Belleville, ON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reporting a collision on Highway 401 westbound at Mitchell Road in Belleville that has resulted in the closure of the left lane. Emergency responders are currently on the scene, and the OPP is urging drivers to exercise caution while traveling through the area. The advisory was issued via the OPP’s official X (formerly Twitter) account earlier today. According to scanner traffic, the collision has caused significant traffic congestion, with delays stretching as far back as Wymans Road. Commuters are advised to expect delays and consider alternative routes if possible. There is no official word yet on the number of vehicles involved or whether there are any injuries. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Help Each Other Plan Ahead As traffic continues to build, travelers are encouraged to share this information with friends, family, and fellow commuters—especially those who may be heading through the affected area. By spreading awareness, we can help reduce frustration and keep everyone safer on the roads. UPDATE 7:30 PM: The MVC involves a single tractor trailer that has collided with the center median. Injuries are still unknown and traffic still remains congested at this time. Small Town Productions will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates with our Small Town News Team To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

May 26, 2025 1:30 PM – Belleville, ON — Drivers pulling into the Shell gas station on Dundas Street West this afternoon got a small surprise: the station was out of regular fuel and was instead offering premium V-Power gas for the regular price. According to staff, the regular fuel supply ran out just before 1:30pm today. Rather than shutting down the pumps, the decision was made to keep things running with the available V-Power, but without the premium markup. “We didn’t want to turn people away,” said an employee at the station. “It made sense to just keep going with what we had.” Some drivers were pleasantly surprised by the temporary upgrade, especially given the usual cost difference. One customer chuckled, “My old Civic probably won’t know what to do with it, but hey, I’m not complaining.” A few passersby speculated about whether this was a one-time fluke or part of some new strategy, but staff confirmed it was just a matter of inventory. There’s no word yet on when the regular grade fuel will be restocked, but until then, drivers can enjoy a small silver lining at the pumps — even if only for a short time. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

BELLEVILLE, ON – May 25, 2025 — Paramedics with CUPE Local 1842 are calling on the people of Hastings County to stand in solidarity as they prepare to return to the bargaining table with the County on Monday, May 26. This meeting marks the final scheduled negotiation session before the matter proceeds to arbitration in August. Members of CUPE 1842, who provide essential emergency medical services across the region, are urging the public to join them in a peaceful demonstration and picket outside the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 407 North Front Street in Belleville, beginning at 8:00 AM. "For years, we've shown up for this community — day or night, rain or shine — to provide care in the most critical moments of people’s lives,” said a CUPE 1842 representative. “Now, we’re asking the community to show up for us." The union emphasizes that this demonstration goes beyond wages or benefits — it's a call for sustainable working conditions, adequate staffing, and the resources needed to continue delivering safe and reliable care to every resident of Hastings County. Chronic burnout, staffing shortages, and lack of systemic support have put paramedics and patients alike at risk. The demonstration aims to send a strong, visible message to Hastings County officials: frontline healthcare workers deserve respect, protection, and a fair contract that reflects the value of their role in the community. “This isn’t just about a contract. It’s about the future of emergency medical care in Hastings County,” the statement continues. “When our paramedics are overworked and unsupported, the whole community feels the impact.” Residents, patients, friends, and supporters are encouraged to bring signs, raise their voices, and show up in solidarity. CUPE 1842 says public support will help amplify their message and highlight the critical role paramedics play every day — behind the uniform. Event Details: 📍 Fairfield Inn & Suites, 407 N Front Street, Belleville (at the 401 overpass) 🕗 Monday, May 26, 2025 – Starting at 8:00 AM #SupportYourParamedics #CUPE1842 #HastingsCounty #ParamedicsDeserveBetter #BehindTheUniform #MakeNoiseWithUs #SolidarityInAction 📢 SHARE TO SHOW YOU CARE 📢 Your voice matters — and each share  helps spread the message. 👉 Help us reach every corner of Hastings County.📲 Share this post, tag your friends, and let’s stand together for the paramedics who stand up for us every day. #SupportYourParamedics #ShareForSolidarity #HastingsCounty To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

A full-scale strike by Canada Post workers has been narrowly avoided, but Canadians should still prepare for potential delays in mail and parcel delivery as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) begins a nationwide overtime ban effective May 23, 2025. The union’s decision to forgo a traditional strike in favor of a legal work-to-rule action comes after limited progress in negotiations with Canada Post. According to CUPW, the overtime ban is intended to pressure the corporation into addressing unresolved issues related to wages, working conditions, and job security without completely halting postal services. Under the current job action, postal workers will work no more than eight hours per day or 40 hours per week. While Canada Post remains operational, the overtime restriction is expected to reduce staffing flexibility and result in slower service, particularly in busy urban centers and during peak periods. Negotiations between the two parties have been ongoing for several months. The latest session, held earlier this week, reportedly lasted less than 30 minutes, underscoring the deep divide that remains. In a public statement, Canada Post emphasized its commitment to continuing service across the country. "We are taking steps to minimize delays and keep Canadians connected," the corporation said, encouraging customers to send time-sensitive mail and parcels as early as possible. The union has not ruled out further actions if negotiations continue to stall. Meanwhile, federal mediators remain involved in the talks, though a resolution does not appear imminent. Customers, particularly small businesses that rely on regular shipping, are advised to monitor updates closely. Canada Post has pledged to provide ongoing service alerts via its official website and social media platforms. While the worst-case scenario of a full work stoppage has been averted for now, the future of postal services in Canada remains uncertain as both sides weigh their next steps in a tense labor dispute. Spread the Word—It’s First-Class Info! Don’t post-pone it—pass it on! If you found this article helpful, give it a stamp of approval by sharing it. After all, knowledge like this deserves priority delivery to your network. Let’s keep the updates moving, one share at a time! To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

The proposed Hospital for residents of Trent Hills and surrounding communities is one step closer to becoming reality. On May 21, 2025, the Ontario government announced a $2.5 million planning grant to support the redevelopment of Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH), marking a major milestone in the journey toward building a state-of-the-art healthcare facility in the region. The funding is part of a larger $60 billion provincial initiative aimed at upgrading and expanding healthcare infrastructure across Ontario. For Campbellford, the grant will help cover critical early planning work for a proposed “Campus of Care”—a multi-service health hub to be located on a 48-acre site generously donated by local farmer Jim Curle. The future campus, situated just west of town along County Road 30, is expected to include a modern hospital, long-term care home, community mental health clinic, geriatric services, and supportive housing for seniors. Premier Doug Ford called the project “transformational,” emphasizing its importance in delivering high-quality, accessible care to rural and aging populations. Northumberland–Peterborough South MPP David Piccini also praised the announcement, noting the community’s decades-long effort to modernize local healthcare. “From a humble two-bed facility 80 years ago to what will soon become a regional hub for healthcare—this is a historic step forward,” Piccini said. Hospital officials estimate that it could take three to four years of planning before shovels hit the ground, with construction likely taking an additional three to five years to complete. During the planning phase, the Ministry of Health will work closely with CMH to determine key details such as facility size and number of beds. The redevelopment is designed to meet the needs of a growing and aging population in Northumberland County, providing modern, integrated care close to home. As work progresses, the new Campbellford hospital promises to become a cornerstone of healthcare in the region—built by the community, for the community. Let’s Keep Each Other in the Know Big changes are coming to our small town—and that makes it more important than ever to stay informed. Whether it’s spreading the word about new developments or sharing updates with neighbours who may not be online, staying connected helps us all play a role in shaping the future of our community. If you hear something worth sharing, don’t hesitate to pass it on. Together, we can make sure no one is left out of the conversation. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Did you experience an outage this morning? Here's why! On the morning of May 21, 2025, Bell Canada experienced a widespread service outage that left tens of thousands of customers without internet and mobile connectivity. Beginning around 9 a.m. Eastern Time, the outage quickly escalated, with more than 130,000 users reporting issues on Downdetector, a website that tracks real-time service disruptions. The outage primarily affected landline internet services, which accounted for approximately 61% of the reports. Mobile internet disruptions made up another 11%, while 28% of users faced a complete service blackout. Major urban centers such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax were among the hardest hit. Bell Canada later confirmed that the disruption stemmed from a routine software update that unexpectedly impacted some of the company's routers. In response, Bell rolled back the update, and by around 11 a.m. ET, the company announced that most services had been fully restored. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience,” Bell said in a public statement. The company has advised users still experiencing issues to reboot their modems by unplugging them, waiting a few minutes, and plugging them back in. While the technical issue was resolved relatively quickly, the incident raised broader concerns about the resilience of Canada’s telecommunications infrastructure. With a small number of providers controlling most of the country’s internet and mobile networks, outages like this can have an outsized impact on millions of Canadians. As life and work become increasingly dependent on reliable connectivity, events like today’s Bell Canada outage highlight the importance of robust systems, transparent communication, and strong contingency planning to maintain trust and ensure continuity of service. 🌐 Don’t Let the News Buffer — Share It! The internet took a timeout, but you don’t have to. Help us refresh the feed by sharing this story — because staying connected is more than just strong Wi-Fi. 📶 Whether you were stuck in offline mode or just feeling the lag of the land, let others know they’re not alone. If you can, click, copy, and paste the link to this article before it times out again. The only thing we want loading slowly is our coffee. ☕ To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps us keep you informed and in the know  https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

(May 17, 2025) (Belleville, Ontario) UPDATE: Highway 62 has been fully reopened Earlier today around 11:30 a.m., a section of Highway 62 just north of Belleville was reduced to one lane after a fertilizer tender slid into the ditch while attempting to back into a field. The incident caused significant traffic delays in both directions. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and a tow truck were quickly dispatched to the scene to manage traffic and recover the vehicle. As of this afternoon, the road remains heavily backed up while recovery efforts continue. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and consider taking alternate routes if possible to avoid delays. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Emergency services responded to a serious two-vehicle collision on Highway 37 near Belleville, Ontario earlier today leading to a closure of the highway between Hoskins road and Latta road. Drivers have started to be rerouted and guided along the posted detours. The accident resulted in two individuals sustaining injuries, one of whom is in critical condition. The incident prompted a swift response from local emergency crews. Upon arrival, responders assessed two patients at the scene. One individual was reported as vital signs absent (VSA), indicating a life-threatening condition. Both patients were transported to the nearest hospital for further treatment. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local law enforcement. Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Stay Informed and Share Accidents like this highlight the importance of cautious driving and road awareness. Share this article to help keep others informed and promote road safety in our communities. #Highway37 #BellevilleON #TrafficUpdate #EmergencyResponse #RoadSafety To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps us keep you informed and in the know  https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Traffic on Highway 401 eastbound ground to a halt Friday afternoon after three separate accidents occurred within close proximity — one of which involved a pileup of three to five vehicles near The Big Apple and the Highway 45 exit. The incidents created a traffic nightmare for drivers heading east, with vehicles backed up for several kilometers as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Fire, EMS, and OPP officers responded quickly to manage the scene, tend to any injuries, and begin clearing debris. The most significant collision involved multiple vehicles in a chain-reaction crash. At this time, the severity of injuries has not been confirmed, but paramedics were observed assisting several individuals at the roadside. Drivers in the area are being urged to avoid eastbound 401 if possible, with detours and delays expected into the evening hours. The cause of the crashes remains under investigation, though road conditions were reported to be normal at the time. Authorities continue to remind motorists to stay alert, reduce speed in congested areas, and always drive according to conditions. Help Spread the Word Traffic delays and multi-vehicle accidents like today’s incident near The Big Apple affect hundreds of lives in an instant. Sharing this story not only helps others avoid the area—it raises awareness about the importance of road safety and staying alert behind the wheel. If you were impacted, witnessed the scene, or simply want to help others stay informed, please share this article and any relevant information with your friends, family, and the proper authorities. Your voice can help make our roads safer. #401TrafficAlert #DriveSafeOntario #ShareToInform To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup Link for Donations We are solely independent with our news and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps us keep you informed and in the know https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have initiated strike action against Canadian Hearing Services (CHS), raising concerns about staffing shortages, compensation levels, and the use of public funds within the organization. The strike involves front-line employees, including interpreters, counselors, and administrative staff, who are advocating for improved working conditions and adjustments to pay. On the picket line, participants held signs bearing messages such as “Canadian Hearing Services on Strike,” “Support Staff Need Support,” “We Want More Workers,” and “Your Tax Money Goes to Our CEO — Call Your MPP: Tyler Allsopp.” These signs reflect concerns related to staff capacity, funding priorities, and executive compensation. Canadian Hearing Services provides essential communication and support services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals across Ontario. The strike may result in temporary disruptions to services as negotiations continue. This labor action highlights broader issues in the social services sector, where staff support, resource allocation, and compensation remain central topics in labor relations. Both parties are continuing discussions in an effort to reach a resolution. Help Amplify the Conversation This story affects communities across Ontario and beyond. If you believe in the importance of fair labor practices, accessible services, and transparent use of public funds, consider sharing this article. Spreading awareness helps keep the public informed and encourages open dialogue about issues impacting both workers and those who rely on essential services. Share this article on social media, tag your local representatives, and let your voice be part of the conversation.

It’s Victoria Day across Ontario—an official stat holiday and the long weekend we’ve all been waiting for. Whether you’re staying local, heading to the cottage, or hunting down fireworks, it’s always handy to know what’s open and what’s taking a break today. Here's your province-wide guide to services, stores, and attractions this Victoria Day. Closed Today As expected, many key services and businesses are closed across Ontario today, including: • All government offices at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels • Canada Post (no mail delivery or open post offices) • Most banks and credit unions • Public libraries • LCBO and Beer Store locations (most are closed for the day, though a few may open in select tourist areas) • Schools and colleges Most municipal transit systems may be running on holiday schedules or not at all—check with your local transit authority for specifics Open – With Modified Hours While some places are closing their doors for the day, others are keeping things running, even if it’s on a reduced schedule: • Pharmacies: Select Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations are open, often with shortened holiday hours • Grocery Stores: Large chains like Metro, Loblaws, and No Frills are mostly closed, but some independent stores and 24/7 options (like Rabba Fine Foods) remain open • Convenience Stores and Gas Stations: Most across the province are open today • Restaurants and Fast Food: Many locations are open, especially in urban and tourist areas, but holiday hours may apply • Tourist Attractions: Major destinations like the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls attractions are open and often busier than usual • Shopping Malls: A few large malls like CF Eaton Centre (Toronto), Vaughan Mills, and Toronto Premium Outlets are open with reduced hours, though many malls across the province will be closed • Transit • Most major city transit systems are operating on a holiday schedule, meaning fewer buses, subways, and trains. • TTC (Toronto): Running with reduced service starting around 6 a.m. • GO Transit: Operating on a Saturday schedule • Other systems like OC Transpo (Ottawa), HSR (Hamilton), and Grand River Transit (Kitchener-Waterloo) are typically on holiday service too—check your local system online Planning to Celebrate? Victoria Day fireworks are a staple across Ontario. While some cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls may host public shows, many communities leave it to private celebrations or local organizers. Check your city or town’s website or local news for events near you. A Quick Note This overview is based on typical Victoria Day closures and operations observed in previous years across Ontario. Holiday hours vary from business to business, and rural areas may operate differently from larger cities. When in doubt, check directly with the store or service provider before heading out. No matter how you’re celebrating, Small Town Productions wishes everyone across Ontario a fun, safe, and sunny Victoria Day! Tuck This in Your Back Pocket Ran into someone wondering what’s open today? Slide them this guide and save them the guesswork. Whether you’re the planner of the group or just stumbled across this while looking for an open patio—sharing is always in season. And hey, if you like staying in the know without all the noise, keep an eye on Small Town Productions. We keep it non biased, non judgemental, and as fact based as possible — just the way news should be.

Happy Victoria Day, Belleville! The sun is (hopefully) shining, grills are firing up, and many folks are enjoying a well-deserved day off. But if you’re wondering what’s open around town—or if you’re heading out for errands or a bite to eat—you’re not alone. Here’s your friendly local guide to what’s open and closed today in Belleville. Closed Today Most government and city-run services are taking the day off, including: • Belleville City Hall and other municipal offices • Belleville Public Library • Canada Post (no mail delivery) • Banks and financial institutions • LCBO and Beer Store locations across the city (most are closed for the statutory holiday) • Belleville Transit (no service running today—this is typical for most statutory holidays) Open – With Reduced or Varying Hours Some businesses are still welcoming visitors today, but hours may be reduced, so it’s always best to call ahead or check online: • Pharmacies: A few Shoppers Drug Mart and other major pharmacies are open today, often with limited holiday hours. • Restaurants and Cafés: Many independent and chain restaurants in Belleville are open—especially in the downtown and waterfront areas—but again, hours may vary. • Gas Stations and convenience stores: Most are open for your road trip or BBQ needs. • Parks and Trails: Public outdoor spaces like Zwick’s Park and the Waterfront Trail are open all day, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing walk. (Public washrooms may have limited access) Planning Something Fun? While there’s no city-hosted firework display this year in Belleville, surrounding communities may have some events, and private celebrations are common. It's a great time to visit nearby destinations like Prince Edward County or just enjoy a laid-back afternoon in your own backyard. A Quick Reminder This overview is based on typical holiday patterns seen in Belleville and across Ontario. Businesses and services often follow provincial holiday schedules, and most municipal services close on Victoria Day. When in doubt, check directly with local stores or official city sources. Whether you're firing up the grill, heading out for a nature walk, or just catching up on rest, all of us at Small Town Productions wish you a safe and relaxing Victoria Day! Tuck This in Your Back Pocket Ran into someone wondering what’s open today? Slide them this guide and save them the guesswork. Whether you’re the planner of the group or just stumbled across this while looking for an open patio—sharing is always in season.