What if I have a problem with delivery of my newspaper?

Missed or damaged newspaper? We want to make it right. Report delivery concerns using this form, or call us 519.669.5790 to our staff.

How do I contact Observer reporters and staff?

Observer reporters and other staff welcome your questions, comments and story ideas, by telephone or e-mail. You'll find the e-mail addresses and phone extensions listed in the About Us.

How do I place a classified ad?

Classified ads can be placed by calling one of our representatives at 519.669.5790, faxing at 519.6695753, email at classifieds@observerxtra.com or by using this form.
Before publication a classified ad representative will call you to confirm the final price including selected options and taxes and get credit card payment. See our media kit for classified ad rates.

How do I place a display ad?

Display ads can be placed by calling one of our representatives at 519.669.5790, faxing at 519.6695753, email at ads@observerxtra.com or by using this form. See our media kit for display ad rates, circulation & distribution information.

How do I subscribe to The Observer?

You can call 519.669.5790 or toll-free 1-888-966-5942 to subscribe to The Observer for $35 +GST per year ($37.10).
You will receive our award-winning newspaper delivered to your doorstep anywhere within Canada by Canada Post within 3 business days.

What is the Observer’s editorial policy?

We are a community newspaper serving a local audience. We include only material we deem of interest to our readers. The Observer strictly opposes the use of as-submitted items such as press releases and canned copy on the editorial pages of the paper: if the story is of interest, we’ll assign a reporter to follow up on the submission.

How do I get a story in the Observer?

The Observer welcomes press releases (link to How to write a press release) and news tips. If you are organizing an event, know of someone with a moving story or accomplishment or know of something you think the public would appreciate, we would be happy to hear from you.
You can contact us by email, fax (519-669-5753) or by phone (519-669-5790).

Who should I talk to about a news tip?

Whether it’s breaking news or a story idea, please contact the editor: 519-669-5790, ext. 103 or editor@observerxtra.com

What is the Observer’s letter policy?

The Observer welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters may be edited for length, clarity, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must be signed and contain the writer’s full name and telephone number for verification purposes. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of resolving the issue.
Short letters of fewer than 400 words have more impact. They have a better chance of being included on the opinion pages and of being read.
This newspaper declines announcements, poetry and thank-you letters in the opinion section.

How do I submit a letter to the editor?

Letters may be submitted by e-mail editor@observerxtra.com, fax (519-669-5753) or by mail (20B Arthur St. N., Elmira, ON  N3B 1Z9

How do I make a complaint about something published in the Observer?

The Observer is a member of the Ontario Press Council, and abides by its guidelines for conduct. The council has a mechanism in place for dealing with complaints from readers of member newspapers, specifically unsatisfied complaints from the public about the conduct of the press in gathering and publishing news, opinion and advertising.
Full information is available from the press council website, www.ontpress.com.

When is the site be updated?

The current week's edition of The Observer, including PDF archive, is available by 12 noon Fridays for the Saturday edition.
Blog updates and breaking news will be reported as it happens.

Is the website content the same as the newspaper content?

News stories appearing on Observerxtra.com are generally the same as those appearing in the newspaper, although some photos, tables, maps or graphics may be missing or altered. Search the archives for the link to the PDF version to view its orignal layout and context.

Can I read the classified ads?

All classified ads are available on Observerxtra.com. Past week’s classified ads are available in the PDF archives along with a complete copy of the Observer.

How do I find an article older than what’s available online?

Articles dating further back than what is available online are subject to a fee. Hard copy back issues are unavailable for issues older than 2 years. Digital copies are available for all issues dating back to 2000.
Editions of The Observer prior to 2000 are available on microfilm at the Elmira Public Library.

Can I look at advertisements?

Complete editions of The Observer, including display advertisements, are available in PDF format. View the page, just as it was published in the print edition, using the free Acrobat Reader.
Flyers and inserts that are not part of the regular newspaper are not available online.

Can I print articles from the newspaper?

All news articles have a link to a printer-friendly version. Click this link, and then print the story page using your browser's printer icon or commands. Printed articles are for personal use only, and not for distribution.