Latest news with #Waterloo
CTV News
a day ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Waterloo man issued anti-theft surcharge for Jeep Gladiator
A Waterloo man is upset about having to pay to install a tracker in his jeep, as his insurance company is concerned about its chance of being stolen. Aaron Leamon owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. He received a letter from his insurer this month informing him that his vehicle is at high-risk of theft and is now subject to an annual $500 surcharge. However, he can avoid the surcharge by installing a tracking system. Leamon said it's $400 for the device, his insurance will cover $100 of it, but he's not sure of installation costs and expects to pay $500 either way. 'Very disappointing. Knowing that I am a target. And I feel for all the other people that are targets of this as well. But the auto industry, the auto makers should actually already know all this information, and they should be making it better for the consumer not to have to spend out of pocket after you buy the vehicle,' Leamon said. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, rates of auto theft claims in Canada were 538 percent higher last year compared to 2017. As well, insurers are still paying a lot out in claims as people continue to be victimized. 'With all of that we are working with government, we are working with law enforcement, we are trying to find solutions. But in the meantime, the claims need to be paid, and the money needs to come from somewhere,' said Amanda Dean, vice-president of Ontario and Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada. Dean said people with vehicles at a high risk of being stolen, or that live in a high risk area, will start to see insurers starting to implement some things. 'The levers that they can pull in order to be able to pay claims but also to incentivize folks to install tracking devices, install anti-theft devices,' Dean said. Leamon said he understands the insurers need make money, but he feels the manufacturer should be doing more to help. 'I understand where they're coming from because it is a target. So they're going to end up having to pay more money over time. So that's the insurance paying out money where the automaker can stop this and probably be better for the consumers all the way around,' Leamon said. According to Dean, a lot of work has been done to combat auto theft, with new resources from governments for prosecution and for police, insurance companies are making these surcharges, and clients are installing anti-theft tools. 'If there's something they can do to help prevent this as well, it really sends a strong message. But of course, as you mentioned, manufacturers have a role to play in combatting auto theft as well,' Dean said. 'Everyone who has a problem, contact your dealership and send them a message and say, why? ask why this is not being done to all cars?' Leamon said. Stellantis said it's Jeep Connect service includes both vehicle theft alert and stolen vehicle assistance. 'Stellantis vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal standards for safety and security. While such events are rare, they are not exclusive to any make or model of vehicle. Stellantis uses industry-standard vehicle-security technology. And as with other vehicle features, we are engaged in continuous product improvement. Notwithstanding, we urge all motorists to take due care in securing their vehicles. The security and protection of our customers are unsurpassed priorities at Stellantis.' Stellantis said, in an email to CTV News.
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Open Ears Festival weekend line up features global artists, unique experiences
The Open Ears Festival is back! It's a unique festival of music, lights and experiences. The festival's artistic director, Richard Burrows, spoke to CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty about what to expect for this weekend's lineup.
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
Flair Airlines to close crew base at Waterloo region's airport, will still fly in and out of YKF
Social Sharing Flair Airlines will close its crew base at the Region of Waterloo International Airport this fall but says it will continue to operate scheduled flights to this community. In a statement to CBC News, Flair's vice president of commercial, Eric Tanner, said the airline is currently taking "proactive steps to strengthen its business in the face of ongoing macroeconomic pressures." The crew base will close on Sept. 3. The base is similar to an office located at the airport where pilots and flight attendants would begin and end their shifts. "Flair remains the largest carrier at YKF [the airport code for Region of Waterloo International Airport] and will continue to operate scheduled flights in and out of the airport," Tanner's statement said. "The closure of YKF's crew base is not tied to any layoffs. Our inflight and maintenance teams will still have roles within Flair. Our maintenance base will remain vital and operational in YKF." The airline plans to expand into new charter operations that will "bring stable, guaranteed revenue." Tanner said the "strategic shift requires us to reallocate aircraft and reduce our scheduled passenger service after the summer peak." CBC News has reached out to the Region of Waterloo for comment on the closure of Flair's crew base. Flair first signed a deal with the region to fly out of YKF in February 2021. But the airline saw staff shortages and cancelled flights in 2022. In January 2023, the airline cancelled service to Montreal from the region and in March of the same year, the airline had four leased Boeing 737s seized — including one at the region's airport — over a commercial dispute. In April 2023, Flair Airlines told local media it planned to ramp up service to Waterloo region, but the increase would be slower than they had initially planned. But the airline also helped the Region of Waterloo International Airport reach a record number of passengers in 2023 and 2024. In January, the region said 523,210 passengers travelled through the airport in 2024 for a 17.9 per cent increase over 2023. Some of that has also included passengers for WestJet flights and people who check-in for Air Canada flights in Waterloo region before taking a designated bus to Toronto's Pearson airport.
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: May 30 to June 1
Social Sharing The calendar will turn a page this weekend from May to June with some moderate temperatures in the forecast ahead of what's expected to be a hot week. Art Market returns to uptown Waterloo Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This monthly market features handmade goods created by local artists, crafters, and makers and people can also enjoy live music in Waterloo Public Square. The Treading Theatre Festival has performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Schneider Haus in Kitchener. The festival features local and independent artists with a few different productions in different areas of the museum including the attic, kitchen and outside. Theatre festival featuring independent artists coming to Kitchener 4 days ago Duration 1:03 There's a new festival in Kitchener this week. The Treading Theatre Festival features plays by local and independent artists. It will transform the Schneider Haus national historic site into a stage. Co-creators Ciarán Myers and Maria Colonescu told CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty more about the festival. The Fergus Fiber Festival is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be demonstrations, displays, vendors and live animals including alpacas, sheep and angora rabbits at the event in downtown Fergus. There's a citywide yard sale in Stratford Saturday morning with people setting up on their front lawns, driveways and trunk sales in parking lots. The Etsy Waterloo Region Spring Market will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RIM Park in Waterloo, featuring more than 75 local artisans. A Bike Month kickoff event is going to be held in Royal City Park near downtown Guelph Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a community ride, a free repair stand plus activities for children. On Sunday, there's a Writer's Market and Summertime Storytelling Clothesline Art Sale at Homer Watson House and Gallery in Kitchener. Art for sale will include pieces themed primarily around the literary world. If unique vehicles are your thing, there will be the Downtown Guelph Exotic Car Show Sunday starting at 12 p.m. The Kitchener Panthers host the Barrie Baycats on Sunday with first pitch at 2 p.m. at Jack Couch Park. The Guelph Royals have a 1 p.m. game Saturday at home versus the London Majors, then hit the road Sunday to take on Hamilton. If you need to drive this weekend, here are some local gas prices: Open Ears All weekend Various locations downtown Kitchener This festival features a mix of local, national and international artists in a variety of unique performances and workshops. The festival plays with sound. That includes an art installation that combines data, sound and light that people can interact with, a synth petting zoo — synthesizers and electronic instruments people can try out — and various performances people can watch and experience. There are some free events and some are ticketed. Open Ears website Pride Eve Party Saturday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. 22 Bridgeport Rd. W., Waterloo On the eve of Pride month, this all-ages party will have something for everyone. The afternoon begins with a clothing swap, then there's line dancing, an open mic session, live music and a drag show. Throughout the event there will also be vendors and services set up in the hall. Guelph Dance Festival All weekend Various locations This festival features various dance performances, workshops and a dance party to celebrate. Workshops and performances in Exhibition Park are pay-what-you-can while there are ticketed events at the River Run Centre and the University of Guelph ImprovLab. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. until late afternoon New Hamburg Arena This very popular event gets underway Friday night when people can get a preview of the incredible quilts that will be on the auction block on Saturday, listen to music, check out some vendors and take part in the Voices Together Community Hymn Sing in the grandstand. On Saturday, there's a pancake and sausage breakfast to start the day. A special run will begin at 8 a.m. and then the quilt auction gets underway at 8:30 a.m. There are family events throughout the day including a kids zone and an outdoor "work and play" auction. Bee and Pollinator Day Saturday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Waterloo Public Library, Eastside Branch Celebrate bees and other pollinators at this all-ages, drop-in event. People can make a bee house, create pollinator-friendly seed paper and plant flowers using seeds from the seed library. Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Waterloo Public Library, Eastside Branch Local author Kate Jenks Landry will be reading from her new picture book A Summer Without Anna. There will also be special activities, songs and crafts. Kitchener author's new book tells nostalgic story of summers spent in cottage country 2 days ago Duration 1:32 Kitchener author Kate Jenks Landry has a new children's book out. A Summer Without Anna tells the story of a young Junie who spends the summer with her grandparents because her older sister is sick. While Junie misses her family, she also has little adventures — including looking for an elusive giant turtle. Kate Jenks Landry told CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty more about the new book, which was inspired by the author's own life. Bonus: Hohner Ave. Porch Party Saturday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hohner Avenue, Kitchener Bring a lawn chair and some snacks and lawn hop to various concerts in the neighbourhood for this annual porch party. Performers include Michael Bennett, Eric Jackson and the Willow River Band, Silvia Dee and The Boyfriend, Gin Lane, Friday Empire, The Knockoffs and more. The finale will feature Mixology a capella chorus and Onion Honey.
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Waterloo man charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm and forcible confinement
A Waterloo man has been charged as part of an investigation into a sexual assault in Kitchener. Waterloo Regional Police Service said a female was sexually assaulted at an establishment in the Queen Street South and Charles Street East area on May 20 around 2 a.m. On Thursday, police arrested a 29-year-old Waterloo man and charged him with sexual assault causing bodily harm and forcible confinement. Police said the victim sustained minor injuries during the alleged incident.
