Articles by Jordan Omstead
Mississauga city council votes to block data centre projects for 1 year
Toronto·New Mississauga city council has voted unanimously on a moratorium on new data centres for one year, the latest municipality to hit the brakes on the artificial intelligence-fuelled build out.
Oakville becomes first Ontario municipality to enact 1-year moratorium on data centres
Toronto·New Oakville has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centres, becoming the first Ontario municipality to take the step as local lawmakers grapple with the concerns surrounding the new wave of facilities powering artificial intelligence.
Ontario is in the middle of its worst wildfire season, early estimates suggest
Toronto·New The province's latest numbers suggest fires have burned through more than 7,250 square kilometres of Ontario's forest, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. Most of the burning has been in the past 10 days, and the forecast for August suggests much of northern Ontario could remain hotter and drier than normal.
Pipeline leak located more than a week after sheen first reported on St. Clair river
Windsor·New A pipeline leak in Sarnia, Ont., has been located more than a week after a sheen reportedly turned up on the St. Clair River. Sun-Canadian says the impacted pipeline remains shut down and cleanup activities are ongoing Jordan Omstead · CP · Posted: Mar 23, 2026 4:17 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 minutes ago Listen to this article Estimated 2 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur.
Why this 80-year-old Anglican deacon courted arrest for his climate activism
Anglican Deacon Michael Van Dusen typically has plans for the Christmas season that do not involve a Toronto courthouse. Perhaps he would be preparing his Christmas Day sermon or visiting with family. But on Tuesday, he stood beside a painted banner that read "no faith in fossil fuels" and spoke to a small crowd, including some of his parishioners, about what had brought him before a judge — and not of the divine variety.
Joly says Canada 'didn't get enough' benefits out of F-35 procurement deal - Canada News
Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press - | Story: 584644 Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the Liberal government believes Canada "didn't get enough" industrial benefits out of its contract for American-made F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Increased reliance on natural gas in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area undermines emission cut efforts: report
Increased reliance on natural gas in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area undermines emission cut efforts: report NewJordan Omstead | The Canadian Press | Posted: November 18, 2025 12:16 PM | Last Updated: Just now Emission growth slowed in 2024, but still off the annual cuts needed to hit 2030 climate targets Image | hazy toronto Caption: A report from the Atmospheric Fund found the region is well off of the annual cuts needed to hit 2030 climate targets.
Roots CEO catches Bo Bichette's home run ball in Game 7 of World Series
Roots CEO catches Bo Bichette's home run ball in Game 7 of World Series NewJordan Omstead | The Canadian Press | Posted: November 2, 2025 1:11 PM | Last Updated: Just now Meghan Roach said ball came right at her in Section 148 at Rogers Centre Image | Roots-Canada 20250616 Caption: Meghan Roach, who attended Game 7 with her siblings, said she's a longtime Blue Jays fan and was hopeful the Jays could win Game 7.
Toronto's Don River sends 500 billion microplastics into Lake Ontario each year: study
Toronto's Don River sends 500 billion microplastics into Lake Ontario each year: study NewJordan Omstead | The Canadian Press | Posted: October 23, 2025 10:48 AM | Last Updated: Just now Common microplastic sources in river include construction foam, car tires, plastic pellets, study finds Image | Don River Caption: The amount of microplastics flowing from the Don River into Lake Ontario each year has a mass of about 36,000 kilograms, compared to an estimated annual 160 kilograms of larger...
Another beluga and a seal have died at Marineland. The deaths caught Doug Ford's attention - Canada News
Another beluga whale and a harbour seal have died at Marineland, and those deaths have caught the attention of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, The Canadian Press has learned. The beluga death marks the 20th whale — 19 belugas and one killer whale — to die at the Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction since 2019. The province said in mid-August that the deaths had occurred recently, but on different days.
Canada's 'exceptional' drought hints at future climate, need for action: experts
Canada must prepare for more seasons marked by severe drought, experts say as this summer's bone-dry conditions tormented farmers, strained municipal water supply and fuelled one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. Seventy-one per cent of the country was either abnormally dry or under drought conditions as of the end of July, according to the federal government's drought monitor released last week.
Canadian doctors group challenging constitutionality of Alberta transgender law - Canada News
A group representing Canada's doctors is challenging the constitutionality of Alberta's legislation limiting access to medical treatment for transgender youth, arguing it violates their Charter right to freedom of conscience. The Canadian Medical Association says the challenge, filed Wednesday in Alberta Court of King's Bench, is meant to protect the relationship between patients and doctors when it comes to making treatment decisions.
Endangered salamander to get car-free spring migration routes in Burlington and York region
Hamilton·New Endangered salamanders threatened by sprawling suburbs will get car-free access to small stretches of the Greater Toronto Area this month as they emerge from their subterranean winter shelters and journey under the cover of night to their spring breeding ponds.
Plan for Pickering airport dead after more than 50 years of debate, Ottawa says
Toronto·Updated A decades-long discussion about whether to build an airport in Pickering, Ont. ended Monday, with Transport Minister Anita Anand saying it's not the 'best use' for the land.
After decades in limbo, land for possible Pickering airport will go to Parks Canada: minister
Toronto·New A decades-long discussion about whether to build an airport in Pickering, Ont. ended Monday, with Transport Minister Anita Anand saying it's not the 'best use' for the land.
Should Toronto legislate a maximum temperature in apartments?
Anushen Selvasegar can barely fit his hand through the narrow opening in his bedroom window to feel the breeze outside of his 14th-floor apartment in St. James Town, one of Toronto's most densely populated neighbourhoods. The portable air conditioner in the living room offers some relief, but the cool air does not reach the bedrooms and other corners of the apartment he shares with his parents and teenage sister, and definitely not in a scorching heat wave.
After B.C.'s walk-back, uncertainty clouds Toronto decriminalization bid | CBC News
Toronto·New Toronto's bid to decriminalize the possession of illegal drugs for personal use has been plunged into uncertainty in recent days, as drug policy experts suggest political debates over British Columbia's backtracking on the issue have hurt the city's application.
Highlights of Ontario's 2024 budget: Deficit, more community care, new med school | CBC News
The Ontario government tabled a budget Tuesday that forecast a ballooning deficit, investments in the home and community care sector, and support for a first-of-its-kind medical school. Here are the highlights: Ballooning deficit Ontario is projecting a deficit of $9.8 billion in the coming fiscal year, almost double what was projected in its fall economic update. The deficit is projected to come down to $4.6 billion in 2025-2026 before the province posts a modest surplus the following year.
Climate-fuelled wildfires testing the limits of Canada's aging water bombers
North·New A summer of devastating wildfires that burned huge swaths of the N.W.T. and forced countless communities across the country to evacuate has some experts questioning whether Canada is equipped for hotter, more intense fire seasons.
Former Bank of Canada governor Carney questions carbon price break on home heating oil
Politics Mark Carney pressed for Canada to stick with predictable climate policy on Tuesday, as he questioned the federal government's move to lift the carbon price on home heating oil. Liberal government announced heating oil would be exempt from carbon tax for 3 years Mark Carney pressed for Canada to stick with predictable climate policy on Tuesday, as he questioned the federal government's move to lift the carbon price on home heating oil.
3 former Toronto mayors question Dundas Street renaming in letter to Chow, council
Toronto Three former Toronto mayors are asking the city to reconsider its decision to rename Dundas Street, questioning the practicality of the move and the research supporting it. Mayors call Henry Dundas a 'committed abolitionist,' despite historians rejecting that view Three former Toronto mayors have asked the city to reconsider its decision to rename Dundas Street, questioning the "practicality" of the move and the research supporting it.
Memories of Danforth shooting remain vivid for those affected 5 years later
The passage of time can feel disjointed for Ali Demircan. It may have been five years since a gunman went on a shooting rampage through Toronto's Greektown, but the horror of what Demircan saw after being grazed by a bullet that night still hits hard. "The images are still fresh and, time to time when I close my eyes, what I see is just carnage," he says. "I don't feel like it's going to go away one day.
Toronto could see cuts 'rapidly happen' without more money from feds, province: McKelvie
Toronto's next mayor will have to oversee cuts to services if other levels of government don't help cover a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, the deputy mayor said Wednesday, criticizing what she described as Ottawa's lack of support for the city. Jennifer McKelvie argued the federal budget released a day earlier had shut out Toronto.
Toronto could see cuts 'rapidly happen' without more money from feds, province: McKelvie
Toronto's next mayor will have to oversee cuts to services if other levels of government don't help cover a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, the deputy mayor said Wednesday, criticizing what she described as Ottawa's lack of support for the city. Jennifer McKelvie argued the federal budget released a day earlier had shut out Toronto.
Convicted murderer Dellen Millard says he was cast as 'perfect villain' in 'unfair' Bosma trial
Multiple murderer Dellen Millard said he was cast as the "perfect villain" in Tim Bosma's murder, asking Ontario's highest court Wednesday why he would be so "sloppy and careless" if he had planned to kill the 32-year-old father. Millard is representing himself before the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto as he appeals his conviction for murdering Bosma.
Court denies Dellen Millard's request to adjourn appeal on conviction for murdering his father
Toronto·New The Ontario Court of Appeal says Dellen Millard's hearing in his appeal regarding the murder of his father will go ahead as scheduled Friday. Millard and former friend Mark Smich having hearings at Ontario Court of Appeal this week · The Canadian Press · Posted: Mar 14, 2023 4:24 PM EDT | Last Updated: 10 minutes ago Ontario's highest court has denied a request from multiple murderer Dellen Millard to adjourn a hearing for an appeal of one of his convictions.
'She gets no justice': Millard, Smich murder appeals reopen wounds for victim's family, 10 years later
It's been more than 10 years since Linda Babcock's daughter was murdered, a decade's worth of milestones and memories she says were stolen by the men who killed her child. When Dellen Millard and Mark Smich make their appeals before Ontario's highest court starting Monday, they will be entitled to reduced sentences for their multiple murder convictions — cutting 50 years and 25 years off their respective parole ineligibility periods.
OPSEU's former president Warren 'Smokey' Thomas countersues union, leadership
The former president of an Ontario public sector union is countersuing the organization and its current leadership, alleging that claims against him are the culmination of a politically motivated campaign to destroy his reputation.
Proposal to ban sledding at all but two Oshawa parks draws criticism
A proposal to ban tobogganing at all but two municipal parks in a city east of Toronto is drawing criticism from lawyers who say the plan won't boost safety and could limit access to the popular winter pastime. But the idea also appears to be in line with restrictions enacted by other Ontario municipalities, an injury prevention expert says. Oshawa, Ont., is weighing the tobogganing prohibition and has a report on the proposal set to go before city council at the end of this month.
2 Ontario school boards say they will close schools if workers go on full strike
Two Ontario school boards said Friday they will close schools if education workers go on a full strike next month, warning parents that they are "very concerned" about the possibility of job action. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board said the decision was made based on a number of considerations, including student supervision, medical supports, sanitation and overall school security.
'Had so much life ahead of them': Barrie mourns six young adults killed in crash
Holding on to one another for support, grieving family members tossed flowers into a deep concrete pit on a rural road at the edge of Barrie, Ont., on Monday evening as they mourned six young adults who died in a crash over the weekend. A detective who helped escort the family members up to a barrier at the lip of the pit told The Canadian Press the area was the site of the single-vehicle crash that was discovered by police early Sunday, after the six people were reported missing a day earlier.
'Had so much life ahead of them': Barrie mourns 6 young adults killed in crash
Holding on to one another for support, grieving family members tossed flowers into a deep concrete pit on a rural road at the edge of Barrie, Ont., on Monday evening as they mourned six young adults who died in a crash over the weekend. A detective who helped escort the family members up to a barrier at the lip of the pit told The Canadian Press the area was the site of the single-vehicle crash that was discovered by police early Sunday, after the six people were reported missing a day earlier.
As Ontario ERs buckle, nurses' groups want international applicants' licenses expedited
Toronto·New Ontario nursing organizations are calling for a faster licensing process for thousands of internationally trained nurses awaiting a decision from the profession's regulator. Hospital staffing shortages raising urgency The Canadian Press · Posted: Jul 28, 2022 3:11 PM ET | Last Updated: 27 minutes ago Ontario nursing organizations are calling for a faster licensing process for thousands of internationally trained nurses awaiting a decision from the profession's regulator.
Edmonton's mandatory mask bylaw to end on July 1 after city council vote
Edmonton city council voted Friday to let its current mask bylaw expire on July 1 when the Alberta government ends the province-wide mandatory masking requirement. Masks have been mandated within the city of Edmonton since Aug. 1, 2020. (Arthur Raham/CBC) Edmonton city council voted narrowly Friday to drop its mandatory mask bylaw July 1, the same day the provincial government will lift its own mask mandate and most other COVID-19 health restrictions.
Red paint used to deface statue of Winston Churchill outside Edmonton city hall
A statue of Winston Churchill near Edmonton's city hall was found doused in red paint Thursday morning. The statue is located in the eponymous Churchill Square, a large tree-lined pedestrian square facing city hall. "I don't know the intent behind the vandalism, but I know historical monuments and sculptures, here and elsewhere, are at the heart of an emotional debate regarding what legacies and stories we venerate as a society," Mayor Don Iveson said in a statement.
Northlands to dissolve, transfer K-Days and Farmfair to Explore Edmonton
Northlands, the 142-year-old agricultural non-profit, will transfer control of K-Days and Farm Fair International to the city’s arms-length events and tourism corporation on July 5th, under the terms of a tentative agreement. Maggie Davison, interim CEO of Explore Edmonton, called the deal bittersweet, with the loss of Northlands but the continuation of its marquee events.
Environmental concerns top economics in Alberta coal survey, results show
The environmental impact of coal mining was identified as the top issue when discussing a new policy to regulate development, with nearly two-thirds of survey respondents saying the economic benefits were "not important at all." A small group of protesters who oppose proposed coal mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains gathered at the Monolith sculpture in Maycroft, Alta., on March 14, 2021.
Wildfire evacuation order lifted in Parkland County but state of emergency remains in effect
Evacuees of the Parkland County wildfire could return to their homes as early as Saturday after overnight rain helped crews restrain the once fast-moving blaze, the fire chief said. The fire had burned through 2,220 hectares as of Saturday, leaving charred trees in its wake. (David Bajer/CBC) Evacuees of the Parkland County wildfire could return to their homes as early as Saturday after overnight rain helped crews restrain the once fast-moving blaze, the fire chief said.
Edmonton driver pleads guilty in high-speed crash that killed 3
A 26-year-old driver admitted on Friday to killing three passengers and fleeing the scene when he lost control of his car going up to triple the speed limit and crashed into a Starbucks. Police were called to Calgary Trail and 55th Avenue around 2:20 a.m. on July 3, 2020, after the Audi struck a wall of the Starbucks.
Wildfire evacuation order lifted in Parkland County, remains under state of local emergency
Evacuees of the Parkland County wildfire could return to their homes as early as Saturday after overnight rain helped crews restrain the once fast-moving blaze, the fire chief said. The fire had burned through 2,220 hectares as of Saturday, leaving charred trees in its wake. (David Bajer/CBC) Evacuees of the Parkland County wildfire could return to their homes as early as Saturday after overnight rain helped crews restrain the once fast-moving blaze, the fire chief said.
Commercial research and jobs focus of Alberta's 10-year post-secondary plan
The Alberta government released its 10-year plan for advanced education on Thursday, a vision that underscores job skills and commercial research. Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the plan will make the province's post-secondary institutions more responsive to market demands.
As MRI and CT wait lists spike in Alberta, auditor general calls for better guidelines, scheduling
The audit tackled intake and scheduling for MRI and CT exams in Alberta as doctors warn growing wait lists are putting patients at risk. Auditor General Doug Wylie says longer than necessary CT and MRI wait lists can affect all Albertans. (CBC) As wait lists for MRI or CT scans in Alberta grow ever longer, the government must address the system's inefficient scheduling and inconsistent guidelines, the province's auditor general says.
Rise of B117 in Alberta: What you need to know about the variant first detected in the U.K.
Alberta is at another tipping point in the COVID-19 pandemic, as the chief medical officer of health warns the B117 strain could soon become the dominant strain. Here's more information about the variant and what it means for the province. As COVID-19 cases spike in Alberta, doctors worry the highly transmissible B117 variant is driving a third wave. (Submitted by AHS/Leah Hennel) Alberta is at another tipping point in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community associations slam cuts to Alberta program that builds parks, public-use facilities
A key grant program that helps build parks and community infrastructure has been cut by nearly 50 per cent over the past two years. Edmonton and Calgary community federations says it's a sign of the government's eroding support for civil society. Leela Sharon Aheer is Alberta's minister of culture, multiculturalism and status of women.
Father remembers daughter killed in Edmonton-area school stabbing
Dale Winkler's 17-year-old daughter died in hospital after she was stabbed in a classroom at Christ the King school in Leduc, Alta., on Monday morning. Dale Winkler says his daughter, Jennifer, was a smart and talented teen surrounded by good friends. (Submitted by Dale Winkler) The first call came from the father of his daughter's best friend. His daughter, Jennifer, had been hurt in an incident at her Leduc, Alta., high school.
Made-in-Edmonton COVID-19 vaccine ready for clinical trials, company says
© Evan Mitsui/CBC If approved, Entos Pharmaceuticals would join Calgary’s Providence Therapeutics on the list of Alberta-based COVID-19 vaccine developers to enter clinical trials. An Edmonton-based pharmaceutical company say its COVID-19 vaccine is ready for clinical trials. Entos Pharmaceuticals says it expects Health Canada approval for a Phase 1 clinical trial is imminent, after it shipped its vaccine for testing to the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology in Halifax.
Edmonton advocate to finish 300-km walk for Indigenous mental health, homelessness
An Edmonton-based homeless advocate is set to arrive at the Alberta legislature Tuesday afternoon with a shopping cart and a message about Indigenous homeless. Vee Duncan embarked on a 300-kilometre journey from Calgary to Edmonton to raise awareness about issues related to Indigenous homelessness and mental health.
'Canada's leading ecologist': David Schindler dead at 80
David Schindler, the renowned ecologist known for his outspoken defence of Canada's freshwater systems from industrial harm, is dead. He was 80. David Schindler died on Thursday at 80 years old. David Schindler, the trailblazing researcher widely regarded for his tireless defence of Canada's freshwater systems from industrial harm, is dead.
Self-defence class organized after attacks against Edmonton Muslim women
© Katrine Deniset/Radio-Canada Aisha Barise teaches a weekly self-defence class for other Muslim women, organized after a series of daytime attacks in Edmonton. Aisha Barise says martial arts has always been a source of empowerment. As a Muslim woman who wears a hijab, she says even the naysayers, skeptical of her place in taekwondo and karate, were just fodder for her competitive fire. "Nobody can tell me what to do," she said.
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