Celebration of Sikh Heritage Month will include alcohol-free challenge & substance abuse awareness campaign 

Celebration of Sikh Heritage Month will include alcohol-free challenge & substance abuse awareness campaign 

The Drug Awareness Society of Toronto wants to address the link between youth who are exposed to alcohol and drugs at a young age and adults who are dependent on substances. Working for more than a decade to raise awareness around the dangers of alcohol consumption and substance abuse through seminars at schools and Gurdwaras, the organization is once again challenging Punjabi-Canadians to confront an all-too common problem.



Ottawa to remove Impact Assessment designation from Highway 413 project, a dark day for environmental protection

Ottawa to remove Impact Assessment designation from Highway 413 project, a dark day for environmental protection

In a joint consent order filed to federal court Wednesday, the federal government and Ontario government have asked the courts to cancel the federal environmental assessment for the proposed Highway 413 project.

The news has sent shockwaves through environmental organizations who say there was no need for such a rash, politically driven decision. The decision by the Liberal government comes a week after Premier Doug Ford sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting the removal.



The State of Emergency that may never end: Niagara Region grapples with mental health, homelessness & opioid addiction 

The State of Emergency that may never end: Niagara Region grapples with mental health, homelessness & opioid addiction 

Despite cautions from staff at the time, Niagara Regional Council passed three declarations on social issues that may never truly be eradicated and are not like traditional emergencies.

A year later, Council has no metrics to determine what success looks like or when the States of Emergency should be lifted.



Doug Ford’s developer-driven sprawl plan will have mental health impacts on future generations

Doug Ford’s developer-driven sprawl plan will have mental health impacts on future generations

Since forcing Bill 23 on the province, Doug Ford’s government has come under fire from housing and environmental activists for promoting sprawl. Ignoring the growth of sustainable communities, according to a University of Waterloo study, could have profoundly negative consequences for young people.



Report shows ‘a perfect storm’ is brewing as Ontario falls further behind on wages in child care sector

Report shows ‘a perfect storm’ is brewing as Ontario falls further behind on wages in child care sector

A workforce shortage is limiting access to affordable child care.

A report from the Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare — the province’s central advocacy group for a universal early childhood education and care system — shows that Ontario has fallen behind most other provinces on wages in the sector. 



Niagara Mental Health Summit hunts for solutions through lived experience 

Niagara Mental Health Summit hunts for solutions through lived experience 

Bringing residents, politicians and advocates together, Niagara’s fifth Mental Health Summit offered an opportunity for dialogue on the dire situation facing those battling mental health and addiction issues in the region. 

Event organizer Steven Soos aimed to provide a chance for those who are typically voiceless, to finally be heard. 



Governments need to step up; finance clean, efficient energy for Canada’s most vulnerable, experts say

Governments need to step up; finance clean, efficient energy for Canada’s most vulnerable, experts say

As Canadians face increasing cost of living pressures, some are having to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.

While energy poverty has hit different demographics for decades with little in the way of response from government leaders, organizations are now demanding the issue be addressed in conjunction with the clean electricity transition, to make energy accessible and affordable for everyone.



In loco parentis: what does duty of care mean for our schools during a climate crisis?

In loco parentis: what does duty of care mean for our schools during a climate crisis?

Dr. Ellen Field, a professor of education at Lakehead University has been granted funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada to implement climate change education into teacher training programs.

As the consequences of climate change are magnified, Field sees an opportunity for schools to serve as a place to foster skills and habits for both teachers and youth.



‘Unreasonable, unjust, and wrong’: Ombudsman investigation highlights Ontario’s long-term care system collapse during pandemic 

‘Unreasonable, unjust, and wrong’: Ombudsman investigation highlights Ontario’s long-term care system collapse during pandemic 

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across communities, devastating countries worldwide, those residing in long-term care homes were among the hardest hit, revealing very quickly the harrowing reality of how unprepared Ontario was. A recent investigation by Ombudsman Paul Dubé revealed the Ministry of Long-Term Care “took limited steps to enforce compliance with legislative requirements,” as its inspection system collapsed during the first wave of the pandemic. 



Lack of government transit investment misaligned with green policies, promotes wrong type of housing, new report argues

Lack of government transit investment misaligned with green policies, promotes wrong type of housing, new report argues

A new report from Environmental Defence and Equiterre models how Canada can double public transit use and decrease single occupancy vehicle use by 35 percent.

Transit service levels would have to roughly double, and the federal government has to step up to achieve this goal, which aligns directly with Ottawa’s current emissions reduction commitments.



Now rejected twice, they will not be silenced: Niagara’s Palestinian community & supporters fight to be heard by municipal officials

Now rejected twice, they will not be silenced: Niagara’s Palestinian community & supporters fight to be heard by municipal officials

Niagara Region Council members are feeling more pressure to explain their differential treatment, after refusing to provide the same support to Palestinian community members as they did to the area’s Ukrainian community after the Russian invasion.

Advocates are demanding explanations for what they describe as obvious discrimination after the latest disturbing efforts by regional elected officials who once again went out of their way to deny voices from being heard inside the local legislative chamber. 



Liberals’ draft Clean Electricity Regulations won’t get sector to net zero by 2035, experts say

Liberals’ draft Clean Electricity Regulations won’t get sector to net zero by 2035, experts say

The federal government has taken a step forward in establishing Clean Electricity Regulations to oversee the national transition to low or no carbon electricity systems.

But while the goal of achieving a net zero electricity grid by 2035 is critical to mitigate atmospheric harm, the draft regulations released by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change last fall, and updated last month, will not reach the lofty goal, experts say.



Safe consumption site set to open in Peel but PC delays put municipalities in a chokehold as opioid crisis worsens

Safe consumption site set to open in Peel but PC delays put municipalities in a chokehold as opioid crisis worsens

As opioid-related deaths continue to climb and accidental overdoses become more frequent, more municipalities are looking at Supervised Consumption Sites, like the one anticipated to open at 10 Peel Centre Drive, a stop-gap to the harm occurring on city streets.

Despite the increasing number of deaths, the PC government has halted any new site approval after a deadly shooting near a Toronto facility in July. Evidence has shown these sites actually reduce harms associated with drug injecting and minimize risks to the communities around them. 



Housing, mental health & cost of living crises pulling youth from climate movement, activists say

Housing, mental health & cost of living crises pulling youth from climate movement, activists say

Younger generations are seemingly becoming more disengaged, with less activists showing up for climate strikes and participation in other facets of the movement. Facing pressures around affordability and housing and a range of other forces pushing in on them including those that impact their mental health, many young Canadians are struggling with how much is on their plate, which often turns climate activism into a privilege. 



St. Catharines council says no to pausing tax increases; Council lets the horse out of the barn on rent control …again

St. Catharines council says no to pausing tax increases; Council lets the horse out of the barn on rent control …again

Homeowners, landlords and tenants across St. Catharines could be in for more pain as significant property tax increases in the city could for the second year in a row lead to much higher bills for homeowners, large property managers and tenants, whose rent could go up dramatically alongside any tax hikes for 2024.



‘A slap in the face’: PCs dismiss documented cases of sexual abuse, discrimination against deaf, blind students as ‘opposition rhetoric’ 

‘A slap in the face’: PCs dismiss documented cases of sexual abuse, discrimination against deaf, blind students as ‘opposition rhetoric’ 

MPPs, parents, students and teachers within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind still have no answer as to why the PC government refuses to address numerous allegations of abuse, discrimination and ongoing mismanagement—all of which is documented in lawsuits, Ministry of Labour investigations and accounts from parents and teachers. 

The current government sees it as nothing more than “opposition rhetoric” and despite overwhelming evidence of failed leadership, the PCs “remain steadfast” in supporting these schools. 



‘You have screwed up every project you have touched in this city’: Reviewing the role of integrity commissioners as behaviour of Niagara councillors comes under fire

‘You have screwed up every project you have touched in this city’: Reviewing the role of integrity commissioners as behaviour of Niagara councillors comes under fire

The actions of councillors in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake have come into question over their involvement and influence in projects where they may have a conflict of interest.

The trio of reports are an opportunity to review the municipal integrity commissioner process, how it came to be and what penalties can be assessed if a council member is found to have broken the rules.



800-acre blasting quarry could hurt local Caledon businesses and tourism industry

800-acre blasting quarry could hurt local Caledon businesses and tourism industry

As the controversy over a proposed 800-acre blasting quarry in northwest Caledon unfolds, local business owners speak out about how the aggregate operation could impact the growing local tourism industry and other commercial interests in the area. 



PCs continue destructive sprawl agenda with ‘Get it Done’ Act

PCs continue destructive sprawl agenda with ‘Get it Done’ Act

On Tuesday the PC government and Premier Doug Ford unveiled the Get it Done Act, an omnibus piece of legislation that Ford billed as a path to getting critical infrastructure built to support housing while keeping “costs down” for people and businesses.

This legislation furthers the environmentally destructive agenda the PCs have been advancing since 2018 by stripping down the environmental assessment process for major infrastructure projects like Highway 413 while doing little to promote the types of housing development Ontario desperately needs. 



It’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so let’s talk about it  

It’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so let’s talk about it  

Studies show Canadians know human sex trafficking is a problem in this country, but many wouldn’t know the warning signs if they encountered them and have no idea how to talk about it with their loved ones. 

This lack of knowledge and education has allowed this crime to flourish in recent years. 

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is releasing a new tool to try and get people talking. 



Removal of motion calling for ceasefire in Gaza continues to raise questions about Niagara Region’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts 

Removal of motion calling for ceasefire in Gaza continues to raise questions about Niagara Region’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts 

The decision by councillors to block a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza continues to create ripple effects in the community.

The Pointer speaks with Chair of the Region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Councillor Laura Ip, who has been called to resign as committee chair following council’s decision.



13 men arrested as part of human trafficking sting in Niagara Falls

13 men arrested as part of human trafficking sting in Niagara Falls

A proactive investigation carried out by the Niagara Regional Police into individuals looking to purchase underage sex over the internet has led to the arrest of 13 men over the course of 4 days.

The results highlight the ongoing demand for illicit sex in Niagara’s busy tourist destinations. 



Virtual governance undermines democracy and weakens public accountability

Virtual governance undermines democracy and weakens public accountability

Community activist and longtime Caledon resident Joe Grogan has, since his retirement from the academic world two decades ago, involved himself in numerous local issues that directly impact the lives of residents. He fears virtual government, a hangover from the pandemic, is eroding public accountability at the municipal level. He writes that our democracy is weakened when voters can’t square off face to face with the elected officials who are supposed to protect them.



On Brampton’s clogged suburban streets bike lanes are commonly used to park cars

On Brampton’s clogged suburban streets bike lanes are commonly used to park cars

The City of Brampton is increasing fines for drivers illegally parking in bike lanes from $35 to $150 as complaints mount. The ongoing conflict between cyclists and drivers highlights a challenge in Brampton where a push for active transportation infrastructure, necessary for achieving critical emission reduction targets, clashes with the city’s historic car-centric design.



After years of community opposition will Caledon be the next municipality to formally oppose 413 Highway?

After years of community opposition will Caledon be the next municipality to formally oppose 413 Highway?

While the PC government continues to push a new 400-series corridor across the southern edge of the Greenbelt, Highway 413 has faced widespread community opposition for years. One Caledon councillor might follow the lead of local elected officials across the GTA whose motions cemented formal opposition to the controversial project.



Auto thefts connected to organized crime becoming increasingly violent

Auto thefts connected to organized crime becoming increasingly violent

Stealing cars has been happening since they were invented, but the recent increase in violent auto thefts across Peel and beyond has drawn the attention of the federal government. In an effort to tackle the growing trend, Ottawa recently announced two funding envelopes — $121 million for Ontario and another $28 million for the Canada Border Services Agency. As these organized crimes become increasingly violent, local officials are calling for tougher penalties and stricter sentencing, which is nothing new.



Report shows province not on track to meet target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031

Report shows province not on track to meet target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031

As the PC government pressures some of Ontario’s largest municipalities to get housing built, a recent policy report from the Ontario Real Estate Association reveals housing starts were down in 2023. Based on data from the report, the annual pace of construction would need to nearly double to 150,000 new units by 2025 to have any hope of achieving the PCs’ ambitious goal. 

Municipalities want the PCs to adjust the criteria for provincial funding incentives, using units approved, rather than housing starts, which cities often can not control. 



She escaped from war-torn Gaza, but at what cost?

She escaped from war-torn Gaza, but at what cost?

Mervat Ghaboun recently fled Gaza amid the ongoing bombardment by the Israeli army. She has landed in St. Catharines with relatives, but her siblings are still stuck in the middle of a war.

She is working to bring them to Canada—with every step another roadblock sets her back. She is desperately trying to rescue them from the same fate that took the life of her youngest brother two weeks ago. 



Auditor called to investigate systemic failures amid disturbing allegations of abuse within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind

Auditor called to investigate systemic failures amid disturbing allegations of abuse within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind

Ontario NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma is calling on the provincial auditor general to investigate the systemic issues plaguing Ontario’s provincial schools for the deaf and blind.

The request follows years of sustained advocacy from parents, teachers and union officials who have sounded the alarm about underfunding, understaffing, abuse and neglect within the board which has led to two class action lawsuits settled by the Ontario government at a cost of over $20 million. 



With $27.5M from Ottawa, St. Catharines looks to fund housing initiatives & form a Municipal Development Corporation that polarized council

With $27.5M from Ottawa, St. Catharines looks to fund housing initiatives & form a Municipal Development Corporation that polarized council

In Fort Erie, Council will consider a new “private” tree by-law that will prevent egregious clear cutting and deal with the possible protection of individual trees within the urban boundary. 



With 175-acre gravel pit pending, Niagara Falls council passes up enhanced oversight of aggregate industry

With 175-acre gravel pit pending, Niagara Falls council passes up enhanced oversight of aggregate industry

Residents of Niagara Falls are disappointed after elected officials passed off the chance to join 20 other municipalities and 41 community organizations in calling on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to implement a moratorium on new pits and quarries in light of the findings of a scathing Auditor General's report in December.

That report found aggregate operators have very little oversight and are seldom held to account for breaking the law. Council was reluctant to accommodate the request after the City’s CAO warned that making a political decision when staff have a pit application in front of them could trigger an appeal. 



Could municipalities be the key to curtailing plastics?: Brampton considers single-use ban as Ottawa fights to keep its in place

Could municipalities be the key to curtailing plastics?: Brampton considers single-use ban as Ottawa fights to keep its in place

As oil companies and plastic producers stand strong on their challenge of the federal government’s listing of plastic as a toxic substance — the basis for the single-use plastic ban that began to unroll in 2022, individual municipalities are considering their own single-use-plastic bylaws within their own borders that support the federal bans.



Pelham considers ward boundary shift; timeline set to resolve long-standing cannabis odour issues; Niagara to host public meeting on quarry expansion 

Pelham considers ward boundary shift; timeline set to resolve long-standing cannabis odour issues; Niagara to host public meeting on quarry expansion 

The electoral landscape in Pelham could shift ahead of the next municipal election as councillors consider ward boundary and composition changes. Pelham residents will finally get a schedule for resolving long-standing odour issues from local cannabis operations.

A contentious quarry expansion in Wainfleet will be under the microscope at a public meeting hosted by Niagara Region. 



Construction at Mississauga’s lakefront wastewater plant hopes to mitigate odour ahead of massive development

Construction at Mississauga’s lakefront wastewater plant hopes to mitigate odour ahead of massive development

When planning for luxury lakeside condos, a giant wastewater plant next door, radiating putrid smells across the area, is not an ideal scenario for future residents. The Region of Peel, City of Mississauga and development consortium Lakeview Community Partners are working together to upgrade the G.E. Booth wastewater treatment facility, to make it more sustainable and far less stinky.



As Ottawa scrambles to support municipalities helping asylum seekers dollar amount for Peel still uncertain

As Ottawa scrambles to support municipalities helping asylum seekers dollar amount for Peel still uncertain

Last week, the federal government announced $362.4 million in funding for provinces and municipalities struggling to meet demand as asylum seekers rely on overburdened shelter systems across the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller told reporters more details on the funding will be released in the coming days, but it remains unclear how much Peel’s overcrowded shelters will get.



Calls of ‘racism’, ‘shame’ and ‘disgust’ directed at Niagara councillors over Gaza motion—immediate action needed to salvage trust

Calls of ‘racism’, ‘shame’ and ‘disgust’ directed at Niagara councillors over Gaza motion—immediate action needed to salvage trust

In a recent 26-2 vote, Niagara Regional councillors prevented any debate on a proposed motion—which never got to the floor—calling to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Local elected officials blatantly contradicted themselves, claiming regional government is not the place to deal with geopolitical issues, after doing exactly that when they previously passed a resolution in support of Ukraine. How will they overcome charges of discrimination and rebuild broken relationships in their communities?  



PCs to extend life of Pickering nuclear plant; still heavily tied to natural gas

PCs to extend life of Pickering nuclear plant; still heavily tied to natural gas

A month after announcing the procurement of new renewable energy contracts, the PC government announced it would be financing the refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility in its efforts to ensure Ontario’s energy grid can keep up with future demand.

Nuclear currently provides about 60 percent of the province’s energy supply, as experts encourage the transition to alternative sources such as wind and solar, while warning that the PC government’s investments in natural gas are moving us in the wrong direction. 



A motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was struck down, unlike a similar decision in support of Ukraine—a night at Niagara Regional Council

A motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was struck down, unlike a similar decision in support of Ukraine—a night at Niagara Regional Council

At its most recent meeting, the overwhelming majority of Regional Council members refused to consider a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

While the subject was clearly outside the Region’s jurisdiction, that hasn’t stopped councillors from wading into geopolitical issues before. A previous show of support for Ukraine was not met with the same response. Frustrated community members are now demanding answers from their local elected officials.

 



Appointment of new Niagara Police Chief Bill Fordy draws support and some criticism  

Appointment of new Niagara Police Chief Bill Fordy draws support and some criticism  

As the region, like much of the country, continues to see demographic shifts, the new chief’s past comments on police culture raised concerns.

Chief Fordy, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, who worked with the RCMP in B.C., in charge of one of Canada’s most diverse areas, has recognized the need to root out discrimination in policing.  



Greenbelt scandal far from over; RCMP investigation continues, Integrity Commissioner review underway as community opposition grows

Greenbelt scandal far from over; RCMP investigation continues, Integrity Commissioner review underway as community opposition grows

Amid more resignations and newly surfaced emails, Premier Doug Ford is still struggling to regain support from much of his political base, after his PCs schemed to remove 7,400 acres from the protected Greenbelt. While the land has since been returned to its previous status, new information continues to emerge about the backroom deals and unethical process that caused the scandal. 



Niagara Falls Council ‘approves’ 2024 operating budget without proper public input

Niagara Falls Council ‘approves’ 2024 operating budget without proper public input

With the new strong mayor legislation, municipal councils only need to vote on possible amendments to a mayor’s proposed budget. The new powers are meant to expedite home construction, while ensuring taxpayers are still fully involved in decisions about how their money is spent. That didn’t stop Niagara Falls City Council from adopting the lion’s share of the 2024 budget with next to no public input. 



St. Catharines council rejects mayor’s attempt to remove forestry services

St. Catharines council rejects mayor’s attempt to remove forestry services

Mayor Mat Siscoe faced significant pushback from his council colleagues, following a public backlash over his proposal to use private contractors to take care of St. Catharines’ tree canopy, instead of the in-house forestry services department, which he wants to cut as part of the 2024 budget approval process.



Ontario heat pump rebate set to end; faster transition needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions

Ontario heat pump rebate set to end; faster transition needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions

While all levels of government grapple with increasing pressure to adopt low and zero emission technologies rapidly, more homeowners are choosing heat pumps for their home’s heating and cooling systems.

Provinces in the east have seen incredible success through a series of rebates and other commitments to energy efficiency. But Ontario, which currently has a low rate of heat pump take-up, is falling behind as the province’s own rebate program is set to expire in March.



Algoma University’s Brampton enrolment has skyrocketed 900% in three years thanks to international students from India who say exploitation has made them a ‘cash cow’ 

Algoma University’s Brampton enrolment has skyrocketed 900% in three years thanks to international students from India who say exploitation has made them a ‘cash cow’ 

A spotlight on Algoma University’s Brampton satellite campus, after student protests over marks, exposes the egregious strategy of admitting thousands of foreign applicants to turn around the school’s flagging finances. It is now flush with money, but the students from India who bailed out the school are now asking why they are not getting the education or resources expected for the exorbitant fees they are paying, at least three times more than what their Canadian and American counterparts at the university are charged. Algoma has no housing in Brampton and almost 5,400 students (there were 540 in 2021) are forced to share 38 classrooms. 



Regional breakup?: PCs move to transfer planning, waste collection, major roads & water utilities from Peel Region to Mississauga, Brampton & Caledon 

Regional breakup?: PCs move to transfer planning, waste collection, major roads & water utilities from Peel Region to Mississauga, Brampton & Caledon 

A recent letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is redirecting the provincially appointed Transition Board, previously meant to facilitate the dissolution of the Region of Peel, to conduct a review of major services currently handled by the Region, to hand them over to Peel’s lower-tier municipalities. Is this the beginning of the breakup Mississauga has been waiting for? Hundreds of staff could be impacted. 



Caledon residents and community working group at wits' end over process to control gravel industry

Caledon residents and community working group at wits' end over process to control gravel industry

Two members of Caledon's Aggregate Resources Community Working Group stood before the Town’s planning and development committee last week and demanded local officials reaffirm their commitment to strengthen weak policies for the aggregate industry. The plea came after work to create better accountability over gravel companies has faltered.



Police, student stories from altercation at Brampton high school don’t match; Catholic Board refuses to acknowledge allegations of anti-Black racism 

Police, student stories from altercation at Brampton high school don’t match; Catholic Board refuses to acknowledge allegations of anti-Black racism 

An altercation in November involving students at Cardinal Leger Secondary School in Brampton and a plain-clothed police officer has generated two different narratives about what happened that day. The incident has inflamed tensions between Peel’s Black communities and Peel Police while shining a light on the region’s Catholic school board which is now facing disturbing allegations of systemic anti-Black racism. 



New poll reveals veteran Mississauga politician Carolyn Parrish is the early front runner in mayoral race  

New poll reveals veteran Mississauga politician Carolyn Parrish is the early front runner in mayoral race  

With councillors announcing their bid to replace Bonnie Crombie, a recent poll from Liaison Strategies revealed well known Mississauga political leader Carolyn Parrish would win an election held now. It shows she has a double-digit lead over her nearest potential competitor. A by-election to replace Crombie will likely be held late spring or early summer.



Province allowing aggregate operators to run circles around it, failing to enforce legislation, Auditor General finds

Province allowing aggregate operators to run circles around it, failing to enforce legislation, Auditor General finds

A report from Ontario’s Acting Auditor General Nick Stavropoulos, published last month, picks apart the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry which has essentially handed the reins to the aggregate industry, failing to enforce regulations. Community advocates across Caledon have long fought the approval of new pits and quarries, with little oversight of these operations after they are allowed by the Province. 



Ontario switches gears, plans to increase renewable energy production by 2035; transition still too slow

Ontario switches gears, plans to increase renewable energy production by 2035; transition still too slow

After five years of stalling new renewable energy production, prioritizing natural gas instead, the Doug Ford government has announced the procurement of additional renewable energy that will nearly double capacity by 2035. But following the renewable energy pledge that came out of COP 28 in December, which Canada signed onto, Ontario is still out of step with the national and international policies the country is obligated to fulfill.