Markham-based company buys Station Mall in the Sault

The Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie has been sold to SM International Holdings, a company with headquarters in Markham. (Supplied)

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church

The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.

A person sits on the stairs outside a decommissioned church, Thursday, August 18, 2022 in Ottawa. An Ottawa-based group with suspected ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' says it has been threatened with eviction and is ready to take its cause to court in an attempt to set up headquarters in the country's capital. (Adrian Wyld/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet

There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.

Seadoo rider dies after falling into Lake Simcoe: OPP

One person has died and another was taken to the hospital after police say they fell off a seadoo into Lake Simcoe in Ramara Township.
Multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 sends two to hospital

One person was airlifted to hospital, and another person was seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 Thursday afternoon.
Former boyfriend accused in disappearance of missing woman seeks bail

Mohamad Lilo is charged with attempted murder, attempted kidnapping and kidnapping related to the disappearance of Elnaz Hajtamiri; who hasn’t been seen or heard from since Jan. 12.

Toronto

This is where home prices are holding steady or still going up in Ontario

House prices in sought-after areas in Ontario continue to hold steady and even increase, according to a new report.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages

The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
Boy, 2, dead after being struck by vehicle in Mimico

A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by the driver of a vehicle in Mimico.

Ottawa

Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church

The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Canada Post halts mail delivery in rural Ottawa because mailboxes are too short

Canada Post says it will no longer deliver mail to homes on Constance Lake Road near Dunrobin because the mailboxes are too short.
Ottawa asks for funding for 42 new paramedics to address hospital offload delays

Mayor Jim Watson has sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones requesting funding for new paramedics, and asking Ontario to recognize offload delays in hospital emergency departments as a "public safety risk."

Kitchener

Region approves first-ever sanctioned encampment site

The Region of Waterloo council approved a series of measures on Thursday to help ease the growing homelessness crisis, including a first-ever decision to permit an encampment.
Seniors worry proposed legislation will separate them from loved ones

The Ontario government’s solution for healthcare at long-term care homes is raising some concerns locally.
Clinton man charged with counselling to commit murder

A 75-year-old from Clinton has been charged after reports the individual was soliciting assistance in committing murder.

London

Two people, one horse injured following Elgin County crash

OPP in Elgin County are on scene of a crash involving an electric bike and a pickup truck hauling a livestock trailer. According to police, two people and one horse were injured in the crash that happened just after 7 a.m. at a Lyons Line, Malahide Township address.
Family and friends remember hit-and-run victim

Kevin Walsh was a larger than life personality that lived life to the fullest, his friends say. But, that life came to an abrupt end on July 19 when Walsh, his wife, and their two friends were struck by a passing motorist on a quiet street in Eugenia, Ont.
Why London police may no longer be responding to noise complaints

A joint pilot project between city hall and London police will see municipal by-law officers respond to most noise complaints. During the final quarter of 2022, an eight-member team of municipal noise and parking enforcement officers will respond to noise complaints 24/7.

Windsor

Nephew of 70-year-old fatally shot by police during weapons call speaks out

The nephew of the 70-year-old man fatally shot by police after appearing to threaten people with a machete in downtown Windsor, Ont. says he feels sorry for the two officers who had to confront him in his uncle’s final moments.
Severe thunderstorm warning lifted for Windsor-Essex-Leamington County

Environment Canada has lifted a severe thunderstorm warning for Windsor, Essex and Leamington County late Thursday evening.
Windsor-Essex hospital officials applaud province’s 'Plan to Stay Open'

Windsor-Essex hospital officials are pleased with the proposed legislative tools to help boost hospital capacity, as work is already underway to help ease the local crisis.

Montreal

This Afghan student escaped the Taliban regime to study in Montreal

Last year, Arzou Lashkari was ready to fly to Canada and start a new chapter of life at Concordia University. But her dream was crushed when the Taliban took control of her country, forcing her to stay home.
2 dead in Laurentians in presumed domestic violence, children in youth protection

A case of alleged domestic violence has left two people dead and one injured late Wednesday night in a residential town in the Laurentians. Police discovered the body of a woman in her 30s, and 42-year-old man in a car in critical condition, who later died
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet

There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.

Atlantic

Saint John police continue to seek answers in homicide investigation

Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story

Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
City stepping up security at Halifax Public Gardens after dozens of trees damaged

The historic Public Gardens in Halifax will soon have some new features never seen before in its more than 150-year history – extra security.

Winnipeg

Manitoba to welcome influx of Afghan refugees

Manitoba is getting ready to welcome an influx of Afghan refugees.
What Manitoba's minimum wage will be increasing to this fall

Manitoba's minimum wage is going up this fall. This increase will leave Manitoba with the second-lowest minimum wage in the country, according to the Retail Council of Canada – followed by Saskatchewan's expected increase to $13 per hour.
'We'll have more coming': Premier considers rebate cheques to help with inflation

Manitobans could be receiving more rebate cheques from the provincial government to help deal with rising inflation costs.

Calgary

Cyclist struck by vehicle in northwest

A cyclist was transported to hospital Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle.
Suspect sought after deadly early morning shooting in Evergreen

Calgary police are investigating a shooting in the community of Evergreen that left one person dead and another fighting for their life.
3 store employees hurt after truck crashes into Calgary Co-op

Roads are closed around the midtown Co-op after a stolen transport truck crashed into the west side of the store Thursday afternoon, injuring three people.

Edmonton

'Not sustainable': Edmonton Public worries school staff hiring being funded by reserves, not provincial support

While the province is promising schools will be staffed with hundreds of more teachers and support staff this upcoming school year, the Alberta Teachers' Association and school boards believe that commitment falls short.
'I don't feel safe': Edmonton SafeWalk program hopes to expand to other parts of the city

A northeast Edmonton program helping women feel more secure while walking hopes to expand to other neighbourhoods in the city.
'Meant the whole world': Local musician's guitar stolen from his truck

A local musician is pleading to get his favourite guitar back after it was stolen from inside his truck last weekend.

Vancouver

Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'

The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo

One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
What to expect when the Fair at the PNE returns this weekend

The long-awaited Fair at the PNE is opening Saturday after being scaled down during the pandemic. Here's what to expect.