Latest news with #CTVKitchener
CTV News
31-07-2025
- CTV News
Charges laid following vandalism at Waterloo demonstration
Uptown Waterloo is pictured in a file photo. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener) A 22-year-old was arrested after city property was damaged during a demonstration in Uptown Waterloo. Waterloo Regional Police said approximately 200 people participated in Wednesday's event. During the demonstration, officers saw someone vandalize city property with paint. The 22-year-old was charged with mischief under $5,000 and disguise with intent.
CTV News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Wilmot to reinstall statues along the Prime Ministers Path
A decision has finally been made about the future of the Prime Ministers Path in Baden. Wilmot Township announced, at a meeting on July 28, its plan to return all of the statues to Castle Kilbride, including the one of Sir John A. Macdonald which sparked the controversy which led to their removal. Council said the unanimous decision followed a 'comprehensive and community-led engagement process,' which involved surveys, open houses and tea circles. That feedback, they added, was 'often complex but overwhelmingly pointed to a shared desire for respectful dialogue, greater transparency, and more meaningful public involvement in shaping historical narratives.' The township said all of this informed their final plan. 'This was not a decision made lightly,' Mayor Natasha Salonen explained in a media release. 'The future of the Prime Ministers Path has been a subject of deep reflection in our community. While perspectives differ, council has listened carefully. The path forward represents a balanced response to the feedback we heard—rooted in education, inclusion and fiscal responsibility.' She also acknowledged the greater impact it had in the community. 'In many ways, this issue became larger than the path itself,' Salonen said. 'The process showed us how communities wrestle with questions of history, memory and identity. As elected leaders, it's not our role to rewrite history, but to ensure it is presented thoughtfully—so that we may all learn from it.' While the plan won't make everyone happy, council said they tried to find the right balance. 'This process was never about reaching unanimous agreement,' they explained in the release. 'It was about listening to a wide range of voices and arriving at a balanced, principled outcome. Council's unanimous decision reflects a meaningful way forward: one that honours past investments, responds to public input, and is not beholden to any one ideology or perspective.' Returning the statues According to council's plan, statues of the former Prime Ministers will be reinstalled near Castle Kilbride, along with four others that were sitting in storage. Township staff were instructed to put together an estimate of the cost to do this, which will be addressed at a future meeting. Council said their decision meant no further tax dollars would be spent on the project, excluding standard park maintenance and storage fees. 'Reinstalling the statues without additional taxpayer funding allows us to preserve past investments while reframing the project with greater community oversight and sensitivity,' they stated. A pond and the base of a statue The former site of a controversial statue of Sir John A. Macdonald, which was removed after a council vote. (Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener) Sir John A. Macdonald The statue of Sir John A. Macdonald will also return to the Prime Ministers Path. Council acknowledged the concerns around his role in the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous peoples. They said Macdonald's statue will be moved from its previous position near township offices and the main street to a more 'discreet' area of the park. Council described the location as 'accessible by personal choice rather than public prominence.' Sir John A. MacDonald statue with paint A statue of former Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald after red paint was poured on it. (Source: Ron Taves) Volunteer committee A volunteer-led committee will also be created to oversee the Prime Ministers Path. Members would be tasked with guiding the development of 'inclusive, historically grounded educational content.' Council said it should focus on political history, leadership and governance, with the goal of 'understanding Canada's democratic institutions and the individuals who have shaped them.' The committee would be required to keep council informed, through a formal reporting process, of the project's long-term sustainability and public engagement efforts. They would work independently and without municipal funds. Council's plan also included two recommendations for the committee. One was that they consider adding a community garden to the Prime Ministers Path, with input from local Indigenous groups. The other suggestion was to change the name of the Prime Minister Path, through community consultation, to 'better reflect its purpose.' Further funding Another concern expressed by the community was the cost of the Prime Ministers Path. Council said no further municipal funds would be spent on programming or expansion of the project. Instead, they would seek out private donations, partnerships or grants going forward. If they could not be secured, council said the project would not be expanded. 'The township has been clear that future development of the [Prime Ministers] Path is contingent on external financial support,' they stated. History of the Prime Ministers Path Council's decision marked the end of an almost decade-long debate in Wilmot Township. The original plan was to create 22 statues of Canada's former Prime Ministers to honour the country's 150 years of confederation. The project, however, failed to find a permanent home. In 2016, Wilmot council unanimously approved the installation at Castle Kilbride. The decision was made without public consultation. Les Armstrong, who mayor at that time, said they didn't seek out community feedback as the township would not be required to pay for the project but was, instead, only offering a place put the statues.
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Heat and humidity will ramp up in parts of the province Thursday
After a brief respite, the heat and humidity are making a return to southwestern Ontario. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for parts of the province, including Brantford, Six Nations, Flamborough and all of Haldimand County, as well as Milton, Halton Hills, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Burlington and Toronto. Daytime temperatures are expected to hit 33 degrees Celsius on Thursday, but with the humidex, it will feel closer to 44. Thursday night, the mercury will only drop to 20 to 23 degrees Celsius. There also won't be any relief from the heat on Friday. Temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius, feeling more like 40 with the humidex. Environment Canada said the hot conditions could also continue into the weekend. 'Staying cool and hydrated is key,' advised Alexandra Pinto, CTV Kitchener's Community Weather Host. 'Turn on air conditioning, move to a cooler area of your living space and plan outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Also, never want to leave pets unattended in a vehicle.' Signs of heat illness Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or fainting Extreme thirst Dark urine and decreased urination Intense fatigue Confusion or lack of coordination Skin rash Muscle cramps Heavy sweating Rapid breathing and heartbeat Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency. Those symptoms include: High body temperature Very hot, red skin Confusion or change in consciousness Dizziness or fainting If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately. Beating the heat The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Know the weather forecast before going outside Modify your plans according to the weather Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric Seek shade Avoid sun exposure if you can Take breaks as needed Avoid using your oven Take a cool shower or bath Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place Close blinds and shades, Turn on air conditioning or use a fan Cooling centres The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre. The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices. The map also includes a list of public swimming pools and splash pads. Protecting your pets Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous. Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death. Signs of an overheated pet include: Excessive panting Drooling Vomiting Collapsing Lethargy Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth If your pet is suffering from the heat, it's a good idea to gradually cool them down. Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice. Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
