Urgent Update: Speed Cameras Remain Amid Provincial Ban; Armed Robbery Arrests

URGENT UPDATE: Speed cameras in parts of Ontario will continue to operate despite a recent provincial ban, while five suspects were arrested for an attempted armed robbery at Cambridge Centre on November 20, 2023. The Region of Waterloo confirmed that speed cameras will collect data for traffic studies, sparking questions about their ongoing presence.

Officials announced that, although the provincial ban on speed cameras took effect on November 14, 2023, some cameras will remain in place for data collection. The Region of Waterloo stated that a vendor’s contract requires 90 days notice before removal, meaning these cameras will be active for the foreseeable future. No new tickets will be issued, but the data collected will aid traffic studies led by University of Waterloo planning professor Carrie Mitchell. She aims to analyze traffic patterns and behaviors once the cameras are turned off, seeking a month’s worth of data for comparison.

Meanwhile, the incident at Cambridge Centre unfolded around 5:20 p.m. when mall security spotted suspects linked to a prior robbery. Officers from the Waterloo Regional Police Service swiftly responded, apprehending five individuals allegedly armed with handguns and sledgehammers while attempting to rob a jewelry store. “Officers were quick to react,” stated Constable Chris Iden, highlighting the seizure of two loaded firearms during the investigation.

The suspects, aged between 15 and 22, are believed to be connected to other recent robberies across the Waterloo Region, including a theft at a large Canadian retailer. Police are investigating whether they have links to additional criminal activity.

In other local news, former employees of Dutchie’s Fresh Market in Waterloo are voicing allegations of unpaid wages. Several individuals claim they are owed thousands of dollars after the store’s closure on November 1, 2023. One employee, Walliullah, reported being owed over $9,000 for his work, while another, Fortuna, claims she is owed $700. All affected former employees have filed complaints with the Ministry of Labour, seeking to recover their unpaid wages.

In a separate development, Woolwich Council has voted against covering a $13,950 bill for sewer and water work for Breslau residents, leaving many feeling blindsided. The unexpected charges stem from a project completed nearly a decade ago, with residents now facing payment deadlines until May 1, 2026.

On a brighter note, Brantford welcomed a new chocolate factory from Swiss company Barry Callebaut, which officially opened on November 20, 2023. The facility, which has been in the works since 2022, is expected to create 200 new jobs and represents a $104 million USD investment over ten years.

Stay tuned for further updates as these stories develop.