The building designs for the new École Évangéline were unveiled on Monday.  The new education centre will replace the school damaged by Hurricane Fiona and will be built on the same site. It will accommodate 225 school-aged students, 56 preschool children in the early years center, and 15 students enrolled in before and after-school care programs. In addition to the school, the centre will feature new office space for the French Language School Board; an Acadian and Francophone arts and cultural centre; a public library; and an expanded early years centre.  

Construction will begin in the summer of 2025, and is expected to be completed in the winter of 2027/2028. 

PEI RCMP stopped seven impaired drivers over the weekend. The RCMP had set up ten checkpoints over the weekend.  They included a checkpoint in Wheatley River, where RCMP say 3 impaired drivers were identified in just 1.5 hours. Checkpoints were also set up in Kinkora; Wilmot; Valleyfield; Stratford; Lower Montague; New London; Slemon Park and Brudenell.  The RCMP says the impaired driving cases involved alcohol and drugs.

Icy road conditions were a major factor Monday morning when an oil delivery truck travelling on the Winsloe Road slid off the road after 6:00am and overturned in the ditch.  The driver was trapped in the truck for a period of time and suffered minor injuries.  A section of the Winsloe Road between the Kentyre Road and Horne Cross Road was closed for several hours.  An estimated 400 to 700 litres of heating oil was spilled as a result of the rollover.  The Provincial Environment Department was called in and officials say the oil was contained and cleaned up with a vac truck.  The oil that was spilled did not impact any waterways.  The North River Fire Department, Island EMS, and Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.

Victims of work-related bullying and harassment will soon be able to make claims to P.E.I.'s Workers Compensation Board, as employees receive training in how to handle them starting in the new year.

Brothers Michael and Tafik Al Mayaleh have been glued to the news and keeping in touch with friends and family in their homeland after Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's authoritarian regime was toppled by rebels on Sunday, bringing what they hope is an end to 14 years of civil war.

Dr. Trevor Jain takes viewers' questions from CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin on this month's segment of Talk With the Doc.

An advocacy group is helping update the reading material in waiting rooms and public spaces across P.E.I., with the goal of deepening Islanders' understanding about a range of diverse topics.  

2024 was a record year for Golf PEI.  It reports that there were 446,000 total rounds played on PEI in 2024, which is a new record, up 12.3% from 2023.  There was also $2.11-million in Golf PEI Reservation Centre sales, a 24% increase.  Golf PEI also successfully completed the first year of its five-year strategic plan, which focused on strengthening its foundation and understanding customer needs. Year two will have new messaging and products to attract more non-resident visitors.

There was a single vehicle collision Monday morning on Route 223 – the Winsloe Rd.  The RCMP says it involved an oil truck rollover, and one person was trapped in the vehicle.  There are no details yet from the RCMP regarding injuries.  The RCMP said there appeared to be some oil leaking from the vehicle. 

A portion of Route 223 was closed off by Police to allow crews to deal with the scene.

The RCMP, Island EMS, North River Fire Department, Environmental officials and PEI Department of Highways crews all responded to the scene.

Air Show Atlantic is coming back to PEI.  The event will return to the Summerside Airport on June 28th and 29th after 7 years.  

Initial performers will be announced as early as this week, and the air and static display lineups will be announced gradually over the next several months. 

Event officials say the process and move to Summerside from Greenwood is underway. 

The fun continues as we kick off Christmas Karaoke today!

PEI WEATHER

DARCY’S TRIVIA FOR ROBIN’S DONUTS

TEXT YOUR ANSWERS TO 902-368-1720

Emergency crews and provincial environment officials are at the scene of an oil truck rollover Monday morning just outside of Charlottetown. 

Some lobster fishing captains on Prince Edward Island say they think there will be little interest in new parental leave benefits just announced by the federal government. 

Canadian Para biathlete is motivated by last season's success.

As the temperature drops, the need from local food banks only rises. CBC's annual holiday campaign to help local food banks is running through the month of December. CBC's Jay Scotland has more on how you can help Make the Season Kind.

Larry Robbins and his son, Logan, of St. Peters Harbour are among 53 athletes, coaches and staff participating in the Special Olympics national championships this week in Calgary.

Green Party Leader Karla Bernard says the population framework released by the PEI Government this week presents more questions than answers.  She says the population framework is definitely not a strategy and it is not what the province needs to address the immense pressures on the healthcare system, housing market, childcare spaces and more.  The Greens say the only tangible action in the entire document is the 25 percent reduction of federal immigration nominations and the intent to target immigration to areas where staff is most needed. But, Bernard says there is no explanation on how this will help the government achieve its goals.

P.E.I.'s only commercial airport, which served 400,000 passengers in 2023, has released its first-ever sustainability plan as managers strive to reduce the travel hub's impact on the environment. 

The tax season is officially underway for 2024 — and for some, it can be daunting. But there is free help for Islanders with a modest income and simple tax situation.

Police on P.E.I. are asking motorists to drive with caution as temperatures drop and roads become more slippery.

As of 4:45pm Saturday, the RCMP says Route 2 near Lock Shore Road in Summerside is closed for the time being following a two vehicle collision. One vehicle caught fire after all passengers had safely gotten out of the vehicle.  The section of road is closed to allow emergency workers to deal with the fire and remove the vehicles.

There was a fatal house fire in Charlottetown on Thursday night.  The Charlottetown Fire Department, Charlottetown Police and Island EMS all responded to the call at about 10:00pm, and arrived to find a working fire in a house in the West Royalty area.  Police say a 71-year old woman was found deceased in the home.   The house sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.  Fire officials are investigating, trying to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

A 71-year-old woman died in a house fire in the West Royalty area of Charlottetown on Thursday.

Lynx Air, which had recently announced a flight schedule out of YYG Charlottetown this summer, is leaving the skies on Monday.

The Calgary-based ultra-low-cost airline is going out of business after filing for creditor protection.

Lynx Air is advising passengers to contact their credit card company to get a refund.

WestJet is offering discounted fares for stranded domestic travellers and capping fares for international flights on its non-stop routes previously served by Lynx.

Lynx Air had announced just last month that it would start operating flights in late May between YYG Charlottetown Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport with through service to Calgary International Airport.

A Murray Harbour village councillor accused of posting an anti-Indigenous sign on his property wants a judge to quash sanctions imposed on him. Documents filed with the P-E-I Supreme Court show Councillor John Robertson claims fellow councillors exceeded their authority in fining and suspending him from his municipal post last November.  Robertson argues that he shouldn’t be punished for stating personal opinions on political issues that have nothing to do with his role as an elected council member.

The electric vehicle market on P.E.I. is pumping the brakes a little. Just a year ago, car lots couldn’t keep electric vehicles in stock. But now some EVs are sitting a lot longer.

The P.E.I. kazoo choir is led by Peggy Miles, who formed it last year with the intention of having fun-minded people get together and perform for the public.

Prince Edward Island’s new mental health and addictions emergency department — the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada — is being called a game-changer, monumental, and a long time coming by Health P.E.I. staff and patients. 

People are remembering Mi'kmaq leader Jim Sark, who had served as chief of both Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation. Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard says her uncle always made people feel special.

Coming off a loss in the District 19 byelection and criticism of the medical school his government backs, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King speaks to CBC News.

The provincial government has released a five-year housing strategy to guide efforts in growing the housing supply; providing more options for low-and medium-income residents; and supporting those most in need. The Province says it was developed through consultation with non-profit and community groups, tenants, landlords, industry associations, developers and all levels of government. It outlines 20 priority action items under three main pillars – acceleration, affordability and vulnerability. Some of the goals of the strategy include growing housing starts to a new level towards the required average annual 2,000 units; achieve and maintain a healthy market vacancy rate of 2 to 4 per cent; explore ways to increase the supply of permanently affordable rental housing through a combination of acquisitions and new constructions; and prioritize the most in need on the PEI Social Housing Registry, while working to eliminate the registry. 

The P.E.I. government released its five-year plan Friday for increasing the province’s housing supply to address the Island’s ongoing housing crisis.

The Province’s first-ever mental health and addictions emergency department is ready to open.  The new $9.5 million facility opens next week to Islanders needing urgent mental health, addiction and substance use care and clinical support in times of crisis.  It provides 24/7 access and is staffed by health care providers who will assess, stabilize, and manage urgent care needs.  The province says health care teams will also work with patients to create a treatment plan and make connections to other acute or community-based mental health, addiction or substance use programs and services that best supports them.  The new 8,000 square foot facility offers two distinct services and spaces – a mental health and addictions emergency department, which will open at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and a mental health and addictions short stay unit, which will open in the coming months.  A psychiatric assessment is required for admission to the short stay service.

A low-cost airline that announced new flights out of P.E.I. just six weeks ago is shutting down before it even got started.

The UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball Panthers are in action on Friday at the AUS Championships in Halifax.  The Women’s Panthers face St. FX in their quarter-final at 1:00pm, while the men battle St Mary’s at 8:30pm in their quarter-final.  

Michael Horth scored a pair as the Charlottetown Islanders beat Cape Breton 3-1.  Cam Squires scored for the Eagles.  

The Summerside Western Capitals are on the road Friday night to face the Valley Wildcats in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.  

The Holland College Men’s and Women’s volleyball Hurricanes head to the ACAA  Championships in Saint John, N.B. this weekend.  The Women face  the Tommies in a quarterfinal Friday  afternoon at 1:00pm.  The Men play St Thomas Saturday in a semi-final.

The UPEI Panthers Track and Field team is at the AUS championship in Moncton.

The Jane DiCarlo rink lost 9-6 to Quebec on Thursday at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary.  The playoff field is set for the Scotties.  Alberta’s Selena Sturmay will face six-time champion, Jennifer Jones of Manitoba, while defending champion Kerri Einarson takes on undefeated Rachel Homan of Ontario in the afternoon draw. Manitoba’s Kaitlyn Lawes and Kate Cameron round out the rest of the six playoff teams.

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday’s Scoreboard

NHL

Buffalo 3, Montreal 2

Boston 6, Edmonton 5 (OT)

Toronto 6, Arizona 3

Philadelphia 3, Chicago 1

Columbus 7, Anaheim 4

—

AHL

Laval 3, Hershey 2 (SO)

Belleville 4, Rochester 1

Abbotsford 2, Ontario 1 (SO)

Hartford 2, Bridgeport 1

Grand Rapids 1, Texas 0

Lehigh Valley 3, WB/Scranton 2 (OT)

Rockford 3, Iowa 1

Coachella Valley 5, San Jose 4

—

PWHL

Boston 3, Ottawa 1

New York 4, Montreal 3 (SO)

—

MLS

Miami 2, Real Salt Lake 0

—

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Orlando 3, Cavalry 0

—

Thursday’s Schedule

(All times Eastern)

NHL

Dallas at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Florida at Carolina, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Washington at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Boston at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Toronto at Vegas, 10 p.m.

Vancouver at Seattle, 10 p.m.

Nashville at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

—

AHL

Milwaukee at Chicago, 12 p.m.

Cleveland at Hartford, 7 p.m.

—

NBA

Brooklyn at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m.

New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at Utah, 9 p.m.

Washington at Denver, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 10 p.m.

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

A recent study looks at the health effects of not being able to afford to keep your home warm enough, or living in a drafty home that's always cold. The authors call it "energy poverty."

The Provincial government wants to slow down population growth on the Island.  As part of a plan released yesterday, the province says it wants to whittle down its federal immigration nominations by 25 per cent for this year.  The remaining 75 per cent of nominations will be redistributed to align with a critical need for workers in nine provincial sectors, including health care, trades and child care.  Still the government projects the Island’s population will hit 200-thousand people by 2030.

It could be a treacherous weekend for travel as Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for P.E.I.'s Kings and Queens counties.   

The cost of diesel in Prince Edward Island dropped just after midnight Friday. There was no change to the price of gasoline or furnace oil.

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission has approved a decrease of 3.0 cents per litre in the price of diesel, but there’s no change in gasoline or furnace oil prices. Pump prices for diesel now range from 199.4 to 200.6 cents per litre.  Propane price adjustments ranged from increases of between 1.0 and 2.0 cents per litre.  Propane prices now range from 90.3 to 92.5 cents per litre.

The popularity of free heat pumps for Island households making $100,000 net or less has led to the province adding an extra $29 million to the program.

A federal government decision to cut funding to performance arts organizations has some Island festival organizers worried about potential impacts here on P.E.I. 

Intrepid CBC P.E.I. reporter Sheehan Desjardins gets up close and personal with some of the new behemoths at the International Potato Technology Expo in Charlottetown.

With 20 to 40 millimetres expected in central and eastern P.E.I., Environment Canada says water could pool because the frozen ground can't absorb that much rainfall.

The Prince Edward Island government is aiming to slow down population growth, in part by whittling down its federal immigration nominations, it said as it released a new population framework Thursday. 

Charlottetown Police say a man who threatened two people with a knife in the city's downtown is now in custody and has been charged with three offences. 

One of the two young people charged in regards to the death last December of 17-year old Tyson MacDonald made a virtual court appearance in Georgetown Thursday and entered guilty pleas to charges of Mischief and Obstructing Police.  The crown then stayed three other charges the teen faced – including First Degree Murder; Accessory After the Fact; and Interfere With Human Remains.  Sentencing is set for April 18th. 

Meanwhile, there was an adjournment Thursday in the case involving the second youth charged in Tyson MacDonald’s death.  That teen is facing charges of First Degree Murder and Interfering with Human Remains, and is due back in court April 18th for election and plea.

A publication ban protects the identity of the youths under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Taylor Farms Mexican Style Street Corn chopped salad kits with a February 21st best-before date have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the products were sold in PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Anyone with the recalled kits are being told to throw them out or return them to where they bought them.
The agency has not received any reports of illnesses.

MLAs return to the provincial legislature next Tuesday for the start of the spring session.  The sitting will resume at 1 p-m in the legislative chamber of the Coles Building in Charlottetown.  The newest member of the legislature, Matt MacFarlane of the Green Party, was sworn-in Wednesday as the MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora.  With MacFarlane officially sworn-in, the Green caucus has announced new critic roles.  Leader of the Third Party Karla Bernard will serve as critic for  a number of portfolios, including Education and Early Years; Social Development and Seniors; Economic Development, Innovation and Trade; and Indigenous Relations.  Third Party House Leader Peter Bevan-Baker will serve as critic for Housing, Land and Communities; Finance; Environment, Energy and Climate Action; and Transportation and Infrastructure.  Matt MacFarlane is the new Third Party Whip will serve as critic for Health and Wellness; Justice and Public Safety; Agriculture; Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population; and Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture. 

One of the two teens charged in the death of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald pleaded guilty to two charges at an appearance in Georgetown Provincial Court on Thursday.