As 2025 draws to a close, CTV News Winnipeg has revealed the articles that most captivated its readers throughout the year. The list, compiled from web traffic data, paints a picture of a year marked by local tragedy, severe weather, significant political shifts, and moments of unexpected wonder.
A Year of Local Tragedy and Resilience
The stories that resonated most deeply with Winnipeggers often involved community impact and public safety. Readers were gripped by the news of an elderly man who died in hospital after a fire at a North York retirement home, a somber reminder of vulnerability. Closer to home, a Brockville, Ont. teacher was accused of sexual assault, highlighting ongoing concerns within institutions.
Other tragic events made the list, including a fatal impaired driving collision in Dartmouth, a structure fire in Charlottetown that left two dead and three hospitalized, and a homicide investigation in Toronto's Liberty Village where an arrest was made. The human cost of these events consistently drew reader attention.
Weather Woes and Political Waters
Canada's climate and political landscape featured prominently. Hazardous weather events were major news drivers, with reports of freezing rain, ice, and wind causing power outages and transit disruptions in Eastern Canada. A significant winter storm left more than 60,000 Hydro One customers in Ontario without power.
On the political front, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's reflection on a year of "choppy waters," uncertainty, and problems captured national interest, appearing twice on the list. Federal issues also made waves, including a human rights debate over Mark Carney's foreign policy shift towards trade and security, and families of Bondi Beach victims demanding more federal action on antisemitism.
National Headlines and Unique Discoveries
The most-read stories extended beyond immediate local news to include unique Canadian moments. A remarkable natural event saw crowds gather in Vancouver to view a bird species never before seen in Canada, described as a "once in a lifetime" occurrence.
Significant health and consumer stories included the recall of nearly 3,000 backpack blowers in Canada due to a laceration hazard and a paralyzed Montreal firefighter finally undergoing long-delayed cataract surgery. In positive news, nearly $200 million was won in 2025 through lottery tickets purchased in Alberta.
The list also featured diverse topics from sports, like the basketball-focused Hughes clan at William Aberhart High School, to business, with Lululemon founder Chip Wilson pushing for a board leadership change. From the rediscovery of an elusive wild cat feared extinct in Thailand to the logistical details of the new Northlander train schedule with stops in Gravenhurst and Washago, the most-read stories of 2025 provided a comprehensive snapshot of a compelling year for Canadians.
