Hiatus over for Windsor Optimist youth band
The Windsor Optimist youth band returns after a two year hiatus (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
A two-year hiatus is now over for the Windsor Optimist Youth Band. The group was reunited Saturday during an open recruitment and alumni day celebration.
"We want to let the community know we’re still here," said media liaison Tammy Murray.
"There are many music programs that were shuttered (during the pandemic) so a lot of people haven’t been able to play so this is basically a way of getting free music lessons with very exceptional accomplished staff."
The colour guard also gathered to practice outside of their facility on Lilian Street next to the Remington Booster Pool. That building was renamed the Mike Seguin Music Education Centre in honour of their director who has served with the organization for the past forty years.
"It was a fitting tribute to Mike because there’s a certain level of commitment and self-sacrifice."
The Windsor Optimist Youth Band is celebrating its 56th years and officials encourage anyone interested to reach out. Being a member gives students the opportunity to gain high school volunteer hours.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
In Canada Day message, Trudeau says Canadian flag represents promise of a better life
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.
Court rejects bid by AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald to overturn suspension
The Assembly of First Nations says an Ontario court has rejected a bid by National Chief RoseAnne Archibald to overturn her recent suspension.
'We have to build bridges': Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk on Ukraine, reconciliation
Moving toward reconciliation doesn't come from jumping 'the queue to perfection,' but by building bridges and trusting one another, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk told CTV News Channel during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Friday.
Biden intends to nominate a conservative, anti-abortion lawyer to federal judgeship, Kentucky Democrats say
U.S. President Joe Biden intends to nominate an anti-abortion Republican lawyer to a federal judgeship, two Kentucky Democrats informed of the decision say.
Russian missiles kill at least 21 in Ukraine's Odesa region
A Russian airstrike on residential areas killed at least 21 people early Friday near the Ukrainian port of Odesa, authorities reported, a day after the withdrawal of Moscow's forces from an island in the Black Sea had seemed to ease the threat to the city.
Monkeypox cases triple in Europe, WHO says, Africa concerned
The World Health Organization's Europe chief warned Friday that monkeypox cases in the region have tripled in the last two weeks and urged countries to do more to ensure the previously rare disease does not become entrenched on the continent.
Kitchener
-
'There is a real need for blood': Emergency responders launch blood donation challenge
Emergency service workers in the Region of Waterloo kicked off a friendly competition Friday to see which team can donate the most blood by Labour Day.
-
Man wanted for paving Puslinch, Ont. driveway without permission
OPP are trying to identify a man who they say was involved in an "unwanted residential paving incident" in Puslinch, Ont.
-
Tre Ford to start for Edmonton Elks in Canada Day game
The Edmonton Elks are counting on Tre Ford, the former University of Waterloo football star, to start Friday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
London
-
'Walk of Gratitude': 100-year-old veteran in London, Ont. completes 100 mile walk for homeless vets
With his wife Joyce on his arm, Tom Hennessy left Victoria Park in London, Ont. to complete his 100-mile walk to raise money for homeless veterans.
-
Special Olympics athletes celebrate Canada Day with torch run
After a two-year break due to COVID-19, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was back Friday in London.
-
'We're here to honour survivors:' Turtle Island Healing Walk returns to London, Ont.
Close to 1,000 people are at Victoria Park in London, Ont Friday morning for the second annual Turtle Island Healing Walk.
Barrie
-
Barrie residents pack Dunlop Street for Canada Day celebrations
Thousands packed downtown streets Friday for the first Canada Day celebration in two years, not restricted by pandemic measures.
-
Missing man found dead in river near Gravenhurst
Police in Gravenhurst say a man has died after being reported missing.
-
Two people in hospital following early morning assault in Wasaga Beach
Two people have been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following an early morning assault in Wasaga Beach.
Northern Ontario
-
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in Sudbury also held Canada Day celebrations.
There was music and dancing with everyone taking time to honour the dedication of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada today at the legion.
-
Honouring fallen OPP constable Marc Hovingh
A special ceremony was held today on Manitoulin island, where friends and loved ones of a fallen OPP constable gathered to rename a local marina in his honour.
-
Canada Day means something different for everyone.
For Ukrainians who were able to flee from Russia's invasion into the country, Canada has become a safe haven.
Ottawa
-
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
-
Four places to check out this year's Canada Day fireworks in Ottawa
With the main show at LeBreton Flats this year instead of Parliament Hill because of construction, the location of the fireworks show has changed, so the usual spots won't get you the best view.
-
Driver killed in two-vehicle crash in Ottawa's west end
Emergency crews responded to a collision involving an SUV and a pickup truck at the intersection of Merivale Road and Baseline Road just before 11 a.m. Friday.
Toronto
-
Ontario's six-month gas tax cut starts today. Here's what you need to know
Ontario drivers experienced some relief from record-setting prices at the pump on Friday as the province's gas tax cut came into effect.
-
Canada Day fireworks cancelled at Toronto park after vendor pulls out last minute
One of Toronto’s Canada Day fireworks displays has been cancelled and another has been postponed after a vendor pulled out at the last minute.
-
3 dead, 2 others seriously injured in collision in Brock Township
Three people are dead, and two others are seriously injured, including a child, in a collision in Brock Township.
Montreal
-
Quebec could see increase in unhoused people as leases expire across province: housing group
A prominent housing advocacy group fears Quebec could see an increase in households left without a permanent place to live as leases expire across the province on July 1.
-
Quebec summer camps struggling to find staff, keep up with rising costs
This year, Quebec summer camps are facing staffing shortages and rising costs, and some have had to cut back on spaces leaving families in the lurch.
-
MISSING
MISSING | Police ask for public's help to find missing Laval man
Laval police are asking for the public's help to find 30-year-old Mario Minassian.
Atlantic
-
Spouse of gunman to testify at N.S. shooting hearings but won't be cross-examined
The spouse of the gunman in the Nova Scotia mass shooting will testify mid-July before a public inquiry, but she won't face direct questions from lawyers representing victims' families.
-
'It’s a waste of time': Low turnout for the final day of school in Nova Scotia
As Claire Mahaney-Lion dropped her son off at school this morning, she questioned the reasons behind scheduling a school day that would last fewer than two hours.
-
Saint John celebrates Memorial Cup win with parade Thursday
Saint John is having its dog day. The host city of the 2022 Memorial Cup is celebrating after the Saint John Sea Dogs bested the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 in front of a capacity crowd during Wednesday's championship game at TD Station.
Winnipeg
-
'Changing the course of history': How Winnipeggers celebrated Canada Day
In-person Canada Day festivities made a return on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, with residents bringing back old traditions and creating new ones.
-
'Abortion is health care': Pro-choice group rallies in support of a woman's right to choose
A pro-choice rally was held at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday -- a week after Roe v. Wade was reversed by the United States Supreme Court.
-
Body found in Assiniboine River: RCMP
Officers with the Manitoba RCMP have confirmed that a body was found in the Assiniboine River on Thursday.
Calgary
-
Thousands of Calgarians gather for restriction-free Canada Day festivities with focus on reconciliation
Friday marked the first Canada Day in two years without any public health restrictions, which meant Calgarians were finally able to gather at several in-person events across the city.
-
Monument unveiled at a southeast Calgary park to honour Vietnamese boat people
Members of Calgary’s Vietnamese community gathered Friday at The Journey to Freedom Park to celebrate the unveiling of a meaningful monument.
-
Longtime Calgary Flames organist Willy Joosen passes away
The Flames lost their longtime organist Friday, when Willy Joosen died.
Edmonton
-
Local beekeeper looking for help in high-stakes hive rescue
A local beekeeper is asking for help to rescue a colony of honeybees from a junior high school.
-
Ismaili Muslim Community brings pancakes and patriotism to Alberta Legislature
The Edmonton Ismaili Muslim community was busy at the Alberta Legislature Friday morning meeting and greeting Edmontonians at their Canada Day pancake breakfast.
-
Edmonton's Canada Day fireworks back in full force
An explosive comeback will light up the Edmonton sky Friday night as Canada Day fireworks return to pre-pandemic proportions.
Vancouver
-
Former high-ranking Mountie facing discipline over letter to Arlene Westervelt's sister
A former B.C. Mountie is facing discipline for communicating with the sister of a woman found dead in Okanagan Lake.
-
11-hour wait, 3-hour parking limit: Man ticketed while stuck in B.C. passport line
Marc Diaz is warning others after he spent 11 hours waiting at the Surrey, B.C., passport office this week, only to return to his car and find an $80 ticket – because the adjoining parking lot has a three-hour limit.
-
Memorial ride planned for PhD student killed while cycling in downtown Vancouver
Days after a 28-year-old cyclist was killed by a dump truck in downtown Vancouver, a memorial ride is being planned in his honour.