Samwise Southwestern Ontario Newsletter
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Five Dead After Oxford County Highway 403 Crash
Oxford County OPP confirm the death toll from a devastating Highway 403 collision has reached five, after two more victims died from their injuries this week. The crash occurred on April 5 when an SUV struck a transport truck head-on in Oxford County, killing three people at the scene. Two additional victims were transferred to hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to their injuries. Provincial police have not yet released the names of the deceased and are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. OPP are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area to contact investigators.
Hamilton Hosts 132nd Around the Bay Road Race with 10,000 Runners
Hamilton is hosting the 132nd running of the Around the Bay Road Race today, Sunday April 12, with nearly 10,000 participants registered. The world’s oldest road race beyond 26 miles celebrates a milestone with its first-ever April running and features redesigned start and finish lines near the Hamilton Harbour waterfront — a change from the traditional downtown course. Organizers say the new route offers scenic lakeside views while maintaining the gruelling 30-kilometre distance the race is known for. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of Hamilton’s lower city and waterfront in what promises to be an electric Sunday morning for the Steel City.
Kitchener Rangers Host Greyhounds in Game 2 Tonight, Lead Series 1-0
The Kitchener Rangers host the Soo Greyhounds tonight at The Aud for Game 2 of their second-round OHL playoff series, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. The Rangers opened the series on a dominant note Friday, defeating Sault Ste. Marie 3-1 on home ice to take a 1-0 series lead. Kitchener advanced to the second round by eliminating the Saginaw Spirit in the first round, while the Greyhounds ousted the London Knights in five games. A sold-out crowd is anticipated at The Aud, where the Rangers have been virtually unbeatable in postseason play this spring. A win tonight would put Kitchener in commanding control of the series.
Windsor Spitfires Host Firebirds in Game 2 Today, Lead Round 2 Series 1-0
The Windsor Spitfires look to extend their second-round OHL playoff series lead today when they host the Flint Firebirds at the WFCU Centre, with puck drop set for 4:05 p.m. Windsor captured Game 1 on Friday with a convincing 4-2 victory. Jack Nesbitt was the hero, scoring the power-play go-ahead goal and adding an empty-netter to complete a two-goal performance. The Spitfires enter the series after sweeping the Guelph Storm in round one, while Flint posted an impressive four-game sweep of their own, outscoring opponents 35-3. Windsor remains among the favourites to capture the OHL championship this spring.
NY Islanders AHL Affiliate Relocating to Hamilton for 2026-27 Season
Hamilton will welcome professional hockey back next season after the New York Islanders announced the relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders — their American Hockey League farm club — to the city for 2026-27. The AHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the move on March 31. Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena in Flamborough will serve as the team’s practice facility, with the club covering costs for a new two-level training centre integrated into the existing building. Construction is set to begin this spring while the City maintains recreational programming. The move marks Hamilton’s return to professional hockey and is expected to generate substantial economic activity and community engagement for the region.
Brantford Lands $85M Massilly Food Packaging Plant, 50 New Jobs
Massilly North America has announced an $85-million investment in a new food packaging facility in Brantford, with the project expected to sustain 228 existing jobs and create 50 new manufacturing positions. The Ontario government is supporting the project with $5 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund. Massilly, which produces tinplate packaging for major food and beverage brands, cited Brantford’s skilled workforce and strong logistics infrastructure as key factors in the investment decision. The announcement reinforces Brantford’s reputation as one of Canada’s top manufacturing investment destinations, a ranking Site Selection Magazine has confirmed for six consecutive years — underscoring the city’s appeal to global producers.
Windsor Eyes Former Tourism Ontario Site for New Central Library
Windsor is considering the former provincial Tourism Ontario office property for a long-overdue new central library. Mayor Drew Dilkens has outlined a campus-style vision connecting the new branch to the ice rink in front of city hall, potentially reshaping the downtown core. The original plan called for a new central branch by 2026, but the timeline slipped as Windsor Public Library staff remained in a temporary location inside the Paul Martin Building. Dilkens cautioned the project is multi-year and won’t be completed quickly, but said the former tourism site represents the city’s best path forward. Community consultation is expected to begin in the coming months as the vision takes shape.
London Police Arrest Scarborough Man in Targeted Shooting
London Police have arrested a 41-year-old Scarborough man in connection with a targeted shooting that occurred in the city last weekend. Dexter George has been charged in relation to the incident and was remanded into custody following his arrest on April 10. Police say the shooting was a targeted event and there is no ongoing risk to the general public. The London Police Service continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is appealing to witnesses who may have information to come forward. The arrest is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have kept London investigators active in the early months of 2026.
SW Ontario Pulse
Weather: London 16°C Rainy | Hamilton 14°C Showers | Kitchener 13°C Overcast
Windsor: 17°C Cloudy | AQI: 28 Good