What would you tell the King about Canada?

King Charles is visiting Ottawa this week to deliver the throne speech. CBC's Trishla Parekh took The National Envelope to Casa Loma and St. Lawrence Market in Toronto to ask people what they would tell the King about Canada today?

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CBC

3 hours ago

• CBC

Nopiming business owners hope province will help shoulder losses from summer season cut short by wildfires

Business owners in an eastern Manitoba provincial park are glad to be reopening following more than a month of wildfire-induced closures, though they're shouldering thousands of dollars in lost revenue and wary their outdoorsy clientele might not rush back this summer. Earlier this month, the province announced tax deferrals for commercial operators that were impacted by wildfires, but one of the owners of Nopiming Lodge says there's concern that won't be enough to help them rebound right now. "We've taken quite a hit already," said Jesse Guenther, who owns and operates the lodge with his mother and brother. "It's going to be a lot less busy." A giant out-of-control wildfire ripped through the park, forcing evacuations in May. As of Friday, that fire remained 218,700 hectares in size — over four times the area of Winnipeg. "May is normally our busiest time, between the hunters and fishermen and everything, and people coming out camping," said Guenther. "So it's going to be a little tough to come back from that." Though the fire is still considered out of control, the southern portion of Nopiming Provincial Park was able to be reopened Wednesday for residents, cottagers and businesses. That includes areas along Provincial Road 315, as well as Bird, Booster, Flanders and Davidson lakes. Closures and mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for the rest of Nopiming, according to the Manitoba government's Friday wildfire update. Tulabi Falls and Bird Lake campgrounds will stay closed until at least June 26. Tulabi has 41 campsites and six yurts, with on average 3,862 nights stayed each year from May through October, while Bird Lake has 27 campsites and on average over 900 nights reserved, according to a provincial spokesperson. Beresford and Black Lake campgrounds will stay closed for the rest of the season, as will Shoe Lake, water routes in Nopiming and all backcountry locations hit by wildfires. 'Prime time is short': lodge owner But as the southern part of the park reopened this week, the Guenthers hurried back to their lodge, to do whatever they could to get back up and running. "Our amount of prime time is short — it's May to August, or May to September, and we need to get as much business as we can in them," Brenda Guenther, Jesse's mother, told CBC News in Nopiming on Thursday. The business relies not only on bookings, but also a raft of associated revenue streams, like boat and canoe rentals, which the family fears will suffer a slump due to backcountry closures. They also anticipate a drop in sales of firewood, bagged ice and other ancillary sources of cash flow due to the overall drop in traffic through the area. All told, the Guenthers expect to lose at least $60,000 this season. "It's the living for my boys and me," said Brenda. "This is their home. This is everything they've been doing forever." The head of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association thinks the provincial tax deferrals will be helpful down the line, but says the government may need to do more in the short term to keep small businesses afloat. "Any help is much appreciated, but they're still going to have to pay taxes eventually," said executive director Don Lamont. "We've got to try and find some financial support in other places for them. Otherwise, there's going to be quite a few people that close their doors." Jesse Guenther, meanwhile, is hopeful that as the forest regrows, and provincial crews clear out burned brush and deadfall hazards from public-access areas, that the local cottage industry will bounce back. But he worries it could take a couple of years for visitor levels to return to normal. He welcomes more help from the province for businesses. "If they're able to in some way, shape or form, that would be something I would be open [to]" he said. "At the end of the day, we're just thankful to be back." Manitoba 211 by calling 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or email 211mb@

National Post

3 hours ago

• National Post

Kids summer must-haves: Editor-tested toys, clothes and SPF

For Canadian kids, summer isn't just a season, it's freedom. They can finally run around barefoot, marvel at the blossoming flowers and go completely nuts way past their bedtimes — because summer nights roll on and on. The days are long, and the fun, outdoor activities are abundant. Article content As parents, we can appreciate the extra moments that blend learning and the joy of being outdoors. However, there are a few things to keep on hand (sunscreen, of course) to get you through the extra-long days, whether it's a captivating toy, a crafty distraction for when your kiddo gets antsy at a summer BBQ or the perfect sleep set for hot nights. Article content Article content Article content Mudpuppy Jungle & Safari Magnetic Puzzle Why buy: For curious minds who may struggle to sit through a long BBQ or summer gathering, this easy-to-pack magnetic puzzle is a game changer. It packs up small, taking little room in a bag, and keeps puzzle pieces on the board instead of the floor thanks to its magnetic base. It's a great bonding activity for the whole family — providing both a distraction and a mental challenge. Article content Article content

CTV News

3 hours ago

• CTV News

Jim Gordon Boardwalk reopens in Greater Sudbury

The Jim Gordon Boardwalk reopened Friday at Science North in Sudbury, and the former mayor was on hand to celebrate the event. The Jim Gordon Boardwalk officially reopened Friday at Science North in Greater Sudbury. The popular area closed in April 2024 to allow the science centre to replace the wooden section of the boardwalk and it's now open for public use again. 'The Jim Gordon Boardwalk is very important to us,' said Lara Fielding from Greater Sudbury's tourism department. Jim Gordon Former Greater Sudbury Mayor Jim Gordon is seen Friday in front of the boardwalk that bears his name at Science North. (Madison Marier/CTV News) 'It connects Science North to Bell Park -- and many of our tourists love taking in Bell Park and the activities that we have going on there.' A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Friday morning with special guest Jim Gordon, the city's former mayor, after whom the boardwalk is named. 'This boardwalk represents for the public a way to get closer to nature,' Gordon said. Jim Gordon Boardwalk reopens The Jim Gordon Boardwalk officially reopened Friday at Science North in Greater Sudbury. (Madison Marier/CTV News) After being closed for six months through a gruelling winter, officials at Science North said they were happy to reopen the walkway. Popular with the public CEO Ashley Larose said members of the public let them know they wanted the boardwalk reopened as soon as possible. 'It did tell us how important this piece of infrastructure is to the community,' Larose said. Now that it's open again, it's again part of the Trans Canada Trail, which spans more than 28,000 kilometres. Larose said she hopes to see a lot of tourists and locals back on the trail once again this summer. 'I mean, you couldn't ask for a better setup in terms of tourism,' she said. 'It's really easy. It's really accessible. And so, we can't wait to see the impact that that's going to have.'