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News & Announcements

Stay informed about what's happening in Thornhill and at Queen's Park.

Ontario Hosting 2026 Indy Race in Markham

The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to support the 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham, strengthening Ontario's position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events while supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth. As the only Canadian stop on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar, the event will take place from August 14 to 16, 2026 and is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees over the three-day weekend, generating tens of millions in economic activity for the province through sport tourism, hospitality and event services.

Major Construction Underway for Yonge North Subway Extension

The Ontario government has officially completed excavation of the tunnel launch shaft for the Yonge North Subway Extension, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to relieve gridlock across the Greater Toronto Area by expanding access to fast, affordable and reliable public transit. The project will extend the TTC’s Line 1 subway nearly eight kilometres north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, moving more than 94,000 riders each day and putting nearly 23,000 jobs within walking distance of transit.

Ontario Unveils Vision for Sarnia Refinery Expansion

As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more self-reliant economy, the Ontario government recently announced the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a proposed 3,300-kilometre pipeline that would connect Alberta’s oil sands to Sarnia’s world-class refining and petrochemical complex, one of the country’s most important industrial hubs. Built with Ontario steel and by Ontario workers, this nation-building project would create good-paying jobs in Ontario while reinforcing Sarnia’s role as the eastern gateway of a modern, coast-to-coast Canadian energy network.

Excavation Underway on Four Stations for Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

Major excavation is now underway on four stations for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to protect Ontario by building fast, reliable and affordable public transit. With construction underway along the line, supporting 4,600 good-paying jobs annually, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will help reduce gridlock and connect nearly 70,000 commuters to jobs across the Greater Toronto Area.

Ontario Supporting Royal Canadian Legions in York Region

The Ontario government is making it easier for Royal Canadian Legion branches in York Region to continue serving veterans and local communities by providing full liquor sales licence fee rebates to eligible branches applying for or renewing their liquor sales licences. The rebate program took effect on June 1, 2026, and applies retroactively to April 1, 2026.

Ontario and Webequie First Nation Break Ground on Ring of Fire Road

Today, Premier Doug Ford, Webequie First Nation Chief Lorraine Whitehead, Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, celebrated the start of construction on the Webequie Supply Road, a historic milestone in the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building the roads to the Ring of Fire, five years ahead of schedule.

Ontario and Canada Making Homes More Affordable in Toronto

Today, the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and the Honourable Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, along with Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, announced that Toronto is receiving $1.5 billion through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) in recognition of its commitment to reducing development charges by 40 to 60 per cent, depending on the unit type, for more than three years. The funding will help build more homes and community infrastructure in the City of Toronto while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job.

Ontario Investing More Than $2.8 Million to Build and Upgrade Port Facilities on Lake Superior

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, Ontario is investing $2,804,955 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in strategic infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Thunder Bay and the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority in Marathon. Both terminals are key gateways in northwestern Ontario for expanding east-west trade in Canada, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating good-paying jobs in the North, while reducing reliance on U.S. customers.

Ontario and Pennsylvania Sign Agreement to Increase Trade and Cooperation on Energy, Critical Minerals and More

Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support increased cooperation in key sectors, including expanded energy trade and improved energy infrastructure, critical minerals, manufacturing, life sciences and more. As part of this MOU, Ontario and Pennsylvania agreed to explore increased cross-border energy trade that would take advantage of Ontario’s growing energy supply as the province continues to build and expand its nuclear energy capacity. The agreement follows Premier Ford’s recent mission to Washington, D.C. and the unveiling of Ontario’s renewed plan for Building Fortress North America by reaching a fair free trade agreement that will create more jobs, lower costs and strengthen North American security.

Ontario Launches Fortress North America Plan

Today, Premier Doug Ford is concluding a mission to Washington, D.C. after unveiling Ontario’s renewed plan for Building Fortress North America by reaching a fair free trade agreement that will create more jobs, lower costs and strengthen North American security. Over two days, Premier Ford is leading an Ontario delegation that is meeting with United States senators and members of Congress, as well as business executives from critical industries including the automotive, aerospace and agricultural sectors.

MPP Laura Smith and MPP Stephen Lecce announce $57,640 for Reena’s Seniors Active Living Centre in Vaughan

“This Seniors month, I’m excited to share that through this year’s funding allocation, we are continuing to support the incredible seniors in our community,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “Our government remains committed to ensuring seniors have access to the facilities and programs they need to stay active, healthy, and connected. Seniors Active Living Centres play an important role in supporting physical well-being, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for older adults to remain engaged in their communities.”

Ontario to Take Ownership of Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway in Fall 2027

As part of the ongoing implementation of the provincial government’s historic New Deal for Toronto, Ontario will upload ownership and maintenance of the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) effective fall 2027. This marks a major milestone in the province’s plan to fight gridlock, keep people and goods moving across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and ensure these vital highways remain safe, reliable, toll-free and in good repair.