Gordie Howe Bridge Opens, Toronto Mayor Demands Island Land & OPP Plane Flights — Ottawa Monday

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

1. Mississauga animal services rescues python from vehicle engine. A ball python was found in a Mississauga resident’s car engine earlier this month, treated for dehydration and minor scratches, and is now recovering at the Mississauga Animal Shelter; city officers performed the rescue after a mechanic alerted them.
2. Gordie Howe International Bridge opens to traffic Monday at 12 p.m. ET. After months of delay, officials announced the bridge will open to the public at noon eastern with tolls set at $8 per personal vehicle and $12 per axle for large commercial or oversized vehicles; the opening followed a Friday ceremony attended by Howe’s family.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Toronto mayor demands province return expropriated island land after feds block airport jets. Mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Ausma Malik filed an urgent city-council motion asking Ontario to repeal Bill 110 and return lands expropriated for a Billy Bishop Airport expansion, after federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon rejected the expansion plan following public consultation.
2. Documents show Doug Ford used OPP plane for multiple short-haul trips including Ottawa. Freedom-of-information schedules say Ford flew on an OPP aircraft for short domestic flights to Windsor, Kingston, North Bay and Ottawa between March and mid-April while his office finalised a private-jet purchase; the premier’s office declined to disclose operating costs.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Sandy Hill drop-in centre set to relocate in 2027. The controversial drop-in centre in Sandy Hill will move locations in 2027, according to city reporting on the plan.
2. Capital Pride will review security after Berlin attack as 2SLGBTQ+ community responds. Organizers announced a security review for Capital Pride following the attack in Berlin, citing the incident as the reason for the reassessment.

📰 Also Today

• Durham deputy chief Chris Kirkpatrick to retire after watchdog found misconduct.
• Ten years since Abdirahman Abdi’s death; advocates continue calling for change.
• Ottawa’s Gee-West finished 25th at the Tour de France; Tadej Pogačar won a fifth title.
• Former officer who retired amid assault, harassment and gun charges moves toward resolving criminal case.
• Westmont Hospitality to buy Château Montebello, according to report.