News happens 24/7. From TV, radio and websites, to social media platforms and apps, its found everywhere and it can be hard to keep up with it all.
This new series, called Weekly Roundup, aims to provide a snapshot of the latest news happening locally, nationally and worldwide on a weekly basis. With special emphasis on Guelph and the University of Guelph, we hope this can help you stay up to date on the issues that affect your community.
From the CNE being cancelled, to Ontario gradually reopening the economy, here is what we saw in the news this week.
Loss of a summer tradition due to COVID-19
For the second time in the event’s history, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has been cancelled. The fair has operated since 1879 and was previously cancelled during the Second World War. “Safety always comes first at the CNE, and the decision to cancel our event is the right decision during this critical time to protect the health of all Canadians,” John Kiru, president of the Canadian National Exhibition Association said in a media release. Highlights of the CNE include airshows, bandshell performances and hundreds of vendors. As of February 2019, the 18-day event employed 5,000 people and saw approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. In the media release, the CNE said organizers are planning an alternative way to experience the fair. CNE enthusiasts have been asked to follow @letsgototheex on their social media channels for updates. “We believe in the resilience of Torontonians; and know – when the time is right – the CNE will be back,” Kiru said.
Ford extends emergency order to June 2, announces plan to gradually reopen Ontario
On May 12, the Ontario government announced that the Declaration of Emergency has been extended until June 2. In a media release, Premier Doug Ford said the province is “making steady progress to flatten the curve… but we still have far to go in defeating COVID-19.” The province has begun stage 1 of reopening, with retail and seasonal businesses like garden centres opening up for curbside pickup and delivery this past week. The businesses have to follow strict social distancing guidelines and safety procedures such as sanitization and hand-washing. During a press conference on May 14 Premier Ford said that the province will see even more businesses opening up beginning Tuesday May 19. These will include: retail stores with street entrances (excluding indoor shopping malls), seasonal outdoor venues like tennis courts and dog parks, pet services like groomers and veterinarians, animal shelters, and cleaning and home maintenance businesses. Certain health and medical services like scheduled surgeries and in-person counselling will also become available.The government is allowing all construction to resume. Campgrounds, marinas and boat clubs, as well as businesses that board animals will be reopening. Premier Ford stressed that businesses should open only if they are ready. “We cannot let our guard down now,” said Premier Ford. “We need to stay vigilant. We can’t take our progress for granted.”
Students may now apply for CESB
The Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is now open for students to apply for financial aid. The benefit aims to help current students and recent graduates who are unable to work due to COVID-19. Those who are eligible may receive $1,250 a month from May until August 2020. Students or recent graduates who care for dependents or have disabilities are eligible for an extra $750 monthly for a total of $2,000 a month. In a press conference on May 13, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged students to sign up for a MyAccount on the CRA website to speed up the process. The fund is part of a $9 billion support deal to help students during the pandemic.
U of G sees high summer enrolment
The University of Guelph is reporting a high summer enrolment rate despite the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a U of G news release, rates went up from last year by 55 per cent for students obtaining degree credits, and by 20 percent for non-degree students. “Our courses cover a wide range of fields, are top quality and demonstrate how best to use technology in teaching,” Charlotte Yates, provost and vice president (academic), said in the release. Since March the University has moved all of its learning to an alternative format due to COVID-19. University Registrar Ray Darling added that the current job market may be the reason for the influx of enrolment. “Students who have been unable to find employment are taking the opportunity to get ahead in their studies,” Darling said. During the summer semester, the University will be running degree-credit courses online.
Provincial parks reopen for day use
On May 9, the Ontario government announced plans to reopen provincial parks and conservation reserves. As of today, all 635 of these areas will be open for day use activities only. This includes parks such as Bronte Creek, Wasaga Beach and Algonquin Park. However, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is keeping its parks and facilities closed. The GRCA maintains popular Guelph conservation areas like Guelph Lake and Starkey Hill. According to the GRCA website, the province’s announcement applies to parks operated and owned by the province. It does not apply to GRCA trails and parks, which are different from provincial outdoor areas. The GRCA plans to open its parks and outdoor areas in phases but does not have a set timeline. On May 14 the GRCA announced it had temporarily laid off 75 employees. According to guelphtoday.com, cancelled programs have reduced the need for employees.
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