Hello everyone, we hope you are all doing well. It has come to our attention that the carbon tax that was set in place as of 2019 will rise for the third time tonight across the country. Starting tonight at midnight, Canada's carbon tax will increase in an effort to combat climate change. The carbon tax is a fee charged on fossil fuels that produce carbon emissions, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and coal. The tax is meant to discourage the use of these fuels and encourage the adoption of cleaner energy sources. The government believes that the carbon tax is an important tool in the fight against climate change. By making fossil fuels more expensive, it hopes to encourage individuals and businesses to transition to cleaner energy sources. The revenue generated from the tax is also being used to fund programs that support climate action and to provide rebates to households to offset the increased costs. However, not everyone is happy about the carbon tax increase. Some individuals and businesses argue that it will increase their costs and make them less competitive. Others believe that the tax unfairly targets rural Canadians who rely on their cars to get around. If you have concerns about the carbon tax increase, you can contact your Liberal government representatives to express them. You can find the contact information for your local Member of Parliament (MP) on the Parliament of Canada website. You can also contact the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, through his website or on social media. When contacting your representatives, be sure to clearly and respectfully articulate your concerns. Explain how the carbon tax increase will impact you or your business, and suggest alternative solutions that you believe would be more effective in combatting climate change. Link for Donations: We are solely independent with our news and our only funding is your amazing donations 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

Oh Canada! Home to...inflation?? Have you felt the impact of inflation? Perhaps the drastic increase in prices of eggs, fruit, and gas. (To name a few) ring a bell? What exactly is inflation? Inflation is the price increase of general goods and services within an economy over a period of time. Unfortunately, inflation is seen often and is only growing in today's society. But why is inflation bad? Inflation means increased prices, thus fewer consumers, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the standard of living for people and their families as they cannot afford the same goods and services as they once could. However, the negative factors of inflation don't just stop there. The economy will then be unpredictable as it makes it difficult to make life decisions, such as buying a home or car, as inflation increases interest rates. The unpredictability causes slower economic growth, and more individuals are left unemployed because there is not enough money to keep things running or have a lot of employees. Just within January 2023, the consumer price index rate was at 5.9, which is an increase of 4.9% compared to January 2021, where the CPI was at 1, and the numbers are only climbing. (1) However, the economy constantly changes, and what goes up always comes back down. Across numerous households within Canada there has been widespread fear over inflation and the consequences it may carry, and many have felt the effect of job loss throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Low income households are already struggling to begin with, add inflation and job loss on top and you are witnessing the beginning of a downfall. The cost of living is soaring through the roof, we have all seen it or felt it in some way. Groceries, furniture, vehicles, you name it and it has seen a price inflation, it is visible in every area of daily life. Even middle income household have felt the effect of inflation, whether it is restricting spending or being tighter with bills there is a fear flowing through the country. This all sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Well that is because it has happened before, and recently. In 2008 the United States experienced a market crash of monumental proportions. The fear Canadians have today is that the 2008 crash is happening again and no one can stop it. While this may be a ways away from this point, it is a looming threat over the heads of every homeowner and loan holder in the country. The critical factor to know now is to be smart with your money. This means learning how to budget appropriately to ensure you are in a comfortable state—taking advantage of coupons and setting up saving accounts to allot a certain amount of money to grow without being touched. And cut unnecessary spending where you can! For instance, making a coffee instead of buying one, making meal prep for the week and not spending it on takeout meals or trying growing a mini herb or veggie garden in your kitchen or backyard! While this all seems meaningless, over time, you save money in the long run and learn better spending habits that will aid you for years and perhaps even a fun hobby. It is easier said than done, that is no secret, but with the support of others it is possible. Bear down with those around you and support each other, help each other, and believe that there is a prosperous way out of this, because there is and it is possible. Don't let inflation consume you; rise above it. Link for Donations: We are solely independent with our news and our only funding is your amazing donations to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps keep our journalists out there reporting. Journalists like Samantha. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/QUZTTZ3RY433OOZ7WP22CTLM “Inflation: Definitions, Graphs and Data.” Bank of Canada, https://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/indicators/capacity-and-inflation-pressures/inflation/.

Art, it's easy to think this is something you either know, or something you don't and when you don't, you really don't. In Canada, art within schools have on average been losing funding. To put this into perspective, in 2019, the Toronto District School Board cut $67.8 M from the budget over two years. (TDSB, 2019) The art department, specifically, was cut in half. The loss of funds towards art has created a gap in knowledge on the subject. More importantly, this gap creates a deficit in accessibility to understand how to properly assess artwork on a multitude of levels from personal art, to political art. With each political movement, there has been an era of art to go hand in hand. The art itself, more times than not, will either be in support of a movement, or in opposition. Rarely, in art will you find pieces made significant, for lack of better word, solely for its neutrality on a subject. One significant piece of art you may all know, either love it or hate it, that was in support of a large movement is Johnny Canuck. First created in 1869, and later resurfacing in 1942 during WWII. He was used to represent an easy going, and laid back military super hero. (Johnny Canuck 2023) A portrayal c. 1942 of Johnny Canuck as a World War II hero On the other hand, art in opposition to a movement will be just as plentiful. A widely known anti government movement that surfaced in the previous years has been the anti pipeline with Wet’suwet’en. While this is still an ongoing event for Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan nations, it is hard to pick an individual piece to represent this entire movement. This movement is however one you will be able to find various examples of art over the next few years. (Shah, 2022) Finally, while it is rare that art is amplified during political events when it is viewed as neutral, it can occur. In the case of Andy Warhol, his art during the height of the AIDS epidemic became a large talking point. This was because of various reasons, but key features of this were because of how the world viewed him in regards to his sexuality and the empire he created as an artist. Andy Warhol was able to commercialize his art in a way that artists before him had not done before. Warhol, while not what many people expected or wanted, remained neutral on the epidemic and continually did not want to get involved in politics. One of the pieces in particular that he created during this time that caused an outrage during this time period is The Last Supper. Warhol wanted to stay out of the realm of politics and disease when the AIDS epidemic was happening, and because of this many viewed his response as a failure. (Beck, 2020) A. Andy Warhol, The Last Supper (detail), 1986 The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. 1998.1.355 An important objective to note within the context of political art, is that this is a never ending subject matter. There are always movements, and there will always be art to follow. Whether you agree with the movement, or the art does not matter. You should have access to the knowledge needed to critically analyze all key features of the art in order to understand it. This knowledge of art in regards to a world of politics, allows for the average citizen to be able to form an independent opinion on various fronts. When examining the art it is important to look at four different areas. The first being the piece itself or the content itself. The second and third are who is the artist(s) and who(m) is funding the art. Finally, the location of the piece. The content of an art piece will have a varying level of things to examine. A list of those key points include: colors, textures, type of art (called medium, painting, sculpture, etc.). These will all be the things you see at a first glance. Next examine, what exactly is being thrown at first, and how is the artist using space, or color to bring forward (give more attention to) particular points or features of the art. After examining the content of the art, next look for who the artist(s) behind the piece is. Knowing who the artist(s) behind a piece can open a door to understand what their motives or intentions were behind a piece. The artist(s) may be someone known to be in opposition, or in favor of the content presented, knowing this information allows an incite as to if the artist(s) will have a bias towards the content. Lastly the location of the piece will reveal a few key details as to the intent for the audience. A piece that is held in a private museum or gallery that costs money to enter will hold a difference with a piece that is displayed in a public park. The first would allow only a select few to see the work, while the latter would be forcing the general public to view the work more naturally in their daily life. No matter the take away you receive from art, movements, or what side you decide to stand on, or to remain neutral; your viewpoint on the art matters. Allowing yourself the independent thought and construction of opinion towards art will always allow for a better sense of self; and how that correlates to the world and politics surrounding you. Checklist to examine the art around you: Content -colors -textures -type of art Artist -background -any notable bias(s) Who(m) is funding -is it the artist? -is it an institution -is it the “opposition” Location -is it “legally” placed -is it private or public property -how will inevitably view the piece -is it organically -it is sponsored/pushed art -is it only available to a select group of people Link for Donations Help support non-biased and honest journalists like Isaiah. He is dedicated to sharing honest and trustworthy news with you all. Help support him and his journalistic efforts by donating to the link below: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/IA2N4QGDLMC7PMUB4YRFFROE References: Beck, J. (2020, May 27). Warhol's confession: Love, faith, and AIDS. The Andy Warhol Museum. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.warhol.org/warhols-confession-love-faith-and-aids/ Shah, S. (2022, July 26). Wet'suwet'en explained. The Indigenous Foundation. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/wetsuweten-explained Toronto District School Board. (2019, May 13). Proposed Balance 2019-2020 Operating Budget. Toronto. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, March 5). Johnny Canuck. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Canuck

As many wonder how long the winter will drag on, the comforting faint call of spring smiles upon us. I will introduce you to the many wonders our earth provides us with that you can find in your own backyard or pantry to cure these winter blues and get ready for a wonderful spring and summer. Herbs and spices are nature's most powerful medicine that improves one's health physically and mentally! And to know the basics and how to utilize nature to the best of its abilities. The first step is to determine your need for wanting to use these herbs. As certain herbs are meant for certain purposes such as; stronger immunity, improved gut health, stress reducers, enhanced rest, and increased antioxidant intake. All of these are vital in our daily lives and here are some herbs and how to use them to get you started! While there are multiple versions of these recipes, it is encouraged that you get creative and just go for it! *Please be advised that everything requires moderation and taking too much of anything natural or not can be dangerous.* Garlic (Allium sativum) = a powerful herb that offers many benefits but for this recipe we're focusing on its immune support and antioxidant properties (1) that will cut that flu or cold to bits. Recipe: Garlic Honey (2) Bold and powerful garlic combined with the rich and sweet taste of honey Ingredients: 1 garlic bulb Raw honey *fun fact honey is packed full of helpful antioxidants and nutrients* Mason jar with lid Steps: Peel garlic cloves and break up and chop the cloves Add the raw chopped garlic to to mason jar Add the raw honey and fill until all garlic is covered *do not fill to the top.* Cover mason jar and shake to stimulate the fermentation process Once it settles, slightly loosen the mason jar lid and store in a dark and cool area. Take one teaspoon a day and enjoy *Stores for up to 3 months* Turmeric = a powerful spice that aids in digestive issues, anti inflammatory and many other benefits. This recipe is focusing on utilizing the amazing digestive properties it provides. Recipe: Turmeric tea (3) A fiery blend of warmth with notes of sweetness and just the right amount of sourness zing! Ingredients: Ground Turmeric (2 teaspoons) Lemon juice (1 teaspoon) (fresh or bottled) Honey Black pepper (optional) Water Kettle Steps: Add turmeric to cup Bring water to a boil Add hot water to cup Add honey for sweetener as much as you desire Add 1 teaspoon of Lemon juice Pinch of black pepper Sip and enjoy! Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) = a fresh herb that is a natural stimulant, decongestant and soothes sore throats. (4) Recipe: peppermint lemon iced tea (5) Refreshing flavor of sweet mint and lemon with warm flavors of honey. Ingredients: *this recipe is based off another but includes my own adaptations to it* 1 cup peppermint leaves water Lemon Honey Ice Pitcher glass Steps: Bring water to a boil and steep peppermint leaves for about 20 minutes Let cool Strain the tea and add to pitcher Cut up lemon slices (as much as desired) and add to pitcher Add honey for sweetness, as much as desired Add ice and stir Pour and enjoy! Chamomile = a flowery herb that is dried up and packed full of antioxidants, promotes better quality of sleep and comforting calming effects. (6) Recipe: Chamomile and lavender latte (7) Warm soothing chamomile bathed in creamy oat milk with sweet hints of honey and lavender. Ingredients: *this recipe is based off another but includes my own adaptations to it* (1/2 cup) Unsweetened vanilla oat milk (regular or any other milk substitute) Loose dried chamomile and lavender (or use 1 bag of chamomile and lavender tea blend) Honey Cup Steps: Steep loose dried chamomile and lavender, strain and leave to side Warm oat milk (regular or other milk substitutes) Add honey to oat milk (as much as desired) Add ½ of the steeped chamomile and lavender tea to milk and honey (or add the tea blend, steep and stir) Sip, relax, and enjoy! Link for Donations: If you end up liking any of these recipes or enjoy Smantha's vast knowledge of the environment, please show your support for her by donating to the link below. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/QUZTTZ3RY433OOZ7WP22CTLM References 7 impressive benefits of garlic. EverydayHealth.com. (2021). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-benefits-of-adding-garlic-to-your-recipes-and-meals/ Herbal Academy. (2019, October 7). DIY Garlic Honey for cold & flu season preparation. Herbal Academy. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://theherbalacademy.com/diy-garlic-honey/ Bryan, A. L., & Bryan, L. (2022, December 27). Easy turmeric tea. Downshiftology. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://downshiftology.com/recipes/turmeric-tea/ Groves, M. (2023, March 10). 12 science-backed benefits of peppermint tea and extracts. Healthline. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea New, E. (2018, December 27). Ice cold peppermint tea. The Frugal Farm Wife. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.frugalfarmwife.com/article/cold-peppermint-tea/ Elliott, B. (2017, August 18). 5 ways Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health. Healthline. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-benefits-of-chamomile-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4 BODi. (2022, November 9). Chamomile and lavender oat milk latte. BODi. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/collagen-chamomile-tea-latte

Growing up in Prince George, I have seen the doors open to many new beloved small businesses. Sadly, I have also seen those same doors close not too shortly after they opened. Prince George British Columbia is a town filled with wonderland-like winters, unique attractions such as the Train Museum, The Ancient Forest, and many beloved family-owned small businesses. Over the past few weeks, I had the pleasure of speaking with several small business owners in town. I have been curious to see if there is a common consensus among the local business owners. Currently, the cost of living is giving a lot of families a run for their money. Rising food costs, rising gas prices, everything seems to be slowly but steadily going out of reach. The cost of living for a family of four a month is roughly $8,200. Adding in a family-owned business brings on a whole new array of expenses. Speaking with the people who provide essential services and create a wonderful part of our community, brought to light a common problem. Small Business owners of Prince George feel unsupported, unheard and a little bit afraid of what the future holds. The downtown core of Prince George used to be where many would set up shop. Currently the streets have been neglected and are becoming overrun with crime, addiction and homelessness. Causing many citizens and business owners to feel uncomfortable and unsafe just walking downtown. Let alone running their business. Many wonder what City Council will do to help solve these issues. Many wonder if City Council is even aware of the issues that desperately need fixing. Many wonder if City Council cares about the issues at hand. Sponsored Advertisement I spoke with Gwen owner of Paws for Pur located on 15th avenue. She has dealt with her fair share of issues pertaining to small business ownership. Gwen started her business to educate and help other animal owners. By discovering that commercial chew is detrimental to your dogs health. She created a solution from her passion for pets. You can check out their products here . While speaking with Gwen I could hear the concern in her voice. Like many citizens and small business owners, we have great concern for what our future holds. With new mayor Simon Yu, Prince George has hope that our downtown core will be addressed and the small business owners will feel supported. Through speaking with the business owners of our quaint little town. It became clear that Prince George needs an action taker. A problem solver. Someone who is willing to take the time and resources to fix the issues that are not so easy to solve. Will Simon Yu be that person? Link for Donations Help support non-biased and honest journalists like Alannah. She is dedicated to sharing honest and trustworthy news with you all. Help support her and her journalistic efforts by donating to the link below: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/JYTSNUSYL7OD5SMGEXM4RCN6

Introduction London, Ontario is a city located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The housing situation in London, Ontario has been a matter of concern for some time, with the city facing issues such as high rental prices, homelessness, and a lack of affordable housing. In this topic, we will take an in-depth look at the current housing situation in London, Ontario, including rental prices, homeless shelters, and potential solutions to address the issue. Renting Prices The cost of renting in London, Ontario has been on the rise in recent years, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city hovering around $1,200. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago when the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was closer to $800. The rising cost of rent is largely due to the high demand for rental properties in the city, with many people looking for affordable housing options. The demand for rental properties has led to a shortage of available units, which has further driven up rental prices. In addition, the increasing cost of utilities and property taxes has also contributed to the rise in rental prices. The high cost of renting in London, Ontario has made it difficult for many people, particularly those with lower incomes, to find affordable housing. Homeless Shelters Another issue that has contributed to the housing situation in London, Ontario is homelessness. Homelessness has been a growing problem in the city, with many individuals and families struggling to find a place to call home. There are a number of homeless shelters in London, Ontario that provide temporary shelter and support services for those in need. One of the primary homeless shelters in London, Ontario is the Salvation Army Centre of Hope. This facility provides emergency shelter for men, women, and families, as well as a range of support services, including meals, counseling, and job training. The London Homeless Coalition is another organization that works to address homelessness in the city. This group works to advocate for affordable housing solutions and to provide support services for those in need. Possible Solutions To address the housing situation in London, Ontario, there are several potential solutions that could be considered. One approach would be to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city. This could be accomplished through a number of measures, including government subsidies for housing construction, zoning changes to allow for more multi-unit residential buildings, and the development of partnerships between the government and private sector to fund affordable housing projects. Another potential solution would be to provide more support services for those who are struggling to find housing. This could include job training and placement services, mental health and addiction treatment, and financial counseling to help individuals and families get back on their feet. A third approach would be to increase public awareness of the issue of housing affordability and homelessness in London, Ontario. This could be done through public education campaigns, media coverage, and community events. By increasing awareness of the issue, more people may be motivated to get involved and work towards finding solutions. Conclusion The housing situation in London, Ontario is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. Rental prices are high, making it difficult for many people to find affordable housing, while homelessness is a growing problem in the city. To address these issues, a number of solutions could be considered, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, providing more support services for those in need, and increasing public awareness of the issue. By working together, the community can take steps towards creating a more affordable and equitable housing situation in London, Ontario. Link for Donations Help support non-biased and honest journalists like Anjum. He is dedicated to sharing honest and trustworthy news with you all. Help support his journalistic efforts by donating to the link below: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/SL3BIITD3LBYVXUWXNOE3I2V

At approximately 1pm Fire crews responded to a blaze at 745 English Settlement Road in Quinte West early Friday afternoon. Sources say that the owner of the property was welding when the fire broke out, and a detached garage was reported to be fully engulfed in flames. There were 2 propane tanks on scene that were safely removed by emergency personnel including police and firefighters. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the fire. Link for Donations: We are solely independent with our news and our only funding is your amazing donations 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

By Anjum Sahid Regular exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health. It can help individuals maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and promote overall well-being. However, sticking to an exercise routine can be a challenge for many people. One way to stay motivated is by setting realistic goals that are achievable and meaningful. It's important to choose a goal that aligns with your interests and priorities, and start with small steps that can be built upon. For example, if you want to lose weight, start with 20 minutes of moderate exercise three times per week and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get stronger. Another strategy to stay motivated is by finding an exercise that you enjoy. People are more likely to stick with an exercise routine if they find it fun and enjoyable. There are a variety of exercises that can be done, from running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, and more. Trying out different exercises and finding what works best can help you find a routine that you look forward to doing. When it comes to the benefits of exercise for mental and physical health, Andrew D. Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, has conducted research that provides insight into the connection between exercise, the visual system, and the stress response. For instance, his research suggests that stress can reduce the number of synapses in the visual cortex, making it harder for people to distinguish between different patterns of light. However, certain neurons can be stimulated to improve the ability to distinguish between different patterns of light. This finding highlights the importance of exercise in reducing stress and improving cognitive function. Furthermore, Huberman's research has found that the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, plays a critical role in regulating behavior. When activated, people become more alert and vigilant but can also become more anxious and less social. Blocking the activation of the sympathetic nervous system can decrease anxiety levels and improve social behavior, indicating the importance of exercise in reducing anxiety levels. In conclusion, incorporating exercise into a daily routine can promote physical and mental health, improve mood, and reduce stress and anxiety. By setting realistic goals and finding exercises that are enjoyable, people can stay motivated and experience the benefits of exercise. Understanding the science behind exercise, as shown in Andrew D. Huberman's research, can provide additional motivation to make exercise a regular part of your routine. Link for Donations Help support non-biased and honest journalists like Anjum. He is dedicated to sharing honest and trustworthy news with you all. Help support his journalistic efforts by donating to the link below: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/SL3BIITD3LBYVXUWXNOE3I2V

Hello folks, we hope you are all doing well. It seems we are in for another storm tonight going into tomorrow morning. Environment Canada has issued an extreme snowfall warning. Please see their public weather alert below: There is a winter storm warning in effect for various areas surrounding Belleville Ontario. "It will be a significant winter storm with dangerous travel conditions expected tonight. Non-essential travel strongly discouraged. Hazards: Significantly reduced visibility due to heavy snow and blowing snow. Total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm. Snowfall rates of 4 to 6 cm/h possible. Rapidly accumulating snowfall creating hazardous travel conditions. Timing: This evening into Saturday morning. The most dangerous conditions are expected late this evening into early overnight. Discussion: A Texas low is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to a large swath of southern Ontario. Snow will begin this evening and quickly become heavy at times. Heavy snow in combination with strong easterly winds will create significantly reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance."

As our world continues to advance our knowledge does too, however in order to harness all the benefits of these changes we must be mindful in order to sustain our goals. Whether you believe in Climate Change or not there are specific examples of change seen throughout our environment that seem to be negative consequences due to waste that is created by us as a species. There have been numerous lectures on the subject of Climate Change and as a result, there has been a wealth of knowledge accumulated on how we affect the world around us. Climate change is said to be due to the increase in pollution, as well as a mass amount of man-made greenhouse gases collecting into our atmosphere. This results in uncommon patterns in weather during our regular 4 seasons here in Canada, and a loss of biodiversity as a result. Fortunately, there is a mass increase in awareness of our environment through many organizations working to raise even more awareness. They are also working hard to find solutions to protect the environment and all of us in it. The University of Guelph is one of these organizations. The university advocates for the environment by making sustainability a lifestyle for its students on and off campus. Over the past year, the University of Guelph has been collecting data to measure, track and report their progress on their sustainability practices. Using the internationally recognized framework, called STARS.(Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System). And the university of Guelph manages to earn a gold STARS rating placing them in Ontario's top four sustainable universities! The university has created outstanding practices to help eliminate the school's eco-footprint as a whole as well as to ensure the best for their students. For instance, their energy system ensures the reduction of emissions and no wastage of heat due to their century-old energy system that allows the school to capture any waste heat and use it towards warming 11 other buildings on campus. The University also provides a bike area where students can attend campus via bike and even learn to utilize the campus bike repair shop where students can fix their bikes, but it does not stop there, all the delicious meals students can have are locally and sustainably sourced, with plant-based options, and no sign of single-use plastic in sight, at every restaurant/dining option on campus. The University of Guelph not only provides excellent education and sustainable practices for their students but they ensure each student does their part along with many opportunities to join environmental clubs and bring forth new and innovative ideas to protect our environment for many more generations to come. Link for Donations: We are solely independent with our news and our only funding is your amazing donations to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please anything helps keep our journalists out there reporting. Journalists like Samantha. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLMNHE4G0R7FP/checkout/QUZTTZ3RY433OOZ7WP22CTLM

UPDATE: The Winter Storm has started in parts of Ontario. Please stay safe everyone. Hello folks, we are expecting a nasty mix of rain and/orsnow on Wednesday night leading into Thursday. It is a very good possibility that buses may be cancelled. Environment Canada has issued the following Special Weather Statement regarding the possibility of what we hope is the last winter storm of the season. The Special Weather Statement can be found below: "Special Weather Statement Issued by Environment Canada Issued at 6:10 PM EST Wednesday 22 February 2023 Winter Storm Warning in effect for: Barrie - Orillia - Midland Belleville - Quinte - Northumberland City of Hamilton City of Toronto Dufferin - Innisfil Dunnville - Caledonia - Haldimand Elgin Grey - Bruce Halton - Peel Huron - Perth Kingston - Prince Edward London - Middlesex Niagara Oxford - Brant Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes Sarnia - Lambton Simcoe - Delhi - Norfolk Waterloo - Wellington Windsor - Essex - Chatham-Kent York - Durham Winter storm conditions tonight. Hazards: Snow, heavy at times, and ice pellets. Total amounts of 15 to 25 cm. Accumulations may be lower for areas toward Lake Ontario that experience mixing with ice pellets and freezing rain. Risk of freezing rain. Light ice accretion is possible, especially from Highway 401 to Lake Ontario. Timing: Continuing to Thursday morning. Discussion: Light snow will become heavy at times early this evening. Snow may mix with ice pellets and freezing rain tonight, though snow is expected to remain the predominant precipitation type. Snow or any wintry mix will taper off Thursday morning to patchy freezing drizzle. Another wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm. With this evening's winter storm, the conditions will be extremely favorable for ice buildup on the roadways. It is advised to drive with extreme caution and in the event of a winter storm, if you have to drive give yourself extra time & braking distance when traveling on the roads. Be safe folks and if the special weather statement changes to a weather advisory or warning, we will be sure to let you know. Thanks for reading and until next time. Link for Donations: We are solely independent with our news and our only funding is your amazing donations 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

The annual Belleville WaterFront Festival starts today in Zwick's Park. There will be lots of fun rides, games and food from all different vendors. Thee are also retail vendors set up along the parking lot. If you and your family are looking for a fun, jam-packed festival happening this weekend, look no further than Belleville's WaterFront Festival. The link for the schedule can be found at https://www.bellevillewaterfrontfestival.com/events.php?fbclid=IwAR1cYEfqXr0Aa9nNTO3J9R_qKEa9ObuDqOZb22Hr32-6mIfaBZjDP3yZ41k Link for Donations: Help support local journalism in your community. Every dollar goes to helping secure our freedom of speech and to ensure freedom of the press. We believe the news should be free to access for everyone and are against subscription-based services. We do not accept any funding from other organizations including the government. This is to ensure our news is non-biased. https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 We also accept E-Transfer donations at adam.briggs@smalltownproductions.ca