Lightning struck the Uxbridge Public Library clock tower Tuesday afternoon, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished by the Uxbridge Fire Department. Everyone inside the building was safely evacuated, including campers and staff, and no injuries were reported. The library will remain closed until further notice due to structural damage to the clock tower, and library camps have been relocated to the town hall council chamber while damage assessments continue.

The Region of Durham is investing $8 million to help build 106 new affordable rental homes in Oshawa and Sunderland. The funding includes $750,000 to convert a former retirement home in Sunderland into 10 affordable apartments and $7.25 million to help build 96 affordable rental units as part of a new apartment building in downtown Oshawa. The funding is provided through the Region’s At Home Incentive Program, which has supported the creation of 457 affordable housing units across Durham since 2022.

Nine Canadian provinces have agreed to make it easier to buy beer, wine and spirits from producers in other provinces through direct-to-consumer sales. The changes take effect immediately, although British Columbia will fully implement them by February 2027, while Quebec and the Yukon are expected to join later. The agreement is part of a larger effort to reduce trade barriers and support Canada’s economy.