Local Leaders Share Thoughts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today is the first ever National Day of Reconciliation, and there were a number of activities around Guelph to mark the day. Many local politicians have also marked the day by making special statements,  wearing orange shirts, and speaking to the need to address long-standing Indigenous issues that come from centuries of systemic racism and genocide. Here are some official statements from local leaders and all levels of government. Continue reading “Local Leaders Share Thoughts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”

Damage, Fireworks and a $30,000 Bill is the Homecoming Tally from Guelph Police

The Guelph Police Service released the tab for Homecoming 2021, and it comes in at 310 calls for service over a 17-hour period that will ultimately cost the City of Guelph over $30,000 in police time and resources. The price tag, and the fallout, will likely spurn a previously unfinished discussion pre-pandemic about where the financial burden of events from Homecoming will lie. Continue reading “Damage, Fireworks and a $30,000 Bill is the Homecoming Tally from Guelph Police”

City of Guelph Calls for a Time of “Reflection and Commemoration” This Week

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, the nation day to recognize the experiences of residential school survivors, and it’s also the first ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. As Monday began, the City of Guelph issued a media release to residents that asks them take some time this week to think about the history and legacy of residential schools, and the families and communities who have have been affected by this tragedy. Continue reading “City of Guelph Calls for a Time of “Reflection and Commemoration” This Week”

Canadian Bishops Formally Apologize to Indigenous People

In this year, when Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous people took on new and urgent importance, there’s been one organization that has hedged on admitting any complicity with the horrors visited on residential school students. That took a change in direction on Friday as the Catholic Bishops of Canada released a statement formally apologizing to Canada’s Indigenous people, even as they’re still waiting to hear from the Pope himself. Continue reading “Canadian Bishops Formally Apologize to Indigenous People”

Public Health Amends Proof of Vaccination Order, Not a Human Rights Matter

It’s been a couple of days since the start of Ontario’s vaccine certification program, and it seems to be going well. Still, it seems that the original version of the mandate wasn’t tight enough for our own local public health unit, and an announcement Thursday introduced some additional coverage. At the same time, the Ontario Human Rights Commission has said their mostly good with vaccine mandates, so there’s that too.  Continue reading “Public Health Amends Proof of Vaccination Order, Not a Human Rights Matter”

Guelph Libraries Want to End Fines in 2022

We’ve all at some point suffered the humiliation and judgement of paying overdue fees at the public library, but the Guelph Public Library Board of Directors have an idea: What if you don’t have to pay overdue fees any more? That beautiful dream might become a reality in January if the City of Guelph endorses the budget just approved by the library board. No more library fines starting New Year’s Day 2022. Continue reading “Guelph Libraries Want to End Fines in 2022”

U of G, Campus Police, and GPS All Warning People About (Non-COVID) Safety Issues on Campus

Heading into September, the big safety concern for the University of Guelph campus was around COVID-19, but news breaking from both the Guelph Police Service and campus police over the weekend warned students about another, sadly familiar, safety concern. The police in the city, and on campus, as well as the U of G admin are warning people to keep an eye on their drinks because “suspicious substances” are also flowing. Continue reading “U of G, Campus Police, and GPS All Warning People About (Non-COVID) Safety Issues on Campus”

Events Planned for Guelph’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 will mark the first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada, and here in Guelph. The Rotary Club of Guelph, and their Indigenous
Awareness Committee, are preparing a variety of different events and activities to help Guelphites mark this important day, from movies, to special guests speakers and even a free book if you want it. Get ready to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation all week long! Continue reading “Events Planned for Guelph’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”

City of Guelph Lays Out Vaccine Certification Rules at City Facilities

Ontario’s new vaccine certification program starts on Wednesday, but businesses aren’t the only ones who will now have to make sure those coming into their space are fully vaccinated. On Wednesday, the City of Guelph will take part in the new vaccine certificate program as people enter City facilities. Yes, to get into some City of Guelph programs and buildings next week, you will need to show your vaccinated. Continue reading “City of Guelph Lays Out Vaccine Certification Rules at City Facilities”

One Week Before Policy Starts, Ontario Government Announces Guidelines for Vax Certificates

This time next week will be the last day you can go inside many places without being asked for proof of vaccination. The Government of Ontario’s vaccine certification effort goes into effect a week from Wednesday, and, just in time, we now have the regulations and guidance that will guide the program. The ball is now in the court of local businesses and organizations, not to mention all of us, to make it work. Continue reading “One Week Before Policy Starts, Ontario Government Announces Guidelines for Vax Certificates”