Closer Look

Village Media Inc.

In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists take a deeper dive into important stories making headlines around the province


Every day, our local journalists tackle the stories that matter most: the ones that impact your day-to-day life.

In communities across the province — as well at Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill — our on-the-ground reporters and editors chase down the answers you need to know.

In this new nightly segment — ‘Closer Look’ — Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering.
These interviews are designed to help you better understand how our reporters gather the information that lands in your local news feed.



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CLOSER LOOK: Arson suspect arrested for huge fire at historic Ontario building
Yesterday
CLOSER LOOK: Arson suspect arrested for huge fire at historic Ontario building
Send us a textIn this new feature, Village Media journalists dig into an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: The police investigation into a massive fire in downtown Orillia.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode: A suspicious fire rips through a landmark Ontario building.The first 911 call came in Tuesday at 7:23 a.m., dispatching firefighters to the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets in downtown Orillia. Before long, the entire building was engulfed in flames — a "total loss."SEE: Landmark blaze was a battle against fire and iceThe charred structure is now a crime scene, according to the OPP. On Thursday afternoon, shortly after this interview was recorded, police announced the arrest of a 35-year-old Brampton man in connection with the blaze.BREAKING: Brampton man charged with arson after fire destroyed downtown buildingJoining us for today's episode is Greg McGrath-Goudie, part of the OrilliaMatters team of local journalists who have been covering every angle of this breaking story. You can read some of their latest coverage HERE, HERE and HERE. Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our
CLOSER LOOK: Ford government has private eyes scoping out drug consumption sites
2d ago
CLOSER LOOK: Ford government has private eyes scoping out drug consumption sites
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': As first reported by The Trillium at Queen's Park, the province's response to a lawsuit over supervised consumption sites has included hiring private investigators to snoop around.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of Closer Look: A "dirty move" by the Ford government.As first reported by our Queen's Park team at The Trillium, the province has hired private investigators to probe two supervised consumption sites in Toronto — part of the government's response to a Charter challenge of its decision to close 10 sites and ban new ones.Health Minister Sylvia Jones' office said the private eyes were hired "to gather additional evidence about the impact of these sites" in light of the lawsuit, but harm reduction workers and opposition politicians are criticizing the move as a "shocking" waste of taxpayer money.SEE: Ontario hires PI firm to survey supervised consumption site neighboursJoining us tonight is reporter Jack Hauen of The Trillium, who broke the story. You can read his coverage HERE.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: Who is Brian? Thrift-store Dr. Seuss book contains heartfelt note from long ago
4d ago
CLOSER LOOK: Who is Brian? Thrift-store Dr. Seuss book contains heartfelt note from long ago
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': An Ontario woman bought a used copy of a children's classic — only to discover a handwritten note from father to son. She's now on a mission to return the book.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Searching for Brian.Last week, Tawnya Jasutis of Burlington purchased a used copy of the Dr. Seuss classic Oh, The Places You’ll Go from a local thrift store. When she got home, she discovered the book contained a beautiful handwritten letter from a father to his son, Brian — penned 25 years ago, on June 23, 2000.Jasutis is now on a mission to find Brian and return the book, which she is convinced was donated by "mistake."SEE: Brian where are you? Your Dr. Seuss book, letter from Dad has been found"I want to tell you that my being part of your life as you have grown has been a Heaven for me, both in the good times and the bad times," the father wrote. "Looking at every experience from the point of view of, what is God trying to teach me, and striving to become a better Dad has been my Heaven. Thanks for letting me be part of your life. Love always, Dad."Joining us tonight is BurlingtonToday editor Julie Slack. You can read her story HERE.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: Notorious fraudster ordered to get a job — and pay back $27M
1w ago
CLOSER LOOK: Notorious fraudster ordered to get a job — and pay back $27M
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': The latest chapter in the saga of a prolific Ontario fraudster who tricked hundreds of victims into investing in his elaborate Ponzi scheme.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: On the hook for $26.91 million.For a while, Charles DeBono lived the good life — funded by millions of dollars he bilked from hundreds of victims in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Finally arrested in 2020 after hiding out in the Dominican Republic, the prolific fraudster was convicted and sentenced in a Barrie courtroom. SEE: The fraudster, the ruse, the probe, the victims, and the paybackIn a ruling released this month by the Parole Board of Canada, the 66-year-old has been ordered to "secure and maintain gainful employment" so he can start paying back his victims. If he doesn't, he could face a seven-year sentence.Joining us tonight is BarrieToday reporter Kevin Lamb, who has been covering the latest developments.SEE: Barrie fraudster must find employment, pay back millions: parole boardStay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: Sex abuse claims trigger court battle between Canadian rock stars
Jan 16 2025
CLOSER LOOK: Sex abuse claims trigger court battle between Canadian rock stars
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': Duelling lawsuits have been launched after Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley accused Treble Charger's Greig Nori of historic sexual abuse and grooming.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Two prominent Canadian musicians launch duelling lawsuits.Last year, Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley made international headlines when he released an explosive memoir that alleged he was sexually abused and groomed by Treble Charger's Greig Nori.Nori denied the explosive accusations, calling Whibley a liar. Whibley responded by daring his former manager to meet him in court — "under oath, in front of a judge, in front of a jury."As SooToday reported on Tuesday, Nori appears ready to do just that, filing a notice of action in Ontario Superior Court demanding $6 million in damages. Whibley promptly filed his own claim, seeking $3 million.SEE: Sault’s Greig Nori, Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley sue each other over sex abuse claimsSooToday reporter James Hopkin has been covering the story since it broke, and joins us tonight with all the exclusive details.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: We’re hooked on this story about an abandoned fishing boat
Jan 11 2025
CLOSER LOOK: We’re hooked on this story about an abandoned fishing boat
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': For nearly two months, a mystery vessel has been marooned on Hanlan's Point beach on the Toronto islands. Where is the owner?Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A mystery fishing boat marooned on the Toronto islands.First spotted in late-November by a local kayaker, the 35-foot vessel has been stuck in the same spot on Hanlan's Point beach ever since. TorontoToday reporter Gabe Oatley has been working hard to reel in all the details.SEE: After a month, boat remains aground on Hanlan's Point BeachOn Wednesday, the Toronto Police Service got involved, visiting the boat with workers from the Canadian Coast Guard, who removed “bulk amounts" of diesel and oil” from the craft.They also posted a notice, informing the boat’s owner that they have until Jan. 15th to remove the vessel from the shoreline. SEE: Owner of stranded Toronto Island boat no longer living in cabin: PoliceOatley joins us tonight to talk about this hull of a story.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: Doug Ford and his 'limestone' head colliding with Donald Trump
Jan 10 2025
CLOSER LOOK: Doug Ford and his 'limestone' head colliding with Donald Trump
Send us a textIn this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: An early election in Ontario?Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Will Donald Trump trigger an early Ontario election?Premier Doug Ford fuelled more election speculation this week when he said he’d have to “put tens of billions of dollars” into the economy if the incoming U.S. president hits Canada with prolonged tariffs — but that he currently doesn’t have the electoral mandate to do that.“These tariffs are coming,” Ford told reporters at a Wednesday press conference. “Are they going to come like they did last time for five or six weeks? That's one thing. But if they last for months and months, we're going to have to do the same thing as what we did during the pandemic.“I'm going to have to put tens of billions of dollars into the economy, to save the economy, to protect Canadian, Ontario jobs," he continued. "And I don't have a mandate from the people to spend tens of billions of dollars.”SEE: Ford floats election campaign over Ontario's response to Trump tariffsOn his way back to Queen's Park from that press conference, a car collided with the OPP vehicle Ford was travelling in. "I'm OK," he told reporters. "This head's like limestone. It's hard as a rock."Joining us tonight on 'Closer Look' is Sneh Duggal, deputy editor of The Trillium.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: This historic Ontario building may soon be history
Jan 9 2025
CLOSER LOOK: This historic Ontario building may soon be history
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': A century-old greenhouse at the University of Guelph is slated for demolition, but the fight is on to save it from the wrecking ballEvery weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: The fight to save a century-old greenhouse.Built in the 1930s, the D.M. Rutherford Family Conservatory has been a landmark structure at the University of Guelph for decades. But after watching it fall into a state of disrepair in recent years, the university now plans to demolish the greenhouse and replace it with a commemorative garden. That plan has triggered plenty of backlash, including an online petition that calls for the greenhouse to be saved and restored. The university says that would cost millions of dollars, which would be better spent elsewhere.SEE: Group forms to try and save historic U of G greenhouseJoining us tonight is GuelphToday reporter Richard Vivian, who has been covering the controversy. You can read his latest story HERE.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: Prolific 'renovictor' insists there's no such thing
Jan 8 2025
CLOSER LOOK: Prolific 'renovictor' insists there's no such thing
Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': An elusive Ontario landlord defends himself amid growing criticism — including a protest by tenants outside a home he owns in an upscale Toronto neighbourhood.Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Ontario's biggest "renovictor" finally speaks out.Earlier this year, Village Media reporters at GuelphToday and CambridgeToday told the story of Michael Klein, a Toronto businessman linked to hundreds of "renovictions" across the province. Multiple companies linked to Klein have purchased apartment buildings in different cities, mass-evicted longtime tenants in order to renovate, then rented the units to someone else at a much higher price.SEE: How is this legal? Meet the king of Ontario renovictionsIn a follow-up story published by TorontoToday, reporter Gabe Oatley caught up with Klein — who insists he follows all Ontario laws. “There’s no such thing as renoviction,” he said. Oatley is our guest on tonight's 'Closer Look.' You can read his coverage HERE.SEE: Tenants facing mass ‘renoviction’ take protest to Forest Hill home owned by elusive company directorStay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
CLOSER LOOK: How bad is Ontario’s doctor shortage? There’s a map for that
Dec 23 2024
CLOSER LOOK: How bad is Ontario’s doctor shortage? There’s a map for that
Send us a text​ In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Mapping out Ontario's doctor shortage.Eliot Frymire is part of a research group that investigates and analyzes primary care in Ontario. Using OHIP billing information, the researchers painstakingly drill down into postal code-based data to find out how many people have a regular source of primary care, what type of care they're getting, and where they're getting it.His takeaway: "We have a crisis everywhere."Using that data, The Trillium team at Queen's Park created a map that reveals just how widespread the problem has become.SEE: Here's where the primary care crisis is hitting Ontario hardestSome examples? In 2022, the year of the most recent data available on a geographic basis, nearly half of all residents in Sioux Lookout weren't getting regular primary care. Near both Toronto's and Ottawa's city halls, it's about one in three. The same goes for Petawawa in eastern Ontario and a portion of Mississauga near the Pearson International Airport. Reporter Jack Hauen of The Trillium joins us to break down the data. You can read his previous coverage HERE.Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.   ​​
CLOSER LOOK: Why does Doug Ford hate bike lanes so much?
Dec 18 2024
CLOSER LOOK: Why does Doug Ford hate bike lanes so much?
Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Pedalling toward a day in court.Last month, the Ford government passed legislation that allows the province to block municipalities from creating new bike lanes that would overtake a vehicle lane. Bill 212 also gives Queen's Park the power to rip out existing bike lanes — including three in Toronto.The Conservative government is adamant that bike lanes increase traffic congestion, but a draft of a briefing document prepared for Ontario cabinet ministers — and obtained by The Trillium — warns that the opposite is true.Work to remove the Toronto bike lanes will not begin until at least March. In the meantime, the charity Toronto Cycle has filed a Charter challenge of the new law, arguing it violates cyclists' right to life, liberty and security of the person.If the lanes are removed, they argue, “many thousands of Toronto cyclists will be forced to cycle in lanes shared with motor vehicle traffic” resulting in “heightened risk of injury and death."TorontoToday reporter Aidan Chamandy and Jack Hauen of The Trillium have been leading our coverage of the ongoing story. Chamandy joins us tonight to bring you up to speed on the latest details.
CLOSER LOOK: Why more doctors are prescribing walks in the park
Dec 18 2024
CLOSER LOOK: Why more doctors are prescribing walks in the park
Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A walk in the park.In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A walk in the park.In 2020, the B.C. Parks Foundation launched PaRx, a program that helps connect Canadians with the many health benefits of Mother Nature. Simply put, PaRx equips physicians with a unique tool: nature prescriptions. (The organization also partners with agencies like Parks Canada to provide free access for patients.)SEE: Halton doctors can now prescribe free conservation park visits for mental healthStudies have repeatedly confirmed that time spent in nature can have positive impacts on a person's physical and mental health. Research also shows that patients with a prescription are more likely to get outside than patients who are simply advised to do so.Halton Healthcare, which operates hospitals in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, just became the first hospital network in Canada to partner with PaRx. Prescribed patients can now access Conservation Halton Parks for ten free visits, which includes scenic trail hikes, wildlife spottin
CLOSER LOOK: For 19 years, no one knew her name
Dec 17 2024
CLOSER LOOK: For 19 years, no one knew her name
Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Her name was Tammy.Two decades ago, a woman's body was discovered near a highway rest stop between Guelph and Halton Hills. Although her identity remained a mystery for nearly 20 years, the woman's story never faded away, thanks to a roadside memorial installed in 2008.Earlier this year, GuelphToday reporter Isabel Buckmaster wrote a feature story about Keith Porty, who has spent the past few years meticulously repairing and maintaining the Jane Doe memorial. He also created a sign that he posted on a nearby bench. It encourages visitors to learn more about the case in the hopes someone might have information that could finally solve the mystery.Six months after that article was published, the OPP announced a major break in the cold case: using a technique known as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), police confirmed the deceased woman was Tammy Eileen Penner, 41, of Chilliwack, B.C. The OPP believes Penner was the victim of foul play, and have renewed their plea for people to come forward with any information.Buckmaster joins us tonight to talk about the lingering mystery.