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Toronto cop charged with manslaughter for Niagara Falls shooting death

· Toronto Sun

A Toronto Police officer is facing a manslaughter charge after a 40-year-old man wanted for parole violations was shot dead in Niagara Falls last summer.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit, which probes any serious injury or death involving police officers, launched the probe following the shooting.

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ROPE squad sought man at hotel

According to the SIU, members of the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) squad — consisting of officers from various police services — arrived at a Niagara Falls hotel in the area of Stanley Ave. and Peer St. on the morning of July 30, 2025 to locate a man who was wanted for an outstanding Canada-wide parole revocation warrant.

“There was an interaction between officers and the man, and one officer discharged his firearm,” the SIU alleges . “The man was struck. He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”

The SIU said an officer was taken to hospital with a serious injury.

Reports at the time suggested the deadly shooting unfolded near the Ramada by Wyndham hotel.

Reasonable grounds to charge cop

Following the investigation, SIU Director Joseph Martino said there is reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence.

Const. Andrew Lawson was charged with one count of manslaughter. He was arrested at SIU headquarters in Mississauga on Wednesday and released on an undertaking with conditions.

The SIU said the officer is required to appear before a St. Catharines court on May 6.

“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” the police watchdog said.

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· Sydney Morning Herald

Canada’s bid for a second MLB team if expansion happens

· Yahoo Sports

Expansion is once again becoming a serious topic in Major League Baseball, and while cities like Nashville and Portland often dominate the conversation, there’s another market quietly gaining traction—Vancouver. At first glance, it might seem like a long shot. But the more you look into it, the more Vancouver starts to make real sense.

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A Proven Sports Market

Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays fans celebrate after winning game two of the ALDS against the New York Yankees for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Vancouver isn’t new to supporting professional sports. With successful franchises like the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL and a strong history of fan engagement, the city has consistently shown it can support major league teams. It’s a large, passionate market with a built-in fan base—and one that’s already proven it will show up.

Baseball in Canada isn’t a question mark—it’s already working. The success of the Toronto Blue Jays has shown that MLB can thrive north of the border. In fact, the Blue Jays have essentially become “Canada’s team,” drawing fans from across the country.

Adding a team in Vancouver would give MLB a second foothold in Canada and create a natural geographic balance.

A Strategic Geographic Fit

From a logistics standpoint, Vancouver fits perfectly. Located on the West Coast, it aligns naturally with divisions that include teams in Seattle, California, and the western United States. Travel would be manageable, and regional rivalries could form quickly—especially with the Seattle Mariners just down the coast. That proximity alone could create instant intrigue.

Vancouver is one of the fastest-growing and most economically strong cities in North America. A combination of population growth, corporate presence, and international appeal makes it an attractive market for ownership groups and MLB alike. Expansion isn’t just about fans—it’s about long-term financial sustainability. Vancouver checks those boxes.

The Stadium Question

Of course, no expansion conversation is complete without addressing the biggest hurdle—a ballpark. For Vancouver to become a reality, a modern MLB-ready stadium would need to be built. That means ownership investment, public-private partnerships, and long-term planning. But if that piece falls into place, the rest of the case becomes much stronger.

Jul 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A Toronto Blue Jays hat and glove outside of the dugout during a game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Why MLB Might Want Vancouver

For MLB, expansion is about growth. Adding a team in Vancouver would:

  • Expand the league’s international footprint
  • Tap into a proven market
  • Strengthen West Coast scheduling and rivalries

It’s not just about adding teams—it’s about adding the right teams in the right places.

When might this happen?

Expansion isn’t happening tomorrow—but the groundwork is being laid. Cities are positioning themselves, ownership groups are forming, and MLB is evaluating its options. Vancouver is firmly in that conversation, even if it’s not always front and center.

Vancouver might not be the loudest candidate—but it might be one of the smartest. With a strong market, geographic fit, and proven sports culture, it has all the ingredients to become MLB’s next expansion city—if the stadium situation gets solved. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if Vancouver goes from “possibility” to “inevitability.”


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