As 2025 draws to a close, a look back reveals a year marked by significant events across Canada, from environmental challenges and legislative changes to poignant human-interest stories and national sporting anticipation. The final days of the year have set the stage for a cold New Year's Eve and new regulations coming in 2026.
Environmental Incidents and Public Safety Concerns
A major wildfire scorched the Miramichi area in New Brunswick on August 10, 2025, as documented by the province's Department of Natural Resources. This event was part of a broader pattern of extreme weather, with several Canadian cities bracing for a severe winter blast to ring in the New Year. Northern Manitoba faced blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures, while snow squalls hammered regions like Barrie, Ontario, leading to road closures and a declared winter maintenance event.
Public safety made headlines with various incidents. A water-main break caused significant flooding in an area just blocks from a catastrophic 2024 rupture. In a tragic event on the Big Island Lake Cree Nation, one person died and three were injured in connection to a shooting. Separately, the remains of an Ottawa man were discovered in a community east of North Bay.
New Laws, National Recognition, and Health Alerts
Several new regulations are poised to take effect as the calendar turns. A new grocery code of conduct will go into full effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to bring fairness to the food supply chain. Furthermore, a set of new Ontario laws is scheduled to come into force in the new year.
Canada celebrated national excellence with the appointment of Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. John Bell and restaurateur Stephen Beckta to the Order of Canada. On the health front, a Canada-wide pistachio recall linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak was widened, and a product called acrylic thinner was recalled for improper labels and a lack of child-resistant packaging.
Sports, Culture, and the Year's Final Notes
The sports world is abuzz with Canada set to announce its men's Olympic hockey roster ahead of the NHL's highly anticipated return to the Winter Games. In junior hockey, Gavin McKenna scored a hat trick as Canada cruised past Denmark 9-1 at the world juniors. However, the Vancouver Canucks struggled with home ice woes, leaving players searching for answers.
From heartwarming surprises to distressing wildlife encounters, human-interest stories captured attention. A winner expressed shock after receiving the "best Christmas surprise ever" from a record-breaking Firefighters 50/50 draw. In a more alarming incident, a Vancouver Island family was left on edge after a cougar climbed onto their deck and killed a pet cat.
As Canadians prepare for New Year's celebrations, iconic venues are making adjustments. A 3.4 km section of the Rideau Canal Skateway opened for skaters, while revellers in Montreal's Old Port and across Quebec were advised to dress warmly to combat the bitter cold forecast for the evening, closing out a turbulent and eventful 2025.
