News

Good afternoon. From the heart of Prince Edward County, I'm Will Pearson with your County FM News.
Environment Canada has a snowfall warning in effect for today. They are predicting significant snowfall of up to 20 cm., with poor visibility in heavy and local blowing snow through tonight. We’ll have more details in the weather report following sports.
The Planning and Development Committee is meeting tonight at 6:00 in Shire Hall or by Zoom. The Committee is considering rezoning applications by Samantha Lester and Kanwar Gill for 1430 County Road 12 in Ward 2, by the Konings for 15983 and 15987 Loyalist Parkway, also in Ward 2, and by Prince Edward County Lakeside Retreat at 467 County Road 19 in Ameliasburgh. The Committee will decide on applications for rezoning by Elizabeth Gerrits
and Gordon Evans for 704 County Road 23 and the surrounding farm property in Ameliasburgh, by Raymond Daubney for 1004 Burr Road in Hillier, and by Ridgeacre Developments for 81 – 91 Main Street and 15 Washburn Street in Picton. Redtail Winery has also proposed a condo development at 19538 Loyalist Parkway in Hillier.
In transportation news, public consultations start today on the planned high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City. One question to be addressed: where will the trains stop along the way? There are two options between Ottawa and Peterborough: a more complex northern route across the Canadian Shield, cutting through Hastings County; and a southern route through eastern Ontario's agricultural and resort region, which has a denser population but is simpler in terms of construction and operations. Officials in the Kingston area are urging residents to speak up now if they favour the southern route, which would bring high-speed rail closer to their communities. Another question: will the cost of private financing price it out of reach for many travellers? Open houses will be held across Quebec and Ontario from January to March.

Finally, in housing news, the rate of homelessness in Ontario increased by almost 50 per cent from 2021 to 2025. More than half of those people without a home are experiencing prolonged periods of homelessness of six months or longer, according to a report led by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The data shows northern and rural regions are driving the growth in homelessness. In the last year alone, homelessness increased by 31 per cent in mostly rural communities. And systemic barriers mean that Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and people with disabilities are more likely to rely on social assistance and face a far greater risk of homelessness. According to Premier Doug Ford, the solution is simple. He has said that the best way to help a homeless person is getting them trained and getting them a good-paying job. He cited training offered through his government’s Skills Development Fund, which has come under fire for what the auditor general called a system that doles out money in a way that’s not fair or transparent. According to the report, though, getting rid of homelessness would require significantly more investment in rent-geared-to-income housing, affordable housing options, emergency shelters, and mental health and addictions support.

Sports

Now your County FM sports.
Last night, the Wellington Dukes defeated the St. Michael’s Buzzers 6 – 2, moving ahead of the Buzzers by one point and into sixth place in the East Conference, with three games in hand.
Tonight, the Picton Pirates are in Amherstview to face the Jets. The Pirates are in fourth place in the East Tod Division, four points ahead of the Jets with one game in hand.
In the AHL tonight, the Belleville Senators visit the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, having won four of their past five games.
Last night in the PWHL, the Ottawa Charge defeated the New York Sirens 4 – 3 in overtime, and the Toronto Sceptres lost 6 – 4 to the Seattle Torrent, in the highest-scoring game of the season. Tonight, the Montreal Victoire visit the Minnesota Frost.
Three Canadian teams are in action tonight in the NHL, all at home. The Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings in an Atlantic Division match. In Calgary, the Flames face the Pittsburgh Penguins. And the Vancouver Canucks host the Washington Capitals. The Canucks continue as league cellar-dwellers.
In the NBA, the Toronto Raptors are in the middle of a five-game road trip against Western Conference teams. Last night, in the second road game, the Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 145 – 127. Tonight, they face the Sacramento Kings.
And, finally, at the Australian Open in tennis, 17th-seeded Victoria Mboko of Toronto has punched her ticket to the third round of women's singles.
That’s your County FM sports.