Why thousands of Ontario plant workers may take to the picket line this fall

by Hala Ghonaim

Thousands of CAMI Automotive workers in Ingersoll, Ont., are preparing to strike if union negotiation agreements aren’t reached with General Motors Canada in the fall.

'The water is swallowing us up': Harvey leaves hundreds in Texas pleading for help

Rescuers answered hundreds of desperate calls for help Sunday in areas of Texas as floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey climbed high enough to begin filling second-storey homes, and authorities urged stranded families to seek refuge on their rooftops.

Canadians prioritize mortgage payments over other debts, say experts

by Jacqueline Hansen

Canadians don't appear to be having trouble making their mortgage payments, but Laurie Campbell of Credit Canada Debt Solutions says a lower delinquency rate only tells half the story.

Ontario government polling shows improving numbers on hydro file

by Allison Jones

Critics of Ontario's premier wondering why her dismal personal approval ratings aren't prompting her to quit before next year's election need look no further than government-commissioned polling.

'Everyone has warts': Indigenous MP supports John A. Macdonald's name on schools

by Catharine Tunney

An Indigenous MP, who called for the renaming of Ottawa's Langevin Block because of its namesake's role in the creation of the residential school system, said he feels differently about stripping the name of Canada's first prime minister off public schools.

CNE warns ticket buyers to steer clear of online discount sites

by Amara McLaughlin

The Canadian National Exhibition is warning event-goers to avoid purchasing their tickets through discounted admission websites.

Lyme disease on the rise in Canada, but doctors still confused about diagnosis

by Lauren Pelley

In 2015, there were more than 700 cases of Lyme disease reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada, up from roughly 130 in 2009.

'Suspicious' fire in Erin destroys 24 Porta Potties valued at $40,000

Wellington County OPP deemed a fire that destroyed 24 Porta Potties in Erin, Ont. on Aug. 26 to be 'suspicious.'

Toxic gas leak sparks evacuation, road closure in Norfolk County, Ont.

by Amara McLaughlin

A flammable, hazardous gas leak discovered on Friday evening in Norfolk County, Ont. — some 30 kilometres west of Port Dover — has prompted police to close a stretch of roadway and issue an evacuation order for the area.

2 arrested at anti-Islam rally in London, Ont.

by Amanda Margison, Bernard Graham

The largest protest in recent memory in London, Ont., pitted anti-Islam groups against counter-protesters on Saturday. Police estimate up to 500 people gathered in front of City Hall.

Parks Canada to look at divesting highways, bridges, dams

by Dean Beeby

Parks Canada is considering whether to give up as much as $8.3 billion of its infrastructure.

Justin Trudeau visited the peach festival - and everyone wanted a selfie

by Samantha Craggs

A few hecklers aside, people at the Winona Peach Festival seemed content to set politics aside and take joy in a prime minister visiting their small town event.

Why a Guelph drug worker signed open letter about opioid emergency

More than 100 healthcare professionals across the country have signed a petition demanding the province declare a state of emergency over the opioid crisis. Adrienne Crowder, manager of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy, is one of them.

Mobile greenhouse showcases Ontario's indoor crops

by Andrew Coppolino

This summer a mobile squad of cucumbers, tomatoes and green peppers have been travelling throughout Ontario and the United States with the objective of teaching the general public about greenhouse produce.

WEEKEND | Weather sunny but cooler as gas prices surge

A sunny but temperate weekend is ahead with many outdoor activities scheduled throughout the region. But it looks like as temperatures fall, gasoline prices are set to rise.

Waterloo police officer arrested for fourth time this year

A Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) officer has been arrested for the fourth time this year over a "family-related" incident, according to a release from WRPS Friday.

Guelph pet owner finds rabid bat in dog's mouth

A dead bat found in Guelph has tested positive for rabies according to the city's public health department. In Perth County, a skunk located in Elma Ward has also tested positive for rabies.

'Picnic tables lit on fire on Main Street:' Erin residents combat vandal spree

A rash of vandalism is leaving its mark on the small town of Erin, Ontario, and the residents there are banding together to put a stop to the criminal activity.

Increased demand leads to global shortage of diabetes equipment component

by Cassie Williams

A global shortage of a component used in conjunction with a popular brand of insulin pump has left some people resorting to older methods to test their blood sugar.

Man sought in case of body found in field

Another man has been identified by Waterloo Region Police as wanted in the case of a body found in a farmer's field near North Dumfries Township in July.

Name change for Waterloo's Sir John A. MacDonald school no quick decision

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario put a motion calling for school boards to rename any schools named after Sir John A. MacDonald, including one in the Waterloo Region. So the board and trustees will discuss the idea in September.

Federal Government creates National Firefighters Day

The federal government announced Firefighters' National Memorial Day on Friday — a tribute to fallen firefighters in the country — which will be Sept. 10.

Kate's five fun things to do this weekend - August 25 to 27

It might be cooler outside than in recent weekends, but the sun will be shining and it’s a great weekend to get out in Waterloo region and area. Enjoy aviation fun at the airport, artists at a night market or African and Caribbean culture in Kitchener.

Blood drive honours Boston Woods: 12-year-old doing well in hospital

Twelve year old Boston Woods is “doing fantastic” said family friend Robyn Eno. After a collision with a tractor trailer while riding his bike August 16, Woods has been at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, beginning the long list of surgeries in his recovery.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says proposal to strip public schools of John A. Macdonald's name misses mark

by Shanifa Nasser

Premier Kathleen Wynne has weighed in on a controversial proposal by the Ontario elementary teachers union to rename public schools bearing the name of Canada's first prime minister, saying it has "missed the mark."

FSIN Vice-Chief backs call to remove John A. Macdonald's name from Ontario schools

Historians say the role of Canada's first prime minister in the subjugation of Canada's Indigenous people needs to be discussed in light of a call to rename schools named for John A. Macdonald.

Labour ministry investigates after fatal workplace fall in Oxford county

The province's labour ministry is investigating after a 47-year-old Lafarge Canada concrete plant employee fell to his death in Oxford County.

Border officers seize heroin hidden in high heels at Hamilton airport

Canada Border Services Agency found 799 grams of heroin hidden in high heels that had been shipped from Pakistan, resulting in criminal charges for two people.

Kids at Junior Peacebuilders day camp assemble aid for refugees

The last few days of summer are precious. But for the 29 kids who gathered in the back of a thrift store warehouse, their day was put to a more humanitarian effort. The Peacebuilders day camp drew mini-humanitarians together, to pack relief kits, and take part in the blanket exercise.

HopeSpring cancer centre relocates to The Inn of Waterloo

The HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre, which faced a funding shortfall that threatened its closure earlier this year, announced Thursday it would move from its current location on Andrew Street in Kitchener to The Inn of Waterloo on King Street North in Waterloo.

Opinion 'Not So Funny Money' stickers confront anti-Indigenous heritage

An artwork sticker project of Jay Soule, a.k.a Chippewar, from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation near London is provoking conversation about faces on Canada's currency.

Parent of daughter with disability faces GRCA home eviction

by Flora Pan

A family hopes to keep living at a GRCA-owned rental property because their daughter with complex special needs needs a neighbour-free, rural residence such as the Grand River Conservation Authority currently rents out. But the tenancy program is ending.

Laurier establishes Indigenous Curriculum Specialist

Wilfrid Laurier University has hired an Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, to help staff and faculty progress with the continued work of reconciliation in the post-secondary environment. Erin Hodson, is one of only a handful of other ICS across Canada, and as a result the role is very much in development.

In Depth Window decals to identify 'safe space' for sex worker assistance

The Sex Workers Action Network will be offering window decals and training courses to approved agencies in the Waterloo region, symbolizing a safe and supportive environment for sex workers.

Video Scientists release record number of endangered soft shell turtles

by Colin Butler

Scientists in London, Ont. are trying to bring the eastern spiny soft shell turtle back from the brink of extinction by releasing a record number of lab-produced hatchings into the wild.

More chestnut trees than thought but still in peril, says study

by Flora Pan

University of Guelph researchers studied American chestnut populations in southwestern Ontario and found more than 700 trees - more than they expected - but they are not reproducing fast enough to stop decline.

Animal mutilations in Kitchener 'very alarming,' say police

Waterloo Regional Police are asking people to keep an eye out for anything suspicious or unusual after seven cases of animal dismemberment in a Kitchener neighbourhood.

8 people charged in Vaughan shootings

York Regional Police have arrested and charged eight people, seven from Waterloo region, with 50 firearm and drug related charges in connection with two separate shootings at a home in the City of Vaughan in early June and at the beginning of this month.

West Nile 'perfect storm' may be coming to GTA

by Dan Taekema

A team from Brock University is predicting an outbreak of the West Nile virus that could hit more than 300 human cases in the next two weeks.

Video Mom and daughter 1 millionth visitors to Kitchener's TheMuseum

by Kate Bueckert

Jennifer Van Mol and her three-year-old daughter Alena were just coming into Kitchener's TheMuseum to take part in the ice painting craft and didn't realize staff were eagerly awaiting the one millionth visitor.

Guelph Food Bank: demand grows 30 per cent

The Guelph Food Bank is an important part of the community; now more so than ever, says Pauline Cripps, Coordinator at the GFB. The food bank saw a rise of 30 per cent in visits from 2015-2016, with 26,896 visits growing to 35,160.

Residents move to protect Waterloo 'heritage neighbourhood'

Residents in Waterloo’s Mary Allen neighbourhood are worried that historic homes in the area just behind City Hall, could be demolished. “It’s a beautiful space, and it’s one of the older neighbourhoods in Waterloo,” said City Councillor Melissa Durrell.

Prison lockdowns don't amount to cruel and unusual punishment, appeal court finds

A judge's finding that numerous prison lockdowns amounted to cruel and unusual treatment for two detainees was overturned Wednesday along with the $85,000 in damages he had awarded them.

Extreme rubbernecking: live streaming crash scenes a bid for online popularity

by Kate Bueckert

People may think they're being citizen journalists when they stop to take photos or videos at collision scenes, but one digital media researcher says they may just want to appear to be more interesting.