Morrisburg’s Top News Stories of 2025 Highlight Education Impact

MORRISBURG – The top online news stories of 2025 from The Leader reflect the community’s strong interest in education-related issues. Three of the five most viewed articles focus on educational developments, emphasizing their significance to local readers.

The fifth most popular story reported on the re-election of Nolan Quinn, the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. In a snap election called by Premier Doug Ford, Quinn secured his position, contributing to a majority government for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. This election, held on February 27, 2025, was framed by Ford as a pursuit for a “Strong Mandate” to navigate tariff issues stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump‘s policies. Quinn, who continues to serve as Minister of Colleges and Universities, was re-elected for his second term.

Education was at the forefront in the fourth most viewed article, which discussed proposals for a new French-Catholic elementary school in Winchester. The Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien aims to establish this institution to cater to the needs of approximately 773 eligible students across North and South Dundas. The board has recently expanded its facilities, opening new schools in Limoges, Casselman, and North Lancaster. They have applied for funding from the Ministry of Education to help finance the construction of the new school.

The third most popular story involved a proposed alteration in bell times by the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB). The UCDSB sought to change the start times for secondary and elementary schools, citing research on the positive impacts of later start times on student learning and sleep quality. However, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), which shares transportation services with the UCDSB, rejected the proposal. The UCDSB would need to allocate an additional $2 million for bus transportation to implement these changes, compounding existing challenges in securing sufficient bus drivers.

The second most viewed article highlighted the groundbreaking for the $170 million Merkley Oaks subdivision in Iroquois. Builder Valecraft Homes is set to deliver 313 mixed housing units, including detached homes, townhouses, and rental apartments. This significant development marks the largest construction initiative in Iroquois and South Dundas since the St. Lawrence Seaway’s establishment in the 1950s. As of December 28, 2025, at least 10 buildings have already commenced construction.

Education dominated the top story of the year, which detailed a significant data breach at the UCDSB. Discovered shortly after Christmas, the breach affected the personal data of students who attended UCDSB schools since 2010, as well as employees dating back to 1999. This incident coincided with similar breaches reported by numerous schools across Canada and the United States, linked to a hack of the software provider PowerSchool. The UCDSB’s breach was determined to be unrelated to PowerSchool. Exposed data included sensitive information such as addresses and financial details. In response, the board is offering credit monitoring services to those affected.

In addition to educational news, a feature on Williamsburg-native Brian McCourt and his HGTV show, Backyard Builds, garnered notable viewership. This article marked its ninth consecutive year in the top ten, illustrating the enduring interest in McCourt’s work alongside designer Sarah Keenleyside.

The community also showed support for local sports, as reflected in the highest-viewed sports story. A donation of $8,500 from the Port of Johnstown enabled the local soccer club, South Dundas United, to complete a $33,000 fundraising initiative aimed at replacing outdated soccer goals at the South Dundas Soccer fields in Iroquois.

Entertainment news featured prominently, with a review of Steven Page‘s performance at the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage on May 7, 2025, ranking as the highest-viewed entertainment story. Page, a former frontman for the Barenaked Ladies, concluded the 2024-25 season for the venue with a successful show.

Lastly, the community mourned the loss of long-time educator and journalist Wendy Gibb. An editorial tribute published on October 15, 2025, ranked as the seventh most viewed article, reflecting the profound impact Gibb had on the local arts and culture scene during her teaching and reporting career.

Viewership statistics were confirmed on December 29, 2025, using server-based reporting from The Leader’s web host.