Latest news with #DougDowney
CTV News
06-08-2025
- Health
- CTV News
RVH celebrates opening of new live-in addictions treatment centre
Third from right: Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden, Fourth from right: Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP, Fifth from right: Gail Hunt, RVH President and CEO, Sixth from right: Andrea Khanjin, Barrie—Innisfil MPP, Seventh from right: Mina Fayez-Bahgat, County of Simcoe, Eighth from right: Brandon Lewicki, RVH Mental Health and Addictions Program Director and other dignitaries celebrate the opening of the new RVH live-in addictions treatment centre in Barrie, Ont. on Wed., Aug. 6, 2025. (CTV News/ Chris Garry) The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) celebrated the official opening of its new live-in addictions treatment centre on Wednesday, which officials say will be a big step forward in providing care for the region's most vulnerable. 'Recovery and stability are possible when care is local, integrated, and rooted in trust,' said Brandon Lewicki, RVH mental health and addictions program director, of its vision. The hospital and the County of Simcoe were among the main partners teaming up to offer better support for those facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges through the program. 'We all have the same vision in helping people and this is going to be a great success,' said Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden. Through the new live-in addiction treatment centre in Barrie, 12 clients at-a-time go through a 21-day program, receiving important mental health and addictions treatment that includes therapy, counselling, and recreational activities. Each client gets their own bedroom and bathroom. 'The hope is to provide people with the skills and the tools to be able to thrive and be successful once you're discharged back into the community,' added Lewicki. The new program falls under the county's Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment model (HART) and is designed to be the first stage in a client's road to recovery. 'It's customized services for each individual based on their needs,' said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, County of Simcoe social and community services manager. 'The idea is to serve them until they're ready to move into their next stage, which would be the longer-term supportive housing model.' The County requested funding from the Ford government last August and the province responded in January with a $529 million funding announcement to support 27 HART hubs across Ontario. 'That is lightspeed in terms of government cooperation, coordination,' said Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP. 'I'm just thrilled for the individuals that are going to come through this program.' Hospital and county officials say the first round of patients has already been through the new live-in facility. Their second cohort is almost full and is expected in the coming weeks.
CTV News
05-08-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Province invests $89M to help seniors age ‘safely at home'
Second from right: Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. Fourth from right: Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, Fifth from right: Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. Sixth from right: Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP, Seventh from right: Andrea Khanjin, Barrie—Innisfil MPP The Ontario government announced on Tuesday an investment to make their Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program permanent, continuing to offer care for seniors right at their front door. 'Starting in 2026-27, Ontario will invest $89 million annually into the (CPLTC),' stated Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, in her announcement at Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus. Through the CPLTC, community paramedics can offer basic diagnostic services and check-ins to those who are on the waiting list for long-term care. According to the province, the program has served more than 81,000 people and provided more than 310,000 hours of care to seniors since launching in 2020. With more non-emergency services available at home, the province confirmed to CTV News that it has translated to fewer 911 calls and more efficiency in the healthcare system. 'It's a win-win situation for all,' said Kusendova-Bashta in an interview with CTV News. 'Our community paramedics are one of those providers who can help support people to stay at home longer. We know that our seniors, they feel really good at home. And if we are able to provide them with the right supports, like through community medicine, they will be able to stay within the comfort of their home longer.' Of those 81,000 served by the CPLTC program, nearly 2,300 have been in Simcoe County. The announced funding will support paramedic services in 56 municipalities and expand to seven Indigenous communities in total. 'It means a permanent program,' said Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. 'And securing support for our communities as our seniors age at home and really diversifying the portfolio of paramedics in the County of Simcoe.' 'It's so important if you can keep your family members at home where they feel comfortable, where they feel relaxed,' added Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. 'They know somebody's coming in that's an expert, and even to go over their medication just to make them feel better. At the end of the day, when they leave, (they know that) 'yes, I'm doing everything right, I'm doing the best I can, and there's somebody looking out for me.'' Those on the waitlist for long-term care and those who have been assessed are eligible. Clients may also refer themselves or family members by contacting their local paramedic service.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
No plans for pedal pubs in major northeastern Ont. cities
A pedal pub is seen in this file photo. The province is allowing alcohol to be served on pedal pubs. It seems as though northern Ontario won't benefit from the province's recent announcement allowing alcohol on pedal pubs. Pedal pubs are popular in a few communities in southern Ontario, specifically Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor. They can now serve alcohol on pedal pubs big enough for 12 or more people, which allows groups to chat as they move between bars and restaurants. Pedal pub Toronto Toronto Pedal Pub posted a photo of one of their pedicabs in the city on social media. ( 'This change will also provide more opportunities for customers to explore products created by local Ontario breweries, wineries, cideries and other producers,' the province said in announcing the change, effective this month. 'In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, the government is continuing to pursue opportunities to help grow Ontario's $32 billion provincial tourism industry, which supports 325,000 jobs across the province.' 'Pedal pubs offer a fun and memorable way to explore Ontario's communities, and we're making sure that experience is responsible,' Attorney General Doug Downey said in the release. 'Beginning this summer, Ontario is supporting a unique opportunity that will not only stimulate tourism and bring communities together, but also protect local jobs, our economy and small businesses across the province.' Pedal pub (Pedal Pub Calgary) Need to pass a bylaw first However, municipalities must pass a bylaw to allow for pedal pubs. And there doesn't appear to be any plans to do that in the north, at least not yet. 'Our tourism and culture team and our bylaw staff let me know that since the provincial pedal pub changes are so new, they can't comment on what any implications or opportunities will be for Greater Sudbury at this time,' said Amy Tippin, a Sudbury communications officer, in an email to CTV News Northern Ontario. 'Part of your question involves passing bylaws, in which case, this would be a consideration of council on whether to pass bylaws allowing pedal pubs,' said Tessa Vecchio from Sault Ste. Marie. 'There is no current bylaw related to 'pedal pubs' and nothing coming up that's related,' added Amanda Dyer from Timmins. Gord Young from North Bay said the issue has never been raised. 'At this point, North Bay doesn't have any pedal pubs operating, and we haven't received any requests to allow them,' Young said in an email. 'As a result, the city hasn't formally looked into the matter or considered any bylaw changes ... If a proposal were to come forward, it would need to go through a proper review process and ultimately be brought to council for consideration.'
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Nursing gets a shot in the arm from province
Georgian College's nursing students are getting a boost from the government to the tune of $250,000 to learn how to prescribe medication. This will make Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to include RN prescribing studies in undergraduate programs. 'This investment will help ensure our nursing workforce is able to meet the demands of our aging population and will safeguard stability in our healthcare system for years to come,' said MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte Doug Downey. 'By creating a more comprehensive undergraduate curriculum, we are preparing students for in-demand jobs and setting them up for the future. MPP for Barrie – Innisfil Andrea Khanjin said the new nursing curriculum will ensure nurses will be able to access high-quality education. 'With this investment for Georgian College, we are empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals with the tools they need to provide enhanced, patient-centered care right here in Barrie,' said Khanjin. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the investment in education and training for nurses will build a better Ontario for years to come. 'This investment will help ensure families can connect to the care they need no matter where they live, while also supporting the next generation of health-care professionals,' said Jones.
CTV News
28-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Alcohol to be served on party bikes in Ontario
The Doug Ford government is continuing to expand the accessibility to alcohol across Ontario by allowing party bikes, or 'pedal pubs' to serve booze or have it consumed on board. These types of operators are businesses that tour groups around notable areas on large, shared quadricycles, visiting local restaurants, breweries, wineries, cideries and other businesses. The province says this change would apply to pedal pub operators in Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Windsor beginning July 1. Prior to the change, these party bikes would only transport tourist groups to various vendors and producers. Ottawa currently has one party bike operator, the Thursty Pedaler, which operates pub crawl and coffee shop tours in the Glebe and Hintonburg neighbourhoods. 'Explore some of the best bars, restaurants, and patios Ottawa has to offer. Pedal your way through one of two vibrant Ottawa neighborhoods, refueling along the way at three local watering holes,' the Thursty Pedaler says on its website. 'The tour is 2 hours and includes a designated party pilot, a curated party playlist, samples at our awesome partner locations, and an all-around party-pedaling great time. Each tour hosts up to 14 people.' 'Pedal pubs offer a fun and memorable way to explore Ontario's communities, and we're making sure that experience is responsible,' said Attorney General Doug Downey, in a statement. 'Beginning this summer, Ontario is supporting a unique opportunity that will not only stimulate tourism and bring communities together, but also protect local jobs, our economy and small businesses across the province.' Pedal pubs are allowed to operate in a community only once the local municipality passes a by-law to permit their operations. A licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will be required to sell and serve alcohol on pedal pubs.
