A recent hydro protest in Toronto.  (Photo courtesy of Cherie Beneteau)A recent hydro protest in Toronto. (Photo courtesy of Cherie Beneteau)
Windsor

Protest At Queen's Park Over Hydro Costs

Protesters fed up with high hydro costs, are expected to converge on Queen's Park to demand the Wynne government stop the privatization of Hydro One.

Among the demonstrators expected in Toronto Wednesday is Cherie Beneteau, an Essex woman desperate for relief from her hydro bills.

According to the experts, she is doing everything right to conserve energy. She has energy efficient appliances, and despite frigid temperatures this week, she hasn't turned on her heat yet.

"Sunday, when we were driving home late at night, it was really cold. My daughter said to me 'Mom, do you think we can turn the heat on now?', and I almost broke down," she says.

Back in October, Beneteau told BlackburnNews.com she was faced with the tough decision of selling her home. She had recently lost her job to a company that left Ontario, in part because of the high cost of hydro, and her bills had more than doubled from $200 a month to $485.

"I have to skimp wherever I can, right?" she says.

Earlier this week, Premier Kathleen Wynne called high hydro bills "her mistake", but it's little comfort to Beneteau.

"Their admission of guilt really means nothing to us. I mean, last week they were saying put on your coat and lower your thermostat," says Beneteau. "You can accept guilt, but you need to do something about it. Is she going to give me my job back?"

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.