Latest news with #RegionofWaterloo
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Christian school in West Montrose listed as potential measles exposure location
A empty teacher's desk is pictured in an empty classroom at Mcgee Secondary school in Vancouver on Sept. 5, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Students who attend a Christian school in West Montrose may have been exposed to the measles virus. The Region of Waterloo said someone with the illness was at Foundation Christian School at 28 Katherine Street South on May 29 and May 30 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Anyone who may have been exposed is encouraged to complete a measles self-assessment on the region's website and monitor for symptoms until June 20. 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
08-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Waterloo Region to switch to cart-based waste collection by 2026
Starting in March 2026, the Region of Waterloo will introduce a cart-based collection system for garbage and organics. CTV's Hannah Schmidt explains. Starting in March 2026, the Region of Waterloo will introduce a cart-based collection system for garbage and organics. CTV's Hannah Schmidt explains. Starting in March 2026, the Region of Waterloo will introduce a cart-based collection system for garbage and organics, marking a major change in how waste is handled at the curb. The move will impact approximately 161,000 single-family homes, duplexes and 3-to-6 unit buildings, along with about 8,500 multi-residential properties and townhouse complexes that meet truck access requirements. Currently, most waste collection in the region is done manually, with workers lifting and dumping individual bins and bags. The Region says switching to large wheeled carts will improve worker safety, increase efficiency and reduce litter on collection days. 'You can imagine staff members are picking up about 800 bags of garbage a day,' explained Olivia Kwok, manager of waste collection and diversion with the Region of Waterloo. 'It's really heavy; it's really hard work. There's a lot of risks for injuries. So, by switching to a cart-based collection system, we're reducing that risk. We're also ensuring reliability in our service because that way we're actually getting staff to continue the work. We're retaining staff members for a longer period in their career and we're really trying to attract folks to join the workforce.' Each residential property will receive one green organics cart and one black garbage cart free of charge before the system launches in 2026. Information kits will be provided with instructions and tips for using the carts properly. Residents will have the opportunity to select a smaller-sized garbage cart if preferred. The online cart selection tool is expected to go live in mid-June and remain available into July. The green organics cart will be provided in one standard size. 'For residents, what's handy is that these carts will be provided to each household. So you no longer have to buy garbage bags if you don't want to use them. You can set your waste directly in the carts or you can bag them if you'd like. What's really nice for the residents is that you can roll them out to the curb to be set out,' explained Kwok. In preparation for the rollout, the Region showcased the new carts at several public events over the weekend. Carts are also on display at municipal buildings across the region, including city and township community centres and the Region of Waterloo headquarters. Residents are encouraged to download the Waste Whiz app or follow the Region's social media channels for notifications and updates about the rollout.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- 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
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Drivers to see lane restrictions and limited access when Maple Grove Road construction begins in June
A sign announces the Maple Grove Road improvement project in Waterloo Region. May 27, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) As the Region of Waterloo prepares to start improvements on Maple Grove Road, drivers may want to start planning alternate routes to avoid traffic headaches. Phase one of the work is scheduled to start in June, affecting Maple Grove Road between Hespeler Road and Beaverdale Road. The road will stay open during that time, however there will be lane reductions. In the fall, westbound access to Hespeler Road from Fisher Mills Road will be closed for four to six weeks. Signs will go up before the closure happens. Maple Grove Road work map A map shows the project area for Maple Grove Road construction work. (Courtesy: Region of Waterloo) This year's work includes installing new asphalt multi-use paths, a roundabout at Hespeler Road, widening the road to four lanes, rehabilitating the Ellis Creek Bridge, improvements to stormwater and drainage systems, and putting up upgraded street lights. Drivers can keep up to date on all the impacts to traffic through the Region of Waterloo's website. The project currently has a $70 million budget.
CBC
26-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Measles clinics offered to 'priority' groups by Region of Waterloo Public Health as outbreak worsens
Measles vaccine clinics in Kitchener and Cambridge will be offered by public health to people in "priority groups." Priority groups are people who don't have a primary care provider and who are: Infants (six months to a year to receive their first dose early). Children (ages one to four to receive their second dose early). Adults born on or after 1970 who need a second dose. The clinics will run at 150 Main St. in Cambridge and 20 Weber St. in Kitchener. Appointments can be made through the Region of Waterloo's website. The clinics come as more cases of the measles are reported in Waterloo region and throughout southern Ontario. Public health says the people at greatest risk of getting measles are those who have not yet had two doses of the vaccine. The risk for individuals who are fully immunized, with two doses of a vaccine, or born before 1970, is still considered very low. The clinics also come after Ontario expanded eligibility for the vaccine. People can now receive the vaccine earlier than previously scheduled: Infants (six months to a year) can receive a single dose, then receive two additional doses after their first birthday. Children (age one to four) can receive an earlier second dose (before they would receive the second dose after they turned four). Children can receive their second dose as early as four weeks after their first dose. Adults born on or after 1970 can now receive a second dose of vaccine if they do not already have one. Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the medical officer for Region of Waterloo Public Health, said in a release that the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (often shortened to MMR vaccine) is "highly effective and safe." "The MMR vaccine greatly reduces the risk of getting measles and helps protect the broader community from further exposures," Wang said. The region's website lists numerous potential public exposure locations. Among them are four schools where there have been positive cases: Winterbourne Parochial Elementary School in West Montrose (exposure on May 2). Eastwood Collegiate Institute in Kitchener (exposure May 6 to May 8). St. Mary's High School in Kitchener (exposure on May 8). Franklin Public School in Kitchener (exposure May 12 to May 15). Public health says measles starts with symptoms that are similar to a cold, including: A runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Small white spots sometimes appear in the mouth and back of the throat. Three to seven days later, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last up to seven days. Anyone with symptoms of measles should contact their family doctor's office or public health.
