Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to get you started on this Wednesday morning.
Business owners anticipate boom around Kingsway Entertainment District
Significant investments are in the works for various properties surrounding the Kingsway Entertainment District in anticipation of its late-2024 grand opening. “I can see The Kingsway developing quite rapidly over the next few years,” said Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc, whose ward includes the KED. Between potential housing developments, hotels, a gas station, strip malls, restaurants and a grocery store, he said there’s much to look forward to and plenty of undeveloped land in the area to contend with. “The Kingsway is going to take on a whole new life,” he said. “We’re going to see a massive transformation in new businesses setting up in that area.” Although Greater Sudbury city council remains divided on the project, a narrow majority has consistently supported the KED and recently voted in favour of greenlighting site preparation work, which is expected to begin by Nov. 29.
Gélinas calling on the province to take action to reduce the wait times for cancer patients
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas has complained the wait times for cancer care in Ontario are too long, the longest in Canada, and she has called on the Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government to take action. Gélinas, who is the NDP official opposition health critic, was commenting on a recent survey for the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) that has inspired a new campaign called Cancer Can't Wait. It determined the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting cancer care. "Eighteen months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, half of the cancer patients across Canada report their cancer care appointments are cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled, while six in 10 recently diagnosed patients and seven in 10 patients with metastatic cancer report their cancer care appointments are cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled," said the CCSN. “Before the pandemic, Ontarians have expected — and received — the best cancer care services in Canada and beyond. However, today Ontario cancer patients face the longest appointment wait times in Canada,” said Gélinas. She said the Ontario government needs to take steps to stop the delays in life saving cancer surgery and treatment for Ontarians. "These delays are having a profound impact on the health of cancer patients including the mental health of patients and caregivers," said Gélinas in a news release on Monday.
Sudbury poet for nominated for Governor General's Literary Award
There is the common story of Oscar winners finding out they were nominated for the prestigious award upon waking up. Turns out, the same story can apply to those nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Awards; at least it was for Chloé LaDuchesse. She awoke to multiple missed calls and texts reading: ‘congrats on the GG!’ LaDuchesse, former poet laureate for Sudbury, published her second book of French-language poetry in 2021. Called Exosquelette, LaDuchesse told Sudbury.com the book is “about Sudbury and connection with the environment. She specifies that it is not necessarily the natural environment, but the urban environment and the people that inhabit it. “The people we share the space with,” said LaDuchesse. “And there's some about love relationships, about teenage years, about my relationships, and stories of how we tell stories: who we listen to when we hear a story and who gets to decide, what is the official version.” The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and French-language books in each of seven categories: Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People's Literature (Text), Young People's Literature (Illustrated Books), and Translation (from French to English, and from English to French). These awards are administered by the Canada Council for the Arts and come with a medallion, as well as a $25,000 cash prize.
Cubs set for a busy week of NOJHL action
The Greater Sudbury Cubs will be catching their breath come Monday as the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League squad is set to play three games in four days. On Thursday, the Cubs take on the Blind River Beavers. Then, the team heads to Espanola for a road game against the Express, before welcoming the league-leading Soo Thunderbirds for a Sunday evening tilt. The Cubs are in third place in the NOJHL West Division standings at the moment, just one point out of first place spot held by the two Sault franchises, the Thunderbirds and the Eagles. Tickets for either of this week’s home games are available at $10 for adults, $5 for juniors and seniors, and free for children 12 years of age and under when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free as well. Please note, all fans must show proof of vaccination and face masks must be worn to insure a safe environment for everyone.
For game details and the full story click here.
Seventeen inmates, four staff test positive for COVID-19 at Sudbury Jail
Public Health Sudbury and Districts said as of 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 19, there have been 17 inmates and four staff from Sudbury Jail who have tested positive for COVID-19. Sudbury Jail is closed for at least two weeks after an outbreak was declared there last week. Staff was busy relocating 145 inmates to other locations in the province, most notable to the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene. The Ministry of the Solicitor General said on Monday it is working closely with Public Health Sudbury and Districts to respond to the outbreak. Each provincial correctional facility has its own pandemic plan in place prepared in consultation with local public health partners. Correctional staff who are forced to self-isolate during the Sudbury Jail closure will continue to be paid until they are able to return to work, the Ministry of the Solicitor General said.
Kindness is contagious! Nominate a deserving person for an Act of Kindness today
While we can’t help everybody, Sudbury.com would like to continue our December tradition of selecting 12 deserving people in the Nickel City to surprise with an act of kindness for the holiday season. Maybe it’s someone who had a particularly tough year; maybe it’s someone who isn’t sure how to pay for Christmas presents this year, or; maybe it’s someone who has had a tough time of late and just needs a pick-me-up. Although we will not be able to share hugs again this year, we know that Sudbury needs kindness now more than ever — but we can't do it without you. If you know a deserving family or a deserving person who could use a helping hand, or a hero who deserves to be recognized for their good works, nominate them to be an Act of of Kindness recipient by email [email protected] or by filling out the easy-to-use form at Sudbury.com/AOK. Sudbury.com is also looking for local businesses who may want to partner with us on an Act of Kindness. Do you have goods or services you would like to donate to brighten someone’s holiday season? Many Sudbury businesses have pitched in over the years to put a smile on someone’s face. To become an Act of Kindness community partner, email us at [email protected] or fill out the form at Sudbury.com/AOK.
Cloudy, cool day in the making
Today will very much be a late October day. Expect a high of 12 under cloudy skies with fog patches dissipating in the morning. The UV index will be two, or low. This evening there are some showers in the forecast. The overnight low is three.