Report North Bay Staff

Unexpectedly passed away at his home Wednesday April 15, 2026, at the age of 62 years. Picky was the beloved husband of Carol (nee Richer) Champagne, and the loving father to Victoria Champagne. He was the cherished grandfather to Hunter. Picky will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Diane Brown,

Province taking next step to reduce delays and regulatory burdens to build a stronger, more competitive and more resilient economy The Ontario government introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026 (POWER Act). This legislation and associated policies would, if passed, take the next step in the

By Richard Coffin Nearly a million dollars from Ottawa is supporting the launch of the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities Fund. MP Pauline Rochefort announced The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound is receiving $976,650 from FedNor to help companies become more competitive and prepare them to pursue defence sector supply

By Richard Coffin A 22‑year‑old resident of Orillia is facing several charges in North Bay after an intimate partner violence investigation, which also saw police recover a handgun from a vehicle. Last Friday, at approximately 10:30 p.m., members of the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour recipients for outstanding contributions and volunteer leadership The Ontario government is honouring nearly 5,000 exceptional individuals through the 2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. These annual awards celebrate adult and youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions and ongoing service to organizations such as non-profits,

Government restricting the international acquisition of provincial farmland and supporting agricultural expansion in northern Ontario As part of the province’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant agri-food sector, the government intends to introduce legislation that would restrict foreign acquisition of provincial farmland and

By Richard Coffin 100 trees are available through this year’s Grow Our Canopy program in North Bay. Trees for Nipissing is teaming up with the City of North Bay for the fifth consecutive year. Residential property owners can help grow the City’s tree canopy by purchasing a tree.

By Richard Coffin At least two of three levels of government agree widening 11/17 is of national importance. The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities is welcoming a letter from the province calling for federal support to accelerate the continued widening of highways 11 and 17. Port North Bay Fully

By Richard Coffin Registration is underway for the fourth annual Hometown Run for Youth Special Olympics. The fundraising run takes place on Sunday, May 3. “As we reach the fourth year of the Hometown Run for Youth Special Olympics, it’s incredible to see how the community’s dedication has

Sandbag filling stations remain open this week due to ongoing flood potential along the Lake Nipissing shoreline. Stations will be staffed today through Friday during the following hours: • Public Works on Franklin Street, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Champlain Park at the end of Premier