Ottawa Daily Digest — December 24, 2025

Ontario police watchdog probes Etobicoke balcony death

• What happened: A 38-year-old man fell from a residential balcony and was pronounced dead at the scene.
• When/where: About 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 at a building near Lake Shore Blvd W and Park Lawn Rd, Etobicoke (Toronto).
• Investigation: The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has opened a probe and assigned three investigators and one forensic investigator.
• Appeal: SIU asks anyone with information, video or photos to contact investigators.

Five youths charged after brazen daytime Barrie mall jewellery robbery

• Incident: A jewellery store inside Georgian Mall was targeted during daylight; suspects smashed display cases and sprayed an unknown substance.
• When: Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.
• Arrests: Five youths have been charged; a 14-year-old boy from Toronto was detained at the scene by off-duty police.
• Losses: Suspects fled with an unknown quantity of jewellery; investigation ongoing.

Stolen-vehicle link and OPP involvement in Barrie case

• Vehicle: Police say the getaway vehicle had been reported stolen in Toronto.
• Follow-up: Ontario Provincial Police later spotted the vehicle; provincial investigators are assisting local police as inquiries continue.

Dale Hunter returns to lead Canada at World Juniors

• Context: After consecutive quarterfinal exits, Hockey Canada reorganized its under-20 program.
• Appointment: Dale Hunter, successful long-time coach/GM of the OHL’s London Knights, has been named head coach for Canada’s world junior team.
• Rationale: New GM Alan Millar and SVP Scott Salmond sought a proven leader to reset the program ahead of major tournaments.

Ontario targets defence investments in 2026 to steady economy

• Strategy: Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli has focused international travel and outreach on defence-sector ties for 2026.
• Reason: Fedeli cites global trade turbulence and U.S.-led market shifts as drivers; he emphasizes defence supply-chain opportunities to create jobs and investment.