Sexually transmitted diseases spike in Niagara

Reports of sexually transmitted illnesses in Niagara have soared.

Since 2019, syphilis cases have tripled while HIV cases have doubled, said a report to Niagara Region’s public health and social services committee.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are the three most common bacterial illnesses in Niagara, which are reportable to the medical officer of health under the Health Protection Act.

The report also said the pandemic was a factor in the increase because COVID-19 caused redeployment of public health resources and changes to in-person clinical care for clients.

The report said anonymous sex and sex without a condom are the two most significant risk factors for sexually transmitted illnesses in Niagara.

In 2021, there were 1,982 reported sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections among Niagara residents.

Of all the sexually transmitted illnesses, syphilis rates jumped the most in Niagara, continuing a 10year consistently increasing rate. There were 179 cases diagnosed in 2021, compared to the five-year average of 47.6 cases.

Canada Games Park to get new address?

The Region’s public works committee is recommending Canada Games Park on Merrittville Highway in Thorold receive a new address.

A staff report recommends naming a portion of the roadway running along the east side of the property to Canada Games Way. The park and Walker Sports and Ability Centre will play host to the Canada Summer Games Aug. 6 to 21.

The report said streets are generally named after people, places or events related to the area and its inhabitants. This change recognizes what staff calls the “historical significance” of the Games.

The name change would not impact any other property owners. Regulations call for a public meeting when the name of a highway is changed.

Water-pipe smoking ban sparks up

The Region’s public health and social services committee has unanimously recommended a bylaw regulate water pipe use in Niagara.

If adopted by full council, the rules would come into effect Jan. 1, 2023, provided a majority of local municipalities pass resolutions supporting the bylaw and that those councils represent a majority of all electors in Niagara.

The bylaw would prohibit tobacco and nontobacco water-pipe smoking in open and enclosed public spaces in areas covered by the Region’s smoking bylaws — enclosed public places and workplaces, parks, beaches, recreational trails, nine metres from public entrances, patios, sporting and spectator areas, schools, and 20 metres from sporting and spectator areas, playgrounds and schools.

Niagara has five water-pipe establishments: three in Niagara Falls and two in St. Catharines.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking a tobacco product in a water pipe in open and enclosed public spaces. However, there are no restrictions on using nontobacco herbal products, which is what the bylaw would address.

A report from staff recommends the bylaw as a way of preventing an influx in establishments coming to Niagara because of restrictions in neighbouring communities.

Penalties would align with Greater Toronto Area municipalities: no more than $10,000 for the first offence and $25,000 for subsequent convictions for individuals; not more than $50,000 for the first corporate offence and $100,000 for subsequent violations.