Kristen Calis

Ontario

I'm a reporter but this account is mostly dedicated to pets. I love them, I write about them, I own a few and I want to bring them all home!

Articles

‘Feel welcome;’ New Oshawa craft shop features mostly Canadian products for yarn lovers and more

4 days ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

Craft and fibre arts lovers, there’s a new shop in town. Kat’s Craft Corner, featuring mostly Canadian products for knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and embroidery, opened in December and is more than just a craft store. “I wanted people to feel welcome, to come, just hang out,” says owner Katherine McLeod.
‘Economic fog’: Pickering pauses work on Seaton Recreation Complex

1 week ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

Due to economic uncertainty, Pickering will put a pause on what is likely the biggest capital project the city has ever seen. At a special meeting in April, council unanimously voted to pause the work on the Seaton Recreation Complex and Library. The project is currently at the end of the schematic design phase, with roughly $650,000 spent so far.
Pickering to review ward boundaries, despite adopting new ones in 2021

2 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

Pickering is reviewing its ward boundaries again, four years after a consultant suggested new ones. “I don’t think that residents know what’s about to happen and it’s a big deal,” said Claremont resident Matt Bentley. “My issue is that Pickering isn’t represented properly,” he said, especially of the smaller hamlets like the one in which he lives.
‘United front’: Pickering council approves plan to address tariffs

2 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

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CANADA VOTES 2025: Ajax remains red with Jennifer McKelvie as new MP

2 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

Jennifer McKelvie is the new MP for Ajax, keeping the riding red. McKelvie had 56 per cent of the vote at the time of publication. “I’m just almost speechless,” she told a crowd of enthusiastic supporters at her victory party at Boston Pizza in Ajax. The longtime Toronto city councillor said she chose to run for the Liberal Party of Canada in February after being disheartened by how U.S. President Donald Trump “disrespected” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
CANADA VOTES 2025: New Pickering-Brooklin riding is red with Juanita Nathan as new MP

2 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

The new riding of Pickering-Brooklin is red after voters chose Juanita Nathan as their MP. A Markham city councillor since 2022, Nathan will now represent Pickering-Brooklin residents on Parliament Hill. “It feels surreal,” she said in an interview at the East End Grill in Pickering. “It was such a short campaign and it was gone in the blink of an eye.” At the time of publication, Nathan had received 52 per cent of the vote.
‘A little heartbroken’: Vandals mark up Parkwood Estate in Oshawa

2 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

A national historic site in Oshawa that’s been a backdrop in countless films and TV shows was vandalized over the weekend. In a Facebook post on April 26, Parkwood Estate National Historic Site said the team discovered marker drawings on several of its concrete pillars. “It’s hard not to feel a little heartbroken when we see damage done to a place we all work so hard to protect and share with the community,” the post said. The marking appear to be mostly scribbles.
CANADA VOTES 2025: Pickering-Brooklin candidates discuss purchasing Frenchman’s Bay, more issues

3 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

Just two of six Pickering-Brooklin candidates attended an election forum on Thursday night. The April 24 event, just days before the election, was held at Dunbarton High School. Liberal candidate Juanita Nathan and NDP candidate Jamie Nye answered questions that had been sent in from organizations, including the News Advertiser, as well as from members of the public. Election day is April 28 and there is no incumbent in this new riding.
For the love of pets: 3 ways Pickering pet owners can show they care in May

3 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

From attending an event that’s all about pets to ensuring cats and dogs are protected against rabies, there are several ways to love your pet in May. Each May, Pickering Animal Services promotes and celebrates responsible pet ownership. Here are three ways for pet owners to show they love their animal companions.
‘Fearful for our future’: Ajax resident asks council to seek heritage designation for ‘Red Bricks’ apartments

3 weeks ago | durhamregion.com | Kristen Calis

An Ajax resident wants the town to consider a heritage designation for the “Red Bricks” apartment buildings, which are slated to be demolished for redevelopment. Tyler Hunter, who will lose his downtown Ajax affordable apartment unit if the plans go ahead, went before council April 22 on behalf of 12 people, asking for a heritage review. The three buildings at 145, 147 and 149 Kings Cres. — commonly known as the Red Bricks — are set to be redeveloped in favour of a 25-storey building.