Over 1,800 traffic charges laid on long weekend in southwestern Ontario
Heather Wright Photo
Petrolia’s Senior of the Year
June 26, 2025
The Independent
Les Whiting is known for his public speaking. As Petrolia’s Town Crier, he has written hundreds of poems about the people of the town.
So, when Mayor Brad Loosley surprised Whiting Monday, naming him Petrolia’s Senior of the Year, it was not a surprise that Whiting kept council in stitches while recounting his resume.
Aside from being the town crier for 20 years, he also Chair of the Committee of Adjustment, member of the Board for Petrolia Discovery, and the Community Refrigerator, a member of the Rotary, St. Andrew’s Society and the Scotch Club.
“I’m hardly old enough to be a senior although I’m sneaking up on it,” Whiting joked. “And this helps a lot – I’ve been feeling kind of guilty lately because I’ve taken all the good jobs that younger people should be doing.”
Front Page
Over 1,800 traffic charges laid on long weekend in southwestern Ontario
August 7, 2026
The Independent West Region OPP officers laid 1,815 charges following 2,107 traffic stops across the region during the Civic Holiday long weekend traffic campaign. The campaign focused on speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, distracted driving and impaired driving. Police also enforced Ontario’s Move Over Law which gives emergency responders the space they need conduct other work on the roadside.
Read More
Front Page
Toronto marathon swimmer crosses Lake Huron landing in Ipperwash
August 7, 2026
The Independent History was made in Lake Huron as a Toronto swimmer completed a trek across the Great Lake. Lev Goldberg aims to be the first trans athlete to swim across all of the Great Lakes. Last year, he made his way across Lake Ontario. Wednesday, he dove into the waters of Lake Huron off Port Sanilac, Michigan at 6:30
Read More
Front Page
Construction on Camlachie golf course condos may begin in 2027
August 7, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent A long-dormant plan for condominium in Camlachie has new life. LANDx Development officials say they hope to begin construction on the 76-unit project by 2027. The company came to Plympton-Wyoming council July 27 looking for an extension to a planning agreement reached in 2022, which was about to expire. The concept plan at Sawmill Creek Golf Course
Read More
Front Page
More traffic controls added in Watford during construction
August 7, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent Warwick Township council is taking more action to make sure detoured traffic isn’t causing problems. The intersection of Confederation Line and Nauvoo Road is being reconstructed. The work began five weeks ago and is expected to last until at least mid-August. As soon as the County of Lambton put up the detour signs, traffic began winding its
Read More