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Wildfires have forced more than 800 residents to evacuate their northwestern Ontario First Nation.

Chief Waylon Scott of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nation, which sits about 100 kilometres northwest of Kenora near the Manitoba border, says rain and cooler temperatures have kept several fires at bay, but the blazes still pose a major threat.

In a video conference with reporters Sunday, he said crews are trying to beat back flames from a 0.3-square-kilometre wildfire burning just over a kilometre from the community.

Scott says roughly 100 firefighters, including 20 flown in from British Columbia, are battling that blaze as well as two much bigger fires — one roaring across 90 square kilometres and from which the smaller fire jumped.

Scott says sprinklers are now set up outside about 80 per cent of the buildings in his community, with every home likely to have one within a couple of days.

Fast-moving wildfires triggered evacuation alerts across northwestern Ontario last week amid the first heat wave of the season.

Manitoba also declared a state of emergency in one of its provincial parks as that province battles several large fires.

Scott said about 800 Wabaseemoong residents were flown to Niagara Falls, Ont., for a stay at a pair of hotels, with medical staff on site, while a couple dozen more headed to Winnipeg.

“We literally had hours to evacuate because the Kenora fire literally sprang up without anyone knowing. It wasn’t on MNR’s (the Ministry of Natural Resources’) radar.

“It was scary at times,” he said. “You can actually hear the roar of the fire from across the river.”

Since Scott became chief in 2019, the community has seen three evacuations and six emergencies, he said.

“I can’t explain what kind of toll it takes on them, but it does take a toll,” he said. “Every spring moving forward, I believe they’re going to be on the edge of their seat with the fire season.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 18, 2025.

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government is protecting communities by re-introducing legislation that would, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.

Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 that would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.

“Strong local governance begins with accountability,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “People across Ontario trust their members of council to uphold high standards for how they conduct themselves and address the decisions before them. We have worked closely with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to provide municipal leaders with new tools and resources to deliver good government.”

If passed, the changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the code. Removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and a unanimous vote of council.

“Municipal councils in Ontario have asked for legislation that holds elected officials to a higher standard of accountability,” said Robin Jones, AMO President and Mayor of Westport. “If passed, this bill would deliver on ensuring that as members of council, we are living up to the trust that residents put in us. We commend Minister Flack for getting to this point.”

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Alexandra SanitaOffice of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and HousingAlexandra.Sanita2@ontario.ca

Communications BranchMma.media@ontario.ca

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GUELPH— Construction is underway on the phased expansion of the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital (GGH), making it faster and easier for people in Guelph, Wellington and surrounding communities to connect to emergency mental health and addictions care closer to home.

“Our government is protecting Ontario’s health care system and ensuring that more people in Guelph and across Wellington County can connect to convenient mental health and addictions care, when they need it most,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By investing in the relocation and expansion of Guelph General Hospital’s emergency mental health and addictions services, we are making it faster and easier for more people to access emergency care and mental health services they need faster and for years to come.”

The province is investing over $21 million to support the first phase of the expansion, which includes renovating approximately 23,000 square feet of space to relocate the hospital’s existing emergency mental health and addictions services unit from the emergency department to a new, dedicated space within the hospital. This relocation will allow more patients and their families to access enhanced mental health and addictions support services while freeing up over 12 per cent more space in the emergency department to connect more patients to the right level of emergency care, as quickly as possible.

Once opened, GGH’s new mental health and addictions services unit will include:

People will continue to have 24/7 access to the emergency department while construction is underway, with construction expected to be completed in spring 2026. On average more than 60,000 patients visit the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital every year, with local demand only expected to increase as the Guelph-Wellington region continues to grow. The phased redevelopment of the hospital’s emergency department will renovate existing infrastructure and enhance emergency services to ensure families can conveniently connect to high-quality care in a comfortable and modern space.

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is expanding and modernizing Ontario’s hospitals, making it faster and easier for people of all ages to connect to the high-quality care they need, where and when they need it.

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"Guelph General Hospital serves residents from across the region. Today we take another important step forward to ensure people can get the care they need in a timely manner. Thank you to Minister Jones for her leadership on this important project."

- Joseph RacinskyMPP for Wellington—Halton Hills

"Our government will continue to make historic investments in our health care system across the province and locally. This investment will ensure we have more care closer to home, and help reduce ambulance offload wait times, freeing up more ambulances across Wellington County."

- Matthew RaeMPP for Perth—Wellington

"This is an important step forward in enhancing the care we provide at Guelph General Hospital. With patient volumes far exceeding what our facilities were built for, this upgrade will allow us to better meet the needs of our community, especially those seeking care for mental health and addictions. It’s a meaningful investment in patient safety and dignity as we lay the groundwork for a future new hospital."

- Mark WaltonPresident and CEO, Guelph General Hospital

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SUDBURY — As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is cutting red tape and streamlining approvals to build mines faster, making Ontario and Canada’s economy more resilient and self-reliant. Today, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce was in Sudbury to highlight the benefits of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act for northern communities. This legislation wouldcreate a new “One Project, One Process” framework for advanced exploration and mine development projects, reducing government review times by at least 50 per cent and getting shovels in the ground in the Ring of Fire and in mining projects across Ontario.

“Protecting Ontario's economic sovereignty starts today, as we rapidly accelerate responsible critical mineral development and move toward a new reality of self-reliance,” said Minister Lecce. “This plan will end the overly bureaucratic and duplicative approval process, where it can take upwards of 15 years to open a mine in Ontario. By moving away from a piecemeal system to a new and integrated approach that gets shovels in the ground, we are fully realizing our economic potential. Our government's plan will position Ontario as the most attractive justification to invest, create jobs, and expand responsible resource development.”

Current permitting and authorization processes for mining and major infrastructure projects require navigating a maze of multi-ministry, overlapping approvals. The new “One Project, One Process” approval model will streamline all approvals into one process, coordinated by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, led by a team lead within the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This approach will balance speed, while maintaining robust environmental standards and the province’s obligations to Indigenous communities.

“Our government was given a strong mandate to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This legislation will deliver a clear and predictable environment for businesses and communities that want to build and unleash the economic might of Ontario and all that the north has to offer.”

The government also unveiled the Integrated Permitting Plan to significantly reduce the number of permits and introduce first-of-its-kind performance metrics and binding service standards to reduce overall project timelines. If the proposed legislation is passed, 12 critical mineral and gold projects will be able to immediately take advantage of these bold measures to get their product out of the ground and into market faster.

“The province’s commitment to accelerating responsible development through the One Project, One Process approach is good news for Greater Sudbury, where mining is not just an industry—it’s a cornerstone of our economy,” said Mayor of Sudbury Paul Lefebrve. “Certainty and speed in permitting are essential to unlocking our full critical minerals potential. Greater Sudbury is ready to work alongside the Province to build a complete, made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain—from exploration to processing—creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening Canada’s economic sovereignty.”

By simplifying the permitting process, Ontario is strengthening its position as a top destination for mining investment. This will make it easier for companies to plan, hire, and execute projects in northern communities like Sudbury. This means more good-paying jobs across Northern Ontario, stronger local supply chains and increased economic activity in the region.

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"This legislation, if passed, is a game-changer for Northern Ontario. By eliminating red tape and moving at the speed of business, our government is putting the North at the heart of Ontario’s economic future. Streamlining mine approvals will mean more jobs, more investment, and greater economic sovereignty — exactly what’s needed to protect Ontario and unleash our full potential. I’m proud to stand with Minister Lecce and support a plan that puts Northern communities first."

- Chris ScottParliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines, MPP Sault Ste. Marie

"We commend the Ontario Government for introducing the One Project, One Process legislation to streamline mining approvals. The current geopolitical context requires Ontario to secure our supply chains with sustainably sourced minerals and metals. This is one step in the path to declaring mining a strategic priority where Ontario can internally address multi-ministry permitting issues and position itself as a leader in this vital industry. Ensuring efficient access to resources that are the building blocks of modern life and innovation, while also strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities is key to the success of the mining sector in Ontario. Now is the time for decisive action to secure our economic future and enhance our competitiveness in the global market."

- Priya TandonPresident, Ontario Mining Association (OMA)

"The mining sector is global, and efficient and transparent regulatory processes are essential to attracting investment. Agnico Eagle welcomes the Ontario government’s efforts to streamline permitting with a One Project, One Process permitting model and accelerate development with new service standards, while also safeguarding the public interest. We look forward to working with the government as we continue to invest in sustainable mineral development in Ontario."

- Mohammed AliVice President, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Agnico Eagle Mines

"The moment is now, and we applaud the Ontario government for recognizing the urgency to unlock economic potential and strengthen security interests — starting in our own backyard. For too long, regulatory inefficiencies have stalled progress. The One Project, One Process permitting model marks a critical step forward, eliminating duplicative measures and paving the way for timely, inclusive development that benefits First Nations and all Ontarians. Together — with government, Indigenous communities and industry — we are creating a sustainable and responsible path forward, one grounded in meaningful dialogue and partnerships with First Nations at its core and guided by a deep respect for First Nations rights holders."

- Kristan StraubCEO Canada, Wyloo

"The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes this bold step to speed up mining development, which can strengthen Ontario’s economic competitiveness and help enable a clean-energy future. We welcome the ambition of the government of Ontario’s One Project, One Process model, subject to continued rigorous environmental standards and the duty to consult Indigenous partners. Through our Mining and Energy Policy Councils, we will keep working with federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to advance the sector’s workforce needs, expedite opportunity in the North and support inclusive, sustainable prosperity."

- Daniel TischPresident and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"Ontario ranks as a top jurisdiction for mining and responsible resource development, and it is a key reason why Alamos has invested in this province with two long-life mining operations. It matters significantly that the Ontario Government is prioritizing the acceleration of mineral development with this new legislation, to continue attracting investment and creating long-lasting jobs."

- John McCluskeyCEO, Alamos Gold

"Kinross Gold welcomes the Ontario government’s decisive action to streamline permitting and unlock the province’s critical mineral potential. We are supportive of initiatives that enable responsible development and provide further clarity and predictability for new project timelines. The One Project, One Process legislation should help Ontario’s position as a global mining jurisdiction and create new opportunities for investment and growth across the sector."

- Ben LittleSenior Vice President, External Affairs, Kinross Gold

Additional Resources

Ontario Unleashing Economic Potential of Critical Mineral and Resource Development

Speech from the Throne – Protect Ontario

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Isha ChaudhuriMinister Lecce's Officeisha.chaudhuri@ontario.ca

Media RelationsCommunications Branchmediadesk.mines@ontario.ca