According to the province, over $8.4 million will boost Island and Sunshine Coast school districts so they can make upgrades to buildings and transport.

This comes after it announced $291.9 million for school maintenance in budget 2024. They say the investment will help make schools more energy efficient, climate resilient and better able to support their school communities.

As a part of the funding, school food programs will get $5 million annually to help food programs.

Districts will also get nearly $23.8 million to get new busses, and $26.9 million from the Ministry of Education will be for electrical upgrades across 51 districts. To help upgrades last longer, the province says they are also adding $5.4 million to the School Enhancement Program.

On Vancouver Island, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District is getting over $2.12 million. This will be used for interior upgrades at Rutherford Elementary and John Barsby Community School, HVAC upgrades at Randerson Ridge Elementary and kitchen equipment upgrades at Woodlands Secondary.

The Campbell River School District will get over $1.9 million for roofing upgrades at Sayward Elem-Jr Secondary, Carihi Secondary, Cedar Elementary, Cortes Island School and nine others, and HVAC upgrades at Sandowne Elementary.

Cowichan Valley’s school district is getting nearly $1.8 million for HVAC upgrades at Quamichan School and Tansor Elementary, food equipment upgrades at nine schools including Crofton Elementary and Community School and Drinkwater Elementary, and three new busses.

The Vancouver Island North School District is getting $1.38 million for roofing upgrades at North Island Secondary and HVAC upgrades at Sea View Elem-Jr Secondary.

SD 71 in the Comox Valley is getting $1.24 million for exterior wall upgrades at Tsolum Elementary, energy upgrades at Denman Island Community School, and kitchen equipment upgrades at 11 schools including all three high schools.

On the Sunshine Coast, SD 47 in Powell River is getting over $2.1 million for HVAC upgrades at Henderson Elementary, energy upgrades at Henderson, James Thomson and Texada elementaries and Kelly Creek Community School and one new bus.

The Sunshine Coast School District is getting $850,000 for interior upgrades at Cedar Grove Elementary and at Chatelech, Elphinstone and Pender Harbour Elem-Secondary. Roofing upgrades will also be done at Langdale Elementary, electrical upgrades at Chetelech Secondary and seven new busses will be bought.

BC School Trustees Association president Carolyn Broady adds the upgrades will benefit students across B.C. and contribute to efforts to address climate change.

The post Over $8.4M coming to Island and Sunshine Coast school districts for minor upgrades appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

A high-risk teen from Saanich may be in Campbell River, and police are concerned for her well-being.

Skylar Thiele, age 18, was last seen Thursday on Richmond Road in Saanich. Police believe she may be in the Greater Victoria or Campbell River regions.

She is 5 foot 6, 120 pounds, with auburn hair and brown eyes. She may be wearing black bell bottoms, a maroon tank top, white Converse, and a dark zip up hoodie. Police are working with her family to find her, but are concerned she may be a danger to herself.

If you have seen her, or know her whereabouts, please contact local police, or call Saanich police at 250-475-4321.

The post Missing at-risk Saanich teen may be in Campbell River appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Around this time of year, the first snow tends to come to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, and it is recommended you start refreshing your memory or train for winter activities.

That is from Comox Valley Search and Rescue avalanche team lead Troy Fogerty. He says it is the time of year to start looking over your gear and get ready for season.

He adds that for those heading out into the backcountry - particularly for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing – it is important to make sure you have the training and knowledge to use your gear, including your avalanche beacon or probe.

“This is the time of year to look and make sure your gear is in good working order and start practicing with your beacons,” said Fogerty. “Get those juices flowing again of how to be able to use them.

“If you’re looking at getting into the gear, get the training and look at doing your AST 1 courses or AST 2 and a great place to start with that is to do your Avy Savvy.”

Fogerty says their team does the Avy Savvy every winter to refresh their memory, and other training to make sure they are ready to do rescues in the backcountry.

He adds making sure that you are experienced, know how to use maps and how to make a trail plan so people know where you are also important to having a safe time in the backcountry.

“Basic trip planning is always good practice,” he said.

For CVSAR, Fogerty says they move into prepping their gear, equipment and vehicles this time of year while putting away their summer gear.

“We start doing all our yearly training and planning out all of our scenarios to be proficient and practice like it’s the real thing,” said Fogerty. “It’s all happening right now, we have new members that have joined our team, they’re in their training.”

He adds that while call volume feels like it has eased off post pandemic, he feels it is coming back up as people explore different areas.

“You never know. If there’s snow on the ground, there’s always possibilities and hopefully we don’t get called,” said Fogerty. “Hopefully we don’t get called. The more prepared people are and the more they’re able to get themselves out, that’s always a good thing.”

Fogerty reminds you that search and rescue is a free service, and it is better to call early and give them enough time to respond in daylight hours than later.

Avalanche Canada has also launched its webinars for the year, and more information can be found here.

The post First snow signals need to be ready for winter recreation: CVSAR appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Various sections of Vancouver Island are under a severe thunderstorm watch, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The weather agency says this means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms that can bring heavy rain, strong wind, large hail and lightning.

With the dry conditions, Coastal Fire Centre information officer Jennifer Lohmeyer says they are expecting some new fires to start even though there is rain in the forecast.

“We are expecting lightning moving from west to east through the Coastal Fire Centre and we are expecting that lightning to get wetter as it moves,” said Lohmeyer. “Lightning can cause new fires to start or even holdover fires.

“Holdover fires are ones that don’t appear immediately. They remain dormant for a period of time.”

Lohmeyer adds, however, that it is still difficult to predict what could happen as the storms could bring more than just lightning.

With the risk, Lohmeyer says they are asking the public to report any fires or smoke by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell phone.

“Even though we are expecting some rain in the short-term forecast, it is not expected to be enough to change our fire danger conditions,” she added.

“We want to remind people to be careful when enjoying the outdoors and to remember that out Category 1 campfire restrictions are still in effect.”

The post North and Central Vancouver Island under severe thunderstorm watch appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

With arctic outflow hitting the region, five to 15 centimetres of snow is expected for tonight and tomorrow.

The warning is for east Vancouver Island between Fanny Bay and Duncan and for the Sunshine Coast between Gibsons and Sechelt.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, a low pressure system will spread from the Washington Coast up to south Vancouver Island today and tonight. They add this is combined with outflow conditions generating “snow streamers” off the Strait of Georgia.

High winds will also contribute to rapidly changing visibility and overnight lows of minus nine in many areas.

The weather agency asks you to monitor conditions, change your driving style if needed and check for weather updates.

The post Cold weather, snow expected as arctic outflow funnels over region appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

TD Bank Group (TD) launches the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, a new scholarship program tailored specifically for students from the Indigenous community, managed by AFOA Canada. TD understands the unique challenges and systemic barriers we face as Indigenous Peoples. Which is why we have worked closely with TD to customize a scholarship program focused on the needs of students from the Indigenous community. 

"It's important that students from Indigenous communities have equitable access to education. The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples aims to help provide students from Indigenous communities with the financial freedom and stability to explore the benefit of a post-secondary education and work education. I am thrilled to see this program launch and look forward to continuing our relationship with AFOA Canada." – Doris Bear, Vice President, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group 

The scholarship program will provide 25 successful applicants with $15k annually (with a maximum of $60k across 4 years) to be put towards tuition costs and living expenses for the duration of their studies. Additionally, recipients will be offered an internship opportunity with TD to gain valuable work experience aligned to their career aspirations. Internship opportunities will be available for students throughout their time as a recipient. 

“The new TD Scholarship program will be transformational in the lives of the Indigenous students” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “It will set them up for success in achieving their academic goals and chosen career path” 

Scholarships are available for First Nations, Métis and Inuit who are members / citizens of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community. You must be a permanent resident of Canada and have applied for or are currently enrolled in a full-time, minimum 2-year program with an approved post-secondary institution in Canada. 

Applications will open Friday, November 18, 2022, at 4:30pm ET, and must be submitted by no later than January 16, 2023, at 5:00pm ET. For complete information about the program, please visit: www.afoa.ca/td. 

Background: 

AFOA Canada 

AFOA Canada, founded in 1999, strives towards their mandate to help Indigenous Peoples better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing management, finance and 

governance practices and skills. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management—We are Building a Community of Professionals. 

TD Bank Group 

At TD, we recognize there is more work to be done on our collective journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Supporting community initiatives that promote a connection to the land, enhance financial education, and foster a sense of belonging is important. We believe society is stronger when we work together and that we can help be a catalyst for dialogue to bring people, communities, and cultures together. 

The post TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Premier Doug Ford says Ontarians should continue to be cautious, especially this Easter weekend.

Ford says COVID-19 wastewater testing levels have peaked and are slowly going down, which was confirmed by the Science Advisory Table in the new modeling that came out later Thursday.

The table’s new data also shows that Ontario may see a slight uptick in virus-related hospitalizations and intensive care admission, but officials say those numbers will be well below those seen during the fifth wave. 

[caption id="attachment_32603" align="alignleft" width="300"] Page 8 from Ontario's Updated COVID-19 Modelling From Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table April 14, 2022[/caption]

Asked about Chief Medical Officer Dr. Moore’s comments on rethinking mask mandates in transit, hospitals, and long-term care homes, Ford says he has no problem with reinstating the mandate if that is the recommendation from Dr. Moore. 

“I encourage everyone to be cautious when you are in a crowded room. Yes, put your mask on, but the reason we aren’t going into lockdowns is because of the protocols, capacity and infrastructure that we've put in place.” Ford says.

Dr. Moore also mentioned on Monday he expects ICU admissions to go up to 600 even though wastewater levels are improving. Asked if the province could handle that number, Ford says if we need to maximize bed capacity, Ontario can boost its capacity to as high as 3,000 beds.

***With files from Mo Fahim

The post Ford says “stay cautious”, Science Table confirms Wave 6 has peaked appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it is absolutely right that more and more people start calling Russia’s war on Ukraine a genocide. 

He says he agrees with U.S. President Biden that there are official processes around determinations of the act. Trudeau says the use of targeted attacks against civilians, hospitals, maternity wards, and train stations filled with people fleeing is nothing short of crimes against humanity.

“The deliberate use of sexual violence against the Ukrainian population as a way of creating horrific scenes. The way that they are attacking Ukrainian identity and culture these are all things that are war crimes,” Trudeau says.

Trudeau says these are all things that Vladimir Putin is responsible for, adding that’s why Canada was one of the first countries to move forward at the International Criminal Court to hold the Russian invader responsible.

He says the federal government is also dispatching RCMP investigators to make sure that the full truth is known and that Putin and his “cronies” be held fully to account.

***With files from Mo Fahim

The post Trudeau calls Putin’s actions in Ukraine crimes against humanity, sending RCMP to investigate appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The country’s Chief Public Health Officer is urging all Canadians to help lessen the blow of COVID-19’s sixth wave by getting boosted.

Dr. Theresa Tam says we need to be prepared for a B.A.2 variant-led resurgence of the virus in the fall and winter.

“All across Canada, it doesn't matter where you are, it's very likely that the Omicron variant, the B.A.2 sub-lineage, is spreading quite widely in your community. So it doesn't matter where you are in Canada right now I would advise getting that booster shot and masking and improving ventilation.” Tam says.

Tam says as Ramadan continues, and with Passover, Easter, and other long weekend celebrations and opportunities to gather approach, Canadians should keep doing their best to protect each other.

The post Tam says COVID-19 rising Canada-wide, urges all to “get boosted” appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The post UPDATE: More Kinder products recalled over salmonella concerns appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is now advising the public to keep their “well-fitting” masks on just a bit longer. 

In his first public appearance in about a month, Dr. Kieran Moore strongly encouraged Ontarians to keep a three-ply face mask on in all indoor public settings. 

Moore confirmed the province is in  its sixth wave of the pandemic and will be for a while, “This wave is not settling until the middle or end of May.” He added that masks, staying up to date with vaccinations, and, most recently, antivirals will be our best bet to get through this wave. Moore also says extending mask mandates in transit, hospitals and nursing homes are the focus of discussions at Queen’s Park, adding that the decision will be ultimately up to the Premier once existing mandates expire on April 27th.

Ontario is also expanding eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments and PCR testing to more high-risk individuals.

Dr. Moore says effective immediately, four high-risk groups of Ontarians can get tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, like Paxlovid. Those include immunocompromised people aged 18 and over, Ontarians 70 and over, those 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses, and those 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition.

Moore adds that starting Tuesday (April 12th) the province will be expanding antiviral dispensing locations to include participating pharmacies across the province. You can find a list of pharmacies that are dispensing Paxlovid at Ontario.ca/antivirals starting Wednesday, April 13.

Moore says the province is also working to prioritize groups that may be at increased risk due to other health-related factors and barriers to health care including First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals, Black individuals, and members of other racialized communities.

***With files from Mo Fahim

The post Ontario’s CMOH says masks, vaccines are best protection against sixth wave of COVID-19 appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh credited his party for the Liberal's pledge for universal dental care in Thursday’s budget.

That was a major pillar in the NDP’s supply and confidence agreement with the minority Liberals, meant to prop up the Liberals on budgets and confidence votes through to the next election in 2025.

But, in a tweet, Singh says he is disappointed in the Liberal's failure to tackle the climate crisis and to fund healthcare. He says he will hold the Trudeau government accountable.

Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen says this budget is an NDP budget and is funded by Canadians suffering from inflation.  She says Canadians need a break and they “didn’t get one today from the NDP-Liberal budget.”

Today, the NDP used our power to secure major progress on Dental Care and housing.

But, we're disappointed by the Liberal govts failure to tackle the climate crisis and to fund healthcare.

We will hold them accountable - because we know the Conservatives won’t.

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 7, 2022

Canadians need a break and they didn’t get one from the NDP-Liberal budget today. pic.twitter.com/9EGv7oGgIa

— Candice Bergen (@CandiceBergenMP) April 7, 2022

The post NDP credits its “power” for dental care in budget, Conservatives say Canadians needed a “break” but didn’t get one appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Housing affordability is a major cornerstone of today’s federal budget. To tackle the out-priced housing market the feds will set aside $10 billion over five years.

The plan includes setting up tax-free savings accounts for first-time homebuyers.

It will also make it illegal for foreign nationals to buy up inventory. That’s in order to free up inventory in the tight housing market.

As part of the housing affordability plan, municipalities will be able to access $4 billion over five years to build new housing.

To help people facing housing affordability issues the government is proposing a one-time $500 payment. No specific details were given as to when that would be available.

Also included in today’s budget is $8 billion in defence spending over five years.

In order to pay for some of these new programs, the government will levy a 16.5-percent corporate income tax on the country’s big banks and insurers which have seen record profits during the pandemic. That's up from the current 15-percent.

Over $5 billion is earmarked, also over five years, for universal dental care which will begin this year for children under 12, but there is no mention of pharmacare in this budget.

As part of Budget 2022, there is $4.3 billion earmarked over seven years to improve Indigenous housing across the country. There is already $20 billion set aside for the First Nations Child and Family Services once a settlement agreement is reached. Of that, $2 billion will be used for the needs of Indigenous children. Over seven years government spending on improving Indigenous housing will be $6.3 billion.

In order to tackle climate change, the federal budget proposes $3 billion to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable for Canadians and incentives for the development of clean technologies as well as carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions.

The country’s deficit is expected to be $113 billion in 2021-22, that’s down from the prior estimate of $144 billion and is projected to decline year over year to $8.4 billion in 2026-2027.

In total, the budget proposes $60 billion in new spending.  Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland say this is a modest budget and deficits have to be reduced, particularly the deficit created by pandemic spending.  Freeland says it must and will be paid down.

The budget is expected to pass easily after the Liberals and NDP entered into an agreement that will see the NDP vote to prop up the minority Liberals.

The post Budget 2022 tackles housing affordability, promises declining deficit year over year appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The post CFIA recalls some Kinder chocolates over salmonella concerns appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The Ontario government says anyone over 60 as well as First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people and their non-Indigenous household members over 18 can make an appointment starting Thursday through either the provincial booking system or with your health unit.

The government says the extra booster dose will provide an extra layer of protection against COVID variants.

“As we continue to live with COVID-19, we are using every tool available to manage this virus and reduce its impact on our hospitals and health system, including by expanding the use of booster doses,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19 and its variants. Because of our exceptionally high vaccination rates and Ontario’s cautious approach, we currently have one of the lowest hospitalization rates in the country and have performed well throughout this pandemic when compared to other similar-sized provinces and states. I encourage everyone who’s eligible to get boosted as soon as you’re able.”

Fourth doses have been available for vulnerable populations in long-term care and retirement homes and other congregate settings since December 30^th.

The post Fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine available Thursday for 60+ and First Nations appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The minimum wage will go up to $15.50 an hour in the fall.  The last hike was in January when it was boosted to $15 an hour.

That means someone working 40 hours a week would see their annual income rise by over $1,768 and a liquor server $5,512 a year.  Students would also see a $0.50  an hour increase from $14.10 to $14.60.  The increase is tied to inflation which has spiked in recent months.

“For many Ontarians, wages haven’t kept up with the increasing cost of living, making it harder than ever to make ends meet,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario’s workers are the best anywhere, and they will be at the forefront of building the province. They deserve to have more money in their pockets and the increase we’re announcing today is one more way we are delivering for our workers.”

If the government’s Working for Workers Act 2 is passed, the wage hike would also apply to digital platform workers for active hours worked.

• In October 2022, Ontario’s new minimum wage rates will be:
  • General: $15.50 per hour, a raise from $15 per hour
  • Students under 18: $14.60 per hour, a raise from $14.10 per hour
  • Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides: $77.60 per day, a raise from $75, when working less than five consecutive hours in a day; and $155.25 per day, a raise from $150.05, when working five or more hours in a day
  • Homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers): $17.05 per hour, a raise from $16.50 per hour

The post Ontario to boost minimum wage in October appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

Ontarians will be able to bet, online, starting Monday.

iGaming Ontario, the provincially-regulated online gambling portal, is now live, with people being allowed to legally bet on sporting events and participate in online casinos.

Provincial officials say 25 companies have registered to offer their gambling online but not all are expected to begin operations immediately.

Ontario is the first province in the country to launch legal online betting.

The internet gaming sites going live in the legal market as of Monday are:

• 888casino.ca, 888poker.ca, 888sport.ca
• on.Bet365.ca
• Casino.on.BetMGM.ca, Poker.on.BetMGM.ca, Sports.on.BetMGM.ca
• BetRivers.ca
• Sportsbook.Caesars.com
• Coolbet.ca
• FanDuel.com/Canada
• LeoVegas.com
• PointsBet.ca
• Rivalry.com
• RoyalPanda.com
• theScore.bet
• on.Unibet.ca

“This is a monumental day that establishes Ontario as an international leader in online gaming” said Martha Otton, iGaming Ontario’s Executive Director. “After years of anticipation culminating in historic legislation followed by months of hard work by all stakeholders, we have reached today’s launch of a legal internet gaming market out from under its previous grey market standing.”

The post Legal betting in online casinos and sporting events now open in Ontario appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

WARNING: The following story contains details some readers may find disturbing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged Friday’s apology from Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.

Trudeau said the day is about survivors, “Today is about the Survivors, their families, and those who never came home. This week, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, Survivors, and youth travelled to the Vatican to continue urging the Catholic Church for an apology, which was an immense display of bravery and determination. This apology would not have happened without the Survivors who told their truths directly to one of the institutions responsible, and recounted and relived their painful memories.”

He said the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis have waited decades for the apology and for the Pope to “recognize the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse their children endured while attending these residential schools.”

“Today's apology will resurface strong emotions of hurt and trauma for many. The government will continue to support Indigenous communities across the country with the funding and resources they need to continue to search for unmarked burial sites, uncover the truth of what happened at residential schools, and continue on their healing journey,” he said.

He has also called on the Pope to travel to Canada to apologize to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #58.

In his remarks Friday morning Pope Francis did commit to coming to Canada although no date was set.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience or for those affected by these reports.  The 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419.

The post Trudeau says Papal apology is about residential school survivors, calls delegation to Vatican “brave and determined” appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

It’s a historic day for Canada’s Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit People.

In their final audience with Pope Francis, the Pontiff apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.  Indigenous leaders have been at the Vatican for a week of meetings.

In his statement, the Pope said “I want to say to you with all my heart, I am very sorry.”

Before issuing the apology, the Pope made these remarks, “Listening to your voices I was able to enter into and be deeply grieved by the stories of the suffering, hardship, discrimination, and various forms of abuse that some of you experienced, particularly in the residential schools.  It’s chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social efforts that this continues to entail. Unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas.”

He said their stories made him feel both indignation and shame and said we must continue learning from past mistakes.  He asked for "God's forgiveness."

Pope Francis says he will also travel to Canada although no date has been set.

In the late 1800’s residential schools were set up by the Canadian government and most were run by the Catholic Church.  The intent was to remove Indigenous children from their families and replace their culture with Christian beliefs.  Attendance at the schools was mandatory.

Over the years thousands of children were abused and at least 4,000 deaths have been recorded but records are incomplete and missing.

In recent months, thousands of unmarked graves have been found at the sites of the former schools.

The last residential school closed in 1997.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience or for those affected by these reports.  The 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419.

The post Pope Francis formally apologizes for Catholic Church’s role in residential schools appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.

The province has changed its mind about providing free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to the public.

Originally, the program that provided free test kits at grocery stores and pharmacies, was set to expire on April 8^th.

Wednesday afternoon a Ministry of Health spokesperson says Ontario will continue to provide the free tests to the general public until July 31^st.

They will also be provided to workplaces, schools, hospitals, long-term care, and retirement homes, and other congregate living settings.

On Wednesday members of the Green Party and NDP called on the Ford government to expand PCR testing for the virus with the Liberal House Leader saying a “sixth wave is upon us.”  PCR testing for the general public ended in December of last year.

Last week, Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province wouldn't return to widespread PCR testing unless there is a rapid surge in cases because rapid tests are widely available.

Wastewater testing across the province has shown an increase in COVID-19 infections as mask mandates have eased and other public health restrictions have been dropped.

Across the province, the number of people in the hospital with the virus has been slowly increasing in the past week.

The post Ontario to continue to provide free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests through end of July appeared first on My Parry Sound Now.