Latest news with #Elora
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Visitors will soon have to pay for parking in Elora
People visiting Elora will soon have to pay to park downtown. During a Township of Centre Wellington council meeting this week, councillors received a report on a potential paid parking program. 'We do have high utilization rates of our parking spots, especially in Elora,' Dan Wilson, Centre Wellington's Chief Administrative Officer, said. 'This does lead to a number of challenges: difficulty finding parking, increased congestion, reduced accessibility, heightened illegal parking, negative perceptions about the town and tourism, economic setbacks for local businesses and various environmental impacts.' Currently, drivers can park in downtown Elora for three hours for free. Streets away from the downtown area also longer term, 24-hour parking. The community also has several municipal parking lots. The paid parking proposal divided downtown Elora into two areas: Zone 1: paid parking with a three-hour time limit Zone 2: paid parking for up to 24 hours Zone 1 included Metcalfe Street, Mill Street, Price Street, Church Street and MacDonald Square. Proposed Parking Payment Zones, Elora A map of proposed parking payment zones in Elora. (Courtesy: Township of Centre Wellington) 'One interesting comment from our parking enforcers: tourists come to town, especially in Elora, and they ask where they can pay for parking and get a little uncomfortable when they are told parking is free, because they expect to pay and feel more comfortable if they've paid for their spot,' Wilson told council. Wilson said feedback was collected via a survey. Three options were provided to respondents: the first option would have maintained the status quo, the second option required all drivers to pay for downtown parking and the third option required only visitors to pay for parking downtown. Wilson said 66 per cent of survey respondents supported the third option. Council approved a motion to move forward with the third option and authorize staff to begin working with a contractor to explore implementation options, proposed fees and draft a bylaw. Wilson did not expect the change would be fully implemented before the fall. What does it mean for people who live or work in Elora? Once the program is up and running, Centre Wellington Township residents will need to register their vehicles to avoid charges when parking downtown. They will still need to adhere to the posted time limits, but they will not be required to pay to park as long as they have completed the registration process. Meanwhile people who park downtown for work or visit frequently will have the option of purchasing a parking permit. The proposed price for the permit was $125.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Victoria Park's feathered friends return from their winter getaway
A swan was spotted in Kitchener's Victoria Park on May 14, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News) Two familiar faces have returned to Kitchener's Victoria Park after a winter away. Otis and Ophelia, the city's beloved swans, came home on Tuesday afternoon. The couple spends their winters at a wildlife facility in Elora, where they can stay safe and warm through the cooler months. Swan Otis Ophelia Victoria Park, Kitchener, Ont. A swan was spotted in Kitchener's Victoria Park on May 14, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News) City officials say park-goers may have a hard time spotting the pair, as its not uncommon for them to tuck away in the area's dense vegetation. 'This is not cause for concern and is normal behaviour that we expect,' an email explained. Now that the swans are back, the city is reminding residents not to feed to birds or approach them at any time.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- CTV News
Over $6K in alcohol recovered after theft in Elora, Ont.
Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police were able to recover over $6,000 in alcohol after a theft from a local Elora, Ont. business, May 13, 2025 (Courtesy: OPP). Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recovered over $6,000 in alcohol after they said multiple suspects stole bottles from an Elora, Ont. business Tuesday night. OPP said they were called to an active theft at a local business on Metcalfe Street & Water Street East at around 7 p.m. Police said three people were stealing multiple premium alcohol bottles from the back room. OPP said they got to the store two minutes later and saw the three suspects running away. After they chased them, police were able to catch and arrest one of the suspects without struggle. They then recovered the alcohol, which police believe was worth about $6,100. A 21-year-old man from Markham was charged with theft over $5,000. Two other suspects are still on the loose. Wellington County OPP are asking anyone with information or video of the area from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to call them at 1-888-310-1122.
