We’re thrilled to introduce the 2026 Local Journalism Fellows. Since 2020, The Local has brought in talented young journalists from communities underrepresented in Canadian media to learn the craft of in-depth, community journalism, receive mentorship from our staff and other top journalists across the industry, and contribute to our coverage.
This year’s fellows will be joining the newsroom as we cover the 2026 municipal elections. From an impressive pool of dozens of candidates, we’re excited to welcome Victoria Hincapie Gomez, Nic Hotchkiss, Jessica Kim, and Gabrielle McMann.
Victoria Hincapie Gomez is a Toronto-based journalist originally from Colombia who writes about culture, underrepresented communities, housing, and immigration. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Journalism degree from Humber Polytechnic in 2025. Her work has been published in CBC Arts, IN Magazine, Maclean’s, Xtra Magazine, Toronto Life, and Script.
Nic Hotchkiss is a documentary photographer and visual artist based in the GTA. Whether in the forests of northern Ontario or on the streets of downtown Toronto, Nic features the stories of people within the places they find themselves. They completed their Honours Bachelor of Photography at Sheridan College, and their work has been published in The Globe and Mail and University of Toronto Magazine. Nic’s fellowship is supported by funding from the City of Toronto’s Access Plan for Two-Spirit, Trans & Non-Binary Youth.
Jessica Kim is a Vancouver-born journalist. Working at her student newspaper in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked her passion for telling human-centred stories, and she is now in her final year of post-secondary at Western University. Jessica’s work has appeared in Bloomberg News and The Globe and Mail.
Gabrielle McMann is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism. She completed the 2026 Early-Career Journalism Fellowship with The Local and The Philanthropist. Her reporting and essays can also be found in The Narwhal, The Globe and Mail, and Canada’s History. She is mixed Ojibwe from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
More from this issue
The Biggest Incinerator in Canada
As the Emerald Energy from Waste incinerator moves towards a major expansion, locals are worried about their health, and asking if their working-class, immigrant community is seen as a “sacrifice zone.”
For Kids With Special Needs, Summer Camp Is Out of Reach
Few camps in the GTA serve children with developmental disorders or disabilities, forcing parents to take time off work to stay home and depriving kids of the chance to explore, play, and interact with their peers.
Gearing Up for October’s Municipal Elections
We are building a civic newsroom unlike any other, with an expanded scope to serve residents of not just Toronto, but also Mississauga and Brampton.
The New Chill Facing Trans Health Care
As anti-trans rhetoric intensifies at home and abroad, the organizations providing training in trans-inclusive healthcare say they’re seeing less uptake from physicians across Ontario.
The Local Wins Six National Awards
Our journalism took home top prizes at the National Magazine Awards and Canadian Association of Journalists Awards.
An Ancient Past Unearthed by Urban Construction
In 2024, an Indigenous burial site was found during construction on Withrow Avenue, near Riverdale Park East. Where others see a “hole” in the ground awaiting investigation, journalist Gabrielle McMann sees a window into Toronto’s complex pre-colonial history—and a deeper sense of belonging.
The Long Last Days of Toronto’s First Safe Consumption Site
Nick says he’ll go back to Manitoulin. Texas can’t even think about the closure. Inside Moss Park in the final days of a nine-year era of safe consumption.
The Local Expands Into Peel
Introducing Prarthana Pathak, our new Peel Reporter
The Local is Nominated For Ten More Journalism Awards
The nominations at the Digital Publishing Awards and National Magazine Awards recognize our journalism in 2025.
When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating.