Good morning, Greater Sudbury. Here are a few stories to start your day.
Bigger kicks off re-election campaign
Mayor Brian Bigger kicks off his re-election campaign this afternoon. Looking to hold onto the chain of office for a second term, Bigger will officially launch his campaign at 1 p.m. today in the parking lot of Soucie Salo, 1300 Lorne Street. Sudbury.com will have coverage of the mayor's campaign kick-off a little later in the day.
Ward 3 councillor declares a conflict – on his own motion
Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier ended up having to declare a conflict of interest on his own motion Tuesday at the second-to-last council meeting before the October election. Montpellier's motion called for spending to stop on the $100-million Kingsway arena project and for staff to prepare a report on why the 2012 city council motion supporting a casino in the city didn't result in a casino operator helping to pay for a new arena. Montpellier has been fighting to keep the Slots casino at Sudbury Downs, which is near his ward. The mayor and several councillors pointed out that, procedurally, this would mean council would have to reconsider the original motion it passed, a motion Montpellier had already declared a conflict over back in June. So, to avoid an accusation of conflict of interest, Montpellier had to delare a conflict on his own motion, which was then defeated by council.
Hilton hotels comes on board the KED
The Hilton chain is interested in building a hotel as part of the Kingsway Entertainment District, city councillors heard for the first time Tuesday. As has become routine at each city meeting, staff gave an update on the status of the large projects, and the opponents of the plan trying to stop all spending until legal appeals are completed. In response to a question from Ward 6 Coun. Rene Lapierre, Catherine Matheson, the city manager in charge of developing the big projects, said there are four groups involved in the project: the city, developer Dario Zulich, Gateway Casinos and the Hilton hotel chain, which is working through Zulich to build a hotel as part of the development. All will share in the $8.5-million site-clearing costs, under an agreement that is almost finalized. This was the first time the Hilton name was publicly attached to the KED project.
A lesson in bomb-disposing robots
Greater Sudbury Police provided Sudbury.com with information about how the police service detected and disposed of four homemade explosive devices located in a home on Tedman Street on Sept. 8. The unpredictable homemade bombs were located through the combined efforts of a robot and a specially trained officer in a bomb suit. Once the devices were located, they were safely disposed of (which is to say exploded) in a safe manner.
Read the full story and watch the ensuring explosion here.
Fugitive is facing several charges, police say
Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers Inc. is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of Trevor Montpellier. Sudbury police have an arrest warrant to apprehend Montpellier, who is accused of cutting open a fence Aug. 15 “at an enclosed compound located off of Edna Street with the intention of committing theft,” said a news release. “He did have in his possession break-in instruments and did cause mischief to the property, as well.” Montpellier was free on court-ordered conditions at the time of the incident.
Municipal election race update
Sudbury.com ran position statements from several municipal candidate candidates yesterday. Mayoral candidate Patricia Mills said she has a plan of action for the paused condominium project at the former St. Joseph's Hospital site on the shore of Ramsey Lake. Calling the building an "eyesore," she said property standards should be toughened to avoid "derelict" buildings. Ward 1 incumbent Mark Signoretti said if re-elected he would fight for his ward's fair share of infrastructure funds for water/wastewater upgrades, sidewalk and curb repairs, playground improvements and other needs. As well, Ward 11 candidate John Lindsay issued a statement arguing the Place des Arts project in the downtown core is being built in the wrong location. This arts facility is not a financial intuition, dentist, doctor or legal office, retail business, or eating establishment, Lindsay said. It will take up valuable parking spaces for those frequenting these establishments and services. As an arts facility, it would be better located closer to similar establishments, including Sudbury Theatre Centre, Arena and the Arts Shops on upper Elgin Street on city-owned land in that area.
Garden at OSSTF office remembers teachers who have passed away
A previously overgrown area outside of the district Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) office has been turned into a garden in memory of members who have passed on. The project was undertaken by the local chapter of the union's Active Retired Members group, which numbers about 70 people. Lee Ferguson, president of the local OSSTF retirees, said the area now occupied by the garden used to be a bit of an “eyesore,” but it's now weeded and cleaned up, and features perennials and a memorial plaque. A dedication ceremony for the memory garden takes place Monday, Sept. 17 starting at 4 p.m. at the OSSTF office.
Gorgeous sunny day in store for the Nickel City
Expect fog this morning that will burn off as the temperature rises, and a continuation of the lovely September weather we had on Wednesday. Thursday’s high is a lovely 25 degrees, though a bit of humidity will make it feel like 29. Today’s UV index is six or high. Tonight, the weather is supposed to stay pretty nice, too, with the overnight temperature at a comfortable 14 degrees.
