Latest news with #WaterlooRegion
CTV News
4 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘It's a plague': Advocates renew calls for renoviction bylaw in Kitchener
Local advocates are renewing their calls for a bylaw that would prevent renters from losing their homes and protect them from bad landlords. Known as a 'renoviction,' the term refers to the practice of forcing a tenant out of a building, citing the need for extensive renovations or repairs in the unit. On Monday, more than a dozen people took their fight to Kitchener City Hall, hoping to grab the attention of councillors and city staff. 'People need a renoviction bylaw passed,' said Ryan Murdock, secretary of the Waterloo chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). 'They need it passed now. They needed it passed yesterday.' Linda Vos is one of several tenants at 250 Frederick St., who received a renoviction notice earlier this year. While her case was dismissed by the Landlord Tenant Board last week, she said other people in her building aren't as lucky. ACORN RALLY Local housing advocates are renewing their calls for a bylaw in Kitchener that would prevent renters from losing their homes and protect them from bad landlords. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) '(The landlords) seem to be targeting the individuals that have lower rents, that have been living in my building for decades,' said Vos. To put the problem into perspective, ACORN said it surveyed 160 tenants in Waterloo Region, with 28 per cent saying they received one or more eviction notices in the last five years. Of those, 54 per cent were notices to vacate for renovations or demolition. 'It's a plague that's really going across the country,' said Murdock. 'And that's why you see other municipalities, other regions stepping up and protecting their citizens, protecting their tenants, and that's what we need Kitchener to do here.' Back in February, city staff told council they needed time to review how similar bylaws worked in other jurisdictions like Hamilton, London and Toronto. They're expected to share their findings in a report at a committee meeting on June 16. 'There's no reason that Kitchener can't do it,' said ACORN's Ken Vogelpohl. 'All we've been hearing is excuses. What we want is some action.' But according to one city councillor, action requires resources – something the city doesn't have. 'The province hasn't provided the tools to us to do that,' said Ward 9 Councillor Debbie Chapman in an interview with CTV News. 'But the fact that these other cities are doing it, I'd love to see Kitchener follow suit.' It's still not clear when a renoviction bylaw could come into force, but advocates say they're not going anywhere until something is done. 'It's time to actually do something,' said Vogepohl. 'We're going to be here. We're going to be at the mics. We're going to be putting more pressure on council to make sure that this happens.'
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Sentencing for Dutchie's Fresh Market and business director delayed again
The sentencing for Dutchie's Fresh Market and its business director, Michael Renkema, has been delayed again. Renkema and Dutchie's pleaded guilty to 13 Employment Standard Act violations in December 2024. Originally scheduled for March 4th, the hearing was rescheduled to allow Renkema time to make payments. On Friday, a joint submission from the Crown and defense asked for more time to ensure any remaining administrative fees could be paid. According to the legal teams, the payment orders owed to the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Finance have been paid, but it's not clear if the administrative fees are still outstanding. Joanna Mullen is an employment lawyer with Waterloo Region Community Legal Services. She said this process has been productive for the 13 victims involved in this case. 'The workers whose outstanding orders to pay were part of those charges, it's my understanding that they have now been paid,' Mullen said. Mullen said she is concerned about other potential victims who have filed a claim not included in this particular case. 'It has not stopped the behavior that is at the root of this, which is the wage theft that is happening for workers who are working for Dutchie's Fresh Market,' Mullen said. '[The payment] is not enough to discourage this particular employer from continuing to engage in these practices.' CTV News has previously reported there have been 72 Employment Standard claims against Dutchie's between April 2018 and April 2024. New information received from the Ministry of Labour said there are eight claims that were under investigation from April 2024 to April 2025. According to Mullen, prosecution appears to be the best way for former employees to get paid. 'What that really tells us is that we need the Crown, we need the Ministry of Labor to continue to charge and go through these types of prosecutions. It really seems that is the only way these workers are going to get their money,' said Mullen. The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for June 20th at 3:00 p.m. Michael Renkema did not wish to provide comment on this story.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Will Aiello leaving CTV News Kitchener team
It is a bittersweet day at CTV News Kitchener as the team prepares to say goodbye to weather specialist Will Aiello. Will joined CTV News Kitchener in March 2022, delivering weather forecasts and promoting community events. He quickly assumed the role of weekday weather anchor and became a staple in homes across Waterloo Region, known for his sunny disposition, even on the rainiest of days. Will served as a community champion, raising awareness for causes such as the Grand River Ride for Dad, the Humane Society Capital Campaign and Grand River Hospital Foundation. Whether he was strapping on the lederhosen for Oktoberfest, or playing with the newest arrivals at the Humane Society, Will was an unflappable presence who will be greatly missed by CTV Kitchener viewers. 'It has been the most wonderful 3.5 years calling Waterloo Region my home,' he said. 'From day one, the community and staff welcomed me into their homes and lives and made me feel like family right away. Being able to deliver the forecast and get involved with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Kitchener Rangers games, Ride for Dad, Toy Mountain and so many other charities and organizations has been some of the many highlights of my time here and brought so much value to my life.' Will Aiello and Dan Lauckner CTV Kitchener CTV News' Will Aiello and Dan Lauckner posed for a photo during the season opener at Stratford Festival on May 26, 2025. Will's next adventure will take him back to his old stomping ground, Ottawa, where he'll join the CTV Morning Live team. 'Moving onto this next chapter is something I've always dreamed about since starting in this industry,' he said. 'Getting to host a morning show in my hometown and be closer to my family is something that is going to be so special and will allow me to watch my little nieces and nephews grow up.' June 5 will be Will's last day with CTV News Kitchener. 'Leaving the CTV Kitchener team will be very difficult but their support with the new opportunity has made it feel much better,' he said. 'Thank you to everyone for allowing me to be myself and spread so much energy and positivity into this wonderful community.'
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Conestoga College campus listed as possible measles exposure site
People who visit Conestoga College's Doon Campus may have been exposed to measles. In a new release, the Region of Waterloo said people may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease on May 21 between 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The areas of concern include 2E06, Starbucks in the Doon Main Building E-Wing and any other classrooms or corridors on the second floor of the building. 'Region of Waterloo Public Health has been working closely with Conestoga College to notify students and staff who should refer to the communication provided by the College to determine if they can attend school,' the news release said. The Region of Waterloo maintains an ongoing list of potential measles exposure locations. Some of the latest additions include Dr. Erin Walker Family Dentist on May 22, Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown (formerly known as Grand River Hospital) on May 21 and Cook's Pharmacy on May 20. More than a dozen new cases According to the latest data released by Public Health Ontario on Thursday, Waterloo Region Public Health and Emergency Services has reported at least 78 cases of measles between Oct. 28 and May 27. That number represents an increase of 14 cases since the last report from Public Health Ontario a week ago. Meanwhile, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has reported 54 cases of measles since Oct. 28, including one new case within the last week. Grand Erie Public Health, which serves Brant County, Norfolk County, Haldimand County and the City of Brantford, continues to struggle with the spread of measles. They have reported 248 cases since Oct. 28, including 12 new cases since the last update from Public Health Ontario. In a news release on Thursday, Grand Erie Public Health said community members may have been exposed to the measles at Houghton Public School in Langton on May 20 and May 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The health unit said school bus route N534 is also considered a potential measles exposure site during those days. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
St. Andrew's Public School in Cambridge closed for water main break
St. Andrew's Public School in Cambridge was closed Thursday, due to a water main break. In a release by the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), they confirmed facility services staff and contractors were on site working to address the break. Students were switched to learn remotely for the day. WRDSB said staff would provide updates as they became available. A track and field meet happening at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School resumed as normal.
