From first-years not being guaranteed campus housing at U of G, to Toronto hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this is what The Ontarion noticed in the news this week.
Incoming U of G first-years not guaranteed campus housing this year
To the surprise of many incoming students, the University of Guelph has decided not to reinstate its housing guarantee to first-year students despite the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
In order to promote public health regulations and social distancing, the housing guarantee for U of G residences was called off in 2020 and 2021, states GuelphToday.
“We no longer offer a housing guarantee for incoming students but give priority to secondary school students coming to U of G,” said Lori Bona Hunt, U of G director of integrated communications.
“We are looking for ways to expand our residence capacity (which is currently about 4,700) and will work to support students who will need to find accommodation off campus. Also, spaces often open in residence during the winter semester.”
Based on OUAC enrollment data from mid-June of this year, U of G confirmed that a record number of 5,899 Ontario high school students confirmed their enrollment to the university. While school executives are pleased that qualified students are interested in the University of Guelph, it ultimately contributed to the decision not to reinstate the housing guarantee.
According to another GuelphToday article, students feel disappointed, frustrated, and misled by this outcome.
Many chose U of G in part because of the housing guarantee which was advertised, though subject to change, in university recruitment brochures.
Students who can commute and who are from Guelph, Kitchener, or Cambridge have been placed on a waitlist for U of G housing, and out-of-town students are given priority. U of G is also hoping to create an “annexed” residence with a local hotel. There are also plans to offer off-campus housing support and connections.
“To know that the university that I had so much trust in, so much faith in, [that] I was looking forward to being with, they’ve turned their backs on me and any of the other people in the community,” said an anonymous incoming student.
“As first-years, this is the first experience we’ve had with the U of G and unfortunately it’s not a good one.”
Travel out of Canada no longer necessitates proof of vaccination
As of June 20, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandated to board a plane or train out of Canada.
The vaccination requirement for outside travel from Canada was instated on Nov. 30, 2021 in light of the pandemic. According to CP24, the decision was made as part of “a raft of measures” by the federal government in response to long waits and flight delays at airports.
Further, federally-regulated transportation sector employers are no longer required to institute a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy.
While the mandate has been lifted, the government of Canada website states that this applies only to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.
Those entering Canada from another country must continue to follow all entry requirements, and masks must still be worn throughout the journey. As such, vaccination and testing regulations, including for cruise ship passengers, must still be adhered to.
Additionally, those traveling out of the country must keep in mind other countries may still have vaccination mandates in place. Even with proof of vaccination, travelers are not guaranteed entry to another country, and they’re urged to check the entry requirements for the country they’re traveling to and any country they’ll transit through.
All inbound passengers to Canada must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine and PCR testing. Unvaccinated foreign visitors continue to be refused entry to Canada.
Toronto and Vancouver to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Last week, Toronto and Vancouver were announced as host cities for the 2026 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event would be the “greatest celebration Canada has ever witnessed in its history.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place between June 8 and July 3 of that year, though the exact number of matches to take place within that timeframe has yet to be announced.
CBC News reported that Toronto could host up to five or 10 matches at the BMO Field. The arena can hold up to 30,000 spectators, though upgrades will be made to accommodate the FIFA-mandated minimum of 40,000.
“This city is the world in one place, and so no matter what teams come to play here, you know there’s a community that’s ready to cheer them on and ready to be crazy with enthusiasm,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.
The Toronto games alone are projected to cost taxpayers approximately $290 million which the city council approved of back in April.
The provincial and federal governments are expected to pay two-thirds of that amount, leaving the city to pay for about $90 million. Toronto also expects to create 3,300 new jobs and host about 174,000 overnight visitors during the games which should account for $3.5 million in tax revenue.
“This is as much about the economy as it is about sports, and our opportunity to build this city up in terms of what is already a good reputation, to make a great reputation and get the best in the world to come and live and invest here in what I think is the single greatest place they could come in the world to do business,” said Tory.
“I think the investment will more than pay itself back many times.”