Sarah Cooke
- Communications Officer, Almaguin Community Economic Development
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Articles by Sarah Cooke
Autumn Budget 2026: Implications for capital and structuring
Various proposals and measures in the Autumn Budget 2026 could influence how capital is invested into UK real estate. See our separate commentary for details on property taxes, business rates and affordable housing. Here, we have explored how a variety of other measures may affect the structure and timing of investment transactions across the built environment. Sovereign investors: Revisiting routes into UK real estate?
‘They invite us into honesty’: Former international rider launches Project New Start in Callander
In the middle of a paddock near North Bay, healing begins with a breath. A double-sniff in, followed by a long, slow exhale through pursed lips — a “physiological sigh” designed to dump carbon dioxide and bring a jacked-up human nervous system back online. Within three to five breaths, the horse standing nearby often mirrors the shift, dropping its head, relaxing its ears and a taking soft breath of its own.
Ever been to a lawn tractor race? Sprucedale’s wild tradition is catching on
High-octane community spirit is returning to McMurrich/Monteith this July as the annual Sprucedale Summerfest prepares to mark its sixth annual lawn tractor races. The signature event brings together tractor enthusiasts and families for a revamped weekend schedule. The lawn tractor races have served as a pillar of the festival’s expansion. Recreation co-ordinator for McMurrich/Monteith Lisa Firby said that the event has experienced momentum. “It’s grown year over year,” Firby said.
Municipal leaders say provincial delays stall proposed Almaguin ride share project
Local transit options in Almaguin could be on the verge of a major upgrade, but municipal leaders say the plan is stalled in provincial red tape. The Village of Sundridge has voted unanimously to back a neighbouring transportation pitch from the Village of South River, which is seeking provincial cash to launch a tech-driven, rural ride share pilot project.
How an Almaguin ranch is celebrating local heritage through a national racehorse retraining challenge
Pull up a chair and stay a while. That’s how horse trainer Brookelyn Cumberland kicked off a 12-week national retraining challenge with Cullen, a retired standardbred racehorse who is quickly becoming the Almaguin’s most talked-about resident. Over the next three months, ranch owner Dana Bates and Cumberland are tasked with transforming the former track athlete into a versatile riding horse, showcasing the intelligence of the breed after racing.
Seguin Trail advocate warns McMurrich/Monteith council of potential trail ruin without land permit
The future of a 27-kilometre stretch of the Seguin Trail rests on whether McMurrich/Monteith Township will step in to save it, local Park to Park Trail representative John Britten warned council on June 16. Britten, who appeared as a delegation to request the township assume a five-year Crown land use permit, told council the regional trail network is facing complete neglect.
Municipal leaders say provincial delays stall proposed Almaguin ride share project
Local transit options in Almaguin could be on the verge of a major upgrade, but municipal leaders say the plan is stalled in provincial red tape. The Village of Sundridge has voted unanimously to back a neighbouring transportation pitch from the Village of South River, which is seeking provincial cash to launch a tech-driven, rural ride share pilot project.
Powassan council advances park upgrades, bylaw overhauls and election changes
Powassan council moved swiftly through its agenda during its meeting on Tuesday, June 16. Here are five things to know: Temporary elevator shutdown at Golden Sunshine housing Residents at the Golden Sunshine Non-Profit Housing Corp. facility are facing a temporary infrastructure disruption. Council received minutes confirming the building’s elevator will undergo a six-to-eight-week shutdown for necessary maintenance.
PowerBank says Armour Twp battery site will not include an AI data centre
The head of the energy company behind a controversial battery storage proposal on Peggs Mountain Road says the facility will not host a high-tech artificial intelligence data centre, despite the company’s recent shift into the tech industry. PowerBank Corporation, a Toronto-based firm previously known as SolarBank Corporation, rebranded on June 4 to announce a new focus on modular data centres.
A donation, not a payment: Almaguin townships push back on Burk’s Falls medical centre bills
For Almaguin residents, the health centre in Burk’s Falls is where they go for blood work, X-rays or, for some, to see their family doctor. For the Village of Burk’s Falls, it is an aging 77-year-old former Red Cross hospital it increasingly can’t afford to maintain.
Perry backs grassroots fight to save Huntsville cancer clinic
Perry Township council has voted unanimously to back a grassroots campaign fighting the regional health-care restructuring plan that would strip the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital of its specialized cancer clinic. The decision followed a presentation from local cancer advocate Austin Toth and his wife, Leah, who warned that consolidating services further south in Bracebridge creates an unfair travel burden for rural residents. “Magnetawan is our home.
Grassroots tourism push brings FlixBus to Almaguin, Huntsville, and North Bay Original
For years, local tourism operators have been trying to find a way to provide those looking to escape to cottage country in the summer an easy way to discover and explore Almaguin and beyond. “We’ve been waiting years for the train,” said James Toth, co-owner of the Crystal Cave in Strong Township.
Armour Township council considers tire disposal ban, flood relief options
From your landfill to your local economy, here's what came out of Armour Township's June 9 council meeting. Tire drop-offs may be ending soon. The landfill hasn't moved a tire since October due to a provincewide recycling system breakdown. A resolution to stop accepting tires is expected at the next meeting. Flood relief for Armour residents is being discussed. Council debated options for helping residents with demolition and disposal costs from the spring flood. No decision was made.
PowerBank CEO rules out AI data centre for disputed Armour battery site Original
The head of the energy company behind a controversial battery storage proposal on Peggs Mountain Road says the facility will not host a high-tech artificial intelligence data centre, despite the company’s recent shift into the tech industry. PowerBank Corporation, a Toronto-based firm previously known as SolarBank Corporation, rebranded on June 4 to announce a new focus on modular data centres.
Magnetawan targets water safety as Lions Club swim program enters 59th year Original
The Municipality of Magnetawan has officially designated the third week of July as National Drowning Prevention Week, shining a spotlight on a nearly six-decade-long grassroots swim program credited with keeping local waters safe. At a council meeting on Wednesday, local advocate Juanita Bueshleb presented data from the Lifesaving Society, noting that around 500 people drown in Canada each year, with Ontario bearing the heaviest toll.
Almaguin regional rideshare pilot ready to launch, but awaits stalled provincial funding
Local transit options in Almaguin could be on the verge of a major upgrade, but municipal leaders say the plan is stalled in provincial red tape. The Village of Sundridge has voted unanimously to back a neighbouring transportation pitch from the Village of South River, which is seeking provincial cash to launch a tech-driven, rural ride share pilot project.
Armour Township council considers tire disposal ban, flood relief options
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Almaguin Data AI centre cancelled: why the developer withdrew
Formal correspondence in Armour Township’s agenda package blames Ontario planning framework risks and community opposition for the recent data centre cancellation. The correspondence, included in the June 9 council agenda package, clarifies the company’s position following a period of silence and attributes the project’s cancellation to legal risks within Ontario’s planning framework and local opposition. Almaguin Data Inc.
PowerBank CEO rules out AI data centre for disputed Armour battery site
The head of the energy company behind a controversial battery storage proposal on Peggs Mountain Road says the facility will not host a high-tech artificial intelligence data centre, despite the company’s recent shift into the tech industry. PowerBank Corporation, a Toronto-based firm previously known as SolarBank Corporation, rebranded on June 4 to announce a new focus on modular data centres.
Phragmites Working Group Lake Bernard adds drones and insect nursery to control invasive plants
The phrag fighters of Lake Bernard are entering their ninth season of tackling the region's destructive wetland weeds by expanding the volunteer network and deploying a high-tech arsenal of science tools, drones, and insect nurseries. The Phragmites Working Group Lake Bernard — locally known as the Almaguin phrag fighters — is scaling up its operations this summer into a regionwide mapping and management network.
Magnetawan targets water safety as Lions Club swim program enters 59th year
The Municipality of Magnetawan has officially designated the third week of July as National Drowning Prevention Week, shining a spotlight on a nearly six-decade-long grassroots swim program credited with keeping local waters safe. At a council meeting on Wednesday, local advocate Juanita Bueshleb presented data from the Lifesaving Society, noting that around 500 people drown in Canada each year, with Ontario bearing the heaviest toll.
Almaguin regional rideshare pilot ready to launch, but awaits stalled provincial funding
Local transit options in Almaguin could be on the verge of a major upgrade, but municipal leaders say the plan is stalled in provincial red tape. The Village of Sundridge has voted unanimously to back a neighbouring transportation pitch from the Village of South River, which is seeking provincial cash to launch a tech-driven, rural ride share pilot project.
Armour Township council considers tire disposal ban, flood relief options
From your landfill to your local economy, here’s what came out of Armour Township’s June 9 council meeting. Tire drop-offs may be ending soon. The landfill hasn’t moved a tire since October due to a provincewide recycling system breakdown. A resolution to stop accepting tires is expected at the next meeting. Flood relief for Armour residents is being discussed. Council debated options for helping residents with demolition and disposal costs from the spring flood. No decision was made.
Donation bin in Kearney community centre lobby collects linens for injured wildlife
A tall, grey container resembling a waste bin has been placed in the main lobby of the Kearney Community Centre, catching the attention of residents heading inside this week. Is the town rolling out a new recycling pilot project? No. The bin is a temporary collection station for residents to donate linens to regional wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Almaguin Data AI centre cancelled: why the developer withdrew
Formal correspondence in Armour Township’s agenda package blames Ontario planning framework risks and community opposition for data centre cancellation. The correspondence, included in the June 9 council agenda package, clarifies the company’s position following a period of silence and attributes the project’s cancellation to legal risks within Ontario’s planning framework and local opposition. Almaguin Data Inc.
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? Is the Kearney Community Centre accepting laundry?
A tall, grey container resembling a waste bin has been placed in the main lobby of the Kearney Community Centre, catching the attention of residents heading inside this week. Is the town rolling out a new recycling pilot project? No. The bin is a temporary collection station for residents to donate linens to regional wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? Is the Kearney Community Centre accepting laundry?
A tall, grey container resembling a waste bin has been placed in the main lobby of the Kearney Community Centre, catching the attention of residents heading inside this week. Is the town rolling out a new recycling pilot project? No. The bin is a temporary collection station for residents to donate linens to regional wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
No car, no problem: Toronto travellers get a direct line to South River tourism
For years, reaching Almaguin tourism without a vehicle was nearly impossible, but a new intercity transit partnership is aiming to change that by dropping travellers off right at the front gates of local businesses. Explorers’ Edge has announced a new partnership with FlixBus on June 4 to launch seasonal routes connecting Toronto Union Station and Pearson International Airport directly to regional hubs across Muskoka and Almaguin, ending in North Bay.
No car, no problem: Toronto travellers get a direct line to South River tourism
For years, reaching Almaguin tourism without a vehicle was nearly impossible, but a new intercity transit partnership is aiming to change that by dropping travellers off right at the front gates of local businesses. Explorers’ Edge has announced a new partnership with FlixBus on June 4 to launch seasonal routes connecting Toronto Union Station and Pearson International Airport directly to regional hubs across Muskoka and Almaguin, ending in North Bay.
Drones, moths and volunteers: How the Almaguin phrag fighters are expanding their turf
The phrag fighters of Lake Bernard are entering their ninth season of tackling the region’s destructive wetland weeds by expanding the volunteer network and deploying a high-tech arsenal of science tools, drones and insect nurseries. The Phragmites Working Group Lake Bernard — locally known as the Almaguin phrag fighters — is scaling up its operations this summer into a regionwide mapping and management network.
Central Almaguin Planning Board rescinds approval for Strong Township subdivision
The Central Almaguin Planning Board has rescinded its draft approval for a controversial 15-lot subdivision in Strong Township, following a procedural error on a type of file the board hasn’t handled in over half a century.
Popular Sundridge waterfront market returns for summer
A popular Friday night summer tradition is returning to the Sundridge waterfront after a one-year hiatus, thanks to a local volunteer who stepped forward to keep the community gathering going. The “Market and Park It” event, which brought life to the downtown Main Street park for three summers, was paused when organizers couldn’t find anyone to take the reins.
Popular Sundridge waterfront market returns for summer
A popular Friday night summer tradition is returning to the Sundridge waterfront after a one-year hiatus, thanks to a local volunteer who stepped forward to keep the community gathering going. The “Market and Park It” event, which brought life to the downtown Main Street park for three summers, was paused when organizers couldn’t find anyone to take the reins.
Beyond a window sticker: Almaguin and Muskoka mean business on LGBTQ2S+ inclusion Original
Every June, Canadian storefronts light up with rainbow flags and merchandise. Every July, they come down. For the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, that cycle has a name: rainbow washing. As North Bay advocacy group OutLoud puts it, swapping a logo for a month is not a commitment to inclusion. It’s a marketing strategy. Pride, at its roots, is about resistance, human rights and basic safety, not seasonal marketing.
Opposition helps halt proposed AI data centre up north
A proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Armour Township, south of North Bay, will not be moving forward, with the developer citing required studies and public feedback as factors in the decision. Matt Fuller, founder of Almaguin Data Inc., says the company will not be moving forward with the project at the Highway 520 Industrial Park. “Our team and investors recently completed their review of the studies required and public feedback for the application,” Fuller wrote.
From handbooks to wedding contracts, Northern resort rebuilds for LGBTQ2S+ safety
SUNDRIDGE - Inclusivity is more than just a rainbow sticker in a window — it’s a complete dismantling and reconstruction of how a business operates to create a system of safety. For Kate Hood, human resources manager at The Northridge Inn & Resort in Sundridge, achieving certification through the Rainbow Registered program, a national accreditation hosted by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), seemed like a natural evolution of the resort's internal culture.
Community opposition helps halt proposed data centre in Armour Twp
A proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Armour Township, south of North Bay, will not be moving forward, with the developer citing required studies and public feedback as factors in the decision. Matt Fuller, founder of Almaguin Data Inc., says the company will not be moving forward with the project at the Highway 520 Industrial Park. “Our team and investors recently completed their review of the studies required and public feedback for the application,” Fuller wrote.
Five things to know about Powassan’s proposed trailer bylaw
Powassan is getting ready to introduce tighter regulations on how and where people can keep recreational trailers on their land. After reviewing a new draft bylaw at the May 19 council meeting, town officials made it clear they want stricter, clearer rules for property owners. Here are five key things you should know about the proposed trailer rules: The town wants to move to a mandatory licensing system.
Five things to know about Powassan’s proposed trailer bylaw
Powassan is getting ready to introduce tighter regulations on how and where people can keep recreational trailers on their land. After reviewing a new draft bylaw at the May 19 council meeting, town officials made it clear they want stricter, clearer rules for property owners. Here are five key things you should know about the proposed trailer rules: A licence, not just permission The town wants to move to a mandatory licensing system.
‘The relief’: Almaguin AI data centre project shelved after public pushback Original
A proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Armour Township will not be moving forward, with the developer citing required studies and public feedback as factors in the decision. Matt Fuller, founder of Almaguin Data Inc., confirmed to Almaguin News that the company will not be moving forward with the project at the Highway 520 Industrial Park in Armour Township.
An AI tech project is quietly targeting a northern Ontario region: Why these Almaguin residents are sounding the alarm
Jordan Gorlick was scrolling Instagram when she got a feeling. There it was: Armour Township, neighbour to Burk’s Falls. “I was angry enough that I cried,” said the 22-year-old South River resident. “I just had a feeling I should search it up, and there it was.” She took to Facebook, and within a day her post had accumulated more than 30 shares across community groups in Sundridge, South River, and Burk’s Falls, with reach extending as far as Huntsville.
An AI tech project is quietly targeting a northern Ontario region: Why these Almaguin residents are sounding the alarm
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“The relief”: Almaguin AI data centre project shelved after public pushback
A proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Armour Township will not be moving forward, with the developer citing required studies and public feedback as factors in the decision. Matt Fuller, founder of Almaguin Data Inc., confirmed to Almaguin News that the company will not be moving forward with the project at the Highway 520 Industrial Park in Armour Township.
From handbooks to wedding contracts, a Northern Ontario resort rebuilds for LGBTQ2S+ safety
SUNDRIDGE — Inclusivity is more than just a rainbow sticker in a window — it’s a complete dismantling and reconstruction of how a business operates to create a system of safety. For Kate Hood, human resources manager at The Northridge Inn & Resort in Sundridge, achieving certification through the Rainbow Registered program, a national accreditation hosted by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), seemed like a natural evolution of the resort's internal culture.
From handbooks to wedding contracts, a northern Ontario resort rebuilds for LGBTQ2S+ safety
Inclusivity is more than just a rainbow sticker in a window — it’s a complete dismantling and reconstruction of how a business operates to create a system of safety. For Kate Hood, human resources manager at The Northridge Inn & Resort in Sundridge, achieving certification through the Rainbow Registered program, a national accreditation hosted by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), seemed like a natural evolution of the resort's internal culture.
This 22-year-old from South River was scrolling Instagram when she discovered an AI data centre proposed for Almaguin
Jordan Gorlick was scrolling Instagram when she got a feeling. There it was: Armour Township, neighbour to Burk’s Falls. “I was angry enough that I cried,” said the 22-year-old South River resident. “I just had a feeling I should search it up, and there it was.” She took to Facebook, and within a day her post had accumulated more than 30 shares across community groups in Sundridge, South River, and Burk’s Falls, with reach extending as far as Huntsville.
From handbooks to wedding contracts, a northern Ontario resort rebuilds for LGBTQ2S+ safety
Inclusivity is more than just a rainbow sticker in a window — it’s a complete dismantling and reconstruction of how a business operates to create a system of safety. For Kate Hood, human resources manager at The Northridge Inn & Resort in Sundridge, achieving certification through the Rainbow Registered program, a national accreditation hosted by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), seemed like a natural evolution of the resort's internal culture.
Perry Township moves to slash rural speed limits, cracks down on illegal burning: Here’s what you need to know Original
Perry Township council is moving to slash speed limits on several rural roads and will begin slapping property owners with hefty firefighting bills as part of a sweeping effort to tighten community safety ahead of the summer rush. Here are five things Perry residents should know from the May 20 meeting: Staff warned that the provincial voters list is riddled with errors after pulling flawed data from various ministries, often failing to register eligible property owners as Canadian citizens.
Burk’s Falls school sells out ‘Moana’: ‘We’ve never done this before’
In a village of fewer than a thousand people, a sold-out show is something. Two sold-out shows? That’s a first. Land of Lakes Public School in Burk’s Falls brought Disney’s “Moana” to life last week, filling the house at both evening performances — and a Thursday matinee for visiting schools — something music teacher Sarah Lovering-Stallard says has simply never happened before. “We typically have a sold-out Friday evening show, but never all of them,” she said.
Burk’s Falls school sells out ‘Moana’: ‘We’ve never done this before’
In a village of fewer than a thousand people, a sold-out show is something. Two sold-out shows? That’s a first. Land of Lakes Public School in Burk’s Falls brought Disney’s “Moana” to life last week, filling the house at both evening performances — and a Thursday matinee for visiting schools — something music teacher Sarah Lovering-Stallard says has simply never happened before. “We typically have a sold-out Friday evening show, but never all of them,” she said.
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