Image

February 27, 2026

The Independent

Forest’s Tyler McGregor will carry Canada’s flag in the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games.

Canada’s Para ice hockey captain and Para nordic skiing star Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm BC have been selected as Canada’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.   

McGregor is the co-captain of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, holds two Paralympic silver medals from 2012 and 2018 and a bronze in 2014. He is also a three-time world champion, most recently in 2024 alongside his Para ice hockey teammates.  

“The Canadian flag represents resilience, courage, and unity – values that define the Paralympic Movement and Canada’s team,” said McGregor in a news release. “It’s the honour of a lifetime to carry Canada’s spirit onto the world stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This honour reflects the support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and community who have stood beside me throughout this incredible journey through sport and life. 
 
“I’m filled with pride, deep gratitude, and a tremendous respect for the opportunity to represent a team that truly reflects the very best of Canada.” 

The Paralympics begin in just six days.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Four departments respond to Petrolia Line house fire

June 14, 2026

The Independent No one has been injured in a house fire in Brooke-Alvinston. Around 10:30 pm Saturday, firefighters were called to Petrolia Line between Suitorville and Little Ireland Road for a fire in an older brick home. Bystanders saw flames shooting above the trees in the front lawn. Firefighters from Warwick, Watford, Brooke-Alvinston and the North Enniskillen departments were on

Read More

Image
Front Page

Welcome Home: New Alvinston Legion officially opens

June 12, 2026

Blake Ellis/The Independent “I would like to welcome you to our new home,” said Alvinston Legion Branch President Jack MacDonald. After 56 years at its River Street location, the Alvinston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion moved into its new home on Nauvoo Road at the beginning of 2026. The Branch 249 made it official with a grand opening celebration

Read More

Image
Front Page

Plan calls for 1K of new affordable/supportive homes

June 12, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent Lambton County needs 1,096 affordable and specialized housing units in the next 10 years. That from Org Code Consulting which presented a 10-year Housing Plan for the county at Wednesday’s county council meeting. “Affordability concerns are now affecting more people, with rents rising between 38 and 42 per cent since 2020 and deeply affordable housing is also

Read More

Image
Front Page

Lancer trio place second in Novice Girls category at OFSAA

June 12, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent The future of track and field at LCCVI is in good hands after three members of the Novice Girls’ Team placed second overall at the provincial championship. Kallee Elliott, Rayah Minten and Jaylen Helps scored 30 points with their four medals, just one point behind Scholard Hall from North Bay for the Novice Girls Team championship. Track

Read More