannot afford to purchase one, come visit us:

Saturday, December 21st
9 AM – 12 PM
SECC Leamington Office, 215 Talbot St. E

We have a variety of sizes available, from infants to adults, so stop by and see if we have what you need.

No appointment needed!

Please note: Everyone in need of a coat must be present during the designated hours to receive one. Coats and accessories cannot be held for later pickup.

Let’s keep our community warm this winter — help us spread the word!

The post Coats for Kids Pop-up Shop Saturday, December 21 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Municipality of Leamington.

Please note the following municipal program and service level adjustments for the 2024 holiday season:

Leamington Municipal Building

The Leamington Municipal Building will be closed on the following days:

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024
• Wednesday, December 25, 2024
• Thursday, December 26, 2024
• Friday, December 27, 2024
• Monday, December 30, 2024
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Residents can continue to report non-urgent municipal issues online at leamington.ca/ReportAnIssue

Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre

The Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre is closed on the following days:

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024
• Wednesday, December 25, 2024
• Thursday, December 26, 2024
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025

For more information, visit leamington.ca/hours

Garbage and Recycling Collection

Please note the following changes to garbage collection:

• Rural area garbage collection for Wednesday, December 25, 2024, moves to Thursday, December 26, 2024.
• Rural area garbage collection for Thursday, December 26, 2024, moves to Friday, December 27, 2024.
• Urban area garbage collection for Friday, December 27, 2024, moves to Saturday, December 28, 2024.
• Rural area garbage collection for Wednesday, January 1, 2025, moves to Thursday, January 2, 2025.
• Rural area garbage collection for Thursday, January 2, 2025, moves to Friday, January 3, 2025.
• Urban area garbage collection for Friday, January 3, 2025, moves to Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Please refer to the collection calendar for details at leamington.ca/garbage.

Christmas Tree Collection

 Christmas tree collection will occur on the following dates:

• Thursday, January 2, 2025
• Friday, January 3, 2025
• Monday, January 6, 2025
• Thursday, January 9, 2025

Please remove all decorations, tree skirts and plastic tree bags before placing your tree curbside.

Transit

The LT-Go Transit holiday schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – No service
• Thursday, December 26, 2024 – No service
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024 – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – No service

For more information, please visit: leamington.ca/LTGO

LTW (Leamington to Windsor) Transit will not operate on the following dates:

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024
  • Wednesday, December 25, 2024
  • Thursday, December 26, 2024
  • Tuesday, December 31, 2024
  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025

For more information, please visit: leamington.ca/LTW

After Hours Contacts

To report an urgent after-hours disruption to municipal services, please visit our after-hours page for contact information at leamington.ca/afterhours.

The post Leamington Issues Holiday Hours For Services appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Skate Lakeshore will kick off the holidays with an expanded Winter Gala showcase on Saturday, December 21 at 10:30am. Performances will feature exhibitions by three of its Silver Stars Synchronized Skating teams, as well as solo skaters of all ages.

“The Winter Gala is a great opportunity for the skaters to showcase what they have been working on so far this season,” says Jenn Woodrich, Skate Lakeshore head coach. “For skaters heading into competition season, it’s a perfect opportunity to perform their programs in front of a cheering audience, especially as part of holiday celebrations.”

All are welcome to attend the Skate Lakeshore Winter Gala at the Atlas Tube Centre on Saturday, December 21 at 10:30am in the Rock Rink. Admission is by donation of mitts, socks, hat or other warm items to support the Lakeshore Community Support Centre.

Over the coming months, the Skate Lakeshore Silver Stars Synchro teams will perform at a variety of venues, including at intermission of the Lakeshore Canadiens, LaSalle Vipers and Windsor Spitfires games.

Skate Lakeshore is a not-for-profit organization that strives to make skating fun for everyone. It is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers and offers skating programs that range from age 3 to adult. It will host its first Provincial Series Competition at the Atlas Tube Centre February 14 – 16, 2025.

For more information, visit skatelakeshore.com.

The post Skate Lakeshore Winter Gala Saturday, December 21 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

A garbage truck with its loader up took out multiple streetcar wires at a major downtown intersection, causing road closures on one of the city's busiest surface transit routes Tuesday, Toronto police say.

Ellie
10-month-old Female Mixed Breed

Hi, I’m Ellie! At 10 months old, I’m full of life and ready to share my energy with you. I LOVE to play, especially with squeaker toys but will need some typical puppy training as I haven’t had a lot of that yet. I am looking for a very active adopter who will put in the work to train me but also have tons of fun with me.

I’m not just playful and energetic, I’m also smart! I love figuring out puzzles, especially when there’s a treat at the end. But don’t worry, I also love cuddle time. I’m friendly and sweet, always ready to make new friends. I need a home with plenty of space to run and play, apartments are a bit too small for me.

I promise to bring joy, laughter, and unconditional love to your life. I’m more than just a pet, I could be your new best friend. Why should you adopt me? Because every day with me will be an adventure filled with love and happiness. Submit an inquiry today!

Visit windsorhumane.org to learn more about Ellie and all of the other adoptable animals at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

The post Pet of the Week: Meet Ellie appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Groups at the Abdirahman Abdi coroner's inquest agree his death a day after his violent arrest by Ottawa police was an avoidable tragedy. Where they diverge is on the mix of opportunities they emphasize might have prevented it.

It started off as a small Facebook group helping families trying to make ends meet by dropping off lunch snacks for school-aged kids. Now, it's a registered non-profit that's delivered just shy of 1,000 food bundles.

Police say a young boy is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash late Monday afternoon just south of London.

The post Free Christmas Dinner – Epiphany Anglican Church, Kingsville appeared first on Kingsville Times.