MONTREAL — The City of Montreal has issued its largest boil-water advisory following a routine check at the largest water filtration plant Wednesday. The advisory has forced schools to tape their water fountains shut and cafés and restaurants to boil water.

“For a reason we’re not aware, the water went down at least 30 feet [10 metres],” said Chantal Morissette, head of Montreal’s water supply department as quoted by Montreal Gazette.

TORONTO — A Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) strike has been averted, as a deal was reached just a couple hours short of the midnight deadline, Friday morning.

“These were very tough negotiations,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union in a statement. "But I’m pleased to announce that our bargaining team is satisfied with the tentative contract agreement reached with the LCBO.”

The key issue was reportedly part-time and temporary work hours. And, although the Board of Directors and workers still have to vote to rectify the deal, the bargaining committee is recommending that members accept it.

SCARBOROUGH, Ont. — It was a monumental day for 16 graduating members of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) Adaptive Cooking Class for persons with disabilities, which honoured participation in the program with a graduation ceremony, held at Toronto’s Delta Toronto East hotel.

The students took part in a six-week cooking program, held at the Delta hotel and led by Romel Griarte, executive chef of the Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto-Harbourfront. With the help of an occupational therapist, Romel discussed healthy eating habits and budget-friendly recipes, including chicken chili, Mediterranean quinoa salad, apple crumble and oven-friend parmesan chicken.

“We are so proud to put our name on this pilot initiative, as hospitality is simply what we know, and what we do best,” said Fatima Finnegan, director of Corporate Marketing and Business Development for ORHMA, in her opening speech. “Over the last six weeks, we have been mesmerized by the culinary leadership of our executive chef, Romel Griarte.”

TORONTO — Ontario restaurant owners could be faced with low alcohol stock with news that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers could be walking off the job Friday morning.

The strike isn’t just a problem for retail customers as full case orders by agents are already being affected due to an increase in demand at the LCBO-controlled warehouses.