Waterloo Regional Police asking for $12 million budget increase just days after latest shooting
KITCHENER -
A Kitchener man is now behind bars in connection to Waterloo Region’s 16th shooting of the year.
It happened on Linden Avenue, in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, on Saturday afternoon.
Dozens of police officers responded after receiving reports of shots fired, some of them in armored vehicles and carrying assault weapons.
“It was pretty traumatic with all those guns around us and everything,” said Rickey LaFleur, who lives in the area.
A 38-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound and taken to hospital.
“I knew something was going down,” said neighbour Claudine Haid. “I just wasn’t aware of what it was and whether it was a shooting or a homicide.”
Police say a 52-year-old Kitchener man was later arrested and charged.
On Sunday, investigators conducted a search warrant in relation to the shooting and seized a semi-automatic firearm and ammunition.
The relationship between the victim and suspect has not been released, but police believe it was a targeted incident.
Speaking to regional council Monday afternoon, Police Chief Bryan Larkin asked for more than $12 million to be added to the police budget for 2022. The total cost would be $197 million.
“We are seeing the demands of organized crime and violent crime that we have never seen before,” he said.
Larkin referenced the shooting and the cost of policing due to a spike in violent crime.
“The reality is when a shooting happens during daylight hours, it requires a significant police response."
Police showed surveillance video of their response to a shooting on Hazelglen Drive back in July, which Larkin says came with a price tag of $31,000.
Larkin also wants to add 35 police officers in 2022, saying the service is receiving a call every two minutes and 19 seconds.
Some in the community, including Reallocate WR, have called on regional council to demand a zero per cent police budget increase.
The group wants to put the $12 million towards a community-led homelessness and housing affordability strategy.
Regional councillor Tom Galloway asked about changing the policing model.
“Marginalized groups that feel they’ve been harmed by the police and people on the mental health file feel the response isn’t right,” he said.
Regional council will approve the final budget on Dec. 15.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
Ontario ICU closed for a month has no date set to reopen
A month after an Ontario intensive care unit temporarily closed due to a “significant staff shortage,” the hospital has no timeline for when the ICU will re-open its doors.
Study finds 3 drugs, including ivermectin, did not prevent COVID hospitalization, death
A new study has found that three drugs, including the antiparasitic ivermectin, had no significant effects in treating low oxygen levels or preventing ER visits, hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.
What you can do to help mitigate shortages of fever and pain relievers
Pharmacists and health care professionals are asking the public to only buy what they need and to be up to date on all their essential immunization shots to help with Tylenol, Advil shortages.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
London
-
Two people, one horse injured following Elgin County crash
OPP in Elgin County are on scene of a crash involving an electric bike and a pickup truck hauling a livestock trailer. According to police, two people and one horse were injured in the crash that happened just after 7 a.m. at a Lyons Line, Malahide Township address.
-
Family and friends remember hit-and-run victim
Kevin Walsh was a larger than life personality that lived life to the fullest, his friends say. But, that life came to an abrupt end on July 19 when Walsh, his wife, and their two friends were struck by a passing motorist on a quiet street in Eugenia, Ont.
-
Why London police may no longer be responding to noise complaints
A joint pilot project between city hall and London police will see municipal by-law officers respond to most noise complaints. During the final quarter of 2022, an eight-member team of municipal noise and parking enforcement officers will respond to noise complaints 24/7.
Windsor
-
Nephew of 70-year-old fatally shot by police during weapons call speaks out
The nephew of the 70-year-old man fatally shot by police after appearing to threaten people with a machete in downtown Windsor, Ont. says he feels sorry for the two officers who had to confront him in his uncle’s final moments.
-
Severe thunderstorm warning lifted for Windsor-Essex-Leamington County
Environment Canada has lifted a severe thunderstorm warning for Windsor, Essex and Leamington County late Thursday evening.
-
Windsor-Essex hospital officials applaud province’s 'Plan to Stay Open'
Windsor-Essex hospital officials are pleased with the proposed legislative tools to help boost hospital capacity, as work is already underway to help ease the local crisis.
Barrie
-
Seadoo rider dies after falling into Lake Simcoe: OPP
One person has died and another was taken to the hospital after police say they fell off a seadoo into Lake Simcoe in Ramara Township.
-
Multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 sends two to hospital
One person was airlifted to hospital, and another person was seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 Thursday afternoon.
-
Former boyfriend accused in disappearance of missing woman seeks bail
Mohamad Lilo is charged with attempted murder, attempted kidnapping and kidnapping related to the disappearance of Elnaz Hajtamiri; who hasn’t been seen or heard from since Jan. 12.
Northern Ontario
-
Ramsey Lake residents concerned by nearby encampment
Many homeless encampments are springing up around Sudbury.
-
Sault Ste. Marie council approves Mill Market move
The relocation of Sault Ste. Marie’s Mill Market has received final approval from city council. In an 8-3 vote, council accepted a recommendation from administration to accept a tender of over $2.9 million.
-
Driver charged with towing unsafe load walks home: OPP
A driver near Orangeville had to leave his truck and walk home after police said he was stopped for towing an unsafe load.
Ottawa
-
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
-
Canada Post halts mail delivery in rural Ottawa because mailboxes are too short
Canada Post says it will no longer deliver mail to homes on Constance Lake Road near Dunrobin because the mailboxes are too short.
-
Ottawa asks for funding for 42 new paramedics to address hospital offload delays
Mayor Jim Watson has sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones requesting funding for new paramedics, and asking Ontario to recognize offload delays in hospital emergency departments as a "public safety risk."
Toronto
-
This is where home prices are holding steady or still going up in Ontario
House prices in sought-after areas in Ontario continue to hold steady and even increase, according to a new report.
-
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
-
Boy, 2, dead after being struck by vehicle in Mimico
A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by the driver of a vehicle in Mimico.
Montreal
-
This Afghan student escaped the Taliban regime to study in Montreal
Last year, Arzou Lashkari was ready to fly to Canada and start a new chapter of life at Concordia University. But her dream was crushed when the Taliban took control of her country, forcing her to stay home.
-
2 dead in Laurentians in presumed domestic violence, children in youth protection
A case of alleged domestic violence has left two people dead and one injured late Wednesday night in a residential town in the Laurentians. Police discovered the body of a woman in her 30s, and 42-year-old man in a car in critical condition, who later died
-
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Atlantic
-
Saint John police continue to seek answers in homicide investigation
Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
-
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story
Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
-
City stepping up security at Halifax Public Gardens after dozens of trees damaged
The historic Public Gardens in Halifax will soon have some new features never seen before in its more than 150-year history – extra security.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba to welcome influx of Afghan refugees
Manitoba is getting ready to welcome an influx of Afghan refugees.
-
What Manitoba's minimum wage will be increasing to this fall
Manitoba's minimum wage is going up this fall. This increase will leave Manitoba with the second-lowest minimum wage in the country, according to the Retail Council of Canada – followed by Saskatchewan's expected increase to $13 per hour.
-
'We'll have more coming': Premier considers rebate cheques to help with inflation
Manitobans could be receiving more rebate cheques from the provincial government to help deal with rising inflation costs.
Calgary
-
Cyclist struck by vehicle in northwest
A cyclist was transported to hospital Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle.
-
Suspect sought after deadly early morning shooting in Evergreen
Calgary police are investigating a shooting in the community of Evergreen that left one person dead and another fighting for their life.
-
3 store employees hurt after truck crashes into Calgary Co-op
Roads are closed around the midtown Co-op after a stolen transport truck crashed into the west side of the store Thursday afternoon, injuring three people.
Edmonton
-
'Not sustainable': Edmonton Public worries school staff hiring being funded by reserves, not provincial support
While the province is promising schools will be staffed with hundreds of more teachers and support staff this upcoming school year, the Alberta Teachers' Association and school boards believe that commitment falls short.
-
'I don't feel safe': Edmonton SafeWalk program hopes to expand to other parts of the city
A northeast Edmonton program helping women feel more secure while walking hopes to expand to other neighbourhoods in the city.
-
'Meant the whole world': Local musician's guitar stolen from his truck
A local musician is pleading to get his favourite guitar back after it was stolen from inside his truck last weekend.
Vancouver
-
Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'
The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.
-
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
-
What to expect when the Fair at the PNE returns this weekend
The long-awaited Fair at the PNE is opening Saturday after being scaled down during the pandemic. Here's what to expect.