Canadian snowbirds watch anxiously as Florida hurricanes create more climate refugees

Canadian snowbirds watch anxiously as Florida hurricanes create more climate refugees

Hurricane Milton has unleashed devastation across parts of Florida, just days after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across six states, marking one of the deadliest hurricane seasons in recent history.

More than 4 million Canadians visit Florida each year and they account for almost $100 billion in economic activity there; for those who invest in real estate, concerns mount about the safety and viability of these properties in the face of climate-driven natural disasters.



Patrick Brown’s involuntary treatment plan for those suffering mental health & addiction crises criticized by Peel councillors 

Patrick Brown’s involuntary treatment plan for those suffering mental health & addiction crises criticized by Peel councillors 

Brown's claims about the benefits of placing individuals involuntarily into treatment programs to address opioid addiction and mental health problems were challenged for the lack of details. The approach’s effectiveness is unproven, he has failed to address the potential strain on emergency services, while long wait times for existing voluntary treatments in Peel left councillors wondering how Brown would manage his plan.



St. Catharines considering lobbyist registry to enhance municipal transparency

St. Catharines considering lobbyist registry to enhance municipal transparency

In certain Ontario municipalities, this interaction between a local elected official and an outside stakeholder with a particular interest in any policies or regulations being debated that could have a direct impact on them financially—in this case local hoteliers who clearly see short-term accommodations as a threat to their business and would prefer to see heavy regulations to push them out of the local market—would be recorded in a system known as a Lobbyist Registry.

However, St. Catharines does not have such a system, allowing such lobbying of politicians happening behind the scenes to take place without any window for the public to see what is happening.



‘A bitter pill to swallow’; Lakeview Village affordable housing commitments changed in latest agreement with Mississauga

‘A bitter pill to swallow’; Lakeview Village affordable housing commitments changed in latest agreement with Mississauga

The latest agreement between the City of Mississauga and the development consortium behind Lakeview Village indicates only 5 percent of the housing units beyond the 8,050 approved prior to the Province’s zoning order that doubled the scale of the development to 16,000, will be deemed fully affordable. The latest agreement leaves the 10 percent commitment that was previously promised by the developers — a number that already falls dramatically short from the 30 percent recommended by the Region of Peel to address the worsening housing crisis — unclear.



Caledon’s future as a green oasis hangs in the balance: does a new policy to rein in gravel mining go far enough? 

Caledon’s future as a green oasis hangs in the balance: does a new policy to rein in gravel mining go far enough? 

Caledon is at a critical juncture—community members gathered with town council on October 7th to discuss proposed policy changes aimed at safeguarding vital resources like clean air and water, and habitat.

While some view these recommendations as a positive step, others urge for even stronger protections amid concerns about proposed new mega blasting quarries that would destroy more greenspace.



Integrity commissioner complaint filed against NOTL Library Board

Integrity commissioner complaint filed against NOTL Library Board

A Niagara-on-the-Lake resident is demanding an investigation into the board of the public library following the firing of the municipality’s chief librarian. In a complaint filed with the Town’s integrity commissioner, it is alleged Board members and Chair Daryl Novak violated a number of library policies and the Code of Conduct. 



Brampton tenants stuck in deteriorating apartments with no alternative as rents skyrocket & housing shortages persist

Brampton tenants stuck in deteriorating apartments with no alternative as rents skyrocket & housing shortages persist

Renters in apartment buildings across Brampton describe alarming conditions inside: pictures of caved in ceilings, mold on walls, broken doors and other shocking signs of neglect. 

Slum landlords, meanwhile, know they can increase rent above guidelines as tenants have few options in a city whose housing stock continues to fail its residents and where bylaw enforcement is an afterthought.



Geoff Wright is the steady hand in charge of Mississauga City Hall

Geoff Wright is the steady hand in charge of Mississauga City Hall

In his latest role leading a staff of thousands in Canada’s seventh largest city, Geoff Wright takes over at a pivotal time in the municipality’s history. The city is booming, spurred by its first commuter rail line which will run the entire length of Mississauga along its major north-south corridor. A number of other massive projects will reshape entire precincts as part of an urban big-city agenda in the rapidly transforming former suburb. 

Vertical growth is happening alongside an ongoing housing crisis while financial pressures mount due to infrastructure needs and the consequences of climate change. With a new mayor beside him, how will Wright balance what’s best for Mississauga with the political will of council?

 



‘Ecological breakdown’: Environmental devastation from Highway 413 becoming clearer; Brampton & Mississauga at significant risk

‘Ecological breakdown’: Environmental devastation from Highway 413 becoming clearer; Brampton & Mississauga at significant risk

The evidence is clearer than ever—the PC government’s Highway 413 project will cause irreversible environmental destruction to Peel’s watersheds. A new report paints a grim picture of the future for three key GTA water courses should the controversial highway be built.



Education minister doesn’t rule out inquiry into schools for deaf & blind plagued by disturbing abuse allegations 

Education minister doesn’t rule out inquiry into schools for deaf & blind plagued by disturbing abuse allegations 

Ontario schools for the deaf and blind have faced allegations of abuse and mismanagement for years. The PC government has refused to acknowledge the evidence, or investigate problems that have led to $23 million in payouts for legal settlements with little transparency to the taxpayers forced to cover the negligence.

Will the new person in charge of the ministry finally take action?



St. Catharines Council considering $10k pay hike, implications of bringing forestry services in-house, and increase to grant program to help residents impacted by flooding

St. Catharines Council considering $10k pay hike, implications of bringing forestry services in-house, and increase to grant program to help residents impacted by flooding

After a failed 2022 effort to increase wages for councillors in line with municipalities of a comparable size, a citizen task force proposes a hike of more than 35 percent for the next council term; councillors will receive a long promised operational report on forestry services that were almost eliminated after the Mayor’s 2024 budget proposal; and staff comes up with an “innovative” incentive program to deal with flooding.



PCs silent on $21M funding shortfall for outdoor education; another swipe at environmental protection

PCs silent on $21M funding shortfall for outdoor education; another swipe at environmental protection

A new report highlights a $21 million gap in the ability of Ontario’s largest school boards to provide critical outdoor education for young learners.

The cost amounts to less than a tenth of a percent of the PC’s education budget, but the government refuses to answer questions about whether it will protect funding to strengthen the relationship between young people and the environment that surrounds them. 



Disability and safety advocates want to see end to e-scooter program in Brampton

Disability and safety advocates want to see end to e-scooter program in Brampton

A five-year test phase for e-scooters is nearing its end, leaving it in the hands of the PC government to determine the future of these micro-mobility machines in Ontario. Disability advocates are hoping the government will finally listen to their warnings about the risks—many of them played out across Brampton, where a pilot program has come under fire.  



Homeowners will have to pay for benefits to developers: St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe defends program

Homeowners will have to pay for benefits to developers: St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe defends program

Controversial programs that have come under fire for providing taxpayer dollars to fund luxury condo developments in Niagara Region have been extended for another 18 months.

A previous audit found these grants and “incentives” provide little benefit to the Niagara taxpayers forced to pay for them. 



Mississauga Council passes sweeping suite of policies to protect residents and combat future flood risks

Mississauga Council passes sweeping suite of policies to protect residents and combat future flood risks

Two rebate programs worth as much as $7,800 for impacted households were part of the moves made by Mississauga’s local elected officials last week after more and more residents are growing frustrated by inaction in the face of our changing climate. Several major stormwater projects to strengthen Mississauga’s resilience were also approved, as City Hall continues to deal with the fallout from two catastrophic storms this summer.



Defunding homeless outreach a deadly decision by St. Catharines council 

Defunding homeless outreach a deadly decision by St. Catharines council 

The elimination of funding by the City of St. Catharines for a critical homelessness outreach organization will have devastating impacts on one of the city’s most vulnerable populations. 



Niagara Council vacancies update: strong interest in West Lincoln by-election; Niagara Falls formally appoints runner-up to fill seat; Niagara-on-the-Lake yet to make a decision

Niagara Council vacancies update: strong interest in West Lincoln by-election; Niagara Falls formally appoints runner-up to fill seat; Niagara-on-the-Lake yet to make a decision

Nominations closed in West Lincoln with five candidates certified for the November 4th by-election; Chris Dabrowski to be sworn in at October 1st Niagara Falls Council meeting. 



Peel’s future is already uncertain—Transition Board chair’s departure raises even more questions 

Peel’s future is already uncertain—Transition Board chair’s departure raises even more questions 

A report delivered to council earlier this year made it clear the impact of a transition process that mishandles the downloading of key regional portfolios like land use; water and wastewater infrastructure and roads could have drastic consequences across Peel. With the resignation of the chair of the provincially-appointed Transition Board, questions are being asked about the timeline and value of any final recommendations to the provincial government. 



PC housing policy threatens watershed security and democracy

PC housing policy threatens watershed security and democracy

The litany of policy changes made by the PC government have stripped environmental protections to the bone. In their place, policies that favour sprawl and ignore smart growth strategies of the past have been enacted. The Ontario Headwaters Institute wants municipalities to support a new Charter for Watershed Security to try and safeguard our valuable natural assets. 



Region of Peel keeps changing position on opening of welcome centre for asylum claimants after Ottawa handed over $22M 

Region of Peel keeps changing position on opening of welcome centre for asylum claimants after Ottawa handed over $22M 

As cold weather nears, The Pointer has tried for weeks to get answers regarding a reception facility for asylum claimants that is supposed to open by November 1st under terms given by the federal government, which provided $22 million in upfront funding for the centre.

Despite the desperate need for the facility after the death of two asylum seekers in Mississauga, the Region of Peel has failed to answer key questions and continues to change its story about meeting the deadline to open the centre by the start of November.



Niagara Region’s 2025 budget puts renewed emphasis on aging infrastructure: tax increase of 8.7% proposed

Niagara Region’s 2025 budget puts renewed emphasis on aging infrastructure: tax increase of 8.7% proposed

After a startling staff report landed before council earlier this month, outlining the dire state of Niagara Region’s critical infrastructure, councillors had little choice but to approve necessary investments to keep things running smoothly.

Also, what’s the truth behind the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognition the Region has received 12 years running?



While transit satisfaction in neighbouring Toronto & Brampton craters, it’s a different story in Mississauga 

While transit satisfaction in neighbouring Toronto & Brampton craters, it’s a different story in Mississauga 

A recent survey conducted by the City of Mississauga shows rider satisfaction with the MiWay transit system has increased even as demand rises. 

Investments are now being made to capitalize on the good news trend, in a city that hopes to shed its identity as a car-dominated suburb. 



$135M gap: Peel Region demanding Ottawa and Queen’s Park cover costs before welcome centre for asylum claimants can open

$135M gap: Peel Region demanding Ottawa and Queen’s Park cover costs before welcome centre for asylum claimants can open

Despite recently receiving $22 million in federal funding for a welcome centre and shelter to help asylum seekers arriving in Peel, the regional government says the reception facility will not proceed unless more money for other long-term costs to support the surge of asylum claimants is handed over.

The confusing demand has some councillors concerned about the future of a desperately needed service ahead of winter. 



A $50 million battle is brewing at Niagara Region: St. Catharines mayor wants taxpayer dollars to help developers

A $50 million battle is brewing at Niagara Region: St. Catharines mayor wants taxpayer dollars to help developers

Controversial incentives for developers funded by taxpayers are back on the regional agenda. While some councillors are pushing to extend the programs, without justification through an informed staff report, others have expressed concern about the burden these programs place on taxpayers, often without delivering what developers promise in return. 



Toxic leak into Welland River continues: Niagara Falls says it does not have the resources to handle the spill

Toxic leak into Welland River continues: Niagara Falls says it does not have the resources to handle the spill

The leak of a thick black toxin continues into the Welland River despite repeated complaints from the public and ongoing investigations from both the City of Niagara Falls and the provincial environment ministry.

While the leak causes known and unknown harms to the environment, the two levels of government are starting to squabble over who is responsible for cleaning it up. 



Peel says centre for asylum claimants will not open without federal funding; Ottawa says it already provided $22M 

Peel says centre for asylum claimants will not open without federal funding; Ottawa says it already provided $22M 

The federal government says it has given the Region of Peel $22 million for a new reception centre to help asylum seekers. The Region, which has been demanding financial aid from upper levels of government for nearly a year and a half since the asylum crisis began, says the funding is contingent on the centre being operational by November 1 — a timeline up in the air as the Region says it’s still waiting for money from higher levels of government. 



Trio of Niagara municipalities grapple with council vacancies

Trio of Niagara municipalities grapple with council vacancies

It’s an unprecedented time in Niagara Region politics as three area municipalities deal with council vacancies. West Lincoln has called a byelection for November; Niagara Falls quickly chose to appoint a new member behind closed doors.

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has yet to decide how to fill the empty council seat left by the departure of Nick Ruller. 



A survivor’s story—how her human traffickers were aided by dangerous pitfalls in our child protection systems 

A survivor’s story—how her human traffickers were aided by dangerous pitfalls in our child protection systems 

For nearly four years, Cassandra Harvey was trafficked by three different men. They beat her, sexually assaulted her, took the money she earned and racked up debt in her name.

She’s now fighting back and sharing her story, to help other survivors like her, while educating government agencies working to eradicate this devastating crime. 



Mississauga food banks experiencing highest increase in demand across Canada

Mississauga food banks experiencing highest increase in demand across Canada

Food banks across the country fear they are becoming de facto grocery stores. The surge in demand has forced some locations to either cut back or even halt services, as more and more people in cities such as Mississauga have become dependent on support. 

Eight percent of the city’s residents are now turning to food banks.



Niagara’s crumbling, century-old infrastructure and multi-million dollar repair bill a byproduct of council apathy

Niagara’s crumbling, century-old infrastructure and multi-million dollar repair bill a byproduct of council apathy

As 2025 budget deliberations commence, a recent written warning from the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change and a blunt presentation on the state of Niagara Region’s water and wastewater infrastructure, will have Regional Councillors considering mistakes of the past.

The ongoing failure to adequately invest in critical, aging assets now leaves taxpayers on the hook for the tens of millions needed to keep pumping stations operating and pipes flowing. 



PDSB trustee concerned about board’s special needs, ‘anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-equity’ budget cuts for school year

PDSB trustee concerned about board’s special needs, ‘anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-equity’ budget cuts for school year

As students and teachers settle into the 2024-25 academic year, the Peel District School Board’s latest budget has drawn criticism for cutting back on funding in the very areas the troubled board has been directed to focus on by the provincial government. 

Equity advocates whose tireless work led to the provincial takeover of PDSB, after decades of systemic racism carried out by teachers, administrators and trustees, have questioned if the board’s commitment to eradicating internal discrimination was nothing more than lip service. 



Billions in flood damage this summer crippled GTA residents, but finally grabbed the attention of local politicians after Doug Ford abandoned municipalities   

Billions in flood damage this summer crippled GTA residents, but finally grabbed the attention of local politicians after Doug Ford abandoned municipalities   

Two extreme weather events in July and August have forced the Region of Peel to immediately mitigate the impact of climate change. The July flood alone, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, caused $940 million in insured damage.

The City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel, where areas were swamped twice over the summer, are now rushing to protect against the next catastrophic storm, as residents grow frustrated over the lack of effective plans for more than a decade. 



Future of healthcare in Ontario looks even worse, according to new report 

Future of healthcare in Ontario looks even worse, according to new report 

In Niagara Region and across the rest of the province, residents will have to cope with a deteriorating health care system under the PC government. The disturbing findings of an extensive study by some of the largest public sector unions in the country add to concerns about widespread burnout among healthcare professionals, unprecedented closures of emergency rooms and wait times far beyond provincial targets. 



Part 3: Developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez offers information for parents to help raise confident, resilient children

Part 3: Developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez offers information for parents to help raise confident, resilient children

From birth to around the age of four, the building blocks for a healthy emotional life are established. Parents, along with other immediate caregivers, are the key to establishing a comforting, supportive environment for babies, toddlers and young children, whose brain chemistry is being constructed. How this architecture is shaped in the first few years greatly influences the future life of adolescents and young adults, many of whom are struggling with unprecedented rates of anxiety and depression.



Province promises audit of broken child welfare system 

Province promises audit of broken child welfare system 

An increasing number of children and youth suffering from trauma, addiction and violence are not getting the help they desperately need from the system designed to help them. This has led to a growing number of complaints about Ontario’s children’s aid societies, which have exposed a fractured system whose underfunding is putting more young people at risk.



‘Too many cooks in the kitchen?’ With only 4,800 residents per councillor, Welland delays decision on reducing Council by half

‘Too many cooks in the kitchen?’ With only 4,800 residents per councillor, Welland delays decision on reducing Council by half

After City staff recommended reducing Welland Council from 12 councillors to 6, elected officials have hit the pause button to find out if residents want to shrink the size of their local governing body.

Other comparable municipalities have two to five times more constituents per councillor.



28 months after FOI request, St. Catharines still has not released chemical testing data for contaminated former GM site slated for residential development 

28 months after FOI request, St. Catharines still has not released chemical testing data for contaminated former GM site slated for residential development 

Freedom of Information.

What exactly does that mean in St. Catharines? The City has reports detailing the extent of the toxic stew underneath the GM site on Ontario Street; why has it refused to make those reports public?



Part 2 of our conversation with developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez about why young people are losing resilience

Part 2 of our conversation with developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez about why young people are losing resilience

Last week Ontario’s biennial mental health and well-being survey of 10,000 students in grades seven to twelve was released by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Its findings are not surprising, but they are disturbing. Many young people are struggling with anxiety, depression and other signs of poor mental health. What are the root causes, and how can we collectively help a generation that often feels helpless?



Staff recommends Welland Council be cut in half for 2026; Niagara Falls wants residents to prioritize Parks & Rec projects in 2025 budget; West Lincoln has first by-election candidate

Staff recommends Welland Council be cut in half for 2026; Niagara Falls wants residents to prioritize Parks & Rec projects in 2025 budget; West Lincoln has first by-election candidate

With “the sole objective to reduce the cost on the taxpayer”, Welland City Council will consider whether to reduce its council size from 12 councillors to 6 and the mayor for the 2026 election.

The City of Niagara Falls launches a collaborative budgeting initiative for Parks and Recreation projects to gain citizen input. However, if service cuts are to come in 2025, this department could be first to see reductions.



Road diary of our first EV trip to Florida — a retired couple steps outside their comfort zone

Road diary of our first EV trip to Florida — a retired couple steps outside their comfort zone

Elaine and Randy Moore are the key to electric vehicle takeup. They do not describe themselves as keen environmentalists, the early adopters who bought into the electric vehicle market years ago; or innovators, those that have to have the latest technology and gadgets as soon as they come out. 

They are part of the roughly 85 percent of Canadians who will enter the green vehicle market only when it makes sense to them. Their recent trip to Florida in their new mid-size electric SUV was the first test of the decision they made to go green.



Part 1: American psychologist Darcia Narvaez wants a return to the ‘evolved nest’ — our children need it now more than ever 

Part 1: American psychologist Darcia Narvaez wants a return to the ‘evolved nest’ — our children need it now more than ever 

The Professor Emerita and author has studied mammalian parenting during her acclaimed career at the University of Notre Dame. Since retiring four years ago from lecturing on developmental psychology and neurobiology, Narvaez has focused her energy on public education. 

The Pointer speaks with her about the challenges young people face, and how a return to earlier developmental upbringing could help stem the forces pushing in on children and youth today.



Q&A: Future of Marineland uncertain after abysmal season; conviction for poor treatment of black bears

Q&A: Future of Marineland uncertain after abysmal season; conviction for poor treatment of black bears

Despite years of complaints over the treatment of its animals, Marineland has never been found guilty of animal cruelty. But now the theme park has been fined for failing to fix significant issues with the enclosures for their black bears. 

The Pointer conducted a Q&A with the Executive Director of Animal Justice, who addressed the implications of the convictions, what may lay ahead for Marineland and animal welfare legislation in Ontario.



Parrish says Peel's request for fair share funding from Queen’s Park ‘landed with a thud’; local residents are subsidizing other parts of Ontario

Parrish says Peel's request for fair share funding from Queen’s Park ‘landed with a thud’; local residents are subsidizing other parts of Ontario

During the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa last week, local elected officials echoed a report by Peel’s Metamorphosis Network showing the region’s 1.5 million residents are being drastically underserved, with a gap of $868 million annually in social service funding.

The response from provincial officials did not inspire confidence that help is on the way.



Peel’s opioid strategy hangs in the balance as Ford refuses to back down on shuttering of supervised consumption sites

Peel’s opioid strategy hangs in the balance as Ford refuses to back down on shuttering of supervised consumption sites

A crucial piece of the Region of Peel’s harm reduction response to the growing opioid crisis has been left in limbo following the PC government’s decision last week to close more than half of its Consumption and Treatment Services sites across Ontario, a decision advocates have labelled a “deadly mistake”.

The announcement leaves the future of Peel’s SCS and additional sites planned for Brampton and Mississauga unclear.



Weeks after initial complaints, chemicals still appear to be leaking into Welland River

Weeks after initial complaints, chemicals still appear to be leaking into Welland River

Six weeks after local environmental advocates reported a toxic spill into the Welland River, it appears the substance is still leaching into the environment.

Despite efforts from City and Ministry officials, a source has yet to be identified, although tracking has led back to nearby industrial business parks. 



Developer grants debate returns to St. Catharines council; Welland approves 50-room emergency shelter; No interest yet in West Lincoln by-election

Developer grants debate returns to St. Catharines council; Welland approves 50-room emergency shelter; No interest yet in West Lincoln by-election

Council members in St. Catharines will once again be discussing proposed changes to the city’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) which provides taxpayer dollars to developers to assist with getting projects off the ground.

Welland is moving quickly to open an emergency shelter for next year, while in West Lincoln it’s been over a week since a by-election was declared, but not a single candidate has stepped forward to register. 



PC decision to abandon safe injection sites amid opioid crisis could have deadly implications; Peel’s plan up in the air 

PC decision to abandon safe injection sites amid opioid crisis could have deadly implications; Peel’s plan up in the air 

Ten supervised consumption sites have been ordered to close after Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced during the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa the Province will be banning sites within 200 metres of schools and childcare centres.

Despite clear evidence of the positive impacts of these sites, the PCs also said they will be introducing legislation in the fall that will prevent any future sites from opening, raising questions about two such locations Peel Region planned to open in Mississauga and Brampton.



Two 100-year storms hit Mississauga in a month; failing infrastructure costing residents millions

Two 100-year storms hit Mississauga in a month; failing infrastructure costing residents millions

The August 17th deluge which led to widespread flooding in many of the same areas that were underwater following heavy rainfall during July’s “once-in-a-century” downpour, has put further pressure on the municipality.

Flooding has plagued certain neighborhoods repeatedly, as taxpayers grow increasingly frustrated with the lack of urgency to address the realities of climate change. 



Will species on the brink of extinction be enough to kill Highway 413?

Will species on the brink of extinction be enough to kill Highway 413?

The PC government claims Highway 413 will begin construction next year. It’s an unlikely timeline based on an examination of studies that must be done and the fact that basic design of the 59-kilometre highway has yet to be completed.

A recently released recovery strategy from the federal government for an endangered species could put another serious hurdle in the path of the PC government’s controversial pet project. 



MiWay expands routes as Mississauga pushes for transit-oriented city 

MiWay expands routes as Mississauga pushes for transit-oriented city 

The City’s MiWay transit system is carrying out a plan for a four percent increase in service hours for 2024 after ridership exceeded pre-pandemic levels. To capitalize on the gradual shift to active transportation in Canada’s seventh largest city, critical projects must take advantage of the multibillion dollar Hurontario light rail transit system set to open in the next year or so.