Alexandra Holyk

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Alexandra Holyk

A group of seniors in Guelph, Ont., are putting their own spin on physical fitness. Every Monday and Thursday, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) puts on line dancing classes for its members. “It’s an activity you can do by yourself, you do not have to have a man or anything, or a partner,” said dancer Wendy Paul. “It’s a great way to meet people and get moving and enjoy music,” said Donna Holmes, a group leader with the GWSA.

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Alexandra Holyk

Starting in January, people living in Kitchener and Waterloo will have to look elsewhere to buy fireworks. On Monday night, both city councils decided to move forward with a ban on fireworks sales, along with additional restrictions and penalties. Aside from the sales ban, Kitchener council also voted in favour of limiting firework show times to two hours on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali. Anyone found not in compliance with the rules will also have to pay heftier fines.

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Alexandra Holyk

A group of advocates are pushing back against a provincial bill targeting encampments and the use of drugs in public spaces. Members of the Encampment Justice Coalition have penned a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford asking him to withdraw Bill 6 – The Safer Municipalities Act, arguing the legislation involves “punitive measures” and makes people feel unsafe.

2 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Alexandra Holyk

Guelph is looking at options to fill “considerable gaps” in services for people experiencing homelessness. A new report from the city’s housing stability advisor, Anthony Dolcetti, recommends a 12-hour daytime hub to help address basic needs, such as bathroom access, food security, safety and year-around warming and cooling centres. The hub would operate between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, and provide additional services, including laundry and storage.

2 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Alexandra Holyk

A family-owned restaurant in the heart of Stratford, Ont., is rising from the ashes of a devastating fire. Last October, Bijou was gutted by an electrical fire that started in the kitchen and spread to a nearby business. “It still feels like it happened yesterday,” said Front of House Manager Peter Williams. “It doesn’t feel real.”Mark Simone owns Bijou with his wife, Linda. He remembers helplessly watching the restaurant go up in flames. “It was burning in front of my eyes.