News
In local news, the process of getting a new or replacement blue box in Prince Edward County has changed as Blue boxes are no longer available at Shire Hall or at municipal landfill/transfer sites.
Residents are asked to contact E360 Solutions at 1.866.358.3560 or email customerservice-eastont@e360s.ca to request a blue box. E360 Solutions will deliver the blue box to your address and new residents are eligible for two blue boxes free of charge. Also, there is no charge to replace broken boxes.
New or replacement blue boxes will be 22L in size. Residential customers are encouraged to use this size instead of larger boxes on wheels.
RAIL
The Federal Government has green lighted the first segment of Canada’s proposed high-speed rail network that will connect Quebec City and Ottawa. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon made the announcement this morning alongside Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto, the Crown corporation overseeing the project.
While the exact route hasn’t been finalized, public consultations to determine the precise path are set to begin in January. Officials have already confirmed, however, that the line will include a stop in Laval, Que.
Overall infrastructure project is estimated to cost between $60 billion and $90 billion and was initially launched by the Trudeau government in February. The start of construction is scheduled for 2029. Dates for the second segment between Ottawa and Toronto were not provided.
TRADE
The drop in Canadian tourism to the United States in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions is hurting American businesses in several states, a new report by a congressional committee has found.
In 2024, Canadian tourism contributed $20.5 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 140,000 American jobs,” wrote the authors of the report. The negative impacts of President Trump’s tariff policies have been particularly stark in states along the U.S.-Canada border, which have many businesses that rely on short-term visits by Canadians.
Travel to the US is likely to be further reduced as the Trump administration is now considering placing stricter requirements for entry on citizens of some visa-exempt countries.
The beefed-up regulations proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection would, in part, require visitors from those countries to submit five years’ worth of social media information. The proposal is currently out for “commentary period,” meaning the public has 60 days to comment on it.
MURDERERS,
Three Scottish men accused of killing an Ontario restaurant owner after a dispute over an unpaid bill have been brought to Canada to face charges.
The three men arrived in Canada on Thursday and are expected to make their first court appearance in Owen Sound on Friday.
Sharif Rahman, 44, died in August 2023 in a London, Ont., hospital after being punched outside his Owen Sound restaurant after confronting customers who were skipping out on a bill.
Officers from the Owen Sound Police and Ontario Provincial Police escorted the three men from the United Kingdom to Canada.
And finally, it’s cold outside — but it’s worth putting on that heavy winter coat, scarf and boots and heading out for one of the best meteor showers of the year: the Geminids.
The Geminid shower started on Dec. 4 and peaks on Saturday and Sunday night this weekend.
What makes this meteor shower so good is that, under ideal conditions, it can produce up to 150 meteors an hour — and this year, if the weather co-operates, will make for especially good viewing.
One great thing about the Geminids is that they produce fireballs, extremely bright meteors that can be seen from a city. An even better chance when you live in the county.
Sports
JUNIOR HOCKEY
In the OJHL, the Wellington Dukes head into their last two games of 2025 this weekend. Tonight they are at home as the Newmarket Hurricanes blow into town. The puck drops at the LeHigh Arena at 7:30 pm.
On Sunday, the Dukes travel to Coburg to face the Cougars. That is an early afternoon game that starts at 12:30 pm. The Dukes will be looking to finish the year strong as they are riding a 3 game win streak.
Play resumes on January 3rd, with Wellington’s next home game on Wednesday, January 7th.
In the PJHL, the Picton Prates have three more games to play in 2025. Tomorrow night, the Pirates head to Port Hope to take on the Panthers. Picton wraps up 2025 with two home games. On Thursday night, it is the Napanee Raiders that come to town. On Saturday afternoon, December 20th, it is the second place Frankford Huskies that are the opponents of the third place Pirates.
Play resumes on January 3rd when the Napanee Raiders return to Picton
NHL
In the NHL, there are no Canadian teams in action tonight, but 6 of 7 hit the ice tomorrow. First up is the Ottawa Senators who have a 2:00 pm afternoon game in Minnesota.
Then at 7:00 county time, the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers. The Winnipeg Jets are also at home to the Washington Capitals while the Montreal Canadiens are on the road in New York.
Finally at 10:00 pm, the Calgary Flames are on the west coast to face the LA Kings.
MLS
Despite losing in the MLS finals to Miami, things are look up for the Vancouver White Caps. The City of Vancouver and the Whitecaps announced yesterday that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enter an exclusive negotiation period through 2026 to explore a new stadium and entertainment district at Hastings Park.
The city and Whitecaps FC will work to negotiate terms for a ground lease, including the stadium’s design, financial terms and community benefits for the proposed development. The White caps have ranked in the bottom of MLS teams in venue revenue while being near the top for attendance.
The city and Whitecaps FC will work to negotiate terms for a ground lease, including the stadium’s design, financial terms and community benefits for the proposed development. The White caps have ranked in the bottom of MLS teams in venue revenue while being near the top for attendance.
