Vancouver Island school reopening after 5 kids, 3 staff members head to clinic for health concerns
An elementary school in Gold River, B.C., will reopen Thursday after it suddenly shut down Tuesday due to health concerns.
On Tuesday morning, students were dismissed from Ray Watkins Elementary School after some staff and students experienced itchiness, runny eyes and hives.
The school says it closed Tuesday and Wednesday out of an abundance of caution as per advice from Island Health.
"Around 11:30 a.m. [Tuesday], we got a call from the school that they were evacuating the school and shutting down for the remainder of the day," said Francesca Lot, president of the Ray Watkins Elementary School Parent Advisory Council, on Wednesday.
She says she heard some of the older students at the school were having "reaction"-type symptoms, like hives and rashes on their arm.
When the school closed Tuesday, School District 84 recommended that families shower and bathe their kids and change into clean clothes after they returned from school.
Anyone who still had health concerns after cleaning and showering was told to head to the Gold River Health Clinic, the only health centre nearby, after they had bathed and put on fresh clothes.
School District 84 superintendent Lawrence Tarasoff says five students and three staff members attended the clinic Tuesday.
At least five other kids have reported having symptoms, Tarasoff told CTV News on Wednesday.
Late Wednesday evening, Ray Watkins Elementary said it planned to reopen Thursday.
"Island Health has given us the go ahead to reopen the school and have stated that there is no significant health risk to the students and staff of the school," reads an update on the school website.
The school adds that each classroom has been thoroughly cleaned and ventilated and that an environmental assessment occurred Wednesday.
Tarasoff says the school is still waiting for the results of that assessment.
"From what I've heard, nothing has escalated," Lot told CTV News. "People have been able to treat things on their own at home."
The PAC president described the situation as "shocking" and said nothing similar had occurred in the years she's been involved with the school.
Lot, a paramedic by trade, says things have mostly calmed down in the community since the symptoms have so far not been serious.
She adds that it seems like the school is "going down the right pathways" to determine what the source of the illness was.
"We thank you for your support and understanding as we took the time to ensure a safe environment for our students and staff," reads the school website.
A little more than 100 students attend Ray Watkins Elementary School.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police identify two of eight migrants pulled from water near Akwesasne, Que.
The Akwesasne Mohawk Police identified two of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River earlier this week, but said Saturday they're still searching for a local resident whose boat was found near the victims.
Hungry iguana bites and infects toddler with rare bacterial infection before snatching her cake
A rare infection with tuberculosis-like symptoms was reported in a toddler after an iguana bit her before snatching away a slice of cake on a trip to Costa Rica.
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
Interim RCMP commissioner Duheme 'very concerned' about foreign interference
As questions continue to swirl around the issue of other countries' meddling in Canadian affairs, interim RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme says he's 'very, very concerned' about foreign interference, and would like to see the national force be able to use intelligence as evidence in its investigations.
Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says
After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.
April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast
The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.
At least 26 dead after tornadoes rake U.S. Midwest, South
Storms that dropped possibly dozens of tornadoes killed at least 26 people in small towns and big cities across the South and Midwest, tearing a path through the Arkansas capital, collapsing the roof of a packed concert venue in Illinois, and stunning people throughout the region Saturday with the damage's scope.
A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
Vancouver
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Red Robinson, Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer and legendary Vancouver DJ, has died
Legendary Vancouver disc jockey Red Robinson has died, his family announced Saturday.
-
'Some kids are going hungry': Once homeless, owner of Chilliwack meat shop aims to help others
A Chilliwack meat shop has taken it upon itself to combat rising food costs.
-
Access to free birth control begins in British Columbia
Health-care providers are calling Saturday a "historic step for health care" in British Columbia, as the province begins offering free access to birth control.
Edmonton
-
Vehicle from drive-by shooting that sent 'stray rounds' into northside businesses sought
Charges have been laid in connection to a northwest Edmonton drive-by shooting that spanned up to 12 blocks Friday, with police searching for another vehicle of interest.
-
'They are very, very powerful': Edmonton rally against RBC part of nationwide climate action plea
A handful of Edmontonians participated in a nationwide demonstration against Canada's biggest bank's continued support of fossil fuel projects.
-
Alberta's provincial court receives new name that communicates purpose 'more clearly'
The Provincial Court of Alberta will now be known as the Alberta Court of Justice.
Toronto
-
This part of the proposed Ontario Place design 'overwhelms' public space: report
Toronto city planners have found some issues with the proposed redevelopment of Ontario Place and say one part of the design is so big it 'overwhelms the public realm.'
-
Brampton, Ont. man charged with sexually assaulting, harassing female paramedics in Peel Region
A Brampton, Ont. man is under arrest after what is being described as a “troubling series of events” that saw female paramedics in Peel Region allegedly sexually assaulted and harassed.
-
Boy critically injured in stabbing in Toronto's east end
A boy is in hospital in serious condition after being stabbed in Toronto's east end.
Calgary
-
'Like a coup': Albertans say they're worried about Take Back Alberta's growing influence
Some have speculated it's already "the power behind the throne" of the UCP, but a controversial right wing group appears to be grabbing even more influence ahead of Alberta's May election.
-
Calgarians collect clothing and donations for victims of Marlborough house explosion
Community members gathered Saturday to donate gently used clothing, gift cards and cash, along with messages of support for the victims of a devastating northeast Calgary house explosion.
-
Alberta's provincial court receives new name that communicates purpose 'more clearly'
The Provincial Court of Alberta will now be known as the Alberta Court of Justice.
Montreal
-
Police identify two of eight migrants pulled from water near Akwesasne, Que.
The Akwesasne Mohawk Police identified two of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River earlier this week, but said Saturday they're still searching for a local resident whose boat was found near the victims.
-
Two horses flee enclosure, fall into icy backyard pool as Quebec town rallies in rescue attempt
Two runaway horses were discovered in a backyard swimming pool Friday in Hemmingford, Que., about an hour south of Montreal. The horses had already been on the run for hours, locals say, escaping from a nearby enclosure.
-
Montreal shuts bustling downtown strip over heritage building safety concerns
A bustling strip in Montreal is expected to be closed for at least a week after the city raised concerns about the safety of a heritage building on Sainte-Catherine St.
Atlantic
-
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
-
N.S. man searching for missing son finds 38-year-old message in bottle from young boy
A Nova Scotia man who has searched for his missing son almost every day for nearly three years recently came across a letter in a bottle written by an 11-year-old boy about four decades ago.
-
'Shame on them': last bank in Louisbourg, N.S., slated to close
Residents in Louisbourg, N.S., say the expected closure of its last bank is yet another hit to a community in recovery.
Winnipeg
-
'It seemed like a nightmare': Survivor of crash that killed 4 teens recovering in Winnipeg hospital
The mother of a 15-year-old girl recovering in hospital after a major car crash is thanking the first responders who pulled her from the wreckage.
-
Two people found dead in Dauphin: RCMP
RCMP in Dauphin are investigating the deaths of two people Saturday morning.
-
'A tremendous feeling': Brandon's Royal Winter Fair wraps up week-long celebration
A long-running, beloved Brandon event is celebrating a successful return to fully in-person festivities this spring break.
Kitchener
-
Head-on crash outside Brantford seriously injures two, alcohol believed to be factor: OPP
OPP believe alcohol was a contributing factor in a head-on crash near Brantford that left two people seriously hurt.
-
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival back for first time since 2019
A delicious tradition has returned to Waterloo region.
-
Flood warnings issued for West Montrose, Drayton, New Hamburg, and Ayr
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued flood warnings to four communities along the Grand River watershed.
Regina
-
'A one of a kind place': Health centre 'The Nest' opens first phase in downtown Regina
The newly opened health and wellness centre in downtown Regina, The Nest, is providing residents of the Queen City with resources to live healthier lives.
-
Police operation underway in north central Regina
The Regina Police Service is warning the public to stay away from a section of the North Central neighbourhood due to an ongoing operation.
-
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
Barrie
-
Simcoe County businesses brace as federal alcohol tax goes into effect
Local businesses are bracing for the Federal Government's increase in alcohol tax.
-
Police investigating house fire in Essa Township
Provincial police have been called in to investigate an early morning fire in Essa Township.
-
Royal Canadian Legion kicks off spring convention in Barrie
Legion groups from across the province are taking part in the weekend convention, which kicked off on Saturday with meetings, along with a short parade near the cenotaph.
Saskatoon
-
Apartment fire ends with $100K in damage: Saskatoon fire
Several Saskatoon residents were displaced after an overnight fire ravaged a three-story housing complex.
-
'Familiarity breeds contempt': Saskatoon Blades rivalry heats up
The Saskatoon Blades stumbled out of the gates as they were unable to sustain pressure on the Regina Pats in the WHL playoffs opener Friday night.
-
Man injured during arrest with Taser: Prince Albert Police
A 40-year-old man is in hospital after being tasered by members of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).
Northern Ontario
-
Northerners wish the weather was an April Fool's Day joke
Many in the northeast looked outside their windows this morning to find that the weather was certainly no April Fool's Day joke.
-
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
-
New ophthalmology clinic in Timmins to offer extended vision care to patients
Timmins ophthalmologist Dr. Alejandro Oliver along with Timmins and District Hospital official and local leaders have officially opened a new ophthalmology locum clinic.