What started as one student’s idea has become one of North Bay’s most powerful grassroot fundraisers!
Published about 2 months ago • 5 min read
What started as one student’s idea has become one of North Bay’s most powerful grassroot fundraisers!
Echo Podcast Roundup
How a Student Parade Became a North Bay Cancer-Fighting Tradition
In this episode, Lisa sits down with West Ferris teacher Mark Robertson, grade 9 student Mallory and North Bay Regional Health Center Foundation CEO Tammy Morison to talk about how the Parade for Cancer started, what it funds and why it brings out the best in the community.
North Bay’s Housing Situation: Justine Mallah on What the City is Doing to Help
Is North Bay doing enough to address its housing crisis? In this episode of Echo Essentials, City Councillor Justine Mallah opens up about the city’s growing housing challenges—from affordability and zoning to the human impact on renters and first-time buyers.
NDA Interviews, OKP Golf Tourney, Bulldogs Football and more!
The Echo Sportscast #40 sees Echo producer Ben Sargent, filling in for Paul McLean, and co-host Dave Dale talking about the best NDA student athlete interview shorts (by viewership).
Also on tap, are interviews between Paul McLean and 18U-A Jr. Lakers who helped at the Source for Sports sponsor hole at the One Kids Place golf tournament.
Calvin Township remains (as of Wednesday, June 26) under a state of emergency after the devasting storm on Saturday, June 21.
Richard Gould, the Mayor of Calvin Township, said, “Everyone’s aware of the storm that ripped through the township. It started around 9 p.m. on Saturday, and it was a two-part storm. There was a heavy wind which toppled a lot of trees, and seven centimeters of rain fell within three hours.”
The trees took down power lines, leaving most residents in the dark. Cell service was also down. The mayor noted most of the damage was within Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, where many people were stranded and had to be rescued by first responders.
Many township roads were washed out by the rain and the crew from public works – there are four of them – worked around the clock to fix the washouts. Mayor Gould’s home is on one of those roads that washed out and he couldn’t make it to the Township office until Sunday.
After the fire department was called out to the provincial park, and word returned to the office how bad things were, Calvin Township decided to declare a state of emergency on Saturday night. Everyone worked all through the night, the mayor said.
Mattawa’s Mayor, Raymond Bélanger, emphasised the resilience of Mattawa’s residents and their neighbours. “When we’re faced with something like this, we pull through. We do what has to be done.”
And now the work continues. Mayor Gould noted, “Everybody has been working around the clock,” he said. There were also many great volunteers who helped, the mayor emphasised. “There were so many who came to help, and so many municipalities, it was heartwarming to see.”
After receiving reports about online material last year, police have now arrested a suspect on multiple counts related to the promotion of hatred.
A North Bay man was arrested and charged on Friday, June 20, as a result of a seven-month-long investigation into a hate crime by the North Bay Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Section.
In November 2024 police launched an investigation after receiving reports regarding the online content being produced by the accused. A lengthy investigation was undertaken during which multiple warrants were executed to further the investigation.
A request was submitted to the Attorney General of Ontario, seeking approval for the formal charges of "Wilful Promotion of Hatred" and "Wilful Promotion of Antisemitism."
The request was approved, and a man was arrested and charged on June 20.
Canadore College President George Burton announced last week on social media that he’s retiring.
Burton said on X that after deep reflection, he decided “not to seek a renewal of my contract.” His time as college president will end on Jan. 26, 2026.
“Together, we’ve built a student-first culture, transformed our campuses, created new opportunities through innovation and partnerships, and strengthened our connection to the communities we serve.”
Currently serving his third term, he has seen his fair share of controversies during his time leading the college.
In 2019, in a letter addressed to Canadore board chairman Bob Nicholls and copied to Burton, lawyer Gillian Hnatiw wrote that an investigation uncovered “over a dozen individuals who claim to have experienced similar types of career-limiting or ending discrimination or abuse while employed by Canadore” and were provided named of more than “two dozen” other individuals who endured similar experiences.
At the time, Burton said the investigator’s report into the allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying at the college wouldn’t be made public.
A year later, OPSEU, the union that represents the college’s professors and support workers, demanded that the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Ministry of Labour intervene at the school “in the wake of an attempted cover-up of the independent investigation report concerning long-standing allegations of harassment and discrimination by senior managers at Canadore.”
At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, international students who had no place to stay put up tents for shelter in front of the school’s Commerce Court campus. This, despite promises from the school that accommodations would be found.
In his note to Canadore employees, Burton reflected, “We have been bold, sometimes unconventional, and that willingness to challenge the status quo has been a powerful contributor to our success.”
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident that Canadore’s future is bright,” he added in his post.
Canadore will begin the process of choosing a new president and CEO in the fall.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) says the winning ticket for the $34 million LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Jackpot from Saturday night’s draw (June 21, 2025) was purchased in North Bay.
OLG says this is the second time in a row that the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot was won in Ontario.
The May 7 jackpot of $60 million was won with a ticket purchased on OLG.ca.
“We are anxiously waiting for the ticket holder(s) to come forward so we can celebrate this incredible win with them very soon,” says Tony Bitonti, OLG Director of Media Relations.
The Story Behind One of Canada’s Most Beloved Comic Strips Echo Podcast Roundup Drawing Real People! Lynn Johnston didn’t just draw comics: she drew real life. As the creator of For Better or For Worse, one of the most beloved syndicated comic strips in the world, Lynn reached over 220 million readers by turning ordinary family moments into something unforgettable. In this episode, Lynn shares the story behind creating For Better or For Worse, how she navigated certain situations with...
A Love Not Forgotten: The Story of the Canadian Ecology Center Echo Podcast Roundup A Love Not Forgotten: The Story of the Canadian Ecology Center 100 episodes of the Backroads Bill Podcast has seen Bill and Ben talk to a number of high profile and educated guests focused on the outdoors, nature and Northern Ontario. For episode 100 Bill talks about the Canadian Ecology Center. How it started and how it turned into the hub for education and outdoor events that it is today. Bill also looks to...
Echo Essentials Host and Newsletter Author Bids Farewell to Podcast Network Echo Podcast Roundup Sayonara Dave Dale – A Legacy of Truth, Tenacity, and Stirring the Political Pot In this unforgettable episode of Echo Essentials, we say farewell to the legendary Dave Dale as a permanent co-host of the Echo Essentials podcast. From fierce city hall controversies to the inside story of the Echo Podcast Network’s inception, Dave tells all! Watch Now Picnic Perfect: How North Bay Is Serving Up...
