Latest news with #Espanola
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Highway 6 between Espanola, Manitoulin closed due to serious crash
Each member of the crew of an Ornge Air Ambulance can remember different calls where time was crucial to save a life. Highway 6 in northern Ontario between Espanola and Manitoulin Island is closed Thursday following a serious two-vehicle collision, police say. The road was closed in both directions from Hopkins Hill Road and Merritt Township Road in Espanola around 11 a.m., according to a social media post by the Ministry of Transportation. Two vehicles, a passenger vehicle and a commercial box van, were involved in the crash that injured four people, Ontario Provincial Police Const. Berkley Parisien told in a phone interview. The extent of the injuries is still being determined, but one person was airlifted by an ORNGE Air ambulance. Ornge air ambulance An Ornge air ambulance helicopter is seen in this undated file image. (THE CANADIAN PRESS) There is no detour available and the road is expected to be closed for several hours. Parisien said the closure length will be determined by the severity of the injuries and police should have a better idea of an estimated reopening time after 1 p.m. Updates will be provided on the OPP's social media accounts as new developments arise. There is no word yet on whether any charges are pending in connection to the crash, but the investigation is in its early stages and will continue.
CTV News
08-06-2025
- CTV News
Northern Ont. break-in: OPP hunt for stolen firearms
An undated social media photo of an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle with its lights flashing, with 'Break and Enter' written below it. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police) Ontario Provincial Police is seeking public assistance following a break-in at a home in Espanola, Ont., where firearms, among other items, were stolen. Police responded to a call on Old Webbwood Road on June 7 at about 1:30 p.m. 'A number of items, including firearms, were stolen,' OPP said in a news release Saturday. Anyone with information is 'urged' to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Northern Ont mother-daughter authors chronicle rescue dog's life
A retired Espanola teacher and her daughter have self-published a 10-book series called 'This is Bandit.' The mother joins Tony Ryma to talk about the books. A former Espanola teacher and her daughter have written a series of children's books based on their late dog, Bandit. Shelley Wikiruk said This is Bandit chronicles the life of their three-year-old rescue dog. This is Bandit A former Espanola teacher and her daughter have written a series of children's books based on their late dog, Bandit. (CTV News Northern Ontario) 'Bandit was a dog we adopted who was homeless. The 10-book series tells the story of each year of his life,' she said. 'It goes right from him being homeless to him being adopted. It goes from his leg being amputated to him meeting his furr-ever family. And the final book details up until he crosses the rainbow bridge.' Wikiruk's daughter, Sarah Belanger, a registered veterinary technician, was in school when Bandit was adopted. 'At the same time, she was working at a Sudbury animal hospital, and this dog came in with a severe injury. He still had his right front leg at the time,' Wikiruk said. 'He needed a family. Sarah begged us to bring him home. I said 'Let us bring him home and see how it goes.'' The family already had two other adopted pets — a cat and a dog. 'Bandit came home and fit into the family beautifully. There was no doubt about it, and we just had to keep him,' Wikiruk said. 'He lasted with us for 10 years.' Wikiruk recommends the series for children aged five and up. Since retiring, she has visited Rainbow District School Board schools to read to students. 'The children were intrigued by this story. They were interested and asked a lot of questions,' she said. Wikiruk self-published the books through Amazon and printed 100 sets with Espanola's OJ Graphix. 'They printed vibrant photos, vibrant books, and we are very happy with them,' she said. Since launching in December, she has sold 45 sets.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Anishinabe Spiritual Centre transitions to Indigenous-led governance
The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre transitions to Indigenous-led governance, marking a historic step in self-determination and Catholic-Indigenous collaboration. A decades-old spiritual centre in Espanola, Ont., that has served as a gathering place for Indigenous communities and Catholics is now under Indigenous leadership, marking what participants call a historic and sacred moment. Anishinabe Spiritual Centre The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, a decades-old spiritual centre in Espanola, has served as a gathering place for Indigenous communities and Catholics alike is now under Indigenous leadership as of May 30, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) The Jesuits of Canada formally transferred governance of the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre to a newly formed Indigenous-led board of directors this week, a move celebrated as a step toward self-determination and reconciliation. The transition was commemorated with the gifting of a special medal honouring Pope Francis' 2022 visit to Canada. Rosella Kinoshameg, a respected Indigenous leader from Manitoulin Island, will chair the board. 'To me, it's a sacred moment,' she said. 'It's the beginning of a new chapter, a new way of life for the board of directors. I'm really happy with that.' Established over 40 years ago by the Jesuits of Canada, in partnership with the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and local First Nations, the centre has been a unique space intertwining Catholic faith and Indigenous traditions. It has hosted thousands for retreats, cultural programs, and spiritual gatherings. Father Jeffrey Burwell, Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada, called the transition a 'feel-good day' and a natural step for the missionary order. 'We come to a place and then we leave,' he said. 'We've reached the point where we can now hand this place over to a Catholic Indigenous-led board. It's a great joy for us, knowing transitions are never the final word in a relationship.' Anishinabe Spiritual Centre The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, a decades-old spiritual centre in Espanola, has served as a gathering place for Indigenous communities and Catholics alike is now under Indigenous leadership as of May 30, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) Eddie MacDonald, the centre's executive director, described the shift as a long-awaited milestone. 'This is a historic day,' he said, noting its alignment with the 60th Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which emphasizes Indigenous self-governance in spirituality. 'The people here are grown up – they can take care of business now.' The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will remain a collaborative partner, with Bishop Thomas Dowd emphasizing the centre's role as a bridge. 'My job is to bring people together,' he said. 'This centre has been a jewel for ministry and service. I see an opportunity for growth, a place of encounter.' Plans are underway to welcome students for field trips, showcasing how culture and faith can coexist – a model the centre has embodied for decades.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Espanola spiritual centre now Indigenous-led after 40 years
Northern Ontario Watch The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre in Espanola, a decades-old hub for Indigenous and Catholic communities, is now under Indigenous leadership after the Jesuits of Canada transferred governance to a new Indigenous-led board, marking a historic step toward self-governance and spiritual reclamation. Amanda Hicks reports.
