Politics / Canada
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Residents find new home following retirement home fire | CTV News Barrie at Six for Feb. 27, 2026
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The Belmont independent living residence in Stayner has reopened after a fire displaced over 20 residents. Clearview Township facilitated a two-year lease for a temporary location, allowing residents to return to a sense of normalcy.
- The Belmont independent living residence in Stayner has reopened after a devastating fire in January. Residents are now able to return to a temporary location
- More than 20 residents were displaced by the fire. Many stayed in hotels or with family for weeks before moving back
- Ken and Donna, residents of the Belmont, expressed gratitude for the staff and community support. Their assistance helped the residents settle into their new home
- Clearview Township played a crucial role in facilitating a two-year lease for the residents. This allowed them to move into a nearby building
- The temporary home has been quickly cleaned, painted, and furnished. This provides residents with a sense of normalcy after the fire
- Demolition of the fire-damaged building is underway. Plans for reconstruction aim to allow residents to return in 2027
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Kevin Douse was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for defrauding clients out of nearly two million dollars. Howd-Jew Jow received a 55-month sentence for impaired driving causing the death of a police officer.
- Kevin Douse, a former investment advisor, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for defrauding clients out of nearly two million dollars over seven years
- Douse manipulated clients by depositing their investment funds into his personal accounts. He forged signatures and falsified documents, resulting in losses exceeding $1.3 million
- The judge described Douses actions as grave. He emphasized Douses substantial moral culpability while acknowledging claims of anxiety and depression as factors in his behavior
- Justice Brandigan ordered Douse to pay a $1.3 million fine, which includes restitution to his victims. Failure to comply will lead to an additional five and a half years in prison
- The family of a fallen York Regional Police constable attended the sentencing of Howd-Jew Jow. Jow received a sentence of 55 months for impaired driving causing death
- Jow was found guilty of causing the death of Travis Gillespie in September 2022 while driving under the influence. He was prohibited from having alcohol due to his G2 license
- The judge noted Jows remorse but highlighted the needless tragedy caused by his decision to drink and drive. This decision has left the victims family in grief
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A significant weather event has been declared in Barrie, with over 378 centimeters of snow recorded since November. Doug Ford's government faces criticism as recent polling shows a decline in support for his Progressive Conservative Party from 47% to 40%.
- A significant weather event has been declared in Barrie, with over 378 centimeters of snow recorded since November. Crews are actively clearing snow and slush from residential areas as conditions improve
- Doug Fords government is facing criticism as it marks one year since his re-election as Ontarios premier. Critics argue that Ford is distracted by projects like the Toronto Island airport instead of addressing pressing issues
- Recent polling indicates a decline in support for Fords Progressive Conservative Party, dropping from 47% to 40%. Voter dissatisfaction spans various issues, including healthcare, education, and the cost of living
- The opposition NDP is struggling to gain traction, remaining in third place behind the Liberals. The NDP believes their values align more closely with the concerns of Ontarians at this time
- The Liberal Party may benefit from the popularity of Prime Minister Mark Carney as they prepare for a leadership change. A new leader will be elected in November, potentially revitalizing the partys support
- Fords government is urged to focus on critical areas such as healthcare and education. Many Ontarians are seeking practical solutions to the challenges they face
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Candace Borders Services Agency is cutting nearly 350 jobs as part of a federal plan to eliminate 28,000 public service physicians by 2029. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends cholesterol screening for all children ages two to ten due to early plaque buildup risks.
- Candace Borders Services Agency is cutting nearly 350 jobs as part of a federal plan to eliminate 28,000 public service physicians by 2029
- Around 700 employees from the auto headquarters will receive layoff notices. Unions are raising concerns about potential impacts on border operations
- The Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending cholesterol screening for all children ages two to ten. They highlight that plaque buildup can begin in childhood
- Experts indicate that about one in three hundred individuals have high cholesterol due to genetic conditions. This makes early screening crucial for effective treatment
- Instagram is introducing a new tool to notify parents if their teens repeatedly search for terms related to suicide or self-harm. This aims to provide additional support
- Newmarket has been awarded the title of Festival and Event of the Year for the third time in four years. This recognizes its successful community events
- The Ontario Best Butter Tart Festival in Midland continues to be recognized as a top festival. It will return in June with more vendors and live entertainment
- Perry Sound is celebrating Olympic freestyle skier Megan Oldhams homecoming. She returns with a gold and bronze medal from her recent competitions
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The Aurelia Recreation Center is hosting futsal matches that emphasize quick passes and close control, creating an electric atmosphere for players and fans. Meanwhile, Marlene Hilton Moore's exhibition 'Monuments to Moments' showcases her unique sculptural work and the challenges artists face in the public art sector.
- Aurelia Recreation Center is hosting fast-paced futsal matches, emphasizing quick passes and close control. Players are enjoying the competition in front of enthusiastic fans and supportive coaches
- Participants are excited about their involvement in the games. One player noted the significance of this competition as the biggest they have ever faced. The atmosphere is electric, highlighted by memorable moments like the opening ceremonys fireworks
- Marlene Hilton Moore is being celebrated in an exhibition showcasing her unique sculptural work. The exhibition, titled Monuments to Moments, provides an intimate look at her creative process and the stories behind her public art
- The exhibition features six public works of art across Ontario, along with interactive audio from Hilton Moore. It also includes works that were not awarded, highlighting the challenges artists face when their proposals do not succeed
- Redwood Park Communities is making strides toward a major funding milestone, aiming to reach one million dollars for affordable housing projects. They are currently at $750,000, with matching donations boosting their efforts
- The organization reports a significant increase in homelessness, with over 1,200 individuals expressing housing needs. They emphasize that stable housing is crucial for individuals to regain control of their lives and plan for the future
- The Gravenhurst Health Hub is nearing its funding goal, thanks to a generous donation from a local couple. They have contributed $221,000, with only $50,000 remaining to reach the necessary amount for the project
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Bounce 101 is hosting a contest for all-inclusive trips to Jamaica and encourages listeners to submit photos of their pets. The weather report indicates mild temperatures today, but a storm is expected to bring mixed precipitation and a significant drop in temperature overnight.
- Bounce 101 is giving away all-inclusive trips for two to Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. Listeners are encouraged to tune in from 6 AM to 6 PM for keywords to enter the contest
- Next week, Bounce 101 invites listeners to submit photos of their pets doing something silly or adorable. Participants can send their pictures to a designated email for a chance to be featured
- The weather report indicates a mild day with temperatures reaching up to six degrees in some areas. However, a storm is expected to bring mixed precipitation and a chance of flurries over the weekend
- Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 70 kilometers per hour later in the evening. This will be accompanied by increasing cloud cover and a 40% chance of flurries or rain
- Temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight, with a wind chill risk of frostbite. The forecast for tomorrow includes mostly cloudy skies and a chance of flurries in the morning
- The five-day forecast shows a return to colder temperatures, with Sunday expected to reach minus ten degrees. Monday will bring sun and cloud as residents head back to work and school
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Residents of the Belmont retirement residence have been displaced due to a fire that damaged their building. Army veteran John Parker has benefited from a service dog program, marking a significant milestone with the 100th graduate, Pauli.
- Residents of the Belmont retirement residence in Stayner have found a temporary home following a devastating fire that damaged their building
- The fire at the Belmont has forced many residents to relocate. This situation highlights the challenges faced by those in retirement communities during emergencies
- John Parker, an army veteran, shared his experience of living with PTSD. He explained how a service dog named Pauli has significantly improved his quality of life
- Pauli is the 100th graduate of a service dog program that pairs veterans with trained dogs. These dogs help manage the disabilities of their owners
- Parker described the instant connection he felt with Pauli. This bond has allowed him to reintegrate into social activities with his wife
- The program aims to customize training for each service dog. This training is designed to meet the specific needs of the veterans they assist
- In other news, disgraced financial advisor Kevin Douth has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison. He was convicted for defrauding clients
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Residents displaced by the fire at the Belmont retirement residence have found temporary housing nearby, with plans for reconstruction underway. Prime Minister Mark Karni is facing criticism over comments regarding India's involvement in violence on Canadian soil, as several organizations express their opposition.
- Residents displaced by the fire at the Belmont retirement residence in Stayner have found temporary housing nearby. The owner and township are assisting in relocating the residents to a nearby building
- The back half of the Belmont will be demolished and rebuilt. Plans are in place for residents to move back in next year, aiming to restore the communitys living space after the fire
- Prime Minister Mark Karni is currently in Mumbai on a major trade mission to promote Canada as a reliable trading partner for India. However, there is growing pressure on the government regarding comments about Indias involvement in violence on Canadian soil
- Several organizations within Canadas Sikh community have expressed opposition to the governments statements. They argue that these comments are disconnected from the realities faced by the community and dismiss concerns about foreign interference
- Statistics Canada reported that Canadas economy unexpectedly shrank in the fourth quarter of 2025. The contraction of 0.6% was attributed to manufacturers relying on existing stockpiles instead of producing new goods
- Despite the economic downturn, there are positive indicators such as increased household spending and capital investment. Economists predict that GDP will remain flat in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting uncertainties in trade policies
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Anavia Balal, a 10-year-old from Fergus, Ontario, is the first person in North America to receive the Nexa cochlear implant, allowing her to hear sounds for the first time. This innovative device can be upgraded remotely, enhancing her hearing as technology advances.
- Anavia Balal, a 10-year-old from Fergus, Ontario, is the first person in North America to receive a new type of cochlear implant. This groundbreaking device allows her to hear certain sounds for the first time
- Anavia describes her new hearing experience. She can now hear the sound of raindrops and the wind. She has been hard of hearing since birth and recently became eligible for this advanced cochlear implant
- The cochlear implant, called Nexa, is unique because its internal component can be upgraded without additional surgery. Dr. Sharon Cushing, Anavias surgeon, explains that the implant connects remotely, allowing for future improvements in hearing
- Initially, Anavias experience with the implant included sounds that resembled beeps rather than language. Over time, as her brain adapts, she will begin to perceive these sounds as normal speech
- Dr. Cushing notes that some families hesitate to use cochlear implants in both ears due to concerns about future technology. The Nexa implant alleviates this worry by focusing on immediate improvements in hearing
- Six months post-surgery, Anavia has seen significant improvements in her life. She reports increased confidence and better focus on sounds, which enhances her speech development