Image

The Independent among top newspapers in Canada

September 18, 2024

The Independent

The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton has won four national awards at the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards.

Newspapers of similar circulation size compete against each other and are judged by a panel of industry experts in 27 categories.

There were nearly 800 entries this year.

The Independent placed second in its division in the prestigious Best All-Around Newspaper. The Mountaineer from Alberta placed first. The Gulf Islands Driftwood from BC placed third.

The Independent took home top honours for the Best Front Page in the country, third place in the Best Editorial page and third place for its two-page photo essay from the 2023 Alvinston Pro Rodeo.

“We’re excited to be acknowledged as one of the best newspapers in the country,” said Publisher Heather Wright.

“The people at The Independent work hard to tell the stories of our community which we know our readers appreciate. And it is also gratifying to see our peers appreciate our efforts as well.”

Share This

Image
Front Page

A Canadian celebration in Warwick Township

June 29, 2026

Canada Day came early in Warwick Township as the community celebrated Saturday at Centennial Park. The Kanis sisters were having fun in the bouncy council while Deputy Mayor John Couwenberg was one of the council members cooking up hotdogs for the crowd. Sylvia Nicholson, 5, was dressed up for the occasion as she had her lunch with her grandmother. Wren

Read More

Image
Front Page

Petrolia shifts some Canada Day events indoors

June 29, 2026

The Independent This week’s extreme heat has prompted Petrolia officials to move some events indoors. Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning until Friday with temperatures climbing up to 36 C and the humidex values at 45 C. Laurissa Ellsworth, director of marketing, arts and recreation for Petrolia, says because of the high temperatures the schedule has been adjusted. The

Read More

Image
Front Page

Man drowns off Grand Bend’s south beach

June 29, 2026

The Independent A 67 year-old man has died in Lake Huron off Grand Bend. Lambton OPP were called to the south beach around 2:40 pm Sunday after receiving a call that there was an unresponsive person at the beach. Bystanders found the man in the water and brought him to shore and attempted life saving measures. Paramedics transported the man

Read More

Image
Front Page

Province to launch licencing app for hunting and fishing

June 29, 2026

The Independent It will soon be easier to purchase hunting and fishing licenses. The Ontario government is launching FishHuntON an online and mobile app in 2027. It will provide about 1.5 million anglers and hunters with new ways to keep track of licences and tags including;

Read More