The Local has earned three nominations for Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) awards this year. The CAJ’s annual awards recognize excellence in Canadian journalism with a particular focus on in-depth and investigative work.
“We are honoured and proud to see The Local’s journalism being recognized alongside the very best work on the national stage,” said Tai Huynh, The Local’s editor-in-chief. “As a non-profit newsroom focused on issues affecting often overlooked corners of Toronto, the spotlight of these national awards means a great deal to us, and I hope, the communities on which we report.”
Here are the nominations:
“Community Written” category
Simon Lewsen earned a nomination for his story “The Crisis After the Crisis,” a panoramic look at Toronto’s northwest three years after the height of the COVID emergency.
Adin Wagner was nominated in the same category for “In Small Claims Court, Justice Delayed,” a data-driven story showing that while Ontario’s other court systems have bounced back from their pandemic-era backlogs, small claims court, where many low-income people seek justice, is lagging far behind.
“Student Award of Excellence” category
Daysha Loppie, one of our journalism fellows in 2023, is a finalist for “Growing Up on the 36 Finch West,” a deeply personal essay about the potential that transit has to transform neighbourhoods.
Award winners will be announced at a gala in Toronto on June 1, 2024.
More from this issue
What the Unfinished Saga of a Still-Not-Built Subway Exit Taught Me About Public Consultation
One community volunteer traces 20 years of botched communication, unanswered questions, and delays—and asks what public consultation is actually worth.
Fewer Candidates for Peel School Trustee Following Changes by the Ford Government
This municipal election there’s a steep decline in candidates for trustee at the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
Who Wants to Be a Toronto School Trustee?
The Ford government has cut their pay, disempowered them, and taken over the board. But some candidates say vying to represent their community’s education concerns is more important than ever.
Introducing the 2026 Local Fellows
We’re excited to welcome Victoria Hincapie Gomez, Nic Hotchkiss, Jessica Kim, and Gabrielle McMann.
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.