As the saying goes in journalism, don’t bury the lede. So here goes: The Narwhal is coming to Ontario!

Even more exciting? We’re hiring not one, not two, but three journalists to staff our newest bureau. And we can’t emphasize this enough: all of you helped make this happen. 

When we surveyed our newsletter subscribers this spring, one of the questions we asked was, “What would you recommend doing to improve The Narwhal?” Over and over again, you told us you wanted to see more reporting from the country’s most populous province. From threats to the Greenbelt to rollbacks of environmental laws, powerful people were making many critically important decisions in darkness. Could The Narwhal step in and help hold those in power to account?

Then, we turned to our loyal community of readers, asking you to spread the word about our big Ontario plans to friends and family. And you all stepped up in a huge way: we can now say we’ve added a whopping 7,000 new newsletter subscribers, thanks in large part to your efforts. 

And you can soon expect to see more Narwhal articles like this one by freelancer Ali Raza, who investigated the rapidly fluctuating water levels in Lake Ontario. In 2019, the water levels reached a record high; now, the Great Lake is experiencing its driest conditions since 1966. “There’s never been a more dramatic change,” explains Environment and Climate Change Canada’s senior climatologist Dave Phillips. The latest swing, he says, is a “wake-up call.”

Whether it’s explaining repercussions of the climate crisis or reporting on vulnerable communities impacted by environmental racism, we are getting ready to dig in, explain and investigate the most pressing issues facing Ontario’s natural world and the people who call it home.

Speaking of which: I’m delighted to share the news that Ottawa’s Jamie Kneen has been drawn as the winner of our off-grid cabin retreat giveaway. Besides being a loyal Narwhal reader, Jamie — who happens to work for a watchdog group that keeps an eye on the mining industry —  also helped to get five friends signed up for our newsletter. When I reached out to share the good news, Jamie shared a lovely reflection on why he was motivated to spread the word.

“I think the thoughtful in-depth investigation and reporting, and great writing, that The Narwhal specializes in are crucial to help people across the country understand some of the most important issues we are facing as residents of Canada and citizens of Earth — and not just the crises but also the good-faith work of those building better relationships with the planet and her peoples,” he wrote. 

“So if The Narwhal is ready to take on more easterly coverage, that can only be good for all of us.”

Take care and send us your Ontario story tips,

Arik LigetiAudience engagement editorP.S. Did I mention we’re hiring for our Ontario expansion? We’ve got two openings for investigative reporters and another for a bureau chief. Think you might be a good fit? Apply! Know someone who would be perfect? Please share! The deadline is July 22 for the reporter gigs and July 25 for the bureau chief.

This week in The Narwhal

A bird’s eye view of coal leases on the eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rockies

By Sharon J. Riley

Locals and advocates worry the myriad industrial pressures facing the eastern slopes put the area at risk. And they’re not convinced the government will stop coal from adding to the problem. Read more.

Conservationists’ fight against developer’s defamation case a test of B.C.’s law to protect free speech

By Stephanie Wood

Lawyers say Todsen Design and Construction’s libel case against two individuals and the Qualicum Beach Preservation Society — each fighting to protect a small coastal Douglas fir forest from development — will test a fairly new provincial law designed to halt strategic lawsuits against public participation. Read more.

Majority of oil, gas and coal workers want climate solutions that create net-zero energy jobs, says poll

By Mike De Souza

One former industry insider says this new survey shows that workers have skills to transition, but face obstacles that prevent change. Read more.

What we’re reading

When you find out The Narwhal is coming to Ontario. Take a minute to catch your breath from the excitement and then tell your friends to sign up for our newsletter here!

If you refer three folks we will pop a Narwhal tote bag in the mail for you as a show of appreciation. Whaddya say?

The Narwhal’s reporters are telling environment stories you won’t read about anywhere else. Stay in the loop by signing up for our free weekly dose of independent journalism.