As the clock ticks down on 2025, CTV News Kitchener looks back on a year filled with stories that captured attention for their tragedy, triumph, and sheer unpredictability. From coast to coast, the news cycle delivered moments that shocked, saddened, and inspired communities.
A Tapestry of Tragedy and Public Safety Concerns
The year was marked by several sobering incidents that raised urgent questions about public safety. In Toronto, police revealed that an elderly woman killed in a Midtown hit-and-run had been struck by two separate vehicles, a detail that horrified the city. Meanwhile, in Saskatchewan, the death of an 11-year-old from carbon monoxide poisoning prompted the provincial NDP to demand the government release an audit report, highlighting ongoing safety failures.
Water infrastructure emerged as a recurring theme, with a significant water-main break causing "significant flooding" in an area still recovering from a catastrophic rupture in 2024, leading to boil-water advisories for northwest communities. In Ottawa, the remains of a local man were discovered in a community east of North Bay, adding another layer of mystery and grief.
Triumphs, Recognitions, and Unlikely Events
Amid the challenges, stories of achievement and fortune provided bright spots. Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. John Bell and restaurateur Stephen Beckta were appointed to the Order of Canada, a prestigious national honor. In sports, Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was named to Team Canada for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, while breakout teen Macklin Celebrini was confirmed for Canada’s Olympic hockey roster.
Lottery luck shone on a London player, who won Ontario’s first $80-million jackpot, as announced by the OLG. Another winner in Alberta was in shock after receiving the "best Christmas surprise ever" by winning a record-breaking Firefighters 50/50 draw.
Weather Woes and Systemic Issues
Canada's weather played a leading role in 2025's news narrative. A days-long winter storm paralyzed Springwater, Ontario, leaving roads closed, while special weather statements warned of snow coming to the Maritimes on New Year’s Day. Toronto and several other cities braced for a blast of bitterly cold temperatures on New Year’s Eve.
Broader national issues also came to the fore. The CRA announced it is owed more than $10 billion in COVID-19 benefit payments, a staggering figure highlighting the pandemic's long tail. In British Columbia, critics reacted strongly to changes made to an overdose-prevention program, a vital service in the ongoing public health crisis. The new grocery code of conduct went into full effect on January 1, aiming to bring fairness to the food supply chain.
From the evacuation of an Ottawa Tim Hortons after a noxious substance was sprayed inside, to the heartwarming community service of the Saskatoon Dog Rescue offering Christmas tree pickups, 2025 was a year that reminded Canadians of both the fragility and resilience of their communities. As we turn the page, these unusual stories leave a lasting imprint on the national consciousness.
